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^ 


ACTS    AND    RESOLVES 

or 

MASSACHUSETTS. 


1790^91. 


[Published  by  the  Secretary  of  the  Commonwealth,  under 

AUTHORITY   OE   CHAPTER    104,   RESOLVES   OF   1889.] 


ACTS 


AND 


LAWS 


OF  THE 


COMMONWEALTH 


OF 


MASSACHUSETTS. 


BOSTON: 

Printed  by  Adams  &  Nourse, 

Printers   to   the    HONORABLE    COURT. 

M,DCC,XC. 

Reprinted  by  Wright  &  Poiter  Printing  Company,  State  Printers, 
1895. 


i 


ACTS  AND  LAWS, 

PASSED  BY  THE  GENERAL  COURT  OF  3IASSACHU8ETTS ; 
BEGUN  AND  HELD  AT  BOSTON;  IN  THE  COUNTY  OF 
SUFFOLK,  ON  WEDNESDAY  THE  TWENTY-SIXTH  DAY 
OF   HAY,   ANNO   DOMINI,   1790. 


1790.  —  Chapter  1. 

[May  Session,  ch.  1.] 

AN  ACT  ALTERING  THE  TIME  OF  HOLDING  THE  SUPREME  JU- 
DICIAL COURT  AT  SALEM  WITHIN  AND  FOR  THE  COUNTY  OF 
ESSEX. 

Whereas  the  Supreme  Judicial  Court  holden  at  Cam-  Preamble, 
bridge  within  &  for  the  Count;/  of  Middlesex  on  the  last 
Tuesday  of  October  annually,  hath  not  sufficient  time  to 
decide  the  several  causes  that  come  before  that  Court  at  those 
terms,  as  by  law  the  same  Court  is  to  be  holden  at  Salem 
within  and  for  the  County  of  Essex  the  next  succeeding 
week,  wherefore  that  the  said  Court  inay  have  sufficient 
time  to  decide  the  several  causes  aforesaid; 

Be  it  enacted,  by  the  Senate  &  House  of  Representatives 
in  General  Court  assembled  and  by  the  authority  of  the 
same,  that  the  Supreme  Judicial  Court  which  by  law  is  Time  of  holding. 
now  to  be  holden  at  Salem  within  &  for  the  County  of 
Essex  on  the  first  Tuesday  of  November  annually,  be 
hereafter  holden  at  Salem  within  &  for  the  County  of 
Essex  on  the  second  Tuesday  of  November  annually,  any 
Law  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding.  June  4,  1790. 

1790.  —  Chapter  2, 

[May  Session,  ch.  2.] 

AN  ACT  FOR  INCORPORATING  THE  SOUTHERLY  PART  OF  THE 
TOWN  OF  PLTMPTON  IN  THE  COUNTY  OF  PLIMOUTH,  INTO 
A   TOW^N   BY   THE  NAME   OF    CARVER. 

Be  it  enacted,  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representa- 
tives in  General  Court  assembled  and  by  the  authority  of 
the  same,  that  the  lands  hereafter  described,  to  ivit,  —  Be-  Boundaries. 
gining  at  the  west  line  of  the  town  of  Kingston,  thence 
runing  west  so  as  to  strike  the  head  of  Anesnapet  brook. 


Acts,  1790.  —  Chapter  2. 


Carver  incorpo- 
rated. 


—  To  pay  all 
arrears  of  taxes. 


—  To  support 
poor. 


—  To  recfiive 
their  proportion 
of  all  debts,  &c. 


Person  em- 
powered to 
issue 
warrant. 


SO  called,  thence  continuing  the  same  course  on  a  straight 
line  to  the  north  side  of  the  land  of  James  Vaaghan, 
thence,  the  same  course  to  the  line  of  the  town  of  Middle- 
boroiigh  (it  l)eing  the  dividing  line  ])et\veen  the  north  and 
south  precincts  in  the  said  town  of  Plym2)ton )  thence  on 
the  line  of  the  said  town  of  Middlehorough  'till  it  comes 
to  the  line  of  the  town  of  Wareham,  thence  on  the  line 
of  the  said  town  of  Wareham,  'till  it  comes  to  the  line  of 
the  town  Plimouth,  thence  on  the  line  of  the  said  town  of 
Plimouth,  'till  it  comes  to  the  line  of  the  town  of  King- 
ston aforesaid,  thence  on  said  Kingston  line  to  the 
first  mentioned  bound,  with  all  the  inhabitants  dwelling 
on  the  lands  above  described,  be  and  they  are  hereby 
incorporated  into  a  town  by  the  name  of  Carver;  and 
the  said  town  is  hereby  invested  with  all  the  powers, 
privileges  &  immunities  to  which  towns  within  this  Com- 
monwealth are  or  may  be  entitled,  agreeable  to  the 
Constitution  &  Laws  of  this  Commonwealth. 

Be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid,  that  the 
inhabitants  of  the  said  town  of  Carver  shall  pay  all  the 
arrears  of  taxes  which  have  l)een  assessed  upon  them  and 
their  proportionable  part  of  the  tax  granted  in  March 
last,  together  with  their  proportion  of  all  debts  that  are 
now  due  from  the  said  town  of  Plympton,  and  shall 
support  any  poor  person  or  persons  who  have  heretofore 
been  inhabitants  of  that  part  of  Plympton  which  is  now 
Carver,  and  shall  not  have  obtained  a  legal  settlement 
else  where  ;  (when  they  may  become  chargeable),  and  such 
poor  person  or  persons  may  be  returned  to  the  town  of 
Carver  in  the  same  way  and  manner  that  paupers  may  by 
Law  be  returned  to  the  town  or  district  to  which  they 
belong. 

Be  it  further  enacted  that  the  inhabitants  of  the  said  town 
of  Carver,  shall  be  entitled  to  receive  their  proportion  of 
all  debts  and  monies  due  to  the  said  town  oi Plympton,  and 
also  their  proportionable  part  of  all  the  labaratory  stores 
and  common  and  undivided  lands  belonging  to  the  said 
town  of  Plympton  agreeab[Z]y  to  the  last  State  tax  as- 
sessed upon  the  said  town. 

And  he  it  further  enacted  hy  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  Ephraim  Spooner  Esquire,  be  &  he  is  hereby  em- 
powered to  issue  his  warrant  directed  to  some  principal 
inhabitant,  requiring  him  to  warn  &  give  notice  to  the 
inhabitants  of  the  said  town  of  Carver  to  assemble  and 


Acts,  1790.  —  Chapters  3,  4.  1 

meet  at  some  suitable  place  in  the  said  town,  as  soon  as 
conveniently  may  be,  to  choose  all  such  officers  as  towns 
are  required  to  choose  at  their  annual  town  meetings  in 
the  months  oi  March  or  April  annually.     Jane  9,  1790. 

1790.  —  Chapter  3. 

[May  Session,  ch.  3.] 

AN   ACT   TO   INCORPORATE    A   SOCIETY    BY   THE    NAME    OF   THE 
EPISCOPAL   PROTESTANT  SOCIETY  IN  MARSHFIELD. 

Be  it  enacted,  by  the  Senate  &  House  of  Representatives 
in  General  Conrt  assembled  and  by  the  authority  of  the 
same,  that  Sylvanus  White,  John  White  and  Ephraim  Episcopal 
Little,  church  wardens,  and  Noah  Hatch,  Thomas  Little  society*h>- 
and  James  Little  vestry  men,  with  the  other  proprietors  MarsSd.'" 
of  Trinity-Church  in  the  town  of  Marshfield  and  their 
successors,  be  and  they  hereby  are  incorporated  into  a 
Society  or  Body  Politick  by  the  name  of  the  Episcopal 
Protestant  Society  in  Marshfield ;  and  the  said  Society  are 
hereby  invested  with  full  power  and  authority  to  assess 
and  collect  of  the  members  belonging  to  said  Society  for 
the  purpose  of  maintaining  the  public  worship  of  God 
therein,  such  monies  as  shall  be  necessary  for  that  pur- 
pose, and  they  are  hereby  'vested  with  all  such  powers, 
privileges  and  immunities  as  the  Congregational  Societies 
do  or  may  enjoy  by  the  Laws  of  this  Commonwealth. 

And  be  it  further  enacted,  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that    Samuel    OaTcman   Esqr.    be    &    he    hereby    is    em-  ^^Jy*"";^*^^ 
powered  to  issue  his  warrant  directed  to  some  principal  issue 
proprietor,  requiring  him  to  warn  the  proprietors  of  said  '^''"""  • 
Church  to  assemble  and  meet  at  some  suitable  time  and 
place  in  the  said  town  of  Marshfield,  to  choose  all  such 
officers   as    other    incorporated    religious    societies    are 
required  to  choose,  at  their  annual  meeting  in  the  month 
of  March  or  April.  June  9,  1790. 

1790.  —  Chapter  4. 

[May  Session,  ch.  4.] 

AN  ACT  FOR  GRANTING  TO  THE  UNITED  STATES  OF  AMERICA 
THE  SEVERAL  PUBLIC  LIGHT-HOUSES  WITHIN  THIS  COMMON- 
WEALTH. 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  &  House  of  Representatives 
in   General  Court  assembled  and  by  the  authority  of  the 


8  Acts,  1790.  —  Chaptee  4. 

Light  Houses     same,  that  there  be  and  hereby  are  granted  unto  the  United 

United  States.  State8  of  America,  the  light  house  situate  on  ligJtt  house 
Island  in  the  harbour  of  Boston  together  with  the  lands 
and  tenements  thereunto  belonging,  the  property  of 
this  Commonwealth,  with  the  jurisdiction  of  the  same  ; 
also  the  two  light  houses  situate  on  Tliaclier''s  Island,  so 
called  in  the  County  of  Essex,  together  with  the  lands 
and  tenements  thereunto  belonging,  the  property  of  this 
Commonwealth,  with  the  jurisdiction  of  the  same  ;  also 
the  two  light  houses  situate  on  the  north  end  of  Plumb 
Island  in  the  County  of  Esesx,  together  with  the  lands 
and  tenements  thereunto  belonging,  the  property  of  this 
Commonwealth,  with  the  jurisdiction  of  the  same  ;  also 
the  light  house  situate  on  Portland- Head,  in  the  County 
of  Cumberland,  together  with  the  lands  and  tenements 
thereunto  belonging,  with  the  jurisdiction  of  the  same  ;  also 
all  the  right,  title  and  interest  which  this  Counnon wealth 
has  in  the  light  house  situate  on  the  Gurnet  Head,  in  the 
County  of  Plimouth,  and  in  the  lands  and  tenements 
thereunto  belonging,  with  the  jurisdiction  of  the  same  ; 
also  the  light  house  situate  on  Sandy  Point  so  called,  in 
the  County  of  Nantucket,  together  with  the  lands  and 
tenements  thereunto  belonging,  the  property  of  this 
Commonwealth  with  the  jurisdiction  of  the  same  ;  and  the 
several  light  houses  aforesaid,  together  with  the  lands  and 
tenements  thereunto  severally  belonging,  the  property  of 
this  Commonwealth  with  the  jurisdiction  of  the  same,  are 
hereby    ceded   to   and   vested    in   the   United  States  of 

Buoys.  America;  and  also  the  four  following  buoys  at  the  mouth 

of  Merrimack  river,  one  on  the  Hum  Sands,  another 
on  the  Sunken  Rocks,  another  on  the  Gang  Way  Rock 
and  the  fourth  on  the  Half  Tide  Rocks,  together  with  the 
beacon  on  the  spit  of  Sand  near  the  light  house  in  the 
harbour  of  Boston. 

Provided  nevertheless,  and  he  it  further  enacted,  that  if 
the  United  States  shall  at  any  time  hereafter  neglect  to 
keep  lighted  and  in  repair  any  one  or  more  of  the  light 
houses  aforesaid,  that  then  the  grant  of  such  light  house 
or  light  houses  so  neglected,  shall  be  void  &  of  no  effect, 

Proviso's.  — Provided   also,  that  all.  civil    and  criminal  processes 

issued  under  the  authority  of  this  Commonwealth  or  any 
officers  thereof,  may  be  executed  on  any  of  said  lands  or 
in  any  of  said  buildings,  in  the  same  way  and  manner  as 
if  the  jurisdiction  had  not  been  ceeded  as  aforesaid  ;  —  and 


Acts,  1790.  —  Chapters  5,  6.  1 

provided  further,  that  if  the  United  States  shall  at  any 
time  liereaftev  make  any  compensation  to  any  one  of  the 
United  States  for  the  cession  of  any  light  house  heretofore 
or  which  may  be  hereafter  made  to  the  United  States, 
that  then,  like  compensation  be  made  to  this  Common- 
wealth by  the  United  States,  for  the  cession  of  the  light 
houses  aforesaid,  in  proportion  to  their  respective  values. 

June  10,  1790. 

1790.  — Chapter  5. 

[May  SesBion,  ch.  5.] 

AN  ACT  TO  EMPOWER  THE  TOWN  OF  FRYEBURG  TO  EXCHANGE 
PART  OF  THE  PARSONAGE  LAND  FOR  OTHER  LAND  IN  SAID 
TOWN. 

Be  it  Enacted  hy  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representa- 
tives in  General  Court  assembled,  and  hy  the  authority  of 
the  same,  that  the  Selectmen  of  the  town  of  Fryehurg,  selectmen  of 
with  the  consent  of  the  Keverend  William  Fessenden,  the  Fryebu°g?im. 
present  Minister  of  the  said  town,  be  and  they  hereby  ^"rtaYnpu?"^ 
are  impowered  to  make  and  execute  a  good  and  lawfull  poses. 
deed  of  the  first  division,  upland  lot,  belonging  to  the 
parsonage    right   in    said   town ;  —  Provided    they    shall 
receive  for  the  aforesaid  parsonage  lot,  from  the  present 
owner  of  the  first  Division,  upland  lot,  originally  laid  out 
to  the  right  of  John  Russell,  in  said  Fryehurg,  a  good  and 
sufficient  deed  of  said  lot,  to  the  use  of  the  said  town  as 
a  parsonage  forever.  Jane  14,  1790. 

1790.  — Chapter  6. 

[May  Session,  ch.  6.] 

AN   ACT   TO   PREVENT   THE   DESTRUCTION  OF   OYSTERS   IN   THE 
SEVERAL   PLACES   THEREIN   MENTIONED. 

Whereas  it  has  been  the  practice  of  persons  belonging  to  preftmbie. 
other  towns  and  ports  to  come  with  vessels  d'  other  crafts 
into  the  harbo^irs  &  rivers  of  the  toivn  of  Yarmouth  in  the 
County  0/ Barnstable,  Swanzey,  Somerset  &  Freetown  in 
the  County  of  Bristol,  Sherburn  in  the  County  of  Nan- 
tucket and  into  the  town  of  Edgarton  in  the  County  of 
Dukes  County,  to  rake  the  beds  of  Oysters,  and  carry  them 
away  from  the  inhabitants  of  said  towns  in  large  quantities, 
by  means  whereof,  the  said  fish  are  in  a  great  measure 
destroyed,  to  the  great  damage  of  the  poor,  and  other  in- 
habitants of  said  towns:  — 


10 


Acts,  1790.  —  Chapter  6. 


Qu.antity  of 
shell  flBh  which 
may  betaken  — 
specified. 


Persons  aiding 
or  assisting, 
subject  to 
forfeiture. 


Vessels  subject 
to  seizure  for 
breach  of  this 
act. 


Where,  and  in 
what  manner, 
breaches  of  this 
act  may  be 
heard  and 
determined. 


Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives 
in  General  Court  assembled  &  by  the  authority  of  the  same, 
that  from  and  after  the  first  day  of  September  next,  no 
person  or  persons  shall  presume  to  rake  or  carry  off  by 
water  or  land  to  any  place  out  of  the  limits  of  any  of  the 
said  towns,  more  than  three  bushels  of  said  fish  (including- 
the  shells)  or  more  than  five  quarts  of  said  fish  when  taken 
from  the  shells,  at  any  one  time  ;  and  any  person  offending 
against  this  Act  &  being  convicted  thereof  in  any  Court 
proper  to  try  the  same,  shall  forfeit  and  pay  not  less  than 
twelve  shillings  nor  more  t\\QXi  four  pounds,  unless  liberty 
for  taking  the  said  fish  (in  writing  under  their  hands)  be  first 
had  &  ol)tained  from  the  major  part  of  the  selectmen  for 
the  time  being,  of  the  respective  towns  within  whose 
limits  they  are  taken. 

And  be  it  further  enacted,  that  if  any  person  or  persons 
residing  in  either  of  the  said  towns  shall  aid  or  assist  any 
person  or  persons  coming  out  of  or  belonging  to  any  other 
town  in  taking  any  of  the  said  fish,  otherwise  than  is  by 
this  Act  provided,  or  shall  supply  them  therewith,  he  or 
they  so  offending  shall  forfeit  and  pay  not  less  than  twelve 
shillings  nor  more  i\\SiXi  four  pounds  for  each  offence. 

And  it  is  further  enacted,  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  if  any  Vessel  or  boat  shall  be  found  within  two  miles 
of  either  of  the  harbours  or  shores  of  either  of  the  towns 
aforesaid,  having  on  board  more  than  three  bushells  of  the 
said  fish  (including  the  shells)  or  more  than  five  quarts  of 
said  fish  when  taken  from  the  shells,  taken  within  the  lim- 
its aforesaid,  the  said  vessel  or  boat  not  being  owned  in 
either  of  the  said  towns,  and  not  having  a  permit  in  writ- 
ing from  the  major  part  of  the  selectmen  as  aforesaid  for 
taking  the  said  fish,  it  shall  &  may  be  lawful  for  any  per- 
son or  persons  to  seize  all  such  vessels  or  boats  and  detain 
the  same  until  the  master  or  owner  thereof  shall  pay  such 
fine  or  forfeitures  as  shall  be  ordered  by  the  Court  that 
shall  try  the  same,  and  all  legal  costs  arising  thereon. 

And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  all  breaches  of  this  Act  happening  in  either  of  the  said 
towns  of  Yarmouth  Sim.nzey,  Somerset,  Freetown,  Sher- 
burn  or  Edgarton  shall  be  heard  &  determined  by  any  Jus- 
tice of  the  peace  in  either  of  the  Counties  where  the  ofience 
is  committed,  who,  on  complaint  of  any  person  of  the 
breach  of  any  part  of  this  Act  made  to  him  in  writing, 
shall  issue   his  warrant   for  apprehending  and    bringing 


Acts,  1790.  —  Chapter  7.  11 

before  him  such  person  or  persons  who  shall  be  charged 
with  any  breach  of  this  Act,  and  on  conviction  thereof  lay 
such  fine  or  fines  as  aforesaid  with  legal  costs ;  and  any 
person  or  persons  aggrieved  at  the  sentence  of  any  Justice 
of  the  peace  given  in  pursuance  of  this  Act,  may  appeal 
therefrom  to  the  next  Court  of  General  Sessions  of  the 
peace,  to  be  holden  in  the  County  where  such  sentence  is 
given. 

jLnd  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  all  fines  &  forfeitures  which  may  accrue  by  this  Act,  f'^jo";;^?^ 
shall  be  disposed  of,  the  one  half  for  the  use  of  the  poor 
of  the   town  where  the  offence   shall    be  committed,  the 
other  half  to  him  or  them  who  shall  sue  for  the  same. 

And  be  it  further  emacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  this  Act  shall  continue  &  be  in  force  for  the  term  of  unuance.*'""" 
three  years  from  the  passing  hereof  &  no  longer. 

June  17,  1790. 

1790.  —  Chapter  7. 

[May  SeBsion,  ch.  7.] 

AN  ACT  IN  ADDITION  TO  AN  ACT,  ENTITLED,  «'  AN  ACT  TO  SET 
OFF  TO  THE  PATENTEES  AND  OTHER  PURCHASERS  CERTAIN 
LANDS  ON  THE  ISLAND  OF  CHAPEQUIDDICK  IN  THE  COUNTY 
OF  DUKES  COUNTY,  AND  FINALLY  TO  ADJUST  AND  DETER- 
MINE ALL  DISPUTES  BETWEEN  THE  SAID  PATENTEES  AND 
OTHER  PURCHASERS  AND  THE  INDIANS  ON  THE  SAID  ISLAND 
&  TO  PREVENT  CATTLE,  HORSES,  SHEEP,  GOATS  &  SWINE 
FROM  GOING  AT  LARGE  ON  THE  SAID  ISLAND  AT  CERTAIN 
SEASONS   OF   THE   YEAR." 

Whereas  it  is  provided  in  and  by  said  Act,  that  the  said  Preamble. 
patentees  &  other  purchasers  shall  be  at  the  whole  t0  sole 
charge  and  expense  of  mahing  maintaining  and  repairing 
the  division  fence  or  fences  between  the  lands  of  the  said 
Indians  and  the  land  of  the  said  jiatentees  c6  otJier  jiw*'- 
chasers,  (&  no  time  being  set  in  said  Act  when  the  said 
fence  or  fences  shall  be  erected  — 

J3e  it  therefore  enacted,  by  the  Senate  and  House  of 
Representatives   in    General    Court   assembled   &   by  the 
authority  of  the  same,  that  from  and  after  the  passing  this  Forfeiture,  in 
Act,  if  the  patentees  &  other  purchasers  aforesaid  shall  o?pa?irrtefi*'' 
neglect  or  refuse  to  erect  and  keep  in  repair  a  lawful  fence  ^°''  pwchasere 

~,         -,..,.  ,.  1.1  after  a  certain 

on  the  dividing  Inie  between  the  said  patentees  and  other  "me. 
purchasers  and  the  said  Indians,  begining  at  the  harbour 
at  low  water  mark  &  from  thence  runing  by  the  east  side 


12 


Acts,  1790.  —  Chapter  7. 


Appropriation. 


"What  notifica- 
tion shall  be 
deemed  lawful. 


Guardians 
authorized  in 
case  of  neglect 
of  the  aforesaid 
Proprietors. 


of  the  land  formerly  owned  by  Thomas  Arey  and  so  to 
continue  on  the  divisional  line  on  the  west  side  of  the 
road,  until  it  comes  to  the  east  side  of  the  land  set  off  for 
the  use  of  the  indians  aforesaid  and  from  thence  on  the 
said  dividing  line  into  the  pond  called  cape  poge  pond, 
where  there  shall  be  two  feet  of  water  at  low  water,  for 
the  tenn  of  four  months  after  being  duly  notified  by  the 
guardians  of  the  said  indians  for  the  time  being,  the  per- 
son or  persons  so  neglecting  or  refusing  shall  forfeit  and 
pay  the  sum  of  three  pounds  for  each  &  every  month  he 
or  they  shall  neglect  or  refuse  to  erect  and  keep  in  repair 
a  fence  as  aforesaid  ;  all  the  forfeitures  accruing  by  this 
Act  shall  be  recoverable  by  any  two  of  the  guardians  for 
the  time  being  in  any  Court  proper  to  try  the  same  and 
the  money  arising  from  any  forfeitures  in  this  Act  shall  be 
for  the  use  of  the  poor  indians  on  said  Island. 

And  be  it  further  enacted,  that  a  notification  in  writing 
under  the  hands  of  any  two  of  the  said  guardians,  notify- 
ing them  the  said  patentees  and  other  purchasers,  to  erect 
a  fence  as  aliovementioned,  and  left  with  the  clerk  of  the 
said  patentees  &  other  purchasers,  shall  be  deemed  and 
taken  to  be  a  lawful  notification  for  the  purposes  aforesaid. 

And  whereas  in  the  Act  to  which  this  is  an  addition, 
cattle,  horses,  sheep,  goats  and  swine  are  to  rim  at  large  on 
said  Island  from  the  twenty  fifth  day  of  October  to  the 
twenty  fifth  day  q/"  April  yearly  ^  and  no  p)rovision  is  made 
in  said  Act  to  which  this  is  an  addition  to  regulate  and 
proportion  tlie  stock  and  pasturage  on  said  Island  owned 
between  the  pate\^e^7itees  and  other  pwchasers  and  the  in- 
dians aforesaid,  to  the  great  damage  of  the  Indians  and 
their  property  : 

Therefore  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority  afore- 
said, that  if  said  patentees  and  other  purchasers  shall  neg- 
lect to  erect  &  keep  in  repair,  a  fence  as  aforesaid,  being 
notified  as  aforesaid,  or  shall  refuse  or  neglect  to  agree 
with  the  said  guardians  for  the  time  being,  for  the  better 
improvement  of  said  Indian's  lands  and  meadows,  so  long- 
as  they  shall  remain  in  common  and  unfenced,  it  shall  and 
may  be  lawful  for  any  one  of  said  guardians  or  any  other 
person  whom  the  said  guardians  shall  appoint  for  that  pur- 
pose, to  take  up  at  any  time  in  the  year,  any  cattle,  horses, 
sheep,  goats  and  swine  going  at  large  on  any  of  the  said 
Indian's  lands  or  meadows,  set  off  for  their  use  and  them 
impound  in  a  pound  to  be  provided  for  that  purpose  and 


Acts,  1790.  —  Chapter  7.  13 

there  to  detain  them  until  the  owners  thereof  pay  to  the 
said  guardians  the  same  sum  or  sums  of  money  for  each 
and  every  head  of  cattle,  horses,  sheep,  goats  and  swine 
as  is  provided  in  the  Act  to  which  this  is  an  addition ;  and 
upon  non  payment  thereof,  the  said  guardians  or  some 
other  person  or  persons  whom  they  shall  appoint,  shall 
proceed  to  sell  the  same  at  public  auction,  first  causing 
notifications  to  be  posted  in  some  public  place  on  said 
Island,  expressing  the  time  place  and  cause  of  said  sale 
at  least  four  days  previously  thereto ;  and  after  deduct- 
ing the  necessary  charges  of  impounding,  supporting  and 
selling  the  same,  the  overplus  of  the  same,  if  any  there  be, 
shall  be  returned  to  the  owners  of  the  creatures  thus  im- 
pounded if  known  or,  if  not  know^n,  shall  be  lodged  with 
the  clerk  of  the  said  patentees  &  other  purchasers  for  the 
use  of  such  owners ;  and  if  any  action  shall  be  brought 
against  said  guardians  or  any  of  them,  or  any  other  per- 
son or  persons  by  them  appointed  for  impounding  or  sell- 
ing the  cattle,  horses,  sheep,  goats  or  swine,  by  virtue  of 
this  Act,  he  or  they  against  whom  such  action  is  brought 
may  plead  the  general  issue  &  give  this  Act  in  evidence 
for  their  justification. 

And  he  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  the  patentees  &  other  purchasers  aforesaid  shall  erect  Jj^'o^eTn'them 
and  maintain  said  fence  or  fences  and  regulate  the  stock  selves  agreeably 
and  pasturage  agreeably  to  a  law  of  this  Commonwealth   °  *  "  ^^  '"''■ 
made  &  passed  the  twenty  first  of  February  in  the  year 
of  our  Lord  one  thousand  seven  hundred  &  eighty  six, 
entitled,  "  An  Act  concerning  general  &  common  fields". 

And  iDhereas,  in  the  said  Act  to  which  this  is  an  addi-  P''ca"ii''c. 
tion,  it  is  provided,  that  a  road  of  two  rods  vnde  from  the 
bounds  by  the  harbour  and  by  the  east  side  of  the  land 
formerly  owned  by  Thomas  Arey,  to  the  east  side  of  the 
vidian's  land  and  from  the  bounds  by  the  harbour  icesterly 
to  the  point  of  land  near  the  town  shall  be  an  open  way,  & 
such  provision  is  found  by  experience  to  be  prejudicial  as 
well  to  the  english  patentees  as  to  the  indians,  —  Por  rem,edy 
whereof. 

Be  it  further  enacted,  that  said  road  of  two  rods  Avide  width  of  the 
shall  hereafter  be  through  gates  &  barrs,  any  thin[k][.^]  ''°'"^''^''- 
in  the  Act  to  which  this  is  an  addition  to  the  contrary 
notwithstanding.  June  19,  1790. 


14 


Acts,  1790.  —  Chapter  8. 


Time  when  to 
be  opened. 


1790.  — Chapter  8. 

[May  Session,  ch.  8.] 

AN  ACT  FOR  THE  PRESERVATION  AND  ENCREASE  OF  THE  FISH 
CALLED  ALEWIVES,  IN  ACQUESNET  RIVER  IN  THE  TOWN  OF 
NEW-BEDFORD  IN  THE   COUNTY  OF  BRISTOL  &  FOR  REGU 
LATING  THE    TAKING    THE   SAID    FISH  IN    THE   SAID  RIVER. 

I^e  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representa- 
tives in  General  Court  assembled  and  by  the  authority  of 
Owners  of  dams  ^/^g  same,  that  tliG  ownei"  or  owners  of  each  and  every  mill 

on  the  river  '  •  i      i  i  • 

to  provide  dam  on   the  said  river,  shall  make,  provide  &  continue  a 

since  ways.  ^\^y^QQ  ^^j  of  two  fcct  widc  and  eight  inches  deep,  for  the 
said  fish  to  pass  their  respective  dams,  as  low  as  the  Select- 
men of  the  said  town  of  N'ew  Bedford  shall  judge  conven- 
ient for  the  said  fish  to  pass  in  ;  And  the  Selectmen  of  the 
said  town  of  New-Bedford  are  hereby  authorized  on  the 
second  monday  oi  April,  annually,  to  open  the  said  sluice 
ways,  which  when  opened  l^y  them  shall  remain  open 
until  the  twentieth  day  of  May  annually,  —  and  the  owner 
or  owners  of  any  dam  on  the  said  river  who  shall  neglect 
or  refuse  to  make  provide  &  continue  a  sluice  way  as  afore- 
said, or  who  after  such  sluice  way  is  opened  as  aforesaid, 
shall  shut  or  obstruct  the  same  during  the  term  the  said 
sluice  way  is  to  be  kept  open  as  aforesaid,  shall  forfeit  and 
pay  the  sum  of  forty  poiinds  for  each  offence. 

And  be  it  further  enacted,  that  the  said  town  of  JSTeiv 
Bedford  at  their  annual  meeting  for  the  choice  of  town  oflfi- 
cers  in  the  months  of  March  or  April  annually,  are  hereby 
authorized  to  choose  a  committee  consisting  of  not  more 
than  twelve  nor  less  than  three  suitable  discreet  persons, 
for  inspectors  of  the  said  river ;  whose  duty  it  shall  be 
within  four  days  after  their  appointments,  to  post  up  in 
four  public  places  in  the  said  town,  nearest  the  said  river, 
a  notification  under  their  hands  or  the  major  part  of  them, 
pointing  out  the  times  when  and  the  places  where  the  said 
fish  may  he  taken,  in  the  said  river ;  and  if  any  person 
shall  pull  down  or  deface  such  notification,  he  or  she  shall 
for  each  offence  forfeit  and  pay  ten  shillings,  &  if  such 
committee  shall  neglect  or  refuse  to  post  up  such  notifica- 
tion within  the  said  term  of  four  days,  such  committee 
shall  forfeit  and  pay  ten  shillings;  and  any  person  who 
shall  presume  to  take  any  of  the  said  fish  in  the  said  river, 
except  at  the  times  and  places  appointed  by  the  said  com- 
mittee as  aforesaid  shall  forfeit  &  pay  thj'ee  j^ounds  for 
each  offence. 


■Tiicirduty. 


Acts,  1790.  —  Chapters  9,  10.  15 

And  be  it  further  enacted,  that  if  any  person  or  per-  Forfeituree. 
sons  shall  make  any  wears  or  any  other  obstruction  to 
hinder  the  passage  of  the  said  fish  up  the  said  river,  each 
person  so  offending  shall  forfeit  and  pay  the  sum  oi  four 
pounds ;  and  any  person  who  shall  take  or  catch  any  of 
the  said  fish  in  the  said  river,  with  any  other  instrument 
than  a  dip  net,  shall  forfeit  and  pay  forty  shillings  for  each 
offence. 

And  he  it  further  enacted,  that  all  the  forfeitures  men — now 
tioned  in  this  Act,  shall  accrue  to  the  said  town  of  JSfein  "'*''''''*'"''• 
Bedford,  to  be  recovered  by  the  Treasurer  of  the  said 
town  in  an  action  of  del)t  in  any  court  proper  to  try  the 
same ;  &  no  person  shall  l)e  considered  as  disqualified 
from  giving  evidence  in  any  such  action,  on  account  of 
his  living  in  or  being  an  inhabitant  of  the  said  town  of 
New  Bedford. 

And  he  it  further  enacted,  that  any  agreement  which  y^'i'"''^"/ 

J  ,.,  I'T  ^    agreements, 

may  be  made  and  entered  into  between  the  said  town  of 
Neio  Bedford  &  the  owner  or  owners  of  any  dam  on  the 
said  river  with  regard  to  the  premises,  shall  be  good  and 
valid  in  Law.  June  19,1790. 

1790.  —  Chapter  9. 

[May  SesKon,  ch.  9.] 

AN    ACT    TO    SET    OFF    JOHN    TIPPET  FROM    THE     SECOND    TO 
THE   FIRST   PARISH   IN   METHUEN. 

Be  it  enacted  hy  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representa- 
tives in  General  Court  assemhled  and  hy  the  authority  of 
the  same,  thiit  John  Tippet  oi  Methuen  in  the  County  John  Tippet, 
of  Essex,  be  and  he  hereby  is  set  off  from  the  second 
parish  in  said  Methuen  together  with  all  his  estate  both 
real  and  personal  and  annexed  to  the  first  parish  in 
Methuen,  there  to  do  duty  &  receive  privileges  in  the 
aforesaid  first  parish  in  Methuen.  June,  21,  1790. 

1790.  —  Chapter  10. 

[May  Session,  ch.  10. J 

AN  ACT  FOR  DETERMINING  AT  WHAT  TIMES  AND  PLACES  THE 
SEVER AI,  COURTS  OF  GENERAL  SESSIONS  OF  THE  PEACE 
AND  THE  COURTS  OF  COMMON  PLEAS,  SHALL  BE  HOLDEN 
WITHIN  AND  FOR  THE  SEVERAL  COUNTIES  WITHIN  THIS 
COMMONWEALTH;  AND  FOR  REPEALING  ALL  LAWS  HERE- 
TOFORE  MADE    FOR  THAT   PURPOSE. 

Be  it  Unacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Bepreseyita- 
in  General  Coui't  assemhled  and  by  the  authority  of 


16  Acts,  1790.  — Chaptee  10. 

Laws  repealed,  ^/^g  same,  that  from  and  after  the  first  day  oi  August  next, 
all  the  laws  heretofore  enacted  and  now  in  force,  deter- 
mining the  times  and  places  for  holding  the  several  Courts 
of  General  Sessions  of  the  Peace  and  Courts  of  Common 
Pleas  within  and  for  the  several  Counties  in  this  Com- 
monwealth, so  for  as  respects  the  times  and  places  for 
holding  the  said  Courts,  be  and  they  hereby  are  repealed. 

And  he  it  further  Enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  the  times  and  places  for  holding  the  Courts  of  Gen- 
eral Sessions  of  the  Peace  and  Courts  of  Common  Pleas 
within  and  for  each  County  in  this  Commonwealth,  an- 
nually, shall  from  and  after  the  first  day  of  August  next, 
be  as  follows  ;  viz, 
places for^'hoid-  Within  aud  for  the  County  of  Suffolk,  at  Boston,  on 
iiig  Courts.  the  first  Tuesday  of  July,  the  first  Tuesday  of  January, 
on  the  first  Tuesday  in  October  and  on  the  third  Tuesday 
in  April: 

Within  and  for  the  County  of  Essex,  at  Ipsioich,  on  the 
first  Tuesday  of  April,  at  Salem  on  the  second  Tuesday 
in  July,  &  at  Newbury  Port  the  last  Tuesday  of  Sep- 
tember : 

AVithin  and  for  the  County  of  Middlesex,  at  Cam- 
bridge, on  the  last  Tuesday  of  November,  and  at  Concord 
on  the  third  Tuesday  of  March  and  the  second  Tuesday 
in  September: 

Within  and  for  the  County  of  Hampshire,  at  Spring- 
field, on  the  third  Tuesday  of  January,  at  Northampton 
on  the  first  Tuesday  of  September  and  the  third  Tuesday 
in  May: 

Within  and  for  the  County  of  Plimouth,  at  Plimouth, 
on  the  second  Tuesday  in  April,  the  last  Tuesday  of  JiUy, 
and  the  third  Tuesda}^  of  November: 

Within  and  for  the  County  of  Barnstable,  at  Barn- 
stable, on  the  first  Tuesday  of  April,  and  the  first  Tues- 
day of  November : 

Within  and  for  the  County  of  Bristol,  at  Taunton,  on 
the  second  Tuesday  of  March,  and  the  second  Tuesday 
of  September : 

Within  and  for  the  County  of  York,  at  York,  on  the 
third  Tuesday  of  April,  at  Waterborough  on  the  fourth 
Tuesday  in  August,  and  at  Biddeford  on  the  second 
Tuesday  of  November : 

Within  and  for  the  County  of  Dukes  County,  at  Edger- 
ion,  on  the  third  Tuesday  of  April;  and  at  Tisbury  on  the 
last  Tuesday  of  October : 


Acts,  1790.  —  Chapter  10.  17 

Within  and  for  the  County  of  Nantucket,  at  Sherburne, 
on  the  last  Tuesday  of  March,  and  on  the  first  Tuesday  of 
October  : 

Within  and  for  the  County  of  Worcester,  at  Worcester, 
on  the  Tuesday  next  preceeding  the  last  Tuesday  of 
March,  on  the  last  Tuesday  in  August,  and  on  the  first 
Tuesday  in  December: 

Within  and  for  the  County  of  Cumberland,  at  Port- 
land, on  the  last  Tuesday  of  May,  the  first  Tuesday  in 
January  and  the  third  Tuesday  in  October : 

Within  and  for  the  County  of  Lincoln,  at  Holloioell,  on 
the  second  Tuesday  in  January,  at  Poivnalborough  on 
the  first  Tuesday  in  June,  and  at  Waldoborough  on  the 
second  Tuesday  of  September : 

Within  and  for  the  County  of  Berhshire,  at  Lenox,  on 
the  second  Tuesday  in  September,  and  the  first  Tuesday 
of  February  : 

Within  and  for  the  County  of  Hancoch,  at  Penobscott 
on  the  third  Tuesdays  of  March  and  September  : 

Within  and  for  the  County  of  Washington,  at  Machias, 
on  the  fourth  Tuesdays  of  March  and  September. 

And  be  it  further  Enacted,  that  all  appeals  already  ^J^^f^^'g^^^^^ 
made,  recognizances  taken,  or  that  may  before  the  afore-  determined. 
said  first  day  of  August  next  be  made  or  taken,  to 
any  Courts  of  General  Sessions  of  the  Peace,  and  all 
actions  already  commenced  or  that  may  be  commenced 
and  all  processes  returned,  or  that  may  be  returnable 
before  the  aforesaid  first  day  of  August,  and  all  appeals 
claimed  or  which  may  be  claimed,  and  all  actions  pend- 
ing at  any  Court  of  Common  pleas,  which  before  the 
operation  of  this  Act  should  have  been  holden  at  any 
other  time  or  place,  than  those  in  this  act  aflixed  for  hold- 
ing said  Courts,  shall  be  returnable  to,  entered,  made,  pro- 
ceeded on,  tried  and  determined  at  the  Courts  next  to  be 
holden  in  each  County  after  said  first  day  of  August, 
agreeal^ly  to  the  true  intent  of  such  Writ,  process,  recog- 
nizance or  appeal : 

Provided  nevertheless  that  this  Act  shall  not  begin  to  proviso, 
operate  with  respect  to  Courts  to  be  held  in  the  County 
of   York,  untill  the  first  day  of  January  next,  any  thing 
herein  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding.    June  21,  1790. 


18 


Acts,  1790.  —  Chapter  11. 


PerBona 
incorporated. 


Persons  con- 
sidered 
memberB. 


1790.  —  Chapter  11. 

[May  Session,  eh.  11.] 

AN  ACT  FOR  INCORPORATING  A  NUMBER  OF  THE  INHABI- 
TANTS OF  THE  TOWNS  OF  NEW-GLOUCESTER  AND  GRAY 
IN  THE  COUNTY  OF  CUMBERLAND,  INTO  A  DISTINCT  &  SEP- 
ERATE   RELIGIOUS   SOCIETY. 

Be  it  enacted  hy  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representa- 
tives in  General  Court  assembled  and  by  the  authority  of 
the  same.  That  John  Woodman,  Isaiah  Woodman,  Eben- 
ezer  Lake,  John  Warren,  Thomas  Wharf,  Elias  Merrill, 
Jabez     True,    Simon    Noyes,     William     True,    Thomas 
Penny,    Robert     Herrin,    John     Slenchfield,    Ejphraim 
Stenchfield,    Eliphalet   Haskell,    John    Tufts,    Nathaniel 
Bennett,    Joseph    Raynes,    Stephen     Washburn,    Josiah 
Smith,    William   Irish,  Job  Haskell,  Jonathan  Bennett, 
Joseph    Woodman,   Nathan   Merrill,    Asa    Libby,  John 
Stenchfield,  David   Woodman,  David  Mackintier,  Adam 
Cotton,    Solomon   Atwood   Junr.    Ebenezer    Whitmarsh, 
Thomas  Franck,  James  Humphrey,  William  Delley,  Jere- 
miah Hay  den,  John  JVash,  Joseph  Weeks,  Elijah  Nash, 
Nathan  Morse,  Hosea  Mo7'se,  George  Small,  Levi  Morse, 
David   Jordan,   John   Morse,    Samuel    Stowell,    Reuben 
Stoivell,    Richard    Siveetser,    Jabez    Matheios,    Timothy 
Waymouth,    James    Russell,    Nathaniel    Russell,    John 
Delley,  James  Small,  David  Hunt,  Timothy  Foog,  Tim- 
otliy  Foog  junr.,  James  Frank,  Stephen  Astens,  Benja- 
min Libby,  Amaziah  Delano,  Francis  Jackson,  Andreto 
Libby,     William    Davis,    Andrew    Libby  junr.,    Moses 
Libby,    Asa    Libby   Junr.,    Oliver    Humphries,    David 
Nash,  John  Humphrey ,  Arthur  Libby,  Joel  Libby,  Isaac 
Lion   &   Joseph  Merrill,  members  of  the  said  religious 
Society  together  with  their  polls  and  estates,  be  and  they 
are  hereby  incorporated  by  the  name  of  the  Baptist  relig- 
ious Society  of  New  Gloucester  and   Gray,  with  all  the 
privileges,  powers  and  immunities  which  any  parish  in  this 
Commonwealth  is  by  law  entitled  to. 

And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  any  &  every  person  in  either  of  the  towns  of  New 
Gloucester  or  Gray,  wdio  may  at  any  time  hereafter  act- 
ually l)ecome  a  member  of  and  unite  in  religious  worship 
with  any  Society  in  either  of  said  towns  and  give  in  his 
or  her  name  to  the  selectmen  of  the  town  where  he  or  she 
lives,  with  a  certificate  signed  by  the  minister  of  the  so- 
ciety to  which  he  or  she  hath  so  united,  fourteen  days 
previous  to  the  towni  meeting  therein  to  be  held  in  the 


Acts,  1790.  —  Chapter  12.  19 

month  of  March  or  April  annually,  shall  from  and  after 
such  meeting  with  his  or  her  polls  &  estates  be  considered 
as  a  member  of  such  Society. 

And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  William  Wedgery  Esqr.  be  and  he  hereby  is  author-  ^™;.Sr-'"^' 
ized  to  issue  his  warrant  directed  to  some  principal  i^ed^toissue 
member  of  the  said  Society,  requiring  him  to  warn  the 
members  of  the  said  Society  qualified  to  vote  in  parish 
aftairs,  to  assemble  at  some  suitable  time  and  place  in 
either  of  the  said  towns  of  New  Gloucester  or  Gray, 
to  chuse  such  parish  officers  as  are  by  law  required  to  be 
chosen  in  the  month  of  March  or  April  annually,  & 
to  transact  all  matters  and  things  necessary  to  be  done 
in  said  Society.  June  23,  1790. 

1790.  —  Chapter  13. 

[May  Session,  ch.  12.] 

AN  ACT  IN  ADDITION  TO  AN  ACT  MADE  AND  7ASSBJ)  FEBRUARY 
THE  FOURTEENTH  ONE  THOUSAND  SEVEN  HUNDRED  AND 
EIGHTY  NINE,  INTITLED  "AN  ACT  FOR  RENDERING  PROC- 
ESSES   IN   LAW  LESS   EXPENSIVE." 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representa- 
tives in  General  Court  assembled  and  by  the  authority  of 
the  same,  that  from  and  after  the  first  day  of  October  next,  ^'™^g"°^f 
all  original  ^^''rits  issuing  out  of  the  Office  of  any  Justice  endorsing  _  ^ 
of  the  Peace  in  this  Commonwealth  under  the  authority 
of,  and  by  virtue  of  the  Act  aforesaid,  shall  before  they 
are  served,  be  endorsed  on  the  back  thereof  by  the  Plain- 
tiff or  Plaintiffs,  or  one  of  them,  with  his  Christian  and 
Surname,  if  he  or  they  are  inhabitants  of  this  Common- 
wealth, or  by  his  or  their  Agent  or  Attorney  being  an 
inhabitant  thereof;  and  when  the  plaintiff  is  not  an  inhab- 
itant of  this  Commonwealth,  then  his  Writ  shall  be  en- 
dorsed in  the  manner  aforesaid,  by  some  responsible 
person  who  is  an  inhabitant  of  this  Commonwealth  ;  other- 
wise, the  said  Writ  shall  be  abated ;  and  the  Court  may 
upon  motion,  when  it  shall  appear  to  their  satisfaction 
that  the  Plaintiff,  Agent,  or  Attorney  who  endorsed  the 
Writ  is  not  of  sufficient  ability  to  respond  the  cost  which 
may  arise  in  prosecuting  his  or  their  action,  order  that 
the  plaintiff  shall  procure  a  new  and  responsible  en- 
dorser ;  and  such  new  endorsor  shall  be  held  in  the  same 
manner  as  if  the  endorsment  had  been  made  before  the 
Writ  was  served ;  and  when  the  plaintiff  shall  neglect  to 
procure  such  new  endorsor,  when  directed  thereto,  by  the 


20 


Acts,  1790.  —  Chapters  13,  14. 


Endorser  to  t 
held  account- 
able, in  case. 


Validity  of  thi 
Justices'  pro- 
ceedlBgs. 


Court,  he  shall  become  nonsuit,  but  no  costs  shall  be 
adjudged  against  him.  And  the  plaintiff.  Agent,  or  Attor- 
ney who  shall  so  endorse  his  name  upon  any  original 
Writ  to  be  issued  as  aforesaid,  shall  be  held,  in  case  of 
the  avoidance  or  inability  of  the  plaintiff,  to  })ay  the 
Defendant  all  such  costs  as  he  shall  recover,  and  to  pay 
all  prison  charges  that  may  happen  when  the  plaintiff 
shall  fail  to  support  his  action. 

And  be  it  further  enacted,  that  the  Records  of  the  pro- 
ceedings of  Justices  of  the  Peace  by  virtue  of  the  said 
law,  shall  be  and  hereby  are  made  good  and  valid  to  all 
intents  and  purposes,  without  a  seal,  in  the  same  manner 
as  they  would  have  been  with  a  seal,  any  thing  in  the  said 
law  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding.         June  24,  1790. 


Clause  in  a 
former  law 
repealed. 


1790.  —  Chapter  13. 

[May  Session,  ch.  13.] 
AN  ACT  FOR  THE  RELIEF  OF  THE   TOWN    OF    CHARLESTOWN. 

Whereas  the  General  Court  of  this  Commonwealth  did 
grant  a  sum  of  money  to  he  7'aised  hy  lottery,  to  the  Town 
of  Charlestown,  to  enable  the  said  town  to  pay  the  expense 
of  amending  and  altering  the  Streets  Lanes  and  Squares 
in  said  toion,  and  the  inhabitants  of  the  said  toivu  have 
represented  to  this  Court,  that  they  are  still  largely  in  debt 
in  consequence  of  the  alteration  of  said  streets: 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representa- 
tives in  General  Court  assembled  and  by  the  authority  of 
the  same,  that  the  clause  in  the  Act  for  limiting  the  opera- 
tion of  Lotteries,  passed  in  the  last  session  of  the  General 
Court  so  far  as  it  respects  the  operation  of  the  Lottery 
heretofore  granted  to  the  Town  of  Charlestown,  be,  and  it 
hereby  is  repealed.  June  24,  1790. 


1790.  —  Chapter  14. 

[May  Session,  ch.  14.] 

AN  ACT  TO  REPEAL,  IN  CASE  OF  THE  ASSUMPTION  OF  THE 
STATE  DEBTS,  BY  THE  CONGRESS  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES, 
AN  ACT  ENTITLED  "  AN  ACT  TO  RAISE  A  PUBLIC  REVENUE 
BY  EXCISE,  AND  TO  REGULATE  THE  COLLECTION  THEREOF," 
PASSED  THE  THIRD  DAY  OF  MARCH  ANNO  DOMINI  SEVEN- 
TEEN  HUNDRED    AND   NINETY. 

Whereas  the  revenue  ^^foposed  to  be  raised  by  the  said 
Act,  is  appropriated  to  the  payment  of  the  interest  of  the 
consolidated  debt  of  this  Commonwealth,  and  will  become. 


Acts,  1790. —  Chapter  15.  21 

in  case  of  the  said  assumption,  an  unnecessary  burden  iqjon 
the  Citizens  of  this  Commomvealth. 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representa- 
tives in  General  Court  assembled  and  by  the  authority 
of  the  same,  that  in  case  the  Congress  of  the  United  fepeaTed^i^caee*! 
States  shall  assume,  or  permit  to  be  loaned  on  the  credit 
of  the  United  States,  the  consolidated  debt  of  this  State, 
or  otherwise  provide  upon  the  credit  of  the  United  States, 
for  the  payment  thereof,  then  and  in  either  case,  the  said 
Act,  entitled,  "An  Act  to  raise  a  public  revenue  by  Ex- 
cise, and  to  regulate  the  collection  thereof,"  shall  be, 
and  hereby  is  repealed,  from  the  time  when  any  Act  or 
LaAV  of  the  said  Congress  for  either  of  the  said  purposes 
shall  be  made  and  established.  Provided  that  all  duties 
of  Excise,  accounts  and  bonds  at  that  time  due  and  un- 
settled, shall  and  may  be  required  and  enforced,  this  re- 
peal notwithstanding. 

And  be  it  further  Enacted  that  the  Supreme  Executive  supreme 
of  this  Commonwealth,  on  having  notice  of  the  making,  givrnotlce^&c. 
and  establishment  of  any  Act  or  Law  of  the  said  Congress, 
for  either  of  the  purposes  aforesaid,  shall,  as  soon  as  may 
be,  cause  the  same  to  be  made  known  in  this  Common- 
wealth in  such  way  and  manner  as  they  may  think  best. 

June  24,  1790. 

[The  following  act  x^assed  in  September,  the  Hon.  General  Court 
being  called  together  by  His  Excellency's  Proclamation,  for  that 
2na'pose.'] 

1790.  — Chapter  15. 

[January  Session,  ch.  1.] 

AN  ACT  TO  REPEAL  CERTAIN  PARTS  OF  AN  ACT,  INTITLED, 
"AN  ACT  TO  RAISE  A  PUBLIC  REVENUE  BY  EXCISE,  AND 
TO  REGULATE  THE  COLLECTION  THEREOF,"  PASSED  THE 
THIRD   DAY  OF  MARCH  LAST. 

Be  it  Enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Repi'esenta- 
tives  in  General  Court  assembled  and  by  the  authority  of 
the  same,  that  on  and  after  the  first  day  of  October  next,  Excise  Laws 

.,.-,.  .  IT  iT-i-        repealed. 

the  said  recited  Act  to  raise  a  public  revenue  by  Excise 
and  to  regulate  the  collection  thereof,  and  all  former  Ex- 
cise Acts  be,  and  the  same  are  hereby  repealed  and  de- 
clared to  be  null  and  void,  except  as  herein  after  excepted. 

Provided  allways  a7id  be  it  farther  Enacted,  that  the  rioviso. 
said  Act  shall  continue  &  remain  in  full  force,  so  far  as  to 
authorize   &  empower  the  Comptroler  General,  and  the 
present  Collectors  of  Excise  or  their  successors  to  continue 


22  Acts,  1790.  —  Chapter  15. 

in  the  discharge  of  their  respective  offices,  to  settle  all 
Excise  accounts  up  to  the  said  first  day  of  October  next ; 
and  to  demand  and  receive  the  Excise  agreeably  to  the 
aforementioned  Act  upon  the  several  excised  articles  which 
shall  have  been  sold  used  or  consumed  before  the  said  first 
day  of  October ;  and  also  to  demand  and  receive  all  monies 
that  are  or  shall  become  due  by  virtue  of  such  parts  of  the 
before  recited  Act,  as  by  this  Act  are  continued  in  force. 
And  the  said  Collectors  or  their  Successors  are  hereby 
further  impowered  to  settle  all  excise  accounts  that  were 
due  on,  and  previous  to,  the  first  day  of  May  last ;  and 
to  demand  &  receive  the  Excise  due  agreeably  to  the  rates 
established  in  the  acts  respectively  under  which  it  become 
due. 
Collectors'  ^ncZ  be  it  further  Enacted,  that  the  said  Collectors  or 

their  successors  be,  and  they  are  hereby  impowered  to 
prosecute  to  final  judgment  and  execution,  for  all  offences 
that  have  been  committed  against  any  preceding  Impost 
or  Excise  law ;  and  for  all  offences  that  have  been  or  shall 
])e  committed  against  the  aforementioned  Act,  any  thing 
in  any  act  or  law  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding. 
Persone  settling  ^ntZ  be  it  further  Enacted,  that  when  any  person  shall 
to  make  oath,  '  Settle  his  cxcisc  accouut  up  to  the  said  first  day  of  October 
next,  and  shall  render  therein,  excised  articles  as  being 
then  on  hand,  he  shall  take  and  subscribe  the  following 
additional  oath  or  affirmation  :  Viz. 

I  do  solemnly  swear,  or  affirm,  that  the  articles  I  have 
rendered  in  this  account,  as  being  on  hand  the  first  day  of 
October  One  thousand  seven  hundred  and  ninety,  are  the 
identical  articles  that  I  have  charged  myself  with  in  said 
account:     80  HELP  ME  GOD. 

Duties  to  con-         j^q  {(  further  Enacted,  that  such  parts  of  the  aforemen- 

tinue  in  force.—     .  ,      .  .  \       .  -.i  ,  -,,ri        i 

tioned  Act  as  mipose   duties  on  licences  and  on  Wheel 
Carriages,  and  regulate  the  collection  and  payment  thereof, 
shall  continue  &  be  in  full  force,  any  thing  in  this  act  to 
the  contrary  notwithstanding. 
Proviso.  Provided  nevertheless,  &  be  it  further  Enacted,  that  all 

acts  noAV  in  force  for  imposing  duties  on  certain  papers, 
commissions  and  Instruments,  and  all  acts  in  addition 
thereto,  shall  continue  and  be  in  full  force,  any  thing  in 
this  Act  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding. 

September  17,1790.* 

*  Approved  September  17,  1790. 


Acts,  1790.  —  Chapters  1G,  17.  23 


1790.  — Chapter  16. 

[January  Session,  ch.  2.] 

AN  ACT  TO  SET  OFF  PETER  LARKIN  WITH  HIS  FAMILY  & 
ESTATE  FROM  THE  TOWN  OF  LANCASTER  TO  THE  DISTRICT 
OF  BERLIN. 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representa- 
tives in  General  Court  assembled  and  by  the  authority  of 
the  same,  That  Peter  Larkin  of  Lancaster  in  the  County  Peter  Larkin& 
of  Worcester  with  his  fjimily  and  estate  be  and  hereby  are  "™'  y«  ^^  ° 
set  oft'  from  the  said  town  of  Lancaster  and  annexed  to  the 
district  of  Berlin  in  the  said  County  of  Worcester,  &  shall 
hereafter  be  considered  as  part  of  the  same,  there  to  do 
duty  &  receive  privileges  as  the  other  inhabitants  of  the 
said  district. 

Provided  nevertheless,  the  said  Peter  Larkin  shall  be  Proviso. 
held  to  pay  his  proportion  of  all  such  State  &  County 
taxes  as  shall  be  laid  by  the  Legislature  upon  said  town 
of  Lancaster  before  the  settlement  of  another  valuation, 
the  passing  of  this  Act  notwithstanding. 

February  8,  1791. 

1790.  —  Chapter  17. 

[January  Session,  oh.  3.] 

AN  ACT  TO  REPEAL  IN  PART,  AN  ACT  ENTITLED,  "AN  ACT  TO 
PREVENT  THE  DESTRUCTION  OF  FISH  CALLED  SHAD  &  ALE- 
WIVES  IN  TEN  &  THREE  MILES  RIVERS,  IN  THE  COUNTY 
OF  BRISTOL. 

WJiereas  the  Act  entitled  ' '  an  Act  to  prevent  the  destruction  Preamble. 
of  fish  called  Shad  and  Alewives  in  Ten  and  Three  Miles 
rivers  in  the  County  q/"  Bristol,  apj^ears  not  to  be  of  public 
utility,  so  far  as  the  same  Act  respects  the  said  river  called 
Three  Miles  river  :  — 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representa- 
tives in  General  Court  assembled  and  by  the  authority  of 
the  same,  that  the  said  act  to  prevent  the  destruction  of  ^a^  repealed  in 
the  fish  called  Shad  &  Alewives  in  Ten  &  Three  Miles 
rivers,  shall  be  and  the  same  is  hereby  repealed  and  de- 
clared to  be  null  &  void,  from  the  time  of  passing  this 
Act,  as  to  all  matters  therein  required  or  authorized  to  be 
done  respecting  the  river  called  Three  Miles  river,  —  sav- 
ing only,  that  all  acts  and  doings  heretofore  lawfully  per- 
formed by  virtue  of  the  said  Act,  shall  &  may  be  justified 
thereby,  this  repeal  notwithstanding. 

February  11,  1791. 


2i 


Acts,  1790.  — Chapters  18,  19. 


Cambden 
incorporated. 


Boundaries. 


Oliver  Parker, 
Esq.  to  call  a 
meeting. 


1790.  — Chapter  18. 

[January  Session,  ch.  4.] 
AN   ACT   TO   INCORPORATE   THE   PLANTATION   OF   CAMBDEN  IN 
THE    COUNTY  OF    HANCOCK   INTO   A    TOWN    BY    THE    NAME 
OF   CAMBDEN. 

Be  it  Unacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representa- 
tives in  General  Court  asse7nhled  &  by  the  authority  of  the 
same,  that  the  said  plantation  called  Cambden,  included 
within  the  following  boundaries,  viz  —  Beginning  at  a  rock 
marked  A  X  on  the  sea  shore  at  the  north  side  of  Oivls 
head  bay  at  southeast  corner  of  Thomastown  line,  thence 
running  northwest  by  north  seven  miles  sixty  four  poles 
to  a  maple  stake  marked  on  four  sides  and  pile  of  stones, 
thence  running  north  east  by  east  five  miles  ninety  four 
poles  to  a  beach  tree  marked  on  four  sides  ;  thence  run- 
ning east  three  miles  and  an  half  and  twenty  poles  to  a 
spruce  tree  marked  on  four  sides,  thence  running  south 
east  by  south  one  mile  to  a  fir  tree  marked  on  four  sides, 
at  Little  Duck  Trap  in  Penobscot  bay;  thence  by  the  sea 
shore  in  a  westerly  direction  to  the  bounds  first  mentioned, 
together  with  the  inhabitants  thereon  be  and  they  hereby 
are  incorporated  into  a  town  by  the  name  of  Cambden  ; 
and  that  the  said  town  be  &  hereby  is  vested  with  all  the 
powers,  privileges  &  immunities  which  other  towns  in  this 
Commonwealth  do  or  may  by  law  enjoy. 

And  be  it  further  Enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  Oliver  Parker  Esqr.  of  Penobscot  be  and  he  hereby  is 
empowered  to  issue  his  warrant,  directed  to  some  prin- 
cipal inhabitant  of  the  said  town  of  Cambden  requiring  him 
to  notify  the  inhabitants  thereof,  to  meet  at  such  time  and 
place  as  he  shall  therein  appoint,  to  chuse  all  such  ofl3cers 
as  towns  are  by  law  required  to  chuse  at  their  annual 
meetings  in  the  month  of  3farch  or  April. 

February  17,  1791. 


1790.  — Chapter  19. 

[January  Session,  ch.  8.] 
AN  ACT  TO   INCORPORATE   AND  ESTABLISH  A  SOCIETY  BY  THE 
NAME   OF  THE   HUMANE   SOCIETY  OF  THE  COMMONWEALTH 
OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 

Wiereas  it  is  the  duty  of  Government  at  all  times  to 
countenance  and  support  its  citizens  in  their  exertions  for 


Acts,  1790.  —  Ch  after  19.  25 

alleviating  the  distresses  of  their  felloiv  men ;  And  whereas 
divers  persons  have  j^etitioned  this  Court  for  an  act  of 
incorporation  ivhereby  they  may  more  effectually  carry  into 
execution  their  benevolent  designs  : 

Be  it  therefore  Enacted  by  the  Senate  <&  House  of  Rej)- 
resentatives  in  General  Court  asse7nbled,  and  by  (he  author- 
ity of  the  same,  that  the  honorable  Thomas  Russell  esqr.  h~«^ 
Jonathan  Mason  esqr.,  John  Warren  ]\I  D  Revd.  Simeon  corporated. 
Howard  D  D  Revd  Samuel  Parker  D  D  John  Avery  junr 
Esqr.  Rcvd.  John  Lathrop  D  D  Revd.  Peter  Thacher  Revd. 
John  Clarke  Doctor  Thomas  Welsh  Aaron  Dexter  M  D 
&  Mr.  Nathaniel  Batch  together  with  all  those  who  now^ 
are,  and  such  others  who  shall  become  members  thereof 
be,  and  they  are  hereby  erected  into  and  made  a  body 
politick  corporate  forever  by  the  name  of  the  Humane 
Society  of  the  Commonwealth  of  Massachusetts. 

And  be  it  further  Enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  the  said  Corporation  are  hereby  declared  and  made  corporation^to^ 
capable  in  law  of  having,  holding,  purchasmg  and  takmg 
in  fee  simple,  or  any  less  estate,  by  gift,  grant,  devise,  or 
otherwise,  any  lands  tenements  or  other  estate  real  and 
personal ;  (Provided  that  the  annual  income  of  the  said  ^'°''''°- 
real  and  personal  estate  shall  not  exceed  the  sum  o^  fou^ 
thousand  pounds)  and  also  to  sell,  alien,  devise  or  dispose 
of  the  same  estate  real  and  personal,  not  using  the  same 
in  trade  or  commerce. 

And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  the  said  Corporation  shall  have  full  power  and  author-  Their  powers. 
ity  to  make,  have  and  use  a  common  Seal,  and  the  same  to 
break,  alter  &  renew  at  pleasure  ;  That  it  shall  be  capable 
in  law  to  sue  &  be  sued,  plead  and  be  impleaded,  answer 
and  be  answered  unto,  defend  and  be  defended  in  all 
Courts  of  record  or  other  Courts  or  places  whatsoever,  in 
all  actions  real  personal  and  mixed,  and  to  do  and  execute 
all  and  singular  other  matters  &  things,  that  to  them  shall 
and  may  appertain  to  do. 

A7id  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  the  said  Corporation  may  make,  establish  &  put  in  -To|f  ^^^^ 
execution  such  laws  and  regulations  as  may  be  necessary 
to  the  Government  of  said  Corporation,  Provided  the  same 
shall  in  no  case  be  repugnant  to  the  laws  and  Constitution 
of  this  State  ;  And  for  the  well  governing  of  the  said  -ZlrT'''''' 
Corporation  &  the  ordering  their  affairs,  they  shall  have 
such  officers  as  they  shall  hereafter  from  time  to  time  elect 


26 


Acts,  1790.  —  Chapter  20. 


-  Iiistitutiou. 


TTon.  Thomas 
RuBsell,  Esq. 
empowered  to 
call  a  meeting. 


Act  Buspended 
in  certain  cases 


and  appoint ;  and  such  officers  as  shall  be  desijrnated  by 
the  laws  and  regulations  of  the  said  Corporation  for  the 
purpose,  shall  be  capable  of  exercising  such  power  for  the 
well  governing  and  ordering  the  affairs  of  the  said  Corpo- 
ration, and  calling  and  holding  such  occasional  meetincrs 
for  that  purpose,  as  shall  ])e  fixed  and  determined  by  the 
said  laws  and  regulations. 

And  be  it  farther  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  the  end  and  design  of  the  institution  of  the  said  Soci- 
ety, is  for  the  recovery  of  persons  who  meet  with  such 
accidents  as  produce  in  them  the  appearance  of  death,  and 
for  promoting  the  cause  of  humanity  by  pursuing  such 
means  from  time  to  time,  as  shall  have  for  their  object  the 
preservation  of  human  life,  and  the  alleviation  of  its  mis- 
eries. 

Arid  be  it  farther  enacted,  that  the  place  where  the  first 
meeting  of  the  said  Society  shall  be  held,  shall  be  the 
town  oi Boston;  and  that  the  honorable  Thomas  Russell 
esqr.be,  and  he  hereby  is  authorized  &  empowered  to  fix 
the  time  for  holding  the  said  meeting,  and  to  notify  the 
same  to  the  members  of  the  said  Society  by  causing  the 
same  to  be  published  in  one  of  the  Boston  news  papers 
fourteen  days  before  the  time  fixed  on  for  holdino-  the 
said  meeting.  February  23,  1 791, 


1790.  — Chapter  20. 

[January  Session,  ch.  5.] 
AN  ACT  TO  SUSPEND  IN  CERTAIN  CA.SES,  THE  OPERATION  OF 
AN  ACT  PASSED  ON  THE  THIRTEENTH  DAY  OF  FEBRUARY 
ANNO  DOMINI,  ONE  THOUSAND  SEVEN  HUNDRED  &  EIGHTY 
SEVEN,  ENTITLED,  "AN  ACT  FOR  THE  LIMITATION  OF  PER- 
SONAL ACTIONS  &   FOR  AVOIDING  SUITS  AT  LAW." 

Whereas  the  operation  of  the  said  Act  for  the  limitation 
of  personal  Actions  Sfor  avoiding  suits  at  Law,  may  defeat 
of  their  just  demands  many  Creditors,  unless  a  longer  time 
is  allowed  for  commencing  &  suing  certain  Actions  therein 
mentioned,  than  is  provided  by  said  Act. 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  &  House  of  Representatives 
in  General  Goxirt  Assembled  &  by  the  authority  of  the 
same,  that  the  said  Act  passed  on  the  said  thirteenth  day 
of  February,  shall  be  so  far  suspended,  that  all  Actions 
of  Account,  &  all  Actions  of  Debt,  &  upon  the  case,  for 
or  upon  any  promise,  lending  or  contract,  which  by  the 


Acts,  1790.  —  Chapter  21.  27 

said  Act  are  limited  80  as  they  cannot  be  commenced  & 
sued  after  the  first  day  of  June  next,  shall  &  may  be 
commenced  &  sued  within  the  term  of  two  years  next  after 
the  first  day  of  June  aforesaid,  any  thing  in  the  said  Act 
passed  on  the  thirteenth  day  of  February  aforesaid  to  the 
contrary  hereof  notwithstanding. 

And  be  it  Enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid,  that  the  towu  oierks. 
Secretary  shall  forthwith  cause  this  Act,  to  be  printed  & 
sent  to  the  Clerk  of  each  town  &  District  in  this  Common- 
wealth ;  &  such  Clerks  are  hereby  required  to  cause  the  said  -ti^eir  duty. 
Act  respecting  the  limitation  of  personal  Actions  &  this 
Act  to  be  publickly  read  at  the  opening  of  the  Annual 
Meetings  of  the  said  Towns  or  Districts  for  the  choice  of 
Town  or  District  Officers,  &  also  at  their  annual  Meet- 
ings respectively  for  the  choice  of  Representatives,  until 
the  expiration  of  two  years  from  the  said  first  day  of  June 
next.  February  23,  1791. 


1790.  —  Chapter  21. 

[January  Session,  ch.  6.] 
AN   ACT    TO    SET   OFF    THE    NORTHWESTWARDLY     CORNER    OF 
FRAMINGHAM    IN    THE    COUNTY    OF    MIDDLESEX,    AND    TO 
ANNEX    THE    SAME    TO    THE    TOWN    OF    MARLBOROUGH    IN 
THE  SAME  COUNTY. 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representa- 
tives in  General  Court  assembled  and  by  the  authority  of 
the  same,  that  the  lands  herein  after  described,  {viz)  all  J^^l^J^^'^^' 
the  lands  1)elonging  to  Framingham  lying  west  of  a  Ime  ^n^°«^^d^\°g,^ 
Ijeginning  at  the  northwesterly  corner  of  Framingham  on 
Sudbury  \me,  thence  running  southerly  as  the  line  now 
runs  between  Sudbury  and  Framingham  to  the  southwest- 
erly corner  of  Sudbury,  thence  southerly  a  straight  line 
to  the  southeasterly  corner  oi  Marlborough,  with  all  the 
inhabitants  now  living  on  the  said  lands  {viz)  Jonathan 
Roberson  and  his  wife,  and  Patience  his  daughter,  and 
Mary  Broivn  his  grand  daughter,  the  widow  of  Amos 
Da7-ling  and  Amos^So  Daniel  her  children,  Jonas  Darling 
and  his  wife,  William,  Ethan,  Justin,  Darius  &  Lydia 
their  children,  be  and  they  are  hereby  set  ofi:'  from  the  town 
of  Framinqham  and  annexed  to  the  town  of  Marlborough, 
and  shall  forever  hereafter  be  considered  as  making  part 
of  the  same. 

Provided  nevertheless,  that  the  said  lands  with  the  in-  Proviso. 
habitants  thereon,  shall  be  still  holden  to  pay  their  pro- 


28 


Acts,  1790.  —  Chapters  22,  23. 


Inspectors  to 
be  sworn. 


Forfeiture  ia 
case  of  neglect. 


portionable  part  of  all  taxes  already  assessed  upon  them 
by  the  town  of  Framingham,  in  like  manner  as  thouo-h 
this  Act  had  never  been  made ;  and  shall  also  pay  their 
proportionable  part  of  all  State  taxes  previous  to  another 


general  valuation  being  established 


February  23,  1791. 


1790.  — Chapter  33. 

[January  Session,  oh.  7.] 
AN   ACT    FOR   THE   MORE    EFFECTUAL   CARRYING  INTO  EXECU- 
TION   THE    LAWS    REGULATING    THE   ALEWIVE   FISHERY    IN 
MATTEPOISET  RIVER  IN  THE   TOWN   OF  ROCHESTER. 

_  Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Bepresenta- 
tives  in  General  Court  assembled  and  by  the  authority  of 
the  same,  that  each  &  every  person  who  according  to  law 
shall  be  chosen  an  inspector  of  Mattepoiset  river  shall 
within  six  days  after  his  being  notified  by  a  Constable  of 
the  town  oi  Bochester  of  his  being  so  chosen,  take  the  fol- 
lowing oath  before  the  clerk  of  said  town  or  some  Justice 
of  the  peace  for  the  County  of  Plimouth,  viz: 

YO  U  A.  B.  being  chosen  an  inspector  of  Mattepoiset 
river  for  the  year  ensuing,  DO  SWEAR,  that  you  luill 
prosecute  all  breaches  of  the  laws  for  the  regulating  the  ale- 
iDive  fishery  in  said  river  the  year  ensuing,  ivhich  shall 
come  to  your  knoivledge.         So  help  you  GOD. 

And  be  it  further  enacted,  that  if  any  person  who  shall 
be  chosen  an  inspector  of  said  river,  as  aforesaid,  shall 
neglect  to  take  said  oath  for  the  space  of  six  days  after  he 
is  notified  of  his  being  so  chosen  as  aforesaid,  he  shall  for- 
feit to  the  use  of  the  said  town  of  Rochester  thirty  shillings 
to  be  recovered  by  the  Treasurer  of  said  town,  in  an  action 
of  debt  in  any  court  proper  to  try  the  same. 

February  23,  1791. 


1790.  — Chapter  33. 

[January  Session,  ch.  9.] 

AN  ACT  TO    INCORPORATE    THE    PLANTATION    OF    KENDUSKEE 
INTO  A  TOWN  BY  THE  NAME  OF   BANGOR. 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representa- 
tives in  General  Court  assembled  and  by  the  authority  of 
^orpomted.        ^^*6  'l^^^^f^  that  the  following  described  tract  of  land,  viz  — 
Beginning  at  a  stake  and  stones  on  the  bank  of  Penobscot 


Acts,  1790.  —  Chapter  24.  29 

river-  on  the  westerly  side  thereof,  near  Simon  Orosbj/s,  Boundaries. 
and  at  the  corner  of  township  number  one  in  the  first 
range,  thence  running  northwest  about  two  hundred  rods 
to  a  small  birch  tree,  then  west  on  the  north  line  of  num- 
ber one  first  range  two  miles  and  an  half  to  a  poplar  tree, 
then  north  by  number  two  in  the  second  range  six  miles  to 
a  poplar  tree,  thence  east  six  miles  to  a  large  white  pine 
tree  standing  in  a  great  bog,  thence  south  thirty  three 
degrees  east  "three  miles  and  an  half  to  a  small  poplar  on 
the  bank  of  Penobscot  river,  then  down  the  said  river  to 
the  first  mentioned  bounds,  together  with  the  inhabitants 
thereon  be  and  they  are  hereby  incorporated  into  a  town  by 
the  name  oi:  Bangor,  and  the  said  town  is  hereby  invested 
with  all  the  powers,  privileges  and  immunities  which  other 
towns  in  this  Commonwealth  do  or  may  enjoy  by  law. 

And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authoritij  aforesaid, 
that  Jonathan  Eddy  Esqr.  be  and  he  is  hereby  empow-  Jona-Eddy^Esq. 
ered  and  required  to  issue  his  warrant  directed  to  some  caii  a  meeting. 
suitable  inhabitant  of  the  said  Bangor,  to  meet  at  some  con- 
venient time  &  place  to  chuse  all  such  Officers  as  towns 
are  by  law  required  to  chuse  in  the  month  of  March  or 
April  annually.  February  25,  1791. 


1790.  —  Chapter  34. 

[January  Session,  cli.  10.] 
AN   ACT  SETTING  OFF  PART  OF  THE   COUNTY    OF   HANCOCK  & 
ANNEXING  IT   TO   THE   COUNTY   OF   LINCOLN. 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representa- 
tives in  General  Court  assembled  (&  by  the  authority  of  the 
same,  that  all  the  land  contained  within  the  following  Boundaries. 
bounds,  namely,  heghming  at  Little  Buck  Trap,  so  called, 
thence  running  northwesterly  on  the  northeasterly  line 
of  the  town  of  Cainbden  to  the  northerly  corner  of  said 
Cambden,  thence  continuing  on  the  same  course  with  the 
northeasterly  line  of  said  Cambden  until  it  intersects  the 
dividing  line  between  the  Counties  of  Lincoln  and  Han- 
cock, thence  running  southerly  to  Union,  thence  south- 
easterly on  the  east  line  of  Union,  Warren  &  Thomastown 
to  Penobscot  Bay,  thence  northerly  by  said  Bay  to  Little 
Duck  Trap  the  first  mentioned  bound,  with  all  the  Inhal>  l^J^^l^^^ll\f 
itants  thereon,  shall  be,  and  hereby  are  set  oft' from  the  Lincoln  co. 
County  of  Hancock  and  annexed  to  the  County  of  Lhi- 
coln :  — 


30 


Acts,  1790.  —  Chapter  25. 


Provided  nevertheless,  that  there  shall  be  the  same 
proceedings  and  doings  with  respect  to  all  actions  and 
suits  commenced  or  which  may  be  commenced,  &  all 
crimes  committed  or  which  may  be  committed,  and  all 
assessments  made,  before  the  first  day  oi  May  next  which 
would  have  been  had  if  this  Act  had  not  passed. 

And  it  is  further  enacted  that  the  foregoing  Act  shall 
be  in  force  from  and  after  the  first  day  of  May  next. 

March  3,  1791. 


Hallowell 
Academy. 


1790.— Chapter  25. 

[January  Session,  ch.  11.] 

AN  ACT  TO  ESTABLISH  AN  ACADEMY  IN  THE   TOWN    OF  HAL- 
LOWELL  BY  THE  NAME   OF  HALLOWELL  ACADEMY. 

Whereas  the  encouragement  of  literature  among  the  rising 
generation,  has  ever  been  considered  by  the  wise  &  good, 
as  an  object  ivorthy  of  the  most  serious  attention,  as  the 
safety  and  happiness  of  a  free  j^&ople  idtimately  depend 
upon  the  advantages  arising  from  a  pious,  virtuous,  and 
liberal  education;  And  Whereas  it  appears  from  a  petition 
of  a  large  number  of  inhabitants  in  the  County  of  Lincoln, 
that  a  sum  of  money  has  been  generously  subscribed  by  a 
mwiber  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Hallowell  &  its 
vicinity,  toivards  erecting  a  public  building  for  the  purpose 
of  an  Academy  in  said  town;  and  that  such  an  institution, 
besides  encowaging  the  inter-ests  of  literature  and  the  sci- 
ences and  diffusing  useful  knowledge  in  that  part  of  the 
Country,  may  otherwise  essentially  promote  the  interest  of 
the  Commonwealth : 

Be  it  therefore  Enacted  by  the  Senate  &  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives in  General  Court  assembled  (&  by  the  authority  of 
the  same,  that  there  be,  and  hereby  is  established  in  the 
town  of  Hallowell  in  the  County  oi  Lincoln,  an  Academy  by 
the  name  of  Halloivell  Acadetny,  for  the  purpose  of  promot- 
ing true  piety  and  virtue  &  for  the  education  of  j^outh  in 
the  English,  Latin,  Greek  &  French  languages,  together 
with  writing,  arithmetic,  and  the  art  of  speaking ;  also 
practical  geometry,  logic,  philosophy  &  geography,  & 
such  other  of  the  liberal  arts  and  sciences,  or  languages, 
as  opportunity  may  hereafter  permit,  and  as  the  Trustees 
herein  after  provided,  shall  direct. 

And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  the  honorable  Thomas  Rice,  the  honorable  Jonathan 


Acts,  1790.  —  Chapter  25.  31 

Bowman,  the  honorable  Nathaniel  Thwing,  the  honorable 
Dummer  Sewall,  the  honorable  Daniel  Cony,  the  honor- 
able Waterman  Thomas,  the  honorable  William  LitJigow 
junr  Esquires,  Revd.  Josiah  Winship  Revel.  Alexander 
M"  Lean,  William  Brooks  A.  M.  Henry  Dearborn,  Charles 
Vaughan,  Sa7nuel  Dutton,  Henry  Sewall,  Edmund  Bridge, 
Williatn  Howard,  Robert  Page  &  Samuel  Nichols  Esqrs. 
Nathaniel  Dummer  &  James  Garr  Gentlemen  be,  and 
they  hereby  are  nominated  &  appointed  trustees  of  the 
said  Academy,  &  they  are  herel)y  incorporated  into  a  body 
politic,  by  the  name  of  the  Trustees  of  Hallowell  Academy; 
and  they  &  their  successors  shall  be,  and  continue  a  body 
politic  and  corporate,  by  the  same  name  forever. 

And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  all  the  lands  and  monies  heretofore  subscribed  or  Property  to  be 
which  may  hereafter  be  subscribed,  which  by  a  legal  Ti^u^ees.'^^ 
instrument  hereafter  made,  shall  be  given,  granted  &, 
assigned  by  the  subscribers  unto  the  Trustees  of  Halloivell 
Academy,  shall  he  confirmed  to  the  said  Trustees  and  to 
their  successors  in  that  trust  forever,  for  the  uses  &  pur- 
poses, and  upon  the  trust,  which  in  the  said  instruments 
shall  be  expressed :  And  the  Trustees  aforesaid,  their 
successors,  &  the  Officers  of  said  Academy  are  hereby 
required  in  conducting  the  concerns  thereof,  and  in  all 
matters  relating  thereto,  to  regulate  themselves  conform- 
ably to  the  true  design  &  intention  of  this  Institution. 

And  be  it  further  Bnacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  the  said  Trustees  and  their  successors  shall  have  one  seai. 
common  seal  which  they  may  make  use  of  in  any  cause  or 
business  that  relates  to  the  said  office  of  Trustees  of  the 
said  Academy  &  they  shall  have  power  and  authority  to 
break,  change  &  renevv^  the  said  seal  from  time  to  time, 
as  they  shall  see  fit,  and  they  may  sue  and  be  sued  in  all 
actions  real  personal  &  mixed,  and  prosecute  &  defend  the 
same  unto  final  judgment  &  execution  by  the  name  of  the 
Trustees  of  Hallowell  Academy. 

And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  the  said  Thomas  Rice  esqr  &  others  the  Trustees  Their  powers. 
aforesaid  and  their  survivors  &  successors  shall  from  time 
to  time  have  full  power  and  authority  to  elect  a  Presi- 
dent, Vice  President  &  Treasurer,  a  Preceptor,  and  all 
such  other  Officers  of  the  said  Academy  as  they  shall 
judge  necessary  and  convenient,  &  to  make  &  ordain  such 
laws,  orders,  and  rules  for  the  good  government  of  the 


32 


Acts,  1790.  —  Chapter  25. 


Their  number. 


Vacancies 
Bupplied, 


Qualified  to 
receive  benefits. 


said  Academy,  as  to  them  the  said  Trustees  and  their  suc- 
cessors shall  from  time  to  time,  according  to  the  various 
occasions  and  circumstances  seem  most  fit  and  requisite, 
all  of  which  shall  be  observed  by  the  Officers,  Schollars 
and  Servants  of  the  said  Academy  upon  the  penalties 
therein  contained  : 

Provided  nevertheless,  that  the  said  rules,  laws  and 
orders  be  no  ways  contrary  to  the  laws  of  this  Common- 
wealth :  And  Provided  also  that  the  said  rules  or  orders 
shall  not  grant  or  establish  to  the  said  Trustees  their 
heirs  or  successors  any  peculiar  or  exclusive  advantages 
to  be  enjoyed  by  them  or  their  assigns  from  the  funds  of 
the  said  Academy. 

And  be  it  further  Enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  the  number  of  the  Trustees  aforesaid  and  their  suc- 
cessors shall  not  at  any  one  time  be  more  than  twenty  one 
nor  less  than  twelve,  a  major  part  of  whom  shall  consti- 
tute a  quorum  for  transacting  business,  and  a  major  part 
of  the  nieml:>ers  present  at  any  legal  meeting  shall  decide 
all  questions  that  shall  come  before  them,  except  in  the 
instance  herein  after  mentioned ;  and  that  a  major  part 
shall  consist  of  men  who  are  not  inhabitants  of  the  town 
where  the  Seminary  is  or  may  be  situate. 

And  to  perpetuate  the  succession  of  the  said  Trustees, 

Be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid,  that 
as  often  as  one  or  more  of  the  Trustees  of  the  said 
Hallowell  Academy  shall  die  or  resign  or  in  the  judg- 
ment of  the  major  part  of  the  other  Trustees,  be  rendered 
by  age  or  otherwise  incapable  of,  or  unfit  for  discharging 
the  duties  of  his  office,  then  and  so  often  the  Trustees 
then  surviving  or  remaining,  shall  elect  one  or  more  per- 
son or4oersons  to  supply  the  vacancy  or  vacancies. 

Be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid,  that  the 
Trustees  aforesaid  and  their  successors  be,  &  they  hereby 
are  rendered  capable  in  law  to  take  and  receive  by  gift, 
grant,  devise,  bequest  or  otherwise  any  lands  tenements 
or  other  estate  real  &  personal :  Provided  that  the  annual 
income  of  the  said  real  estate  shall  not  exceed  the  sum  of 
five  hundred  pounds,  and  the  annual  income  of  the  per- 
sonal estate  shall  not  exceed  the  sum  of  two  thousand 
pounds,  both  sums  to  be  valued  in  silver  at  the  rate  of 
six  shillings  and  eight  ^jence  the  ounce,  to  have  and  to 
hold  the  same  to  them  the  said  Trustees  &  their  succes- 
sors forever : 


Acts,  1790.  —  Chapter  25a.  33 

Provided  ahvays,  that  neither  the  said  Trustees  nor  their  Proviso, 
successors  shall  ever  receive  any  grant  or  donation,  the 
condition  whereof  shall  require  them  or  any  others  con- 
cerned, to  act  in  any  respect  counter  to  the  design  of 
this  Institution  :  And  all  deeds  &  instruments  which  the 
said  Trustees  may  lawfully  make,  shall,  when  made  in  the 
name  of  the  said  Trustees  and  signed  and  delivered  by  the 
Treasurer  &  sealed  with  the  common  Seal,  bind  the  said 
Trustees  and  their  successors,  and  be  valid  in  law. 

And  he  it  farther  enacted  hy  the  authority  aforesaid^ 
that  if  it  shall  hereafter  be  judged  upon  mature  &  impar — Empowered 
tial  consideration  of  all  circumstances  by  two  thirds  of  all  semlJTry^in''^ 
the  Trustees,  that  for  good  and  substantial  reasons  which  ''^^^• 
at  this  time  do  not  exist,  the  true  design  of  this  Institu- 
tion will  be  better  promoted  by  removing  the  Seminary 
from  the  place  where  it  is  founded,  in  that  case,  it  shall 
be  in  the  power  of  the  said  Trustees  to  remove  it  accord- 
ingly and   to  establish  it  at  such    place  within  the    said 
County  of  Lincoln  as  they  shall  judge  to  be  best  calcu- 
lated for  carrying  into  effectual  execution  the  intention 
and  true  design  of  this  Institution. 

And  he  it  further  enacted  that  Daniel  Cony  Esquire  be,  ^e"°'em^°°^' 
and  he  hereby  is  authorized  &  empowered  to  fix  the  time  powered, 
and  place  for  holding  the  first  meeting  of  the  said  Trus- 
tees, and  to  certify  them  thereof.  March  5,  1791. 

1790. -Chapter  35a.* 

[January  Session.] 

AN  ACT  FOR  APPORTIONING  &.  ASSESSING  A  TAX  OF  TWENTY 
FIVE  THOUSAND  THREE  HUNDRED  &  SIXTY  FIVE  POUNDS 
TWO  SHILLINGS  &  SEVEN  PENCE,  TO  ANSWER  THE  EXI- 
GENCIES OF  GOVERNMENT;  &  ALSO  FOUR  THOUSAND  ONE 
HUNDRED  &  ELEVEN  POUNDS  FOURTEEN  SHILLINGS  TO 
REPLACE  THE  SAME  SUM  DRAWN  OUT  OF  THE  TREASURY 
TO  PAY  THE  MEMBERS  OF  THE  HOUSE  OF  REPRESENTATIVES 
FOR  THEIR  ATTENDANCE  THE  THREE  LAST  SESSIONS  OF  THE 
GENERAL  COURT;  ALSO  FOR  ASSESSING  A  FURTHER  SUM 
OF  ELEVEN  POUNDS  FOURTEEN  SHILLINGS  SET  TO  THE 
TOWN  OF  BOWDOIN,  &  THE  SUM  OF  THIRTY  SIX  POUNDS 
NINETEEN  SHILLINGS  &  EIGHT  PENCE,  SET  ON  LANDS  OF 
THE  HEIRS  AND  ASSIGNS  OF  THE  LATE  BRIGADIER  WALDO. 

Whereas  it  has  become,  necessary  in  order  to  answer  the 
exigencies  of  Government,  that  the  Treasury  of  this  Com- 

*  Not  printed  in  session  pamphlet. 


34  Acts,  1790.  —  Chapter  2oa. 

monwealth  should  be  supplied  with  the  sum. of  Twenty 
Jive  thousand  three  hundred  S  sixty  Jive  pounds  two  shil- 
lings &  seven  pence. 

Be  it  therefore  Enacted  by  the  Senate  &  House  of 
Representatives  in  General  Court  assembled  &  by  the 
authority  of  the  same,  That  each  town,  district  &  plan- 
tation &  other  place  herein  after  named  within  this  Com- 
monwealth, shall  be  assessed  &  pay  the  several  sums 
with  which  they  stand  respectively  charged  in  the  follow- 
ing Schedule.     Viz. 


Acts,  1790.  —  Chapter  25a. 


35 


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36 


Acts,  1790. 


Chapter  25a. 


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38 


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Acts,  1790.  —  Chapter  25a. 


39 


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Acts,  1790.  —  Chapter  25a. 


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41 


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42 


Acts,  1790.  —  Chapter  25a. 


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43 


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44 


Acts,  1790.  —  Chapter  25a. 


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Acts,  1790.  —  Chapter  25a. 


45 


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46 


Acts,  1790.  —  Chapter  25a. 


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Acts,  1790.  —  Chapter  25a. 


47 


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48 


Acts,  1790.  —  Chapter  25a. 


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Acts,  1790.  —  Chapter  25a. 


49 


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50 


Acts,  1790.  —  Chapter  25a. 


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•ill.  Wi- 
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liilt 

Acts,  1790.  —  Chapter  25a.  51 

And  be  it  further  Unacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  the  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth,  do  forthwith 
send  his  warrants,  directed  to  the  Selectmen  or  Assessors 
of  each  town,  district,  plantation  or  other  place  within 
this  Commonwealth,  that  are  taxed  as  aforesaid,  requiring 
such  Selectmen  or  Assessors  respectively,  to  assess  the 
sum  hereby  set  upon  such  town  or  other  place,  in  manner 
following,  that  is  to  say, — To  assess  all  the  male  polls 
above  the  age  of  sixteen  years,  within  their  respective 
towns  or  other  places  next  adjoining  them,  l)elonging 
to  no  other  town  or  place,  provided  such  places  were 
returned  in  the  last  valuation,  (including  Negroes,  Mulat- 
toes,  and  such  of  them  as  are  under  the  government 
of  a  Master  or  Mistress,  to  be  taxed  to  such  Master  or 
Mistress  respectively,  in  the  same  manner  as  Minors  and 
Ap})rentices  are  taxed)  at  one  shilling  and  nine  pence  each  ; 
and  the  remainder  of  such  sum  so  set  to  each  town  or 
other  place  respectively,  as  aforesaid,  after  deducting  the 
sums  assessed  on  the  polls  as  aforesaid,  on  the  inhabitants 
of  such  town  or  other  place  as  aforesaid,  according  to  the 
just  value  of  the  whole  real  estate  by  each  inhabitant  of 
such  town  or  other  place,  respectively,  possessed  on  the 
first  day  of  May  next,  in  his  own  right,  or  right  of  others, 
lying  within  the  said  town  or  place,  improved  or  not 
improved,  and  on  the  non-resident  possessors  of  real 
estate  lying  within  the  said  town  or  place  in  their  own 
right,  or  right  of  others,  improved  or  unimproved,  saving 
all  agreements  between  landlords  &  tenants,  and  where  no 
agreement  is,  the  landlord  to  reimburse  one  half  the  tax  ; 
and  also  on  the  inhabitants  of  such  town  or  place,  and 
other  persons  possessing  estate  within  the  same,  according 
to  the  proportion  of  the  amount  of  the  just  value  of  their 
personal  estate,  including  monies  at  interest  more  than 
they  pay  interest  for,  although  the  same  be  secured  by  an 
absolute  conveyance  of  real  estate,  if  a  bond  of  defeasance 
or  promise  of  reconveyance  has  been  given,  (excepting 
only  such  monies  as  are  lent  to  Government,  and  by  an 
Act  of  Government  expressly  exempted  from  taxation) 
monies  of  all  kinds  on  hand,  and  also  the  just  amount  of 
the  value  of  all  goods,  wares  &  merchandize,  stock  in 
trade,  vessels  of  all  sorts  at  home  or  abroad,  with  their 
stores,  appurtenances  and  appendages,  plate,  horses,  oxen 
and  cattle  of  all  kinds  and  ages,  swine  and  grain  of  all 
sorts,  and  all    kinds  of  the   produce  of   the  land,  &  all 


52  Acts,  1790.  —  Chapter  25a. 

other  property  of  what  khid  soever  (excepting  sheep, 
household  furniture,  wearing  apparel,  farming  utensils  and 
tools  of  Mechanicks)  on  the  first  day  of  May  next:  And 
the  Assessors  of  the  respective  towns  or  other  places  as 
aforesaid,  shall  estimate  all  the  before  enumerated  articles, 
at  six  per  cent,  upon  the  real  value  of  the  same,  in  the 
places  where  the}^  are  (excepting  unimproved  lands,  which 
shall  be  estimated  at  two  per  cent.)  and  on  the  amount  of 
the  incomes  of  the  inhabitants  within  their  respective  pre- 
cincts as  aforesaid,  from  any  profession,  faculty,  handi- 
craft, trade  or  employment,  or  gained  by  trading  by  land 
or  sea.  And  the  Treasurer  in  his  said  warrants,  shall 
likewise  require  the  said  Assessors  respectively,  to  make 
a  fair  list  of  such  assessment,  setting  forth  in  distinct  col- 
umns, against  each  person's  name,  how"  much  he  or  she  is 
assessed  at  for  polls,  how  much  for  real  estate,  how  much 
for  personal  estate,  faculty  and  income  by  trade  as  afore- 
said ;  and  if  as  guardian,  or  for  any  estate  in  his  or  her 
improvement  in  trust,  to  be  distinctly  expressed  ;  and  also 
to  insert  on  their  rate  bills,  the  number  of  acres  of  unim- 
proved land,  which  they  have  taxed  to  each  of  the  non 
resident  proprietors  of  lands  within  their  respective  towns 
or  places,  and  also  the  real  value  at  which  they  have  esti- 
mated the  same ;  And  the  list  or  lists  so  compleated,  and 
signed  by  them  in  manner  as  aforesaid,  or  by  the  major 
part  of  them  to  commit  to  the  Collector  or  Collectors, 
Constable  or  Constables  of  such  town  or  place  respectively, 
with  a  warrant  or  warrants  in  due  form  of  law,  for  collect- 
ing and  paying  the  same  to  the  Treasurer  of  this  Common- 
wealth, on  or  before  the  first  day  of  January  next,  and  to 
return  a  certificate  of  the  name  or  names  of  such  Collector 
or  Collectors,  Constable  or  Constables,  with  the  sum  total 
committed  to  them  to  collect,  to  the  said  Treasurer  some- 
time before  the  first  day  of  October  next. 

And  whereas  there  are  many  persons  within  this  Com- 
monwealth, who  are  engaged  in  trade,  and  who  almost 
entirely  negociate  their  business  and  hire  shops,  stores  or 
wharves,  in  other  towns  than  where  they  dwell  or  reside, 
and  whose  property  and  ability  in  this  regard,  cannot  be 
80  well  known  to  the  Assessors  of  the  several  towns 
wherein  such  persons  dwell  or  reside,  as  to  the  Assessors 
of  the  several  towns  wherein  their  business  is  transacted 
as  aforesaid  — 

Be  it  therefore  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid,  that 
all  such  persons  within  the  description  aforesaid,  shall  be 


Acts,  1790.  —  Chapter  25a.  53 

assessed  and  pay  taxes  for  such  of  their  goods,  wares, 
merchandize,  stock  in  trade,  ships  and  vessels  as  are  sold, 
used,  or  improved  in  other  towns  than  where  they  reside, 
in  such  towns,  and  by  the  Assessors  thereof,  and  not  in 
the  towns  where  such  persons  dwell  or  reside,  and  they 
shall  accordingly  give  in  on  oath,  if  required,  a  list  of 
their  whole  estate,  to  the  Assessors  of  their  respective 
towns  or  places  of  residence,  distinguishing  what  part 
thereof  is  rateable  in  other  towns,  and  in  defp^ult  thereof, 
shall  be  doomed  by  the  Assessors  respectively.  Provided 
always,  that  this  clause  be  not  in  any  case  so  construed  as 
to  enable  any  town  to  tax  any  inhabitant  of  any  other 
town  for  any  estate  for  which  such  town  hath  been  charged 
in  the  last  valuation. 

Provided  nevertheless,  and  be  it  further  enacted  by  the 
authority  aforesaid,  that  the  following  persons  viz.  The 
President,  JProfessors,  Tutors,  Librarian,  and  the  Students 
of  Harvard  College,  who  have  their  usual  residence  there 
and  who  enjoy  no  other  pecuniary  office  or  employment ; 
also  settled  Ministers  of  the  Gospel,  and  Grammar  School- 
Masters,  are  not  to  be  assessed  for  their  polls  or  estates, 
unless  their  estates  be  not  under  their  actual  management 
or  improvement,  or  not  in  the  parishes  in  which  they  are 
settled  ;  and  also  all  persons  who  have  the  management  or 
improvement  of  the  estate  of  Harvard  College  are  not  to 
be  assessed  for  the  same,  nor  Indians  for  their  polls  or 
estates ;  and  if  there  be  any  others  who  by  reason  of  age, 
infirmity  or  })overty,  are  unable  to  pay  as  others,  towards 
the  public  charges,  or  any  widows  or  orphans,  who  depend- 
ing on  the  interest  of  their  money  for  subsistence,  or  who 
receiving  pa[)er  money  in  the  course  of  the  late  war  have 
been  so  far  reduced,  as  that,  in  the  judgment  of  the 
Assessors,  they  ought  to  be  relieved  in  their  taxes,  in  any 
such  case,  the  Assessors  may  exempt  the  polls  and  estates 
of  such  persons,  or  abate  any  part  of  what  they  are  set  at, 
as  they  on  their  oaths  shall  deem  just  &  equitable. 

And  be  it  farther  enacted,  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  the  Justices  of  the  Peace  at  their  respective  sessions 
in  their  several  Counties,  when  duly  authorized  for  the 
assessment  of  a  County  tax,  shall  apportion  the  same  on 
the  several  towns  or  other  places  in  their  respective 
Counties  as  aforesaid,  in  the  proportions  of  this  tax : 
And  the  Assessors  of  each  town,  parish  or  other  place 
within  this  Commonwealth,  in  making  County,  town  or 
parish  taxes,  shall  govern  themselves  by  the  same  rule, 


54  Acts,  1790.  —  Chapter  25a. 

having  regard  to  all  such  alterations  of  polls,  or  of  prop- 
erty, as  may  happen  within  the  same,  subsequent  to  their 
assessing  this  tax  as  aforesaid  :  And  the  Assessors  of  the 
several  towns  which  by  this  Act  are  charged  with  the  pay 
of  Representatives,  shall  assess  such  additional  sum  on  the 
polls  and  estates  as  aforesaid,  within  their  respective  towns, 
and  shall  apportion  the  same  in  the  proportions  at  which 
such  polls  and  estates  shall  be  respectively  set  for  raising 
the  sum  of  T'^enty  five  thousand  three  hundred  sixty  five 
pounds  tivo  shillings  and  seven  2^ence, 

And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  the  sum  oi  eleven  pounds  fourteen  shillings  be  assessed 
upon  the  town  of  Bowdoin  in  the  County  of  Lincoln,  and 
the  same  proceedings  shall  be  had  for  the  levying  & 
collecting  the  same,  as  herein,  and  by  law  are  provided, 
respecting  the  tax  herein  granted,  &  to  be  assessed  upon 
other  towns. 

And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  the  further  sum  of  thirty  six  pounds  nineteen  shillings 
and  eight  pence  be  assessed  upon  the  lands  comprehended 
within  the  claims  of  the  heirs  and  assigns  of  the  late  Brig- 
adier Waldo,  which  are  not  liable  to  be  taxed  by  virtue 
of  any  preceeding  clause  in  this  Act ;  and  the  Treasurer 
of  this  Commonwealth,  shall  send  his  warrant  to  the 
Sheriff  of  the  County  of  Lincoln,  requiring  him  to  collect 
the  same,  in  the  same  manner  as  Constables  or  Collectors 
are  authorized  and  directed  to  proceed  in  the  collecting 
of  taxes  laid  on  non  resident  proprietors  of  unimproved 
lands,  and  to  pay  the  same  into  the  pul)lic  Treasury  on  or 
before  the  first  day  of  January  next. 

And  whereas  sundry  towns  in  the  County  of  Berkshire, 
have  been  abated  in  the  valuation,  by  order  of  the  Gen- 
eral Court,  in  consideration  of  the  alterations  which  such 
towns  have  suffered  by  the  running  of  the  line  between 
this  State,  and  the  State  oi  JSfew  York; 

Be  it  therefore  further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  the  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth,  shall  make  and 
deduct  those  abatements  in,  and  from  the  several  sums 
hereby  set  against  such  towns  respectively,  before  he  shall 
issue  his  warrants  therefor. 

And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  the  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth  be  and  he 
hereby  is  directed  to  issue  his  warrant  to  the  town  of 
^ivanzey,  for  the  sum  of  ninety  three  pounds  nine  shillings 


Acts,  1790.  —  Chapter  26.  55 

and  jive  joence;  and  also  to  issue  his  warrant  to  the  town 
of  So?nerset,  for  the  sum  oi'  sixty  two  ]}ounds  four  shillings 
and  three  j)ence  —  Provided  nevertheless  that  whenever  a 
settlement  of  the  proportion  to  be  paid  l)y  the  aforesaid 
towns  shall  take  place,  that  town  which  shall  appear  to 
be  over  charged  by  this  Act,  shall  be  refunded  by  the 
other  of  the  towns  beforementioned. 

And  be  it  further  enacted  that  the  Assessors  of  the 
plantation  of  Medumcook  and  the  Assessors  of  the  town  of 
Gushing  he  and  they  are  hereby  required  to  apportion  the 
joint  sums  assessed  on  said  town  and  plantation  in  the 
same  proportion  as  the  plantation  of  8t.  Georges  (now 
Gushing)  and  the  Plantation  of  Medumcooh  stood  in  the 
last  valuation,  making  such  alteration  as  has  taken  place 
by  the  alteration  of  the  bounds  of  said  places  by  the  Act 
incorporating  the  town  of  Gushing. 

And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  no  order  shall  be  drawn  by  the  Treasurer  of  this 
Commonwealth,  on  any  Constable  or  Collector,  of  this 
tax,  for  any  i)art  of  the  same.  March  5,  1791. 


l-^OO.  —  Chapter  26. 

[January  Session,  ch.  12.] 

AN  ACT  FOR  INCORPORATING  A  CERTAIN  PART  OF  THE  TOWN 
OF  LEE  INTO  A  SCHOOL  DISTRICT,  BY  THE  NAME  OF  THE 
HOPLAND  SCHOOL  DISTRICT. 

Whereas  it  appears  to  this  Gourt,  that  certain  lands  Preamble. 
lying  in  that  part  of  the  town  of  Lee,  which  formerly  be- 
longed to  the  toivn  of  Great  Barrington  in  the  Gounty  of 
Berkshire,  were  appropriated  for  the  use  <&  support  of 
Schools,  which  lands  by  the  Act  of  incorporation  of  the 
said  Town  o/'Lee  are  reserved  to  the  said  Town  o/"Lee  ; 

And  whereas  it  also  appears  that  the  said  Town  of  Lee 
have  since  their  being  incorporated  as  aforesaid,  relin- 
quished their  right  in  said  lands  (so  far  as  respects  the 
support  of  Schools  in  the  said  toivn  of  Lee)  to  those 
persons  who  do  now,  and  ivho  may  hereafter  reside  on  the 
same  lands; 

And  ivhereas,  in  order  to  carry  the  good  design  of  the 
appropriation  aforesaid  into  effect,  it  is  found  necessary, 
that  the  persons  residing  on  the  said  lands  should  be  incor- 
porated into  a  School  District  as  aforesaid; 


56 


Acts,  1790.  —  Chapter  26. 


Hopland  School 
District  in- 
corporated. 


Their  powers. 


Eben.  Jenkins, 
Esq.  im- 
powered. 


Inhabitants 
im  powered. 


Be  it  therefore  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  liejJ- 
resentatives  in  General  Court  assembled  &  hy  the  author- 
ity of  the  same,  that  all  the  inhabitants  now  living  on  the 
aforesaid  lands,  or  that  may  hereafter  live  on  the  same, 
with  all  their  estates  be  and  they  hereb}^  are  incorporated 
into  a  School  District  by  the  name  of  The  Hopland  School 
District,  in  the  Town  of  Lee  as  aforesaid  — 

And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  the  inhabitants  of  the  said  Hopland  School  District 
be  and  they  hereby  are  vested  with  all  the  privileges, 
powers  and  immunities  necessary  for  enal)ling  them  to 
use  &  improve  all  the  monies  that  have  or  may  arise  in 
consequence  of  the  aforesaid  appropriations,  for  the  sup- 
port of  a  School  or  Schools  in  the  said  Hopland  School 
District;  but  the  said  inhabitants  are  still  to  be  consid- 
ered as  belonging  to  the  said  town  of  Lee,  in  every 
respect,  saving  their  being  subject  to  be  taxed  to  the  sup- 
port of  Schools  in  the  other  parts  of  said  town. 

And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  Ebenezer  Jenkins  Esqr.  be  &  he  hereby  is  impow- 
ered  to  issue  his  warrant  directed  to  some  one  principal 
inhabitant  of  the  District  aforesaid,  requiring  him  to  warn 
a  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  District  aforesaid,  qual- 
ified by  law  to  vote  in  District  affairs,  to  assemble  at  some 
time  &  place  within  the  said  Hopland  School  District,  to 
be  mentioned  in  the  same  warrant,  for  the  purpose  of  chus- 
ing  such  Officers  as  may  ])e  necessary  for  transacting  the 
affairs  of  the  District  aforesaid,  so  far  as  respects  Schools 
only,  according  to  the  power  and  authority  given  by  this 
Act ;  and  the  said  inhabitants  qualified  as  aforesaid,  being 
so  assembled,  shall  be  &  they  hereby  are  impowered  to 
chuse  such  officers  as  may  be  necessary  for  the  purpose 
aforesaid. 

Provided  always  that  the  inhabitants  of  the  aforesaid 
Hopland  School  District,  shall  keep  maintain  and  support 
within  the  said  District,  their  proportionable  part  of  all 
Schools  by  law  hereafter  required  to  be  kept,  maintained 
and  supported  within  the  aforesaid  Town  of  Lee. 

March  7,  1791, 


Acts,  1790.  —  Chapters  27,  28.  57 


1790.  —  Chapter  37. 

[January  SeBsion,  ch.  13.] 

AN  ACT  RErEALlNG  PART  OF  AN  ACT,  INTITLED,  "AN  ACT 
PROVIDING  A  SPEEDY  METHOD  FOR  DOING  JUSTICE,  WHEN 
THROUGH  MISTAKE  EXECUTIONS  ARE  LEVIED  ON  REAL  ES- 
TATE NOT   BELONGING  TO   THE  DEBTORS." 

Be  it  Enacted  hy  the  Senate  d-  House  of  Representatives 
in  General  Court  assembled  &  by  the  authority  of  the 
same,  that  the  provisionary  clause  in  said  Act,  declaring  clause  repealed. 
that  no  application  by  any  Creditor  shall  be  sustained  after 
the  expiration  of  two  years  from  the  time  of  extending  & 
levying  any  Execution,  through  mistake,  upon  estate  that 
did  not  belong  to  the  Debtor,  l)e  and  hereby  is  repealed 
and  made  null  and  void.  March  7,  1791. 

1790.  — Chapter  38. 

[January  Session,  ch.  14.] 

AN  ACT  IN  ADDITION  TO,  AND  TO  AMEND  AND  EXPLAIN  AN 
ACT  PASSED  THE  SEVENTH  DAY  OF  JULY  SEVENTEEN  HUN- 
DRED AND  EIGHTY  FOUR,  INTITLED  "AN  ACT  FOR  ERECT- 
ING A  DISTRICT  IN  THE  COUNTY  OF  SUFFOLK  BY  THE  NAME 
OF   DOVER." 

Whereas  disputes  have  subsisted  respecting  the  dividing  preamble. 
line  betiveen  the  said  District  of  Dover  and  the  town  of 
Dedham, — for  the  preventing  of  which  in  future, 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representa- 
tives in  General  Court  assembled  &  by  the  authority  of  the 
same,  that  the  following  lines,  Vizt.  Beginning  at  a  cor-  Boundaries. 
ner  of  the  town  of  Walpole  near  Bubling  Brook,  so  called, 
where  it  crosses  Medfeld  road,  thence  running  a  strait 
line  to  the  westerly  end  of  the  House  lot  of  J^athaniel 
Richards  deceased,  and  by  said  House  lot  to  Charles 
River,  shall  be  forever  hereafter  understood  perambulated 
and  taken,  and  hereby  is  established  to  be  the  dividing 
line  between  the  said  town  of  Dedham  and  District  of 
Dover,  any  thing  in  the  said  former  act  to  the  contrary 
hereof  notwithstanding. 

Provided  always,  that  this  act  shall  not  be  considered  Proviso, 
to  aftect  the  collecting  of  taxes  now  assessed  within  said 
town  and  District,  but  the  same  shall  be  demanded  &  col- 
lected in  the  same  manner  as  though  this  act  had  never 
passed,  March  7,  1791, 


58 


Acts,  1790.  —  Chapters  29,  30. 


Times 

appointed  for 
catching  Fish. 


Penally. 


1790.  — Chapter  39. 

[January  Session,  eh.  15.] 

AN    ACT    FOR    REGULATING    THE    FISHERY    IN    CONNECTICUT 
RIVER. 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representa- 
tives in  General  Court  assembled  and  by  the  authority  of 
the  same,  that  no  person  or  persons  shall  between  the 
fifteenth  clay  of  March  and  the  fifteenth  day  of  June  in 
any  year,  set  or  draw  any  sein  or  seins  or  any  other  ma- 
chine for  the  purpose  of  catching  fish  in  Connecticut  river 
or  in  any  river  or  stream  falling  into  the  same,  from  the 
rising  of  the  Sun  on  Saturday  morning  until  the  rising  of 
the  Sun  on  Tuesday  morning :  And  every  person  that 
shall  be  convicted  of  any  breach  of  this  Act,  shall  forfeit 
the  sum  oi  ten  pounds,  and  also  the  value  of  the  seine  and 
other  machines  or  utensils  used  in  fishing  as  aforesaid,  to 
be  recovered  by  any  person  who  shall  sue  for  the  same 
before  any  Court  having  jurisdiction  thereof.  And  all 
Acts  heretofore  made  for  regulating  the  fishery  in  the 
rivers  &  streams  aforesaid,  are  hereby  repealed. 

March  7,  1791. 


Time  and 
boundaries  of 
restrictions. 


Penalty. 


1-790.  — Chapter  30. 

[January  Session,  ch.  16.] 

AN  ACT  TO  PREVENT  DAMAGE  BEING  DONE  TO  THE  BEACH  AND 
MEADOWS  ON  THE  SOUTH  SIDE  OF  THE  TOWN  OF  EDGAR- 
TON,  IN  THE  COUNTY  OF  DUKES  COUNTY  &  TO  THE  CREEKS 
ADJOINING  THERETO,  BY  CATTLE,  SHEEP  AND  HORSES  PASS- 
ING OVER  THE  SAME;  AND  FOR  PRESERVING  THE  FISH  IN 
THE    SAID   CREEKS. 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representa- 
tives in  General  Court  assembled  and  by  the  authority  of 
the  same,  that  from  and  after  the  passing  this  Act,  it  shall 
not  be  lawfull  for  any  person  whatever  to  turn  out,  feed, 
or  let  run  at  large  any  neat  Cattle,  Sheep  or  Horse  kind 
upon  said  Beach  or  Meadow  eastward  of  a  south  direction 
from  the  point  of  land,  called  JoVs  JSfeck  to  a  place,  called 
Waqua  point,  from  the  fifteenth  day  of  April  to  the  tenth 
day  of  October  annually,  upon  the  penalty,  for  each  offence 
of  three  shillings  a  head  for  all  neat  Cattle  and  Horse  kind, 
and  six  pence  a  head  for  all  Sheep,  so  turned  out,  fed  or 
let  run  at  large  on  the  Beach  or  Meadow  aforesivid,  to  be 


Acts,  1790.  —  Chapter  31.  59 

sued  for  and  recovered  by  any  proprietor  of  said  Beach 
Meadow  or  Creeks,  before  any  Justice  of  the  Peace  within 
and  for  the  County  aforesaid,  by  action  of  debt  to  the  sole 
use  and  benefit  of  the  person  who  shall  make  complaint 
thereof  &  prosecute  for  the  same  : 

Provided  nevertheless,  that  if  any  agent  or  agents  ap-  Provisos, 
pointed  by  the  proprietors  aforesaid,  shall  prosecute,  and 
recover  any  penalties  incurred  by  this  Act,  the  penalties 
so  recovered  shall  be  for  the  use  and  benefit  of  said  Propri- 
etors :  Provided  also,  that  the  proprietors  and  owners  of 
the  said  Beach,  Meadow  and  Creeks,  and  the  land  adjoin- 
ing said  Beach,  shall  be  held  to  maintain  and  keep  in  usual 
repair,  the  fence  from  sho7't  neck,  so  called,  to  a  place 
called  MattaJcessett  Bay. 

And  whereas  the  opening  a  small  pond,  called  the  Oyster 
pond,  in  the  town  aforesaid^  in  certain  seasons  of  the  year 
is  found  prejudicial  to  the  fisheries  in  said  Creeks; 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid,  that  if  any  per- 
son or  persons  whatever  from  and  after  the  passing  this 
Act  shall  presume  to  dig,  or  make  any  opening  from  the 
said  Oyster  pond  into  the  Sea,  from  the  tenth  day  of 
March  to  the  twenty  fifth  day  of  April  annually,  each, 
and  every  person  so  ofi'ending  shall  forfeit  and  pay  a  sum 
not  less  than  three  pounds,  nor  more  than  fifteen  jyoimds, 
to  be  sued  for  and  recovered  in  any  Court  proper  to  try 
the  same,  in  the  County  aforesaid  ;  the  one  moiety  thereof 
for  the  l)enGfit  of  the  poor  of  said  town,  the  other  moiety 
for  him  or  them  who  shall  sue  for,  and  recover  the  same. 

This  Act  to  continue,  and  lie  in  force  for  the  term  of  J^™  ce."*"' 
three  years  from  the  passing  thereof,  &  no  longer. 

March  7,  1791. 


1790.  —  Chapter  31. 

[January  Session,  ch.  17.] 

AN  ACT  FOR  INCORPORATING  A  NUMBER  OF  INHABITANTS  OF 
THE  TOWN  OF  WINDHAM  IN  THE  COUNTY  OF  CUMBER- 
LAND, INTO   A  RELIGIOUS  SOCIETY. 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representa- 
tives in  General  Court  assembled  and  by  the  authority  of 
the  same,  that  Ichabod  Hanson,  Daniel  Pettingill,  Jacob  lolH^liX 
Elliot,  Jacob  Elliot  Junr.,  Peter  Bolton,  Ezekiel  Hanson, 
James  Bolton,  Joseph  Hutchinson,  Samuel  Hutchinson, 
John  Muckford,  Robert  Muckford,  Eben  Proctor,    WiU 


60 


Acts,  1790.  —  Chapter  32. 


Joaiah 

Thatcher,  Esq. 
to  issue  his 
warrant. 


Uam  Proctor,  Ridiard  Shane,  Samuel  Hanson,  William 
Hanson,  Andrew  Twomhly,  Joseph  Elder,  Ezra  Hanson, 
Charles  Elder,  Simon  Lore,  Moses  Puttengill,  Josiah 
Webb,  Daniel  Crockett,  Richard  Stevens,  Robert  Mil- 
lions, Jonathan  Stevens,  Thomas  Millions,  John  Wind- 
ship,  Richard  Windship,  Gersham  Windship,  Thomas 
Cragiie,  Joshua  Windship,  Joseph  Ghesley,  Ichabod  Han- 
son junior,  Samuel  Lord,  Stephen  Hutchinson,  Nicholas 
Anthoine,  Josiah  Austin,  William  Mayberry,  Jonathan 
Robbards  &  Samuel  Robbards  the  petitioners,  together 
with  their  families  and  estates,  be  &  they  hereby  are  in- 
corporated into  a  religious  Society,  by  the  name  of  the 
Baptist  Society  in  the  town  of  Windham,  with  all  the 
privileges,  powers  and  immunities  which  any  parish  or 
corporate  religious  Society  in  this  Commonwealth  is  inti- 
tled  to  by  Law. 

A7id  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  Josiah  Thatcher  Esqr.  be  and  he  hereby  is  author- 
ized to  issue  his  warrant,  directed  to  some  principal 
member  of  said  Society,  directing  him  to  warn  the  mem- 
bers thereof  to  assemble  at  some  suitable  time  and  place 
in  said  town,  to  chuse  such  Officers  as  are  required  by  law 
to  be  chosen  by  parishes  in  the  month  of  March  or  A2:>7'il 
annually,  &  to  transact  all  such  matters  and  things  as  may 
be  necessary  and  can  legally  be  done  in  said  Society. 

March  7,  1791. 


Persons 
incorporated. 


1790.  —  Chapter  32. 

[January  Session,  ch.  18.] 

AN  ACT  FOR  INCORPORATING  A  NUMBER  OF  THE  INHABITANTS 
OF  THE  TOAVN  OF  GORHAM  IN  THE  COUNTY  OF  CUMBER- 
LAND INTO  A  DISTINCT  SOCIETY. 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  &  House  of  Representa- 
tives in  General  Court  assembled  and  by  the  authority  of 
the  same,  that  George  Thombs,  Enoch  Waite,  Ebenezer 
Hamblin,  Nathaniel  Stevens,  Daniel  Mann,  Samuel 
Crocket  ^unv.,  Charles  Thombs,  Lemuel  Hicks,  Barnabas 
Bangs  junr.  Thomas  Bangs,  William  Burton,  Gershom 
Hamblin,  Isaac  Elder,  Nathaniel  Freeman,  Samuel 
Thombs,  Andrew  Cobb,  Barnabas  Bangs,  William  File, 
Elisha  Strout,  George  Hamblin,  Jonathan  Freeman, 
James  McCorson,  Amos  Rich,  James  Ross,  Ebenezer 
Bangs,  Lemuel  McCouren,  John  Ward,  Ebenezer  Cotton, 
Joel   Sawyer,  David   Elvil   Morton,    Ebenezer  Morton^ 


Acts,  1790.  —  Chapter  33.  61 

James  Morton,  Nathan  Hanscum,  Christopher  Plumer, 
Isaac  Irish,  Isaac  Plumer,  John  IJaskel  junr  ,  Reuben 
Libbee,  Edward  Webb,  Joseph  Hodgdon,  John  Lombard, 
John  Oarsley,  John  Carsley  junr.  Thomas  Bolton  Jere- 
miah Clement,  William  Bolton,  Daniel  Gammon,  Wil- 
liam Lakeman,  Ephraim  Crocket,  Pelatiah  Crocket, 
Thomas  Paine,  Benjamin  Cate,  James  Mcintosh,  Reuben 
Elder,  Benjamin  Chamberlain,  Ebenezer  Cobb,  Samuel 
Elder,  Samuel  Warren,  Micah  Whitney,  James  Gilkey, 
Hart  Williams,  &,  Jonathan  Crocket  members  of  the  said 
religious  Society,  together  with  their  families  and  estates 
be,  and  they  hereby  are  incorporated  by  the  name  of  the 
Baptist  reliijious  Society  of  Gorham,  with  all  the  privi- 
ledges  powers  &  imnuinities  to  which  other  parishes  in  the 
Commonwealth  are  l\y  law  entitled. 

And  be  it  farther  enacted  that  every  person  in  the  town  Method  of  pro- 
of Gorham,  who  shall  at  any  time  hereafter  actually  be-  tolse'^conBiderld 
come  a  member  of,  and  unite  in  religious  worship  with  any  tnembers. 
Society  in  said  town,  and  give  in  his  or  her  name  to  the 
Selectmen  of  the  town  with  a  Certificate  signed  by  the 
minister  of  the  Society  to  which  he  or  she  is  so  united, 
purporting  that  the   same   person   is   a   member  of,  and 
unites  in  religious  worship    with   such   Society,  fourteen 
days  previous  to  the   town   meeting   therein    to  be  held 
in  the  month  of  March  or  A^jril  annually,  shall  from  and 
after  such  meeting,  with  his  or  her  families  and  estates 
be  considered  a  member  of  such  Society. 

And  be  it  further  enacted,  that  Josiah  Thacher  Esqr.  josiah 
be,  and  he  is  hereby  authorised  to  issue  his  Warrant  di-  JoimnJhfa^"^' 
rected  to   some    principal    member  of  the  said  Society,  wmrant. 
requiring  him  to  warn  the  members  of  the  said  Society 
qualified  to  vote   in  parish  affairs,  to  assemble  at   some 
suitable  time  &  place  in  said  town,  to  chuse  such  parish 
Officers,  as  are  by  law  required  to  be  chosen  in  the  month 
of  March  or  April  annually,  &  to  transact  all  such  matters 
and  things  as  are  necessary,  and  may  legally  be  done  in 
said  Society.  March  7,  1791. 

1790.  — Chapter  33. 

[January  Session,  ch.  19.] 

AN  ACT  FOR  INCORPORATING  THE  MEMBERS  OF  THE  EPISCO- 
PAL CHURCH  IN  THE  TOWN  OF  PORTLAND  INTO  A  RELIG- 
IOUS  SOCIETY. 

Whereas  a  number  of  persons  in  the  town  o/' Portland  Preamble. 
who  belong  to  the  Episcojml  Church  in  said  toivn,  have 


62 


Acts,  1790.  —  Chapter  33. 


Persona  in- 
corporated. 


Wardens  and 

Vestry 

empowered. 


Daniel  Davis, 
Esq.  to  issue 
bis  warrant. 


petitioned  this  Court  to  he  incorporated  into  a  religious 
Society  for  the  purpose  of  carrying  on  the  public  worship 
o/"GoD  in  said  place,  according  to  the  Episcopal  form  & 
faith,  and  for  other  purposes  mentioned  in  their  petition, 
and  it  appearing  reasonable  to  this  Court  that  the  prayer 
thereof  should  he  granted. 

Be  it  therefore  enacted  hy  the  Senate  and  House  of 
Representatives  in  General  Court  assembled  and  by  the 
authority  of  the  same,  that  John  Waite,  John  Thorlo, 
Nathaniel  Fadre  Fosdick,  James  Fosdich,  Alexander 
Motley,  Francis  Waite,  Thomas  Oxnaj'd,  Shirley  Erving, 
Stephen  Deblois,  JVathaniel  Coffin,  John  Rudherg,  Samuel 
Waite,  William  Waite,  John  Merrill,  Joshua  Rogers, 
Stephen  Waite,  Thomas  Waite,  Thomas  Motley,  Willia^n 
Tate,  Geo7r/e  Tate,  Edumrd  Oxnard,  Joseph  Riggs]w\\\QX, 
Thomas  Fosdick,  Benjamin  Waite,  junior,  Johii  WJieel- 
ivright  Greaton,  John  Baker ]wi\v.  Benjamin  Waite,  Thomas 
Robison,  John  Kent,  Samuel  Tate,  David  Braddish, 
John  Lowther,  Alford  Butler,  Peter  Warren,  John 
Tliorlo  ]\\x\v . ,  Pelatiah  Furnald,  Samuel  Mountford,  Jere- 
miah Coffin,  John  Bailey,  James  Corry  and  Samuel 
Mountford  junior  tlie  petitioners  and  members  of  said 
Episcopal  Societ}^,  together  with  their  polls  &  estates  be 
and  they  are  hereby  incorporated  into  a  religious  Society 
by  the  name  of  the  Episcopal  Church  in  the  toivn  of 
Portland,  with  all  the  privileges  powers  and  immunities 
which  any  parish  or  corporate  religious  Society  in  this 
Commonwealth  is  intitled  to,  hy  the  laws  and  Constitu- 
tion thereof. 

And  he  it  further  enacted  by  the  autJiority  aforesaid, 
that  the  Wardens  &  Vestry  of  said  Church,  and  their 
successors  in  said  office,  be  and  they  are  hereby  authorized 
&  empowered  to  make  sale  and  dispose  of  any  land  tene- 
ments or  hereditaments  l)elonging  to  said  Church,  to  any 
person  who  may  wish  to  purchase  the  same,  in  fee  simple, 
and  to  make  and  execute  good  &  sufficient  deeds  in  law 
of  the  same,  and  to  lease  or  otherwise  dispose  of  the  same 
in  the  name  &  behalf  of  the  proprietors  of  said  Church  as 
to  them  shall  seem  necessary,  agreeably  &  in  conformity 
to  the  votes  of  the  proprietors  of  said  Church. 

And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  Daniel  Davis  Esqr.  be  and  he  is  hereby  authorized 
to  issue  his  warrant  directed  to  some  principal  member  of 
said  Church,  requiring  him  to  warn  the  members  of  said 
Church  and  Society  to  meet  at  some  suitable  time   and 


Acts,  1790.  —  Chapter  34.  63 

place  in  said  town,  to.chuse  such  Officers  or  Committee 
as  the  said  Society  may  deem  necessary  for  governing  the 
religious  and  secular  concerns  thereof,  and  to  transact  all 
matters  and  things  necessary  and  Avhich  may  legally  be 
done  in  the  said  Society.  March  7,  1791. 

1790.  —  Chapter  34. 

[January  Session,  ch.  20.] 

AN  ACT  TO  INCORPORATE  A  NUMBER  OF  THE  INHABITANTS  IN 
THE  TOWN  OF  TAUNTON,  INTO  A  PARISH  BY  THE  NAME  OF 
THE  FIRST  CONGREGATIONAL  SOCIETY  IN  THE  TOWN  OF 
TAUNTON. 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representa- 
tives in  General  Court  assembled  and  by  the  authority  of 
the  same,  that  the  congregational  inhaljitants  within  the  society 
town  of  Taunton  in  the  County  of  Bristol,  who  usually  '°'=°'PO'-^t«d. 
attend  the  public  worship  of  God  in  the  old  meeting- 
house, so  called,  in  said  town,  be,  and  they  are  hereby 
inc[o]rporated  into  a  parish,  by  the  name  of  the  First 
congregational  Society  in  the  town  of  Taunton,  with  all  the 
priviledges  and  immunities,  exercised  by  other  and  similar 
Societies  and  Corporations  within  this  Commonwealth. 

And  in  order  to  prevent  and  remove  any  doubts  or  dis- 
putes, which  may  hereafter  arise,  in  distinguishing  who  do 
belong  to,  and  are  taxable,  to  the  support  of  the  ministry, 
in  said  Society ; 

Be  it  farther  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid,  that  it  Method  of  pro- 
shall  and  may  be  lawful  for  said  Societ}^,  (if  they  shall  to  become  ""^  ^^ 
think  proper)  by  a  major  vote,  in  a  legal  meeting  to  be  '"«™'^'^'"*- 
Avarned  for  that  purpose  to  make  it  requisite,  for  those 
Avho  are  inclined  to  belong  to  the  same  Society,  to  lodge 
their  names  with  the  Clerk  of  the  said  Society,  who  shall 
enter  the  same  in  a  Book  to  be  kept  for  that  })urpose ;  & 
all  persons  who  shall  cause  their  names  to  be  entered  as 
aforesaid,  shall  be  held,  deemed,  &  taken  to  belong  to 
said  Society  &  liable  to  pay  their  proportion  of  all  taxes, 
that  shall  be  assessed  on  them,  in  either  of  the  ways  pro- 
vided by  this  Act,  untill  they  shall  signify  their  intentions 
of  leaving  said  Society  to  the  Clerk  thereof,  in  writing, 
declaring  such  their  intentions,  and  shall  also  lodge  a 
certificate  with  the  said  Clerk,  signed  by  the  Clerk  of 
some  other  religious  Society  of  a  different  denomination, 
setting  forth,  that  they  have  actually  joined  the  last 
mentioned  Society,  and  become  members  thereof. 


64 


Acts,  1790.  —  Chapter  35. 


Method  of 
making  provi- 
sional support. 


Society 
empowered 
respecting  their 
estate. 


George  Godfrey 
&  Apollos 
Leonard, Esqrs. 
to  issue 
warrant. 


Provided  nevertheless,  that  if  any  person  who  shall  be 
assessed  in  any  tax,  agreed  upon  by  said  Society,  for 
the  support  of  the  minister  thereof,  and  other  incidental 
charges  shall  not,  previous  to  the  granting  said  tax,  declal'e 
his  intentions  of  leaving  said  Society,  in  the  way  &  man- 
ner herein  before  prescribed,  he  shall  be  held  to  pay  the 
same,  notwithstanding  he  shall  signify  his  intentions  of 
leaving  the  same  Society  after  said  tax  is  granted,  &, 
prior  to  the  collection  thereof. 

And  be  it  farther  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid,  that 
it  shall  and  may  be  lawful  for  said  congregational  Society 
to  raise  money  by  taxing  the  pews  in  any  meeting  house 
where  the  said  Society  shall  meet  for  public  worship,  for 
the  support  of  their  Minister,  and  such  other  expences  as 
they  shall  think  necessary,  whenever  a  majority  of  the 
pew-holders,  together  with  a  majority  of  those  who  are 
not  pew-holders,  belonging  to  said  Society,  by  a  major 
vote,  shall  deem  it  expedient,  and  do  agree  to  the  same. 

Arid  be  it  farther  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  the  members  of  said  congregational  Society,  are 
hereby  authorized  and  empowered  to  take  into  possession, 
all  the  lands,  or  other  estate,  that  by  any  way  or  means 
doth  belong  to  said  Society ;  and  to  dispose  of  the  use  or 
income  of  the  same,  in  any  way,  for  the  use  of  said 
Society,  as  shall  by  them  be  judged  most  conducive  to 
the  interest  and  benefit  of  the  same. 

And  be  it  farther  enacted  that  George  Godfrey  & 
Apollos  Leonard  Esqrs.  or  either  of  them  are  hereby 
empowered  and  directed  to  issue  his  or  their  AVarrant  to 
some  principal  member  of  said  Society,  requiring  him  to 
warn  the  members  thereof,  to  meet  at  such  time  and  place 
as  shall  be  therein  set  forth,  to  chuse  all  such  Officers  as 
are  necessary  for  transacting  the  business  of  said  Society. 

March  8,  1191. 


1790.  —  Chapter  35. 

[January  Session,  ch.  21.] 

AN  ACT  APPOINTING  COMMISSIONERS.  ON  THE  PART  OF  THIS 
COMMONWEALTH,  FOR  ASCERTAINING  THE  BOUNDARY  LINE 
BETWEEN  THIS  COMMONWEALTH  &  THE  STATE  OF  CON- 
NECTICUT. 

WJiereas  it  is  represented  to  the  General   Court  of  this 
Commonwealth,  that  contentions   tfi    disputes  have  arisen 


Acts,  1790.  —  Chapter  35.  65 

between  some  of  the  citizens  of  this  Commonwealth  &  those 
of  the  State  of  Connecticut,  resjjecting  the  boundary/  Line 
between  this  Commonwealth  and  such  State;  To  j^revent 
ivhich  in  future,  and  to  promote  harmony  and  affection 
between  the  citizens  of  the  two  respective  States; 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representa- 
tives in  General  Court  assembled  <&  by  the  authority  of  the 
same,  that  the  Honorable  Joh)i  Worthington,  JSTathaniel  g°'^^\gd**""^ 
Gorham  and  Samuel  Lyman  Esquires  be,  &  tliey  hereby 
are  appointed  Commissioners  on  the  part  of  this  Common- 
wealth, for  ascertaining  the  boundary  Line  lietween  the 
same  and  the  State  of  Connecticut;  and  the  said  Commis-  —Their 
sioners  are  hereby  authorized  and  empowered  to  meet  p"*^*"^^- 
such  Commissioners  as  may  be  appointed,  and  vested  with 
similar  powers  for  the  purpose  aforesaid,  by  the  Legislature 
of  the  State  of  Connecticut,  and,  in  conjunction  with  them, 
to  ascertain,  run,  and  mark  such  boundary  Line  :  And  the 
Commissioners  hereby  appointed,  on  the  part  of  this  Com- 
monwealth, are  authorized  and  empowered  to  agree  upon 
such  principles  respecting  the  running  of  the  said  Line  as, 
from  the  best  documents  they  can  obtain,  may  appear  to 
them  just  and  reasonable  ;  which  Line,  when  so  ascertained, 
forever  afterwards,  shall  be  considered  and  held  to  be  the 
just  and  true  boundary  Line  of  jurisdiction  l)etween  this 
Couunonwealth  and  the  said  State  of  Connecticut.  And 
the  Commissioners  hereby  appointed  on  the  part  of  this 
Commonwealth  are  authorized  to  employ  such  Surveyors 
&  Chain-bearers  as  they  may  think  proper  to  assist  in  duly 
ascertaining  the  Line  aforesaid  ;  and  such  the  said  Com- 
missioners, prior  to  their  entering  into  the  business  herein 
assigned  them,  shall  receive  a  Commission  from  the  Gov- 
ernor, under  the  Seal  of  this  Commonwealth,  agreeable  to 
the  powers  with  which  they  are  vested  by  this  Act. 

And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  autJiority  aforesaid, 
that  the  Governor  of  this  Commonwealth  be,  and  he  copy  of  this 
hereby  is,  requested  to  transmit  a  copy  oi  this  Act  to  transmitted. 
the  Governor  of  Connecticut,  that  the  same  may  be  dul}^ 
communicated  to  the  Legislature  of  that  State,  in  order 
that  measures  may  be  taken  on  the  part  of  such  State 
for  ascertaining  the  bounds  aforesaid.        March  8,  1791. 


m 


Acts,  1790.  —  Chapter  36. 


appointed. 


-Their 

powers. 


1790.  —  Chapter  36. 

[January  Session,  ch.  22.] 
AN  ACT   APPOINTING   COMMISSIONERS   ON    THE    PART    OF    THIS 
COMMONWEALTH  FOR   ASCERTAINING   THE    BOUNDARY   LINE 
BETWEEN  THIS  COMMONWEALTH  AND  THE  STATE  OF  RHODE 
ISLAND. 

Preamble.  W/iet'eas  it  ttjjpears  hi/  communications  received  from  the 

Governor  of  the  State  of  Rhode  Island,  tJiat  disputes  and 
difficulties  have  arisen,  respecting  the  boundary  line  be- 
tween this  Gommonivealth  and  the  said  State  of  Rhode 
Island  ;  To  prevent  which  in  future,  &  to  jrromote  harmony 
&  affection  between  the  citizens  of  this  Commonwealth  and 
such  State; 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Bej^resenta- 
tives  in  General  Court  assembled  &  by  the  authority  of  the 

Commissioners  Same  that  the  honorable  Walter  Spooner,  Elisha  May  & 
David  Cobb  Esquires  be,  &  they  hereby  are  appointed 
Commissioners  on  the  part  of  this  Commonwealth  for 
ascertaining  the  boundary  line  between  the  same,  and  such 
the  said  State  of  Rhode  Island;  And  the  said  Commis- 
sioners are  hereby  authorized  and  empowered  to  meet  such 
Commissioners  as  may  be  ap})ointed  and  vested  with 
similar  powers  for  the  above  purpose,  by  the  Legislature 
of  the  State  of  Rhode  Island,  and  in  conjunction  with 
them,  to  ascertain,  run  and  mark  such  boundary  line  upon 
the  principles  that  have  heretofore  been  agreed  upon  by 
Commissioners  from  Great  Britain,  or  by  the  respective 
Legislatures  of  the  late  Province  of  3Iassachusetts  Bay, 
and  the  Colony  of  Bliode  Island  and  Providence  Planta- 
tions, for  that  purpose  appointed,  if  those  principles  can 
now  be  ascertained ;  otherwise  the  said  Commissioners 
on  the  part  of  this  Commonwealth  hereby  appointed  are 
authorized  to  agree  upon  such  principles,  touching  the 
running  said  line,  as  from  the  best  documents  they  can 
obtain,  may  appear  to  them  just  and  reasonable  ;  —which 
line  when  so  ascertained  shall  forever  afterwards  be  con- 
sidered and  held  to  be  the  true  and  just  boundary  line 
of  jurisdiction  between  this  Commonwealth  and  the  State 
aforesaid. 

And  be  it  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid,  that  such 
the  Commissioners  on  the  part  of  this  Commonwealth 
hereljy  appointed  be,  and  they  hereby  are  authorized  to 
employ  such  Surveyors  &  chainmen  as  they  may  think 


Commissionerg 
to  employ 
surveyors  & 
chainmen. 


Acts,  1790.  —  Chapter  37.  67 

proper  to  assist  in  ascertaining  the  same  line  as  aforesaid  ; 
and  such  Commissioners  so  appointed  prior  to  their  enter- 
ing into  the  business  herein  assigned  them,  shall  receive 
a  Commission  from  the  Governor  under  the  Seal  of  this 
Commonwealth  agreeable  to  the  powers  with  which  they 
are  vested,  in  &  by  this  Act. 

And  be  it  farther  enacted,  that  the  Governor  of  this 
Ccmimonwealth  be,  and  he  hereby  is  requested  to  trans- 
mit a  copy  of  this  Act  to  the  Governor  of  Rhode  Island, 
that  the  same  may  be  communicated  to  the  Legislature 
of  that  State,  in  order  that  measures  may  be  taken  on  the 
part  of  that  State  to  carry  the  same  into  effect. 

March  5,  1791. 


1790.  — Chapter  37. 

[January  SeaeioD,  ch.  23.] 

AN  ACT  FOE,  REGULATING  THE  ALEWIVE  FISHERY  IN  THE 
TOWN  OF  BRIDGWATER,  IN  THE  COUNTY  OF  PLIMOUTH,  & 
FOR  REPEALING  ALL  LAWS  HERETOFORE  MADE  FOR  THAT 
PURPOSE. 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representa- 
tives in  General  Court  assembled  (G  by  the  authority  of 
the  same,  that  all  laws  heretofore  made  for  regulating  the  Laws  repealed. 
Alewive  fishery  in  said  Rridgivater  be  and  they  hereby 
are  repealed. 

And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  it  shall  &  may  be  lawful  for  the  said  town  of  Bridg-  privilege  of 
water,  at  any  legal  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  said  town,  be''und^/the° 
to  direct  their  Selectmen  to  farm  out  or  let  the  privileo-e  direction  of  the 

,  i  f?      Selectmen. 

01  taking  6i,  disposing  oi  said  hsh,  at  the  several  wares  in 
said  town  or  either  of  them  (for  the  most  it  will  fetch)  on 
the  days  following  (yizt.)  at  the  ware  by  the  ioio7i  mills, 
so  called,  on  mondays,  tuesdays  &  Wednesdays  in  each 
week  ;  at  the  ware  by  Perkins's  mills,  so  called,  on  Wednes- 
days and  thursdays  in  each  week,  and  at  the  ware  by 
Whitmans  mills,  so  called,  on  mondays,  tuesdays,  Wednes- 
days &  thursdays  in  each  week,  and  the  monies  arising 
from  the  sale  of  said  privilege,  shall  be  appropriated  by 
said  town  to  such  purposes  &  uses  as  the  inhabitants 
thereof  shall  in  legal  town  meeting  from  time  to  time 
determine. 

And  be  it  farther  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  if  the  purchaser  or  purchasers  of  said  privileg-e  shall,  Pennity  for 

.  ,        .  .  ,      .  ^  '-^  ®  ,       purchaaers 

when  in  his  or  their  power,  neglect  or  refuse  to  supply  refusing  to 

^  '  *=  '  ^    -^     supply  fish. 


68 


Acts,  1790.  —  Chapter  37. 


Penalty  for 
taking  fish  at 
any  other  time, 
than  this  act 
allows. 


any  person  or  persons  with  said  fish,  who  may  apply 
therefor,  at  the  rate  of  one  shilling  for  a  hundred  of  said 
fish,  he  or  they  so  oflending  shall  for  each  offence  forfeit 
and  pay  the  sum  of  twenty  shillings ;  and  if  any  person  or 
persons  shall  ask,  demand  and  receive  more  than  one  shil- 
ling for  a  hundred  of  said  fish,  and  so  in  that  proportion 
for  a  greater  or  less  number,  he  or  they  so  oflending  shall, 
for  each  oflence,  forfeit  &  pay  the  sum  of  twenty  shillings. 
And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  if  the  said  purchaser  or  purchasers,  or  those  employed 
by  them  shall  presume  to  take  any  of  said  fish  at  any 
other  time  or  place  in  said  town  than  is  in  this  act  pro- 
vided, and  if  any  other  person  or  persons  whatever, 
except  the  purchaser  or  purchasers  of  said  privilege,  or 
those  employed  by  them  shall  presume  to  take  or  catch 
any  of  said  fish  in  any  of  the  said  rivers  or  streams  of 
said  town,  he  or  they  so  offending  shall  for  each  offence 
forfeit  and  pay  a  sum  not  exceeding  sixty  shillings  nor 
less  than  five  shillings  at  the  discretion  of  the  eTustice 
before  whom  the  same  shall  l)e  tried. 

Provided  nevertheless,  if  the  said  town  shall  not  farm 
out  or  let  the  privilege  of  taking  the  said  fish  at  all  the  said 
wares,  it  shall  &  may  be  lawful  for  any  of  the  inhabitants 
of  said  town  to  take  any  of  the  said  fish  at  such  ware  as 
shall  not  be  farmed  out  or  let  as  aforesaid,  on  such  days 
as  are  by  this  Act  provided  for  taking  the  said  fish  at  such 
ware. 

And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  the  said  town  of  Bridgwater  shall  at  their  annual 
meeting  in  March  or  April  choose  a  Committee  —  not 
exceeding  nine  nor  less  than  three  freeholders  of  said 
town,  who  shall  be  sworn  to  the  faithful  discharge  of  the 

their  duties.  (]uties  injoiued  upon  them  by  this  Act;  and  it  shall  be 
the  duty  of  said  Committee  to  cause  the  natural  course 
of  the  rivers  or  streams  through  which  the  said  fish  pass 
to  be  kept  open  &  without  obstruction  during  the  whole 
time  the  said  fish  pass  up  in  said  rivers  and  streams  in 
each  year,  &  to  remove  any  such  as  shall  be  found  therein, 
and  to  make  the  said  passageways  wider  or  deeper  if  they 

their  powers.  Or  the  uiajor  part  of  them  shall  judge  it  necessary ;  and 
the  said  Committee  or  either  of  them,  paying  a  reasonable 
consideration  therefor  if  demanded,  shall  have  authority 
(in  discharging  the  duties  enjoined  upon  them  or  him  by 
this  Act)  to  go  on  the  lands  or  meadows  of  any  person, 


Committee  to 
be  chosen  — 


Acts,  1790.  — Chapter  37.  6i 

through   which  such  rivers  or  streams  run,  or  into  any 
mill,  forge,  or  other  water  works  on  said  rivers  or  streams, 
without  being  considered  as  trespassers  ;    and  any  person  Penalty  for 
who  shall  molest  or  hinder  the  said  Committee  or  either  confmutee  fn 
of  them  in  the  execution  of  the  business  of  his  or  their  ouhT/duty" 
office,  or  shall  obstruct  any  passage  way  in  the  said  rivers 
or  streams,  otherways  than  may  be  allowed  by  said  Com- 
mittee, he  or  they  so  offending,  shall  forfeit  and  pay  for 
every  such   offence  a  sum  not  exceeding  forty  shillings 
nor  less  than  Ji/ve  shillmr/s  at  the  discretion  of  the  Justice 
before  whom  the  same  shall  be  tried. 

Provided  nevertheless  that  nothing  in  this  Act  shall  be  Proviso. 
considered  as  authorizing  said  Committee  to  injure  the 
proprietor  of  any  mill  or  water  works,  further  than  is 
necessary  in  order  to  give  the  fish  a  good  &  sufficient 
passage  up  said  rivers. 

And  be  it  further  enacted,  that  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  ^eTwc'r"!''" 
said  Committee  to  prosecute  all  breaches  of  this  Act,  & 
to  seize  and  detain  in  their  custody  any  net  which  may 
be  found  in  the  hands  of  any  person  using  the  same  con- 
trary to  the  true  intent  and  meaning  of  this  Act,  until  the 
person  so  offending  makes  satisfaction  for  his  offence  or 
is  legally  acquitted  therefrom. 

And  he  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  each  and  every  person  who  shall  be  chosen  on  the 
Committee  pursuant  to  this  Act,  shall  within  six  days 
after  his  being  notified  1)y  a  Constable  of  such  choice, 
take  the  following  oath,  before  some  Justice  of  the  peace 
for  the  County  of  Plimouth,  or  the  Clerk  of  said  town  of 
Bridgwater,  who  is  hereby  authorized  to  administer  the 
same ;  vizt. 

"  You  A.  B.  being  chosen  one  of  the  Committee  to  inspect  o-'t^. 
the  Aleioive  fishery  in  the  toivn  of  Bridgwater  for  the  year 
ensuing,  do  solemnly  swear,  that  you  will  faithfully  dis- 
charge the  duties  of  said  office,  S  duly  j^rosecute  all  breaches 
of  the  law  respecting  said  fishery,  that  shall  come  to  your 
knoioledge.  So  help  you  GOD." 

And  be  it  further  enacted,  that  if  any  person  chosen  Penalty. 
one  of  the  said  Committee  and  notified  as  aforesaid,  shall 
neglect  to  take  the  foregoing  oath  for  the  space  of  six 
days  after  his  being  so  notified,  he  shall  forfeit  and  pay  the 
sum  of  thirty  shillings,  to  be  recovered  by  action  of  debt 
in  any  Com-t  proi)er  to  try  the  same,  one  moiety  thereof 


70 


Acts,  1790.  —  Chapters  38,  39. 


to  be  applied  to  the  use  of  the  said  town  of  Bridf/ivater, 
the  other  moiety  to  the  person  or  persons  who  shall  sue 
for  the  same. 
How  recovered.  Ami  be  it  further  enacted,  that  all  the  penalties  incurred 
by  any  breach  of  this  Act  shall  be  recovered  by  complaint 
Ijefore  any  Justice  of  the  peace  within  and  for  the  County 
of  Plimouth  aforesaid,  allowing  an  appeal  to  the  Court 
of  general  sessions  of  the  peace  of  said  County  ;  and  all 
sums  of  money  recovered  as  forfeited  by  this  Act,  shall 
be  for  the  support  of  the  poor  of  the  town  of  Brndgwater 
aforesaid ;  and  no  person  by  reason  of  his  being  one  of 
the  said  Committee,  or  an  inhabitant  of  the  said  town 
shall  th[e]reby  be  disqualified  from  being  a  witness  in  any 
prosecution  for  a  breach  of  this  Act.         March  9,  1791. 


Times  &  places 
for  holding 
Courts. 


1790.  —  Chapter  38. 

[January  Session,  ch.  24.] 

AN  ACT  FOR  ALTERING  THE  TIMES  FOR  HOLDING  THE  COURTS 
OF  GENERAL  SESSIONS  OF  THE  FEACE,  &  COURTS  OF  COM- 
MON PLEAS,  NOW  REQUIRED  BY  LAW  TO  BE  HOLDEN  ANNU- 
ALLY IN  THE  MONTH  OF  MARCH  IN  THE  COUNTIES  OF 
HANCOCK  &   WASHINGTON. 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  &  House  of  Representatives 
in  General  Court  Assembled  &  by  the  authority  of  the 
same,  that  from  &  after  the  first  day  of  May  next,  the 
Courts  of  General  Sessions  of  the  Peace,  &  Courts  of 
Common  Pleas,  which  are  now  by  Law  to  be  holdcn  at 
Penobscot,  in  &  for  the  County  of  Hancock  on  the  third 
Tuesday  in  March  annually,  shall  be  holden  at  the  same 
place  on  the  third  Tuesdaj^  in  April  annually ;  &  that  the 
Courts  afbresaid  which  are  now  by  Law  to  be  holden  at 
Machias  in  &  for  the  County  of  Washington  on  the  fourth 
Tuesday  in  March  annually,  shall  be  holden  at  Machias 
aforesaid  on  the  fourth  Tuesday  in  April  annually,  any 
Law  to  the  contrary  notAvithstanding.       March  9,  1791. 


1790.  — Chapter  39. 

[January  Session,  ch.  26.] 

AN  ACT  IN  ADDITION  TO  AN  ACT  PASSED  IN  THE  YEAR  OF 
OUR  LORD  ONE  THOUSAND  SEVEN  HUNDRED  AND  EIGHTY 
NINE  INTITLED  "AN  ACT  DETERMINING  WHAT  TRANSAC- 
TIONS SHALL  BE  NECESSARY  TO  CONSTITUTE  THE  SETTLE- 
MENT OF  A  CITIZEN  IN  ANY  PARTICULAR  TOWN  OR  DISTRICT." 

Whereas   in   and  by  an  Act   entitled  '■^  An  Act  deter- 
mining what  transactions  shall  be  necessary  to  constitute 


Acts,  1790.  —  Chapter  40.  71 

the  settlement  of  a  Citizen  in  any  particular  town  or  Dis- 
trict" passed  in  the  year  of  Our  Lord  One  thousand  seven 
hundred  and  eighty  nine,  U  is  among  other  things  provided, 
that  persons  of  certain  discriptions  in  the  said  Act  men- 
tioned, who  shall  come  into  and  reside  in  any  town  or 
district  for  the  space  of  two  years  without  being  warned  to 
depart  the  same  shall  be  deemed  and  taken  to  be  inhabitants 
of  such  toivn  or  district. 

And  whereas  it  ap2)ears  expedient  that  the  time  of  giving 
notice  &  warning  to  depart  as  aforesaid,  should  be  extended 
and  prolo nged :    Therefore 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representa- 
tives in  General  Court  assembled  and  by  the  authority  of 
the  same,  that  no  person  shall  be  deemed  or  taken_  to  be  TJme^neceasary 
an  inhabitant  of  any  town  or  district  by  virtue  of  residence  inhabitant. 
therein,  unless  he  or  she  shall  have  resided  in  the  same 
for  the  space  of  three  full  years,  without  being  warned  to 
depart  as  aforesaid  ;  the  above  recited  Act  notwithstanding. 

March  9,1791. 


1790.  —  Chapter  40. 

[January  Session,  ch.  25.] 
AN  ACT  IN  ADDITION  TO,  AND  TO  EXPLAIN  AN  ACT  PASSED 
THE  TENTH  DAY  OF  MARCH  IN  THE  YEAR  OF  OUR  LORD 
ONE  THOUSAND  SEVEN  HUNDRED  AND  EIGHTY  FOUR,  EN- 
TITLED, "AN  ACT  FOR  THE  BETTER  MANAGING  OF  LANDS 
WHARVES   &   OTHER   REAL   ESTATE   LYING   IN   COMMON." 

Whereas  doubts  have  arisen  upon  the  Act,  intitled,  ''An  Preamble. 
Act  for  the  better  managing  of  lands,  wharves,  &  other  real 
estate  lying  in  common,"  whether,  those  who  have  last  held 
and  improved  in  common,  and  as  a  proprietary ,  any  lands, 
wharves  or  other  real  estate,  are  and  shall  after  the  final 
division  of  the  same,  be  liable  for  any  debts  which  had  been 
or  shall  be  contracted  in  their  corporate  capacity ,  before 
such  division,  &  ivliether  such  capacity  is  or  shall  be  C07i- 
tinued  for  other  purposes  respecting  the  concerns  of  such 
proprietary  : 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representa- 
tives in  General  Court  assembled,  and  by  the  authority  of 
the  same,  that  notwithstanding  the  tinal  division  of  any  J'letLTs to"' 
lands,  wharves,  or  other  real  estate  lying  in  common,  and  «°?J>„°aL\ody 
which  had  been,  or  shall  have  been  held  and  improved  as  after a^division. 
a  proprietary,  the  last  proprietors,  or  holders  in  common, 
shall  continue  in  their  corporate  capacity,  until  all  debts 


72 


Acts,  1790.  —  Chapter  41. 


—  Empowered, 
in  case  — 


and  taxes  due  to  such  proprietary,  are  collected  and 
received,  &  until  all  their  contracts  &  agreements  made 
prior  to  such  final  division  shall  be  performed ;  and  are, 
&  shall  be  liable  and  capable  in  and  by  the  same  name  and 
capacity,  as  before  such  division,  to  sue  and  be  sued,  and 
by  their  Agents  to  pursue  &  defend  in  all  matters  and  de- 
mands respecting  such  proprietary  until  final  judgment 
and  execution,  &,  shall,  &  may  call  and  hold  meetings, 
and  choose  all  necessary  Ofiicers,  and  may  vote,  assess, 
levy  and  collect  all  reasonable  rates  and  assessments  in 
like  manner  form  and  proportion,  as  before  such  division, 
such  proprietary  could,  or  might  have  done. 

Ajid  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  where,  after  such  final  division  of  any  lands  or  other 
real  estate,  which  have  been,  or  shall  have  been  held  as 
a  proprietary,  the  proprietors  making  such  division  have 
ordered  &  delivered,  or  shall  order  and  deliver  the  record 
of  their  proprietary  into  the  custody  of  the  town  Clerk, 
in  which  such  land  or  other  real  estate,  or  part  thereof, 
may  lay,  the  proprietors  who  shall  hold  any  meeting  for 
the  purposes  before  mentioned,  may  recall  the  said  record, 
and  may  cause  the  Clerk  then  appointed  &  sworn,  or  the 
town  Clerk  to  whom  such  records  have  been  committed, 
to  record  all  votes  and  proceedings  which  shall  be  had  at 
any  meeting  as  aforesaid,  &  copies  of  the  same  may  be 
certified  as  by  law  is  provided  for  certifying  any  other 
part  of  such  record. 

Provided  nevertheless,  that  the  pro[)rietors  aforesaid 
shall  not  continue  to  act  in  their  corporate  capacity  for 
more  than  ten  years  after  the  final  division  of  their  lands 
or  other  real  estate,  nor  shall  any  suit  brought  against 
them  be  sustained,  unless  commenced  within  six  years 
from  the  passing  this  Act,  or  from  the  time  such  right  of 
action  shall  accrue,  any  thing  in  this  Act  to  the  contrary 
notwithstanding.  March  9,  1791. 


1790.  —  Chapter  41. 

[January  Session,  ch.  27.] 

AN  ACT  FOR  REGULATING  THE  MANUFACTURE  OF  NAILS 
WITHIN  THIS  COMMONWEALTH,  &  FOR  REPEALING  ALL 
LAWS   HERETOFORE  MADE  FOR  THAT  PURPOSE. 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representa- 
tives in  General  Court  assembled,  and  by  the  authority  of 


Acts,  1790.  —  Chapter  41.  73 

the  f^ame,  that  from  and  after  the  first  clay  of  July  next,  Assize  of 

'  ii/.*^  merchantable 

all  nails  exposed  tor  sale  as  merchantable,  or  for  exporta-  naiis. 
tion  in  any  town  or  place  within  this  Commonwealth,  shall 
be  of  the  assize  following,  that  is  to  say,  every  thousand 
of  tiuo  penny  nails  shall  weigh  one  pound  &  fourteen 
ounces  ;  and  each  nail  shall  measure  not  less  in  length  than 
three  quarters  of  an  inch. 

Every  thousand  of  three  penny  nails  shall  weigh  two 
pounds  and  eight  ounces ;  and  each  nail  shall  measure  not 
less  in  length  than  seven  eighths  of  an  inch. 

Every  thousand  oi  four  penny  nails  shall  weigh  three 
pounds  and  twelve  ounces  ;  and  each  nail  shall  measure 
not  less  in  length,  than  one  inch  and  a  quarter. 

Every  thousand  of  six  penny  nails  shall  weigh  seven 
pounds ;  and  each  nail  shall  measure  not  less  in  length 
than  one  inch  and  three  quarters. 

Every  thousand  of  eight  penny  nails  shall  weigh  ten 
pounds ;  and  each  nail  shall  measure  not  less  in  length 
than  two  inches  and  one  eighth. 

Every  thousand  of  ten  penny  nails  shall  weigh  thirteen 
pounds ;  &  each  nail  shall  measure  not  less  in  length  than 
two  inches  and  one  half. 

Every  thousand  of  tiventy  penny  nails  shall  weigh 
twenty  pounds ;  and  each  nail  shall  measure  not  less  in 
length  than  three  inches  and  one  quarter. 

Be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid,  that  selectmen  to 
the  Selectmen  of  each  town,  where  nails  of  any  of  the  "0^^?'°^  "*''^'^' 
descri})tions  aforesaid  shall  be  made  for  sale,  are  hereby 
authorized  and  required  some  time  in  the  month  of  March 
or  April  annually,  to  appoint  some  suitable  person  or  per- 
sons to    be  inspector  or  inspectors  of  nails   within  such 
town  who  shall  be  sworn  by  the  Clerk  of  such  town,  or  inspectors  to 
by  some  Justice  of  the  Peace  in  the  same  County  to  the  ^®*'^°''"- 
faithful  performance  of  his  or  their  duty,  and  shall  receive 
as  fees  from  the  owner  of  such  nails,  eiyht  pence  for  every 
cask  of  nails  so  inspected;  and  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  -Their duty. 
every  inspector  of  nails  appointed   in  manner  aforesaid, 
to  open  thoroughly,  examine  and   carefully  inspect  every 
cask  of  nails  made  in  such  town   or  place   for  the   pur- 
poses aforementioned ;  and  if  he  shall  find  the  same  are 
made  conformably  to  the  assize  t^  (juality  herein  before 
directed,  he  shall  brand  the  same  with  the  letters  A  P, 
and  the  name  of  the  town  or  place  Avhere  the  said  nails 
were  manufactured,  and  the  inspector's  name  shall  be  at 
large  on  one  head  of  the  cask  containing  the  same. 


74 


Acts,  1790.  —  Chapter  42. 


Penally. 


Penalty.  ^q  ^^  further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid,  that  if 

any  person  or  persons  shall  put  into  any  cask  after  the 
same  has  been  branded  and  inspected  as  aforesaid,  any 
nails  which  shall  not  have  been  examined  &  approved  of 
by  the  inspector  of  the  town  where  said  nails  were  manu- 
factured, or  shall  knovvinorly  expose  the  same  for  sale  con- 
trary to  the  true  intent  &  meaning  of  this  Act,  he  shall, 
for  every  cask  exposed  for  sale,  forfeit  and  pay  the  sum 
of  twenty  jpounds  to  be  recovered  l)y  action  of  debt  in  any 
Court  of  record  proper  to  try  the  same,  by  any  person 
who  will  sue  &  prosecute  therefor ;  one  half  of  such  for- 
feiture to  the  prosecutor,  and  the  other  half  to  the  poor 
of  the  town  where  such  nails  may  be  found. 

Be  it  farther  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid,  that 
every  cask  of  nails  that  shall  be  offered  for  sale  as  mer- 
chantable or  for  exportation,  or  shall  be  exported  on  and 
after  the  said  first  day  of  July  next,  which  shall  not  be 
branded  &  stamped  in  manner  herein  before  directed 
shall  be  forfeited,  to  be  recovered  and  appropriated  as 
aforesaid. 

And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  every  thousand  of  nails  made  for  the  purposes  afore- 
mentioned, shall  be  computed  not  less  than  five  score  to 
the  hundred,  and  shall  be  made  of  iron  of  a  suitable  quality. 

And  be  it  further  enacted,  that  if  any  manufacturer  of 
nails  shall  presume  to  sell  as  merchantable,  any  nails  of 
either  of  the  descriptions  aforementioned,  not  being  of  the 
(juality  and  assize  required  by  this  Act,  he  shall  for  every 
thousand  of  nails  so  sold,  forfeit  and  pay  the  sum  oi  five 
shillings  and  in  the  same  proportion  for  a  lesser  quantity ; 
to  be  sued  for  and  recovered  to  the  use  of  the  prosecutor 
in  any  Court  proper  to  try  the  same. 

Be  it  further  enacted,  that  nothing  in  this  Act  shall  be 
considered  as  affecting  the  manufacture  or  sale  of  nails 
LawB  repealed,    wliich  shall  bc  cut  tVom  cold  irou  ;  —  And  all  laws  here- 
tofore made  regulating  the  making  of  nails,  shall  from  & 
after  the  first  day  oi  July  next  be  repealed. 

March  10,  1791. 


Number  and 
quality. 


Penalty. 


Nails  from  cold 
Iron  excepted. 


1790.  — Chapter  43. 

[January  Session,  ch.  28.] 

AN   ACT   FOR   THE   RELIEF   OF    POOR    FRISONERS    CONFINED   IN 
GOAL  FOR   TAXES. 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Rejrresenta- 
tives  in  General  [^Courf]  assembled,  and  by  the  authority 


Acts,  1790.  —  Chapter  42.  75 

of  the  same,  that  when  any  person  standing  committed  to  Method  of  pro- 
prison  by  virtue  of  any  Warrant  for  the  collection  of  any  i^ngpo^o/fmson- 
tax,  rate,  or  assessment  shall  complain  that  he  or  she  hath  taxes!"^"^'^  ""^ 
not  estate  sufficient  to  sup[)ort  him  or  herself  in  prison, 
the  Goaler  or  keeper  of  such  })rison  shall  on  such  com- 
plaint apply  to  one  of  the  Justices  of  the  Peace,  within 
and  for  the  County  in  which  such  Prison  is,  who  shall 
thereu})on  make  out  a  Notitication  in  writing-  under  his 
hand  and  seal,  thereby  signifying  to  the  assessors  of  the 
Town,  District,  Plantation  or  Parish  where  such  tax,  rate 
or  assessment  was  made,  and  also  to  the  Constable  or 
Collector  who  executed  such  Warrant,  such  prisoner's 
desire  of  taking  the  priviledge  &  benefit ;  and  of  the  time 
&  place  appointed  for  the  intended  caption  of  the  oath  or 
affirmation  allowed  by  this  Act,  which  notitication  shall 
be  served  on  such  Assessors  and  Constable  or  Collector 
by  leaving  an  attested  copy  thereof  at  the  Office  of  such 
Assessors  or  at  the  usual  place  of  abode  of  any  one  of 
them,  and  also  at  the  usual  abode  of  such  Constable  or 
Collector,  at  least  thirty  dtiys  before  the  time  appointed 
for  the  taking  the  said  oath  or  affirmation,  that  they  may 
1)6  present  if  they  see  cause. 

And  be  it  fiirtJier  enacted,  that  any  two  Justices  of  the  Justices 
Peace  and  of  the  quorum  of  the  same  County  being  disin-  '^'^vo^'"''^^- 
teres[(']cd,  shall  be,  and  hereby  are  authorized  and  required 
at  the  time  and  place  ai)pointed  in  such  notitication  &  upon 
the  examination  of  the  return  thereof,  and  a  full  hearing 
of  the  parties,  who  shall  and  may  appear  thereupon,  and 
no  sufficient  cause  to  the  contrary  in  the  opinion  of  either 
of  the  said  Justices  being  shewn,  and  after  due  caution  and 
examination  of  such  prisoner,  to  proceed  to  administer  an 
oath,  or  if  he  be  of  the  Sect  called  Quakers,  an  affirmation, 
in  the  form  following  to  ivit; 

I  do  soleninhj  sicear  before  AlmigJiti/  God  ^^^rmauon. 

(or  I  do  affirm,  as  the  case  may  be)  that  I  had  not  at  the 
time  of  my  imjn-isonment,  by  ,  (naming  the  said 

Collector  or  Constable)  nor  have  I  at  this  time,  any  lands, 
goods,  money  or  demands  whereby  to  satisfy  the  sum  at 
tvhich  I  am  assessed  in  the  list  or  Wai'rant  of  taxes  com- 
mitted to  him  to  collect,  and  for  which  I  am  noio  holden 
in  prison,  or  for  the  payment  of  any  part  of  that  sum  my 
necessary  aiyparel,  and  some  other  articles  not  liable  to  be 
distrained  for  taxes,  &  what  has  been  expended  for  my 
necessary  support  while  in  prison  only  excepted  nor  have  I 


76 


Acts,  1790.  —  Chapter  42. 


Prisoner's 
discharge. 


at  any  time  before  or  since  my  said  imprisonment^  disj 

or  entr-iisted  to  any  person  or  persons,  any  estate,  either 

real  or  personal,  whereby  to  avoid  such  payment,  — 

so  hell)  me  God  —  (or  this  I  do  under  the  pains  & 

penalties  of  perjury  in  case  of  affirming  as  aforesaid) 

which  oath  or  affirmation  being  administered  by  the 
said  Justices  to,  &  taken  by  such  prisoner,  and  a  certificate 
thereof  made  under  the  hands  and  seals  of  the  Justices 
administring  the  same  to  such  goaler  or  prison  keeper 
he  shall  thereupon  set  such  prisoner  at  liberty,  if  he  or 
she  is  in  prison  for  no  other  cause  :  and  the  body  of  such 
Prisoner  shall  not  be  held  in  prison  any  longer  upon  such 
Warrant  or  commitment ;  which  certificate  to  be  made  T)y 
the  Justices  as  aforesaid  shall  be  in  the  form  following  — 
to  tvit  — 


cenlficfie!'*'  S ss     To  keeper  of  the  Goal  at  C 

WE  the  subscribers  two  of  the  Justices  of  the  Peace  & 

of  the  quorum  for  the  County  of  S hereby  certify  that 

A  B  a  pioor  prisoner,  confined  by  Warrant  for  taxes  in 
the  Goal  at  C.  aforesaid  hath  caused  the  Assessors  of  the 
Town  District  or  Parish  (as  the  case  may  be)  by  virtue 
of  ivhose  Warrant  the  said  ivas  so  confined,  and 

also  (naming  the  said  Constable  or  Collector 

who  executed  such  Warrant)  to  be  notified  according  to 
laio  of  the  said  A  B's  desire  of  taking  the  benefit  of  an 
Act,  intitled,  ^'■An  Act  for  the  relief  of  poor  p)'''isoners 
confined  in  Goal  for  taxes,''  S  no  sufficient  cause  to  the  con- 
trary being  shezvn,  We  have,  after  due  caution  and  exam- 
ination of  the  said  A  B,  administered  to  him  or  her,  the 
oath  or  affir7nation prescribed  in  the  Act  aforesaid:  Witness 
our  hands  and  seals  this  day  of  Anno 

Domini  17      : 

&  the  said  Justices,  or  either  of  them  (if  only  one  be 
present)  may  adjourn  to  a  future  day,  if  he  or  they  shall 
judge  it  to  be  necessary. 

And  be  it  further  enacted,  that  any  person  who  shall 
take  the  oath,  or  make  the  affirmation  aforesaid,  having 
had  at  the  time  of  his  or  her  commitment  as  aforesaid, 
or  afterwards,  and  before  or  at  the  time  of  taking  such 
oath  or  affirmation,  any  lands,  goods,  money  or  demands, 
other  than  therein  is  excepted,  and  whereby  he  or  she 
might  have  discharged  the  said  rates  or  taxes  or  any  part 


Penalties  on 
ronviclion  of 
I'orjury. 


Acts,  1790.  —  Chapter  42.  77 

thereof,  or  having  disposed  of,  or  intrusted  his  or  her 
estate,  contrary  to  the  tenor  of  the  said  oath,  and  shall 
be  thereof  duly  convicted  before  the  Justices  of  the  Su- 
preme Judicial  Court  of  this  Commonwealth,  he  or  she  so 
therein  offending,  shall  suffer  the  pains  &  penalties  of 
wilful  1  perjury,  which  are  or  shall  be  in  other  cases  pro- 
vided ;  and  in  case  such  prisoner,  at  the  time  of  the  prisoner  to  be 
intended  caption,  shall  not  take  the  said  oath,  or  affir- ^^^g'*-"''''" 
mation,  or  not  be  admitted  thereto  by  the  said  Justices  he 
or  she  shall  be  remanded  back  to  prison,  &  shall  not  be 
intitled  to  the  1)enefit  of  this  Act,  unless  upon  a  repetition 
of  the  proceedings  aforesaid,  the  oath  or  affirmation  afore- 
said shall  l)e  administered. 

And  be  it  further  enacted,  that  all  &  every  Warrant  for  Esecutions 
taxes,  as  aforesaid,  against  such  prisoner,  shall  notwith-  prisoner  to 
standing  such  discharge  as  aforesaid,  be  and  remain  good  [awf'"  ^°° 
and  effectual  in  law,  to  all  intents  and  purposes,  against 
any  estate  whatsoever  which  may  then,  or  at  any  time  after- 
wards belong  to  him  or  her  (his  or  her  wearing  apparel, 
and  other  articles  not  liable  to  be  distrained  for  taxes  only 
excepted)  and  may  be  carried  into  execution  for  the  sat- 
isfaction of  such  taxes,  out  of  such  estate,  in  such  sort 
and  manner  as  might  have  been  done,  in  case  the  said 
prisoner  had  never  been  committed  as  aforesaid  :  Or  the 
Constable  or  Collector,  who  shall  make  such  commitment, 
or  the  inhabitants  of  the  town  or  place  where  such  tax 
was  assessed,  shall  and  may  have  remedy  therefor  by  a 
suit  or  action,  as  for  the  proper  del)t  of  such  Constable, 
Collector  or  inhabitants,  any  judgment  to  be  recovered 
thereupon  to  be  satisfied  only  from  the  goods  or  estate  of 
such  poor  person,  who  shall  and  may  be  relieved  by  this 
Act. 

And  he  it  further  enacted,  that  when  any  person,  stand-  Townhoiden 

•^  '^    '-  to  pay  on 

ing  committed  as  aforesaid,  for  any  tax  due  to  this  Com-  liberation  of  the 
mon wealth,  or  to  the  County,  shall  be  liberated  from  p"^"°*""- 
such  commitment  by  virtue  of  this  Act,  in  every  such 
case,  the  Town,*  Plantation  or  District,  from  whose  As- 
sessors the  Warrant,  by  virtue  of  which  such  prisoner 
was  committed,  was  issued,  shall  be  holden  to  pay  the 
whole  tax  required  of  such  town,  plantation  or  District, 
by  law,  such  lil)eration  notwithstanding. 

Provided,  and  be  it  further  enacted  that  when  any  per-  Proviso, 
son  who  shall  be  imprisoned  for  the  non-payment  of  the 
proportion  of  any  tax  Avhich  shall  be  assessed  after  the 


78 


Acts,  1790.  —  Chapter  43. 


first  day  of  April  next,  shall  be  discharged  from  confine- 
ment by  virtue  of  this  Act,  the  Collector  or  Constable 
making  such  imprisonment,  shall  not  be  discharged  of  the 
proportion  which  was  due  from  such  jierson,  but  shall  be 
holdcn  to  pay  the  same,  unless  such  imprisonment  shall 
he  made  within  one  year  next  after  the  commitment  of 
such  tax  to  such  Collector  or  Constable,  or  unless  the 
inhabitants  of  such  town  or  place,  in  legal  town  meet- 
ing shall  see  fit  to  abate  the  same,  to  such  Collector  or 
Constable.  March  10,  1791. 


Berwick 
Academy 
established. 


Trustees 
incorporated. 


1790.— Chapter  43. 

[January  Session,  ch.  29.] 

AN   ACT   FOR  ESTABLISHING    AN    ACADEMY    IN    THE    TOWN    OF 
BERWICK  BY  THE   NAME    OF   BERWICK  ACADEMY. 

Whereas  it  appears  that  the  Honorable  Benjamin  Chad- 
l)ourn  Esqr.  of  Berwick  in  the  County  of  York,  Jias  ap- 
propriated a  very  convenient  tract  of  land  in  said  Berwick 
to  the  use  of  an  Academy,  and  that  sundry  well  disposed 
persons  have  subscribed  the  su7n  of  five  hundred  pounds, 
for  the  same  genei'ous  design,  the  more  fully  to  effect 
which  it  is  necessary  to  establish  a  body  politick  : 

Be  it  therefore  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of 
Representatives  in  General  Court  assembled  tf-  by  the 
authority  of  the  same,  that  there  be  and  hereby  is  estab 
lished  in  the  town  of  Berwick  in  the  County  of  York  an 
Academy  by  the  name  of  Berwick  Academy,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  promoting  piety,  religion  and  morality,  and  for 
the  education  of  youth  in  such  languages  and  such  of  the 
liberal  arts  and  sciences  as  the  said  trustees  shall  direct ; 
and  the  Honorable  Benjamin  Chadbourne  Esqr.  the  Hon- 
orable David  8ewa.ll  Esqr.,  the  Honorable  Edward  Cutis 
Esqr.  the  Honorable  JSTathaniel  Wells  Esqr.  the  Revd. 
James  Pike,  the  lievd.  Benjamin  Stevens  D.  D.  the  Revd. 
Moses  Hemenway  I).  D.  the  Revd.  John  Tompson,  John 
Rollins  Esqr.  Colonel  Jonathan  Hamilton,  John  Hale 
Esqr.  Mr.  John  Haggens,  Doctor  Ivory  Hovey  and  Mr. 
JoJm  Lord  be  and  they  hereby  are  nominated  and 
appointed  trustees  of  the  said  Academy,  and  they  are 
hereby  incorporated  into  a  body  politick  by  the  name  of 
the  Trustees  of  Berwick  Academy,  and  they  and  their 
successors  shall  l>e  and  continue  a  body  politick  by  the 
same  name  forever. 


Acts,  1790.  —  Chapter  48.  7i 

And  be  it  further  enacted  that  all  the  lands  and  veTtedinthJ*^ 
monies  heretofore  given  or  subscribed  or  which  for  the  Trustees, 
purpose  aforesaid  shall  be  hereafter  given,  granted  and 
assigned  unto  the  said  Trustees,  shall  be  confirmed  to  the 
said  Trustees  and  their  successors  in  that  trust  forever, 
for  the  uses  which  in  such  instruments  shall  be  expressed  ; 
and  they  the  said  Trustees  shall  be  further  capable  of 
having,  holding  and  taking  in  fee  simple,  by  gift,  grant, 
devise  or  otherwise,  any  lands  tenements  or  other  estate 
real  or  personal,  (provided  the  annual  income  of  the  same, 
shall  not  exceed  two  thoiisand  pounds)  and  shall  apply 
the  rents,  issues  and  profits  thereof  in  such  a  manner, 
as  that  the  end  of  the  Academy  may  be  most  effectually 
promoted. 

Be  it  further  enacted  that  the  said  Trustees  shall  have  Their  powers. 
full  power  from  time  to  time  as  they  shall  determine  to 
elect  such  ofiicers  of  the  said  Academy  as  they  shall  judge 
necessary  and  convenient,  and  fix  the  tenures  of  their 
respective  offices,  to  remove  any  Trustee  from  the  Cor- 
poration when  (in  their  opinion)  he  shall  be  incapable 
through  age  or  otherwise  of  discharging  the  duties  of  his 
ofiice,  to  fill  all  vacancies,  by  electing  such  persons  for 
Trustees  as  they  shall  judge  best,  to  determine  the  times 
and  places  of  their  meetings,  the  manner  of  notifying  the 
said  Trustees,  the  method  of  electing  or  removing  Trus- 
tees, to  ascertain  the  powers  and  duties  of  their  several 
ofiicers,  to  elect  Preceptors  and  Ushers  of  said  Academy, 
to  determine  the  duties  and  tenures  of  their  ofiices,  to 
ordain  reasonable  rules  orders  &  bye-laws  (not  repug- 
nant to  the  laws  of  this  Commonwealth)  with  reasonable 
penalties  for  the  good  government  of  the  Academy  and 
ascertaining  the  qualifications  of  the  students  requisite  to 
their  admission,  and  the  same  rules,  orders  and  bye-laws 
at  their  pleasure  to  repeal. 

Be  it  further  enacted,  that  the  Trustees  of  the  said  Acad-  ^^'''• 
emy  may  have  one  common  seal,  which  they  may  change 
at  pleasure  ;  and  that  all  the  deeds,  signed  and  delivered 
by  the  Treasurer  or  Secretary  of  said  Trustees,  b}^  their 
order,  and  sealed  with  their  seal,  shall  when  made  in  their 
name  be  considered  as  their  deed,  and  as  such  to  be  duly 
executed  and  valid  in  law,  and  that  the  Trustees  of  said 
Academy  may  sue  and  be  sued,  in  all  actions,  real,  per- 
sonal or  mixed,  and  prosecute  and  defend  the  same  unto 
final  judgment  and  execution,  by  the  name  of  the  Trustees 
of  Berwick  Academy. 


80 


Acts,  1790.  —  Chapter  44. 


—  Empowered 
to  remove  the 
Seminary,  in 


Benjamin 
Chadbourn, 
Esquire, 
authorized. 


Be  it  further  enacted,  that  the  numljer  of  the  said  Trus- 
tees and  their  successors  shall  not  at  any  one  time  be 
more  than  fifteen,  nor  less  than  nine,  seven  of  whom  shall 
constitute  a  quorum  for  transacting  business  and  a  majority 
of  the  members  present  at  any  legal  meeting,  shall  decide 
all  questions  proper  to  come  before  the  Trustees  ;  that  the 
principal  Instructor  for  the  time  being,  shall  ever  be  one 
of  them  ;  that  a  major  part  shall  be  laymen  and  respectable 
freeholders ;  also  that  a  major  part  shall  consist  of  men 
who  are  not  inhabitants  of  the  town  where  the  Seminary  is 
situated. 

And  he  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  if  it  shall  hereafter  be  judged  upon  mature  and  im- 
partial consideration  of  all  circumstances,  by  two  thirds 
of  all  the  Trustees,  that  for  good  &  substantial  reasons 
which  at  tiiis  time  do  not  exist,  the  true  design  of  this 
institution  will  be  belter  promoted  l)y  removing  the  Sem- 
inary from  the  place  where  it  is  founded,  in  that  case,  it 
shall  be  in  the  power  of  the  said  Trustees  to  remove  it 
accordingly,  and  to  establish  it  in  such  other  place  within 
this  State  as  they  shall  judge  to  be  best  calculated  for 
carrying  into  effectual  execution  the  intention  of  the 
founders. 

Be  it  farther  enacted  that  the  honorable  Benjamin 
Chadbourn  Esqr.  be  and  he  herel)y  is  authorized  to  fix  the 
time  and  place  for  holding  the  first  meeting  of  the  said 
Trustees,  and  to  notify  them  thereof.      March  11,  1791. 


Act  repealed. 


1790.  —  Chapter  44. 

[January  Session,  ch.  30. J 

AN  ACT  FOR  REPEALING  AN  ACT  PASSED  IN  THE  YEAR  OF 
OUR  LORD  ONE  THOUSAND  SEVEN  HUNDRED  &  EIGHTY 
FOUR,  INTITLED,  "AN  ACT  TO  INCORPORATE  THE  CHURCH 
&  CONGREGATION  IN  THE  DISTRICT  OF  ORANGE  IN  THE 
COUNTY  OF  /f^MPSH/i?^,  WHERE  OF  THE  REVD.  MR.  EMERSON 
FOSTER  IS  THE  PRESENT  MINISTER,  INTO  A  SOCIETY,  BY 
THE  NAME  OF  THE  CONGREGATIONAL  SOCIETY  OF   ORANGE." 

Whereas  the  operation  of  said  Act  does  not  produce  those 
salutary  effects  which  were  expected; 

Be  it  therefore  Enacted  by  the  Senate  cC  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives in  General  Court  Assembled  &  by  the  authority 
of  the  same,  that  the  aforesaid  Act  be  &  hereby  is  repealed 
&  made  null  &  void.  Provided  always,  that  the  said 
Society  shall  be  holden  to  pay  all  debts  by  them  heretofore 
contracted  in  the  same  way  &  manner  as  tho'  this  act  had 
not  passed.  March  11,  1791. 


Acts,  1790.  —  Chapter  45.  81 


1790.  —  Chapter  45. 

[January  Session,  ch.  31.] 

AN  ACT  FOR  REGULATING  THE  TAKING  OF  SHAD,  ALEWIVES 
AND  OTHER  FISH  IN  THEIR  PASSAGE  THROUGH  NEPONSET 
RIVER,  AND  THE  SEVERAL  STREAMS  TO  THE  PONDS  CALLED 
PUNKAPOG  AND   MASSAPOG. 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Re^rresenta- 
tives  in  Geiieral  Court  assembled  and  by  the  authority  of 
the  same,  that  there  shall  be  sluice  ways  made,  if  not  sluiceways  to 
already  made,  through  Leed's  dam  and  Hugh  McLane's  kepTfree.'' 
dam  in  the  said  River  of  Neponset,  each  of  eight  feet  in 
width,  and  to  extend  in  depth  within  eighteen  inches  of 
the  mud  sill ;  the  sluice  way  through  said  Leed's  dam  to 
be  made  within  fifteen  feet  of  his  Grist  mill  floom,  &  the 
sluice  way  through  said  McLane's  dam,  to  be  where  the 
sluice  way  now  is  ;  both  of  which  sluice  ways  shall  forever 
hereafter,  from  the  twentieth  day  of  April  to  the  first 
day  of  June  annually,  be  kept  open,  and  free  from  any 
obstructions  to  the  free  passing  of  Shad  Alewives  and 
other  Fish  up  the  said  river  JSTeponset  to  the  ponds  afore- 
said ; 

Provided  nevertheless,  whenever  during  the  time  required  Proviso. 
by  this  Act,  for  keeping  open  said  sluice  ways,  the  water 
in  the  said  river  shall  not  run  over  the  said  Dams,  or 
either  of  them,  the  gate  to  such  sluice  way  where  the  water 
does  not  so  run  over,  may  be  shut  down  as  far  as  within 
eighteen  inches  from  the  bottom  of  such  sluice,  and  remain 
so  shut,  untill  the  water  runs  over  such  Dam,  and  no 
longer. 

And  be  it  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid,  that  the  owners  of  miii- 
owner  or  owners  of  each  and  every  other  mill  dam,  that  siuTce  wi'yT."''^ 
now  is,  or  hereafter  may  be  erected  on  said  JSFejmnsit 
River,  untill  it  comes  to  the  mouth  of  Pmikaj)og  brook,  so 
called,  shall  make  &  provide  a  sluice  way  through  each  of 
their  Dams,  of  the  same  width  and  depth  as  by  this  act  is 
required  to  be  made  through  Leed's  &  McLa^ie's  Dams,  and 
the  owner  or  owners  of  all  Dams  that  now  are,  or  hereafter 
ma}^  be  erected  on  the  stream  through  which  the  said  fish 
may  pass  to  said  Massajjog  pond,  shall  make  a  sluice  way 
through  each  of  their  Dams,  six  feet  in  width,  and  as  low 
as  the  natural  stream  and  the  owner  or  owners  of  the 
Dams  aforesaid  shall  forever  from  the  said  twentieth  day 
of  April  to  the  first  day  of  June,  annually  keep  open  sucli 
sluice  ways  through  their  several  Dams. 


82 


Acts,  1790.  —  Chapter  45. 


Penalty  for 
obBtruction  of 
sluice  ways. 


Tf ne'\ec?  ""^^  -<4ntZ  he  it  fartlier  enacted,  that  if  any  owner  or  owners 
of  any  or  either  of  the  Dams  aforesaid,  shall  neglect  or 
refuse  to  make  and  keep  open  such  sluice  way,  the  whole 
of  the  time  required  by  this  Act  (saving  opening  the 
sluice  w^ay  as  afore  provided)  the  owner  or  owners  so 
neglecting  or  refusing,  shall  forfeit  and  pay  the  sum  of 
thirtij  jjownds  to  be  recovered  by  action  of  debt  in  any 
Court  })roper  to  try  the  same,  one  moiety  thereof  to  be  to 
him  or  them  who  shall  prosecute  for  the  same,  and  the 
other  moiety  to  the  use  of  the  town  where  the  offence  is 
committed. 

A7}d  it  is  farther  enacted,  that  in  case  any  of  the  said 
sluice  ways  shall  not  be  kept  open  as  aforesaid,  the  owner 
or  owners  thereof  shall,  for  every  three  hours  the  same 
shall  be  shut  or  obstructed,  forfeit  and  pay  the  sum  of 
twenty  shillings,  to  be  recovered  as  aforesaid,  one  half  of 
said  penalty  to  be  to  the  prosecutor,  and  the  other  half 
to  the  use  of  the  towns  of  Sharon  &  Stoughton;  &  no 
person  shall  be  disqualified  from  being  a  Witness  in  any 
action  that  may  be  brought  on  this  Act  on  account  of  his 
l>eing  an  inhal)itant  of  any  town  whatever. 

And  he  it  farther  enacted,  that  the  towns  of  Stoughton 
&  Sharon  at  their  respective  town  meetings  for  the  choice 
of  town  officers  in  the  month  of  March  or  April  annually 
shall  choose  at  least  three  persons  freeholders  in  each  of 
the  said  towns,  who  shall  be  a  Committee  to  carry  this 
Act  into  effect,  any  three  of  whom  shall  be  a  quorum,  and. 
To  be  sworn,  shall  be  Severally  sworn  to  the  faithfull  discharge  of  their 
office  ;  and  if  any  person  chosen  as  aforesaid,  and  acce[)t- 
ing  of  the  said  trust,  shall  neglect  to  take  an  oath  as 
aforesaid,  within  seven  days  from  being  so  chosen,  he 
shall  forfeit  and  pay  the  sum  of  ten.  shillings,  or  being 
chosen  &  sworn  as  aforesaid,  shall  neglect  to  perform  his 
duty,  shall  forfeit  &  pay  the  sum  of  Jive  pounds;  the  said 
forfeitures  to  be  sued  for  and  recovered  by  the  Treasurer 
of  the  town  to  which  such  offender  belongs,  &  for  the  use 
of  such  town. 

And  he  it  further  enacted,  that  any  three  of  the  said 
Committee  shall  have  power  &  authority  to  open,  at  the 
expence  of  any  owner  or  owners  of  any  Dam  or  Dams  on 
the  said  river  or  streams  that  now  are  or  hereafter  may 
be  erected,  the  sluice  head  of  any  such  Dam  or  Dams, 
provided  such  owner  or  owners  shall  neglect  or  refuse  to 
open  the  same,  by  the  said  twentieth  day  of  April  in  each 


Committee  to 
be  chosen. 


Penalty  for 
neglect  — 


Empowered. 


Acts,  1790.  —  Chapter  45.  83 

and  every  year :  And  if  for  the  purposes  mentioned  in 
this  Act,  it  shall  be  necessary  for  the  said  Committee,  or 
either  of  them,  to  go  on  the  land  of  any  person,  through 
which  said  river  or  streams  run,  the  same  shall  not  be 
deemed  a  tresspass,  and  if  any  person  shall  molest  or— Not  to  be 
hinder  the  said  Committee,  or  either  of  them,  in  the 
execution  of  his  or  their  Office,  the  person  so  oft'ending 
shall  forfeit  and  pay  a  sum,  not  exceeding  forty  shillings, 
nor  less  than  twenty  shiUiiuis  to  be  sued  for  &  recovered 
by,  and  to  the  use  of  the  Officer  or  Officers  against  whom 
the  offence  is  committed. 

And  be  it  farther  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  if  any  person  or  persons  shall  make  anj  wares,  or  Penalty. 
other  ol)structions  to  hinder  the  passing  of  said  fish  up 
said  river,  each  person  so  offending  shall  forfeit  and  pay 
the  sum  oi  five  pounds. 

And  be  it  further  enacted,  that  no  person  shall  l)e  wcekiy  time  for 
allowed  to  catch  any  of  said  fish  in  the  said  river  or  a'nowecK  *  ' 
streams  with  any  other  machine  than  a  dip  net,  on  penalty 
of  twenty  shillings  for  every  offence  ;  and  no  person  shall 
be  allowed  to  take  any  of  said  fish  at  any  time,  or  in  any 
manner,  or  at  any  place  in  said  river  or  streams,  except- 
ing on  Mondays  &  Fridays  of  each  &,  every  week,  and 
betwixt  Sun  rising  &  Sun  setting  of  said  days,  on  penalty 
of  ten  shillings  for  every  offence. 

And  be  it  further  enacted,  that  no  iierson  shall  cast  any  Forbidden  time 

•<,  ,      .  '  .  1        •  ,  under  Penalty. 

sein,  set,  or  drag  net,  in  or  across  said  river  or  streams, 
from  the  aforesaid  twentieth  day  of  April,  to  the  first  day 
oi  June  annually,  on  penalty  of  the  sum  o^  fifteen  pounds 
for  each  offence. 

And  be  it  further  enacted,  that  all  the  forfeitures,  men-  Appropriation 
tioned  in  this  act,  not  particularly  ai)propriated,  shall  be  ° 
recovered  by  action  of  debt,  by  any  one  or  more  of  the 
aforesaid  Committee,  in  any  Court  proper  to  try  the  same, 
one  moiety  to  such  prosecutor  or  prosecutors,  and  the 
other  moiety  to  the  use  of  the  town  where  the  offence 
shall  be  committed. 

And  be  it  further  enacted,  that  all  laws  heretofore  made  Laws  repealed. 
for  the  preservation  of  or  regulating  the  taking  of  the 
said  fish  in  the  said  river  or  streams  be  and  hereby  are 
repealed.  March  11,  1791. 


84 


Acts,  1790.  —  Chapter  46. 


Readfield.i 
corporatfd. 


■To  pay  all 
•rears  of  taxes. 


—  To  support 
their  poor. 


1790.  — Chapter  46. 

[January  Session,  ch.  32.] 

AN  ACT  TO  INCORPORATE  THE  NORTH  PART  OF  THE  TOWN  OF 
WINTHROP  IN  THE  COUNTY  OF  LINCOLN  WITH  THE  IN- 
HABITANTS THEREON,  INTO  A  TOWN  BY  THE  NAME  OF 
READFIELD. 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representa- 
tives in  General  Court  assembled  and  by  the  authority  of 
the  same,  that  all  the  lands  in  the  town  of  Winthrop  l}' ing 
north  of  the  line  hereafter  described,  viz,  —  beginning  on 
the  south  line  of  lot  number  thirty  two  in  said  Wint/irop 
where  the  west  line  of  Halloivell  crosses  said  lot,  from 
thence  running  west  northwest  on  the  range  line  to 
Chandler's  pond,  then  westerly  across  said  pond  to  the 
southeast  corner  of  lot  number  two  hundred  &  twenty, 
then  westerly  on  the  south  line  of  said  lot  to  southwest 
corner  of  said  lot,  then  northerly  to  the  northeast  corner 
of  lot  number  sixty  six,  from  thence  west  northwest  on 
the  north  line  of  lots  number  sixty  six,  ninety  three  & 
one  hundred  fifty  six,  to  the  westerly  line  of  said  town, 
with  all  the  inhabitants  thereon  living,  be  and  hereby  are 
incorporated  into  a  separate  town  by  the  name  of  Read- 
field  with  all  the  powers  privileges  and  immunities  that 
towns  within  this  Ccmnnonwealth  have  or  do  enjoy. 

And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  the  inhabitants  of  the  said  town  of  Readfield  shall 
l)e  subject  to  and  pay  all  rates  and  taxes  heretofore 
assessed  upon  them  while  they  belonged  to  the  town  of 
Wiiithroj),  in  the  same  manner  as  though  this  Act  had 
not  been  passed,  and  shall  also  be  subject  to  pay  their 
proportional  )le  part  of  all  <lebts  due  from  said  town  of 
Winthrojj  at  the  time  of  their  seperation,  and  also  shall 
receive  their  proportionable  part  of  all  public  lands  and 
of  all  other  public  property  (whatsoever)  that  did  belong 
to  said  town  of  Winthrop  at  the  time  of  their  sepera- 
tion. 

And  be  it  further  enacted,  that  the  said  town  of  Read- 
field  shall  take  and  support  their  proportionable  part  of 
all  the  poor  that  did  belong  to  the  said  town  of  Winthrop 
at  the  time  of  their  seperation,  according  to  their  last 
valuation ;    and    provided    any  .person    or   persons    have 


Acts,  1790.  —  Chapter  47.  85 

removed  from  said  town  of  Winthrop  &  shall  be  hereafter 
returned  as  the  poor  of  said  town,  then  and  in  such  case 
the  said  town  of  Readfield  shall  take  and  support  as  their 
poor,  all  those  who  immediately  before  such  removal  w^ere 
the  inhabitants  of  that  part  of  the  town  of  Winthrop  which 
is  now  Readfield. 

And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  until  the  said  town  of  Readfield  shall  have  a  sufficient  S^.^^^'''^  ^""^ 

f    •     ^      -I   •  •    1  1  1-1-.  Wiuthrop,  to 

number  oi  mhabitants  to  entitle  them  to  send  a  Repre-  a«Bembic  jointly 
sentative,  they  shall  assemble  &  meet  with  the  town  of  j°g  °''°  ™^®'- 
Winthrop),  and  in  town  meeting  alternately  at  Winthrop 
and  Readfield  shall  join  in  chusing  a  Eei)resentative  to 
serve  in  the  General  Court  of  this  Commonwealth. 

And  be  it  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid,  that  Jona-  Jonathan 
than  Whiting  Esqr.  be  and  lie  hereby  is  authorized  and  to  sssJl^his*''' 
impowered  to  issue  his  warrant  to  some  principal  inhabi-  "'""''°^- 
tant  of  the  said  town  of  Readfield,  requiring  him  to  notify 
and  warn  said  inha])itants  to   meet  at  some  convenient 
time  and  place  in  said  Readfield,  to  chuse  all  such  officers 
as   other  towns  by   law   are    required   to  choose   in  the 
month  oi  March  ov  April  annually.         March  11,  1791. 

1790.  —  Chapter  47. 

[January  Session,  ch.  33.] 
AN  ACT  FOR  NATURALIZING  JOH.Y  WHITE  &   OTHERS. 

Whereas  John  White,  Roger  Dickinson  atid  John  Atkin-  Preamble, 
son  (^the  said  Atkinson  in  behalf  of  himself,  his  wife  and 
childreti)  have p)etitioned  the  General  Court  that  tliey  may 
be  naturalized,  &  thereby  become  intitled  to  all  the  rights 
and  priviledges  of  natural  born  citizens;  and  having  pro- 
duced sufficient  testimonials  of  their  good  characters; 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representa- 
tives in  General  Court  assembled,  and  by  the  authority  of 
the  same,  that  the  aforesaid  John  White,  Roger  Dickinson  John  white,  & 
&  John  Atkinson,  together  with  Elizabeth  the  wife  of  the  ui^uraiized. 
said  Atkinson,  John  Atkinson  junior,  Charles  Atkinson, 
Eliza  Storer  Atkinson,  George  Hodgson  Atkinson  Mary 
Ann  Atkinson,    Caroline  Frances  Atkinson,  &  William, 
Atkinson  his  Children,  (they  the  said  John  White,  Roger  -to  take  the 
Dickinson,  and  John  Atkinson  respectively,  taking  &  sub-  afilgiance. 
scribing   the  oath  of  allegiance  to  this  Commonwealth, 


86  Acts,  1790.  —  Chapter  ^7. 

before  two  Jii>stices  of  the  Peace,  quorum  uuus)  shall  be 
deemed  adjudged  and  taken,  to  be  free  citizens  of  this 
Commonwealth,  and  intitled  to  all  the  liberties,  privi- 
ledges,  and  immunities  of  natural  ])orn  subjects. 

And  be  it  farther  enacted  that  the  Justices  before  whom 
the  said  JoJtu  White,  Roger  Dickinwn,  and  JoJni  Atkin- 
son, shall  take  and  subscribe  the  said  oath,  shall  return  a 
certiticate  of  the  same,  into  the  Secretary's  OiBce,  that  it 
ma}^  be  there  recorded.  March  11,  1791. 


JuBtice  toretur 
certiticate. 


RESOLVES 


MASSACHUSETTS 


1790, 


RESOLVES 

OF  THE 

GENERAL    COURT 

OP  THE 

Commonwealth  of  Massachusetts, 


BEGUN  AND  HELD  AT  BOSTON,    IN  THE  COUNTY  OF  SUFFOLK, 

ON  WEDNESDAY  THE  TWENTY-SIXTH  DAY  OF 

MAT,  ANNO  D03IINI,    1790. 


BOSTON : 
PRINTED     BY    THOMAS     ADAMS, 

Printer  to  the  Ilononrable  General  Court. 

M.DCC.XC. 

Reprinted  by  Wright  &  Totter  Printing  Company,  State  Printer! 


EESOLVES 


GENERAL    COURT    OF    THE   COMMONWEALTH 
OF   MA88ACFIUSETTS: 

TOGETHER    WITH    MESSAGES,    &c.   OF   HIS  EXCELLENCY 
THE   GOVERNOUR  TO  THE   SAID  COURT: 

BEGUN  AND  HELD  AT  BOSTON,  IN  THE  COUNTY  OF  SUF- 
FOLK, ON  WEDNESDAY  THE  TWENTY-SIXTH  DAY  OF 
MAY,   ANNO   DOMINI,    1790. 

His  Excellency,  JOHN    HANCOCK,  Esq  ; 

Governour.  ^ 

His  Honour,  SAMUEL   ADAMS,  Esq ; 
Lieutenaut-Governour. 

(JOUNCELLORS. 

Honourable  Samuel  Ilolten,  Honourable  Thomas  Russell, 
Moses  Gill,  Ebenezer  Bridge, 

Azor  Orne,  John  Hastings, 

Edward  Cutts,  Thomas  Durfee,  Es- 

William  Heath,  Es-  quires, 

quires. 

The  following  are  the  navies  of  the  Gentlemen  who  comiwse  the  two 
Branches  of  the  GENERAL  COURT,  viz: 

SENATORS. 
Hon.  SAMUEL   PHILLIPS,  jun.,  Esq.  President. 

For  the  Comity  of  Suffolk.  County  of  Essex. 
Hon.  William  Phillij)S,                        Hon.  Aaron  Wood, 

Cotton  Tufts,  Stephen  Choate, 

Stephen  Metcalf,  Jonathan     Greenleaf,     Es- 

Thomas  Dawes,  quires. 
Benjamin  Austin,  jun.,  Es- 
quires. 


92 


Resolves,  1790.  —  May  Session. 


SENATORS—  Conchided. 


Cotmty  of  Middlesex. 
Hon.  Eleazer  Brooks, 
Nathaniel  Goiiiam, 
Joseph  Hosmer, 
Joseph     B.    Varnum,    Es- 
quires. 

County  of  Hampshire. 
Hon.  David  Sexton, 
Samuel  Lyman, 
Samuel  Fowler,  Esquires. 

County  of  Plymouth. 
Hon.  Daniel  Howard, 
Joshua  Thomas, 
Isaac  Thompson,  P^squires. 

County  oj  Bristol. 
Hon.  Walter  Spoonei', 
Elisha  May, 
Phauuel  Bishop,  Esquires. 

Coxmty  of  Barnstable. 
Hon.  Solomon  Freeman,  Esquire. 


Dukes  County  and  Nantucket. 
Hon.  Peleg  CotBn,  Esquire. 

County  of  Worcester. 
Hon.  Samuel  Baker, 
Abel  Wilder, 
Amos  Singletary, 
John  Fessenden,  Esquires. 

County  of  York. 
Hon.  Nathaniel  Wells,  Esq. 

County  of  Cumberland. 
Hon.  Josiah  Thacher,  Esquire. 

Lincoln,  Hancock  a7zd  Wash- 
ington. 
Hon.  Dummer  Sewall,  Esquire. 

County  of  Berkshire. 
Hon.  Elijah  D wight, 

Thompson  J.  Skinner,  Es- 
quires. 


MEMBERS   OF  THE  HOUSE   OF  REPRESENTATIVES. 
Honourable  DAVID   COBB,  Esq.  Speaker. 


^  (  Dr.  Charles  Jarvis, 
!^     Samuel  Breck,  Esq. 
^  !  John  Coffin  Jones,  Esq. 
ZTi  ]  Jonathan  Mason,  Esq. 
g   !  Dr.  William  Eustis, 

(^Jonathan  Mason,  jun.,  Esq. 
Roxbury,  John  Read,  Esq. 
Braintree,  Brig.  Gen.  Ebenezer 

Thayer, 
Dorchester,  James  Bowdoiu,  jun., 

Esq. 
Stoughton,  James  Endicott,  Esq. 
Hingham,  Col.  Charles  Cushing, 
Cohasset,  Thomas  Lothrop,  Esq. 


Dedham,  Joseph  Guild,  Esq. 
Medfield  &  Dover,    Mr.    Oliver 

■     Ellis, 
Wrentham,  Lemuel  KoUock,  Esq. 
TFe?/mo2<i/i,  Nathaniel  Bailey,  Esq. 
Milton,  Col.  Seth  Sumner, 
Franklin,  Mr.  Hezekiah  Fisher, 
Ncedham,  William  Fuller,  Es(|. 
Brookline, Dr. William  Aspinwall, 
Medtvay,  Mr.  Moses  Richardson, 

jun., 
Walpole,  Seth  Bullard,  Esq. 
Sharon,  Mr.  Joseph  Hewins, 


County  of  Essex. 


Salem,  Mr.  Ebenezer  Beckfoi'd, 
Mr.  John  Saunders,  jun., 

Newbury  Port,  Theophilus   Par- 
sons, Esq. 
Mr.  Jonathan  Marsh, 


Ipswich,  John  Manning,  Esq. 
Ne^vbury,  Mr.  Nathaniel  Emery, 
Andover,  Capt.  Peter  Osgood, 
Beverly,  Larkin  Thorndike,  Esq. 
Mr.  Joseph  Wood, 


Resolves,  1790.  —  May  Session. 


93 


REPRESENTATIVES—  Continued. 


County  of  Essex  —  Concluded. 


Danvcrs,  Maj.  Caleb  Low, 
Marbleheacl,  Samuel  Se\vaIl,Esq. 

Mr.  ^oshvia  Orne, 
Gloucester,  Capt.  William  Pear- 
son, 
Haverhill,  Mr.  Nathaniel  Marsh, 
Lyn7i  &  Lynnfield,  John  Carnes, 
Esq. 


Rowley,  Mr.  Thomas  Mighill, 
Salisbury,  Maj.  Joseph  Page, 
Amesbury,  Mr.  James  Bayley, 
Bradford,  Daniel  Thurston,  Esq. 
Boxford,  Mr.  Thomas  Perley, 
Methuen,  Capt.  John  Davis, 


County  of  Middlesex. 


Cambridge,  Mr.  Aaron  Hill, 
Marlliorough,  Mr.  William  Morse, 
Woburn,  Dea.  Timothy  Wynn, 
Reading,  Mr.  Benjamin  Upton, 
Framingham,  Mr.  Jonathan  May- 

nard, 
Neivton,  Abraham  Fuller,  Esq. 
Concord,   Capt.    Duncan    Ingra- 

ham, 
Acton  &   Carlisle,  Mr.  Ephraim 

Robbins, 
Billerica,  Maj.  Edward  Farmer, 
Medford,  Mr.  Ebenezer  Hall, 
Charlestown,  Capt.  Thomas  Har- 
ris, 
Sicdbury,  William  Rice,  Esq. 


Chelmsford,  Maj.  John  Minot, 
Waterloivn,  Col.  Amos  Bond, 
Westford,  Col.  Zaeheus  AV'right, 
Waltham,  Mr.  Abner  Sanderson, 
Hox)kinton,  Mr.  Ebenezer  Claflin, 
Weston,  Capt.  Isaac  Jones, 
Lexington,  Mr.  Joseph  Simonds, 
Maiden,  Mr.  Isaac  Smith, 
Feiipercll,  Mr.  Joseph  Heald, 
Toivnshend,  Capt.  Daniel  Adams, 
East    Sudbury,    Joseph    Curtis, 

Esq. 
Dracut,  Parker  Varnum,  Esq. 
Littleton,  J\Ir.  Sampson  Tuttle, 
Tewksbury,  Mr.  William  Brown, 


County  of  Hampshire. 


Northampton,  Samuel  Henshaw, 
Esq. 

West  Springfield,  Justin  Ely,  Esq. 

Granville,  Col.  Timothy  Robin- 
son, 
Mr.  James  Hamilton, 

Decrfield,  Seth  Catlin,  Esq 

Brimfeld,  Joseph  Browning,  Esq. 

Conway,  William  Billings,  Esq. 

Wilbraham,  John  Bliss,  Esq. 

Blanford,  Capt.  John  Ferguson, 

Amherst,  Simeon  Strong,  Esq. 

Hatfield,  John  Hastings,  Esq. 

Warwick  and  )   John  Goldsbury, 

Orange,  \     Esq. 

South  Brimfield, )   Mr.    Darius 

and  Holland,         ^       Munger, 


Ashfield,  Mr.  I^^hraim  Willums, 
Worthinglon,  Nahum  Eager,  Esfj. 
Monson,  Mr.  David  Hyde, 
Hadlcy,  Mr.  Enos  Nasii, 
Shelburne,  Mv.  Robert  Wilson, 
Greenfield,  Capt.  Isaac  Newton, 
Cumminglon,  and  {  Capt.  William 
Plain  field,  \     Ward, 

Northfield,  Capt.  Elisha  Hunt, 
Colrain,  Col.  Hugh  McClallen, 
Pelhain,  Mr.  Adam  Clark, 
Chestcr/icld,  Col.  Benjamin  Bon- 

iiey, 
Palmer,  Capt.  David  Shaw, 
Montague,  Dr.  Moses  Gunn, 
Southwick,  Dr.  Isaac  Coit, 


County  of  Plymouth. 

Bridgwater,  Mr.  James  Thomas,      Plymouth,  Thomas  Davis,  Esq. 
Middleborough, Mr.  James  Sprout,      Rochester,  Abraham  Holmes,  Esq. 
Scituate,  Capt.  Joseph  Tolman,         Pembroke,  Mr.  Josiali  Smith, 


94 


Resolves,  1790.  —  May  Skssion. 


REPRESENTATIVES  —  Conlimicd. 
Countij  0/ Plymouth  -Concluded. 


Marshfield,  Mr.  Joseph  Phillips, 
Almig'lon,  ,^?^(ioh  Smith,  jiin.,  p]sq. 
Duxbunj,     Gamaliel     Bradford, 
Esq. 


Kingston,  Capt.  Ebenezer  Wash- 
burn, 
Flijmpion,  Capt.  Francis  Shurtliif, 
Hanover,  Mr.  INlelzei-  Curtis, 


County  of  Haknstable. 

Barnstable,  Shearjashub  Bourne,      Harwich,  Mr.  Kimbil  Clark. 

Esq.  Ea^thavi,  Elijah  Knowles,  Esq. 

Ynrmonth,  David  Thatcher,  Esq.       Chatham,  Joseph  Doane, 


Cotinty  of  BiusTOL. 


Dartmouth,  Mr.  David  VVilleox, 
Rchoboth,  Major  Frederick  Drown, 
Taunt07i,  Hon.  David  Cobb,  Esq. 
Attleborough,     Major     Ebenezer 

Tyler, 
Freetown,  Hon.  Thomas  Durfee, 

Esq. 


Rainham,  Josiah  Dean, 
Norton,  Capt.  Seth  Smith,  jun., 
Easton,  Col.  Abial  Mitchell, 
Sumnzey,     Christopher     Mason, 

Esq. 
Somerset,     Jerathmel      Bowers, 

Esq. 


County  of  Dukes  County. 
Edgartniim,  Mr.  William  Jernigan. 

Cou7ity  of  Nantucket. 
Sherburne, 


County  of  Worcester. 


Brookfield,  Daniel  Forbes,  Esq. 
Sutton,   Capt.    Jonathan    Wood- 

l)ury, 
Worcester  ~Ca\)t.  Samuel  Flagg, 
Barre,  Capt.  John  Black, 
ffardtvick,  Martin  Kinsley,  Esq. 
Sterling,  Col.  Edward  Raymond, 
Charlto7i,  Col.  Salem  Town^— 
RrUiceton,  Hon.  Moses  r4ill. 
Petersham,  Capt.  Ruggles  Spoon- 


Lancaster,  Capt.  Ephraim  Carter, 

jun., 
Bolton   and  ?  Mr.  Simon  Hough- 
Berlin,         \     ton, 
Sturbridge,  Mr.  Josiah  Walker, 
Mendon,  Col.  Benjamin  Read, 
Northboroiigh,  Mr.  Isaac  Davis, 
Spencer,  Mr.  James  Hathaway, 
Western,  Mr.  Matthew  Patrick, 


Uxbridge,  Natlian  'I'yler,  Esq. 
Imnenburg,  Capt.  John  Fuller, 
Shrewsbury,  Capt.  Isaac  Harring- 
ton, 
Westminster,  Mr.  Josiah  Puffer, 
(Irafloji,  Doctor  Joseph  Wood, 
Dudley,  Mr.  John  Warren, 
Holde7i,  ,^o\^n  Child,  jun.,  Esq. 
Southborough,   Mr.   Elijah  Brig- 
ham, 
New   Braintree,  Capt.  Benjamin 

Joslyn, 
Oxford,  Capt.  Jeremiah  Learned, 
Fitehburg,    Deacon   Daniel   Put- 
nam, 
Douglass,  Mr.  Lovell  Pulsipher, 
HubbardstoJi,  Mr.  James  Thom- 
son, 
Athol,  Mr.  Josiah  Goddard. 
Oakham,  Capt.  Joseph  Cliaddock, 


Resolves,  1790.  —  May  Session. 


95 


REPRESENTATIVES  —  Concluded. 
County  of  York. 


York,  Hon.  David  Sewall, 
Pejiperellborough,     Mr.     Samuel 

Scam  man, 
(Joxliall,  John  Low,  jun.,  Esq. 
Berwick,   Mr.    Richard    Foxwell 

Cutts, 
Kiltery,  Mr.  Marli  Adams, 
Wells,  Mr.  Joseph  Hubbard, 


Arimdell,  John  Ilovey,  Esq. 
Biddeford,  Doctor  Aaron  Porter, 
Lebanon,  Mr.  Thomas  M.  Went- 

worth, 
FrycJnirg,  Simon  Frye,  Esq. 
Water boroiigh,  Mr  Samuel  Scrib- 

ner, 


County  of  Cumberland. 


Scarborotigh,  William  Tompson, 

Esq. 
Falmouth,  Joseph  Noyes,  Esq. 
Portland,  Mr.  John  Fox, 

Daniel  Davis,  Esq. 
North  Yarmouth,  David  Mitchell, 

Esq. 


Cape  Elizabeth,    Samuel    Calef, 

Esq. 
Brunsvick,  Capt.  John  Peterson, 
Netv    Gloucester,  William   Wed- 

gery,  Esc|. 
Harpswcll,  Isaac  Snow,  Esq. 


Cotcnty  of  Lincoln. 


Pownalborough,  John   Gardiner, 

Esq. 
Bristol,  Col.  William  Jones, 
Woolwich,  Samuel  Harnden,  Esq. 
Hallowell,  Daniel  Cony,  Esq. 
PFaWo&oro^/^/i,  Waterman  Thomas, 

Esq.' 


Topsham,     Samuel     Thompson, 

Esq. 
Booth  Bay,  Capt.  John  Boarland, 
Winthro^y,  Mr.  Jedidiah  Prescot, 

jun, 
Thovuistown,  Mr.  Samuel  Brown, 


County  of  Berkshire. 


Sheffield  and  Mt.  )  Mr.  Johnllub- 
Washington,  \      bard, 

Lanesborough  &  f  Gideon  Wiicel- 
Nerv  Ashford,      \      er,  Esq. 
Pittsfield,  Woodbi-idge  Little,  Esq. 
Adams,  Capt  Reul^en  Hinman, 
Williarnstoian,  Dr.  William  Tow- 
ner, 
Richmond,  William  Lusk,  Esq. 
Sandisfield,  Mr.  John  Picket,  jun., 
Stockb'ridge,  John  Bacon,  F]sq. 
Leonox,  Mr.  John  Stoughton, 


New  Marlboro\  Col.  Daniel  Tay- 
lor, Esq. 
Tyringham,  Capt.  Ezekiel  Hear- 

ick, 
Lee,  Ebenezer  Jenkins,  Esq, 
Hancock,  Mr.  David  Vaughan, 
West    Stockbridge,    Elijah     Wil- 
liams, Esq. 
Egrrmont,  Mr.  Ephraim  Fitch, 
Becket,  Nathaniel  Kingsley,  Esq. 
Washington,     Azariah      Ashley, 
Esq. 


96  Resolves,  1790.  —  May  Session. 


Ch-apter  1. 

RESOLVE  SUSPENDING  THE  LAW  FOR  REGULATING  THE  FISH- 
ERY IN  CONNECTICUT  RIVER,  AND  REQUESTING  THE  GOV- 
ERNOR TO  WRITE  TO  THE  GOVERNOR  OF  CONNECTICUT 
RELATIVE  THERETO. 

On  the  Petition  of  a  number  of  the  Inhaljitants  of 
West  Springfield,  praying  for  a  suspension  of  the  Law 
for  regulating  the  Fishery  in  Connecticut  River. 

Resolved  that  the  aforesaid  Act  be  and  here  by  is  sus- 
pended untill  the  first  Day  of  January  next  — 

and  be  it  further  resolved  that  Sam.  Leyman,  Samuel 
Ilenshaiv  &  Justin  Ely  Esqrs.  be  a  Committee  on  1)ehalf 
of  this  Commonwealth  to  repair  to  Connecticut  to  confer 
with  such  Committe  as  may  be  appointed  l)y  the  General 
Asseml)ly  of  the  State  of  Connecticutt,  on  the  Subject  of 
regulating  the  Fishery  in  said  lliver  and  of  adopting  the 
most  effectual  Means  for  preserving  the  Fish  in  said 
River. 

And  be  it  further  resolved  that  his  Excellency  the  Gov- 
ernor be  requested  to  write  to  the  Governor  of  the  State 
of  Connecticut,  inclosing  a  Copy  of  this  Resolve,  and  re- 
questing him  to  lay  the  same  before  the  Assembly  of  the 
said  State  and  to  request  their  concurrence  therein. 

June  1,1790. 

Chapter  2. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  WILLIAM  JERNIGAN,  IN  BE- 
HALF OF  THE  TOWN  OF  EDGERTON,  EXCUSING  THE 
COUNTY  OF  DUKES  COUNTY  FROM  BUILDING  AND  MAIN- 
TAINING MORE  THAN  ONE  GOAL,  AND  IMPOWERING  JAMES 
ATHEARN  AND  OTHERS  TO  AGREE  UPON  THE  PLACE  FOR 
A  NEW   GOAL. 

On  the  petition  of  William  Jernigan  in  behalf  of  the 
Town  of  Edgerton  in  Diikes  County  praying  that  the 
County  aforsaid  may  l)e  Excused  from  Building  and  sup- 
porting two  Goals  in  said  County. 

Resolved  that  the  prayer  thereof  be  granted,  and  that  the 
County  of  Dukes  County  be  and  hereby  is  Excused  from 
Building  and  maintaining  more  than  one  Goal  for  the  safe 
keeping  of  Prisoners  in  said  County  any  Law  or  Re- 
solve to  the  Contrary  notwithstanding.  And  whereas  the 
present  Goal  in  sd.  County  is  in  a  state  very  unfit  for  the 


Kesolves,  1790.  —  May  Session.  97 

same  keeping  of  Prisoners  —  &  it  is  necessary  that  a  new 
one  should  be  speedil}^  built — Therefore 

Resolved  that  James  AtJiearn  Shubael  Cottle  JSFathh 
Bassett  &  Benjamin  Bassett  Ehenezar  8m{th  &.■  Wil- 
liam Jernigen  Esquires  with  Benjamin  Smith  Esq.  the 
Sheriff  of  sd.  County  be  impowered  to  agree  &  deter- 
mine upon  the  place  Avhere  sd.  new  Goal  shall  be  built 
—  due  notice  of  the  time  &  })lace  of  meeting  for  the  con- 
sideration of  the  subject,  to  be  given  by  James  Athearn 
Esq.  June  1,1790. 

Chapter  3. 

RESOLVE   ON    THE    PETITION    OF   ABRAHAM    HOLMES,  ESQ.,  ON 
BEHALF   OF   BENJAMIN  LAWRENCE. 

On  the  petition  of  Abralunn  Holmes  in  behalf  of  Ben- 
jamin Laivrence  praying  that  the  Treasurer  of  this  Com- 
monwealth be  directed  to  make  out  &  deliver  to  the  sd. 
Benjamin  Notes  to  the  Value  of  thirty  three  jwimds  of 
the  late  Money  of  the  State  of  Massachusetts  Bay,  which 
sd.  sum  was  mislaid  in  the  Treasurers  Office  &  no  Note 
given  therefor. 

Resolved,  that  the  prayer  of  sd.  Petition  l)e  granted  & 
that  the  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth  be  and  hereby 
is  directed  to  issue  to  the  sd.  Benjamin  Lawrence  Notes 
of  the  Tenor  of  consolidated  Notes  to  the  Amount  of 
the  Value  of  thirty  three  pounds  at  the  time  said  Money 
was  delivered  into  the  Treasurer's  Office  with  Interest 
from  that  time  untill  the  issuing  said  Note,  and  that  the 
Treasurer  take  sd.  Money  &  deface  the  same  or  dispose 
of  it  as  the  other  State's  Money  which  was  brought  into 
the  Treasury.  June  1 ,  1 790. 

Chapter  4. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  ABRAHAM  WASHBURN,  AU- 
THORIZING THE  COMMITTEE  OF  ACCOUNTS  TO  GIVE  A  CER- 
TIFICATE  FOR   HIS  WAGES,   AS  A   CONTINENTAL   SOLDIER. 

On  the  Petition  of  Abraham  Washburn  praying  that  he 
may  be  Authorised  &  empowered  to  draw  the  waiges  due 
to  his  Son  Abiezer  Washburn  deceased  a  Soldier  in  the 
late  Continental  Army. 

Resolved  that  the  Prayer  of  said  Petition  be  so  far 
granted  as  that,  the  Committee-  ai)pointed  to  Methodise 
and  state  the  public  Accounts  of  this  Commonwealth  be, 
and  they  arc  hereby  Authorised  and  empowered  to  Cer- 


98  Resolves,  1790.  —  May  Session. 

tify  to  the  Governour  &  Council  the  sum  due  to  the  said 
Ahiezer  WasJiburn  in  the  same  manner  they  woukl  have 
done  if  seasonable  Application  had  been  made  to  them  for 
that  purpose,  any  resolve  to  the  Contrary  notwithstanding. 

June  2,  1790. 

Chapter  5. 

RESOLVE    ON    THE    PETITION    OF    WILLIAM    COURTIS,    ELIZA- 
BETH COURTIS  AND    WILLIAM  SHIRLEY. 

On  the  Petition  of  William  Courtis  Esq.  and  Eliza- 
beth Courtis  widow,  bothe  oi  Marhlehead  in  the  County 
of  Essex  and  Administrators  of  the  Estate  of  William 
Courtis  late  of  that  place  deceased  Intestate,  and  also  on 
the  Petition  of  William  Shirley  of  that  place  Sail  maker. 

Resolved,  That  the  l)argain  of  the  said  deceased  made 
in  his  life  time  with  the  said  William  Shir-ley  shall  and 
may  be,  carried  into  effect  Ijy  the  said  William  Courtis 
and  Elizabeth  the  Petitioners  as  Administrators,  of  the 
said  deceased's  Estate,  and  agreeable  to  the  prayer  of  their 
Petition  and  of  the  Petition  of  the  said  William  Sliirley. 
And  the  said  Administrators  are  hereby  licenced  and 
authorised  in  their  said  Capacity,  in  consideration  of  the 
sum  of  One  hundred  poimds  Currency  paid  by  the  said 
Shirley  to  the  said  deceased  on  the  22d.  day  of  July 
1778,  to  convey  and  confirm  to  the  said  Shirley  his  heirs 
and  assigns  by  a  good  and  sufficient  Deed  that  certain 
single  house  with  the  land  thereto  belonging  situate  in 
said  Marblehead  by  the  House  late  of  Benjamin  Marston 
Esqr.  and  joining  on  his  land  and  on  land  now  or  late  of 
Joseph  Roundey,  wnth  the  Privileges  and  Appurtenances 
thereof,  being  the  same  House  and  Land  bargained  to  the 
said  Shirley  by  the  said  deceased  in  his  lifetime,  a  mem- 
orandum in  writing  of  which  bargain  was  made  in  presence 
of  the  said  deceased  on  the  said  22d.  day  of  Jidy  A.  D. 
1778,  to  hold  to  the  said  Shirley  in  fee  simple. 

June  2,  1790. 

Chapter  6. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  THE  SELECTMEN  OF  WILBRA- 
HAM,  IMPOWERING  THE  SAID  TOWN  TO  CHOOSE  A  COLLEC- 
TOR  OF   TAXES. 

On  the  petition  of  the  Select  Men  of  the  Tow^n  of  Wil- 
braham  seting  forth  that  one  of  the  Constal)les  of  said 
Town  who  had  commited  to  him  sundry  Kate  Bills  or 
Assessments  to  collect  beino;  in  failing  circumstances  the 


Resolves,  1790.  —  May  Session.  99 

Inhabitants  of  the  Town  aforesaid  adjudging  it  not  pru- 
dent to  intrust  said  Constable  with  the  Collection  of  the 
monies  assessed  they  the  said  Select  Men  received  back 
from  said  Constable  the  Bills  &  Assessments  aforesaid  — 
and  thereupon  praying  that  said  Town  may  be  authorized 
and  irapowered  to  choose  and  appoint  another  Constable 
or  Collector  in  his  room  or  stead. 

Resolved  for  Reasons  set  forth  in  said  Petition  that  the 
said  Town  be  authorized  and  impowered  to  choose  &  ap- 
point another  Constable  in  the  same  way  and  manner  that 
they  might  or  could  have  done  had  the  Constable  afore- 
said been  taken  on  Execution ;  and  the  Constable  thus 
choosen  shall  have  full  power  and  authority  to  enforce  the 
Collection  of  monies  due  on  said  Bills  or  assessments  and 
the  same  proceedings  shall  and  may  be  had  in  the  prem- 
ises as  are  designated  and  specified  in  that  part  or  para- 
graph (relative  to  Constables  or  Collectors  taken  on 
Execution)  of  an  Act  intitled  *'an  Act  for  enforcing  the 
speedy  payment  of  Rates  &  Taxes  and  directing  the  proc- 
ess against  deficient  Constables  and  Collectors." 

June  2,  1790. 

Chapter  7. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  DANIEL  LOLLER,  GRANTING 
HIM   £.7   18  4,  FOR   SERVICES   IN   THE    CONTINENTAL  ARMY. 

On  the  petition  of  Daniel  Loller  a  disabled  soldier 
praying  for  a  part  of  his  wages  which  he  has  not  hitherto 
received. 

Resolved  that  there  be  allowed  &  paid  out  of  the  treas- 
ury of  this  Commonwealth  to  Daniel  Loller  a  Soldier  in 
the  late  12th.  Masss'tt.  Regiment  the  sum  of  Seven  pounds. 
Eighteen  shillings  &  four  j^ence,  the  same  being  due  to 
him  for  his  services  in  said  Regiment,  and  that  the  same 
be  paid  in  the  way  &  manner  as  other  soldiers  of  the  said 
Regiment  were  paid,  any  law  or  resolve  to  the  contrary 
notwithstanding.  June  2,  1790. 

Chapter  8. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  DEBORAH  FULLER,  LOT  EATON, 
JOB  EATON,  JABEZ  EATON  AND  AMOS  COOK,  DIRECTING 
THE  COMMITTEE  FOR  SETTLING  WITH  THE  ARMY  TO  CERTIFY 
THE  SUM  DUE  TO  THEM  FOR  SERVICES  IN  THE  CONTINENTAL 
ARMY. 

On  the  Petition  of  Deborah  Fuller,  Lot  Eaton,  Job 
Eaton,  Jabez  Eaton  and  Amos  Cook. 


100  Resolves,  1790. —  May  Session. 

Resolved  that  the  Committee  for  stating  and  methodiz- 
ing accounts,  be  and  hereby  are  directed  to  certify  to  the 
Governour  and  Council  the  sum  or  sums  of  money  which 
may  appear  to  be  due  to  Joshua  Eaton  for  his  service  in 
the  Continental  Army  for  the  first  three  years  service,  any 
Law  or  resolve  to  the  Contrary  notwithstanding. 

Jime  5,  1790. 

Chapter  9. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  OBED  HUSSEY. 

Whereas  payments  are  sup[)osed  to  have  been  made 
towards  the  Bond  on  which  the  suit  set  forth  in  the  petition 
of  Obed  Hnssei/  was  brought,  which  payments  were  not 
shewn  to  the  Court  when  chancering  the  Bond :  therefore 

Resolved:  that,  notwithstanding  judgment  on  said  Bond 
was  rendered  on  default,  the  said  Obed  Hussey  be  &  is 
hereby  empowered,  to  bring  his  writ  of  Review  of  said 
Suit  for  a  new  Chancery  of  the  same  Bond  to  the  Supreme 
Judicial  Court  next  to  be  holden  at  Boston  on  the  last 
Tuesday  of  August  next  against  Neliemiali  Rand  Admin- 
istrator of  the  estate  of  Willia?n  Tufts  deceased,  and  the 
said  Supreme  Judicial  Court  are  hereby  empowered  to 
chancer  said  Bond  in  the  same  manner  as  if  the  said  Obed 
Hussey  was  in  the  ordinary  Course  of  Law  entitled  to  a 
writ  of  Review  of  the  Suit  aforesaid.  Jane  5,  1790. 

Chapter  10. 

RESOLVE  DIRECTING  THE  TREASURER  TO  PAY  NATHANIEL 
BASA  AND  JOHN  LOOK,  TWO  SOLDIERS  IN  THE  LATE  CON- 
TINENTAL ARMY,  THE  SUMS  DUE  TO  THEM  OUT  OF  TAX 
NO.  5. 

Whereas  Nathaniel  Basa  and  John  I^ook  two  soldiers 
in  the  late  continental  Army  for  nine  months  in  Col. 
Shephard's  Regt.  were  not  able  to  draw  their  respective 
wages  out  of  the  Treasury  of  this  Commonwealth  for 
their  services  on  account  of  their  being  respectively  made 
up  by  wrong  names  in  the  roll,  which  names  have  been 
since  rectified  and  the  funds  which  were  appro[)riated  for 
the  payment  of  said  wages  l)eing  absorbed : 

Resolved,  that  the  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth  be 
and  herel)y  is  directed  to  pay  to  the  said  Nathaniel  and 
John  out  of  the  specie  part  of  Tax  No.  five  such  sums  as 
are  respectively  due  to  them  for  said  services. 

June  4,  1790. 


Resolves,  1790.  —  May  Session.  101 


Chapter  11. 

RESOLVE   MAKING  AN  ADDITIONAL   ALLOWANCE   TO   THE   MAN- 
AGERS OF  THE  STATE  LOTTERY. 

Whereas  the  allowance  of  hvo  per  cent,  granted  to  the 
INIanagers  of  the  State  Lottery,  for  their  services  in 
managing  said  Lottery,  appears  to  l)e  insufficient,  &  it 
also  appearing  reasonable  that  a  further  allowance  should 
be  made  to  them  for  their  services  in  Managing  said 
Lottery  : 

Bewlved,  that  in  addition  to  the  iwo  ^  cent,  allowed 
to  the  said  Managers,  there  ))e,  &  hereby  is  allowed  one 
per  cent,  for  their  services  on  the  sale  of  the  Tickets, 
in  the  third  class  of  the  said  Lottery,  &  in  the  succeeding 
Classes.  June  4,  1790- 


Chapter  12. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  JOSEPH  AARON,  EMPOWERING 
THE  GUARDIANS  OF  THE  GRAFTON  INDIANS  TO  SELL  THE 
LANDS  MENTIONED. 

On  the  Petition  of  Joseph  Aaron  an  Indian  Native  pray- 
ing that  he  may  have  leave  to  sel  a  piece  of  his  Land. 

Resolved  that  the  Guardians  of  the  Grafton  Indiens  be 
and  they  are  hereby  empowered  to  make  sale  of  Eleven 
acres  and  a  half  of  Land  ])elonging  to  the  said  Joseph 
for  the  most  the  same  will  fetch  at  private  or  publick  sale 
and  to  make  and  Execute  a  good  and  sufficient  Deed  or 
Deeds  thereof  in  their  said  Capacity  to  the  purchaser  or 
purchasers  and  to  apply  the  proceeds  of  such  sale  to  the 
l)enctit  of  the  said  Joseph  Aaron  they  to  be  accountable 
for  the  same  to  the  Gcnl.  Court.  June  4,  1790. 


Chapter  13. 

RESOLVE  EXPRESSING  THE  OPINION  OF  THE  LEGISLATURE 
THAT  IT  IS  EXPEDIENT  FOR  CONGRESS  TO  ASSUME  AND 
PROVIDE  FOR  THE  PAYMENT  OF  THE  DEBTS  OF  THE  SEVERAL 
STATES,  AND  INSTRUCTING  THE  MEMBERS  OF  THIS  STATE 
UPON  THE  SUBJECT. 

Resolved  as  the  opinion  of  this  Legislature,  that  it  will 
not  only  be  just  &  reasonable,  but  highly  exi)edient  that 
the  Government  of  the  United  States  should  Assume  & 
provide  for  the  payment  of  those  debts  which  the  several 


102  Kesolves,  1790.  —  May  Session. 

States  contracted  during  the  late  war,  for  the  following 
reasons  viz:  — 

Because  those  debts  were  contracted  for  the  same  pur- 
pose, with  the  debts,  for  which  the  securities  of  the  United 
States  were  given,  to  ivit,  the  coinmon  defence; 

This  measure  will  lay  a  broad  basis  for  lasting  good 
will  and  harmony  among  the  several  States,  &  the  numer- 
ous individuals  who  compose  them  ;  as  it  will  shew  an 
equal  regard  to  the  different  descriptions  of  public  credit- 
ors, who  have  made  advances  for  the  same  general  pur- 
pose, &  are  entitled  to  equal  notice  ; 

Because  a  revenue  by  excise  being  necessary  for  the 
payment  of  these  debts,  such  a  revenue  Avill  be  far  more 
productive  under  the  conduct  of  the  general  government, 
than  under  that  of  the  seperate  States,  without  encreas- 
ing  the  l)urthen  upon  the  people,  &  at  the  same  time, 
those  interferences  &  evasions,  emulations  and  jealousies 
which  must  be  the  unavoidable  consequence  of  partial 
State  regulations,  will  be  prevented ; 

And  beside  many  other  important  consequences  which 
would  ensue,  this  measure  will  tend  most  effectually 
to  secure  to  the  United  States  the  due  collection  of  all 
their  revenues,  to  equalize  the  burthens  of  the  several 
States,  &  to  prevent  the  too  frequent  operation  of  large 
direct  taxation. 

And  it  is  further  Resolved,  that  his  excellency  the  Gov- 
ernor be  requested  as  soon  as  may  be,  to  write  to  the 
Senators,  Eepresenting  this  Commonwealth  in  the  Con- 
gress of  the  United  States  giving  them  notice,  that  they 
are  instructed  by  this  Legislature  to  apply  to  Congress  to 
assume  the  public  debt  of  this  State  &  make  provision  for 
the  payment  of  the  same  as  part  of  the  debt  of  the  Union, 
and  at  the  same  time  to  communicate  to  the  Representa- 
tives of  the  people  of  this  Commonwealth  in  Congress 
the  sentiments  of  this  Court  on  the  foregoing  subject. 

June  4,  1790. 

Chapter  14. 

RESOLVE   ON  THE  PETITION   OF   THOMAS  WALKER  IN  BEHALF 
OF  THE  TOWN  OF  SUDBURY. 

On  the  Petition  of  Thomas  Walker  in  behalf  of  the 
Town  of  Sudbury,  for  the  liberation  from  Goal  of 
Augustus  Moore  a  deficient  Collector  of  the  said  Town 
of  Sudbury. 


Resolves,  1790.  —  May  Session.  103 

Resolved  that  the  Keeper  of  the  Commonwealths  Goal 
in  Oamhridge  in  the  County  of  Middlesex  be  and  he 
hereby  is  directed  to  liberate  the  said  Augustus  Moore 
from  his  confinement  in  said  Goal,  on  Account  of  his 
deficiency  in  the  collection  &  [)ayment  of  what  was  com- 
mitted to  him  of  Tax  No.  Six  as  a  Collector  of  said 
Sudbury,  he  first  i)aying-  all  Cost  &  Charge  which  has  or 
may  arise  on  account  of  his  said  counnitment  and  the 
Inhabitants  of  the  said  Town  of  Sudbury  still  remaining 
chargeable  to  the  Commonwealth  for  the  discharge  &  pa^y- 
ment  of  the  whole  of  said  deficiency  in  the  same  manner 
as  tho'  no  Order  had  passed  for  the  liberation  of  the  said 
Augustus  Moore.  June  5,  1790. 

Chapter  15. 

RESOLVE  AUTHORIZING  THE  SECRETARY  AND  CLERKS  OF  THE 
SENATE  AND  HOUSE  OF  REPRESENTATIVES,  TO  CONTRACT 
FOR  THE  PRINTING  BUSINESS  THE  ENSUING  YEAR. 

Resolved  that  John  Avery  Jr.  Saml.  Coojper  &  George 
R.  Minot  Esqrs.  be,  &  herel)y  are  appointed  with  full 
power  &  authority  to  contract  for  the  printing  business 
of  this  Commonwealth  the  year  ensuing,  on  reasonable 
terms,  not  to  exceed  the  terms  given  the  year  past. 

June  5,  1790. 

Chapter  16. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  THE  TOWN  OF  EASTHAM,  ABAT- 
ING SAID  TOWN  £.50,  IN  THE  TAX  OF  MARCH,  1788. 

On  the  petition  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  Town  of 
Eastham  praying  for  almtement  of  their  taxes. 

Resolved,  that,  the  prayer  of  the  said  [)etition,  be  so  far 
granted,  that,  the  said  Town  of  Eastham,  be  and  they 
hereby  are  abated  the  sum  of  ffty  Rounds  of  the  Tax 
required  of  the  said  Town,  in  and  by  the  Tax  granted, 
March  1788,  and  the  Treasurer  is  hereby  Directed  to 
credit,  the  said  Town,  the  aforesaid  sum  oi  fifty  pounds 
accordingly.  June  10,  1790. 

Chapter  17. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  THE  TOWN  OF  SOUTHBOROUGH, 
REMITTING  A  FINE  LAID  ON  THE  SAID  TOWN  FOR  NEGLECT- 
ING TO  CHOOSE  A  REPRESENTATIVE  IN  THE  YEAR  1788. 

On  the  Petition  of  the  Town  of  Southborough  praying, 
that  the  fine,  Set  to  the  said  Town,  for  neglecting  to  Chuse 


104  Kesolves,  1790.  —  May  Session. 

u  Representative,  to  Represent  them,  in  the  General  Court 
in  the  year  1788  may  be  remitted. 

Resolved  tliat  the  prayer,  of  the  said  Petition  ])c  granted, 
and  that  the  Sum  of  thirty  pounds  Set  to  the  said  Town 
of  Sontlihoroiigh,  as  a  fine,  for  the  said  Town,  to  pay  in 
Consolidated  Securities  of  this  Government,  for  neglect- 
ing to  Chuse  a  Representative  to  send  to  the  General 
Court,  in  the  year  1788  be  remitted,  and  the  Treasurer  is 
hereby  directed  to  Govern  himself  accordingly. 

Jxine  9,  1790. 

Chapter  17a.* 

UESOLVE  ON  THE  rETITION  OF  COMMITTEES  OF  THE  TOWNS  OF 
PEMBROKE  AND  HANOVER. 

On  the  petition  of  Samuel  Goold  and  others  Com- 
mittees of  the  towns  of  Pembroke  and  Hanover  praying 
that  the  obstructions  may  be  removed  Avhich  prevent  the 
fish  called  Alewives  from  [)assing  up  the  stream  that 
divides  the  said  towns. 

Resolved  that  the  Committees  aforesaid  notify  the  own- 
ers of  the  mills  &  dams  on  said  stream  to  appear  on  the 
second  tuesday  of  the  next  setting  of  the  General  Court 
and  shew  cause  if  any  they  have  why  the  prayer  of  said 
petition  should  not  be  granted,  by  serving  him  with  an 
attested  copy  of  their  petition  and  this  order  thereon  four- 
teen days  at  least  before  said  day.  June  9,  1790. 

Chapter  18. 

KESOLVE  DIRECTING  THOMAS  COOK,  ESQ.  COLLECTOU  OF  IM- 
POST AND  EXCISE  FOR  DUKES  COUNTY,  TO  SETTLE  HIS 
ACCOUNT  WITH  THE  TREASURER  ON  OR  BEFORE  THE  FIRST 
OF   SEPTEMBER  NEXT. 

Whereas  Thomas  Cook  Esquire  Collector  of  Impost  and 
Excise  for  the  County  of  Dukes  County  has  rendered  no 
account  whatever  of  his  Collections  to  the  Treasurer,  & 
has  given  no  bond  for  the  faithful  performance  of  the 
duties  of  his  office,  therefore  be  it 

resolved  that  the  said  Thomas  Cook  on  or  before  the 
first  day  of  Sejytemher  next  duly  settle  his  impost  &  excise 
accounts  with  the  Treasurer  &  receiver  General  of  this 
Comonwcalfii  &  pay  whatever  balance  may  ))e  remaining 
in  his  hands ;  and  if  the  said  Thomas  Cook  shall  neglect 
or  refuse  so  to  do  that  the  Attorney  General  be  and  he 


Not  printed  in  previons  editions.    Taken  from  conrt  record. 


Resolves,  1790.  —  May  Session.  105 

hereby  is  directed  in  due  course  of  law  to  prosecute  the 
said  Cook  to  final  judgment  and  Execution  as  the  Com- 
monwealths receiver  of  the  said  duties  of  impost  and  excise. 

Jane  9,  1790. 

Cliapter  19. 

RESOLVE   ESTABLISHING   THE   PAY   OF   THE    MEMBERS    OF   THE 
GENERAL  COURT. 

Resolved,  That  there  be  paid  out  of  the  Treasury  of  this 
Commonwealth  the  sum  of  seven  sJdllings,  to  each  Mem- 
ber of  the  Honorable  Council,  and  the  sum  of  six  sh'dlings 
and  six  j)ence  to  each  Member  of  the  Senate  ;  and  the 
sum  of  six  shillings  to  e^ch  Member  of  the  House  of  Rep- 
resentatives, for  each  days  attendance  in  the  Council,  or 
the  General  Court,  the  present  Session ;  also  the  further 
sum  of  one  days  pay  for  every  ten  miles  Distance,  each 
Member  lives  from  this  place. 

And  it  is  further  resolved,  That  there  be  granted  and 
l)aid  out  of  the  pul)lick  Treasury  of  this  Commonwealth, 
to  the  Honorable  Samuel  Phillips  Junr.  Esq.,  President 
of  the  Senate,  and  to  the  Honorable  David  Cobb  Esq. 
Speaker  of  the  House  of  Ilepresentativcs  Jive  shillings  per 
day,  each,  for  each  days  attendance  on  the  General  Court, 
at  their  present  sitting,  over  and  above  their  respective 
pay,  as  Members  thereof.  June  9,  1790. 

Chapter  20. 

RESOLVE     ON    THE     PETITION     OF     CHARLES     CUSHING,    ESQ., 
GRANTING  HIM   £70. 

On  the  petition  of  Charles  Cushing  clerk  of  the  Su- 
preme Judicial  Court. 

Resolved  that  there  be  allowed  &  paid  out  of  the 
Treasury  of  this  Commonwealth  unto  the  said  Charles 
Cushing  in  full  for  his  services  as  clerk  aforesaid  for  the 
year  one  thousand  seven  hundred  &  eighty  nine  the  sum 
of  Seventy  Pounds  lawful  money.  June  9,  1790. 

Chapter  30a.* 

ORDER  DIRECTING  THE  SECRETARY  TO  FURNISH  THE  ATTOR- 
NEY GENERAL  WITH  A  LIST  OF  TOWNS  WHICH  HAVE  NOT 
MADE   RETURNS   OF   VOTES. 

Ordered  that  the  Secretary  furnish  the  Attorney  Gen- 
eral with  a  list  of  those  towns  which  have  been  delinquent 

•  Not  printed  in  previous  editions.    Taken  from  court  record. 


106  Kesolves,  1790.  —  May  Session. 

in  not  returning  their  votes  for  Governor,  Lieutenant 
Governor  and  Senators  the  present  year,  in  order  that 
they  may  be  prosecuted  for  such  delinquency  as  the  law 
directs.  June  9,  1790. 

Chapter  31. 

RESOLVE   DIRECTING   THE  TREASURER   TO   PAY   OUT  THE  COP- 
PER  CENTS  IN   HIS   OFFICE,   AT   THE   RATE   MENTIONED. 

Resolved  that  the  treasurer  l)e  &  he  hereby  is  directed 
to  pay  out  the  cojjper  Cents  now  in  the  treasury,  in  dis- 
charge of  the  debts  due  from  the  Commonwealth,  at  the 
rate  of  one  hundred  &  eight  cents  for  six  shillings  lawful 
money,  subject  however  to  such  appropriations  as  have 
been  or  may  be  made  by  the  legislature  of  the  other  public 
monies  in  the  treasury  &  that  the  Treasurer  receive  the 
same  in  payments  at  the  same  rate,  any  law  or  resolve  to 
the  contrary  notwithstanding.  June  10,  1790. 

Chapter  23. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF   ELIJAH  HUNT. 

On  the  Petition  of  Elijah  Hunt  late  Collector  of  Excise 
for  the  County  of  Hampshire. 

Resolved,  that  the  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth  be, 
and  he  is  hereby  authorised  and  directed,  to  suspend 
untill  the  third  Wednesday  of  ye  next  Session  of  ye 
General  Court  the  final  adjustment  of  the  said  Hunt's 
Account  as  Collector  as  aforesaid,  so  far  as  respects  two 
certain  Orders  which  have  been  received  by  said  Hunt 
and  are  offered  by  him  in  part  discharge  of  said  Account, 
and  which  Orders  appear  to  have  been  forged  and  altered. 

Provided  Nevertheless,  that  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the 
.said  Hunt,  to  give  to  the  Attorney  General,  information 
of  such  Forgery,  with  such  description  of  the  i)crson  from 
whom  said  Hunt  received  the  said  Orders,  as  he  is  now, 
or  shall  hereafter  be  able  to  give,  and  shall  otherwise  use 
his  best  endeavours  to  discover  such  Offender. 

June  10,  1790. 

Chapter  33. 

RESOLVE   ON   THE   PETITION   OF  JOSEPH  MUDG,   JR. 

On  the  Petition  of  Joseph  3Iudg  jr.  and  the  Selectmen 
of  the  Town  of  JSfeedham  praying  that  the  doings  of  the 


Resolves,  1790.  —  May  Session.  107 

said  Mudg  as  an  Auctioneer  may  be  Confirmed  their  not 
having  Conformed  strictly  to  the  Law  in  that  case,  Not- 
withstanding. 

Resolved  that  the  prayer  of  the  Petitioners  be  so  far 
granted  that  the  said  Josej)h  Mudg  have  Liberty  to  Settle 
with  the  Treasurer  in  the  same  way  and  manner  as  though 
the  Petitioners  had  lirst  Complyed  fully  Avith  the  Direc- 
tions in  the  Law  in  that  Case  made  and  Provided  —  and 
the  Treasurer  is  hereliy  directed  to  Govern  him  self  accord- 
ingly. June  11,  1790. 

Chapter  34. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  rETITION  OF  WILLIAM  DONNISON,  ESQ. 
DIRECTING  THE  TREASURER  TO  DISCHARGE  THE  GRANT 
MADE  TO  HIM  P^OR  SERVICES  AS   ADJUTANT  GENERAL. 

On  the  petition  of  William  Donnison  Esqr.  praying  he 
may  Receive  the  grant  made  him  the  Last  Sessions  of  the 
Last  General  Court  for  his  Services  the  two  years  Last 
past,  as  Adjutant  General  of  this  Commonwealth. 

Resolved  that  the  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth  be 
and  he  hereby  is  empowered  and  Directed  to  pay  the 
Grant  Aforesaid  out  of  the  first  monies  that  shall  come 
into  the  Treasury  not  already  appropriated. 

June  11,  1790. 


Chapter  35. 

RESOLVi:  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  JOSIAII  MILLS,  DIRECTING 
THE  TREASURER  TO  ISSUE  NOTES  TO  HIM  IN  LIEU  OF 
THOSE  DRAWN   ON  A  FORGED   ORDER. 

On  the  Petition  of  Josiah  Mills  late  a  Soldier  in  the 
fifth  3Iassachusetts  Regiment  representing  that  his  depre- 
ciation Notes  have  been  drawn  by  one  William  Tucker 
on  a  forg'd  Order,  and  praying  the  consideration  of  this 
Court,  For  reasons  set  forth  in  sd.  petition. 

Resolved  that  the  prayer  thereof  be  granted,  and  that 
the  Treasurer  be  &  he  hereby  is  directed  to  issue  to  the 
said  Josiah  Mills  the  Notes  due  to  him  for  his  depreciation, 
amounting  to  the  Sum  of  Eleven  pounds,  huo  shillings  & 
three  pence,  in  the  same  way  he  would  have  done  if  his 
said  Notes  had  not  been  drawn  on  a  forg'd  Order  as  afore- 
said, any  Law  or  Resolve  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding. 

And  be  it  further  Resolved  that  the  Attorney  General 


108  Resolves,  1790.  —  May  Session. 

be  &  he  hereby  is  directed  to  use  his  best  endeavours  for 
apprehending  the  said  William  Tucker  &  bringing  him 
to  Justice.  June  11,  1790. 

Chapter  36. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  rETITION  OF  THOMAS  DEN^Y,  APPOINTING 
EDMUND  HEARD,  ESQ.  AND  CAPT.  EPHRAIM  CARTER  ADDI- 
TIONAL  MANAGERS   OF   LEICESTER  ACADEMY   LOTTERY. 

On  the  Petition  of  Thomas  Denny  one  of  the  Managers 
of  Leicester  Academy  Lottery,  in  behalf  of  himself  &  the 
other  two  Managers  of  said  Lottery,  praying  that  two 
more  Managers  may  be  added  to  said  Lottery  for  reasons 
set  forth  in  said  petition. 

Resolved  that  the  prayer  of  said  petition  be  granted  & 
that  Edmund  Heard  Esqr.  &  Capt.  Epiiraim  Carter  both 
of  Lancaster  in  the  County  of  Worcester  be  &  hereby  are 
ap[)ointed  additional  Managers  of  the  Leicester  Academy 
Lottery  who  shall  be  sworn  to  the  faithful  discharge  of 
their  trust,  &  shall  together  with  JosejyJt  Allen  Esqr.  of 
Worcester,  Messrs.  Thomas  Newell  &  Thomas  Denny, 
managers  already  ap})ointed  give  security  to  the  Treasurer 
of  this  Commonwealth  in  the  sum  required  in  the  Act 
granting  a  Lottery  for  the  benefit  of  said  Academy — And 
the  aforesaid  Joseph  Allen  esqr.  Thomas  Newell,  Thomas 
Denny,  Edmund  Heard  esqr.  &  Ephraim  Carter,  or  any 
three  of  them  are  hereby  impowered  to  transact  the  busi- 
ness of  said  Lottery  in  the  manner,  &  subject  to  the  rules 
&  regulations  required  in  the  act  aforesaid. 

Jane  11,  1790. 

Chapter  26a.* 

ORDER  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  ELISIIA  RICHARDSON  AND  MOSES 
FISHER. 

On  the  Petition  oi  Elisha  Eichardson  and  Moses  Fisher, 
praying  that  they  with  that  part  of  their  Estates  which 
lieth  in  the  West  Precinct  in  Medway,  may  be  set  off 
from  the  said  Precinct,  and  annexed  to  the  Town  of 
Fi'anklin. 

Ordered  that  the  said  Elisha  Richardson  and  Moses 
Fisher,  notify  the  said  West  Precinct  in  Medway  ]>y 
serveing  the  Clerk  of  said  Precinct  with  an  attested  Copy 
of  the  said  Petition  and  this  Order  thereon  thirty  Days 
at  least  previously  to  the  second  Wednesday  of  the  next 

*  Not  printed  in  previous  editions. 


Resolves,  1790.  —  May  Session.  109 

Session  of  the  General  Court,  to  shew  Cause  if  an}^  they 
shall  have,  on  the  said  Day,  why  the  Prayer  of  the  said 
Petition  should  not  be  granted.  June  11,  1790. 

Chapter  37. 

RESOLVE  DISCHARGING   THE   COMMITTEE   APPOINTED    IN   JUNE 
LAST   TO   EXCHANGE   CONTINENTAL  FOR   STATE   SECURITIES. 

Resolved,  That  the  Committee  appointed  by  a  Resolve 
of  the  general  Court  June  19th.  178i),  for  the  purpose  of 
exchanging  Continental  Loan  office  Certificates,  &  final 
settlements,  for  the  consolidated  Notes  of  this  Common- 
wealth, be  &  hereby  are  discharged  from  prosecuting 
any  farther  the  Business  committed  to  them  ;  &  that  the 
Aforesaid  Committee,  so  far  as  they  have  proceeded  in  the 
Exchange,  have  conducted  the  Negotiation  to  the  satisfac- 
tion of  this  Court,  &  agreal)ly  to  the  principles  of  their 
Commission.  June  12,  1790. 

Chapter  38. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  THE  INHABITANTS  OF  CAMBDEN 
RELATIVE   TO   THEIR   TAXES. 

On  the  Petition  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Plantation  of 
Cambden  Praying  for  abatement  of  Taxes. 

Resolved,  that,  the  assessors,  of  the  said  plantation,  be 
and  hereby  are  directed,  with  out  delay  to  assess  upon  the 
inhabitants  thereof,  agreably  to  Law^  and  make  return 
of  said  assessments,  to  the  Treasurer  of  this  Common- 
wealth, the  Sum  o^  Ninety  eight  Pounds  two  shillings  Set 
on  the  said  plantation  in  Tax  No.  5,  also  the  Sum  oi  twenty 
one  jmunds  five  shillings  &  two  jience  Set  on  said  })lanta- 
tion  in  Tax  No.  6;  also  the  further  Sum  of  Te)i  pounds, 
one  shilling  Set  on  said  plantation  in  Tax  No.  7. 

And  it  is  further  Resolved,  that,  the  said  plantation  may 
Discharge  themselves  of  the  aforesaid  Sums  in  the  following- 
Manner,  (viz)  by  api)lying  the  sums  Set  on  said  planta- 
tion in  Taxes  No.  5,  &  No.  0,  to  the  Support,  of  a 
teacher  of  piety  religion  &  moraliety,  a  School  or  Schools, 
&  makeing  &  repairing  roads,  in  said  plantation  in  Such 
Proportion,  as  Said  inhabitants,  (at  a  meeting  for  that 
Purpose)  Shall  judge  most  Conducive  to  their  General 
good  ;  also  by  paying  into  the  Treasury  of  this  Common- 
wealth the  sum  Set  on  Said  plantation  in  Tax  No.  7,  on 
or  befor  the  first  day  of  October  next. 


110  Eesolves,  1790.  —  May  Session. 

Provided  that,  the  said  plantation,  shall,  in  one  year 
from  the  first  day  of  September  next,  Produce  to  the 
Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth,  a  Certificate,  under  the 
hands  of  the  assessors,  or  Clerk  of  the  said  plantation ; 
shewing,  that,  the  said  plantation,  have  complied  with  the 
true  intent  and  meaning  of  the  aforegoing  resolve  ;  and 
the  said  Treasurer,  is  hereby  directed,  on  receiving  the 
aforesaid  certificate,  to  discharge  the  said  plantation,  from 
the  two  first  mentioned  sums  ;  but,  in  default  thereof,  the 
said  plantation,  shall  be  held  to  pay  the  whole  of  the 
aforesaid  sums  into  the  Treasury,  and  the  Treasurer,  is 
hereby  directed,  to  govern  himself  accordingly. 

June  12,  1790. 

Chapter  39. 

RESOLVE     ON    THE    PETITION    OF    ABIGAIL    BORDWELL    AND 
EBENEZER  BORDWELL. 

On  the  Petition  of  Abigail  Bordwell  &  Ebenezer  Bord- 
well  of  Shelburne  in  the  County  of  Hampshire. 

Resolved,  That  Abigail  Bordwell,  one  of  the  Petitioners 
aforesaid,  and  Widow  of  Enoch  Bordwell  late  of  said 
Shelburne  deceased,  Be  &  she  is  hereby  authorized  & 
empowered  to  make  &  execute  to  the  aforesaid  Ebenr. 
Bordivell  his  Heirs  &  assigns  forever,  a  Deed  of  two 
certain  Tracts  of  land  lying  in  Shelburne  aforesaid,  &  late 
the  property  of  said  deceased,  viz.  one  Tract  of  land  con- 
taining twenty  five  acres  lying  on  the  South  side  of  the 
Lot  No.  24  in  the  South  half  of  said  Shelburne,  being 
twenty  one  rods  in  width,  and  extending  the  whole  length 
of  said  Lot,  and  the  other  Tract  of  land  containing  fifty 
one  acres  lying  on  the  Southerly  part  of  Lot  No.  21  in 
the  same  half  of  said  Shelburne,  to  extend  from  the  East 
line  of  said  Lot  Westerly,  one  hundred  &  three  rods  — 
and  from  the  South  line  thereof  Northerly  Ninety  rods, 
the  lines  of  the  same  tract  to  be  Parallel  with  the  original 
lines  of  the  lot,  which  Deed,  given  &  executed  as  afore- 
said, shall  be  good  in  law  to  the  said  Ebenezer  his  Heirs 
&  Assigns  forever.  June  12,  1790. 

Chapter  30. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  NEHEMIAH  H OLDEN  GRANTING 
TO   SUNDRY   PERSONS   238  ACRES   OF   LAND. 

On  the  petition  of  JSTehemiah  Holden  Praying  for  a 
grant  of  Land,  to  make  up  the  Deficiency  of  a  former 


Resolves,  1790.  —  May  Session.  Ill 

grant,  made  to  him,  by  the  General  Court  in  the  year 
1773,  which  was  not  Confirmed  to  him,  by  the  then, 
General  Court. 

Whereas  it  appears  to  this  Court,  that,  Nehemiah  Hol- 
den  and  others  mentioned  in  liis  said  petition,  are  Justely 
intitled  to  a  grant  of  two  hundred  and  thirty  eight  acres 
of  the  unlocated  Lands  belonging  to  this  Commonwealth, 
hj  reason  that  the  whole  of  the  lands  expressed  in  their 
original  Grant  was  not  hiid  out  to  them  : 

Resolved,  that,  there  be,  and  herel^y  is  Granted,  unto, 
Caleb  Holden,  A^nos  Holden,  Isaiah  Holden,  Nehemiah 
Holden,  David  Holden,  Sarah  Ilartwell,  Rachel  Gould, 
and  Hannah  Blood,  their  Heirs  and  assigns  two  hundred  & 
thirty  eight  acres  of  Lands,  to  be  Set  ofi"  to  them  in  some 
convenient  Place,  by  the  Committee  appointed,  to  dispose 
of  the  unlocated  Lands  belonging  to  this  Commonwealth, 
which  shall  be  in  full  of  a  Grant,  made  to  the  aforesaid 
Persons,  in  the  year,  One  thousand  seven  hundred  & 
seventy  three.  June  12,  1790. 


Chapter  31. 

RESOLVE    DIRECTING    THE    TREASURER    TO    BORROW^    £.150    TO 
PAY  RICHARD  DEVENS,  ESQ.  AND  OTHERS,  A  WARRANT. 

Whereas  by  a  Resolve  of  the  General  Court  passed 
Fehy.  1st.  1790  the  Sum  of  one  hundred  &  fifty  pounds 
was  allowed  out  of  the  Treasury  of  this  Commonwealth  for 
the  purpose  of  enaljling  Ricluird  Devens  Esqr.  &  others 
a  Committee  of  the  General  Court  to  purchase  the  Land 
finish  the  light  House  on  Portland  Head  &  erect  a  Small 
building  for  the  person  to  live  in  who  should  l)e  appointed 
to  keep  said  Light  —  And  whereas  no  provision  was  made 
in  said  Resolve  determining  out  of  what  funds  the  said 
Sum  should  be  paid,  &  the  Treasurer  does  not  think 
himself  authorised  to  discharge  the  Warrant  which  was 
drawn  upon  him  for  the  payment  of  sd.  Sum  in  any  wa}^ 
whatever :  Therefore  Resolved  that  the  said  Treasurer  be 
&  he  is  hereby  directed  to  Borrow  the  aforesaid  Sum  to 
enable  him  to  discharge  said  Warrant  the  same  to  be  repaid 
out  of  the  first  moneys  that  come  into  the  Treasury  upon 
tax  No.  Six  not  otherwise  appropriated. 

June  14,  1790. 


112  Resolves,  1790.  —  May  Session. 


Chapter  32. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  HANNAH  THOMAS,  AN  INDIAN 
WOMAN,  EMrOWERING  THE  GUARDIANS  OF  THE  NATICK 
INDIANS   TO   SELL    THE  LAND   MENTIONED. 

On  the  Petition  of  Hannah  Thomasi  an  Indian  woman 
praying  that  aliout  forty  acres  of  land  Belonging  to  the 
said  Hannah  May  ])e  sold  for  Resons  set  forth  in  said 
Petition. 

Resolved  that  the  Guardians  to  the  said  Hannah  be, 
and  they  are  hereby,  Empowered  to  Sell  the  aforesaid 
land  by  pul)lick  Vendue  or  private  Sale  as  they  shall  think 
Best,  and  to  Execute  a  Good  Deed  or  Deeds  to  the  pur- 
chaser or  purchasers  of  the  aforesaid  land  ;  the  Money 
ariseing  from  said  Sale,  to  be  Appropriated  to  the  pay- 
ment of  the  debts  of  sd.  Hannah  and  if  there  should  be 
any  surplusage  after  sd.  debts  are  paid,  it  shall  be  for  the 
use  of  sd,  Hannah,  at  the  discretion  of  sd.  Guardians  — 
the  Gvjardians  to  be  accountaljle  for  sd.  money. 

June  14,  1790. 

Chapter  33. 

RESOLVE  CONSTITUTING  THE  NOTARY  RUBLIC  FOR  THE  TOWN 
OF  PENOBSCOT,  NOTARY  PUBLIC  FOR  THE  COUNTY  OF 
HANCOCK. 

Whereas  by  a  Resolution  of  the  General  Court  passed 
the  10th.  of  Jtme  1789  it  is  Resolved  that  there  should 
be  Appointed  at  the  then  Session,  and  Annually  forever 
thereafter  an  Additional  Notary  Pul)lio  for  the  County  of 
Lincoln  to  reside  in  the  Town  oi Penobscot — And  Whereas 
by  an  Act  made  and  passed  June  25th.  1789  the  said  Town 
of  Penobscot  is  made  a  part  of  the  County  of  Hancock  : 

Resolved  that  the  Notary  Public  chosen  the  present 
Session  (or  that  may  hereafter  l)e  chosen)  for  the  Town 
of  Penobscot  shall  be  deemed  and  taken  to  be  a  Notary 
Public  for  the  County  of  Hancock  to  reside  in  the  said 
Town  of  Penobscot  any  Resolve  to  the  Contrary  notwith- 
standing. June  14,  1700. 

Chapter  34. 

RESOLVE  CONFIRMING  THE  DOINGS  OF  THE  TOWN  OFFICERS, 
NOTWITHSTANDING  THEY  HAVE  NEGLECTED  TO  TAKE  THE 
OATH  OF  ALLEGIANCE. 

Whereas  by  a  Resolve  of  the  Lei!:islature  j^assed  the 
Tenth  of  March  A  D  1787,  it  is  required  that  the  Select- 


Resolves,  1790.  —  Mat  Session.  113 

men,  and  other  Town  Officers  in  sd.  Resolve  mentioned, 
Should  previous  to  their  entering  on  the  Execution  of  their 
Respective  Offices,  take  and  Subscribe  the  oath  of  Allegi- 
ence  to  this  Commonwealth :  And  whereas  the  Reasons 
which  made  the  provision  in  sd.  Resolve  then  Necessary, 
do  now  cease  to  exist :  Therefore 

Resolved  that  the  sd.  Resolve,  together  with  all  the 
Resolves  in  addition  thereto,  be,  and,  they  hereby  are 
Repealed  and  made  null  and  void. 

And  1)e  it  further  Resolved,  that  in  all  and  every  In- 
stance where  the  said  Selectmen  and  other  Town  Officers, 
have  neglected  taking  the  Oath  Required  l)y  said  Resolve  ; 
their  doings  Shall  be,  and  they  hereby  are,  confirmed  and 
established,  as  fully  as  if  they  had  taken  the  sd.  oath. 

Jwie  15,  1790. 

Chapter  35. 

RESOLVE    ON    THE    PETITION    OF    STEPHEN    TORRET;    TREAS- 
URER DIRECTED. 

On  the  petition  of  Stephen  Torrey  praying  that  he  may 
be  paid  his  wages  as  made  up  in  Captain  Nathaniel  Bea- 
man^s  pay  roll  for  four  months  Service  in  the  Year  A  D 
1787  for  reasons  Set  forth  in  the  Said  petition. 

Resolved  that  the  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth  be 
and  he  hereby  is,  empowered  and  Directed  to  p»y  the 
Said  Stephen  Torrey  the  wages  made  up  to  him  on  the 
Aforesaid  Pay  roll — the  Said  wages  having  been  Drawn 
by  a  forged  Certificate,  notwithstanding. 

June  16,  1790. 

Chapter  36. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  SAMUEL  FOSTER  AND  OTHERS, 
CLERl!:S  IN  THE  TREASURER'S  OFFICE,  ESTABLISHING  THEIR 
PAY. 

On  the  Petition  of  Samuel  Foster  and  Others  C larks  in 
the  Treasurers  office. 

Resolved  for  Reasons  set  forth  in  said  petition  that  the 
prayer  thereof  be  granted  and  that  there  be  paid  to  Each 
of  the  Clarks  employed  in  the  Treasurers  office  aforesaid 
Seven  Shillings  pr.  Day  from  and  after  the  time  of  passing 
this  Resolve  for  the  time  they  may  be  employed  in  the 
office  aforesaid  as  may  appear  by  their  account  certifyed 
by  the  Treasurer.  '  June  16,  1790. 


114  Resolves,  1790.  —  May  Session. 


Chapter  37. 

RESOLVE  FOR  ERECTING  A  STONE  MONUMENT  ON  THE  SOUTH- 
ERLY LINE  OF  THE  OLD  COLONY  OF  MASSACHUSETTS,  AND 
APPOINTING  LEMUEL  KOLLOCK,  ESQ.  A  COMMITTEE  FOR  THE 
PURPOSE  — HE   TO   REPORT. 

Resolved  that  a  Stone  Monument  l)e  Erected  on  the 
Southerly  Lhie  of  the  okl  Colony  o^  Massachusetts  in  the 
Place  where  the  Late  Station  or  Angel  tree  formerly  stood  ; 
said  Monument  to  Consist  of  one  Stone  of  Sufficient  Length 
above  Ground,  to  have  ingraven  on  Each  Side,  the  several 
letters  set  on  said  tree  by  the  Commissioners  appointed 
by  the  old  Colony  of  Plymouth  and  the  Massachusetts, 
and  the  Date  when  said  Bound  was  first  made,  also  this 
In[s]cription.  viz.  This  Monument  is  erected  by  order 
of  Government  to  Perpetuate  the  Place  where  the  Late 
Station  or  angle  tree  formerly  stood  — 

And  be  it  further  Resolved  that  Lemuel  KoUock  Esqr. 
be  a  committee  to  cause  the  said  Monument  to  be  erected 
&  ingraven  as  above  directed  and  that  he  Make  a  Return 
of  his  doings  into  the  Secretary s  office  With  a  Certificate 
from  under  the  Hands  of  the  Selectmen  of  the  Towns  of 
Wrentham  &  Attleborough  or  the  Major  Part  of  them 
sworn  to  before  some  Justice  of  the  Peace  certifying  that 
said  Stone  is  erected  in  the  same  spot  where  the  said 
station  or  angle  tree  formerly  stood  &  is  one  of  the  Bounds 
between  said  Towns,  &  lay  his  account  before  this  Court 
for  allowance  and  payment.  Jtme  16,  1790. 

Chapter  38. 

RESOLVE   ON  THE  PETITION  OF  ALEXAA^DER  MURRAY. 

On  the  Petition  of  Alexander  Murray  seting  forth  that 
by  the  Permission  of  the  General  Court  he  now  lives  on, 
&  in [«i] proves,  part  of  a  Farm  Lying  in  Rutland  in  the 
County  of  Worcester,  which  was  heretofore  owned  by  His 
Father  John  Murray  Late  of  said  Rutland  a  Conspiritor, 
Praying  that  the  fee  of  said  farm  may  be  Vested  in  him 
&  his  heirs  —  For  Reasons  set  forth  in  said  Petition  — 

Resolved  that  the  Prayer  thereof  be  so  iar  Granted, 
that  the  Improvement  of  the  farm  on  which  Alexander 
Murray  now  lives  Lying  in  Rutland  in  the  County  of 
Worcester  Bounding  Easterly  &  Southerly  on  a  Town 
Road,   Westerly   on"  Land  of  Elijah  Demons,   North  & 


Resolyes,  1790.  —  May  Session.  115 

North  Easterly  on  Land  of  Timothy  Ruggles,  &  Joseph 
Buggies,  Containing  by  Estimation  seventy  acres,  it  being 
Part  of  a  farm  formerly  owned  by  John  Murray  A  Con- 
spiritor,  &  Commonly  called  the  Henry  farm,  Be  & 
hereby  is  Granted  unto  the  said  Alexander  Murray 
Dureing  his  Natural  life.     &  Be  it  farther 

Resolved  that  upon  the  Decease  of  the  said  Alexander 
Murray  the  fee  of  the  aforsaid  farme  shall  Descend  to,  & 
be  fully  vested  in,  the  Legal  heirs  of  the  said  Alexander 
Murray  forever,  in  such  proportion  as  the  Law  Directs 
in  Case  of  Intestate  Estates.  June  16,  1790. 


Chapter  39. 

RESOLVE   ON  THE  PETITION  OF   SAMUEL   CART. 

On  the  Petition  of  Samuel  Gary  praying  to  be  Licenced 
as  a  Retailer  of  Spirituous  Liquors  in  the  Town  of  Spencer 
in  the  County  of  Worcester;  until  the  next  Licencing 
Term  in  Said  County,  for  Reasons  Set  forth  in  Said 
Petition. 

Resolved,  that  any  two  Justices  of  the  peace,  within 
and  for  the  said  County  (  Quorum  unus)  be,  and  they  are 
hereby  authorized  and  Impowred,  to  Licence  the  said 
Samuel  Cary  as  a  Retailer  of  Spirituous  Liquors  in 
said  Town  of  Spencer,  until  the  next  Licencing  Term  in 
Said  County  ;  provided  that  he  the  said  Samul  shall  fully 
comply  with  the  Laws  in  that  behalf  made  and  provided, 

June  16,  1790. 

CliApter  40. 

RESOLVE  ON    THE    PETITION  OF    DAVID  KINGMAN,  GUARDIAN 
TO  THE  INDIANS  IN  THE   COUNTY  OF  PLYMOUTH. 

On  the  Petition  of  David  Kingman  one  of  the  Guardians 
to  the  Indians  in  the  county  of  Plymouth  Praying  for  an 
allowance  of  his  account  for  Supporting  the  said  Indians. 

Whereas  it  appears  to  this  court  that  after  deducting 
the  neat  Proceeds  of  the  Indian  lands  in  the  Town  of 
Pembroke  which  have  been  sold  by  order  of  the  General 
Court,  amounting  in  the  AVhole  to  the  sum  oi  one  hundred 
&  eleven  pounds,  four  shillings  &  six  pence  there  is  still 
due  to  the  said  David  Kingman  to  Ballance  his  account ' 
for  supporting  the  said  Indians,  the  sum  of  Forty  j)ounds 
sixteen  shillings  &  seven  pence: 


116  Resolves,  1790.  —  Mat  Session. 

Therefore  Resolved  That  the  said  David  Kingman  be 
and  he  hereby  is  empowered  to  make  sale  of  the  residue 
of  the  real  estate  belonging  to  the  said  indians  lying  in 
the  town  of  Pembroke  aforesaid,  for  the  Most  the  same 
will  fetch  &  Make  and  execute  a  good  &  lawful  Deed 
or  Deeds  of  the  same  to  the  purchaser  or  Purchasers 
Thereof:  and  apply  the  proceeds  of  such  sale  towards 
the  payment  of  the  above  said  Ballance  ;  and  be  it  further 

Resolved  that  the'  said  David  Kingman  shall  Exhibit 
to  the  Treasurer  of  this  commonwealth  an  Account  of  the 
sale  of  the  lands  last  Mentioned  and  the  proceeds  thereof, 
by  him  Subscribed  and  Sworn  to  before  some  Justice  of 
the  peace  within  the  said  County,  and  the  said  Treasurer 
on  receiving  such  account  is  hereby  Ordered  and  directed 
to  pay  to  the  said  David  Kingman  out  of  the  first  moneys 
which  shall  be  in  the  Treasury  not  Appropriated,  the 
Ballance  which  shall  Appear  to  be  due  to  the  said  David 
Kingman  after  deducting  the  proceeds  of  the  Sale  afore- 
said. June  17,  1790. 

Chapter  41. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  WILLIAM  EATON,  GRANTING 
HIM  £.30  16  FOR  A  QUANTITY  OF  BEEF  TAKEN  FROM  DEER 
ISLAND  IN   1780. 

On  the  petition  of  William  Eaton. 

Resolved  That  there  be  allowed  and  paid  out  of  the 
Publick  Treasury  to  William,  Eaton  Thirty  pounds  six- 
teen shillings  in  full  for  Twenty  four  hundred  &  Sixty  four 
pounds,  of  Beef  belonging  to  said  Eaton,  taken  from  Deer 
Island  by  Major  Benjamin  Burton  for  the  use  of  the 
troops  stationed  at  Camden  in  the  year  1780  under  the 
Command  of  General  Wadsworth.  June  17,  1790. 

Chapter  43. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  DAVID  NICHOLS,  AUTHORIZING 
TWO  JUSTICES  OF  THE  PEACE  TO  LICENCE  HIM  AS  A  RE- 
TAILER. 

On  the  petition  of  David  Nichols  of  Dudley  praying 
that  he  may  be  Licenced  as  a  retailer  in  the  Town  of 
Dudley. 

Resolved  that  two  Justices  of  the  peace  for  the  County 
of  Worcester  (Quorum  unus,)  be  and  they  are  hereby 
authorized  to  Licence  the  said  David  Nichols  as  a  Retailer 


Kesolves,  1790.  —  May  Session.  117 

in  the  Town  of  Dudley  untill  the  Term  next  ensuing  for 
granting  licences  in  said  CJounty  he  the  said  David  com- 
plying with  the  requisitions  of  Law  which  \_with'\  respect 
to  licensing  retailers,  any  Law  or  resolve  to  the  Contrary 
nothwithstanding.  June  17,  1790. 


Chapter  43. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  SIMON  FRTE,  ESQ.  IN  BEHALF 
OF  THE  TOWN  OF  FRYEBURG,  ABATING  SAID  TOWN  THE  SUM 
OF  £.30  FOR  THE  REASONS   MENTIONED. 

On  the  petition  of  inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Fryeburg 
by  their  agent,  praying  for  abatement  of  Taxes. 

Resolved,  for  reasons  Set  forth  in  Said  petition,  that 
the  prayer  thereof,  be  So  far  granted,  that,  the  sum  of 
thirty  Pounds,  be  and  hereby  is  abated  to  the  said  town,, 
being  part  of  the  Sum  Set  thereon  in  Tax  No.  6,  and  the 
Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth,  is  herel)y  directed  to 
Credit  the  said  Town,  the  aforesaid  Sum  accordingly. 

June  18,  1790. 


Chapter  44. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  THE  SELECTMEN  OF  THE  TOWN 
OF  MENDOX. 

Upon  the  Petition  of  the  Selectmen  of  Mendon. 

Resolved  that  the  Prayer  of  the  Petition  be  granted  & 
the  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth  is  hereby  directed  to 
receive  from  the  Selectmen  of  said  Town  of  Mendon  the 
sum  of  Tv:)0  pounds  thirteen  shillings  &  four  pence  lawful 
Money  on  Tax  Number  Three,  committed  to  Moses  Smith 
one  of  the  Constables  of  said  Town,  to  collect,  &  to  give 
said  Town  of  Mendon  a  full  discharge  from  any  further 
demands  on  account  of  said  Tax.  June  18,  1790. 


Chapter  4,5. 

RESOLVE   PROVIDING  FOR  THE   CHOICE   OF  REPRESENTATIVES 
FOR  CONGRESS. 

Resolved  that  the  Commonwealth  he  and  hereby  is 
divided  into  Eight  Districts  for  the  })urpose  of  electing 
eight  persons  to  represent  the  })eople  thereof  in  the  Con- 
gress of  the  United  States,  each  district  to  elect  one 
representative,  who  shall  be  an  Inhabitant  of  such  District, 


118  Resolves,  1790.  —  Mat  Session. 

and  that  the  Division  of  the  Commonwealth  into  Districts 
be  as  follows  viz. 

The  County  of  Suffolk  to  be  one  District. 

The  County  of  Essex  to  be  one  District. 

The  County  of  Middlesex  to  be  one  District. 

The  Counties  oi  HampsJnre  and  Berkshire  to  be  one 
District. 

The  Counties  of  Plymouth  &  Barnstable  to  be  one 
District. 

The  Counties  of  Bristol,  Dukes  County  &  JSTantuckel 
to  be  one  District. 

The  County  of  Worcester  to  be  one  District. 

The  Counties  of  York,  Cwnberland,  Lincoln,  Washing- 
ton &  Hancock  to  be  one  District. 

And  be  it  further  resolved  that  the  Selectmen  of  the 
several  Towns  &  Districts  within  this  Commonwealth 
shall,  in  manner  as  the  Law  directs  for  calling  ToAvn 
meetings,  cause  the  Inhal^itants  of  their  respective  Towns 
&  Districts  duly  Qualified  to  vote  for  representatives  in 
the  General  Coiirt  of  this  Commonwealth,  to  assemble  on 
the  first  Monday  of  October  next,  to  give  in  their  votes 
for  their  respective  representatives  to  the  Selectmen  who 
shall  preside  at  said  meeting,  and  the  Selectmen  or  the 
major  part  of  them  shall  in  open  Town  meeting  Sort  & 
Count  the  votes,  and  shall  form  a  List  of  the  names  of  the 
persons  voted  for,  with  the  number  of  votes  for  each 
person  set  against  his  name  ;  and  the  Town  clerk  shall 
make  a  record  thereof;  and  the  Selectmen  shall  Make 
public  declaration  in  Town  meeting  of  the  Names  of  the 
persons  voted  for,  and  of  the  number  of  votes  they  respec- 
tively have,  and  shall  in  open  Town  meeting  seal  up  said 
List  certified  by  the  Selectmen,  and  transmit  the  same 
within  ten  days,  next  after  such  meeting  to  the  sherifi"  of 
the  county  in  which  such  Town  lies,  who  shall  transmit 
the  same  to  the  Secretary  of  this  Commonwealth  on  or 
before  the  first  Monday  of  November  next :  and  the  Secre- 
tary shall  lay  the  same  before  his  Excellency  the  Gov- 
ernour  and  Council ;  — and  in  case  of  an  Election  for  any 
District  by  a  majority  of  all  the  votes  returned  from  such 
District,  his  Excellency  the  Govcrnour  is  herel)y  requested 
forthwith  to  transmit  to  the  person  so  chosen  a  certificate 
of  such  choice,  signed  by  the  Governour  &  Countersigned 
by  the  Secretary. 

Provided  nevertheless  that  such  Towns  &  Districts  as  lie 


Eesolves,  1790.  —  May  Session.  119 

within  any  County  in  which  there  is  no  Sherifl'  shall  re- 
turn such  lists  to  the  Secretary's  office  in  the  same  term 
of  time  as  Sheriffs  are  required  to  do  it. 

And  in  case  no  person  shall  be  chosen  by  a  majority  of 
all  the  votes  in  any  district,  his  Excellency  the  Governour 
is  herel)y  requested  to  cause  precepts  to  issue  to  the  Se- 
lectmen of  the  several  Towns  and  Districts  in  such  Dis- 
trict, directing  and  requiring  such  Selectmen  to  cause  the 
Inhabitants  of  their  respective  Towns  and  districts  as 
aforesaid,  to  assemble  as  aforesaid,  on  a  day  in  such 
precept  to  be  appointed,  to  give  in  their  votes  for  a  rep- 
resentative in  Congress  as  aforesaid,  and  the  same  pro- 
ceedings shall  be  had  thereon  in  all  respects  as  is  before 
directed  in  this  resolve,  and  the  Select  men  shall  make  re- 
turn to  the  sheriff  in  manner  as  aforesaid  within  ten  days 
next  after  such  meeting,  and  the  sheriffs  shall  make  return 
thereof  into  the  Secretary's  office  on  or  liefore  such  a  day 
as  his  Excellency  the  Governour  shall  appoint  in  such  pre- 
cept, and  the  Secretary  shall  lay  the  same  before  his  Ex- 
cellency the  Governour  and  Council  and  his  Excellency 
the  Governour  is  hereby  requested  to  cause  the  person 
who  shall  be  chosen  as  aforesaid  to  be  served  with  a  cer- 
tificate thereof,  as  aforesaid  ;  and  the  same  proceedings 
shall  be  had  so  often  as  any  district  shall  fail  of  making 
choice  of  a  representative  as  aforesaid  ;  and  his  Excellency 
the  Governour  is  requested  to  issue  his  precept  accord- 
ingly. And  his  Excellency  the  Governour  is  further  re- 
quested to  send  with  each  precept,  to  the  Select  men  of 
those  Towns  &  Districts  where  no  person  shall  have  been 
chosen  as  aforesaid  a  List  of  four  persons,  who  had  the 
highest  Number  of  votes  in  such  District  (if  so  many 
were  voted  for)  with  the  Number  of  votes  each  person 
had,  affixed  to  his  name. 

And  be  it  further  resolved  that  if  the  Select  men  of  any 
Town  or  District  shall  neglect  to  transmit  to  the  sheriff 
of  the  County  to  which  they  l)elong  the  list  of  votes  as 
l)y  this  resolve  they  are  directed,  in  every  such  case  it 
shall  be  the  duty  of  such  sheriff  either  by  himself  or  his 
Deputy  to  repair  to  such  Select  men  and  receive  of  them 
such  List ;  and  such  Select  men  shall  Jointly  and  sev- 
erally be  holden  to  pay  to  such  sheriff  the  same  fees  as 
are  by  Law  allowed  for  travail  in  cases  of  civil  process, 
and  such  sheriff  shall  return  such  List  to  the  Secretary's 
office  as  is   before  directed  in  this  resolve,  and  it  shall 


120  Resolves,  1790.  —  May  Session. 

l^e  the  duty  of  the  sheriffs  of  the  respective  Counties 
on  their  receiving  this  resolve  or  any  precept  from 
his  Excellency,  the  Governour  for  the  purposes  men- 
tioned in  this  resolve  to  transmit  the  same  seasonably 
to  the  Select  men  of  the  several  Towns  &  Districts  within 
their  Respective  Counties  to  whom  they  are  respectively 
directed,  and  the  sheriffs  of  the  respective  Counties 
shall  be  intituled  to  receive  out  of  the  Treasury  of  this 
Commonwealth  the  same  fees  for  transmiting  this  resolve 
and  the  precepts  aforesaid  as  they  are  allowed  l)y  Law  for 
dispersing  proclamations,  and  the  same  fees  for  returning 
the  votes  as  aforesaid  as  are  allowed  by  Law  for  returning 
the  votes  for  Governour,  Lieutenant  Governour  and 
Senators  of  this  Commonwealth. 

And  be  it  further  resolved  that  each  sheriff*  who  shall 
Neglect  to  do  and  perform  the  duties  Avhich  by  this  resolve 
he  is  directed  to  do  &  perform  shall  for  each  and  every 
Neglect  forfeit  and  pay  to  the  Commonwealth  a  sum  not 
exceeding  one  hundred  j^ounds  nor  less  than  Jive  pounds 
to  be  recovered  by  bill,  plaint  or  information  in  the  Su- 
preme Judicial  Court  in  the  County  which  such  Sheriff' 
belongs ;  and  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Attorney  Gen- 
eral to  prosecute  for  all  breaches  of  this  resolve  ;  —  And 
if  any  Select  men  shall  neglect  to  do  and  perform  the 
duties  Avhich  by  this  resolve  they  are  directed  or  re- 
quired to  do  the  Select  men  so  neglecting  shall  severally 
forfeit  to  the  Commonwealth  a  Sum  not  Exceeding  thirty/ 
pounds  nor  less  than  tiventy  shillings  to  be  recovered  as 
aforesaid  — 

And  the  Secretary  is  hereby  directed  to  transmit  sea- 
sonably to  the  sheriffs  of  the  several  Counties  in  this 
Commonwealth  Coppies  of  this  resolve  for  The  Selectmen 
of  the  several  Towns  and  districts  in  such  Counties  re- 
spectively, to  be  by  said  Sheriffs  transmited  to  the  said 
Select  men  accordingly.  June  18,  1790. 

Chapter  46. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  JOHN  BRIDGHAM,  ArPOINT- 
ING  IIIM,  TOGETHER  WITH  JOHN  GLOVER,  AGENTS  FOR 
BAKERSTOWN  AND  SHEPARDSFIELD,  IN  BEHALF  OF  THIS 
COMMONWEALTH,  TO  ENTER  UPON  AND  TAKE  POSSESSION 
OF  THE  TRACT  OF  LAND  MENTIONED,  AT  THEIR  OWN 
RISK,   COST    AND   EXPENCE,   WITH   A   PROVISO. 

Whereas  the  General  Court  in  the  year  1788  quit 
claimed  the  right,  title,  &  interest  of  the  Commonwealth 
in  a  certain  tract  of  land   lying  between  Bakerstoion  & 


Resolves,  1790.  —  May  Session.  121 

ShepJierdsfield  so  called  in  the  County  of  Cumberland  to 
John  Bridgham  &  others  : 

And  Whereas  it  is  represented  to  this  Court  in  said 
Bridgham' s  petition,  to  be  necessary,  that  the  Common- 
wealth should  enter  upon  &  take  possession  of  said  land 
in  order  to  vest  in  said  Bridgham  &  others  the  right  of 
said  Commonwealth  to  said  tract  of  land  : 

Be  it  Resolved  that  the  said  Jolui  Bridgham  &  John 
Glover  be  &  they  are  hereby  appointed  Agents  at  their 
own  risk  cost  &  expence  to  enter  upon  &,  take  possession 
of  said  tract  of  land  in  the  name  &  behalf  of  said  Com- 
monwealth in  as  full  &  ample  a  manner,  as  the  said  Com- 
monwealth may  by  law  do,  the  benefits  resulting  from 
the  same  to  enure  to  the  said  JoJin  BridgJiam  &  others. 

Provided  nevertheless  that  nothing  in  this  resolution 
shall  be  so  construed  as  to  involve  this  Commonwealth  in 
any  covenant  or  obligation  to  warrant  to  the  said  Bridg- 
ham &  others,  the  tract  of  land  aforesaid. 

June  19,  1790. 

Chapter  47. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  THOMAS  CARPENTER,  AGENT 
FOR  THE  I'ROPRIETORS  OF  A  GRANT  OF  LAND  MADE  TO 
WILLIAM  BULLOCK,   ESQ.  AND   OTHERS. 

On  the  Petition  of  Thomas  Carpenter  Agent  for  the 
Proprietors  of  a  Grant  of  Land  Made  to  Williatn  Bul- 
lock Esqr.  &  others  Lying  in  the  County  of  Berkshire, 
Preying  for  a  longer  Time  to  be  allowed  them  to  fulfill 
the  Requisitions  of  the  Grant. 

Resolved  For  Reasons  set  fourth  in  the  Petition,  that 
the  Prayer  thereof  be  Granted  and  the  said  Proprietors 
are  hereby  allowed  the  further  Term  of  Six  years  from 
the  Passing  this  Resolve,  in  which  Time  they  fulfilling  the 
Requisitions  of  said  Grant  shall  be  Intitled  to  the  same 
Priviledges  specified  in  said  Grant,  the  Time  therein 
Limited  being  Expired  Notwithstanding. 

June  19,  1790. 

Chapter  48. 

RESOLVE  ON  TllH  PETITION  OF  THE  TOWNS  OF  LINCOLN, 
LITTLETON,  CONIVAY,  NORTHFIELD  AND  EDGERTOWN, 
REMITTING  THE  FINES  ON  SAID  TOWNS  FOR  NOT  SEND- 
ING REPRESENTATIVES. 

On  the  Petitions  of  the  Towns  of  Lincoln,  Littleton, 
Conway,  Northjield,  &  Edgertown,  praying  that  the  fines 


122  Hesolves,  1790. —  May  Session. 

Set  to  the  said  Towns,  for  neglecting  to  Chuse  represent- 
atives, to  the  General  Court  in  the  year  1789  may  be 
remitted. 

Resolved  that  the  prayer  of  the  said  Petitions  be 
granted ;  and  that  the  sum  of  Eighteen  Pounds  Set  to 
the  Town  of  Lincoln,  the  Sum  of  Eighteen  pounds  Set  to 
the  Town  of  Littleton,  the  Sum  of  twenty  two  pounds  Set 
to  the  Town  of  (Jonway,  the  Sum  of  Eighteen  pounds 
Set  to  the  Town  of  Nortlijield,  &  the  sum  of  Eighteen 
jmunds  Set  to  the  Town  of  Edgertowii,  as  fines  for  the 
said  Towns  to  pay,  for  severally  neglecting  to  Chuse  Rep- 
resentatives to  send  to  the  General  Court  in  the  year  1789 
be  &  hereby  are  remitted,  and  the  Treasurer  is  hereby 
directed  to  govern  himself  Accordingly. 

June  19,  1790. 

Chapter  49. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  BENJAMIN  BROWN,  A  SOLDIER, 
DIRECTING  THE  TREASURER  TO  ISSUE  A  NOTE  OR  NOTES 
FOR  THE  SUM  MENTIONED,  IT  BEING  DRAWN  BY  A  FORGED 
ORDER. 

On  the  Petition  of  Beiija.  Brown  a  Soldier  in  Capt. 
Hunts  Company  Colo.  Vose's  Regt.  praying  for  his 
Wages  which  have  been  drawn  by  a  forged  Order. 

Resolved  that  the  prayer  of  the  Petition  bo  granted  & 
that  the  Treasurer  be  and  he  is  hereby  directed  to  Issue 
to  the  said  Benjamin  Brown  a  Note  or  Notes  for  his 
Wages  aforesaid.  Amounting  to  Fifty  Five  pounds,  one 
shilling  and  one  penny,  in  the  same  way  &  manner  as  if 
the  said  forged  Order  had  not  been  answered. 

June  19,  1790. 

Chapter  50. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  SAMUEL  PARK  AND  OTHERS, 
ADMINISTRATORS,  RENDERING  NULL  AND  VOID  THE  DECREE 
OF  THE  JUDGE  OF  PROBATE  FOR  THE  COUNTY  OF  MIDDLE- 
SEX, AND  AUTHORIZING  SAID  JUDGE  TO  EXAMINE  ALL  AC- 
COUNTS AGAINST  THE  ESTATE  OF  ABNER  JOHNSON,  AND 
MAKE   DECREE   THEREON. 

On  the  Petition  of  Samuel  Park  &  Alerriam  Johnson 
Administrators  on  the  Estate  of  Ahner  Johnson  late  de- 
ceased, for  Reasons  set  forth  in  said  Petition. 

Resolved  that  the  Prayer  of  said  Petition  be  granted,  & 
that  the  Decree  of  the  Judge  of  Probate  for  the  County 


Resolves,  1790.  —  May  Session.  123 

of  Middlesex  iu  said  Petition  Dientioned  ])C  and  it  hereby 
is  rendered  null  and  void ;  and  the  said  Judge  of  Probate 
is  authorized  to  examine  all  Accounts  against  said  Estate 
and  to  make  Decree  thereon  in  the  same  manner  as  though 
no  Decree  had  been  ever  made  respecting  the  settlement 
of  the  same  Estate.  June  19,  1790. 


Chapter  50a.* 

ORDER  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  SAMUEL  AND  JOSEPH  TIDD. 

On  the  petition  of  Smmiel  l^idd  &  Joseph  Tidd  pray- 
ing to  l)e  set  ofi'  from  the  town  of  Western  in  the  County 
of  Worcester  &  annexed  to  the  town  of  Brimfield  in  the 
County  of  Hampshire. 

Ordered  that  the  petitioners  notify  the  town  of  Western 
hy  serving  the  Clerk  of  the  said  town  with  an  attested 
copy  of  their  petition,  &  this  order  thereon  thirty  days 
before  the  second  w^ednesday  of  the  next  sitting  of  the 
General  Court,  that  they  may  then  &  there  appear  &  shew^ 
cause  (if  any  they  have)  why  the  prayer  of  the  said  peti- 
tion should  not  be  granted.  June  19,  1790. 


Chapter  51. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  TETITION  OF  EDWARD  HARMON,  OF  THE 
TOWN  OF  IVATERBOROUGH,  AND  EBENEZER  HALL,  OF  SAN- 
FORD;  TREASURER  DIRECTED. 

On  the  Petition  of  Ediuard  Harmon  of  the  Town  of 
Waterhorough  &  Ubenezer  Hall  of  Sanford  Praying  a 
Remittance  of  Mony  Paid  by  them  to  the  Sherifl'  of  the 
County  of  Yorh  by  vertue  of  an  Execution  from  the 
Treasurer  of  this  Common  Wealth. 

Resolved  that  the  Prayer  of  said  Petition  be  Granted 
and  that  there  be  allowed  &  Paid  out  of  the  Treasury 
of  this  Common  Wealth  out  of  the  first  Mony  that  shall 
Come  into  said  Treasury  that  is  unappropriated  to  the 
said  Edivard  Harmon  the  Sum  of  four  Pounds  ninteen 
shillings  &  to  the  said  Ehenezer  Hall  the  sum  of  three 
Pounds  fourteen  shillings  in  full  Discharge  of  what  they 
Paid  to  the  Sheriff  as  afore  Said  —  &  that  the  Treasurer 
of  the  Commonw^ealth  charge  the  Town  of  Sanford  wath 
the  aforesaid  Sums  in  the  next  Tax.  June  21,  1790. 

*  Not  printed  in  previous  editions. 


124  Kesolves,  1790.  —  May  Session. 


Chapter  5Ji. 

RESOLVE  ON   THE  TETITION   OF  LYDIA  PRATT,  DIRECTING  THE 
TREASURER  TO  MAKE  A  NOTE  IN  LIEU  OF  ONE  FORGED. 

On  the  Petition  of  Lydia  Pratt  setting  forth  that  the 
wages  due  to  her  late  husband  Jesse  Pratt  hite  a  Soldier 
in  the  Continental  Army  was  drawn  by  a  forged  order 
and  praying  for  relief  in  the  premises. 

Resolved  that  the  Treasurer  of  the  Commonwealth  be 
and  he  hereby  is  directed  to  make  out  to  the  sd.  Lijdia 
Pratt  a  Note  for  the  sum  of  Twenty  four  pounds  ten 
shillings  &  six  pence  it  being  the  sum  due  to  the  said 
Jesse  Pratt,  for  his  wages  as  aforesaid,  which  sum  was 
drawn  by  one  Moses  Cronk  on  a  forged  Order  —  to  be 
paid  in  the  same  way  and  manner  as  other  Soldiers  of  the 
like  description.  June  21,  1790. 

Chapter  53. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  THE  TOWN  OF  D ALTON. 

On  the  petition  of  the  ToAvn  of  Dalton  praying  that  a 
further  time  may  be  allowed  them  to  Comply  with  the 
conditions  of  a  Grant  of  two  hundred  &  ten  pounds 
fourteen  shillings  and  tJiree  pence.  Granted  them  by  a 
Resolve  of  the  General  Court  passed  the  22nd.  of  June 
1789  Being  part  of  the  taxes  heretofore  Required  of  the 
Said  Town. 

Resolved  that  the  Grant  aforesaid  be  extended  and 
Confirmed  to  the  Said  Town,  on  Condition  that  the  same 
be  applied  to  the  purposes  mentioned  in  the  grant  afore- 
said, or  to  the  Support  of  schools  in  the  Said  Town  within 
two  years  from  the  first  Day  of  July  next  &  provided  a 
Certificate  thereof  of  like  Tenor  with  that  mentioned  in 
the  aforesaid  Resolve  shall  be  produced  to  the  Treasurer 
of  this  Comon wealth  at  the  expiration  of  the  term  al)ove 
mentioned.  June  21,  1790. 

Chapter  54. 

RESOLVE    ON    THE    PETITION    OF   THE    SELECTMEN   AND    TCJWN 
CLERK  OF  THE  TOWN  OF  W ALP  OLE. 

On  the  Petitions  of  the  Selectmen  and  ToAvn  Clerk  of 
the  Town  of  Walpole  praying  to  be  Exempted  from  a 
]:)enalty  incured  for  not  returning  the  votes  for  Governor 
Lieut.  Governor  &  Senators  the  present  j^ear. 


Resolves,  1790.  —  May  Session.  125 

Resolved  for  reasons  set  forth  in  said  petition  that  the 
prayer  thereof  be  granted  and  that  the  Attorney  Genl. 
be  and  he  is  hereby  directed  to  suspend  any  prosecution 
against  the  Selectmen  or  Town  Clerk  of  the  said  Town 
of  Walpole  for  the  neglect  abovcsaid,  anything  in  the 
order  passed  June  10th.  1790  notwithstanding. 

June  21,  1790. 

Chapter  55. 

RESOLVE    GRANTING    £.20  13  3,  TO    THOMAS   WOOD,   A    PRIVATE 
IN  COL.  NIXON'S  REGIMENT. 

Whereas  it  appears  by  the  Books  of  the  Committee 
for  settling  Army  Accounts,  that  the  sum  of  Twenty 
pounds,  thirteen  shillings  &  three  j^ence  is  due  Thomas 

Wood,  a  Private  in  Colo.  Nixon's  Regiment : 

Resolved,  that  there  be  allowed  and  paid  out  of  the 
Treasury  of  this  Commonwealth,  the  said  sum  of  Twenty 
pounds,  thirteen  sliillings  and  three  pence  to  the  said  Thos. 

Wood  in  the  same  manner  other  Soldiers  were  paid  who 
did  service  in  the  year  1780,  in  full  discharge  of  his  Wages 
for  his  services  in  said  Regement.  June  21,  1790. 

Chapter  5G. 

RESOLVE  GRANTING  PHIXEAS  EOLDEN  £.193  6  8,  FOR  HIS  AT- 
TENDANCE AS  PHYSICIAN,  &c.  TO  THE  GARRISON  ON  CASTLE 
ISLAND. 

Resolved,  That  there  be  allowed  and  paid  out  of  the 
Publick  Treasury  to  Doctr.  Phineas  Holden  one  hundred 
Ninety  three  pounds  Six  shillings  &  eight  pence  in  full 
for  his  account  for  attending  the  Garrison  &  Convicts  at 
Castle  Island,  as  a  physician,  and  for  medicine  adminis- 
tered from  July  20,  1785  to  the  20th.  of  May,  1790,  the 
above  sum  being  at  the  Rate  oi  forty  Pounds pr.  annum. 

June  22,  1790. 


Chapter  57. 

RESOLVE   DIRECTING   THE    COMMITTEE  FOR  METHODIZING  AC- 
COUNTS, TO  CERTIFY  IN  FAVOUR  OF  JOB  PRIEST. 

Whereas  it  appears  by  the  Books  of  ye  Committee  for 
Settling  army  accoimts,  that  the  Sum  of  Seven  Hundred 
and  Fifty  four  pounds  in  old  Currency  at  32^  for  one  is 
now  due  to  Job  Priest  for  his  Services  as  a  Lieutenant  in 


126  Resolves,  1790.  —  May  Session. 

Colonel  Vose's  Regiment  in  ye  Continental  Army  in  the 
year  A  D.  1777  :  " 

Resolved  that  John  Deming  Esq.  be  and  he  is  hereby 
directed  to  Certify  to  the  Governor  and  Council  the  sum 
due  to  the  said  Job  Priest  in  the  same  Avay  and  manner 
as  if  he  had  never  been  directed  to  ye  Contrary. 

June  22,  1790. 

Chapter  5S. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  JOSHUA  GREEN,  IMrOWERING 
THE  JUDGE  OF  PROBATE  FOR  THE  COUNTY  OF  MIDDLESEX, 
TO  RENEW  THE  FORMER  COMMISSION  OF  THE  COMMIS- 
SIONERS ON  THE  ESTATE  OF  WILLIAM  GORDON,  OR  TO 
APPOINT  NEW  COMMISSIONERS  ON  SAID  ESTATE. 

On  the  petition  of  Joshua  Green  praying  that  the 
Judge  of  Probate  for  the  County  of  Middlesex  may  be 
impowered  to  appoint  new  Commissioners  or  renew  the 
Commission  of  the  former  ones  on  the  Estate  of  William 
Gordon  late  of  Dunstable  in  the  same  County  deceased, 
for  reasons  set  forth  in  the  Petition. 

Resolved,  That  the  prayer  of  said  petition  be  so  far 
granted  that  the  said  Judge  of  Probate  be,  &  he  hereby 
is  impowered  &  directed,  provided  no  dividend  has  alread}^ 
been  made,  to  renew  the  former  Commission  of  the  Com- 
missioners appointed  to  hear,  &  examine  the  claims  on  said 
Estate  or  appoint  new  Commissioners  as  to  him  shall 
appear  proper,  so  as  to  give  to  said  Green  an  opportunity 
of  exhibiting  any  claim  he  may  have  against  said  Estate, 
&  that  in  the  mean  time  the  said  Judge  be  directed  to 
postpone  making  a  decree  for  a  dividend  on  the  report 
made  by  the  Commissioners  heretofore  appointed. 

June  22,  1790. 

Chapter  59. 

RESOLVE  DIRECTING  THE  TREASURER   TO   BORROW  MONEY   TO 
DISCHARGE  THE  CASTLE  ROLLS. 

Resolved  that  the  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth  be 
and  he  is  hereby  directed  to  borrow  on  the  credit  of  tax 
Number  six  the  Sum  of  three  Hundred  &  thirty  Four 
I^ounds  tioelve  Shillings  and  three  pence  to  discharge  one 
Roll  due  to  the  Officers  and  Men  belonging  to  the  Garri- 
son on  Oastel  Island,  Lodg'd  in  the  Treasurers  Office,  the 
Said  Roll  being  Made  up  irom  the  21  of  December  to  the 
21  of  March  1790.  June  23,  1790. 


Resolves,  1790. —  May  Session.  127 


Chapter  60. 

RESOLVE   ON   THE   PETITION   OF  JAMES   BOTT,  DIRECTING   THE 
TREASURER  TO  RECEIVE  OF  HIM  £.123  IN  INDENTS. 

On  the  petition  of  James  Bott. 

Resolved  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth  be 
and  he  hereby  is  directed  to  receive  of  James  Boil  one 
of  the  Collectors  of  No.  5  tax  for  the  Town  of  Salem, 
one  hundred  twenty  three  pounds  in  Indents  in  lieu  of 
the  same  sum  due  from  said  Collector  in  Army  notes. 

June  23,  1790. 

Chapter  61. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  THE  TOW^N  OF  BRUNSWICK^ 
REMITTING  A  FINE  LAID  ON  SAID  TOWN  FOR  NOT  SENDING 
A  REPRESENTATIVE  IN  THE  YEAR  1788. 

On  the  Petition  of  the  Town  of  Briinsioick,  praying, 
that  the  fine,  Set  to  the  said  Town,  for  neglecting  to  Chuse 
a  Representative,  to  Represent  them  in  the  General  Court, 
in  the  year  1788  may  be  remitted. 

Resolved  that  the  prayer  of  the  said  petition  be  granted, 
and  that  the  Sum  of  twenty  five  prmnds  Set  to  the  said 
Town  of  Brunsivick  as  a  fine  for  the  said  Town  to  pay  in 
Consolidated  Securities  of  this  Government,  for  neglect- 
ing to  chuse  a  Representative  to  serve  in  the  General 
Court  in  the  year  1788  be  remitted,  and  the  Treasurer  is 
hereby  directed  to  Govern  himself  Accordingly. 

June  23,  1790. 

Chapter  63. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  DOROTHY  WHEELWRIGHT, 
DIRECTING  THE  COMMITTEE  FOR  METHODIZING  ACCOUNTS, 
TO  CERTIFY  THE  BALANCE  MENTIONED. 

On  the  Petition  of  Dorothy  Wheelwright  Widow  of 
Daniel  Wlieelwright  late  of  Wells  in  the  County  of  Yorh 
deceased. 

Resolved  that  John  Deming  Esqr.  be  &  he  hereby  is 
directed  to  certify  to  the  Governor  *&  Council  the  Ballance 
due  to  the  Estate  of  the  said  Daniel  who  was  an  Officer 
in  the  Service  of  the  United  States,  in  the  same  way  & 
manner  as  such  Ballances  have  heretofore  been  certified 
and  that  the  said  Dorothy  be  intitled  to  receive  the  same 
accordingly  any  Law  or  Resolve  to  the  contrary  notwith- 
standing. June  23,  1790. 


128  Kesolves,  1790. —  Mat  Sessio:n^. 


Chapter  63. 

RESOLVE    CONFIRMING    CERTAIN    LANDS    TO    THE    PRESIDENT 
AND   FELLOWS  OF   HARVARD  COLLEGE. 

Whereas  by  a  Resolve  of  the  General  Court  passed 
March  2d.  1762  there  was  allotted  and  reserved  to  the  use 
of  Harvard  College  in  Cambridge  one  sixty  fourth  part 
of  Six  Townships  of  Land  situated  West  of  Union  River 
in  the  County  of  Lincoln,  and  which  were  then  granted  to 
David  Marsh- and  others,  &  which  have  been  since  con- 
firmed to  the  Grantees  aforesaid  without  the  Reservations 
aforesaid  to  the  said  College.  And  Whereas  there  was  a 
like  quantity  of  Land  in  six  other  Townships  lying  East 
of  Union  River  aforesaid  allotted  and  reserved  to  the  use 
of  the  said  College  in  grants  made  to  sundry  persons  Jan- 
uary 27,  1764  &  whicli  have  not  been  confirmed  to  the 
said  College,  but  having  l)een  since  reserved  for  the  future 
appropriation  of  the  General  Court : 

Be  it  therefore  Resolved  that  there  be  and  hereby  is 
given  granted  and  confirmed  to  the  President  and  Fellows 
of  Harvard  College  &  to  their  Successors  in  ofiicc,  three 
hundred  acres  of  Land  in  each  of  the  twelve  Townships 
aforesaid  in  situation  &  quality  equal  in  general  to  the 
Lots  in  the  divisions  of  said  Townships  agreeably  to  a 
Resolve  passed  July  8,  178G,  to  be  appropriated  & 
applied  to  the  use,  and  for  the  purposes  of  the  said 
College  forever.  June  23,  1790. 

Chapter  64. 

RESOLVE    DIRECTING    THE    TREASURER    TO    BORROW    MONEY 
FOR   PAYING  THE   GENERAL  COURT   AND   CIVIL   LIST. 

Resolved  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  Common  Wealth 
be  and  is  hereby  Empowered  and  Directed  to  borrow  on 
the  Credit  of  ye  first  Monies  which  shall  be  Received  into 
the  Treasury  of  the  Tax  Granted  the  twenty  seventh  of 
March  1787  called  Tax  Num'r.  G  and  also  of  the  Tax 
Granted  the  fourteenth  of  Febuary  1789  called  Tax 
Num'r.  seven  not  already  appropriated,  a  sum  sufiicient  to 
Pay  the  Members  of  the  General  Court  for  their  travel  and 
attendance  at  their  Present  session,  also  a  sum  sufiicient 
to  Pay  all  the  ofiicers  and  servants  of  Government  which 
compose  the  Civil  List,  as  well,  the  arreares  due  to  them, 
as  for  the  services  that  May  liecome  due  at  the  End  of  the 


Resolves,  1790.  —  May  Session.  129 

Present  sessions  of  the  General  Court  —  also  for  two  quar- 
ters pay  to  the  Garrison  at  Castle  Island,  ending  the  21st. 
Instant.  June  23,  1790. 

Chapter  65. 

RESOLVE  DISCHARGING  JACOB  KUHN,  MESSENGER  OF  THE  GEN- 
ERAL COURT,  OF  TWENTY  FOUR  POUNDS,  AND  FOR  PAYING 
HIM  TWELVE  SHILLINGS  AND  TEN  PENCE,  THE  BALANCE  OF 
HIS  ACCOUNT. 

Resolved  That  Jacob  Kuhn  be  and  he  is  hereby  dis- 
charg'd  of  the  sum  o^  tiventy  four  pounds  \)ii\([  him  out  of 
the  Publick  Treasury  in  June  1789,  he  having  accounted 
for  the  expenditure  of  the  same  —  and  that  there  be  allowed 
and  paid  out  of  the  Publick  Treasury  to  the  said  Jacob 
Kuhn  tioelve  shillings  and  ten  pence  being  the  balance  due 
to  him  on  settlement  of  his  Account.         June  23,  1790. 

Chapter  66. 

RESOLVE  REQUESTING  THE  GOVERNOR  TO  GRANT  CREDEN- 
TIALS TO  THE  HON.  GEORGE  CABOT,  ESQ.  AND  TO  THE 
FEDERAL  REPRESENTATIVES. 

Resolved  that  his  excellency  the  Governor  be,  &  he  is 
hereby  requested  to  make  out  credentials  under  the  seal 
of  this  Commonwealth  to  the  honoralile  George  Cahot 
esq.  elected  by  the  Legislature  a  Senator  to  represent  this 
State  in  the  Senate  of  the  United  States,  for  the  term  of 
six  years  to  commence  at  the  expiration  of  the  term  for 
which  the  honorable  Tristram  Dalton  esq.  was  chosen, 
and  to  each  of  the  persons  who  shall  be  duly  elected  to 
represent  the  people  of  this  State  in  the  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives of  the  United  States,  in  the  manner  expressed 
in  a  resolve  passed  by  the  General  Court  the  9th.  day  of 
February  1789  ;  And  the  Secretary  having  countersigned 
the  said  credentials,  is  hereby  directed  to  transmit  the 
same  to  the  persons  to  whom  they  respectively  belong. 

June  23,  1790. 

Chapter  67. 

GRANT  TO  HIS  HONOUR    THE   LIEUTENANT  GOVERNOUR,   SEC- 
RETARY, TREASURER,   AND   COMMISSARY   GENERAL. 

Resolved,  That  for  one  Year  from  the  last  Wednesday 
of  May  last,  the  Sum  of  one  7iu7idred  and  sixty  pounds, 
in  specie,  shall  be  the  Pay  of  the  Lieutenant  Governour, 


130  Resolves,  1790.  —  May  Session. 

and  a  proportiouable  Sum  for  a  less  time,  in  full  for  his 
Services  as  Lieutenant  Governour,  to  be  paid  out  of  the 
Treasury  of  this  Common^vcalth,  in  quarterly  Payments 
as  the  same  shall  become  due. 

Resolved,  That  there  be  allowed  and  paid  out  of  the 
public  Treasury  of  this  Commonwealth,  to  the  Secretar}^ 
of  the  same,  John  Avery  ]\\  Esqr.,  the  Sum  of  tivo  hun- 
dred and  Fifty  Pounds,  in  full  for  his  Services  from  the 
first  of  June  1789,  to  the  first  Day  of  June  1790. 

Resolved,  That  for  one  Year  from  the  twenty  seventh 
Day  oi  April  last,  the  Sum  of  three  hundred  and  Fifty 
Pounds,  shall  be  the  Pay  of  the  Treasurer,  Alexander 
Hodgdon  Esqr.,  and  a  proportionable  Sum  for  a  less  time, 
in  full  for  his  Services  the  present  Year,  as  Treasurer  of 
this  Commonwealth,  to  be  ])aid  out  of  the  Treasury  thereof, 
in  quarterlj^  payments  as  the  same  may  be  become  due. 

Resolved,  That  for  one  Year  from  the  first  day  of  June 
1790,  the  Sum  oione  hundred  and  ffty  Pounds,  shall  l)e  the 
Pay  of  the  Commissary  General,  Richard  Devens  Esqr., 
and  a  proportional  Sum  for  a  less  time  in  full  for  his 
Services  as  Commissary  General,  to  be  paid  out  of  the 
Treasury  of  this  Commonwealth,  in  quarterly  Payments, 
as  the  same  shall  become  due.  Jane  23,  1790. 

Chapter  67a.* 

ORDER     ON     THE     PETITION     OF    WILLIAM    MCGLATHRT    AND 
OTHERS. 

On  the  petition  of  William  McGlathry  and  others  in- 
habitants of  the  plantations  of  Cambden  and  Hoije  and  an 
adjacent  settlement  in  the  County  of  Hancock,  praying 
that  the  line  between  the  Counties  of  Lincoln  and  Han- 
cock may  be  so  far  altered,  that  the  eastermost  line  of  a 
tract  of  land  claimed  by  the  twenty  associates  or  Lincoln- 
shire Company,  or  some  other  line  so  as  to  include  the 
said  plantations  and  settlement  with  the  said  petitioners 
may  be  made  the  eastern  boundary  of  the  said  County  of 
Lincoln. 

Ordered,  that  the  said  William  McGlathry  in  behalf 
of  himself  and  the  other  petitioners  do  notify  the  inhabi- 
tants of  the  County  of  Hancock  by  serving  the  present 
Clerk  of  the  General  sessions  of  the  peace  of  the  County 
of  Hancock  if  any  there  be  or  such  Clerk  as  may  be  ap- 

*  Not  printed  in  previons  editions.    Taken  from  court  record. 


Resolves,  1790.  —  May  Session.  131 

pointed  previous  to  the  third  Wednesday  of  the  next  sit- 
ting of  the  General  Court,  with  an  attested  copy  of  this 
order,  and  also  to  publish  the  same  in  Adams  independent 
Chronicle  three  weeks  successively  at  least  sixty  days 
before  the  third  Wednesday  of  the  next  sitting  of  the  Gen- 
eral Court,  that  the  inhabitants  of  the  said  County  of 
Hancock  may  then  appear  &  shew  cause  if  any  they  have 
why  the  prayer  of  the  said  petition  should  not  be  granted. 

June  23,  1790. 

Chapter  68. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  JOHN  SUTTON,  DIRECTING  THE 
TREASURER  TO  PAY  THE  BALANCE  DUE  TO  HIM  OF  £.36  8, 
FOR  HIS  SERVICE   IN  THE  LATE  ARMY. 

On  the  Petition  of  John  Sutton  Representing  that  the 
wages  for  his  Services  in  the  late  American  Army  have 
l)een  Drawn  on  a  Forged  order,  and  praying  for  Relief 
from  this  Court. 

Resolved  that  the  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth  be 
and  he  is  hereby  directed  to  pay  out  of  the  Treasury  to 
the  said  John  Sutton  the  Sum  of  Thirtij  six  pounds  eight 
Shillings  being  the  Balance  due  to  him  for  his  Service  in 
ye  said  Army,  in  the  same  manner  as  tho'  it  had  not  been 
Drawn  l)y  the  said  Forged  order.  June  23,  1790. 


Chapter  G9. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  WILLIAM  FROBISHER,  REFER- 
RING THE  SUBJECT  OF  SAID  RESOLVE  TO  THE  GOVERNOUR 
AND   COUNCIL. 

On  the  Petition  of  Wilhn.  Frohisher  praying  that  he 
may  be  appointed  inspector  of  Pott  &  Pearl  ashes  in  the 
town  of  Boston,  in  consequence  of  the  Communications 
which  he  proposes  to  make  to  the  Publick,  on  an  improved 
method  in  manufacturing  sd.  Ashes. 

Hesolved  That  the  sd.  Petition  be  refered  to  the  Gov- 
ernor &  Council,  who  are  requested  to  examine  the  pro- 
posed proscess  for  making  sd.  Ashes  or  cause  such  exam- 
ination to  be  made  &  to  aflbrd  the  sd.  Frohisher  such 
encouragment  or  Compensation,  as  he  prays  for  provided 
they  shall  be  of  opinion  that  the  proposed  proscess  will  be 
of  general  Utility  ;  &  deserving  the  patronage  of  Govern- 
ment. June  23,  1790. 


132  Kesolves,  1790.  —  Mat  Session. 


Chapter  70. 

RESOLVE    ON    THE    PETITION    OF    ABIGAIL    BOND,    ALLOWING 

HER  £.6  7  2. 

On  the  Petition  of  Abigail  Bond  praying  for  an  allow- 
ance of  six  pounds,  &  one  years  interest  due  on  a  note 
given  by  sd.  Abigail  to  Wm.  Wa7'd  Physician  for  attend- 
ing her  son  in  his  sickness  while  a  Soldier  in  the  Service 
of  (the  late  Province)  now  Comm'th.  of  Massachusetts. 

Resolved  that  the  Prayer  of  sd.  Petition  be  granted  so 
far  as  to  allow  the  Petitioner  the  sum  of  six  pounds  seven 
shillings  &  two  pence  &  that  the  same  be  paid  to  her  by 
the  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth,  out  of  the  first  money 
that  shall  come  into  the  Treasury  thereof  not  otherwise 
appropriated  and  that  the  same  be  charged  to  the  United 
States.  June  23,  1790. 

Chapter  71. 

RESOLVE  GRANTING  A  TAX  OF  £.900,  TO  BE  RAISED  AND  AP- 
PORTIONED ON  THE  INHABITANTS  OF  THE  COUNTY  OF  MID- 
DLESEX. 

Whereas  upon  application  made  to  this  Court  by  the 
Clerk  of  the  Court  of  General  Sessions  of  the  peace  for 
the  County  of  Middlesex,  It  appears  necessary,  that  the 
Sum  of  N'ine  hundred  pounds  should  be  raised  to  com- 
pleat  and  finish  the  Goal  in  said  County  : 

Therefore  Resolved,  that  the  Sum  of  JSfine  hundred 
pounds  be,  and  is  hereby  granted  as  a  County  Tax,  to  be 
raised  and  apportioned  on  the  Inhabitants  of  the  County  of 
Middlesex  and  Estates  lying  within  the  same,  to  be  raised 
apportioned  and  applyed  according  to  law  for  the  pur- 
poses aforesaid.  June  23,  1790. 

Chapter  71a.* 

ORDER  ON  THE   PETITION  OF  JOHN  DUPEE. 

On  the  Petition  of  John  Dupee  Praying  for  a  new  Trial 
in  an  Action  brought  against  him  by  Jabez  Fairbanks 
in  which  Judgment  w^as  rendered  thereon  before  Abiier 
Holden  esq.  on  the  fifteenth  day  oi  March  1788. 

Ordered,  that  the  prayer  of  the  said  Petition  be  so  far 
granted,  that  the  Petitioner  serve  the  adverse  party,  Jabez 

*  Not  printed  in  previous  editions. 


Resolves,  1790.  —  May  Session.  133 

Fairbanks,  with  an  attested  Copy  of  his  Petition  and  this 
Order  thereon  at  least  fourteen  days  hefore  the  Second 
Wednesday  of  the  Next  Setting  of  the  General  Court, 
that  he  may  appear  on  that  day,  and  Shew  cause,  if  any 
can  1)6  Shewn,  why  the  pray[er]  of  the  said  Petition  should 
not  be  granted.  Jmie  23,  1790. 

Chapter  12. 

RESOLVE  GRANTING  £.800,  TO  THE  COMMISSARY  GENERAL  FOR 
CERTAIN  PURrOSES,  AND  DIRECTING  THE  TREASURER  TO 
BORROW   MONEY   FOR   HIM. 

On  the  tuemorial  of  the  Commissary  General  praying. 
That  a  Sum  of  Money  may  be  granted  to  enable  him  to 
discharge  the  Debts  He  now  owes  on  Account  of  this 
Commonwealth  and  to  make  further  Purchases. 

Resolved  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth  be 
&  He  is  hereby  authorized  and  directed  to  borrow  the 
Sum  of  Six  Hundred  &  Fifty  Tim  Pounds  being  the 
Ballance  due  on  a  Warrant  in  Favour  of  the  Commissary 
General  for  Light  Money,  dated  Fehi/.  18,  1789.  And 
that  there  be  allowed  and  paid  out  of  the  public  Treasury 
the  Further  Sum  of  Eight  Hundred  Pounds  to  the  said 
Commissary  to  enable  him  to  discharge  sundry  Debts 
contracted  by  him  in  his  said  Capacity  and  for  making  the 
necessary  Supplies  for  the  Garrison  at  Castle  Island  He 
the  said  Commissary  to  be  accountable  for  the  same ;  and 
the  said  Treasurer  is  directed  &  empower'd  to  borrow  the 
first  mentioned  as  also  the  last  mentioned  Sum  on  the 
Funds  provided  for  the  Payment  of  the  Members  of  the 
Gen'l.  Court  in  their  present  Occasion.      June  24,  1790. 

Chapter  73.* 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  MEMORIAL  OF  THE  INHABITANTS  OF  THE 
TOWN  OF  BOSTON,  DIRECTING  THE  TREASURER  TO  BORROW 
£.3704  15  5,  AND  PAY  THE  SAME  TO  THE  SELECTMEN  OF  SAID 
TOWN. 

On  the  memorial  of  the  selectmen  and  overseers  of  the 
poor  of  the  town  of  Boston  in  behalf  of  the  inhabitants  of 
said  town  praying  they  may  receive  due  compensation  for 
the  maintenance  of  the  states  poor  as  set  forth  in  said 
memorial.  —  And  whereas  by  a  resolve  passed  the  General 
Court  March  .5,  1790,  the  Treasurer  of  this  Common- 
wealth was  directed  to  pay  to  the  selectmen  of  said  town 

*  Taken  from  court  record. 


134  Eesolves,  1790.  —  May  Session. 

the  sum  of  three  thousand  seven  hundred  and  sixty  four 
pounds  fifteen  shillings  and  five  j^ence  out  of  the  first 
monies  that  should  be  received  on  the  taxes  No.  6  &  7 
unappropriated,  which  sum  the  Treasurer  has  not  yet  been 
able  to  pay  :  — 

Be  it  therefore  Resolved  that  the  prayer  of  their  memo- 
rial be  so  far  granted  as  that  the  Treasurer  of  this  Com- 
monwealth be  and  he  hereby  is  empowered  and  directed 
to  borrow  on  the  credit  of  the  monies  due  on  said  taxes 
the  aforesaid  sum  and  pay  the  same  to  the  selectmen  of 
said  town  in  part  payment  for  the  purposes  abovemen- 
tioned.  June  24,  1790. 

Chapter  74. 

RESOLVE    ON    THE    PETITION    OF    JACOB     COMINGS,    STAYING 
EXECUTION  AGAINST  HIM. 

On  the  petition  of  Jacob  Comings  junior  one  of  the 
Constal^les  for  the  town  of  Sutton. 

Resolved  for  the  reasons  set  forth  in  the  said  petition 
that  the  prayer  thereof  be  granted  &  the  Treasurer  of 
this  Commonwealth  is  hereby  directed  to  stay  execution 
against  the  said  Jacob  Comings  junior  on  tax  No.  4,  until 
the  second  Wednesday  of  the  next  session  of  the  General 
Court.  June  24,  1790. 

Chapter  75. 

RESOLVE   FOR   BORROWING  £.24,   FOR   JACOB  KUHN. 

Resolved  that  there  be  paid  out  of  the  treasury  of 
this  Commonwealth  the  sum  of  Twenty  four  pounds  to 
Jacob  Kuhn  messenger  to  the  General  Court  to  enable 
him  to  purchase  fuel  &  candles  for  their  use,  the  said 
Kuhn  to  be  accountable  for  the  expenditure  of  the  same. 
And  the  treasurer  is  directed  to  borrow  the  said  sum  on 
the  credit  of  the  same  funds  on  which  he  shall  borrow 
money  to  pay  the  members  of  the  General  Court  the 
present  session.  June  24,  1790. 

Chapter  76. 

RESOLVE  DIRECTING  THE  TREASURER  TO  BORROW  £50  ON 
THE  CREDIT  OF  No.  6  TAX,  AND  TO  PAY  THE  SAME  TO 
LEWIS  DB  MARRESQUELLE,  ESQ. 

On  the  petition  of  Lewis  de  Marresquelle  Esqr.  for 
reasons  therein  set  forth. 


Kesolves,  1790.  —  May  Session.  135 

Resolved,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth, 
be,  and  he  is  hereby  directed,  to  liorrow  on  the  credit 
of  tax  Number  six,  Fifty  pounds  and  pay  the  same  to 
the  said  Leiois  de  Marresquelle  in  discharge  of  a  warrant 
in  his  favor  dated  the  10th.  day  of  September  1789. 

June  24,  1790. 

Chapter  77. 

RESOLVE   DIRECTING   JOHN  DEMING,  ESQ.  TO  COLLECT  CLAIMS 
AGAINST   THE   UNITED   STATES. 

Resolved,  That  John  Deming  Esqr.  be,  and  lie  is  hereby 
authorized  and  directed,  to  receive  and  collect  any  Claims 
or  demands,  (not  already  exhibited)  which  ought  to  be 
charged  by  this  Commonwealth  to  the  United  States,  and 
if  necessary  to  employ  one  more  suital)le  person  to  assist 
him  in  that  business.  June  24,  1790. 

Chapter  78. 

RESOLVE  REQUESTING  THE  GOVERNOR  TO  TRANSMIT  THE 
MEMORIAL  OF  THE  CONSUL  OF  FRANCE  TO  THE  PRESIDENT 
OF   THE   UNITED   STATES. 

Resolved,  that  his  Excellency  the  Governor,  l)e,  and  he 
hereby  is  requested,  to  transmit  to  the  President  of  the 
United  States  of  America,  the  Memorial  of  the  Honl)le. 
Monsr.  Delatombe  Consul  of  France,  dated  at  Boston  on 
the  7th.  instant,  &  addressed  to  the  Legislature  of  this 
Commonwealth  —  that  the  President  of  the  United  States, 
may  take  such  order  thereon,  as  the  importance  of  the 
subject  justly  deserves.  June  24,  1790. 

Chapter  79. 

RESOLVE    ON  THE    PETITION   OF   A  NUMBER  OF  THE    INHABI- 
TANTS  OF   ROXBVRT  AND  DEDHAM. 

On  a  Petition  of  a  Number  of  the  Inhaliitants  of  the 
Towns  of  Roxbury  &  Ded.ham  Praying  that  an  enquiry 
May  be  Made  Respecting  the  obstructions  in  C/iarls 
River  said  to  flow  a  Large  Body  of  Meadows  belonging 
to  said  Petitioners  as  set  forth  in  said  Petition. 

Resolved  that  the  Prayer  thereof  be  so  Far  granted 
that  JosejiJi  B.  Varnum,  John.  Read  &  Lemuel  KoUocJc 
Esquires  be  a  committee  to  Repare  to  the  Place  where  the 
obstructions  are,  carefully  view  the  same,  hear  all  Parties, 


136  Resolves,  1790.  —  May  Session. 

(Previously  notifying  all  concerned)  and  report  at  the 
Next  setting  of  the  General  Court  what  measures  may  be 
Necessary  to  be  taken  thereon ;  Provided  hoivever  that 
the  Petitioners  agree  to  defray  the  Charge  of  the  Com- 
mitee  afore  said.  June  24,  1790. 

Chapter  80. 

RESOLVE   GRANTING  JAMES   WARREN;    ESQ.   £37  0  3. 

On  the  petition  of  James  Warren  praying  for  compen- 
sation for  the  deficiency  in  quantity  of  a  tract  of  upland 
and  Salt  marsh  lying  in  Dorchester,  being  part  of  the 
lands  Sold  by  this  Commonwealth  to  Samuel  Broome  and 
by  said  Samuel  assigned  to  the  said  James. 

Resolved  that  there  be  allowed  and  paid  out  of  the 
publick  Treasury,  thirty  Seven  pounds  and  three  pence  to 
said  James  Wari^eii  in  full  compensation  for  the  deficiency 
as  aforesaid.  June  24,  1790. 

Chapter  81. 

RESOLVE  AUTHORIZING  THE  GOVERNOR  AND  COUNCIL  TO 
APPOINT  A  SURGEON  TO  THE  GARRISON  ON  CASTLE  ISLAND, 
AND  ESTABLISHING  HIS  PAY  AT  £.50  PER  ANNUM. 

Resolved  That  his  Excellency  the  Governour,  be  and 
he  hereby  is  authorized  and  empowered  by  and  with  the 
advice  of  Council  to  appoint  some  suitable  person  to 
attend  as  a  Physician  &  Surgeon  on  the  Garrison  and 
convicts  at  Castle  Island  and  that  there  be  allowed  and 
paid  out  of  the  Publick  Treasury,  annually  fifty  pounds 
in  full  compensation  for  the  attendance  and  medicine  of 
such  Physician  &  Surgeon,  to  be  paid  in  quarterly  pay- 
ments as  the  same  may  become  due.  June  24,  1790, 

Chapter  82. 

RESOLVE  ON  A  LETTER  FROM  THE  ATTORNEY-GENERAL, 
APPOINTING  JOSEPH  HALL,  JUNR.  ESQ.  TO  PROSECUTE  AN 
ACTION  NOW  PENDING  IN  THE  COURT  OF  COMMON  PLEAS, 
TO  BE  HOLDEN  AT  BOSTON  ON  THE  SECOND  TUESDAY  OF 
JULY  NEXT,  BETWEEN  THE  TREASURER  AND  THE  HONOUR- 
ABLE   NATHANIEL    GORHAM  AND    OLIVER   PHELPS,   ESQRS. 

On  the  Letter  of  the  Attorney  General  of  this  Com- 
monwealth, representing  that  he  shall  not  be  able  to 
attend  the  Court  of  Common  Pleas  next  to  be  holden  at 


Eesolves,  1790.  —  Mat  Session.  137 

Boston  within  &  for  the  County  of  Suffolk  on  the  second 
Tuesday  of  July  next. 

Resolved  that  Joseph  Hall  junr.  Esq.  be  &  hereby  is 
appointed  Agent  to  take  care  of  &  prosecute  an  Action 
now  pending  in  the  said  Court,  at  the  Term  aforesaid,  in 
which  Action  the  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth,  in  his 
said  Capacity  of  Treasurer,  is  Pltf.,  and  the  Honorable 
Nathaniel  Gorham  &  Oliver  Phelps  Esqrs.  are  Defend- 
ents.  June  24,  1790. 


Chapter  83. 

RESOLVE  GRANTING  THE  CLERKS  OF  THE  SENATE,  AND   HOUSE 
OF  REPRESENTATIVES,  £.30  EACH,  FOR  THEIR  SERVICES. 

Resolved,  that  there  be  allowed  &  paid  out  of  the  Pub[Z]ic 
Treasury  of  this  Commonwealth,  to  Samuel  Cooler  Esqr. , 
Clerk  of  the  Senate,  the  Sum  of  Thirty  Pounds  —  and  to 
George  Richards  Minot  Esqr.  Clerk  of  the  house  of  Rep- 
resentatives, the  Sum  of  Thirty  Pounds,  on  account  of 
their  services,  respectively  in  the  General  Court  for  the 
present  Year,  they  to  be  accountable  for  the  same  respec- 
tively. June  24,  1790. 


Chapter  84. 

RESOLVE  APPOINTING  A  COMMITTEE  OF  BOTH  HOUSES,  IN  THE 
RECESS  OF  THE  COURT,  TO  COLLECT  AND  TRANSMIT  INFOR- 
MATION RELATIVE  TO  THE  WHALE  AND  COD  FISHERIES, 
TO  THE   SENATORS   IN   CONGRESS. 

On  considering  the  importance  of  the  fisheries  to  this 
Commonwealth  &  the  necessity  which  may  arise  in  the 
recess  of  the  General  Court  of  further  communications 
upon  this  subject  to  the  Senators  &  Representatives  of 
this  Commonwealth  in  the  Congress  of  the  United  States. 

Resolved  that  the  honorable  Azor  Orne  &  Peleg  Coffin 
Esqrs.  Mr.  Davis  of  Plymouth,  Mr.  Jones  of  Boston  and 
Mr.  Breck  are  hereby  appointed  a  committee  whose  care 
it  shall  be  in  the  recess  of  the  General  Court  to  collect  & 
transmit  to  the  Senators  &  Representatives  of  this  Com- 
monwealth in  the  Congress  of  the  United  States,  all 
needful  information  &  testimonies  relative  to  the  Whale 
&  Cod  fisherys  &  as  far  as  may  be  in  the  power  of  such 
Committee  to  aid  the  applications  which  are  or  shall  be 
made  in  the  name  of  this  Commonwealth  to  the  Cono-ress 


138  Kesolves,  1790.  —  May  Session. 

on  these  important  subjects,  and  for  this  purpose  any 
three  of  the  said  committee  shall  he  a  quorum  &  are 
directed  to  communicate  this  appointment  to  the  said 
Senators.  Jmie  24,  1790. 

Chapter  85, 

RESOLVE  GRANTING  A  TAX  TO  THE    COUNTY    OF  BERKSHIRE. 

On  the  Memorial  of  John  Bacon  Esqr.  in  behalf  of  the 
County  of  Berkshire; — Praying,  that  a  Tax  of  Bight 
hundred  ^founds  be  granted  for  defraying  the  necessary 
Charges  of  said  County  for  Reasons  Set  forth  in  said 
Memorial. 

Resolved,  that  the  Sum  of  Bight  hundred  jiounds  be, 
and  is  hereby  granted  as  a  Tax,  to  be  raised  and  appor- 
tioned on  the  Inha1)itants  of  the  County  of  Berkshire  and 
Estates  lying  within  the  Same,  to  be  raised  apportioned 
Collected  and  applied  according  to  law  for  the  purposes 
aforesaid.  June  24,  1790. 

Chapter  86. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  JOHN  BURGHARDT,  2d.,  GRANT- 
ING HIM   £.16. 

On  the  petition  of  John  Burghardt  praying  that  he 
may  be  reiml)urst  the  charge  he  was  at,  in  Curing  the 
wounds  which  his  son  Hugo  Burghardt  received  from  a 
Party  of  Insurgents. 

Resolved  that  there  be  allowed  and  paid  out  of  the 
Treasury  of  this  Commonwealth  to  John  Burghardt  the 
second  of  Great  Barrington  the  sum  of  sixteen  pounds 
to  reimburse  him  for  the  charge  he  sustained  in  the 
Cure  of  his  son  Hugo  Burdhardt  A  minor  under  the  age 
of  Twenty  years,  of  a  wound  he  received  from  a  Party  of 
Insurgents  in  the  Action  at  Sheffield  in  February  1787 
by  a  musket  Ball  and  three  buck  shot  Lodged  in  one  of 
his  sholders.  *  June  25,  1790. 

Chapter  87. 

RESOLVE   RELATIVE   TO  THE   PAY   OF   THE   COMMITTEE  ON  AC- 
COUNTS  FOR   MAY  SESSION,    1790. 

Resolved,  That  there  be  allowed  and  paid  out  of  the 
Treasury  of  this  Commonwealth,  in  the  same  manner 
that  the  Members  of  the  General  Court  are  paid  the  pres- 


Eesolves,  1790.  —  Mat  Session.  139 

ent  Session,  to  the  Committee  appointed  to  pass  on  public 
Accounts,  agreably  to  the  usual  Allowance  made  them 
for  their  Services  the  following  Sums,  viz  :  To  the  Hon- 
ble.  Joseph  Hosmer  Esqr.,  the  Sum  of  One  Pound,  ten 
shillinr/fi;  to  the  Honble.  Stephen  Metcalf  Esqr.,  One 
Pound,  two  shiUmgs,  &  sixpence;  to  John  Games ^sqr., 
One  Pound,  thirteen  shillings;  to  Thornas  Davis  Esqr., 
One  Ponnd,  five  shillings,  &  six  pence;  to  Daniel  Forbes 
Esqr.,  One  Pound,  thirteen  shillings;  which  Sums  will  be 
in  full  for  their  Services  respectively,  above  their  Pay  as 
Members  of  the  General  Court  to  the  present  Day. 

June  25,  1700. 

Chapter  88. 

RESOLVE  RESPECTING  PUBLIC  DEFAULTERS. 

Whereas  sundry,  unliquidated  Accounts,  and  Charges 
of  Money,  Cannon,  Arms  and  Military  Stores,  as  well 
against  Towns,  and  other  Corporations,  as  individuals,  re- 
main in  the  Books  of  this  Commonwealth  in  the  hands  of 
the  Treasurer,  Commissary  General,  and  the  Committee 
for  methodizing  the  public  Accounts  respectively  —  and 
whereas  also  certain  Committees  appointed  for  the  sale  of 
the  Estates  of  Conspirators  and  Absentees  have  failed  to 
settle  their  Accounts  of  such  Sales  : 

Resolved,  that  the  said  Treasurer  Commissary  General 
and  the  said  Committee  on  public  Accounts  respectively, 
do  immediately  take  the  most  effectual  measures  to  notify, 
and  call  to  account  all  such  Corporations  Committees  and 
Individuals,  as  remain  accountable  and  charged  in  the  said 
Books  respectively,  giving  notice  that  unless  such  Ac- 
counts are  settled  on  or  before  the  third  Wednesday  of 
the  next  Session  of  the  General  Court  the  same  will  be 
put  in  suit ; 

And  Whereas  the  Corporations  Committees  &  Individ- 
uals chargeable  as  aforesaid,  may  have  sundry  demands 
against  this  Commonwealth  which  have  not  been  duly 
liquidated  and  allowed  : 

Therefore  it  is  further  Resolved,  that  with  respect  to  the 
Accounts  and  Demands  against  this  Commonwealth  of 
all  Corporations  Committees  and  Individuals  remaining 
accountable  for  Monies,  Military  Stores  or  other  Articles 
as  aforesaid  or  otherwise,  a  certain  Act  of  this  Common- 
wealth passed  on  the  9th.  day  of  February  A.  D.  1785, 


140  Resolves,  1790.  —  May  Session. 

entitled  An  Act  limiting  the  times  within  which  Accounts 
or  Demands  against  this  Commonwealth  shall  be  exhib- 
ited for  Liquidation  and  allowance,  shall  he  and  hereby 
is  suspended  untill  the  End  of  the  said  next  Session  of 
this  General  Court.  Jime  25,  1790. 

Chapter  89. 

RESOLVE   GRANTING   £.1000  FOR   PAYMENT   OF   PENSIONERS. 

Resolved  that  there  l)e  allowed  &  paid  out  of  the  treas- 
ury of  this  Commonwealth  the  sum  of  one  thousand 
pounds  to  be  applied  &  paid  to  the  pensioners  of  this 
Commonwealth  in  the  same  way  &  manner  as  is  provided 
for  by  a  Resolve  passed  in  the  General  Court  dated  March 
6th.,  1790.  And  the  treasurer  is  hereby  directed  to  gov- 
ern himself  accordingly.  June  25,  1790. 

Chapter  90. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  MARY  PARKER,  REFERRING 
THE  CONSIDERATION  OF  SAID  PETITION  TO  THE  NEXT  SES- 
SION OF  THE  GENERAL  COURT,  AND  STAYING  EXECUTION 
IN   THE   MEAN   TIME. 

On  the  Petition  of  Mary  Parhei'. 

Resolved  that  the  consideration  of  said  Petition  ])e  re- 
fered  to  the  next  Session  of  the  General  Court  and  that 
Execution  of  Law  for  any  forfeitures  incurred  by  Benja- 
min Parker  (the  Hus])and  of  sd.  Mary)  &  belonging  to 
this  Common  Wealth  be  stayed  in  mean  time. 

June  25,  1790. 

Chapter  91. 

RESOLVE   ON   THE   PETITION  OF  JAMES  ROWELL. 

On  the  Petition  of  James  Rowell  praying  relief  from  a 
Verdict  and  Judgment  against  him  rendered  in  the  Court 
of  General  Sessions  of  the  Peace  held  at  Ijjsvnch  on  the 
second  tuesday  of  April  last,  by  adjournment  from  the 
first  tuesday  of  the  same  month. 

Resolved,  that  the  said  Jatnes  Roivell  may  at  the  next 
Court  of  General  Sessions  of  the  Peace  to  be  holden  for 
that  County  claim  an  Appeal  from  the  said  Judgment 
against  him.  And  the  Justices  of  the  said  Court  of  Gen- 
eral Sessions  next  to  be  holden  as  aforesaid,  shall  and 
may  hear  and  enter  the  said  Claim,  and  are  hereby  au- 
thorised and  directed  to  allow  the  said  Appeal  in  the  same 


Eesolves,  1790.  —  May  Session.  141 

manner  as  if  the  same  had  been  entered  and  allowed  at 
the  Session  of  said  Court,  in  which  said  Judgment  was 
rendered,  and  all  proceedings  upon  the  said  Judgment 
shall  be  stayed  and  the  same  considered  as  in  other  Cases 
of  Appeal.  And  the  Justices  of  the  Supreme  Judicial 
Court  are  hereby  authorised  and  directed  to  allow  the 
Entry  of  such  Appeal  at  the  next  Term  of  the  said  Court 
in  that  County  and  thereupon  to  proceed  in  the  same  form 
as  if  the  said  Appeal  had  l)een  regularly  brought  before 
them  —  any  Law  or  Usage  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding. 

Provided,  that  the  said  James  Rowell  shall  and  do  at  the 
said  next  Court  of  General  Sessions,  recognize  with  suffi- 
cient Surety  or  Sureties  in  due  form  of  law  for  his  the 
said  Howell's  appearance  at  the  said  Supreme  Judicial 
Court,  there  to  prosecute  his  said  Appeal,  and  to  abide 
the  Order  of  the  same  Court  thereupon,  and  also  to  pay  in 
case  of  Conviction  all  Costs  which  have  been  or  shall  be 
incurred  to  the  said  County  of  Essex,  by  the  support  of 
the  said  Roivell  in  Prison  since  the  said  Judgment  and  by 
the  second  Trial  upon  the  Charge  against  him  whereon 
said  Judgment  has  been  rendered. 

Resolved,  that  if  the  said  James  Roioell  shall  not  duly 
enter  his  said  Appeal  in  the  said  Supreme  Judicial  Court, 
the  Justices  of  that  Court  shall  proceed  upon  such  recog- 
nizance, and  against  the  said  Rotvell  and  shall  award 
Judgment  and  Sentence  as  in  other  Cases  of  Appeal. 

June  25,  1790. 

Chapter  93. 

ROLL  No.  18. 

The  Committee  on  Accounts  having  examined  the  Ac- 
counts now  presented,  report,  that  there  is  due  to  the 
Towns,  and  Persons  hereafter  mentioned,  the  Sums  set 
against  their  Names  respectively ;  which  if  allowed,  will 
be  in  full  discharge  of  ye  said  Accounts  to  the  Dates 
therein  mentioned. 

JOSEPH  HOSMER  per  Order. 

No.  1.     To  Ezra  Waldo  Weld,  Printer  at  Springfield,  for 
Printing  for  the  Commonwealth  from  Fcby.  3d.  1790,     £.    s.    d. 
to  May  ye  12th  following, 119     0 

No.  2.  To  the  Town  of  Waliham,  for  Boarding  &  Nurs- 
ing, a  Negro  Family,  transient  Persons,  for  14  Days, 
with  Funeral  Charges  on  account  of  one  of  them;  the 
poor  of  the  Commonwealth, 2    0    0 


142  Resolves,  1790.  —  May  Session. 

No.  3.     To  the  Town  of  Hardwick  on  account  of  Paul 
Morgan,  another  of  ye  Poor  of  the  Commonwealth, 
with  ye  charge  of  Burial ;  from  Deer.  12, 1788  to  April    £.    s.    d. 
4th  1789  ;  including  Doctors  Bills, 16     2     1 

No  4.  To  the  Town  of  Chesterfield,  for  supporting  John 
Kennedy,  a  State  Poor ;  from  ye  22d  of  May  1789,  to 
May  22d,  1790, 10    8    0 

No.  5.  To  Josei^h  Barber,  on  account  of  William  Frank- 
lin, a  foreigner,  in  February,  1789,  and  who  had  gain'd 
no  Inhabitancy, 0  18     0 

No.  6.     To  Doctr.  J.aro«  PFi^Ais  Bill,  for  the  same  Person,       1     2  11 

No.  7.  To  Doctr.  Aaron  Dexter,  for  taking  care  of  ye 
Poor  of  ye  Commonwealth  in  the  Aims-House,  by 
Agreement  of  the  Overseers  of  the  Town  of  Boston ; 
with  extra  Charges  on  account  of  37  Persons  who  had 
the  Measles,  &  the  Overseers  certifying  it,    .        .         .  131     2    0 

No.  8.  To  Loammi  Baldwin  Esqr.,  in  full  of  his  Account, 
committed  by  both  Houses  to  ye  Committee  on  Ac- 
counts, for  Disbursements,  Time,  Travel,  &  Expences 
in  the  service  of  Government, 41  17     6 

No.  9.  To  the  Town  of  Lanesborough,  towards  the  Sup- 
port of  Samuel  Harrisoyi,  &  Son,  from  May  7th,  1789, 
to  May  7th,  1790,  the  Poor  of  the  Commonwealth,        .     19  12     6 

No.  10.  To  the  Town  of  Pepperrell,  on  account  of 
William  Bentrough,  and  Family,  State  Poor,  from  ye 
llthof  Z»ecr.  1789,  toye4thof  ilfo?/,  1790,     .        .         .      7  13    0 

No.  11.  To  the  same  Town,  on  account  of  a  former 
allowance  by  a  former  Committee  on  Accounts,  &  not 
paid, 1  13     0 

No.  12.  To  Co7istant  Freemaji  Junr.,  a  Clerk  in  ye 
Treasury  Office,  for  his  Services,  from  ye  first  of  June, 
1789  to  ye  22d  Day  of  June,  1790 99  12     0 

No.  13.  To  Coll.  John  S.  Tyler,  D.  A.  G.,  for  his  Acct. 
from  Feby.  24th,  1790,  to  Jtme  18th,  1790,  certified  by 
Geneva}  Tliayer :  including  all  Services  and  Expences,     11     6     0 

No.  14.  To  Enoch  Hallett  Esqr.,  for  his  Services  as 
Sheriff,  as  per  Account  given  in  by  Barnabas  Hallett 
Administrator, 5170 

No.  15.  To  the  Town  of  Cape  Elizabeth,  for  ye  Board  of 
Betty  Carrel,  a  State  Poor,  from  ye  4th  of  April,  1789, 
to  May  27th,  1790, 14  17     6 

No.  16.  To  Abraham  Foster,  glazier,  for  his  Account  to 
May  22d,  1790,  for  Work  done  to  ye  West  End  of  ye 
Treasurers  House,  improved  by  Government,        .        .      6  12    0 

No.  17.  To  £'6e??e2e?-iyarA;m,  forgathering,  and  pressing, 
five  Hundred  Volumes  of  ye  perpetual  Laws,       .  25     0    0 

No.  18.  To  Samuel  Miller  Thayer,  Brigade  Major,  in  ye 
first  Division,  in  ye  first  Brigade,  for  his  Services  to  ye 
3d  of  January,  1790, 9     0     0 

No.  19.  To  the  town  of  Edgartown,  on  account  of  ye 
Family  of  William  Survash  in  1789,  to  May  ye  5th, 
1790 ;  also  including  the  Burial  of  an  Indian  Woman  ; 
all  of  them  ye  Poor  of  this  Commonwealth, .         .         .     23     4  11 

No.  20.  To  William  Jernigari,  for  the  Charge  attending 
a  Negro  Woman,  a  State  Poor,  in  her  last  Sickness,  to 
May  7th,  1790, 10     6 


Eesolves,  1790.  —  Mat  Session.  143 

No.  21.     To  the  Town  of  Plympton,  for  Supplies  atforded 

to  two  of  the  neutral  French,  from  Maij  1789  to  ye  first    £.    s.    d. 
of  May,  1790, \        .        .        .7100 

No.  22.  To  the  Town  of  Cojicord,  for  supporting  William 
Shaw,  a  State  Poor,  from  ye  first  of  Fcby.  last,  to  ye 
twentieth  of  June  instant, 5     0     0 

No.  23.  To  Justus  Dioight,  for  Boarding  &  Clothing 
Agnis  Thompson,  a  State  Pauper,  from  May  1st,  1789, 
to  May  first,  1790, 13     0     0 

No.  24.  To  the  Town  of  Barre,  for  Supplies  aiforded  to 
Robert  Thomjison,  a  State  Poor,  from  Novr.  18th,  1789 
to  May  19th,  1790,   .         .         .' 814 

No.  25.     To  Doctr.  Fields  Bill  for  Medicines  &  Attendance 

on  account  of  said  Thompson  to  Deer.  5th,  1789,    .        .18     2 

No.  26.     To  a  second  Bill  from  the  same  Person,  to  the 

13th  of  A2Jril,  1790, 0  16     0 

No.  27.  To  the  Town  of  Dracut,  for  Boarding  &  Nursing 
John  Hancock  and  Wife,  from  the  8th  of  March  to  the 
12th  of  June,  1790,  State  Poor 7     5     1 

No.  28.     To  Jonathan  Hastings''s  Bill  for  the  Postage  of 

public  Letters,  from  Jany.  4th,  1788,  to  Jtme  12th,  1790,      8     1     9 

No.  29.  To  Samuel  Body,  for  his  Assistance  to  ye  Sheriff 
in  the  time  of  the  Insurrection,  and  not  pass'd  till  Evi- 
dence was  produced, 0    8    0 

No.  30.  To  Thomas  B.  Wait,  Printer  at  Portland,  for 
publishing  Laws  and  Resolves,  &  other  Matters,  from 
Feby.  15th,  1790,  to  May  the  3d,  following,   .         .        .     12  11     6 

No.  31.  To  the  Town  of  Newbury- Port,  for  the  Support 
of  the  Poor  of  the  Commonwealth,  at  difterent  Places 
Boarded,  and  from  ,Sep<r.  1st,  1788,  to  Jany.  4th,  1790,    76     0  10 

No  32.  To  the  Town  of  Marshjield,  for  supporting  an 
Indian  Woman,  and  two  Children,  being  unable  to  take 
care  of  themselves ;  from  July  10th,  1789,  to  ye  5th  of 
May,  1790  ;  with  Articles  of  Clothing,   .        .        .         .900 

No.  33.  To  the  Town  of  West  Springjield,  for  supporting 
William  Knox,  a  State  Poor;  fi-om  ye  1st  of  August 
1789,  to  ifay  2d,  1790, 11  19     1 

No.  34.  To  the  Town  of  Dartmouth,  for  supplies  to 
Daniel  McCoiuen,  Patience  Joel,  &  Rachel  Cesar,  Poor 
of  the  Commonwealth,  from  the  11th  of  January,  1790, 
to  the  24th  of  ilfay,  1790, 10     9     0 

No.  35.  To  Doctr.  hosier  Swift,  ior  his  Bill,  for  Medi- 
cine &  Attendance,  upon  the  beforementioned  Patience 
Joel,  in  Ajiril  1788, 18    0 

No.  36.  To  Caleb  Manning,  for  Boarding  Elizabeth 
Sweetser,  one  of  the  Poor  from  Charlestoion,  from 
March  20th,  1788,  to  March  1st,  1789,     .        .        .        .      9  16     0 

No.  37.  To  the  Town  of  Medfield,  for  supporting  John 
Turner  and  Wife,  ye  Poor  of  the  Commonwealth,  from 
Feby.  27th,  1789,  to  Febij.  27th,  1790,      .         .        .        .3110 

No.  38.  To  Samuel  Curtis,  and  Jesse  Houghton,  for  Bury- 
ing several  Persons,  with  other  Sextons  assistance,  from 
Jany.  8th,  1790,  to  June  2d, 12  12    0 

No.  39.  To  David  West,  for  sundry  Supplies,  to  sundry 
Persons,  for  the  use  of  ye  Commonwealth,  witii  Bind- 
ing Books,  &c.,  to  Jany.  6th,  1789,         .        .        .        .      4    4  10 


144  Resolves,  1790.  —  May  Session. 

No.  40.     To  James  WJiite,  for  his  Account  of  SuiDplies, 

Books,  Quils,  Paper,  Ink,  &c.,  for  the  Commonwealth,    £.    s.    d. 
to  June  22d,  1790, 60    7     9 

No.  41.  To  the  Town  of  Acton,  for  supporting  John 
Kennedy  &  Wife,  poor  of  ye  Commonwealth,  from  ye 
13th  of  Feby.  1790,  to  ye  19th  of  Jirne  instant,      .        .820 

No.  42.  To  Benjamin  Larkdn,  for  his  Account  of  Sta- 
tionary, &  work  done,  for  ye  General  Court,  &  pai'- 
ticular  offices;  to  ye  17th  ofV?me,  1790,         .         .  18     8     6 

No.  43.  To  the  Town  of  Royalston,  on  account  of  Josejyh 
McNeal,  an  extraordinary  Case,  for  Board,  Nursing,  & 
Doctrs.  Bills,  with  ye  Charge  of  Burial ;  to  ye  20th  of 
Jany.  1790,      .        .  .  .         .     11  17     2 

No.  44.  To  Joseph  Laughton,  first  Clerk  in  ye  Treasury 
Office  ;  for  his  Services,  from  ye  28th  of  Feby.  1790,  to 
jQ  max  oi  June, 52  10    0 

No.  45.     To  the  Town  of  Medway,  for  Boarding  William 

Winsloui,  a  State  Poor,  six  Weeks  ;  in  ye  Year  1788,     .       1  12     6 

No.  46.  To  Nathl.  Foster,  a  Clerk  in  the  Treasury  Office, 
for  his  Services,  from  the  1st  of  Jime  1789,  to  11th  of 
Jujie,  1790, 96  12    0 

No.  47.     To  Samuel  Foster,  for  the  same  Services,  and 

Time, 96  12    0 

No.  48.     To  Samuel  Colesworthy,3\mv.,ioYVt\\ioto'D\iio,    96  12     0 

No.  49.  To  James  Foster,  Junr.,  for  his  Services  in  ye 
same  Office,  &  to  jq  same  time, 96  12    0 

No.  50.     To  Onesiphorus  Tileston,  another  Clerk,  to  the 

llthof  j:«?je,  1790 .         .     93  18     0 

No.  51.  To  Jo7iathan  Ooddard,  for  the  same  Services,  & 
to  ye  same  time, 84    0    0 

£.1360  14    5 

Read  and  accepted,  &,  thereupon 

Resolved  that  his  Excellency  the  Governour,  with  the 
advice  of  Council  be,  &  he  hereby  is  requested  to  issue  his 
Warrant  on  the  Treasury,  for  the  payment  of  the  several 
persons  borne  on  this  Roll  the  sums  set  against  their  names 
respectively,  amounting  in  the  whole  to  the  sum  of  One 
thousand,  tJiree  hundred  cG  sixty  pounds  fourteen  shillings 
(&  Jive  pence,  and  it  is  further  Resolved  that  the  Treasurer 
be  and  he  hereby  is  directed  to  pay  the  same  out  of  the 
first  monies  that  may  come  into  the  Treasury  from  Taxes 
No.  G  &  No.  7,  not  already  appropriated. 

Jiine  25,  1790. 


RESOLVES 


GENERAL   COURT    OF    THE    COMMONWEALTH 
OF   MASSACHUSETTS: 

TOGETHER  WITH  THE  MESSAGES,  &c.  OF  HIS  EXCEL- 
LENCY  THE   GOVERNOUR   TO    THE   SAID   COURT: 

BEGUN  AND  HELD  AT  BOSTON,  IN  THE  COUNTY  OF  SUF- 
FOLK, ON  WEDNESDAY  THE  TWENTY-SIXTH  DAY  OF 
MAT,  ANNO  DOMINI,  1790;  AND  FROM  THENCE  CON- 
TINUED BY  PROROGATION  AND  ADJOURNMENT  TO 
WEDNESDAY  THE  FIFTEENTH  OF  SEPTEMBER  FOL- 
LOWING. 


1790.  —  September  Session. 
Chapter  1. 

RESOLVE    CONTINUING  ALL  MATTERS  REFERRED  TO   THIS   SES- 
SION,  TO   THE   NEXT   SESSION, 

Resolved,  that  all  matters  &  things  whatever  which 
were  referred  by  the  legislature  at  the  last  Session  of  the 
General  Court  to  this  Session  or  to  any  particular  day  in 
this  Session  be  further  referred  to  the  next  Session  of  the 
General  Court  &  to  such  day  therein  as  Avas  appointed 
therefor  in  this  Session,  and  that  all  executions  that  were 
ordered  in  the  said  last  session  to  stay  until  this  session 
or  to  any  particular  day  in  this  session  be  farther  ordered 
to  stay  until  the  next  session  of  the  General  Court  & 
unto  such  day  in  the  said  next  session  as  was  directed 
therefor  in  this  session,  and  that  all  persons  who  in  the 
said  last  session  were  directed  to  shew  cause  against 
granting  the  prayer  of  any  petition  at  this  session  or  on 
any  particular  day  in  this  session  have  the  same  day  in 


146  Resolves,  1790.  —  September  Session. 

the  said  next  session  as  was  appointed  therefor  in  this 
session  ;  any  thing  in  any  resolution  of  the  General  Court 
passed  at  their  last  session  to  the  contrary  notwithstand- 
ing. And  the  Secretary  is  directed  to  publish  this  Resolve 
in  the  public  News  Papers  as  soon  as  may  be. 

September  15,1790. 

Chapter  3. 

RESOLVE    RESPECTING  WHALE  AND    COD   FISHERIES  AND  AP- 
POINTING A  COMMITTEE. 

Upon  consideration  of  the  letter  to  his  Excellency  the 
Governor  from  the  Secretary  of  State,  requesting  infor- 
mation of  the  State  of  the  Whale  and  Cod  fisheries,  as 
heretofore  and  now  carried  on  in  this  Commonwealth, 
and  in  consequence  of  the  representations  lately  made  to 
the  Congress  of  the  United  States  by  this  General  Court 
on  that  important  subject. 

Resolved  that  the  honorable  Azov  Orne,  and  Peleg 
Coffin  Esqrs.,  Mr.  Ebenezer  Parsons,  Capt.  William 
Pearson,  and  Thomas  Davis  Esqr.  shall  be  and  hereby 
are  appointed  a  Committee  to  meet  as  soon  as  may  be, 
and  to  consult  and  determine  the  most  proper  means  of 
obtaining  and  to  obtain  with  all  possible  speed  full  and 
authentic  information  respecting  the  Whale  and  Cod  Fish- 
eries as  heretofore  and  now  carried  on  in  this  Common- 
wealth, and  thereupon  to  })repare  sufficient  statements  of 
the  same,  comprehending  such  a  Period  before  and  since 
the  late  War  as  will  shew  the  Extent  and  Importance  of 
those  valuable  branches  of  Commerce,  the  more  immediate 
difficulties  under  which  they  now  labor,  and  all  other 
circumstances  which  may  tend  to  shew  the  Causes  of  their 
present  Decline,  and  the  most  probable  measures  which 
may  be  adopted  for  their  encouragement  and  increase  ; 
and  conforming  such  statements  as  far  as  may  be,  to  the 
request  of  the  Secretary  of  State  in  his  Letter  to  his  Ex- 
cellency the  Governor  on  this  subject ;  and  these  state- 
ments with  such  documents  as  the  said  Committee  shall 
judge  necessary  to  support  or  explain  the  same,  to  lay 
before  his  Excellency  the  Governor  —  And  his  Excellency 
is  hereby  requested  to  transmit  seasonably  to  the  Secre- 
tary of  State,  agreeably  to  his  request,  the  said  statements 
and  documents,  with  such  other  statements  and  informa- 
tion on  this  subject  as  his  Excellency  shall  think  ex- 
pedient. 


Resolves,  1790.  —  September  Session.  147 

Resolved,  that  the  expences  of  the  meetings  of  the  said 
Committee,  and  what  other  necessary  expences  shall  be 
incurred  in  executing  this  trust  shall  be  defrayed  out  of 
the  Public  Treasury,  upon  the  allowance  of  their  Accounts. 

September  17,  1790. 

Chapter  3. 

RESOLVE  SUSPENDING  AN  ACT  LIMITING  THE  TIME  WITHIN 
WHICH  CLAIMS  AGAINST  THE  COMMONWEALTH  SHALL  BE 
EXHIBITED. 

Whereas  by  a  Resolve  of  the  General  Court  at  their 
last  Session  for  certain  Reasons  in  said  Resolve  mentioned 
it  was  Resolved,  that  an  Act,  intitled  an  Act  limiting 
the  times  within  which  Accounts  or  Demands  against  this 
Commonwealth  shall  be  exhibited  for  liquidation  and 
allowance  should  be  suspended  until  the  end  of  the  next 
Session  of  the  General  Court ;  &  whereas  by  the  unex- 
pected Session  of  the  General  Court  at  this  time  for  a 
few  days  only,  the  Intent  of  said  Resolve  is  defeated  : 
therefore  — 

Resolved  that  the  said  Act  be  and  hereby  is  further  sus- 
pended until  the  end  of  the  next  Session  of  the  General 
Court.  September  17,  1790. 


Chapter  4. 

RESOLVE  DIRECTING  THE  COMPTROLLER  GENERAL  TO  LAY 
BEFORE  THE  GENERAL  COURT  AT  THEIR  NEXT  SESSION,  A 
STATEMENT  OF  THE  ACCOUNTS  OF  THE  COLLECTORS  OF 
EXCISE,  AND  TO  CALL  FORMER  COLLECTORS  TO  ACCOUNT 
FOR  THEIR  COLLECTIONS. 

Resolved  that  the  Comptroller  General  be,  &  he  is 
hereby  directed  to  lay  before  the  General  Court  in  the 
first  week  of  their  next  sitting,  a  statement  of  the  accounts 
of  the  Collectors  of  Excise  to  the  first  day  of  November 
next,  shewing  the  amount  of  the  collections  &  wdiat 
remains  due  on  bonds  or  otherwise  in  their  respective 
offices,  specifying  also  therein  the  annual  amount  of  the 
duties  paid  on  Instruments,  papers  &  commissions,  &  car- 
riages in  each  tow^n,  and  Licences  —  in  each  County  from 
the  commencement  of  his  appointment  to  the  said  first 
day  of  November  next,  &  the  delinquencies  in  any  of  the 
said  towns  if  any  there  be,  in  the  payment  of  the  duties 
on  carriages.     And  the  said  Comptroller  is  also  directed 


148  Kesolves,  1790.  —  September  Session. 

to  call  upon  the  Collectors  of  Excise  &  the  Collectors  of 
Impost  &  Excise,  under  former  Laws,  who  have  not  already 
compleated  their  settlements,  to  settle  their  accounts  with 
him  to  the  said  first  day  of  November. 

And  the  said  Comptroller  is  further  directed,  to  give 
orders  to  the  said  Collectors  to  sue  for  all  sum  or  sums 
due  in  their  respective  offices,  that  shall  not  l)e  discharged 
on  or  before  the  said  first  of  November. 

September  17,  1790. 

Chapter  5. 

RESOLVE  ESTABLISHING  THE  PAY  OF  THE  MEMBERS  OF  THE 
GENERAL  COURT. 

Resolved  that  there  be  paid  out  of  the  Treasury  of  this 
Commonwealth  the  sum  of  seven  shillings  to  each  member 
of  the  honorable  Council,  &  the  sum  of  six  shillings  &  six 
pence  to  each  member  of  the  Senate ;  &  the  sum  of  six 
shillings  to  each  member  of  the  house  of  Representatives, 
for  each  days  attendance  in  the  Council,  or  the  General 
Court,  the  present  Session ;  also  the  further  sum  of  one 
days  pay  for  every  ten  miles  distance,  each  member  lives 
from  this  place. 

And  it  is  further  Resolved  that  there  be  granted  &  paid 
out  of  the  Public  Treasury  of  this  Commonwealth  to  the 
honorable  Samuel  Phillij^s  esq.  President  of  the  Senate 
&  to  the  honorable  David  Cobb  esq.  Speaker  of  the 
house  of  Representatives  the  sum  of  Jive  shillings  per 
day,  respectively,  for  each  days  attendance  on  the  Gen- 
eral Court  at  their  present  sitting,  over  &  above  their 
respective  pay  as  members  thereof. 

September  17,  1790. 

Chapter  6. 

RESOLVE  DIRECTING  THE   TREASURER  TO   BORROW  MONEY  TO 
PAY  THE  CIVIL  LIST. 

Resolved  that  the  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth  be, 
&  he  is  hereby  empowered  &  directed  to  borrow  on  the 
credit  of  the  first  monies  which  shall  be  received  into  the 
Treasury  of  the  tax  granted  the  twenty  seventh  of  March 
1787  called  Tax  NcT.  6,  &  also  on  the  tax  granted  the 
fourteenth  of  February  1789,  called  Tax  No.  7,  not 
already  approi)riated  a  sum  sufficient  to  pay  the  members 
of  the    General  Court  for   their  travel  &  attendance  at 


Resolves,  1790.  —  September  Sessio:n^.  149 

their  present  session  ;  also  a  sum  sufficient  to  pay  all  the 
Officers  &  servants  of  Government  which  compose  the 
civil  list,  for  the  services  that  may  become  due  at  the  end 
of  the  present  session.  September  17,  1790. 

Chapter  7. 

RESOLVE  DIRECTING  THE  TREASURER  TO  BORROW  MONEY  TO 
DISCHARGE  TWO  QUARTERS  SALARY  DUE  COL.  LEWIS  DE 
MARESQUELLE,  AND  GRANTING  TO  SAID  DE  MARESQUELLE 
LEAVE  OF  ABSENCE  FOR  ONE  YEAR. 

On  the  Petition  of  Colo.  Leuns  Dema^'esquelle ,  represent- 
ing the  Necessity  of  his  going  to  France  in  consequence 
of  the  Death  of  his  Father,  and  praying  the  discharge  of 
his  Warrants  for  payment  of  his  Pension. 

Resolved,  that  the  warrant  for  the  payment  of  the  Pen- 
sion of  the  said  Colo.  Leiois  DemaresqueUe  bearing  date 
the  Sixteenth  Instant,  for  the  Sum  of  Fifty  Pounds  in 
full  for  one  Quarters  Salary  from  the  5th.  of  April  last  to 
the  5th.  of  t7i<?3/ Following  and  the  warrant  which  he  shall 
obtain  for  payment  of  a  like  sum  of  Fifty  Pounds,  which 
will  become  due  on  the  5th.  day  of  October  next,  and  will 
be  in  full  for  one  other  Quarters  Salary  Shall  be  paid  by 
the  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth,  out  of  any  monies, 
which  shall  be  Received  at  ye  Treasury,  not  already 
appropriated :  And  ye  sd.  Treasurer  in  failure  of  Suffi- 
cient Receipts  seasonable  for  this  purpose,  is  hereby 
authorized  &  directed  to  Borrow  upon  the  Credit  of  ye 
first  monies,  which  shall  be  received  at  jq  Treasury  not 
appropriated  a  sufficient  sum  of  money,  if  to  be  obtained, 
to  discharge  the  sd.  warrants.  And  the  said  Lewis 
DemaresqueUe,  agreeably  to  his  Request  has  liberty  to 
absent  himself  from  this  Commonwealth  for  the  Term  of 
one  year.  September  17,  1790. 

Chapter  8. 

RESOLVE  DIRECTING  THE   TREASURER    TO    BORROW    £.267  4  10, 
TO  TAY  THE  SAME  TO  WILLIAM  COOMBS  AND  OTHERS. 

On  the  petition  of  William  Coombs  &  others. 

Resolved,  That  the  Treasurer  be,  and  he  is  hereby 
authorised  and  impowered,  to  borrow  the  Sum  of  Two 
hundred  sixty  seven  pounds  four  shilliiir/s  and  Ten  pence, 
for  the  purpose  of  paying  the  said  William  Coombs  and 
others  mentioned  in  the  petition,  Avho  were  impowered 


150  Resolves,  1790.  —  September  Session. 

and  authorised  by  Government  to  Erect  two  Light  Houses 
on  Plunih  Island  in  Ipswich  Bay,  who  performed  the 
business  assigned  them,  and  have  obtained  a  warrant 
on  the  Treasury  for  the  said  Sum,  and  that  interest  be 
allowed  them  in  consequence  of  their  Advancing  their 
money  for  Erecting  the  said  Light  houses.  And  that 
the  Treasurer  be  directed  to  receive  of  the  said  Coombs 
and  others  two  orders  on  Jonathan  Titcomb  Esq.  Naval 
Officer  of  Newbury  Port  for  the  sum  of  One  hundred 
pounds  which  they  have  never  received,  and  is  in  part 
of  the  aforesaid  sum  of  Two  hundred  sixty  seven  pounds 
four  shillings  &  Ten  pence.  September  17,  1790. 

Chapter  9. 

RESOLVE  GRANTING  £.30  AS  A  REWARD  TO  THE  PERSON  WHO 
SHALL  APPREHEND  SAMUEL  HADLOCK,  AND  REQUESTING 
THE  GOVERNOR  TO  ISSUE  HIS  PROCLAMATION  FOR  THAT 
PURPOSE. 

Whereas  it  appears  to  this  Court  that  Samuel  Hadlock 
a  prisoner  under  sentence  of  death  for  murder  hath  made 
his  escape  from  the  goal  in  the  County  of  Lincoln  : 

Resolved  that  the  sum  of  thirty  pounds  be  granted  & 
Shall  be  paid  out  of  the  public  Treasury  to  any  person  or 
persons  who  shall  apprehend  &  secure  for  execution  the 
said  Samuel  Hadlock.  And  his  excellency  the  Governor 
with  advice  of  Council  is  hereby  requested  to  issue  his 
proclamation  for  apprehending  the  said  Samuel  Hadlock, 
&  to  offer  the  above  said  reward  as  an  encouragement  to 
any  person  or  persons  who  shall  apprehend  &  secure  the 
said  Samuel  for  execution  as  aforesaid. 

September  17,  1790. 

Chapter  lO. 

RESOLVE  DIRECTING  THE  ASSESSORS  OF  PLTMPTON  TO  ASSESS 
TAX  NUMBER  7,  ON  PLTMPTON  AND  CARVER. 

Whereas  a  Law  of  this  Commonwealth  passed  in  June 
last,  incorporating  the  southwardly  part  of  Plympton  into 
a  town  by  the  name  of  Garver :  And  Whereas  provision 
was  made  in  said  Law  that  the  said  town  of  Garver  should 
pay  their  proportionable  part  of  the  Tax  granted  in  March 
last,  but  no  provision  is  therein  made  how  the  same  shall 
be  assessed  :  Therefore 

Resolved  that  the  Assessors  of  the  said  Town  of  Garver 
be  and  hereby  are  Authorized  and  directed  to  assess,  on 


Resolves,  1790.  —  September  Session.  151 

the  Inhabitants  of  and  Ratable  property  within  the  Said 
Town  the  Same  proportion,  of  the  Sum  Set  to  the  Town  of 
Plympton,  in  the  a.ioYe,[said'\  Tax  Granted  in  March  last, 
as  was  assessed  on  the  Inhabitants  and  Ratable  property 
of  that  part  of  the  Town  of  Plymfpton ;  which  is  now  the 
Town  of  Carvei';  in  the  Tax  Granted  in  March  1789  — 
called  No.  7  Tax. 

And  be  it  further  Resolved,  that  the  Assessors  of  the 
Said  Town  of  Plympton  be,  and  hereby  are  authorized, 
and  directed,  to  assess,  on  the  inhabitants  of  and  Ratable 
property,  within  the  present  Town  of  Plympton,  the  same 
proi)ortion,  of  the  Sum  Set  to  the  sd.  Town  of  Plympton  in 
the  afore  Said  Tax  Granted  in  March  last,  as  was  assessed 
on  that  part  of  the  late  Town  of  Plympton ;  which  is  now 
the  Town  oi  Plympton  \_Carver'\  in  the  Said  Tax  Granted 
in  March  1789  called  No.  7  Tax.       September  17,  1790. 


Chapter  11. 

RESOLVE   ON    THE   PETITION  OF  THE   SELECTMEN   OF    BROOK- 
FIELD. 

On  the  Memorial  of  the  Select  Men  of  the  Town  of 
Broohfield  praying  that  the  doings  of  the  town  Officers 
of  that  Town  chosen  in  the  year  1787  may  be  confirmed. 

Resolved,  for  reasons  set  forth  in  said  Memorial,  that 
the  prayer  of  it  be  granted  ;  &  the  doings  of  the  sd. 
Town  Officers  are  hereby  confirmed  so  far  as  they  shall 
have  been  conformable  to  the  Laws  of  the  Commonwealth, 
any  informality  or  deficiency  in  their  taking  &  subscrib- 
ing or  Returning  their  Oaths  notwithstanding. 

September  17,  1790. 


Chapter  13. 

RESOLVE   GRANTING  TO  JOHN  STORY  £.19  12   1. 

On  the  Petition  oi  John  /Sto?"?/ praying  for  an  Allow- 
ance of  Nmteen  Pounds  tivelve  shillings  and"  one  penny 
due  to  him  in  ballance  of  his  Account. 

Resolved,  that  the  Prayer  of  said  Petition  be  granted 
and  that  there  be  allowed  and  paid  to  the  said  John  Story 
the  said  sum  of  Ninteen  pounds  tivelve  shillings  &  one 
ptenny  out  of  the  first  unapproi)riated  Monies  in  the 
Treasury  in  full  of  said  Account.        September  17,  1790. 


152  Resolves,  1790.  —  September  Session. 


Chapter  13. 

RESOLVE   ON   THE   PETITION  OF   SAMUEL  LAWRAjYCE. 

On  the  Petition  of  8a7nuel  Lmvrance  praying  that  the 
Judge  of  Probate  in  the  County  of  Middlesex  may  be 
enabled  to  allow  a  further  time  for  the  Commissioners 
to  receive  and  examine  the  Claims  against  the  Estate  of 
Joseph  Boyntoii  late  oi  Pepperall  in  said  County  deceased. 

Resolved  for  Reasons  in  said  Petition  mentioned  that 
the  Judge  of  Probate  in  said  County  be  &  he  hereby 
is  authorized  to  appoint  Commissioners  to  examine  the 
Claims  exhibited  or  which  may  be  exhibited  against  the 
Estate  of  said  Deceased  &  allow  them  to  sit  the  term  of 
three  Months  from  the  first  day  of  October-  next  for  re- 
ceiving and  examining  the  same  any  Law  to  the  contrary 
notwithstanding.  September  17,  1790. 

Chapter  14. 

RESOLVE   ON  THE  PETITION  OF  MART  PAINE. 

On  the  Petition  of  Mary  Paine,  praying  that  she  may 
be  licenced  as  an  Innholder. 

Resolved,  That  the  Court  of  General  Sessions  of  the 
Peace  next  to  be  holden  within  and  -for  the  County  of 
Essex,  shall  and  may  licence  Mary  Paine  as  an  Innholder 
in  said  Town  of  Marhleliead  in  the  House  lately  occu- 
pied by  her  Mother  the  widow  Bladder,  she  the  said 
Mary  Paine  complying  with  the  requisitions  of  law  in 
this  behalf.  September  17,  1790. 

Chapter  15. 

RESOLVE   ON  THE   PETITION  OF  JOHN  BOYD. 

On  the  Petition  of  John  Boyd  praying  that  he  may  be 
licenced  as  a  retailer  of  spiritous  liquors  in  the  Town  of 
Oakham  in  the  County  of  Worcester. 

Resolved  for  reasons  set  forth  in  said  Petition  that  any 
two  Justices  of  the  Peace  within  and  for  the  County  of 
Worcester  quorum  unus,  be,  and  they  her [e]  by  are  author- 
ised and  impowered,  to  licence  the  said  John  Boyd  to  be 
a  retailer  of  spiritous  liquors  in  said  Town  of  Oakham, 
untill  the  next  term  for  granting  licences  in  said  County, 
he  first  procuring  approbation  from  the  Selectmen  of  said 
Town,  and  taking  the  oaths  giving  bonds  and  paying  the 
duties  by  law  required.  SejJtember  17,  1790. 


Resolves,  1790.  —  September  Session.  153 

Chapter  16. 

RESOLVE   ON  THE  PETITION  OF  ISRAEL   TURNER. 

On  the  petition  of  Israel  Turner  Town  Clerk  of  the 
To^vn  of  Pembroke  Praying  that  he  may  not  be  prosecuted 
for  not  returning  the  votes  of  the  Town  of  Pembroke  for 
(lovernour,  Lieutenant  Governour  and  Senators  for  the 
})re,sent  year. 

Resolved  for  reasons  set  forth  in  said  petition  that  the 
l)rayer  thereof  l)e  granted  &  that  the  said  Turner  lie  not 
prosecuted  for  not  returning  said  votes  &,  the  Attorney 
General  is  to  govern  himself  accordingly. 

September  17,  1790. 


RESOLVES 


GENERAL    COURT    OF    THE    COMMONWEALTH 
OF   MASSACHUSETTS: 

TOGETHER  WITH  THE  SPEECHES,  &c.  OF  HIS  EXCEL- 
LENCY  THE   GOVERNOUR  TO   THE   SAID   COURT: 

BEGUN  AND  HELD  AT  BOSTON,  IN  THE  COUNTY  OF 
SUFFOLK,  ON  WEDNESDAY  THE  TWENTY-SIXTH  DAY 
OF  3IAY,  ANNO  D03IINI,  1790;  AND  FROM  THENCE 
CONTINUED  BY  ADJOURNMENT  TO  WEDNESDAY  THE 
TWENTY-SIXTH   DAY   OF  JANUABY  FOLLOWING. 


1790.  —  January  Session. 
Chapter  1. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  ELIJAH  HUNT,  LATE  COLLECTOR 
OF  EXCISE  FOR  THE  COUNTY  OF  HAMPSHIRE,  DIRECTING 
THE  TREASURER  TO  SUSPEND  THE  FINAL  ADJUSTMENT  OF 
THE  SAID   HUNT'S  ACCOUNT. 

On  the  Petition  of  Elijah  Hunt  late  Collector  of  Excise 
for  the  County  of  Hampshire. 

Resolved  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth,  be, 
&  He  is  hereby  authorized  and  directed  to  suspend,  untill 
the  third  Wednesday  of  the  first  Session  of  the  next  Gen- 
eral Court,  the  final  adjustment  of  the  said  HunVs  account 
as  Collector  as  aforesaid  so  far  as  respects  two  certain 
orders  which  have  lieen  received  by  said  Hunt  &  offered 
by  him  in  part  discharge  of  said  account,  the  Resolve  of 
the  tenth  day  of  June  last  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding. 

January  27,  1791. 


156  Resolves,  1790.  —  Jan^uary  Session. 


Chapter  2. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  IVlLLIAM  DREW,  COLLECTOR  OF 
EXCISE  FOR  PLTMOUTH  COUNTY,  DIRECTING  THE  TREAS- 
URER TO  SUSPEND  THE  ADJUSTMENT  OF  SAID  DREW'S  EX- 
CISE ACCOUNT. 

On  the  petition  of  William  Dreio  Collector  of  Excise 
for  the  County  of  Plymouth. 

Resolved  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth, 
be,  &  He  is  hereby  authorized  and  directed,  to  suspend, 
untill  the  third  Wednesday  of  the  first  Session  of  the  next 
General  Court,  the  final  adjustment  of  said  Dreiva  excise 
account  so  far  as  respects  the  altered- certificate  for  tiventy 
one  pounds  six  shillings,  mentioned  in  his  Petition. 

Provided  nevertheless.  That  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  said 
Drew  to  use  his  best  endeavours  to  discover  the  Person 
of  whom  He  received  said  certificate,  in  order  that  He  may 
be  dealt  with  agreeably  to  law.  January  28,  1791. 

Chapter  3. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  JOHN  JOS  LIN,  OF  NEW  BRAIN- 
TREE,  AUTHORIZING  THE  COURT  OF  GENERAL  SESSIONS  IN 
THE  COUNTY  OF  WORCESTER,  TO  LICENCE  HIM  AS  A  RE- 
TAILER OF  SPIRITOUS   LIQUORS. 

On  the  petition  of  John  Joslin  of  JVeiv  Braintree  in 
the  County  of  Worcester  praying  a  Licence  for  a  Retailer 
of  Spirutes  liquors  in  the  Town  of  JVeiv  Braintr'ee. 

Resolved,  for  reasons  set  forth  in  sd.  petition  that  the 
Court  of  General  Sessions  of  the  Peace,  be  &  they  hereby 
are  fully  authorized  &,  empowered,  at  their  Sessions  to  be 
holden  at  Woixester  within  &  for  the  County  of  Worcester 
on  the  last  Tuesday  of  March  next  to  grant  to  said  Joslin, 
if  they  shall  judge  proper,  a  licence  for  a  Retailer  of 
Spirutes  liquors,  in  the  same  way  &  manner  &  under  the 
same  restrictions  &  regulations  of  law  as  they  might  have 
done  at  their  Sessions  in  September  last,  any  Law  or 
Usuage  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding. 

January  29,  1791. 

Chapter  4. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF   SAMPSON  TUTTLE. 

On  the  Petition  of  Sampson  Tuttle  praying  that  the 
Secretary  may  be  directed   to   pay  to   him   the   Wages 


Eesolves,  1790.  —  January  Session.  167 

which  are  due  to   Tower  Hill  a  Soldier  in  the  late  Third 
Massachusetts  Regiment. 

Resolved  That  for  the  Reasons  set  forth  in  said  Petition 
the  Secretary  of  this  Common  Wealth  be  directed  and  he 
is  hereby  authorized  to  pay  the  said  Wages  to  the  said 
Sampson,  he  lodging  with  the  Secretary  the  said  Toiver 
HilVs  Order  and  his  own  Receipt  for  the  same. 

January  31,  1791. 

Chapter  5. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  SAMUEL  TOBET,  ESQ.  ALLOWING 
HIM  £  66  10s.  OUT  OF  A  SUM  DUE  FROM  HIM  TO  THIS  COMMON- 
WEALTH, ON  THE  SETTLEMENT  OF  HIS  ACCOUNT,  IN  FULL 
FOR  HIS  SERVICES. 

On  the  Petition  of  Sarnl.  Tohey  Esqr.  one  of  the  Com- 
mittee for  sale  of  Absentee's  Estates  in  the  County  of 
Bristol,  praying  for  an  allowance  for  certain  mistakes  in 
his  accts.  &  for  compensation  for  his  service  as  a  Com- 
missioner. 

Resolved  that  the  sum  of  sixty  six  j^ounds  ten  shillings 
be  allowed  the  sd.  Saml.  Tohey,  out  of  the  Sum  of  one 
hundred  sixty  one  pounds  two  shillings  &  tivo  pence,  due 
from  him  to  this  Commonwealth,  in  full  of  his  accts.  & 
for  his  service  as  aforesd.  and  that  the  Treasurer  be 
directed  to  govern  himself  accordingly. 

January  31,  1791. 

Chapter  6. 

RESOLVE  DIRECTING  THE  COMMITTEE  FOR  THE  SALE  OF 
ABSENTEES  ESTATES,  IN  THE  COUNTY  OF  WORCESTER, 
TO  MAKE  SALE  OF  THE  ESTATE  OF  ADAM  WALKER,  AN  AB- 
SENTEE,  FOR   THE   BENEFIT   OF   HIS    CREDITORS. 

Whereas  it  appears  to  this  Court  that  the  wife  of  Adam 
Walker,  Late  of  Woi'cester,  in  the  County  of  Worcester, 
an  absentee,  is  Deceased  &  that,  that  part  of  his  Estate 
(being  confiscated)  which  was  assigned  for  her  Dower, 
remains  undisposed  of,  &  it  is  represented  that  there  are 
a  number  of  Persons  who  have  Demands  on  said  Estate  :  ^ 

Resolved  that  the  Committee  for  the  sale  of  absentees 
Estates  in  the  County  of  Worcester  Be,  &  they  are  hereliy 
Directed,  to  make  sale  of  the  remainder  of  the  Estate 
of  Adam  Walker  Late  of  Worcester,  in  the  County  of 
Worcester  an  al)sentee,  at  publick  Vendue,  giveing  suit- 


158  Resolves,  1790.  —  January  Session. 

able  notice  of  the  intended  sale,  &  to  Deposit  the  net 
proceeds  ariseing  therefrom,  in  the  Treasury  of  this  Com- 
monwealth, for  the  benefit  of  the  Creditors. 

February  1 ,  1 791 . 

Chapter  7. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  JOB  CUSEMAN  AND  OTHERS, 
AUTHORIZING  SIMON  JACKSON  TO  EXECUTE  GOOD  AND 
SUFFICIENT  DEEDS  OF  THE   LAND  MENTIONED. 

On  the  Petition  of  Job  Cushman  and  others  praying 
that  8imon  Jackson  Administrator  on  the  Estate  of  Alex- 
ander Shejjherd,  Junr.  Deceased  may  be  authorized  to 
Make  &  Execute  certain  Deeds  &  Conveyances  of  Land 
to  the  petitioners  which  were  agreed  to  be  made  &  ex- 
ecuted by  the  said  Alexander  in  his  life  time. 

Resolved,  that  the  prayer  of  said  Petition  be  granted, 
and  that  said  Simon  Jackson  administrator  as  aforesaid, 
be  and  he  is  hereby  authorised  and  impowered  to  make 
sign  seal  &  execute  good  &  sufficient  Deeds  &  Convey- 
ances to  the  said  Petitioners  in  his  Capacity  as  Adminis- 
trator as  aforesaid  according  to  the  agreements  entered 
into  &  signed  by  said  Alexander  in  his  life  time.  And 
the  Deeds  &  conveyances  so  made  &  executed,  in  pursu- 
ance of  said  Agreements,  &  according  to  their  true  tenor 
&  Import  shall  be  &  the  same  are  hereby  Declared  to  be 
as  Valid  and  legal  as  tho'  they  had  been  executed  by  the 
said  Alexander  in  his  life  time.  February  i,  1791. 

Chapter  7a.* 

ORDER  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  JACOB    UPTON   AND  OTHERS. 

On  the  petition  of  Jacob  Upton  and  sixty  three  other 
inhabitants  of  the  towns  of  Westminster,  Fitchburg,  Ashby 
and  AsJiburnham,  praying  to  be  erected  into  a  seperate 
town. 

Ordered  that  the  petitioners  notify  the  several  towns 
with  which  they  at  present  stand  connected  by  serving 
their  respective  clerks  with  an  attested  copy  of  their 
petition  and  of  this  order  thereon  ninety  days  at  least 
before  the  second  Wednesday  of  the  first  sitting  of  the 
next  General  Court,  that  they  may  then  appear  &  shew 
cause,  if  any  they  have,  why  the  prayer  of  the  said  peti- 
tion should  not  be  granted.  February  1,  1791. 

*  Not  printed  in  previous  editions.    Taken  from  court  record. 


Resolves,  1790.  —  January  Session.  159 


Chapter  8. 

RESOLVE   ON    THE    PETITION    OF    SAMUEL   LAWRANCE,   AS   AT- 
TORNEY TO   EPHRAIM  WARREN,   OF    TOWN  SEND. 

Upon  the  Petition  of  Ephraim  Warren  by  his  Atty. 
Samuel  Lawrance. 

Resolved  that  the  prayer  of  said  Petition  be  granted  & 
that  the  Judge  of  Probate  for  the  County  of  Middlesex  be 
&,  he  hereby  is  authorised  &  empowered  to  recommit  the 
report  of  the  Commissioners  upon  the  estate  of  Jonathan 
Putnam  deceased  at  the  said  Ephraim' s  expence  &  that 
he  have  liberty  to  exhibit  his  proofs  of  his  said  Claim 
before  the  said  Commissioners  &  that  it  be  allowed  if  they 
shall  think  it  just.  February  2,  1791. 

Chapter  9. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  REPRESENTATION  AND  ESTIMATE  OF  THE 
JUSTICES  OF  THE  COURT  OF  GENERAL  SESSIONS  OF  THE 
PEACE,  FOR  THE  COUNTY  OF  WORCESTER,  ALLOWING  A  TAX 
TO  BE  LEVIED  ON  THE  POLLS  AND  ESTATES  WITHIN  SAID 
COUNTY,  AND   EMPOWERING  THE   CLERK  IN   THIS  CASE. 

Whereas  the  Treasurer  of  the  county  of  Worcester  has 
laid  his  accounts  before  the  General  court  in  manner  by 
law  prescribed,  which  accounts  are  hereby  allowed  :    And 

AVhereas  the  clerk  of  the  court  of  General  Sessions  of  the 
Peace  for  said  county,  has  laid  before  the  General  court, 
an  estimate  made  by  the  said  court  of  General  sessions 
of  the  peace,  of  the  necessary  charges,  likely  to  arise 
within  the  said  county,  the  current  year,  amounting  to  the 
sum  of  one  Thousand  and  fifty  Jive  pounds : 

Resolved  That  the  sum  of  one  tliousand  and  fifty  five 
Pounds:  be,  and  hereby  is  granted  as  a  Tax  for  the  said 
county  of  Worcester,  To  be  apportioned,  assessed  collected, 
and  applied  in  manner  as  the  law  Directs. 

February  2,  1791. 

Chapter  lO. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  LTDIA  HARTWELL,  AUTHORIZ- 
ING THE  SHERIFF  FOR  THE  COUNTY  OF  WORCESTER,  OR 
EITHER  OF  HIS  DEPUTIES,  TO  PAY  THE  AVAILS  OF  THE 
EXECUTION   WHEN   IT  SHALL  BE   RECEIVED. 

Upon  the  petition  of  Lydia  Hartwell  praying  that  she 
may  receive  the  benefit  of  an  execution  which  has  issued 


160  Resolves,  1790.  —  January  Session. 

in  favour  of  this  Commonwealth  against  Edward  Savage 
&  John  Savage  of  Princeton  in  the  County  of  Worcester. 
For  reasons  set  forth  in  the  said  Petition 

Resolved  that  the  prayer  thereof  be  granted,  &  John 
Sprague  esqr.  Sheriff  of  the  County  of  Worcester,  or 
either  of  his  Deputies  to  whom  the  execution  aforesaid 
may  be  delivered,  be  &.  are  hereby  authorised  &,  directed, 
to  pay  the  avails  of  said  execution,  when  the  same  shall  be 
received,  to  the  said  Lydia  Hartwell,  on  condition  that 
the  said  Lydia  Hartwell,  produce  a  receipt  from  the  Clerk 
of  the  Court  of  Common  Pleas  &  General  Sessions  of  the 
Peace  within  &  for  said  County  of  Worcester,  that  she  has 
discharged  all  the  legal  costs  that  have  arisen  thereon. 

February  3,  1791. 

Chapter  11. 

RESOLVE  ALLOWING  THE   ACCOUNTS  OF   THE    TREASURER  OF 
THE   COUNTY   OF  ESSEX,  AND   GRANTING  A  TAX. 

Whereas  The  Treasurer  of  the  county  of  Essex  has  laid 
his  accounts  before  the  General  court,  in  manner  pre- 
scribed by  law  :  which  accounts  are  hereby  allowed  :  And 

Whereas  the  clerk  of  the  court  of  General  Sessions  of 
the  peace  for  the  said  County,  has  laid  before  the  General 
court  an  estimate  made  by  the  said  court  of  General  Ses- 
sions of  the  Peace  of  the  necessary  charges  which  have 
arisen  in  the  said  County  in  the  year  1790  and  which  are 
likely  to  arise  within  said  county  the  current  year  amount- 
ing to  the  sum  of  Seventeen  Hundred  and  foi-ty  Pounds  : 

Resolved  that  the  sum  of  Seventeen  Hundred  &  forty 
pounds,  be  and  hereby  is  granted  as  a  Tax  for  the  said 
county  of  Essex  to  be  apportioned,  assessed,  Collected, 
and  applied  in  the  manner  provided  by  law. 

February  3,  1791. 

Chapter  13. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  HANNAH  FISHER,  AUTHORIZ- 
ING HER  TO  MAKE  SALE  OF  THE  DOWER  DESCENDED  TO 
HER,  SHE    GIVING   BOND. 

On  the  Petition  and  Memorial  of  Hannah  Fisher  Prey- 
ing for  Liberty  to  Sell  Her  Dower  Desending  to  Her 
from  her  late  Husband  JoJni  Fisher  late  oi  JSFeedham  Deed, 
for  lieasons  set  fourth  in  said  Petition. 


Resolves,  1790.  —  January  Session.  161 

Resolved  that  the  Prayer  of  said  Petition  be  Granted 
and  that  the  said  Hannah  be  Authorised  and  Impowered 
to  Make  sale  of  all  the  said  Real  Estate  Mentioned  in  said 
Petition  set  ofl'  to  her  as  Her  Dower  from  the  Estate  of 
the  said  John  Fisher  late  of  Needham  Deed,  and  to  Make 
and  Execute  a  good  &  sufficient  Deed  or  Deeds  to  the 
Purchaser  or  Purchasers  thereof.  Provided  that  the  said 
Hannah  observe  all  the  Rules  Prescribed  in  the  Law  for 
disposing  of  Real  Estates  of  Persons  Deceas'd. 

Provided  also  that  the  said  Hannah  give  Bond  with 
Sufficient  Surety  or  Sureties  to  the  Judge  of  Probate 
for  the  County  of  Suffolk  that  the  Neat  Proceeds  of  Such 
Sale  after  Deducting  the  cost  &  charges  thereof  shall  be 
applied  to  the  use  of  the  Heirs  of  said  Dower  after  the 
Decease  of  the  said  Hannah.  February  3,  1791. 

Chapter  13. 

RESOLVE    ON    THE    PETITION    OF    THE     INHABITANTS    OF    THE 
TOWN   OF    CHATHAM,  ABATING   THEM   A   CERTAIN   SUM. 

On  the  petition  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Chat- 
ham, in  the  county  oi  Barnstable. 

Resolved,  that  the  Prayer  of  the  said  Petition  be  so  far 
granted,  that,  the  said  Town  of  Chatham,  be  and  they, 
hereby  are  abated  the  sum  of  Tiventy  Pounds  of  the  Tax 
required  of  the  said  Town,  in  &  by  the  Tax  granted  March 
1788,  and  the  Treasurer  is  hereby  Directed  to  Credit  the 
said  Town,  the  aforesaid  Sum  of  Twenty  Pounds  accord- 
ingly, February  4,  1791. 

Chapter  14. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  ISAAC  PUFFER,  AUTHORIZING 
THE  COURT  OF  GENERAL  SESSIONS  OF  THE  PEACE,  TO  GRANT 
HIM  A  LICENCE  FOR  A  TAVERNER,  AT  THEIR  SESSIONS  IN 
MARCH  NEXT. 

On  the  petition  oi  Isaac  Puffer  of  Sudbury  in  the  County 
of  Middlesex  praying  that  the  Court  of  General  Sessions 
of  the  Peace  for  sd.  County  may  be  authorized  to  grant 
him  a  Licence  for  a  Taverner  in  said  Town  of  Sudbury. 

Resolved,  for  reasons  set  forth  in  said  petition,  that  the 
Court  of  General  Sessions  of  the  Peace  be,  and  they  hereby 
are  fully  authorized  &  empowered,  at  their  Sessions  to  be 
holden  at  Concord  within  &  for  the  County  of  Middlesex 
on  the  third  Tuesday  of  March  next  to  grant,  if  they  shall 


162  Resolves,  1790.  —  January  Session. 

judge  proper,  to  said  Puffer  a  Licence  for  a  Taverner,  in 
the  same  way  &  manner  &  under  the  same  restrictions  & 
regulations  of  Law,  as  they  might  have  done  at  their  Ses- 
sions in  September  last,  any  Law  or  Usage  to  the  contrary 
notwithstanding.  February  4,  1791. 


Chapter  15. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  EPHRAIM  WINS  LOW,  DIRECT- 
ING THE  ATTORNEY-GENERAL,  TO  GOVERN  HIMSELF  IN 
CONSEQUENCE   THEREOF. 

On  the  Petition  of  EpJiraim  Winsloiu,  Town  Clerk  of 
the  Town  of  Freetoiun,  praying  that  he  may  be  discharged 
from  an  Execution,  now  in  the  hands  of  the  Attorney 
Genl.  of  this  Commonwealth,  obtained  against  him,  in  the 
Court  of  Common  Pleas  for  the  County  of  Suffolk  by  a 
suit  commenced  by  sd.  Attorney,  for  neglecting  to  make 
return  of  the  votes  of  sd.  Town  for  Govr.  Lieut.  Govr.  & 
Senrs.  agreeably  to  Law. 

Resolved  that  the  prayer  of  the  sd.  petition  be  granted, 
upon  sd.  Ephraim  Winsloio's  paying  the  costs  which  have 
arisen  on  sd.  suit  —  and  that  the  Attorney  Genl.  be  di- 
rected to  govern  himself  accordingly. 

February  5,  1791. 


Chapter  16. 

RESOLVE  GRANTING  A  TAX  TO  THE  COUNTY  OF  MIDDLESEX. 

Whereas  the  Treasurer  of  the  County  of  Middlesehs  has 
laid  his  account  before  the  Genl.  Court  in  manner  by  law 
prescribed  which  accounts  are  hereby  allowed  :    And 

Whereas  the  Gierke  of  the  Court  of  Genneral  Sessions 
of  the  peace  for  Said  County,  has  laid  before  the  General 
Court,  an  Estimate  made  by  the  said  Court  of  Genl. 
Sessions  of  the  peace,  of  the  necessary  Charges,  likely  to 
arrise  within  the  said  County,  the  Current  year,  amounting 
to  the  Sum  of  One  Thousand  pounds : 

Resolved  that  the  Sum  of  One  Thousand  pounds,  be 
and  hereby  is  granted  as  a  Tax  for  the  said  County  of 
Middleseks;  To  be  apportioned,  assessed  collected  and 
applied  in  manner  as  the  law  directs. 

February  7,  1791. 


Resolves,  1790.  —  Januakt  Session.  163 


Chapter  17. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  JOHN  PARSONS  AND  JOSIAH 
WALLACE,  EMPOWERING  MART  McCOBB  TO  MAKE  AND  EX- 
ECUTE A  GOOD  DEED  OF  CONVEYANCE  OF  THE  LAND  MEN- 
TIONED, SHE  GIVING  BOND  TO  THE  JUDGE  OF  PROBATE 
FOR  THE  COUNTY  OF   LINCOLN. 

On  the  Petition  of  John  Parsons  and  Josiah  Wallace. 

Resolved  tli.it  Mary  McCohh  of  Georgetown  in  the 
County  of  Lincoln  Widow  and  Administratrix  on  the  Es- 
tate oi  James  McCohh  of  sd.  Georgetown  Esqr.  Deceas'd,  be 
and  she  is  hereby  empowered  to  make  and  execute  in  her 
capacity  as  administratrix  a  Good  and  Lawful  Deed  of 
conveyance  of  one  hundred  acres  of  Land  lying  and  being 
at  a  place  called  Drummore  in  sd.  Georgetoivn  according  to 
the  agreement  of  the  said  James  McCohh  in  his  Life  Time 
with  the  sd.  JoJui  Persons  —  on  which  Land  the  sd. 
John  Persons  now  Dwells,  the  said  Mary  giving  a  Bond 
with  sufficient  surety  or  sureties  to  the  Judge  of  Probate 
for  the  County  of  Lincoln  that  the  money  which  is  yet  due 
from  the  sd.  John^  shall  be  disposed  of  according  to  Law. 

February  7,  1791.  * 

Chapter  18. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  MEMORIAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  ON  THE  UN- 
IMPROVED LAND  OF  SIR  WILLIAM  PEPPERELL,  APPROVING 
OF  THEIR  CONDUCT  IN  THE  SALE  OF  THE  CONFISCATED 
ESTATE  OF  THE  SAID  SIR  WILLIAM,  AND  DISCHARGING 
THEM  OF  CERTAIN  SUMS. 

Whereas  the  account  exhibited  by  the  Honble.  Benjn. 
Chadhourn,  David  Seiuall  &  I^athl.  Wells,  Esqrs.  a 
committee  appointed  by  the  Genl.  Court,  to  sell  the  con- 
fiscated, unimproved  lands  of  Sir  Willm.  Pepperell,  ap- 
pears to  be  reasonable  and  well  vouched,  &  it  further 
appearing,  that  the  said  committee  in  the  prosecution  of 
their  business,  have  conducted  with  fidelity  and  attention 
to  the  public  interest : 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Chadhourn,  Sewall  &  Wells,  be 
&  they  are  hereby  discharged  from  the  sum  of  three  hun- 
dred sixty  eight  Pounds,  six  Shillings  &  eleven  pence  half 
penny  in  specie,  &,  the  further  sum  of  twelve  hundred 
&  thirty  Pounds  one  shilling  &  ten  pence  half  penny  in 
State-Notes,  agreeable  to  the  account  exhibited  as  afore- 
said. February  7,  1791. 


164  Eesolves,  1790.  —  January  Session. 


Chapter  19. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  THE  INHABITANTS  OF  THE 
PLANTATION  OF  SHEPARDSTOWN,  DIRECTING  THE  ASSESS- 
ORS OF  SAID  PLANTATION  TO  ASSESS  UPON  THE  INHABI- 
TANTS, AND  MAKE  RETURN  TO  THE  TREASURER  OF  CER- 
TAIN SUMS  MENTIONED,  AND  TO  DISCHARGE  THEMSELVES 
OF   SAID   SUMS   AS   EXPRESSED,  — WITH   A   PROVISO. 

On  the  petition  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  plantation  of 
Shepardstovjn  in  the  County  of  Oumberland  praying  for 
an  abatement  of  their  taxes. 

Resolved  that  the  assessors  of  the  said  plantation  be  & 
hereby  are  directed  without  delay  to  assess  upon  the  In- 
habitants thereof  agreably  to  Law,  &  make  return  of  said 
assessment  to  the  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth  the 
sum  of  One  hundred  &  twenty  three  pounds,  fifteen  shil- 
lings, set  on  the  said  plantation  in  Tax  No.  5  :  also  the 
sum  of  Twenty  six  pounds,  sixteen  shillings  &  three  pence, 
set  on  said  plantation  in  Tax  No.  6  :  also  the  sum  of 
Twelve  pounds,  nineteen  shillings  &  six  pence,  set  on  the 
said  plantation  in  Tax  No.  7  :  also  the  further  sum  of 
Ten  pounds,  one  shilling  &  ten  p)ence,  set  on  said  planta- 
tion in  Tax  No.  8. 

And  it  is  further  Resolved  that  the  said  plantation  may 
discharge  themselves  of  the  aforesaid  sums  in  the  follow- 
ing manner  vizt.  by  applying  the  sums  set  on  said  planta- 
tion in  Tax  No.  5  &  No.  7 — amounting  to  one  hundred 
&  thirty  six  pounds,  fourteen  shillings  &  six  pence  to  the 
support  of  a  "  Teacher  of  piety,  religion  &  morality": 
a  school  or  schools,  &  making,  &  repairing,  roads  in 
said  plantation  in  such  proportion  as  said  Inhabitants  at 
a  meeting  for  that  purpose  shall  judge  most  conducive  to 
their  general  good ;  also  by  paying  into  the  Treasury  of 
this  Commonwealth  the  sum  set  on  said  plantation  in  Tax 
No.  6  &  No.  8  amounting  to  Thirty  six  pounds,  eighteen 
shillings  &  one  penny,  on  or  before  the  first  day  of  Jan- 
uary next. 

Provided,  that  the  said  plantation  shall  in  one  year 
from  the  first  day  of  March  next,  produce  to  the  Treas- 
urer of  this  Commonwealth  a  certificate  under  the  hands 
of  the  Assessors  or  Clerk  of  the  said  plantation,  shewing 
that  the  said  plantation  have  complied  with  the  true  intent 

6  meaning  of  the  foregoing  resolve ;  &  the  said  Treasurer 
is  hereby  directed,  on  receiving  the  aforesaid  certificate  to 
discharge  the  said  plantation  from  the  Taxes  No.  5  &  No. 

7  ;  but  in  default  thereof,  the  said  plantation  shall  be  held 


Resolves,  1790.  —  January  Session.  165 

to  pay  the  whole  of  the  aforesaid  sums  into  the  Treasury  ; 
&  the  Treasurer  is  hereby  directed  to  govern  himself 
accordingly.  February  7,  1791. 

Chapter  30. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  THE  REV.  CHARLES  TURNER, 
ALLOWING  HIM  ADDITIONAL  PAY  AS  CHAPLAIN  TO  THE 
CASTLE. 

On  the  petition  of  the  Revd.  Charles  Turner. 

Resolved,  That  there  be  allowed  &  paid  out  of  the 
Treasury  of  this  Commonwealth  to  the  Revd.  0/tarles 
Turner  Chaplain  to  the  Garrison  on  Castle  Island  one 
pound  five  shillings  ^  month,  in  addition  to  the  five  pounds 
p  month  allowed  to  the  Chaplain  of  the  said  Garrison  by 
the  Establishment  made  Fehy.  16,  1780,  until  the  further 
order  of  the  Genl.  Court.  February  7,  1791. 

Chapter  30a.* 

ORDER  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  JOSIAH  DAN  FORTH   AND  OTHERS. 

On  the  petition  of  Josiah  Danforth  and  others  praying 
that  they  with  their  estates  may  be  set  oft'  from  Dunstable 
and  annexed  to  Tyngsborough. 

Ordered,  that  the  petitioners  notify  the  town  of  Dun- 
stable by  serving  the  Clerk  thereof  with  an  attested  copy 
of  their  petition  with  this  order  thereon  sixty  days  at 
least  before  the  second  Wednesday  of  the  next  sitting  of 
the  General  Court  that  they  may  then  appear  &  shew 
cause  if  any  they  have  why  the  prayer  of  the  said  petition 
should  not  be  granted.  February  7,  1791. 

Chapter  31. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  EBENEZER  BACON,  DIRECT- 
ING THE  ATTORNEY-GENERAL  TO  WITHDRAW  THE  ACTION 
COMMENCED   AGAINST   HIM,   HE   PAYING   THE   COSTS. 

On  the  Petition  of  Ebenezer  Bacon  Town  Clerk  of  the 
Tow^i  of  Barnstable  Preying  that  the  Action  Commenced 
against  him  in  Favour  of  the  Common  AVealth  for  his  Neg- 
lect in  Returning  the  Votes  for  Governour  Lt.  Governoui- 
&  Senators  may  be  withdrawn  for  Reason  therein  given. 

Resolved  That  the  Prayer  of  His  Petition  be  granted  and 
the  Attorney  General  is  hereby  Directed  to  Withdraw 
the  Action  Commenced  against  the  said  Ebenezer  and  not 

*  Not  printed  in  previous  editions.    Taken  from  court  record. 


166  Resolves,  1790.  —  January  Sessioist. 

to  Pursue  the  Same  any  further,  the  said  Ebenezer  Pay- 
ing all  such  Costs  as  have  arisen  in  the  case  thus  far. 

February  8,  1791. 

Chapter  33. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  THE  TOWN  OF  DARTMOUTH, 
ALLOWING  THEM  A  FURTHER  TIME  FOR  COLLECTING  AND 
FAYING  INTO  THE  TREASURY,  THE  BALANCES  DUE  ON 
THEIR  SEVERAL  TAXES. 

On  the  petition  of  the  Town  of  Dartmouth,  in  the 
county  of  Bristol,  praying  for  abatement  of  their  Taxes. 

Resolved,  that  the  prayer  of  the  said  petition,  he  so  far 
granted,  that  the  said  Town  of  Dartmouth,  be,  and  they 
hereby  are  allowed  the  further  time  of  Nine  months,  from 
and  after  the  first  Day  of  March  next,  for  Collecting  and 
paying  into  the  Treasury  of  this  Commonwealth,  the 
Balances,  due  on  the  Several  Taxes  set  on  said  Town, 
prior  to  Tax  No.  6,  and  the  Treasurer  is  hereby  Directed 
to  govern  himself  accordingly.  February  8,  1791. 

Chapter  23. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  THE  TOWN  OF  FREETOWN, 
REMITTING  A  FINE  LAID  ON  SAID  TOWN  FOR  NOT  SEND- 
ING A  REPRESENTATIVE  IN  1789. 

On  the  Petition  of  the  Town  of  Freetown,  praying  that 
the  fine,  Set  to  the  said  Town,  for  neglecting  to  Chuse  a 
Representative,  to  represent  them  in  the  General  Court 
in  the  year  1789,  may  be  remitted. 

Resolved  that  the  prayer  of  the  said  Petition  be  granted, 
and  that  the  Sum  of  twenty  four  pounds.  Set  to  the  said 
Town  of  Freetown,  as  a  fine,  for  the  said  Town  to  pay 
for  neglecting  to  Chuse  a  Representative  to  Serve  in  the 
General  Court  in  the  year  1789  be  remitted,  and  the 
Treasurer  is  hereby  directed  to  Govern  himself  Accord- 
ingly .  February  8,1791. 

Chapter  24. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  REPRESENTATION  OF  JOHN  LUCAS,  IN- 
STRUCTING THE  SENATORS  FROM  THIS  STATE  IN  CON- 
GRESS, TO  URGE  THE  APPOINTMENT  OF  SOME  PERSON  TO 
EXAMINE  WOUNDED  OFFICERS  AND  SOLDIERS;  AND  RE- 
QUESTING THE    GOVERNOR   TO   TRANSMIT   THE   SAME,   &c. 

Whereas  by  a  resolve  passed  the  General  Court  March 
2d.  1790  the  Representatives  from  this  to  the  Congress 


Kesolves,  1790.  —  January  Session.  167 

of  the  United  States  were  requested  to  use  their  endeav- 
ours that  the  time  limiting  applications  for  pensions 
might  be  prolonged,  and  that  this  State  might  be  en- 
titled to  have  a  new  inspection  &  return  of  the  Invalid 
Pensioners,  to  which  request  or  application  there  appears 
to  be  no  answer,  nor  any  measures  adopted  consequent 
thereon :  And 

Whereas  it  appears  by  frequent  applications  to  this 
Court  that  there  are  divers  persons  within  this  Common- 
wealth, who  in  consequence  of  their  being  disabled  in  the 
late  war  are  justly  entitled  to  the  benefits  intended  by  the 
Resolutions  of  Congress  providing  pensions  for  such  as 
have  been  disabled'  in  the  service  of  the  United  States ; 
and  Inasmuch  as  it  also  appears  that  there  are  inequalities 
in  the  Pension  list  of  this  State,  by  reason  of  which  equal 
justice  is  not  rendered  to  Individuals  of  this  unfortunate 
but  meritorious  class  of  citizens  : 

Resolved  that  the  Senators  from  this  State  in  the  Con- 
gress of  the  United  States,  be  instructed  to  urge  the  ap- 
pointment of  some  suitable  person  or  persons  to  examine 
any  officer,  soldier  or  seaman  disabled  during  the  late  war 
in  the  service  of  the  United  States  and  residing  within 
this  Commonwealth  in  order  that  they  may  be  placed  on 
the  pension  list,  &  receive  such  compensation  as  their  sev- 
eral disabilities  may  justly  entitle  them  to  ;  &  also  to  use 
their  influence  that  there  may  be  a  new  inspection  of  the 
Invalid  Pensioners  in  this  State  in  order  that  equal  justice 
may  be  done  them  &  the  inequalities  complained  of  be 
removed. 

And  it  is  further  Resolved,  that  his  excellency  the  (gov- 
ernor be  requested  to  transmit  this  Resolution  with  the 
memorial  of  John  Lucas  Esq.  accompanying  it,  as  soon 
as  may  be,  to  the  Senators  &  also  to  the  Representatives 
from  this  State  in  Congress  who  are  requested  to  exert 
their  influence  that  measures  may  be  adopted  for  effecting 
the  purposes  intended  by  it.  February  9,  1791. 

Chapter  35. 

RESOLVE    ON    THE    TETITION    OF    HEZEKIAH    IVARD,    ABATING 
THE  TOWN  OF  PAXTON,  £.428  5.9.  IN  TAX  No.  3. 

On  the  Petition  of  HezeMah  Ward  Agent  for  the  Town 
of  Paxlon  in  the  County  of  Worcester  Preying  that  said 
Town  Mio-ht  be  Discharged  from  the  Payment  of  Part  of 
the  Tax  No.  3  as  Being  set  to  said  Town  by  mistake. 


168  Resolves,  1790.  —  January  Session. 

Resolved  that  the  Town  of  Paxton  he  and  hereby  i>s 
discharged  from  the  Payment  of  four  Hundred  and  Twenty 
Eight  Pounds  five  Shillings  set  upon  the  said  Town  by 
the  Tax  Act  Number  3,  the  same  being  Charged  on  said 
Town  by  A  Mistake  &  the  Treasurer  is  herel)y  Directed 
to  Govern  himself  accordingly.  February  9,  1791. 


Chapter  36. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  MEMORIAL  OF  MARTIN  KINSLEY,  ESQ. 
DIRECTING  HIM  TO  RETURN  A  STATEMENT  OF  TIMOTHY 
RUGGLBS'S  ESTATE  INTO  THE  SECRETARY'S  OFFICE,  AND 
REQUESTING  THE  GOVERNOR  AND  COUNCIL  TO  ISSUE  ^VAR- 
RANTS  TO  CREDITORS,   &c. 

On  the  Memorial  of  Martin  Kinsley  xA^gent  to  the  Es- 
tate of  Timo.  Ruggles  Esqr.  a  Conspirator,  praying  that 
he  may  be  empowered  &  directed  to  make  return  of  his 
doings  as  Agent  as  aforesd.  into  the  Secretarys  Office  & 
praying  for  alowance  &  payment  for  expence  of  setting 
off  sd.  Estate. 

Resolved  that  the  sd.  Agent  be  authorised  &  directed 
to  make  return  of  his  doings  as  agent  into  the  Secretarys 
Office  of  this  Commonwealth :  &  that  the  Govern  our  & 
Council  be  requested  to  grant  Warrants  for  the  dividend 
of  sd.  Estate  in  discharge  of  Claims  properly  vouched,  in 
the  Usual  manner ;  &  that  the  fractional  part  of  Eight 
pence  on  the  pound  be  reserved  out  of  the  sd.  Dividend, 
&  paid  to  the  Agent  aforesd.  for  defraying  the  Expence 
of  setling  sd.  Estate  he  to  account  for  the  expenditure  of 
the  same.  February  9,  1791. 


ADDRESS  OF  THE  LEGISLATURE  IN  REPLY  TO  THE  GOVERNOR'S 
SPEECH  OF  JANUARY  27,   1791.* 

May  it  please  your  Excellency  — 

The  contemplation  of  those  interesting,  &  important 
subjects  suggested  ])y  Your  Excellency  in  your  Speech  to 
both  Houses  of  the  General  Court,  we  readily  acknowl- 
edge ought  to  impress  every  Patriotic  Mind  with  the 
most  gratefull,  &  pleasing  sensations.  — 

The  People  of  this  Commonwealth  while  under  the 
impulses  of  Religion,  &  Virtue,  cannot  but  adore  that 

*  Not  published  in  previous  editions. 


Kesolves,  1790.  —  January  Session.  169 

Gracious  Being^  who  8upported  &  preserved  them  in 
times  the  most  alarming,  &  in  Circumstances  the  most 
perilous  :  —  That  He  enabled  them,  &  the  Citizens  of  the 
other  States,  during  a  long  &  distressing  War,  to  adopt 
salutary  modes  of  Goverment,  for  the  attainment  of  their 
political  happiness  &  security.  —  The  Unanimity  which 
prevail'd  throughout  the  several  States,  while  deliberating 
on  measures  so  important ;  together  with  that  liberality, 
wisdom  &  learning  exhibited  while  forming  &  establishing 
the  Constitution  of  the  United  States,  must  he  considered 
as  presages  of  their  lasting  happiness,  &  prosperity. 

We  sincerely  wish,  that  the  Americans  may  ever  l)e 
influenced  to  adopt  such  measures,  as  will  promote  every 
l)ranch  of  usefuU  Education,  &  inculcate  the  principles  of 
Religion  &  morality.  — 

We  trust  that  it  will  be  our  ambition,  to  excell  in  those 
Virtues  which  tend  to  secure  the  Glory,  Peace,  &  pros- 
perity of  our  Countr3\  —  May  our  Goverment  be  dis- 
tinguished for  its  immutable  Laws  of  Justice  &  Freedom, 
&  for  the  Cultivation  of  those  principles  of  Philanthropy 
&  Benevolence  which  preserve  &  sustain  the  happiness  & 
welfare  of  Mankind.  — 

The  United  States  of  America  are  now  placed  in  a 
respectable  situation.  —  Their  Honor  &  Credit,  which  at 
certain  periods  seem'd  doubtfull,  are  now  estalilished  on 
a  permanent  basis.  —  B3'  enlarging  the  System  of  our 
Goverment,  &  by  bringing  the  Strength  of  the  several 
States  into  one  uniform  plan  of  0})eration,  we  are  enabled 
to  form  connections  with  other  Nations ;  to  defend  the 
Union  against  foreign  invasions  ;  &  to  preserve  harmony, 
&  support  Justice  between  the  Citizens  of  the  difierent 
States. — 

We  presume  it  will  ever  be  the  disposition  of  our 
Legislature,  to  guard  against  every  infringment  on  the 
Constitution  of  our  own  State,  being  convinced,  that  by 
such  conduct,  we  give  Vigor  &  energy  to  the  General 
Goverment.  — 

The  Debt  of  the  United  States,  &  of  the  particular 
States  we  conceive  to  be  the  price  of  our  Peace,  Liberty 
&  Independance,  and  it  must  be  a  pleasing  reflection, 
that  we  are  not  o1)liged  to  have  recourse  to  Oppression  & 
Violence  to  cancel  this  Debt,  as  the  resources  of  our 
Country,  with  decent  Economy,  are  amply  sufficient  to  do 
Justice  to  our  public  Creditors.  — 


170  Kesolves,  1790.  —  January  Session. 

While  contemplating  the  pleasing  enjoyment  of  Liberty, 
&  Independance,  we  are  no  less  blessed  with  the  fruits 
of  Industry  &  Peace.  — The  Husbandman  rejoices  in  the 
encrease  of  his  Fields.  —  And  we  acknowledge,  with  grati- 
tude, the  prosperous  events  which,  in  the  year  past,  have 
attended  the  various  branches  of  commerce  prosecuted  in 
this  State,  and  have,  in  some  degree,  revived  the  Fish- 
eries, under  their  continued  embarrassments.  Our  manu- 
factures &  Mechanical  Arts  are  rapidly  encreasing,  & 
dayly  improving.  —  We  readily  join  your  Excellency  that 
great  applause  is  due  to  those  liberal  &  patriotic  Indi- 
viduals, who  have  set  forward  the  important,  &  lieneficial 
l)ranches  of  Duck  Glass  and  other  Manufactures.  Such 
exertions  entitle  those  Citizens  to  the  patronage  of  their 
Country. 

The  residue  of  the  Debt  of  this  Commonwealth  which 
is  not  assumed  by  Congress,  we  conceive  to  be  an 
01)ject  of  finance,  which  demands  the  attention  of  this 
Goverment.  —  It  is  incumbent  on  us  to  evidence  to  the 
World,  that  the  Interest  will  be  provided  for  in  a  manner 
fully  equal  in  point  of  advantage  to  that  proposed  by 
Congress.  —  In  order  to  prevent  every  ground  of  com- 
plaint from  those  deserving  Citizens,  who  have  loaned 
their  Mony  to  save  their  Country,  we  shall  most  readily 
establish  funds  for  the  punctual  payment  of  their  Interest, 
whenever  it  is  assertained  what  Sum  remains  to  be  pro- 
vided for  by  this  State.  — 

We  most  cordially  join  Your  Excellency  in  your  wishes, 
that  the  present  Session  may  be  beneficial  &  happy  to  our 
fellow  Citizens.  February  9,  1791. 

Chapter  37. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  REPRESENTATION  OF  THE  COMMISSARY 
GENERAL,  APPROVING  HIS  CONDUCT  IN  PREPARING  AC- 
COUNTS  AGAINST  THE   UNITED   STATES. 

On  the  representation  of  The  Commissary  General. 

Resolved  that  this  Court  approve  of  the  attention  of  the 
Commissary  General  in  preparing  the  accompts  in  his 
department  against  the  United  States  —  and  that  if  he 
find  it  necessary,  he  procure  further  assistance  for  the 
accomplishment  of  the  business  — 

And  it  is  further  Resolved  that  He  deliver  to  the  Hon. 
Nathan  Dane  Esq.  all  such  original  Books  and  Papers 
as  said  Dane  may  think  necessary  taking  his  receipt  for 
the  same.  February  10,  1791. 


Resolves,  1790.  —  January  Session.  171 


Chapter  28. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  REPRESENTATION  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  FOR 
SALE  OF  EASTERN  LANDS,  AUTHORIZING  THEM  TO  CONDUCT 
THE  BUSINESS  THEREIN  REFERRED  TO,  AS  THEY  MAY 
JUDGE  EQUITABLE. 

The  Committee  on  the  Sale  of  Eastern  lands  beg  leave 
to  inform  the  Honorable  Senate  &  House  of  Kepresenta- 
tives,  that  they  have  entered  into  several  Contracts  for 
the  disposition  of  State  Lands  to  be  paid  in  State  Notes, 
and  the  Contractors  who  have  paid  but  a  small  part  of  the 
Consideration  now  come  forward  and  say  that  they  are 
utterly  unable  to  perform  their  Contracts,  unless  the 
Committee  will  agree  to  receive  Specie  in  the  room  of  the 
notes  at,  or  nearly  at,  the  rate  the  notes  were  sold  for  at 
the  time  of  making  their  Contracts ;  and,  unless  this  be 
done,  altho'  they  have  been  at  great  Expence  in  lotting 
their  Townships  &  clearing  roads  &c.  yet  they  shall  be 
under  the  necessity  of  forfeiting  the  sums  they  have 
advanced  &  abandoning  the  settlement  of  the  Townships 
which  they  have  agreed  to  purchase  —  as  there  may  be 
doubts  whether  the  Committee  have  any  right  to  make 
the  Commutation  proposed,  they  request  Instructions  from 
the-  Legislature  for  their  Conduct  in  such  cases  —  all 
which  is  respectfully  submitted. 

LEO.  JARVIS  ^  order. 

Resolved,  That  the  Committee  for  the  sale  of  Eastern 
lands,  be  directed  to  conduct  the  business  referred  to,  in 
their  liepresentation  in  such  equitable  way  &  manner,  as 
they  shall  judge  will  be  most  likely  to  expedite  the  sale 
&  settlement  "of  the  public  lands,  &  best  promote  the 
Interest  of  the  Commonwealth.  February  11,  1791. 

Chapter  39. 

RESOLVE  GRANTING  A  TAX  FOR  THE  COUNTY  OF  BARNSTABLE. 

Whereas  the  treasurer  of  the  County  of  Barnstable  has 
laid  his  accounts  before  the  General  Court  In  manner  by 
law  prescribed,  which  accounts  are  Hereby  allowed : 

And  whereas  the  Clerk  of  the  court  of  General  Sessions 
of  the  peace  for  the  said  County  Has  laid  before  the 
General  Court  an  Estimate  Made  by  the  said  Court  of 
General  Sessions  of  the  Peace  of  the  necessary  Charges 
likely  to  arise  within  the  said  County  the  Current  year 


172  Resolves,  1790.  —  Januaky  Session^. 

iimounting   to   the   Sum    of  one  hundred  &  Ninety  one 
Pounds : 

Resolved  That  the  sum  of  one  hundred  &  ninety  one 
pounds  be  and  hereby  is  granted  as  a  Tax  For  the  said 
County  of  Barnstable  to  be  apportioned  Assessed  Collected 
and  applied  in  manner  agreeably  to  law. 

February  11,  1791. 

Chapter  30. 

RESOLVE    GRANTING    £.5!)    TO    THOMAS    THOMPSON,   FOR    CER- 
TAIN   SERVICES. 

On  the  petition  of  Thomas  Thompson  of  Deer  Island. 

Resolved  That,  there  be  allowed  and  paid  out  of  the 
Treasury  of  this  Commonwealth,  to  Thomas  Thompson 
the  sum  of  Jifiy  Nine  pounds,  from  the  first  monies 
una})propriate(J,  as  a  full  compensation  for  his  loss  of 
Cattle,  and  expences  incurred  while  in  the  service  of  the 
Commonwealth  in  the  Expedition  to  Penohscott  in  1779 
and  since  that  Time.  February  14,  1791. 

Chapter  31. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  THE  PLANTATION  OF  WASHING- 
TON,  IN   THE    COUNTY   OF    YORK. 

On  the  petition  of  the  plantation  of  Washington  in  the 
County  of  York,  praying  for  abatement  of  their  Taxes. 

Resolved  that,  the  prayer  of  the  said  petition  be  so  far 
granted,  that,  the  said  plantation,  be  and  hereby  are 
abated  the  sum  of  one  hundred  &  Jive  j^ounds  eighteen 
shillings  &  nine  pence,  being  the  sum  set  on  the  said 
plantation  in  Tax  No.  5. 

And  it  is  further  Resolved,  that,  the  assessors  of  the 
said  plantation,  be,  and  hereby  are  directed,  without 
delay,  to  assess  upon  the  inhabitants  thereof,  agreeably  to 
Law,  and  make  return  of  said  assessment,  to  the  Treasurer 
'of  this  Commonwealth  the  sum  of  twenty  two  pounds. 
Nineteen  shillings  &  one  penny,  set  on  said  plantation,  in 
Tax  No.  6,  also  the  sum  oi  ten  pounds,  &  six  jJence  set  on 
said  plantation  in  Tax  No.  7,  also  eight  pounds  eleven 
shillings  &  six  pence  set  on  said  plantation,  in  Tax  No.  8. 

And  it  is  further  Resolved,  that,  the  said  plantation  may 
discharge  themselves  of  the  three  last  mentioned  Taxes, 
amounting  to  forty  one  pound  eleven  shillings  &  one  penny, 
in  the  following  manner  (viz)  by  applying  the  sums  set 
on  said  plantation,  in  Tax  No.  6,  and  No.  7,  to  the  sup- 


Kesolves,  1790.  —  January  Session.  173 

port,  of  a  Teacher  of  religion  and  morality,  a  school  or 
schools,  &  making,  and  repairing  roads  ;  in  said  planta- 
tion, in  such  proportion,  as  said  inhabitants,  at  a  meeting 
for  that  purpose  shall  Judge  most  conducive  to  their 
general  good  ;  also,  by  paying  into  the  Treasury  of  this 
Commonwealth  the  sum  set  on  said  plantation  in  Tax  No. 
8,  amounting  to  eiglit  pounds,  eleven  shillings  &  sixpence, 
on  or  before  the  first  Day  of  September  next. 

Provided,  That  the  said  plantation  shall  in  one  year 
from  the  first  day  of  March  next,  produce  to  the  Treasurer 
of  this  Commonwealth,  a  certificate  under  the  hands  of 
the  Assessors  or  Clerk  of  the  said  plantation  shewing  that 
they  have  complied  with  the  true  intent  and  meaning  of 
the  foregoing  resolve ;  and  the  said  Treasurer  is  hereby 
directed,  on  receiving  the  aforesaid  certificate  &  payment 
of  Tax  No.  Eight  to  discharge  the  said  Plantation  from  the 
several  sums  set  on  them  in  the  three  last  mentioned 
Taxes;  but  in  default  thereof,  the  said  plantation  shall 
be  held  to  pay  the  whole  of  the  aforesaid  sums  into  the 
Treasury,  and  the  Treasurer  is  hereby  directed  to  govern 
himself  accordingly.  February  14,  1791. 

Chapter  32. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  AARON  KING  AND  OTHERS, 
AUTHORIZING  THE  JUDGE  OF  PROBATE  FOR  THE  COUNTY 
OF   HAMPSHIRE,   TO   GRANT   LETTERS   OF    ADMINISTRATION. 

On  the  Petition  oi  Aaron  King  &  Israel  Gihhs  Jun. 
praying  that  the  Judge  of  probate  for  the  County  of 
Hampshire  may  be  impowered  to  grant  Letters  of  Admin- 
istration upon  the  Estate  of  Martin  Dewey  deceased. 

Resolved,  for  reasons  set  forth  in  said  Petition,  That 
the  Judge  of  Pro])ate  for  the  County  of  Hampshire,  be  & 
hereby  is  authorized  and  impowered  (if  he  shall  think 
proper)  to  grant  Letters  of  Administration  to  some  per- 
son next  akin  to  the  said  Dewey  or  Principle  Creditor  to 
the  said  Martin  Dewey's  Estate,  in  such  way  and  manner 
as  is  usual  to  give  Letters  of  Administration  upon  the 
Estate  of  deceased  persons  any  Act,  or  Law  of  limitation 
to  the  Contrary  notwithstanding.         February  14,  1791. 

Chapter  33. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  MRS.  ANN  MERCHANT,   GRANT- 
ING  A  NEW   TRIAL. 

On  the  Petition  of  Ann  Merchant  Administratrix  upon 
the  estate  of  John  Merchant  deceased  praying  for  a  new 


174  Eesolves,  1790.  —  January  Session-. 

trial  in  an  action  commenced  before  Thomas  Crafts  Esq. 
on  the  fifteenth  day  of  December  Anno  Domini  1788, 
against  William  McNeil  and  Archbald  McNeil,  whereon 
judgment  was  render'd  at  the  Supreme  Judicial  Court 
holden  at  Boston  within  and  for  the  County  of  Suffolk  on 
the  third  tuesday  oi  February  1789. 

Resolved  for  reasons  set  forth  in  said  petition,  that  said 
Ann  be  and  hereby  is  authoriz'd  and  empowered  to  enter 
the  aforesaid  action  at  the  Supreme  Judicial  Court  to 
be  holden  at  Boston  aforesaid  on  the  third  tuesday  of 
February  instant,  upon  any  day  during  the  session  of  said 
Court,  first  causing  the  said  Defendants  to  be  served  with 
an  attested  Copy  of  this  Kesolve  at  least  seven  days  before 
the  time  of  entering  said  action ;  and  that  the  same  pro- 
ceedings be  had  thereon,  as  though  said  action  had  been 
regularly  continued  in  said  Supreme  Court  from  term  to 
term  without  any  trial  being  had  therein. 

February  14,1791. 

Chapter  34. 

RESOLVE  ALLOWING  THE  COUNTY  TREASURER'S  ACCOUNT  FOR 
THE  COUNTY  OF  HAMPSHIRE,  AND  GRANTING  A  TAX  OF 
£.600,  TO  BE  ASSESSED  ON  THE  INHABITANTS. 

Whereas  the  County  Treasurer  of  the  County  of  Hamp- 
[s]/«Ve  has  laid  his  accounts  before  the  General  Court 
which  accounts  are  hereby  allowed  :  —  And  Whereas  the 
Clerk  of  the  Court  of  the  General  Sessions  of  the  Peace 
for  said  County  has  laid  before  the  General  Court  in 
manner  prescribed  by  Law,  an  estimate  made  by  the  said 
Court  of  General  Sessions  of  the  Peace  of  the  necessary 
charges  likely  to  arise  within  said  County,  the  Current 
year,  amounting  to  six  hundred  pounds  : 

Resolved  That  the  sum  of  six  hundred  pounds,  be,  and 
is  hereby  granted  as  a  tax  for  said  County  of  Hampshire 
to  be  appropriated,  assessed,  collected  and  applied  in 
manner  agreeable  to  Law.  February  14,  1791. 

Chapter  35. 

RESOLVE    ALLOWING    THE   ACCOUNTS    OF   THE    GUARDIANS   OF 
THE  DUDLEY  INDIANS. 

Whereas  it  appears  by  examining  the  accounts  pre- 
sented l)y  the  Guardians  of  the  Dudley  Indians  from 
January    1789    to  January  1791,  that   the    articles   are 


Resolves,  1790.  —  January  Session.  175 

reasonably  charged,  and  the  sums  well  vouched  and 
right  cast ;  and  that  there  is  a  balance  in  favour  of 
said  Guardians  of  the  sum  of  Eighteen  pounds  seven  shil- 
lings &  two  pence  which  they  are  in  advance  with  the  said 
Indians  : 

Resolved  that  the  said  accounts  be  accepted  and  allowed 
and  that  the  said  Guardians  be  credited  the  sum  of 
Eighteen  pounds  seven  shillings  and  two  pence  in  some 
future  settlement  —  And  Whereas  the  sum  of  twenty  six 
pounds  nineteen  shillings  &  four  pence  was  due  to  said 
Guardians  on  a  former  settlement  as  appears  by  a  resolve 
passed  February  17,  1789,  which  sum  is  included  in  the 
settlement  now  made  with  them  : 

Resolved  That  the  sum  which  appears  to  be  due  to  said 
Guardians  by  the  Resolve  passed  Feby.  17,  1789  be  con- 
sidered as  discharged.  February  14,  1791. 

Chapter  36. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  LOIS  GREEN  LEAF,  GRANTING 
HER  £.7  5s.  FOR  HER  LATE  HUSBAND'S  PAY  AS  A  MEMBER 
OF  THE  GENERAL  COURT,  IN  1776. 

On  the  Petition  of  Lois  Greenleaf  Administratrix  on 
the  Estate  of  Samuel  Greenleaf  late  of  Newhury  deceased 
praying  that  the  Treasurer  of  this  commonwealth  may  be 
directed  to  pay  to  her  what  was  due  to  her  late  husband 
for  his  service  as  Member  of  the  General  Court  for  the 
year  1776. 

Resolved  that  the  prayer  thereof  be  granted  and  that 
the  Treasurer  be  &  he  hereby  is  directed  to  pay  to  the 
Said  Lois  Greenleaf  the  sum  of  seven  pounds  five  shillings 
which  appears  due  to  the  estate  of  her  late  husband  on  a 
Roll  of  the  House  of  Representatives  made  up  in  March 
nil.  February  15,  1791. 

Chapter  37. 

RESOLVE  ALLOWING  THE   COUNTY  TREASURER'S  ACCOUNT  FOR 
THE  COUNTY  OF  PLYMOUTH,  AND  GRANTING  A  TAX. 

Whereas  the  Treasurer  of  the  County  of  Plymouth  has 
laid  his  accounts  before  the  General  Court  in  manner  by 
Law  prescribed,  which  accounts  are  hereby  allowed  : 

And  Whereas  the  Clerk  of  the  Court  of  the  General 
Sessions  of  the  peace  for  said  County  has  laid  before  the 
General  Court  an  estimate  made   by  the  said  Court  of 


176  Resolves,  1790.  —  January  Session. 

General  Sessions  of  the  peace  of  the  necessary  charges 
likely  to  arise  within  the  said  County  the  Current  year, 
amounting  to  two  hundred  and  Jifti/  pounds : 

Resolved,  That  the  sum  of  two  hundred  and  jifli/  pounds 
be  and  is  hereby  granted  as  a  tax  for  said  County  of 
Plymouth  to  be  appropriated,  assessed,  collected,  and 
api)lied  in  manner  agreeable  to  Law. 

February  15,  1791. 

Chapter  38. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  THE  INHABITANTS  OF  THE 
TOWN  OF  UXBRIDGE,  AUTHORIZING  THE  COMMITTEE  ON 
ACCOUNTS,  TO  EXAMINE  THE  ACCOUNT  OF  SAID  TOWN  FOR 
THE  SUPPORT  OF  BETTY  TRTFLE,  ONE  OF  THE  POOR. 

On  the  Petition  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of 
Uxbridge  praying  that  the  Committee  on  Accounts  may 
be  enabled  to  examine  their  Account  for  the  boarding  &c 
of  Betty  Tryfle  one  of  the  Poor  of  this  Commonwealth 
&  if  just  to  allow  &  pass  the  same. 

Resolved  that  the  prayer  of  said  Petition  be  granted 
and  that  the  Committee  on  Accounts  be  and  hereby  are 
authorized  to  examine  any  Account  of  the  Inhabitants  of 
said  Uxbridge  for  the  support  of  the  said  Pauper  &  if 
just  to  allow  and  pass  the  same  any  Law,  usage  or  Custom 
to  the  contrarj^  notwithstanding.         February  15,  1791. 

Chapter  39. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  NATHAN  TYLER,  IN  BEHALF  OF 
THE  INHABITANTS  OF  THE  TOWN  OF  UXBRIDGE. 

On  the  Petition  of  Nathan  Tyler  in  behalf  of  the 
Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Uxbridge  praying  for  lil)erty 
to  return  sixty  stands  of  small  Arms  which  were  borrowed 
of  the  Commonwealth. 

Resolved  that  the  prayer  of  said  Petition  be  granted, 
and  that  the  Commissary  General  of  said  Commonwealth 
be  and  he  hereby  is  authorized  and  impowei'ed  to  receive 
said  Arms  and  discharge  the  Inhabitants  of  said  Uxbridge 
therefrom  in  the  same  manner  as  tho'  said  Arms  had  been 
returned  within  the  time  prefixed  in  a  former  Resolve  for 
that  purpose,  provided  the  said  Arms  are  in  good  order 
agreably  to  said  Kcsolve.  February  16,  1791. 


Resolves,  1790.  —  January  Session.  177 


Chapter  40. 

RESOLVE   ON   THE    PETITION    OF    EZRA    BRlG(iS,   AUTHORIZING 
MR.  JUSTICE  PADELFORD  TO  GRANT  HIM  A  NEW  TRIAL. 

Upon  the  petition  of  £Jzra  Briggs. 

Resolved,  That  Seth  Padelforxl,  Esq.  one  of  the  Justices 
of  the  peace  for  the  county  of  Bristol,  be  &  he  is  hereby 
authorized  &  empowered,  to  grant  to  the  said  JSzra  Briggs 
a  new  tryal  for  the  crime  of  theft,  of  which  the  said  Briggs 
stands  convicted  by  his  own  confession,  on  the  records  of 
the  said  Seth  Padelford,  and  the  said  Padclford  is  hereby 
directed  to  hear  &  determine  upon  any  evidence  relative 
to  the  insanity  of  said  Briggs,  at  the  time  of  his  supposed 
commission  of  the  crime  aforesaid,  in  the  same  way  & 
manner  as  if  no  proceedings  had  been  had  thereon. 

February  16,  1791. 


Chapter  41. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  ELIZABETH  INCHES. 

On  the  petition  of  Elizabeth  Inches  praying  that  an 
Action  or  Process  commenced  by  her  against  John  Lane 
&  Thomas  Frazer  Agents  &  Trustees  of  Jonathan  Warner 
may  be  brought  forward  before  the  Court  of  Common 
Pleas  next  to  be  holden  at  Boston  within  &  for  the 
County  of  Suffolk  on  the  third  Tuesday  of  AjJril  next 
and  considered  as  tho'  said  Process  had  been  duly  & 
regularly  continued  from  the  term  of  said  Court  in 
October  last  to  that  of  the  first  Tuesday  of  January  last 
&  thence  to  that  of  April  next  &  that  the  said  Court 
may  be  authorized  &  empowered  to  take  cognizance  of 
&  proceed  on  the  same  accordingly. 

Resolved  That,  for  the  reasons  set  forth  in  said  petition 
the  prayer  thereof  be  granted  and  that  the  Action  or 
Process  aforesaid  be  brought  forward  on  the  records  of 
said  Court  accordingly  and  the  said  Court  are  hereby 
empowered  &  required  to  take  Cognizance  of  said  Process 
&  proceed  thereon  agreably  to  Law  in  the  same  manner 
as  tho'  the  said  Process  had  been  from  term  to  term 
continued  as  aforesaid.  And  that  the  same  Proceedings 
on  the  said  Suit  or  Process  may  &  shall  be  had  until  final 
Judgment  &  Execution  on  the  same  in  any  &  all  Courts 
to  which  the  same  might  have  been  carried  as  tho'  the 


178  Besolves,  1790.  —  Janitary  Sessioi^. 

Appeal  mentioned  in  said  Petition  had  never  been  allowed 
by  the  Court  of  Common  Pleas  but  the  said  Process  had 
been  regularly  continued  until  the  term  of  said  Court  of 
Common  Pleas'in  April  next.  — And  that  all  consequent 
Suits  &  Processes  may  &  shall  be  open  &  pursued  in  the 
same  manner  in  all  Courts  as  tho'  the  original  Suit  had 
been  continued  as  aforesaid. 

Provided^  the  Petitioner  Serve  the  Attornies  of  the 
Said  Lane  &  Frazer,  &  Warner,  with  an  attested  copy 
of  this  Resolve  at  Least  fourteen  days  before  the  Said 
third  Tuesday  of  ^^n7  next.  February  16,  1791. 


Chapter  42. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  AZARIAH  ASHLEY,  AUTHORIZ- 
ING HIM  TO  EXHIBIT  THE  ACCOUNTS  OF  THE  TOWN  OF 
WASHINGTON  TO  THE  COMMITTEE  ON  ACCOUNTS. 

On  the  Petition  of  Azariah  Ashley  in  behalf  of  the 
Town  of  Washington  praying  for  payment  of  a  number  of 
accounts  which  said  Town  have  paid  for  nursing  Docter- 
ing  &  Boarding  one  John  Linmait  a  native  of  Denmark. 

Resolved  that  the  prayer  of  said  Petition  be  So  fkr 
granted  as  that  the  Petitioner  is  hereby  authorized  and 
allowed  to  Exhibit  the  said  accounts  to  the  Committee  on 
Accounts  for  their  Examination  and  allowance,  any  Law 
or  Resolve  to  ye  Contrary  notwithstanding. 

February  16,  1791. 


Chapter  43. 

RESOLVE    ON    THE    PETITION    OF    THE    INHABITANTS    OF    THE 
TOWN  OF  HARVARD. 

On  the  petition  of  the  Committe  in  behalf  of  the 
Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Harvard. 

Resolved,  That  the  doings  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town 
of  Harvard  in  Jany.  last  in  choosing  Jonathan  Symonds 
Collector  to  Collect  the  Taxes  of  the  said  Town  for  the 
year  1790  in  the  Room  of  David  Sampson,  (who  was 
chosen  for  that  purpose  at  the  Annual  March  meeting, 
but  afterwards  failed  in  Estate)  be  confirmed,  and  made 
valid,  for  the  reasons  set  forth  in  the  said  petition. 

February  17,  1791. 


Kesolves,  1790.  —  January  Session.  179 


Chapter  44. 

RESOLVE  APPOINTING  A  COMMITTEE  TO  MAKE  A  FINAL  AND 
ABSOLUTE  SETTLEMENT  WITH  THE  HON.  NATHANIEL  GOR- 
HAM  AND  OLIVER  PHELPS,  ESQRS.,  RELATIVE  TO  THEIR 
BOND. 

Resolved,  that  Saml.  Phillips,  Walter  8pooner  &  the 
Hon.  David  Cobh,  Esqrs.,  Thomas  Davis  &  William 
Eustis,  Esqrs.  be  a  committee  with  full  power  to  make  a 
final  &  absolute  settlement  with  the  Honble.  JSFathl. 
Gorham  and  Oliver  Phelps  Esqrs.  relative  to  the  Bond 
for  one  hundred  thousand  Pounds  in  State  Notes,  given 
by  the  said  Gorham  &  Phelps  to  this  Commonwealth ;  the 
said  Committee  to  make  report  of  their  doings  to  the 
Genl.  Court  in  fourteen  days  from  the  passing  of  this 
Resolve.  February  16,  1791. 

Chapter  45. 

RESOLVE  DETERMINING  THE  TWO  UNDIVIDED  THIRD  PARTS 
OF  THE  WESTERN  LANDS,  TO  BE  THE  EXCLUSIVE  PROPERTY 
OF  THIS  COMMONWEALTH,  AND  DIRECTING  THE  SECRETARY 
TO  COMMUNICATE  TO  MESSRS.  GORHAM  AND  PHELPS,  THIS 
DETERMINATION  OF  THE  LEGISLATURE. 

Whereas  by  a  certain  contract  made  between  this  Com- 
monwealth on  the  one  part  and  Nathaniel  Gorham  and 
Oliver  Phelps  Esquires  on  the  other  part,  it  was  among 
other  things  covenanted  and  agreed,  that  the  said  Gorham 
and  Phelps  should  be  interested  in  two  undivided  third 
parts  of  certain  western  lands  belonging  to  the  said  Com- 
monwealth, in  the  manner  and  on  the  conditions  in  said 
Contract  expressed,  unless  the  Legislature  of  the  said 
Commonwealth,  within  one  year  from  the  date  of  the 
resolution  on  which  the  said  contract  was  founded,  should 
otherwise  elect  and  determine. 

Resolved  that  the  said  two  undivided  third  parts  of  the 
said  western  lands  shall  remain  the  exclusive  property  of 
this  Commonwealth  and  that  this  the  election  and  deter- 
mination of  the  said  Legislature  be  communicated  and 
made  known  to  the  said  Gorham  and  Pheljjs,  by  the 
Secratary  of  the  said  Commonwealth  who  is  hereby 
directed,  as  soon  as  may  be,  to  deliver  to  them  or  to  one 
of  them,  an  attested  Copy  of  this  Resolution,  and  to  make 
Record  of  his  doings  in  consequence  of  this  Resolution. 

February  18,  1791. 


180  Resolves,  1790.  —  January  Session. 


Chapter  46. 

RESOLVE   ON  THE   PETITION   OF  JOHN  PETERSON,  IN  BEHALF 
OF  THE   TOWN  CLERK  OF  BRUNSWICK. 

On  the  Petition  of  John  Peterson  in  behalf  of  the  town 
clerk  of  Brunsioick,  praying  that  this  Court  would  remit 
the  penalty  to  said  Town  Clerk  for  his  neglect  in  not 
returning  the  Votes  of  said  Town  for  Governor  Lieut. 
Governor  &  Senator  for  the  County  of  Cumberland. 

Resolved  that  the  prayer  of  said  Petition  be  granted  & 
that  the  penalty  which  has  accrued  to  the  Commonwealth, 
by  reason  of  the  neglect  aforesaid,  be  &  the  same  is  hereby 
remitted  to  said  Town  clerk  —  And  the  Attorney  General 
is  hereby  directed  not  to  prosecute  the  said  Town  clerk 
for  the  Penalty  aforesaid.  February  18,  1791. 

Chapter  47. 

RESOLVE   ON  THE  PETITION  OF  JAMES  PRESCOTT,  IN  BEHALF 
OF  THE  PROPRIETORS  OF  THE  TOWN  OF  GROTON. 

On  the  petition  of  James  Prescott  in  behalf  of  the  pro- 
prietors of  the  Town  of  Groton  praying  compensation 
may  be  made  them  for  Land  lost  hj  running  the  line 
between  this  Commonwealth  and  the  State  of  JSfew  York. 

Whereas  it  appears  to  this  Court  that  nineteen  hundred 
and  eighty  acres  of  Land  belonging  to  a  Grant  formerly 
made  to  the  proprietors  of  the  Town  of  Groton  have  fallen 
within  the  State  oi New  York: 

Resolved  that  the  Committee  on  the  subject  of  unappro- 
priated Land  in  the  County  of  Lincoln  be  and  they  are 
hereby  impowered  and  directed  (in  behalf  of  this  Com- 
monwealth) to  confirm  unto  Thomas  Spalding  and  such 
other  proprietors  of  Groton  as  have  not  had  their  rights 
and  claims  satisfied,  in  that  part  of  the  Grant  afs'd 
which  did  not  fall  within  the  State  of  New  York  such  a 
quantity  of  the  unappropriated  Lands  in  any  of  the  four 
Eastern  Counties  of  this  Commonwealth  as  the  sd.  Com- 
mittee shall  estimate  at  tioo  hundred  &  fifty  pounds  in 
full  compensation  for  1000  acres  part  of  the  aforesaid 
nineteen  hundred  &  eighty  acres  provided  the  sd.  pro- 
prietors pay  to  the  sd.  Thomas  Spalding  their  part 
(according  as  they  are  interested)  of  the  cost  that  has 
arisen  or  may  arise  in  procuring  the  Grant. 

February  18,  1791. 


Resolves,  1790.  —  January  Session.  181 

Chapter  48. 

RESOLVE   ON  THE   PETITION  OF  ELIZABETH  SPARHAWK. 

On  the  Petition  of  Elizabeth  Sparhawk  respecting  her 
demands  against  the  Estate  of  Sir  William  Pepperrell 
which  has  been  confiscated  to  the  use  of  this  Common- 
wealth. 

Resolved,  that  William  Tudor  Esqr.  the  Attorney  of 
the  said  Elizabeth,  be  and  he  is  hereby  appointed  and 
authorised  as  Agent  in  the  behalf  of  this  Commonwealth, 
to  receive  of  the  said  Elizabeth  Sparhawk,  and  others 
having  possession  thereof,  the  Bonds,  Notes,  Specialties, 
and  other  Credits  which  were  due  to  the  said  Sir  William 
Pepperrell,  and  confiscated  as  aforesaid,  and  that  the  said 
William  Tudor,  be  authorised  and  directed  immediately 
to  proceed  in  the  name  and  behalf  of  this  Commonwealth 
or  otherwise  as  shall  be  found  lawful  and  necessary,  to 
demand  recover  and  receive  all  sums  of  money  due  by 
virtue  of  the  said  Bonds  Specialties  or  other  Credits,  or 
any  of  them,  and  by  and  with  the  Aid  of  the  Attorney 
General  of  this  Commonwealth  to  commence  and  prose- 
cute to  final  judgment,  execution  and  satisfaction  any  suit 
or  action  which  shall  be  found  necessary  in  the  Premises. 
And  the  said  William  Tudor  shall  deliver  to  the  Treas- 
urer of  this  Commonwealth  an  Inventory  of  all  such 
Bonds  Specialties  or  other  Credits,  which  shall  come  to 
his  hands  as  aforesaid,  and  for  all  monies  which  shall  be 
received  by  him  thereupon  shall  account  with  the  said 
Treasurer  on  demand. 

Resolved,  that  the  said  Elizabeth  Sparhatok,  shall  be 
entitled  to  receive  and  shall  be  paid  by  the  said  William 
Tudor  the  full  sum  of  thirteen  hundred  and  sixty  six 
pounds  thirteen  shillings  and  fotir  pence  together  with 
Interest  thereof  from  the  1st.  day  of  April  A.  D.  1776, 
until  paid,  or  such  sum  as  shall  appear  to  have  been  then 
due  to  the  said  Elizabeth  for  a  legacy  given  to  her  in  the 
last  Will  of  her  Father  the  late  Sir  William  Pepperrell 
and  to  have  been  held  in  trust  for  the  said  Elizabeth  by 
the  said  first  named  Sir  William  Pepperrell ;  the  Claim 
of  the  said  Elizabeth  to  be  examined  and  the  balance  due 
to  be  certified  by  the  Treasurer  and  Attorney  General  of 
this  Commonwealth,  and  their  Certificate  thereof  to  be 
deposited  with  the  Secretar}^ —  Provided  that  the  receipts 
of  the  said  Tudor  hereupon  shall  be  sufficient  to  satisfy 


182  Resolves,  1790.  —  January  Session. 

the  said  Claim,  after  deducting  all  expences  and  Charges 
which  shall  arise  in  the  execution  of  this  Trust  otherwise 
so  much  only  of  said  Claim  shall  be  satisfied  as  the  said 
receipts  shall  be  sufficient  to  discharge  after  deducting 
the  said  Expences  and  Charges. 

Resolved,  that  after  discharging  the  said  Claim  together 
with  the  said  Expences  and  Charges,  the  said  Tudor  shall 
pay  into  the  Treasury  of  this  Commonwealth  all  the  residue 
of  the  monies  which  shall  be  received  by  him  by  virtue 
hereof,  to  be  determined  on  the  adjustment  of  his  Account 
with  the  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth  for  the  time 
being.  Provided  however  the  Commonwealth  shall  not 
be  subjected  to  any  cost  or  charge  from  any  suits  which 
may  be  commenced  in  consequence  of  the  foregoing 
Resolve.  February  18,  1791. 

Chapter  49. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  JOHN  BOLT  MILLER  — £.10  17  6, 
FROM  HIS  LATE  FATHER'S  PENSION,  TO  BE  PAID  SIMON 
FRYE,  ESQ. 

On  the  petition  of  John  Bolt  Miller  Setting  fourth,  that 
his  late  Father  Robert  Miller  Lost  an  arm,  at  the  Siege 
of  Louisburg  in  the  year  1745,  in  Consideration  of  which 
a  pension  of  Nine  pound  pr.  annum  was  granted  him  by 
the  goverment. 

Resolved,  that  their  be  paid  out  of  the  Treasury  of  this 
Commonwelth  to  the  Said  John  Bolt  Miller,  Son  of  the 
Said  Deceas'd  Robert  Miller,  the  Sum  of  Ten  pounds 
Seventeen  Shillings  &  Six  pence  in  full  for  his  pension 
from  the  first  Day  of  January  1786,  to  the  loth.  Day  of 
March  1787,  being  one  year  and  two  months  and  an  half, 
to  the  time  of  Said  Millers  Decease  and  that  Simon  Frye 
Esq.  of  Fryburg  be,  and  he  hereby  is,  authorised  to  Re- 
ceive the  Same.  February  19,  1791. 

Chapter  50. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  THE  SELECTMEN  OF  FRYE- 
BURG,  EMPOWERING  EZEKIEL  WALKER  TO  PROCEED  IN 
THE  COLLECTION  OF  TAX  No.  6,  AND  TO  COM  PLEAT  HIS 
COLLECTIONS   BY   THE    FIRST   OF  JUNE  NEXT. 

On  the  Petition  of  the  Selectmen  of  the  Town  of  Frye- 
burg  Praying  that  Ezehiel  Walker  Constable  of  said 
Fryeburg  in  the  year  1788  may  be  enabled  to  Collect  said 


Resolves,  1790.  —  January  Session.  183 

Town's  Proportion  of  Tax  No.  6  for  Reasons  set  forth  in 
said  Petition. 

Resolved,  that  Ezehiel  Walker  Constabel  for  the  Town 
of  Fryehurg  in  the  year  1788  be  and  he  hereby  is  Em- 
powered and  directed  to  proceed  in  the  Collection  of  tax 
No.  6  aney  new  Proceedings  of  the  presant  Selectmen  of 
said  Fryeburg  had  thereon  notwithstanding  and  that  he 
Compleete  and  make  up  his  collection  by  the  first  day  of 
June  Next  and  the  Treasurer  is  hereby  directed  to  stay 
Execution  against  said  Ezekel  Walker  untill  the  sd.  first 
Day  of  June.  February  19,  1791. 

Chapter  51. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  JOSEPH  DUDLEY  SEEDED, 
AND  ETHELINDA  HIS  WIFE,  AUTHORIZING  THE  JUDGE  OF 
PROBATE  FOR  THE  COUNTY  OF  HAMPSHIRE,  TO  ORDER 
HER  SHARE    IN    SAID  ESTATE   TO   BE   SET   OFF. 

On  the  Petition  of  Joseph  Dudley  Selden  &  Ethelinda 
his  Wife  praying  that  the  Judge  of  Probate  for  the  County 
of  Hampshire  may  be  impowered  to  order  that  the  Share 
of  the  said  Ethelinda  in  the  Estate  of  Benjamin  Colt 
late  of  Hadley  deceased,  may  be  set  oil*  to  her  in  sever- 
alty, for  reasons  set  forth  in  their  petition. 

Resolved  that  the  pra3'er  of  the  said  Petition  be  granted 
and  that  the  Judge  of  Probate  for  the  County  of  Hamp- 
shire be  and  he  hereby  is  authorized  and  empowered  to 
order  that  the  Share  of  the  said  Ethelinda  in  the  Estate 
of  the  said  Benjamin  deceased,  be  set  off  to  her  to  hold 
in  severalty,  any  Law  or  usage  to  the  contrary  notwith- 
standing. February  19,  1791. 

Chapter  53. 

RESOLVE   ON  THE  PETITION  OF  JOHN  BLANCHARD. 

On  the  Petition  of  John  Blanchard,  praying  for  Liberty 
to  reenter  a  Report  of  Refferrees,  at  the  Court  of  Common 
Pleas  next  to  be  holden  in  &  for  the  County  of  Middlesex, 
for  Reasons  set  forth  in  the  Said  Petition. 

Resolved,  that  a  Report  of  Refterrees,  upon  the  Settle- 
ment of  all  Demands,  between  the  said  John  Blanchard 
&  Samuel  Blanchard,  which  was  made  to  the  Court  of 
Common  Pleas  in  &  for  the  County  of  Middlesex,  on  the 
Second  Tuesday  of  March  last  past  (which  Report  was 
ordered  by  the  said  Court  to  be  re-committed ;  from  which 


1^^  Eesolves,  1790.  —  January  Session. 

Order  the  said  John  appealed  to  the  then  next  Supreme  Jii- 
ditial  Court  in  &  for  ye  said  County  oi  Middlesex;  where- 
upon the  said  Supreme  Juditial  Court  considered,  that  the 
Court  of  Common  Pleas  had  no  right  to  grant  such  appeal, 
and  that  the  same  could  not  lie  in  the  Supreme  Court)  may 
be,  by  the  Said  John,  reentered  at  the  Court  of  Common 
Pleas  next  to  be  holden  in  &  for  the  County  of  Middlesex 
on  the  Second  Tuesday  of  March  next,  &  that  the  Same 
Proceedings  be  had  thereon,  as  tho'  the  said  report  had 
been  continued  from  term  to  term  to  the  said  Second  tues- 
day  in  March  next,  and  no  appeal  had  been  granted  from 
the  Order  of  Court  thereon.  Provided  the  said  John 
Blanchard  Serve  the  Said  Samuel  Blanchard  with  an  at- 
tested Copy  of  this  Eesolve  at  least  fourteen  days  before 
the  Said  Second  Tuesday  in  March  next. 

February  19,  1791. 

Chapter  53. 

RESOLVE  GRANTING  TO  JOHN  KIRKLAND,  ESQ.  £.11  8*.  FOR  HIS 
ADMINISTERING  THE  OATH  OF  ALLEGIANCE  TO  A  NUMBER 
OF  INSURGENTS  IN   1787. 

On  the  Petition  of  John  KirUand  Esqr.  that  Justice 
may  be  done  him  in  acting  in  obedience  to  the  orders  of 
Col.  Ezra  Badlam;  and  agreably  to  Law  in  accompany 
ing  the  said  Colonel's  Regiment,  in  the  year  1787,  through 
several  Towns  of  this  Commonwealth  in  the  County  of 
Hampshire  and  there  administring  the  oath  of  allegiance 
to  a  number  of  the  then  Insurgents. 

Resolved  that  the  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth  be, 
and  he  is  hereby,  directed  to  issue  his  note  payable  to  the 
Petitioner  or  his  Order,  for  the  Sum  of  Eleven  pounds  eight 
shillings,  in  full  for  his  Travel,  ninety  seven  miles,  and 
for  his  administring  one  hundred  and  ninety  Eight  oaths, 
and  giving  his  several  Certificates  of  the  same,  to  that 
number  of  such  Insurgents.  February  19,  1791. 

Chapter  54. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  ZACHARIAH  BUSH,  BOHUX 
KING  AND  CALEB  BOSWORTH,  ALLOWING  THEM  £  3  14  4.  FOR 
TRAVEL  AND  ATTENDANCE  AS  WITNESSES  IN  A  CRIMINAL 
PROSECUTION,  AT  SEVERAL  JUDICIARY  COURTS  IN  THE 
COUNTY   OF   HAMPSHIRE. 

On  the  petition  of  Zachariah  Bush,  Bohun  King,  and 
Caleb  Bosivorth,  praying  for  an  allowance  for  their  travil 


Kesolves,  1790.  —  January  Session.  185 

and  attendance,  as  Witnesses  in  a  criminal  prosecution  at 
several  judiciary  Courts  in  the  County  of  Hampshire. 

Resolved,  that  the  prayer  of  said  Petition  be  granted,  and 
that  there  be  paid  out  of  the  Treasury  of  this  Common- 
wealth, to  each  of  the  above  petitioners,  the  sum  of  three 
pounds,  fourteen  Shillhigs  &foiir  pence  lawful  money,  in 
full  for  their  service  as  aforesaid.         February  21,  1791. 

Chapter  55. 

RESOLVE   FOR    THE  PAYMENT   OF  WARRANTS,  DUE  BILLS   AND 
ORDERS. 

The  Committee  of  Both  houses  who  were  appointed  to 
Consider  at  Large  the  Subject  of  warrants.  Due  Bills  and 
Orders,  Draw^n  on  or  issued  from  the  Treasury  of  this 
Commonwealth,  &  Report  what  measures  may  be  neces- 
ary  to  be  Taken  Respecting  the  Same,  have  attended  the 
Business,  and  Report  as  their  Opinion  w^hich  is  humbly 
Submitted.  SAML.  BAKER  pr.  order. 

That  all  the  Taxes  prior  to  Tax  No.  8  already  Issued 
and  not  otherwise  specially  apropriated  be  appropriated 
to  Discharge  the  said  Demands. 

That  the  Treasurer  be  Directed  to  give  to  such  of  the 
Holders  of  the  said  warrants  Due  Bills  or  Orders  as  Shall 
apply  for  the  same ;  his  Obligation  Dated  Jany.  ye  1st. 
1791  payable  one  third  in  one  year,  one  third  in  two 
years,  and  one  third  in  three  years,  from  the  Date  with 
Interest  at  the  rate  of  six  per  centum  per  annum,  that  if 
the  said  Taxes  shall  be  sooner  Collected  and  paid  into  the 
Treasury  so  that  payment  Can  be  made  prior  to  the  said 
periods,  the  Treasurer  be  Directed  to  give  publick 
noti  [c]  e  thereof  and  make  payment  accordingly.  Read  and 
accepted  &  Resolved  accordingly.        February  21,  1791. 

Chapter  56. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  TETITION  OF  LYDIA  PRATT,  DIRECTING 
JOHN  DEMING,  ESQ.  TO  CERTIFY  THE  BALANCE  DUE  TO 
ISAAC  HOUGHTON. 

On  the  Petition  of  Lydia  Pratt  praying  for  the  wages 
oi  Isaac  Houghton,  (deceased)  a  soldier  in  Coll.  Baileys 
Regiment,  she  l^eing  the  legal  representative  and  sole  heir 
of  the  said  Isaac  as  appears  by  a  Certificate  of  the  Select- 
men of  the  Town  of  Middleborough  in  the  County  of 
Plymouth. 


186  Resolves,  1790.  —  January  Session. 

Resolved  that  John  Deming  Esq.  be,  and  he  hereby  is 
directed,  to  certify  to  the  Governour  and  Council,  the 
Ballance  due  to  the  said  Isaac  (being  the  sum  of  Thirty 
six  pounds  One  shilling  &  three  pence, )  in  the  same  way 
and  manner,  as  such  ballances  have  heretofore  been  certi- 
fied, and  that  the  said  Lydia,  be  entitled  to  receive  the 
same  Accordingly,  any  Law  or  resolve  to  the  Contrary 
notwithstanding.  February  21,  1791. 

Chapter  57. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  DAVID  DEXTER  AND  AARON 
NORTON,  BOTH  OF  ROCHESTER,  EMPOWERING  THE  SAID 
AARON  NORTON,  TO  EXECUTE  THE   DEED   MENTIONED. 

On  the  petition  of  David  Dexter  and  Aaron  Norton 
as  the  said  Norton  is  Administrator  on  the  Estate  of 
Benjamin  Dexter  Jur.  late  of  Rochester  in  the  County  of 
Plymouth  Yeoman  deceased,  praying  that  the  said  Aaron 
in  his  Capacity  as  Administrator  as  aforesaid  may  be 
authorized  to  execute  a  certain  Deed,  writen  to  convey 
certain  real  Estate  from  the  said  Benjamin  Dexter  Jur., 
Nicholas  Snoio  and  Hannah  his  wife  and  Thankfull  Dexter 
Dated  the  fourteenth  day  of  March  Anno  Domini  1780, 
and  which  Deed  was  in  fact  signed  &  sealed  by  the  said 
Nicholas  Snow  and  Hannah  his  wife  and  the  said  Thank- 
fall  Dexter,  but  which  the  said  Benjamin  Dexter  Jur.  in 
his  life  time  neglected  to  sign  and  seal. 

Resolved,  for  reasons  set  fourth  in  said  petition,  that  the 
prayer  thereof  be  granted,  and  that  the  said  Aaron  Nor- 
ton in  his  said  Capacity  be  and  he  hereby  is  authorized  and 
Impowered  to  make  and  Execute  to  the  said  David  Dexter 
his  heirs  &  assigns  for  ever,  a  Deed  of  all  the  right  and 
title  which  the  said  Benjamin  Dexter  Jur.  in  his  life  time 
had  in  and  to  a  certain  tract  or  parcel  of  Land  and  Salt 
meadow  lying  in  said  Rochester  containing  about  one  hun- 
dred and  thirty  five  acres  (more  or  less)  reference  to  be 
had  to  a  Deed  signed  by  Moses  and  Isaac  Hiller  and 
others  hiers  of  Benjamin  Hiller  deceased  to  Benjamin 
Dexter  and  Phillip  Dexter  Dated  the  fourth  day  of  No- 
vemher  Anno  Domini  1768  for  the  particular  bounds  of 
the  whole  tract ;  —  saving  only,  that  part  of  the  said  Late 
Benjamin  Dexter  Jur.'s  share  in  said  tract  of  Land  which 
lies  to  the  westward  of  the  road  leading  from  William 
Shearman  Jur.'s  Dwelling  House  to  the  Dwelling  oi  John 
Dexter  Jur.  ~  which  said  Deed  so  made  and  Executed  by 


Kesolves,  1790.  —  January  Session.  187 

the  said  Aaro7i  in  his  said  capacity  shall  give  to  the  said 
David  his  heirs  and  assigns  for  ever  as  good  a  title,  as  a 
deed  of  the  same  tenor  from  the  said  Benjamin  could  give, 
were  he  now  in  full  life.  Febmary  21,  1791. 

Chapter  58. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  JOSEVH  BROWN,  EMPOWERING 
THE  TREASURER  TO  ISSUE  TO  THE  SAID  BROWN,  THREE 
NOTES  OF  CERTAIN  DESCRIPTIONS. 

On  the  petition  of  Joseph  Brown  Representing  that  on 
the  night  of  the  25th.  oi  April  1789  the  Dwelling  House 
of  Lt.  William  Kiitridge  of  TeivTceshury  was  Consumed  by 
tire,  in  which  were  three  Treasurers  notes,  one  Drawn  in 
favor  of  the  Said  Kiitridge  one  in  favor  of  his  Son  Job 
Kiitridge,  and  one  in  favor  of  Daniel  Marshal — And 
that  the  Said  Job  Kiitridge  and  the  heirs  to  the  Said 
William  I^ittridge,  have  empowered  the  Said  Petitioner 
to  receive  the  Said  notes. 

Resolved  that  the  petition  be  So  far  granted  that  the 
Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth  Be  and  he  is  hereby  em- 
powered and  Directed  to  Issue  to  the  Said  Joseph  Brown, 
three  notes  of  the  following  description  one  No.  19354 
Dated  December  1st.  1783  for  Jiffy  Six  pounds  nineteen 
shillings  —  one  No.  24418  Dated  Novr.  1st.  1786  for  Seven 
pounds  five  shillings  and  Sixpence  —  and  one  No.  11438  — 
DixiediFeby.  1st.  1783  iov  fifty  Six  pounds  eleven  shilli7igs 
—  and  to  make  on  the  said  notes  the  same  endorsments  of 
Interest  as  were  made  on  the  original  notes.  And  the  Said 
Treasurer  is  further  Directed  to  Require  a  Bond  of  the  Said 
Brown  with  Sufficient  Sureties  (previous  to  his  renewing 
the  Said  notes  as  aforesaid)  To  indemnify  the  Common- 
wealth, against  any  Demands  that  may  arise  from  any 
person  or  persons  by  virtue  of  the  notes  alledged  to  be 
Destroyed  as  aforesaid.  February  21,  1791. 

Chapter  58a.* 

RESOLVE  REPEALING  THE  RESOLVE  OF  FEBRUARY  7,  1785. 

Resolved  that  the  resolution  of  the  General  Court  passed 
February  7th  1785,  providing  that  after  the  passing  the 
said  resolution,  the  District  of  Orange  should  forever  be 
at  the  charge  of  maintaining  the  bridge  over  the  river 

*  Not  printed  in  previous  editions.    Taken  from  court  record. 


188  Resolves,  1790.  —  January  Session. 

Tully  so  called,  and  the  causeways  on  that  road  from  said 
bridge  to  the  poles  that  are  laid  on  to  the  little  bridge 
between  the  two  rivers  in  the  town  of  Athol,  be  and  the 
same  is  hereby  repealed  and  declared  to  be  null  and  void. 

February  21,  1791. 

Chapter  59. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  ISAAC  STEARNS,  AUTHORIZING 
HIM  TO   SELL,  AS  ADMINISTRATOR,  THE  LAND  MENTIONED. 

On  the  Petition  of  Isaac  Stearns  Esqr.  &  others  the  said 
Isaac  being  Administrator  on  the  Estate  of  Joseph  Hill 
late  deceased  praying  for  liberty  to  sell  sundry  pieces  or 
parcels  of  Land  belonging  to  said  Estate. 

Besolved  that  the  Prayer  of  the  petition  be  so  far 
granted  as  that  the  said  Administrator  be  and  he  hereby 
is  fully  authorized  &  impowered  to  sell  either  at  public  or 
private  sale  the  Land  with  the  Buildings  thereon  standing 
which  Joseph  Foster  sold  to  the  said  Hill  together  with 
forty  acres  of  Land  lying  in  the  Town  of  Gardiner  and 
belonging  to  said  Estate  —  the  said  Administrator  taking 
herein  the  advice  &  direction  of  the  Judge  of  Probate  for 
the  County  of  Middlesex  and  being  accountable  to  him  for 
the  proceeds  of  the  Sales  thereof.         February  22,  1791. 

Chapter  60. 

RESOLVE   ON  THE   PETITION   OF  ABIGAIL  ALLEN. 

On  the  Petition  of  Abigail  Allen  Widow  of  Captain 
Jacob  Allen  who  was  slain  in  battle  during  the  late  Avar 
—  Praying  for  a  ballance  due  to  hir  by  virtue  of  a  Resolve 
of  the  Legislature  of  this  Commonwealth  passed  July  1786. 

Resolved  that  the  Committee  for  methodizing  Public 
Accounts  be,  and  they  hereby  are  directed  to  certify  the 
Imllance  due  to  the  f^aid  Widow  Allen  and  the  Treasurer 
of  this  Commonwealth  is  hereby  directed  to  pay  hir  in  the 
same  way  and  manner  as  other  widows  in  similar  circum- 
stances have  been  paid.  February  22,  1791. 

Chapter  61. 

RESOLVE  ON   THE   PETITION  OF  THE  ASSESSORS  OF   FRANCIS- 
BOROUGH. 

On  the  petition  of  the  Assessors  of  the  plantation  Called 
Francisborouf/h,  in  the  County  of  York,  praying  for  the 
abatement  of  their  Taxes. 


Resolves,  1790.  —  January  Session.  189 

Resolved,  that,  the  assessors  of  the  said  })lantation,  be, 
and  they  hereby  are  directed,  without  delay,  to  assess 
upon  the  inhabitants  thereof,  agreeably  to  Law  (if  not 
already  assessed)  the  sum  of  one  hundred  &  Jive  pounds, 
eight  shillings  &  six  pence,  being  the  sum  set  on  the  said 
plantation  in  Tax  No.  5,  also  the  sum  oi  twenty  two  pounds, 
seventeen  shillings  heing  the  sum  set  on  the  said  plantation 
in  Tax  No.  6,  also  the  further  sum  of  teii  pounds,  nineteen 
shillings  &  nine  pence  being  the  sum  set  on  said  plan- 
tation, in  Tax  No.  7,  and  make  return  of  said  assessments, 
to  the  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth. 

And  be  it  further  Resolved,  that,  the  said  plantation, 
may  discharge  themselfs,  of  the  aforesaid  sums  in  the 
following  manner  {viz)  by  applying  the  aforesaid  sums 
set  on  them  in  Tax  No.  5  and  No.  6,  amounting  to  one 
hundred  twenty  eight  pounds,  fifteen  shillings  &  six  pence, 
for  the  support  of  a  public  Teacher  of  piety  religion  & 
morality,  and  for  a  school  or  schools,  and  for  opening  & 
repairing  roads,  in  said  plantation,  in  such  proportion,  as 
the  inhabitants  thereof,  at  a  meeting  called  for  that  pur- 
pose, shall  Judge  best ;  also  by  paying  to  the  Treasurer  of 
this  Commonwealth,  the  sum  set  on  said  plantation  in  Tax 
No.  7,  on  or  before  the  first  Day  of  July  next;  Provided 
the  said  plantation  shall  in  one  year,  from  the  first  Day 
of  March  next,  produce  to  the  Treasurer  of  this  Common- 
wealth a  certificate  under  the  hands  of  the  assessors,  or 
Clerk  of  said  plantation,  shewing,  that,  the  said  plantation, 
hath  Complied  with  the  true  intent  &  meaning  of  this 
Resolve  ;  and  shall  also  make  payment  of  Tax  No.  7  as 
aforesaid  then  the  said  Treasurer,  is  hereby  directed,  to 
discharge  the  said  plantation,  from  the  afore  mentioned 
Taxes;  but  in  default  thereof,  the  said  plantation  shall 
be  held  to  pay  the  whole  of  the  aforesaid  sums  ifito  the 
Treasury,  and  the  Treasurer  is  hereby  directed  to  govern 
himself  accordingly.  February  22,  1791. 

Chapter  63. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  MEMORIAL  OF  THOMAS  MCDONOGH,  ESQ. 
BRITISH  CONSUL,  AND  HIS  EXCELLENCY'S  MESSAGE,  RE- 
SPECTING  THE   CASE    OF   HOOPER   VS.   PAGAN. 

Resolved  that  the  Memorial  of  Thomas  McDonogh 
Esquire  Consul  of  his  Britannick  Majesty  received  by 
Message  from  his  Excellency  the  Governour  with  all  the 
Papers  that  have   been  ofiered   concerning  the  same  be 


190  Resolves,  1790.  —  January  Session. 

referred  to  the  Consideration  of  the  Justices  of  the 
Supreme  Judicial  Court  and  the  said"  Justices  are  hereby 
authorized  and  directed  as  soon  as  may  be  to  examine 
into  and  Consider  the  circumstances  of  the  Case  and  such 
further  representations  as  the  said  Consul  may  make 
thereon,  &  if  they  find  from  the  present  state  of  the  Case 
and  from  what  shall  be  exhibited  to  them,  that  by  the 
force  and  Effect  aIlo\yed  by  the  Law  of  Nations  to  foreign 
admiralty  Jurisdiction  the  said  Stephen  Hooper  of  Newbury 
Port  in  the  County  of  Essex  Merchant  ought  not  to  have 
recovered  Judgment  against  Thomas  Pagan  of  iSaint  Johns 
in  the  province  of  New  Brunswick  Merchant  for  the  sum 
of  three  thousand  and  nine  pounds  two  shillings  and  ten 
pence  Damages  and  sixteen  Poicnds,  tivo  shillings  &  ten 
pence  Costs,  as  he  hath  done  in  an  action  tried  at  the 
Supreme  Judicial  Court  held  at  Ipswich  in  &  for  said 
County  of  Essex  on  the  third  tuesday  of  Jujie  in  the  year 
seventeen  hundred  &  eighty  nine,  or  that  from  surprize 
mistake  or  accident  the  Case  on  the  part  of  said  Pagan 
was  not  fully  explained  or  consider'd  or  that  from  prin- 
ciples of  Equity  &  Justice  the  said  Pagan  ought  to  be 
permitted  to  review  the  said  Cause  the  said  Justices  after 
hearing  or  notifying  the  adverse  party  thereto  are  in  such 
Case  authorized  &  directed  to  Grant  a  Review  of  the 
action  aforementioned,  and  on  his  the  said  Pagan's  giving 
Bail  or  Security  in  such  manner  &  form  as  they  shafi 
direct,  to  suspend  or  supercede  the  Writ  of  Execution 
which  has  been  issued  on  said  Judgment,  and  a  A\^rit  of 
Review  shall  thereupon  be  sued  out  &  prosecuted  to  final 
Judgment  execution  &  effect  in  the  same  manner  as  is 
provided  in  other  actions  of  Review. 

February  22,  1791. 

Chapter  63. 

RESOLVE  ON  HIS  EXCELLENCY'S  MESSAGE,  WITH  THE  ADDRESS 
OP  THE  SOCIETY  FOR  PROPAGATING  THE  GOSPEL  AMONG 
THE  INDIANS  AND  OTHERS  IN  NORTH  AMERICA,  ALLOWING 
£.150  PER  ANNUM  FOR  THREE  YEARS,  TO  ANSWER  THE  IM- 
PORTANT PURPOSES    MENTIONED. 

On  the  Governour's  Message  of  the  28  of  Jany.  1791, 
with  the  address  of  the  Society  for  propagating  the  Gos- 
pel among  the  Indians  and  others  in  JV^orth  America. 

Whereas  the  most  l)eneficial  effects  may  be  derived 
from  the  Diffusion  of  human  and  divine  knowledo-e  :  And 


Resolves,  1790.  —  Januaey  Session.  191 

whereas  it  appears  to  this  Court,  that,  in  some  parts  of 
this  Commonwealth,  the  means  for  that  purpos,  are  not 
enjoyed,  the  inhabitants  thereof,  being  unable,  from  their 
particular  situation  &  circumstances,  to  be  at  the  neces- 
sary expence  for  that  purpose,  without  the  aid  of  Gover- 
ment :  Therefore 

Mesolved,  that,  there  be  allowed  &  paid  out  of  the 
Treasury  of  this  Commonwealth,  the  sum  of  one  hundred 
and  fifty  pounds  to  the  Treasurer  of  the  said  Society, 
annually,  for  three  years  to  be  applied,  as  they  shall 
Judge,  most  conducive,  to  answer  the  important  purposes, 
mentioned  in  their  said  address.  February  22,  1791. 

Chapter  63a.* 

ORDER  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  JOHN  DUPEE. 

On  the  Petition  of  JoJin  Dupee  praying  for  a  New 
Trial  in  an  Action  brought  against  him  by  Jabez  Fair- 
banks  before  Abner  Holden  Esq.  on  the  fifteenth  day  of 
March  1788. 

Ordered,  that  the  prayer  of  the  said  Petition  be  so  far 
granted,  that  the  Petitioner  serve  the  said  Jabez  Fairbanks 
with  an  attested  Copy  of  his  Petition,  and  this  Order 
thereon  at  least  fourteen  days  before  the  Second  Wednes- 
day of  the  next  Setting  of  the  General  Court,  that  he  may 
appear  and  Shew  cause,  if  any  he  can  Shew,  on  the  said 
day,  why  the  prayer  of  the  said  Petition  should  not  be 
granted .  Feb ruary  22,  1791. 

Chapter  64. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  LEVI  RAWS  ON,  ALLOWING 
HIM  TO  PAY  IN  CONSOLIDATED  NOTES,  THE  SUM  MENTIONED ; 
WITH  A  PROVISO. 

On  the  Petition  of  Levi  Baivson  praying  that  he  may 
be  permitted  to  pay,  in  any  securities  of  this  Common- 
wealth, the  sum  of  Jiffy  two  pounds  fen  shillings  now 
in  Execution  against  him  in  favour  of  the  said  Common- 
wealth. 

Resolved  that  the  said  Levi  be  and  he  hereljy  is  per- 
mitted and  allowed  to  pay  in  consolidated  Notes  of  this 
Commonwealth,  the  aforesaid  sum  of  fifty  two  pounds  ten 
shillings  in  discharge   of  the    said  Execution ;    and  the 

*  Not  printed  in  previous  editions. 


1^2  Resolves,  1790.  —  January  Session. 

Officer  holding  said  Execution  is  hereby  directed  to  receive 
the  .same  sum  in  consolidated  Notes  as  aforesaid  provided 
the  same  shall  be  i)aid  within  thirty  days  from  the  time 
of  passing  this  Eesolve  and  provided  also  that  all  Costs, 
fees  &  charges  demandable  by  virtue  of  the  same  Execu- 
tion shall  be  paid  in  solid  coin,  current  in  this  Common- 
wealth ;  and  the  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth  is  hereby 
directed  to  receive  of  such  Officer  the  same  Notes  in  lieu 
of  Money  —provided  it  shall  be  proved  to  the  said  Treas- 
urer, either  by  the  Oath  of  said  officer  or  other  satisfactory 
Evidence,  that  he  in  fact  received  of  said  liawson  such 
Notes  on  the  Execution  aforesaid.       February  23,  1791. 


Chapter  65. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  JESSE  BARLOW,  AGENT  FOR 
THE  SECOND  PARISH  IN  SANDWICH,  MAKING  VALID  PARISH 
MEETINGS. 

On  the  Petition  of  Jesse  Barlow  agent  for  the  inhaba- 
tants  of  the  Second  parish  in  Sandwich  Seting  forth  That 
by  reason  of  Their  exposed  Situation  in  the  late  war :  no 
parish  meeting  was  holden  in  said  Parish  for  the  Term  of 
two  years,  and  that  Their  next  Parish  meeting  was  called 
by  Their  former  assessors,  although  they  had  been  chosen 
two  years  previous  to  such  Meeting,  &  praving  that  the 
doings  of  said  Meeting  may  be  made  Valid. " 

Resolved  That  the  Proceedings  of  the  inhabatants  of 
the  Second  Parish  in  the  Town  of  Sandwich:  at  Their 
Meeting  first  holden  in  said  Parish  (after  the  said  Two 
years  had  elapsed  in  which  Time  no  Parish  Meeting  had 
been  holden  there)  be  and  hereby  are  establishecF  and 
Made  as  valid  as  they  would  have  been  if  the  said  meetintr 
had  been  legally  warned.  February  23,  1791.  "^ 

Chapter  66. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  THE  SELECTMEN  OF  THE  TOWN 
OF  CONWAY,  ALLOWING  THEM  FURTHER  TIME  FOR  THE 
PAYMENT  OF  CERTAIN  TAXES. 

On  the  Petition  of  the  Select  Men  of  the  Town  of  Con- 
way praying  for  a  further  time  to  pay  Certain  Taxes  in 
Said  Petition  mentioned. 

Resolved  for  Reasons  Set  forth  in  said  Petition  that  the 
Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Conway  be  allowed  a  further 
time  of  nineteen  Months  from  the  passing  of  this  Kesolve, 


Resolves,  1790.  —  January  Session.  193 

for  the  payment  of  the  remauiing  Sums  due  on  Taxes 
Number  four  and  Number  five  and  the  Treasurer  of  this 
Commonwealth  is  directed  to  govern  himself  accordingly. 

February  24,  1791. 


Chapter  67. 

RESOLVE  QUIETING  AND  CONFIRMING  SETTLERS  UNDER  JOHN 
BREWER  AND   SIMEON  FOWLER,  IN    ORRINGTON. 

Whereas  the  committee  for  the  sale  of  Eastern  lands  by 
their  Deed  in  behalf  of  this  Commonwealth  dated  the 
twenty  fifth  day  oi'  March  1786  did  sell  &  convey  to  John 
Breivei"  &  Simeon  Fotvler,  &  other  settlers,  a  tract  of 
land  lying  in  Orrinf/ton  formerly  called  JV^eiv  Worcester  in 
the  County  of  Hancock  containing  Ten  Thousand  eight 
hundred  &  sixty  four  acres,  to  hold  the  same  to  the  said 
John  &  Simeon  &  other  settlers  described  in  said  Deed, 
in  the  manner,  proportion,  &  upon  the  conditions  therein 
mentioned :  And  Whereas  the  said  settlers  have  applied 
by  petition  to  this  Court,  praying  that  they  may  be  quieted 
in  One  hundred  acres  of  land  each,  upon  the  same  terms 
which  other  settlers  upon  the  unappropriated  lands  within 
this  Commonwealth  have  been  quieted,  therefore 

Resolved  that  the  prayer  of  their  petition  be  so  far 
granted  as  that  in  case  the  said  John  &  Simeon  shall 
not  demand  from  any  of  the  said  settlers,  who  set- 
tled on  said  tract  before  the  first  day  of  January  1784  & 
made  a  seperate  improvement  thereon,  more  than  thirty 
shillings  with  Interest  from  the  twenty  fifth  day  of  March 
1786,  &  shall  quiet  each  of  the  settlers  last  mentioned, 
their  heirs  or  assigns,  by  granting  &  conveying  to  him 
to  hold  in  fee.  One  hundred  acres  to  be  so  laid  out  as 
will  best  include  his  improvements,  &  be  least  injurious 
to  the  adjoining  land ;  &  shall  also  produce  satisfactory 
evidence  thereof  to  said  committee,  &  at  the  same  time 
shall  make  it  appear  to  their  satisfaction  that  such  settlers 
as  they  the  said  John  &  Simeon  shall  represent  as  being 
entitled  to  the  benefits  of  this  Kesolve,  actually  settled 
upon  said  tract  before  the  first  day  of  January  1784  & 
made  seperate  improvements  thereon  according  to  the 
true  intent  of  a  Resolve  of  the  General  Court  which  was 
passed  the  twenty  fifth  day  of  Jane  1789  —  Then,  the 
said  Committee  are  directed  to  make  such  allowances  to 
the  said  John  &  Simeon  in  the  settlement  of  their  obliga- 


194  Resolves,  1790.  —  January  Session. 

tion  for  the  payment  of  Three  Thonsand  pounds  in  Con- 
solidated notes  with  Interest,  for  the  use  of  this  Common- 
wealth (to  he  made  in  the  same  way  similar  obligations 
are  adjusted)  as  shall  in  equity  be  equal  to  the  amount  of 
the  abatements  which  shall  l)e  made  to  settlers  by  the 
said  Jo/m  &  /Simeon  pursuant  to  this  Resolve. 

February  25,  1791. 


Chapter  68. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITIONS  OF  HOPKINTON,  GREENFIELD, 
CHILMARK,  BOLTON  AND  BERLIN,  ABATING  SAID  TG^VNS, 
CERTAIN  FINES  LAID  ON  THEM,  FOR  NOT  CHOOSING  REP- 
RESENTATIVES  IN  THE   YEAR,   1789. 

On  the  Petitions  of  the  Several  Towns  Vizt.  Hopkin- 
ton,  Greenfield  Ghilmark  Bolton  and  Berlin,  praying  that 
the  fines  Set  to  the  said  Towns,  respectively  for  their  neg- 
lect, in  not  Chusing  Representatives  to  represent  them  in 
the  General  Court  for  the  year  1789,  may  be  remitted. 

Resolved  that  the  prayer  of  the  said  Petitions  be 
granted ;  and  that  The  sum  of  nineteen  pounds  Set  to  the 
Town  of  Greenfield;  the  Sum  of  eighteen  pounds  set  to 
the  Town  of  Chihnark  So  the  Sum  of  twenty  two  pounds 
Set  to  the  Town  of  Bolton  &,  District  of  Berlin,  as  fines 
on  the  said  Towns,  &  District  for  their  not  Chusing 
Representatives  to  represent  them  in  the  General  Court 
in  the  year  1789  be  remitted  and  the  Treasurer  is  hereby 
directed  to  govern  himself  accordingly. 

February  24,  1791. 


Chapter  69. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  WALTER  MCPARLAND,  EMPOW- 
ERING HIM  TO  BRING  FORWARD  HIS  DEMAND,  AGAINST 
THE  ESTATE  OF  WILLIAM  AND  TEMPERANCE  GORDON, 
LATE   OF   DUNSTABLE ;  WITH   A   PROVISO. 

On  the  Petition  of  Walter  McFarland  praying  that  he 
may  have  liberty  to  bring  forward  his  demand  against  the 
Estate  of  William  &  Temperenc\_e']  Gordon  Late  oi  Dun- 
stable in  the  County  of  Middlesex  Decsd. 

Resolved  that  the  prayer  of  the  Petition  be  granted  and 
that  the  said  Walter  McFarland  is  hereby  impowered  to 
bring  forward  his  Demand  against  the  Estate  of  William 
and  Temperance  Gordon  Late  of  Dunstable  in  the  County 


Resolves,  1790.  —  Jat^uart  Session.  195 

of  Middleseks  Decsd.  and  to  commence  any  suit  or  suits 
that  may  be  necessary  for  the  recovery  of  the  same  in  the 
same  way  and  manner  the  Law  requires  for  bringing  suits 
against  Insolvent  Estates — jjrovided  the  same  be  done 
within  one  year  from  the  passing  this  Resolve,  any  law 
or  Resolve  to  the  Contrary  notwithstanding. 

February  24,  1791. 


Chapter  70. 

RESOLVE   ON  THE   PETITION   OF  JOHN  BLANCHARD. 

Whereas  a  resolve  passed  the  nineteenth  day  of  the 
[)resent  month  authorizing  John  Blanchard  to  re-enter  a 
report  of  Referrees  at  the  Court  of  Common  Pleas  next 
to  be  holden  in  &  for  the  County  of  Middlesex  on  the 
second  tuesday  of  March  next : 

And  Whereas  the  said  Court  of  Common  Pleas  next  to 
be  holden  in  &  for  the  said  County  is  by  Law  to  be  holden 
on  the  third  tuesday  of  March  next : 

Resolved  that  the  aforesaid  Resolve  shall  take  effect,  & 
the  same  proceedings  which  are  therein  required,  shall  be 
had  upon  the  third  tuesday  in  March  next — the  resolve 
aforesaid  notwithstanding.  February  24,  1791. 


Chapter  71. 

RESOLVE  ALLOWING  THE  COUNTY  TREASURER'S  ACCOUNTS 
FOR  THE  COUNTY  OF  LINCOLN,  AND  GRANTING  A  TAX  OF 
£.1000,  TO  BE  ASSESSED  ON  THE  INHABITANTS  OF  SAID 
COUNTY. 

Whereas  the  Treasurer  of  the  county  of  Lincoln  has 
laid  his  accounts  before  the  General  court  in  Manner  by 
law  prescribed,  which  accounts  are  hereby  allowed  : 

And  whereas  the  clerk  of  the  court  of  General  Sessions 
of  the  Peace  for  the  said  county  has  laid  before  the 
General  Court,  an  estimate  made  by  The  said  court  of 
General  Sessions  of  the  Peace,  of  the  necessary  charges 
likely  to  arise  within  the  said  county  the  current  year 
amounting  to  the  sum  of  fourteen  Hundred  and  thirty 
pounds  fourteen  shillings  &  one  penny  : 

Resolved  that  the  sum  of  one  Thousand  pounds  be  and 
hereby  is  granted  as  a  Tax  for  the  said  county  of  Lincoln 
to  be  apportioned  assessed,  Collected  and  applied  in  the 
manner  provided  by  law.  February  24,  1791. 


196  Besolves,  1790.  —  January  Session. 


Chapter  72. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  JOSEPH  STAPLES,  PERMIT- 
TING HIM  TO  PAY  INTO  THE  TREASURY  THE  SUM  MEN- 
TIONED, IN   CONSOLIDATED  NOTES  OF  THIS  STATE. 

.  On  the  Petition  of  Joseph  Staples  praying  that  he  may 
have  leave  to  pay  into  the  publick  Treasury  the  sum  of 
twenty  three  pounds  nme  shillings  in  the  Consolidated 
notes  of  this  commonwealth  in  discharge  of  that  sum  due 
to  the  commonwealth  on  a  Seizure  made  on  two  Hogs- 
heads of  Rum  &  a  Team  the  property  of  the  said  Staples 
in  the  year  1788. 

Resolved  that  the  prayer  of  said  Petition  be  granted  — 
and  that  the  said  Joseph  Staples  be  and  he  is  hereby  per- 
mitted to  pay  into  the  Treasury  of  this  commonwealth 
the  sum  of  twenty  tliree  pounds  nine  shillings  in  the  con- 
solidated notes  of  this  state  in  discharge  of  that  sum  due 
to  said  Commonwealth  —  and  the  Treasurer  is  hereby  di- 
rected to  rec[e]ive  the  said  sum  of  the  said  Staples  accord- 
ingly and  to  give  him  a  Keceipt  therefor;  {2)rovided  the 
same  be  paid  within  three  months  from  the  passing  of  this 
Resolve)  in  full  discharge  of  this  Commonwealth's  part 
of  a  seizur[e]  of  the  property  of  the  said  Staples. 

February  25,  1791. 

Chapter  73. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  DAVID  MITCHEL,  ESQ.  CLERK 
OF  THE  TOWN  OF  NORTH  YARMOUTH,  DIRECTING  THE 
ATTORNEY-GENERAL  TO  FORBEAR  PROSECUTING  HIM  FOR 
NEGLECT, 

On  the  Petition  of  David  Mitchel  Esq.  Clerk  of  the 
Town  of  North  Yarmouth . 

Resolved  that  the  Attorney  Genl.  be  and  he  is  hereby 
Directed  to  forbear  farther  to  prosecute  the  sd.  Peti- 
tioner for  neglecting  to  make  return  of  the  votes  of  the 
Town  of  N'orth  Yarmouth  for  Govr.  Lieut.  Govr.  and 
Senator  he  paying  any  Cost  which  may  have  already 
arisen  on  Account  of  such  neglect.     February  25,  1791. 

Chapter  74. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF   FRANCIS  NOURSE. 

On  the  Petition  of  Francis  JSTourse  praying  for  a  New 
Trial,  in  an  Action  brought  against  him,  at  the  Court  of 


Resolves,  1790.  —  January  Session.  197 

Common  Pleas  in  the  County  of  Hampshire,  on  the  sec- 
ond Tuesday  of  November  1784,  by  Mary  Alsop  Admin- 
istratrix on  the  Estate  of  Richard  Alsop,  which,  action 
together  with  all  Demands  between  the  parties,  was  sul)- 
mitted  to  a  refterrence,  and,  at  a  Subsequent  term  of  the 
said  Court,  Judgment  therein  rendered  on  the  report  of 
the  Refterrees ;  for  reasons  set  forth  in  the  said  Petition. 
Resolved,  that  the  said  Francis  Nourse,  be,  and  he  is 
hereby  permitted,  to  Enter  the  said  Action  at  the  next 
Court  of  Common  Pleas  to  be  holden  in  &  for  the  County 
of  Hampshire,  and  the  same  Proceedings  shall  be  had 
thereon,  as  tho'  the  same  had  been  re[a]gularly  continued 
from  Term  to  Term,  to  the  next  Term  of  the  said  Court, 
&  no  Judgment  had  been  rendered  thereon.  Provided  the 
said  Francis  Noiirse  Serve  the  said  Mary  Alsop,  or  her 
Attorney  who  brought  forward  the  said  Action,  with  an 
Attested  Copy  of  this  Resolve  at  least  fourteen  days  be- 
fore the  said  next  Sitting  of  the  said  Court. 

February  25,1791. 


Chapter  75. 

RESOLVE   ON   THE  PETITION  OF  PRINCE   WEST. 

On  the  petition  oi Prince  West  praying  that  a  sum  paid 
on  an  execution  in  favour  of  John  Murray  an  Absentee 
may  be  deducted  from  the  sum  due  on  the  bond  the  said 
Prince  gave  to  the  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth  — 
and  praying  that  he  may  be  permitted  to  pay  the  re- 
mainder of  the  sum  due  on  said  bond  in  Consolidated 
notes. 

Resolved  that  the  sum  of  Eighteen  jjounds  seventeen 
shillings  &  iivo  jj^nce  with  the  interest  thereon  from  the 
time  of  making  the  bond  aforesaid  be  allowed  to  the  said 
Prince  &  deducted  from  the  sum  which  may  appear  to  be 
due  on  the  said  bond,  &  the  Treasurer  is  hereby  directed 
to  govern  himself  accordingly. 

And  it  is  further  Resolved  that  the  Treasurer  is  hereb}" 
directed  to  receive  in  Consolidated  notes  of  this  Common- 
wealth, the  sum  which  may  be  found  due  on  the  aforesaid 
bond  after  making  the  deduction  abovementioned,  pro- 
vided the  same  shall  be  paid  on  or  before  the  tifteenth 
day  of  June  1791,  February  25,  1791, 


1^8  Resolves,  1790.  —  January  Session. 


Chapter  76. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  LEWIS  WHITING,  IN  BEHALF 
OF  THE  TROPRIETORS  OF  A  TRACT  OF  LAND  IN  THE  TOWN- 
SHIP OF  ORRINGTON,  EMPOWERING  THE  COMMITTEE  FOR 
THE  SALE  OF  EASTERN  LANDS  TO  PAY  THE  PROPRIETORS 
A  REASONABLE  CONSIDERATION  FOR  THE  LOT  MENTIONED, 
AND  TO  QUIET  THE   SETTLER  ON  SAID  LOT. 

On  the  petition  of  Lewis  Whiting  in  behalf  of  the  pro- 
prietors of  a  tract  of  land  in  the  township  of  Orrington 
—  in  the  County  of  Hancock. 

Resolved  that  the  committee  for  the  sale  of  Eastern 
lands  be  directed  &  empowered  to  pay  the  said  pro- 
prietors a  reasonable  consideration  for  the  lot  of  land  in 
said  township  called  the  Mann  lot,  by  deducting  such  sum 
from  the  sum  now  due  to  the  Commonwealth  from  said 
proprietors  by  their  obligation,  as  the  said  Committee 
shall  think  reasonable,  on  condition  that  the  said  proprie- 
tors, reconvey  by  good  &  lawful  deed  the  said  lot  to  this 
Commonwealth. 

And  it  is  further  Resolved  that  the  said  Committee,  be 
&  they  are  hereby  empowered  to  quiet  the  settler  on  said 
lot,  when  re-conveyed  to  this  Commonwealth  as  aforesaid, 
by  selling  the  same  to  such  settler  his  heirs  or  assigns  to 
hold  in  fee  with  warranty,  for  such  valuable  consideration 
as,  all  circumstances  considered,  the  said  Committee  shall 
judge  reasonable.  Fehrvxiry  26,  1791. 

Chapter  77. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  SAMUEL  HILL,  JOSEPH  LOVELL 
AND  JOSEPH  DAXIELS,  A  COMMITTEE  OF  THE  EAST  PARISH 
IN  MED  WAT,  REQUIRING  THE  ADMINISTRATION  OF  THE  OATH 
TO  COLLECTORS,  TO  ADAM  BULLARD  AND  NATHAN  JONES. 

On  the  petition  of  Samuel  Hill  Joseph  Lovell  and 
Joseph  Daniels  praying  that  the  oath  by  law  required  to 
be  taken  by  Collectors,  may  be  administer'd  to  Adam 
Bidlard  and  Nathan  Jones  who  were  Chosen  Collectors 
for  the  Said  East  parish  in  Medivay  for  the  year  1788. 

Resolved  for  reasons  Sett  forth  in  Said  petition  that  the 
prayer  thereof  be  granted  and  that  the  said  oath  required 
to  be  taken  by  Collectors  may  be  administered  to  the 
Said  Adam  Bidlard  and  JSTathan  Jones  and  that  they 
shall  thereupon  be  as  fully  Impovvered  to  Compleat  their 
said  Collections  and  settle  the  same  as  though  the  said 
oath  had  been  Administer'd  to  them  at  the  "time  they 
were  Chosen.  February  26,  1791. 


Kesolves,  1790.  —  January  Session.  199 


Chapter  78. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  DAVID  CHILD,  IN  BEHALF  OF 
SAMUEL  LEE,  IMPOWERING  HIM  TO  GIVE  AND  EXECUTE  A 
GOOD  DEED  OF  THE  LAND  MENTIONED. 

On  the  Petition  of  David  Child  in  behalf  of  Samuel 
Lee  a  person  lx)th  deaf  and  dumb  praying  for  Liberty  to 
exchange  the  real  Estate  of  the  said  Samuel  Lee  for  other 
real  Estate  belonging  to  Joseph  Farrar. 

Resolved  for  reasons  set  forth  in  said  petition  that  the 
prayer  thereof  be  granted  and  that  the  said  David  Child 
be  and  he  hereby  is  authorised  and  impowered  in  the 
name  of  the  said  Samuel  Lee  to  give  and  Execute  a  good 
Warrantee  Deed  of  fifty  one  acres  and  an  half  of  Land 
being  part  of  the  real  estate  of  the  said  Samuel  Lee  to 
the  said  Joseph  Farrar  and  also  in  the  name  and  behalf 
of  the  said  Samuel  Lee  to  take  a  Deed  of  forty  Eight 
acres  of  Land  being  part  of  the  real  Estate  of  the  said 
Joseph  Farrar  by  which  the  fee  of  the  real  estate  I^ast 
mentioned  shall  be  fully  Vested  in  the  said  Samuel  Lee 
his  heirs  and  assigns  forever.  February  26,  1791. 


Chapter  79. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  JOHN  STEPHENSON,  SON  OF 
JOHN  STEPHENSON,  OF  WEST  SPRINGFIELD,  DIRECTING 
JOHN  DEMING,  ESQ.  TO  CERTIFY  THE  BALANCES  DUE  TO 
THE  ESTATES  OF  THE  SAID  JOHN  STEPHENSON  AND  JOHN 
HENDRICK. 

On  the  Petition  of  John  Stephenson,  son  of  John 
Stephenson,  late  of  West  Springfield  deceased,  and  Mary 
Hendrick,  Widow  of  John  Hendrick,  late  of  said  West 
Springfield,  deceased,  both  in  the  County  of  Hampshire. 

Resolved,  that  John  Deming  Esq.  be  &  he  hereby  is 
directed,  to  certify  to  the  Govern  our  &  Council,  the  bal- 
lance  due  the  Estate  of  the  said  John  Stephenson  and 
John  Hendrick  who  were  Soldiers  in  the  Service  of  the 
United  States,  in  the  same  way  and  manner,  as  such  bal- 
lances  have  heretofore  been  certified  ;  and  that  the  said 
John  Stephenson  and  Mary  Hendrick,  shall  be  entitled  to 
receive  the  same  Accordingly,  any  Law  or  resolve  to  the 
contrary  notwithstanding.  February  26,  1791. 


200 


Resolves,  1790.  —  January  Session. 
Chapter  80. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  JOHN  DEAN,  AUTHORIZING  THE 
COLLECTOR  OF  EXCISE  FOR  THE  COUNTY  OF  SUFFOLK  TO 
MEET  WITH  THE  OTHER  CREDITORS,  AND  TO  COMPROMISE 
FOR  THE  DEBT  DUE  FROM  HIM. 

Upon  the  Petition  of  John  Dean  praying  for  relief  from 
the  debt  due  from  him  to  this  Common  Wealth. 

Resolved  That  the  prayer  of  said  Petition  be  granted, 
&  the  Collector  of  Excise  for  the  County  of  Suffolk,  is 
hereby  authorised  &  empowered  in  behalf  of  this  Com- 
monwealth, to  meet  with  the  other  Creditors  of  the  said 
John  Dean,  &  to  compromise  with  said  Dean,  for  the 
debt  due  from  him  to  this  Common  Wealth  on  the  same 
Terms  with  his  other  Creditors  &  upon  receiving  this 
Common  Wealth's  proportion  of  said  Dean's  property,  to 
give  him  a  final  discharge  therefrom,  provided  all  the 
Creditors  of  the  said  Dean  shall  also  discharge  him. 

February  26,  1791. 


Chapter  81.* 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  JEREMIAH  POTE,  ESQ.  RELEAS- 
ING TO  HIM  A  SMALL  LOT  OF  LAND  IN  THE  TOWN  OF  PORT- 
LAND. 

On  the  Petition  of  Jeremiah  Pole  Esquire  praying  that 
the  Commonwealth  would  release  to  him  their  right  in  a 
small  lot  of  land  in  the  town  of  Portland. 

Resolved  that  the  Commonwealth  do  remise,  release 
and  quit  claim  to  him  the  said  Jeremiah  Pole  and  to  his 
heirs  and  assigns  all  right,  title,  interest  and  claim  which 
the  Commonwealth  have  in  and  to  a  lot  of  land  lying  & 
being  in  Portlai^d  aforesaid  containing  about  one  hundred 
and  seven  rods  bounded  as  follows,  viz.  beginnino-  at  a 
stake  standing  one  rod  and  a  half  south  thirty  six  degrees 
east  from  the  easterly  corner  of  James  Gooding's  "(late 
Mary  Wheeler's)  dwelling  house,  thence  running  north 
thirty  six  degrees  west  fourteen  rods  &  twelve  links  to 
fore  street,  thence  east  twelve  degrees  north  ten  rods  to 
fore  river  and  extending  from  the  two  aforesaid  lines 
northeasterly  and  southeasterly  to  fore  river. 

February  26,  1791. 

*  Taken  from  court  record. 


Kesolves,  1790.  —  January  Session.  201 


Chapter  82. 

RESOLVE   ON   THE  PETITION  OF  DAVID  THAYER,  REPEALING  A 
CERTAIN  RESOLVE. 

On  the  Petition  of  David  Thayer,  praying  that  a  Re- 
solve, passed  on  the  Twenty  sixth  day  of  March  1788, 
declaring  null  &  void,  a  Judgment  recovered  by  the  said 
David  Thayer  against  Levi  Thayer  &  the  Execution  & 
all  Proceedings  thereon,  may  be  repealed. 

Resolved,  that  the  prayer  of  the  said  Petition  be  granted, 
and  that  the  afore  recited  Resolve,  be,  and  it  is  hereby 
Repealed .  February  26,1791. 

Chapter  83. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  MOSES  BRADLEY,  ATTORNEY 
TO  RUTH  PECKER,  WIDOW,  DIRECTING  THE  COMMITTEE  FOR 
METHODIZING  ACCOUNTS,  TO  CERTIFY  THE  BALANCE  DUE  TO 
THE  ESTATE  OF  JAMES  PECKER. 

On  the  petition  of  Moses  Bradley,  attorney  to  Huth 
Pecker  widow  of  Dr.  James  Pecker  late  of  Haverhill,  & 
late  Surgeon  of  Col.  Tujjper's  Regiment  praying  that  the 
Committee  for  methodizing  public  accounts  may  be  author- 
ised to  certify  the  balance  due  to  the  said  James  for  reasons 
mentioned  in  said  petition. 

Resolved  that  the  committee  for  methodizing  public 
accounts  be  &  they  hereby  are  directed  to  certify  to  the 
Governor  &  Council  the  balance  due  to  the  estate  of  the 
said  James  Pecker  who  was  a  Surgeon  in  the  service  of 
the  United  States  in  the  same  way  &  manner  as  such 
balances  have  heretofore  been  certified  ;  and  that  the  said 
Ruth  Pecker  be  entitled  to  receive  [d]  the  same  accordingly, 
any  Law  or  Resolve  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding. 

February  26,  1791. 

Chapter  84. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  THE  SELECTMEN  OF  THE  TOWN 
OF  FRYEBURG,  AUTHORIZING  THE  TREASURER  TO  DISCHARGE 
THE  SAID  TOWN  FROM  ALL  DEMANDS  THE  COMMONWEALTH, 
HAVE  AGAINST  THEM  FOR  GUNPOWDER,  &c. 

On  the  Petition  of  the  Selectmen  of  the  Town  of  Frye- 
burg,  in  behalf  of  that  Town. 

Resolved,  that  the  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth  be 
and  he  is  hereby  authorised  and  directed  to  discharge  the 


202  Resolves,  1790.  —  January  Session. 

said  Town  of  Fryeburg,  from  all  demands  which  the  Com- 
monwealth now  have  against  that  Town,  for  certain  Gun- 
powder, Lead,  and  Firearms,  supplied  to  them  by  virtue 
of  a  Kesolve  of  the  General  Court  passed  on  the  13th.  of 
July  1776  :  — This  discharge  being  made  in  consideration 
of  the  exposed  situation  of  that  Town  in  the  late  War, 
and  their  exertions  in  the  defence  of  themselves  and  their 
neighbours,  without  further  expence  to  this  State. 

February  28,  1791. 

Chapter  85. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  JOSEPH  GOWEN,  GRANTING 
HIM  £.175  2  6,  BEING  A  SUM  PAID  INTO  THE  TREASURY,  AS 
SET  FORTH  IN  HIS  PETITION. 

On  the  Petition  of  Joseph  Goiven  Administrator  of  the 
Estate  of  Joseph  Goldthwail  Esqr.  deceas'd,  praying  that 
certain  Monies  the  property  of  said  Estate  which  have 
been  paid  into  the  Treasury  of  this  Commonwealth,  may 
be  paid  unto  him  the  said  Goiven  in  his  said  Ca})acity  for 
the  benifit  of  said  Goldthwail s  Creditors. 

Resolved  that  the  prayer  thereof  be  granted  and  that 
His  Excellency  the  Governor  l)e  &  he  hereby  is  requested, 
with  the  advice  and  concent  of  Council  to  issue  his  War- 
rant to  the  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth  to  Pay  out 
of  the  Treasury  into  the  hands  of  Joseph  Gowen  in  his 
Said  Capacity  the  Sum  of  one  Hundred  &  seventy  five 
Pounds  two  shillings  &  six  pence  being  the  sum  paid  into 
the  Treasury  as  set  forth  in  said  Petition  for  the  purpose 
afore  said.  March  2,  1791. 

Chapter  86. 

RESOLVE   ON  THE  PETITION  OF  GEORGE  WARREN,  DECLARING 
A  CERTAIN  ASSESSMENT  TO  BE  LEGAL. 

On  the  Petition  of  George  Warren  agent  for  Zimri 
Hayioood  Solomon  Parker  and  David  Webb  Assessors  for 
the  town  of  Winslow  for  the  year  1781  praying  that  their 
Assessment  for  that  year  may  be  Estal)lis[7i]ed  as  it  re- 
spects certain  Settlers  adjacent  to  said  Town  of  Winsloiv. 

Resolved  that  the  Prayer  of  said  Petition  be  granted  and 
that  said  Assessment  be  and  the  same  is  hereby  declared 
to  be  legal  &  Valid. 

And  it  is  further  Resolved  that  all  the  Settlers  upon 
Kennebeck  River   who   lived    above   the   said   Town   of 


Kesolves,  1790.  —  January  Session.  203 

Winslow  at  the  time  when  the  assessment  aforesaid  was 
made,  and  who  were  assessed  in  the  same  (and  were  not 
at  that  time  assessed  as  being  adjacent  to  any  other 
town)  And  have  not  paid  the  8ums  at  which  they  were 
so  assessed,  be  &  they  are  hereby  directed  to  pay  Such 
Sums  to  the  Collector  of  said  Winslow  for  the  said  year 
1781  agreably  to  Said  Assessment. 

And" it  is  further  Resolved  that  no  action  of  tresspass 
against  said  Assessors  nor  any  action  for  money  had  & 
received  nor  any  other  action  whatever,  against  said 
assessors  for  assessing  any  of  Such  Settlers  who  at  the 
time  said  Assessment  was  made  lived  above  the  said  Town 
of  Winsloio  upon  Kennebech  River  and  belonged  to  & 
were  assessed  in  no  other  place,  shall  be  sustained  or 
maintained  in  any  Court  of  Law  in  this  Commonwealth  — 

Provided  however  that  nothing  in  the  foregoing  Resolu- 
tions shall  be  so  construed  as  to  aft'ect  any  actions  already 
commenced  &  judgment  rendered  thereon. 

March  2,  1791. 

Chapter  87. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  MARGARET  COBB,  EXECUTRIX 
TO  THE  LAST  WILL  AND  TESTAMENT  OF  EPBRAIM  COBB, 
DECEASED,  EMPOWERING  HER  TO  SELL  PART  OF  THE  SAID 
DECEASED'S   REAL   ESTATE. 

On  the  petition  of  Margaret  Cobb  Executrix  to  the 
last  Will  of  Ephraim  Cobb,  late  of  Plymouth  in  the 
County  of  Plymouth  deceased,  and  others  interested  in 
the  Estate  of  said  Ej^hraim,  praying  the  said  Margaret 
may  be  empowered  to  sell  part  of  said  deceased's  real 
Estate. 

Resolved  That  the  said  Margaret  Cobb,  be  and  she 
hereby  is  empowered  to  sell  so  much  of  said  deceased's 
real  Estate  lying  in  Barnstable  in  the  County  oi Barnstable, 
as  shall  amount  to  the  sum  of  Eighty  jjounds,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  repairing  the  buildings  &  fences  belonging  to  said 
Estate — and  the  said  Margaret  is  hereby  authorized  to 
make  sign  &  execute  in  due  form  of  Law  deeds  and  con- 
veyances for  the  land  that  may  be  by  her  sold,  pursuant 
to  this  resolution ;  which  instruments  shall  make  as  good 
a  title  to  the  purchaser  or  purchasers  as  if  made  and 
executed  by  the  said  Ephraim  Cobb  —  in  his  life  time  for 
a  valuable  consideration — provided  said  Executrix  gives 
thirty  day's  public  notice  of  such  intended  sale,  in  manner 


204  Resolves,  1790.  —  January  Session. 

and  form  prescribed  by  an  Act,  intit[u]led  "an  Act  direct- 
ing the  settlement  of  the  Estates  of  persons  deceased  and 
for  the  conveyance  of  real  Estate  in  certain  cases"  —  and 
2)rovided  also,  that  the  said  Margaret  first  give  bond  with 
sufficient  sureties  to  the  Judge  of  Probate  for  the  County 
where  the  said  deceased  last  dwelt,  that  she  will  expend 
the  money  arising  from  such  sale  in  repairing  the  buildings 
&  fences  belonging  to  the  Estate  of  said  deceased, 

March  2,  1791. 

Chapter  88. 

RESOLVE  REPEALING  A  RESOLUTION  PASSED  FEBRUARY  17, 
1785,  PROVIDING  FOR  THE  MAINTAINANCE  OF  THE  BRIDGE 
OVER  THE  RIVER  TULLY. 

Resolved  that  the  Resolution  of  the  General  Court 
passed  February  7th,  1785,  providing  that  after  the  pass- 
ing the  Said  Resolution  The  District  of  Orange  should 
forever  be  at  the  Charge  of  maintaining  the  Bridge  over 
the  River  Ttilly  —  So  Called  —  And  the  Causeway  on 
that  road  from  Said  bridge  to  the  poles  that  are  laid  on 
to  the  Little  Bridge  between  the  two  rivers  in  the  Town 
of  Athol  —  Be  and  the  Same  is  hereby  Repealed  and 
Declared  to  be  null  and  void.  March  2,  1791. 

Chapter  89. 

RESOLVE   ON  A  LETTER  FROM   NATHAN  DANE,  ESQ.  RELATIVE 
TO  PUBLIC  ACCOUNTS. 

Resolved  that  his  Excellency  the  Governour  be  re- 
quested to  Avrite  to  Nathan  Dane  Esquire  in  Answer  to 
his  Letter  oi February  9th,  1791  (representing  that  certain 
Documents  and  vouchers  are  required  by  the  Board  of 
Commissioners  for  settling  the  claims  of  the  several  States 
against  the  United  States,  in  order  to  the  passing  the 
Accounts  exhibited  by  this  Commonwealth  agreeably  to  a 
statement  thereof  inclosed  in  said  Letter)  —  directing  Mr. 
Dane  to  inform  the  Board  of  Commissioners  that  many  of 
the  receipts  and  vouchers  required  by  them  are  in  Books 
containing  other  matters  of  Importance  to  this  Common- 
wealth, by  means  whereof  it  will  be  very  inconvenient 
to  forward  sd.  Books  ;  and  that  the  Legislature  therefore 
propose  that  the  Board  of  Commissioners  appoint  some 
person  in  whom  they  place  confidence,  to  proceed  to  the 
Town   of  Boston  where  said   Books   and   vouchers   are 


Kesolves,  1790.  —  January  Session.  205 

deposited,  for  the  purpose  of  examining  the  same ;  the 
Expence  of  such  Appointment  to  be  paid  by  this  Com- 
monwealth if  required. 

Be  it  further  Resolved  that  the  Committee  for  stating 
and  Methodizing  public  Accounts  be  and  they  are  hereby 
directed  to  procure  such  further  vouchers  and  Information 
for  supporting  the  charges  made  by  this  Commonwealth 
against  the  United  States  as  may  be  requested  by  Mr. 
Dane,  and  is  in  the  power  of  said  Committee  to  obtain, 
and  to  transmit  the  same  to  the  Agent  of  this  Common- 
wealth. 

And  it  is  further  Resolved,  if  the  Board  of  Commis- 
sioners should  consider  it  as  indispensably  requisite  that 
the  Books  &  vouchers  should  be  forwarded  in  order  to 
Authenticate  and  establish  the  Charges  of  this  Common- 
wealth, that  His  Excellency  the  Governour  l)y  and  with 
the  advice  of  Council  be  requested  to  take  such  measures 
as  they  shall  judge  proper  to  forward  the  same  as  soon 
as  may  be,  to  the  care  of  the  said  Agent  and  to  issue  his 
Warrants  on  the  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth  for  the 
Amount  of  all  expences  &  charges  that  may  be  necessary 
for  the  carrying  these  Kesolves  into  effect. 

March  2,  1791. 

Chapter  90. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  EZRA  AND  RUTH  CURRIER. 
DIRECTING  THE  COMMITTEE  FOR  METHODIZING  ACCOUNTS 
TO  CERTIFY  THE  SUM  DUE  TO   CHARLES  CASSETER. 

On  the  petition  of  Uzj-a  Currier,  and  Ruth  Currier. 

Resolved  that  the  Committee  for  stateing  and  method- 
izing accounts,  be,  and  hereby  are  directed  to  certify  to 
the  Governour  and  Council,  the  Sum  or  Sums  of  Money 
which  may  appear  to  be  due  to  Charles  Casseter  for  his 
Service  in  the  Continental  Army,  for  the  first  three  years 
service  and  that  the  Governour  be  requested  with  the 
Advice  of  Council  to  issue  his  Warrant  therefor,  and  the 
Treasurer  is  hereby  directed  to  pay  the  same  to  the  lawfull 
Heirs  of  the  said  Charles  Casseter  in  the  same  way  and 
manner  that  others  have  been  paid  for  simelar  services. 

March  2,  1791. 


206  Resolves,  1790.  —  January  Session. 


Chapter  91. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  ELIPHLET  DOWNER,  GRANTING 
HIM  £.15,  FOR  HIS  LOSS  OF  A  SET  OF  CAPTITAL  SURGEON'S 
INSTRUMENTS  AT  PENOBSCOT. 

On  the  petition  of  Elipldet  Downer  praying  that  he 
may  be  allowed  paj^ment  for  a  set  of  Capital  Surgeons 
instruments  which  he  Lost  in  the  Expedition  at  Penobscot. 

Resolved  that  the  prayer  of  the  said  petition  be  granted 
and  that  there  be  allowed  and  payed  unto  Elipldet 
Downer  out  of  the  publick  treasurey  of  this  Common- 
wealth, the  sum  of  fifteen  pounds  in  full  for  his  Loss 
sustained  as  aforesaid.  March  2,  1791. 

Chapter  93. 

RESOLVE  ALLOWING  THE  ACCOUNTS  OF  THE  TREASURER  FOR 
THE  COUNTY  OF   CUMBERLAND,  AND   GRANTING  A  TAX. 

Whereas  the  Treasurer  of  the  County  of  Cumberland 
has  laid  his  accounts  before  the  Genl.  Court  in  maner 
by  law  prescribed  which  accounts  are  hereby  allowed : 

And  whereas  the  Clerk  of  the  Court  of  General  Ses- 
sions of  the  peace  for  the  said  County  has  laid  before  the 
General  Court  an  Estimate  made  by  the  said  Court  of 
General  Sessions  of  the  peace  of  the  necessary  Charges 
likely  to  arise  within  the  Said  County  the  current  year, 
amounting  to  thi-ee  Hundred  p)ounds  : 

Resolved  that  the  Sum  of  Three  Hundred  pounds  be 
and  is  hereby  granted  as  a  Tax  for  the  County  of  Cumber- 
land to  be  apportioned  assessed  collected  and  applied  in 
maner  agreable  to  Law.  March  2,  1791. 

Chapter  93. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  BENJAMIN  HALL,  JUNR.  DIRECT- 
ING THE  ATTORNEY-GENERAL  TO  STAY  PROSECUTION. 

On  the  Petition  of  Benjamin  Hall  Junr.  Town  Clerk 
of  the  Town  of  Medford  Praying  to  be  Acquitted  from 
A  Suit  brought  against  him  by  the  attorney  General  in 
favour  of  the  Common  Wealth  for  Neglecting  to  return 
Votes  for  Governour  Lt.  Governour  and  Senators  for 
Reasons  set  fourth  in  his  Petition. 

Resolved  that  the  Prayer  of  said  Petition  be  Granted 
and  that  the  attorney  General,  be  and  he  is  hereby 
directed  to  stay  any  further  Prosecution  of  said  Suit  the 
said  Benjamin  Paying  the  cost  which  has  arisen  Hitherto. 

March  2,  1791. 


Resolves,  1790.  —  January  Session.  207 


Chapter  94. 

RESOLVE    ON   THE   PETITION   OF   JOHN  KENT,  RELEASING  HIM 
FROM  THE  GOAL  IN  SPRINGFIELD. 

On  the  Petition  of  John  Kent  praying  that  he  may  be 
Releas'd  from  his  Confinement  in  Springfield  Goal. 

Resolved  for  Reasons  set  forth  in  the  Petition  that  the 
said  JoJm  Kent  be  Releas'd  from  his  confinement  in  Goal 
upon  his  paying  Cost  of  Commitm't  and  Prison  Charges, 
(the  nominal  Creditor  consenting  thereto)  and  that  the 
Sum  of  forty  eight  pounds  eight  shillings  &  tivo  pence, 
(for  which  Sum  Said  John  Kent  stands  Committed)  be 
Credited  to  Elisha  Porter  Esq.  Sherifi^"  of  the  County 
oi  Hampshire  in  his  settlement  with  the  Justices  of  the 
Supreme  Judicial  Court  for  fines.  March  3,  1791. 

Chapter  95. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  THE  TOWN  OF  NEW  GLOUCESTER, 
ABATING  TAXES. 

On  the  Petition  of  the  Town  of  JVeiv  Gloucester  praying 
for  an  abatement  of  Taxes  for  reasons  assign'd  in  said 
Petition. 

Resolved  that  there  be  abated  to  the  said  Town  of 
JSFew  Gloucester,  the  sum  oi  forty  one  pounds  six  shillings 
&  one  penny  to  be  deducted  from  what  is  due  from  said 
Town  on  Taxes  No.  6,  7  &  8  and  the  Treasurer  is  directed 
to  govern  himself  accordingly.  March  3,  1791. 

Chapter  96. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  THE  PROPRIETORS  OF  THE 
BEVERLY  COTTON  MANUFACTORY,  GRANTING  THEM  SEVEN 
HUNDRED  TICKETS,  IN  THE  SEMI  ANNUAL  STATE  LOTTERY  — 
ON  CONDITION. 

Whereas  the  Manufacture  of  Cotton  as  undertaken  by 
the  Proprietors  of  the  ^eve?-?e?/-Cotton-Manufactory,  con- 
tinues to  need  the  aid  of  Government  for  its  support,  and 
effectual  establishment,  notwithstanding  the  spirited  exer- 
tions of  the  said  Proprietors ;  and  it  appearing  to  be 
of  great  importance  to  this  Commonwealth  that  the  said 
Manufacture  should  be  pursued  : 

Resolved,  that  there  be  and  hereljy  is  granted  to  the 
said  Proprietors  four  hundred  Tickets  of  the  present  State- 
Lottery,  called  the  Semiannual  Lottery,  and  also  three 
hundred  Tickets  more  to  be  received  from  the  next  Lot- 


208  Resolves,  1790.  —  January  Session. 

tery  or  Class  which  shall  be  undertaken  by  the  Managers 
of  the  State-Lottery  of  the  same  price ;  And  the  said 
Managers  are  hereby  directed  and  authorised  to  deliver 
to  the  said  Proprietors,  their  Treasurer,  Agents,  or  Com- 
mittee, the  said  four  hundred  Tickets  from  the  Lottery 
now  in  hand,  and  the  said  three  hundred  Tickets,  from 
the  said  next  Lottery  or  Class,  as  soon  as  may  be,  after 
the  sale  thereon  shall  be  commenced,  taking  two  receipts 
of  the  said  Treasurer,  or  other  person,  to  whom  the  same 
shall  be  delivered,  for  the  Use  of  the  said  Proprietors, 
upon  each  delivery,  the  one  of  such  receipts  to  be  lodged 
with  the  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth,  and  the  other 
to  be  retained  by  the  Manager  or  Managers  who  shall 
deliver  the  same. 

Provided,  and  it  is  further  Resolved,  that  the  said  Pro- 
prietors by  their  corporate  Name,  shall  become  bound  to 
this  Commonwealth  in  the  sum  of  three  thousand  pounds, 
in  a  Bond  to  be  delivered  to  the  Treasurer,  and  to  be 
conditioned  that  the  said  Proprietors  shall  for  at  least 
seven  years  now  coming,  continue  to  prosecute  the  said 
Manufacture  at  Beverley  or  elsewhere  under  the  immediate 
direction  of  the  said  Proprietors  their  Agents  or  Servants, 
and  shall  employ  therein  with  all  reasonable  care  and 
industry  at  least  their  whole  present  Stock,  and  also  after 
the  first  day  of  July  next  an  additional  sum  of  twelve 
hundred  pounds  and  shall  deliver  with  the  said  Bond  to 
the  Treasurer,  a  correct  Inventory  of  their  said  present 
Stock.  March  4,  1791. 


Chapter  97. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  OLIVER  WENDELL,  ESQ.  AND 
OTHERS,  IN  BEHALF  OF  THE  UNIVERSITY  IN  CAMBRIDGE; 
AND  DAVID  BROWN  AND  OTHERS,  IN  BEHALF  OF  THE  TOWN 
OF  CONCORD;  AUTHORIZING  EPHRAIM  WOOD,  ESQ.  ONE  OF 
THE  EXECUTORS  OF  THE  LAST  WILL  OF  JOHN  CUMING,  ESQ. 
TO  SELL  THE  REAL  ESTATE  MENTIONED  AND  TO  GIVE  A 
DEED   THEREOF. 

On  the  [)etition  of  Oliver  Wendell  esq.  &  others  in 
behalf  of  the  University  in  Cambridge ;  &  David  Brown 
&  others  in  behalf  of  the  town  of  Concord,  praying  that 
Ephraim  Wood  esq.,  one  of  the  executors  of  the  last  will 
&  testament  of  John  Cuming  esq.  late  of  said  Concord 
deceased  may  be  authorised  &  empowered  to  sell  &  con- 
vey the  real  estate  of  the  said  John  (except  such  part 
thereof  as  is  specially  devised)  for  the  discharge  of  sun- 


Resolves,  1790.  —  January  Session.  209 

dry  legacies  mentioned  in  the  said  will,  the  personal 
estate  of  the  said  testator,  being  found  insufficient 
therefor. 

Resolved  that  for  reasons  set  forth  in  the  said  [)etition, 
the  prayer  thereof  be  granted,  &  that  Ephraim  Wood  esq. 
one  of  the  executors  of  the  last  will  &  testament  of  the 
said  Jo/m  Cuming  esq.,  be  &  he  is  hereby  authorised  & 
empowered  to  sell  at  public  or  private  sale  as  He  shall 
judge  most  for  the  interest  of  all  concerned,  the  real 
estate  of  the  said  John  (except  such  part  thereof  as  is 
specially  devised)  including  the  right  of  reversion  to  such 
of  the  real  estate  as  is  devised  to  the  widow  of  the  said 
deceased  for  life,  &  to  make  good  &  sufficient  deed  or 
deeds  to  the  purchaser  or  purchasers  thereof,  he  the  said 
executor  to  be  accountable  to  the  Judge  of  Probate  of 
Wills  for  the  County  of  Middlesex,  that  the  neat  proceeds 
thereof  be  applied  to  the  discharge  of  the  said  Legacies, 
&  conformably  to  the  intention  of  the  said  will. 

March  4,  1791. 

Chapter  98. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  EBENEZER  KEEN,  DIRECTING 
THE  COMMITTEE  FOR  METHODIZING  ACCOUNTS  TO  CERTIFY 
IN  FAVOR  OF  THE  LEGAL  HEIRS,  THE  PAY  DUE  TO  EPHRAIM 
KEEN. 

On  the  Petition  of  Ebenezer  Keen  Praying  that  he  may 
Receive  the  wages  Due  to  his  son  Ephraim  Keen  a  soldier 
who  died  in  the  army. 

Resolved  thiit  the  Committee  for  Me[a]thodizing  Pub- 
lick  Accounts,  be  &  they  hereby  are  directed  to  Certify  in  . 
favour  of  the  lawfull  heirs  of  the  said  Ephraim  Keen,  the 
pay  or  arrears  of  pay,  due  to  the  said  Epliraim  for  his 
service  as  a  soldier  in  Captain  WadswortlCs  Company  & 
Colo.  Bradford's  Regiment,  &  the  Treasurer  is  directed  to 
pay  the  sum  so  Certifyed,  in  the  same  way  &  manner  as 
other  soldiers  under  like  Circumstances  were  paid. 

March  4,  1791. 

Chapter  99. 

RESOLVE  ESTABLISHING  THE  PAY  OF  THE  HONORABLE   COUN- 
CIL, SENATE    AND    HOUSE    OF    REPRESENTATIVES. 

Resolved  that  there  be  allowed  &  paid  out  of  the 
Treasury  of  this  Commonwealth  to  each  of  the  Members 
of  the  Hon.  Council  seven  shillings  per  day  for  each  days 


210  Resolves,  1790.  —  January  Session. 

attendance  &  the  like  sum  for  every  ten  miles  Travil  — 
to  the  Members  of  the  Hon.  Senate  six  shillings  &  six 
pence  per  day  for  each  days  attendance  &  a  like  sum  for 
every  ten  miles  Travil  —  and  to  the  Members  of  the  House 
of  Representatives  six  shillings  per  day  for  each  days 
attendance  &  a  like  sum  for  every  ten  miles  travil  and 
that  the  Treasurer  be  directed  to  borrow  Moneys  sufficient 
for  the  above  purposes  and  to  repay  the  same  out  of  any 
Taxes  not  already  appropriated  and  be  it  further 

Resolved  that  there  be  allowed  &  paid  as  above  to  the 
Hon.  Samuel  Phillips  Esq.  President  of  the  Senate  &  to 
the  Hon.  David  Cobb  Esq.  Speaker  of  the  House  of  Rep- 
resentatives/ye  shillings  each,  for  every  days  attendance 
over  and  above  their  pay  as  Meml)ers  of  the  Legaslature 
as  above  stated.  March  4,  1791. 

Chapter  100. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  CALEB  DAVIS,  ESQ.  REMITTING 
THE  HALF-PENNY  PER  POUND  ON  BROAVN  SUGAR,  TO  ALL 
SUGAR  BOILERS  OR  REFINERS  OF  SUGAR,  UPON  SUCH  BROWN 
SUGARS  AS  HAVE  BY  THEM  BEEN  MANUFACTURED  -  WITH  A 
PROVISO. 

On  the  Petition  of  Caleb  Davis  Esquire,  &  others. 

Resolved  That  the  duty  of  half  a  penny  per  pound  on 
brown  Sugar,  as  set  in  an  Act  intitled,  "  An  Act  to  raise 
a  public  Revenue  by  Excise  &  to  regulate  the  Collection 
thereof"  passed  on  the  third  Day  of  March  last,  be  re- 
mitted to  all  Su^ar  Boilers,  or  refiners  of  Sugar,  upon  such 
brown  Sugars  as  shall  have  been  by  them  refined  &  manu- 
factured into  loaf  Sugar  within  this  Commonwealth  :  Pro- 
vided the  Susar-refiners  shall  make  oath  to  the  quantity 
of  brown  Sugars  so  manufactured  &  refined  by  them  when 
they  settle  their  Excise  accounts  with  the  Collectors  of 
Excise  — And  the  Collectors  of  Excise  are  hereby  directed 
to  take  notice  of  this  Resolution  &  to  govern  themselves 
accordingly,  any  law  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding. 

Marcli  4,  1701. 


Chapter  101. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  JOHN  DE  POLERESKT,  DIRECT- 
ING THE  SECRETARY  TO  GIVE  HIM  A  CERTIFICATE  OF  HIS 
NATURALIZATION. 

On  the  Petition  of  Mr.  John  De  Poleresky  of  Pownal- 
horough  Husbandman  ~  praying  that  a  Certificate  may  be 


Resolves,  1790.  —  January  Session.  211 

granted  to  him,  under  the  Hand  of  the  Secretary,  of  his 
having  been  duly  naturalized  by  the  Legislature  of  this 
Commonwealth,  and  that  he  may  be  entitled  to  enjoy  all 
the  Benefits  of  a  free  Citizen  of  the  Commonwealth  to  all 
Intents  and  purposes,  without  paying  any  money  therefor. 
Resolved,  That  the  Prayer  of  the  said  Petitioner  be 
granted  ;  it  appearing,  by  the  Certificate  of  James  Tupper, 
one  of  the  Selectmen  of  Pownalborom/h,  as  well  as  from 
the  Certificate  of  the  honourable  Jonathan  Bowman  Esqr. 
of  the  same  Town,  and  from  others  Inhabitants  of  the  said 
Town,  that  the  Petitioner  lives  upon  his  own  Farm  in  that 
Town,  and  since  his  being  an  Inhabitant  there  that  he 
hath  followed  no  other  Business  than  that  of  an  Husband- 
man. And  the  Secretary  is  hereby  ordered  and  Directed 
to  make  out  and  deliver  such  Certificate,  so  prayed  for,  to 
the  Petitioner,  without  the  said  Petitioner's  paying  any 
Duty  for  his  naturilazatiou.  March  5,  1791. 

Chapter  103. 

RESOLVE  RESPECTING  THE  ACCOUNTS  OF  COUNTY  TREASURERS. 

Besolved  that  from  and  after  the  present  Session  of  the 
General  Court  —  when  any  County  Treasurers  account 
shall  be  laid  before  the  General  Court  for  examination 
and  allowance  If  each  charge  shall  plainly  express  the 
purpose  for  which  such  money  was  paid  — And  the  account 
shall  be  accompanied  with  a  certificate  from  the  Clerk  of 
the  Court  of  general  Sessions  of  the  Peace  certifying  that 
the  accounts  accompanying  are  right  cast  &  well  vouched 
&  that  the  several  sums  therein  charged  were  paid  by 
order  of  the  Court  of  general  Sessions  of  the  Peace  in 
such  County  —  and  that  the  same  has  been  allowed  by  the 
sd.  Court  —  such  certificate  shall  be  considered  as  a  suffi- 
cient voucher  to  the  County  Treasurers  accounts  that  may 
be  laid  before  the  General  Court  for  allowance. 

March  3,  1791. 

Chapter  103. 

RESOLVE  EXTENDING  THE  TIME  FOR  THE  COMMITTEE  TO 
MAKE  A  FINAL  SETTLEMENT  WITH  MESSRS  GORHAM  AND 
PHELPS,  AND   REPORT. 

Whereas  a  Resolve  passed  the  General  Court  on  Feb- 
ruary 19th.  1791  appointing  Samuel  Phillips  Esquire  and 
others  a  committee  with  full  power  to  make  a  final  and 


212  Besolves,  1790.  —  Jaj^uary  Session. 

Absolute  settlement  with  Nathaniel  Gorham  and  Oliver 
Phelps  Esquires,  relative  to  a  Bond  mentioned  in  said 
Resolve  with  directions  to  make  report  of  their  doings 
to  the  General  Court  in  fourteen  days  from  the  passing 
thereof — And  it  is  found  difficult  for  said  Committee  to 
compleat  the  necessary  writings  within  that  time  :  be  it 
therefore 

Resolved  that  a  further  time  of  six  days  be  allowed  said 
Committee  for  the  purposes  aforesaid,  the  above  recited 
Resolve  to  the  Contrary  notwithstanding. 

March  5,  1791. 

Chapter  104. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  DUDLEY  TYLER,  DIRECTING 
THE  COMMITTEE  FOR  SETTLING  WITH  THE  ARMY,  TO  CER- 
TIFY THE   SUM  DUE   FOR  SERVICES   PERFORMED. 

On  the  Petition  of  Dudley  Tyler  Late  a  Lieutenant  in 
the  Massachusetts  Line  of  the  Army. 

Resolved  that  the  prayer  of  the  Said  petition  be  Granted 
—  And  that  the  Committee  for  Settling  with  the  Arniy, 
Be  and  they  hereby  are  Authorised  to  make  up  and  Certify 
the  sum  Due  the  sd,  Dudley  Tyler  for  Services  actually 
performed  —  and  the  Treasurer  is  Directed  to  pay  the 
Same  in  the  usual  manner,  provided  he  shall  Receive  a 
warrant  from  the  Governor  and  Council  for  that  purpose, 
the  Said  Tyler  Being  Returned  absent  without  Leave 
Not  withstanding.  March  5,  1791. 

Chapter  105. 

RESOLVE  DIRECTING  THE  TREASURER  TO  RECEIVE  OF  THE 
HONORABLE  ELEAZAR  BROOKS,  ESQ.  £.26  175.  AND  DIS- 
CHARGE HIM  IN  FULL  IN  BEHALF  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF 
SECRECY. 

Whereas  the  late  Joseph  Palmer  esquire  formerly  one 
of  the  Committee  of  Secrecy,  preferred  a  petition  to  this 
Court  the  28th.  May  1788  praying  that  the  said  Com- 
mittee may  be  discharged  of  the  sum  of  tivo  hundred 
pounds,  received  in  bitls  of  the  old  emission  in  1777  : 
&  as  it  appears  that  there  is  in  the  hands  of  the  hon  : 
Eleazar  Brooks  esq.  the  sum  of  twenty  six  pounds^  seven- 
teen shillings  in  the  said  bills,  which  was  lodged  with  him 
by  the  said  Palmer,  as  the  unexpended  part  of  the  said 
two  hundred  pounds : 


Eesolves,  1790.  —  January  Session.  213 

Resolved  that  the  Treasurer  be  &  he  is  hereby  directed 
to  receive  of  the  said  hon.  Eleazar  Broolcs  esq.  the  said 
bills  amounting  to  Twenty  six  j)Oiinds,  seventeen  shillings 
&  to  give  him  a  discharge  in  full,  in  behalf  of  the  said 
Committee  for  the  said  sum  of  two  hundred  pounds. 

March  5,  1791. 


Chapter  106. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  GEORGE  JOHNSON  AND  OTHERS, 
INDIANS,  NATIVES  OF  THE  ISLAND  OF  CHAPPAQUIDDICK, 
GRANTING  THE  SUM  OF  £.12,  TO  BE  APPROPRIATED  TO  DIS- 
CHARGE THE  DEBT  MENTIONED. 

On  the  Petition  of  George  Johnson  &  others  Indian 
Natives  of  The  Island  of  Ohappaquiddick  in  Dukes  count i/, 
for  reasons  set  forth  in  said  petition. 

Resolved  That  there  be  paid  out  of  The  Treasury  of 
this  commonwealth,  unto  William  Jernigan  and  William 
Mayheio :  Guardians  of  said  Indians,  the  sum  oi  Twelve 
Pounds  to  be  appropriated  to  the  purposes  following :  to 
wit :  seven  Pounds  to  Discharge  the  Debt  the  said  Indians 
contracted  in  Their  late  settlement  of  said  Island  :  and  two 
Pounds  ten  shillings  to  build  a  Pound  on  the  land  of  Said 
natives  and  also  Two  pounds  Ten  shillings  for  the  Relief 
of  the  Poor  Indians  named  in  said  Petition  :  the  said  Guar- 
dians to  be  accountable,  to  the  Governour  and  Council  for 
the  expenditure  of  the  same.  March  5,  1791. 


Chapter  107. 

RESOLVE   ON  THE   PETITION  OF   GAMALIEL  BISBE. 

On  the  petition  of  Gamaliel  Bisbe  administrator  on  the 
estate  of  Lott  Dwelle  late  of  Pembrol'[e]  deceas'cl,  who 
was  a  Soldier  in  the  Continental  Army  setting  forth  that 
his  wages  w^ere  drawn  by  a  forged  Order, 

Resolved  that  the  prayer  thereof  ])e  granted  &  that  the 
Treasurer  of  this  Common'ath.  be  &  he  is  hereby  directed 
to  pay  to  the  said  Gaml.  Bishy  or  order,  what  may  be 
found  due  to  the  Estate  of  the  aforesaid  Lott  Divelle 
deceiis'd,  the  wages  being  drawn  by  a  forged  Order  not- 
withstanding. March  5,  1791. 


214  Kesolves,  1790.  —  January  Session. 


Chapter  108. 

RESOLVE  DIRECTING  THE  TREASURER  TO  SUBSCRIBE  TO  THE 
LOAN  PROPOSED  BY  AN  ACT  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES,  AND 
TO  FORWARD  THE  CERTIFICATES  AND  BILLS  OF  CREDIT  TO 
THE  TREASURER  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES,  FOR  SAID  PUR- 
POSE. 

Resolved,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth  be 
and  he  hereby  is  directed  to  Subscribe  to  the  Loan  pro- 
posed by  the  Act  of  Congress  making  provision  for  the 
debt  of  the  United  States  to  the  amount  of  the  Certificates 
and  bills  of  Credit  now  in  the  Treasury,  receivable  on 
account  of  said  Loan  —  and  to  procure  from  the  Com- 
missioner of  Loans,  Certificates  (as  nearly  as  may  be  of 
one  thousand  dollars  each)  to  the  amount  of  the  sum  by 
him  subscribed,  purporting  that  the  United  States  owe 
this  Commonwealth  —  and  the  Certificates  thus  obtained 
to  lodge  in  the  public  Treasury  —  and  from  time  to  time 
to  receive  the  Interest  payable  thereon  as  the  same  may 
become  due  — 

And  whereas  by  the  regulations  adopted  towards  carry- 
ing into  execution  the  Act  of  Congress  aforesaid,  it  will 
l)e  necessary  that  part  of  the  evidences  of  the  domestic 
debt  of  the  United  States,  belonging  to  this  Common- 
wealth should  be  loaned  at  the  Treasury  of  the  United 
States  — 

Resolved  That  the  Treasurer,  be  and  he  hereby  is 
directed  to  forward  the  same  to  the  Treasury  of  the  United 
States  for  the  purpose  aforesaid,  and  when  Loaned  to 
cause  the  same  to  be  transferred  from  the  books  of  the 
Treasury  to  the  books  of  the  Commissioner  of  Loans  for 
this  State,  and  for  that  purpose  to  authorize  some  suitable 
person  to  do  all  lawful  Acts  requisite  for  effecting  the 
same,  and  also  for  receiving  the  Interest  that  may  be  due 
on  any  part  thereof  prior  to  such  transfer  — 

And  it  is  further  Resolved,  That  the  Treasurer  aforesaid 
—  be  and  he  hereby  is  directed  to  forward  the  Certificates 
signed  by  Timothy  Pickering  now  in  the  Treasury  of  this 
Commonwealth  to  the  Treasury  of  the  United  States  for 
payment.  March  5,  1791. 

Chapter  109. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  MARY  PARKER. 

Whereas  it  appears  to  this  Court  that  the  Schooner 
Polly  of  which  Benjamin  Parker  was  late  Master  together 


Kesolves,  1790.  —  January  Session.  215 

with  her  cargo,  condemned  as  forfeit  by  the  Supreme 
Judicial  Court  holden  at  Boston  within  and  for  the  County 
of  Suffolk  on  the  third  Tuesday  of  February  last  past  two 
thirds  to  the  use  of  the  Commonwealth  and  one  third  to 
the  use  of  James  Lovell  Esq.  Collector  of  Impost  and 
Excise,  was  forfeited  through  the  mistake  and  ignorance 
of  the  said  Benjamin  Parker  and  not  from  any  intention 
of  defrauding  the  Commonwealth  of  any  part  of  the 
revenue,  and  whereas  execution  was  on  the  thirtieth  day 
of  April  last  past  issued  by  the  said  Court  consequent 
upon  the  said  condemnation  against  the  said  Benjamin 
Parker  and  his  Bondsmen  for  the  appraised  value  of  the 
said  Vessel  and  cargo  together  with  the  costs  of  prosecu- 
tion :  therefore 

Resolved  that  such  part  of  the  said  forfeiture  as  accrues 
to  the  use  of  this  Commonwealth  by  the  said  condemna- 
tion be  and  the  same  hereby  is  remitted  to  the  said  Benja- 
min Parker  his  Executors  and  Administrators ;  and  the 
Sheriff  or  his  deputy  to  whom  the  said  execution  is 
committed  is  hereby  directed  to  return  the  same  satisfied 
upon  payment  being  first  made  to  him  of  such  part  of  the 
monies  therein  mentioned  as  belong  to  the  said  Collector 
for  his  own  use  together  wdth  all  the  costs  of  prosecution, 
any  law  or  resolve  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding. 

March  7,  1791. 


Chapter  110. 

RESOLVE  DIRECTING  THE  TREASURER  TO  DELIVER  THE  BONDS 
OF  MR.  SHERIFF  HYDE,  TO  THE  ATTORNEY-GENERAL,  AND 
DIRECTING  HIM  IN  THIS  CASE. 

Resolved  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth 
deliver  to  the  Attorney  General  the  bonds  given  by  Caleb 
Hyde  as  Sheriff  of  the  County  of  Berkshire,  &  the  Attor- 
ney General  is  hereby  directed  to  put  the  said  bonds  in 
suit  as  soon  as  may  be  after  the  receipt  of  the  same,  & 
obtain  such  security  as  shall  be  in  his  power,  to  satisfy 
the  judgement  this  Commonwealth  may  recover  against 
said  Hyde  —  &  the  Treasurer  is  also  directed  to  issue  an 
alias,  or  pluries  Execution  as  shall  be  proper  against  Wil- 
liam Gh-eenleaf  late  Sheriff  of  the  County  of  Worcester 
&  deliver  the  same  to  the  Sheriff  of  the  said  County  for 
immediate  service.  March  7,  1791, 


216  Resolves,  1790.  —  January  Session. 


Chapter  111. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  JOHN  MORE,  DIRECTING  THE 
JUDGE  OF  PROBATE  FOR  THE  COUNTY  OF  YORK,  TO  ENQUIRE 
INTO  THE  REPRESENTATION  RESPECTING  THE  INSANITY  OF 
PAUL  Mc DANIEL,  AND  EMPOWERING  HIM    IN    THIS  CASE. 

On  the  Petition  of  John  More  praying  that  some  suitable 
person  may  be  appointed  to  take  proper  care  of  Paul 
McDaniel  resident  in  Washington  an  unincorporated 
plantation  in  the  county  of  Yorh  and  support  him  at  the 
Expence  of  Government  during  his  Insanity. 

Resolved  for  the  reasons  therein  set  forth  that  the  Judge 
of  Probate  for  the  County  of  York  be  &  he  hereby  is 
directed  to  enquire  into  the  Truth  of  the  Representation 
respecting  the  Insanity  of  the  said  Pa.ul  in  such  way  as 
to  the  said  Judge  may  appear  expedient  and  if  he  shall  be 
satisfied  that  the  said  Paul  is  really  insane  then  the  said 
Judge  is  empowered  and  directed  to  appoint  some  suitable 
person  as  Guardian  to  the  said  Paul  which  Guardian  so 
appointed  is  directed  to  take  proper  care  of  &  support 
the  said  Paul  during  his  Insannity  and  defray  the  Expence 
thereof  out  of  the  Estate  of  the  said  Paid  if  any  such 
Estate  can  be  found  and  if  no  such  Estate  can  be  found 
sufficient  to  defray  the  Expence  of  supporting  the  said 
Paul  then  the  said  Guardian  who  may  be  appointed  in 
manner  aforesaid  is  directed  annualy  to  lay  his  Account 
for  the  support  of  the  soXdiPaul  (deducting  therefrom  such 
sum  or  sums  as  may  be  derived  from  the  Estate  of  the 
said  Paul  if  any  such  Estate  can  be  found)  before  the 
General  Court  for  Examination  allowance  &  payment, 
Provided  such  charge  shall  not  exceed  five  shillinr/  pr. 
week.  March  7,  1791. 

Chapter  112. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  THE  SELECTMEN  OF  THE 
TOWN  OF  ALFORD,  ABATING  SAID  TOWN  CERTAIN  TAXES. 

On  the  Petition  of  the  Town  of  Alford  shewing  that 
in  runing  the  Line  between  this  Commonwealth  and  the 
State  of  New  York,  532  acres  of  Land  and  nine  polls  have 
been  taken  oil"  from  the  said  Town  of  Alford,  and  praying 
for  abatement  of  Taxes. 

Resolved  that  there  be  abated  to  the  said  Town  of  Al- 
ford, six  pounds  nine  shillings  and  nine  pence  part  of  Tax 
number  six ;  four  pounds  five  shillings  and   one  penny, 


Resolves,  1790.  —  Januaey  Session.  217 

part  of  Tax  number  seven  and  also  three  pounds  nineteen 
shillings  and  two  pence  part  of  Tax  number  eight. 

And  it  is  further  resolved,  that  in  all  Taxes,  subsequent 
to  tax  number  eight  under  the  present  valuation,  the 
Treasurer  of  the  said  Commonwealth  be  and  he  hereby  is 
directed  to  deduct  one  twelfth  part  of  the  said  Town  of 
Alford's  proportion  of  every  such  Tax  previous  to  issuing 
his  warrant  to  the  Assessors  of  said  Town  for  assessing 
the  same.  March  8,  1791. 

Chapter  113. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  JOSEPH  AND  GEORGE  TYLER, 
EMPOWERING  THE  COMMITTEE  FOR  THE  SALE  OF  EASTERN 
LANDS,  TO  MAKE  SALE  OF  DEER  ISLAND  AND  SHEEP  IS- 
LAND—WITH A  PROVISO. 

Whereas  by  a  resolve  passed  the  General  Court  3Iarch 
24  1788,  the  Islands  of  Deer  Island  &  Sheep  Island  es- 
timated to  contain  16,875  Acres  were  granted  to  Joseph  & 
George  Tyler,  on  condition  of  their  laying  out  to  each 
person  settled  on  the  said  Island  before  the  1st.  of  Jan- 
uary 1784,  one  hundred  acres  of  land  to  include  the  im- 
provements of  such  Settler  and  for  which  the  said  Settlers 
were  to  pay  Jive  dollars  each ;  and  on  the  further  condi- 
tion that  the  said  Joseph  &  George  should  pay  into  the 
treasury  of  this  Commonwealth  the  sum  of  one  hundred  & 
sixty  three  pounds  io  specie  within  15  months,  &  also  the 
sum  of  tw^o  hundred  &  sixty  five  pounds  in  consolidated 
notes  of  this  Commonwealth  within  three  months  from 
passing  the  said  resolve  : 

Resolved,  that,  as  the  said  Joseph  &  George  have  not 
paid  any  part  of  either  of  the  said  sums  altho'  the  time 
conditioned  on  the  part  of  the  Commonwealth  has  long 
ago  expired,  the  Committee  for  the  sale  of  Eastern  lands 
be  and  they  are  hereby  empowered  &  directed  to  make 
sale  of  the  said  Deer  Island  &  Sheep  Island  in  the  same 
way  &  manner  as  tho'  such  resolve  of  the  24th.  March 
1788  had  not  been  passed.  Provided  always  that  such  of 
the  Inhabitants  or  Settlers  on  the  said  Islands,  who  were 
settled  on  said  Islands  before  the  1st.  oi  January  1784  & 
were  entitled  to  have  one  hundred  acres  of  land  laid  out 
to  them  as  aforesaid,  and  who  shall  produce  sufficient  evi- 
dence that  they  have  actually  had  such  hundred  acres  laid 
out  to  them,  &  have  complied  wdth  the  terms  required 
of  them  by  the  said  resolve  of  March  24,  1788  shall  be 


218  Resolves,  1790.  —  January  Session. 

quieted  &  confirmed  in  their  said  settlements  according  to 
the  true  intent  &  meaning  of  the  said  Resolve. 

March  7,  1791. 

Chapter  114. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  SAMUEL  BOLTWOOD,  PER- 
MITTING HIM  TO   PAY  A  FINE  IN  CONSOLIDATED  NOTES. 

On  the  Petition  of  Samuel  Boltwood  preying  that  a  Fine 
of  Sixty  pounds,  laid  on  him  for  passing  Counterfiet 
Money  may  be  discharged  in  public  Securities. 

Resolved  That  the  Petitioner  be  and  he  is  hereby  per- 
mitted to  pay  said  Fine  to  the  Sheriff  of  the  County  of 
Hampshire  in  the  consolidated  Notes  of  this  Common 
Wealth,  provided  the  same  be  paid  within  Three  Months 
from  the  Time  of  passing  this  Resolve. 

March  8,  1791. 

Chapter  115. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  THE  SELECTMEN  OF  THE 
TOWN  OF  FRANKLIN,  EMPOWERING  THEM  TO  PROVIDE  FOR 
ALEXANDER   REED. 

Upon  the  Petition  of  the  Selectmen  of  the  Town  of 
Franklin  in  the  County  of  Suffolk  concerning  one  Alix- 
ander  Reed  now  Residing  in  said  Town  of  Franklin  who 
was  bound  out  by  the  Selectmen  of  the  Town  of  Wren- 
tham  by  virtue  of  a  Resolve  of  the  General  Court  Pased 
on  the  seventh  Day  of  November  A,  D.  1770  the  said 
Alexander  being  then  Considered  as  the  Poor  of  this 
state. 

Resolved  that  the  Selectmen  of  Said  Franklin  be  and 
they  hereby  are  impowered  to  take  care  and  Provide  for 
the  said  Alixander  Reed  &  by  and  with  the  advice  of  two 
Justices  of  the  Peace  to  set  to  work  or  bind  out  to  ser- 
vice the  Said  Alixander  in  the  same  w^ay  &  manner  as 
Selectmen  are  empowered  to  bind  out  the  Poor  &  idle 
Persons  of  their  respective  Towns  agreeably  to  a  Law 
made  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  1789  intitled  an  act  for  the 
support  of  the  Poor  —  And  that  the  ex})ence  that  may  be 
incured  by  the  Selectmen  oi  Franklin  afore  said,  for  the 
necessary  support  &  maintainance  of  said  Alixander  be 
Laid  before  the  General  Court  for  allowance  &  Payment, 
any  Resolve  to  the  contrary  not  withstanding. 

March  8,  1791. 


Eesolves,  1790.  —  Januaet  Session.  219 


Chapter  116. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  EZRA  BE  A  MAN,  IN  BEHALF 
OF  BOSTON  ALLEN,  DIRECTING  THE  COMMITTEE  TO  CER- 
TIFY THE  BALANCE  DUE. 

On  the  Petition  of  £Jzt^a  Beaman  in  Behalf  of  the  Heir 
of  Boston  Allen  late  a  private  Soldier  in  Colo.  Bigelow's 
Regiment  in  the  Continental  Army. 

Resolved  That  the  late  Committee  for  settling  with  the 
Army  be  authorized  and  they  are  hereby  authorized  to 
certify  to  his  Excellency  the  Governor  and  Council  of  this 
Common  Wealth  the  Ballance  which  is  due  to  the  said 
Boston  Allen  for  his  Services  in  the  Army  any  Law  or 
Resolve  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding. 

March  8.  1791. 


Chapter  117. 

RESOLVE  DISCHARGING  BENJAMIN  GREENLEAF,  ESQ.  AND 
OTHERS,  A  COMMITTEE  TO  HIRE  VESSELS,  PURCHASE  FLOUR, 
&c.  FROM   £.18000. 

On  the  Memorial  of  Walter  8pooner  Moses  Gill  & 
Thos.  Durfee  Esqs. 

Whereas  by  a  resolve  of  the  General  Court  of  the  17th. 
day  of  February  1776  The  sum  of  Eighteen  thousand 
pounds,  was  ordered  to  be  paid  out  of  the  Treasury  of  this 
Commonwealth  to  Benjamin  Greenleaf,  Walter  Spooner, 
Moses  Gill,  Daniel  Davis,  77iomas  Durfee,  Josiah  Bach- 
eldor  and  Ralph  Cross,  a  Committee  appointed  for  the 
purpose  of  hiring  Vessels  &  purchasing  flour  Rice  &  Iron 
from  the  Southern  States  for  the  use  of  the  said  Com- 
monwealth :  And  whereas  it  appears  that  the  said  sum  of 
Eighteen  thousand  pounds  was  paid  to  the  Honble.  James 
Warren  Esq.  who  was  then  Paymaster  to  the  Troops  sta- 
tioned at  Cambridge,  who  in  exchange  for  said  sum, 
drew  a  Bill  for  the  same  amount  on  the  President  of 
Congress  }5ayable  to  the  said  Committee  to  enable  them 
[to']  purchase  the  aforesaid  articles ;  which  articles  to  a 
considerable  amount  were  purchased  and  delivered  to 
the  Commissary  General  of  this  Commonwealth :  And 
whereas  it  farther  appears  that  the  accounts  of  the  aliove 
transactions  so  far  as  the  aforesaid  Committee  were  con- 
cerned have  long  since  been  settled  &  adjusted  by  the 
Committee  for  methodizing  the  public  accounts  ; 


220  Resolves,  1790.  —  January  Session. 

Therefore  Resolved,  That  the  aforesaid  Benjamin  Green- 
leaf,  Walter  Spooner,  Moses  Gill,  Thomas  Durfee,  Daniel 
Davis,  Josiah  Bacheldor  &  Ralph  Cross,  be,  and  they 
hereby  are  discharged  from  the  aforesaid  warrant  of 
Eighteen  thousand  pounds.  March  8,  1791. 


Chapter  118.* 

RESOLVE   ON  THE   PETITION  OF  THE  TOWN  OF   MED  WAY. 

On  the  petition  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Med- 
way  praying  that  the  line  between  the  town  of  Medway 
and  Sherburn  may  be  established. 

Ordered  that  the  petitioners  notify  the  inhabitants  of 
the  town  of  Sherburn  by  serving  the  town  Clerk  of  said 
town,  thirty  days  before  the  second  Wednesday  of  the 
first  session  of  the  next  General  Court,  with  an  attested 
copy  of  their  petition  and  this  order  thereon,  then  to  ap- 
pear and  shew  cause  if  any  they  have  why  the  prayer  of 
said  petition  should  not  be  granted.  March  8,  1791. 


Chapter  119. 

RESOLVE    ON    THE    PETITION    OF    THE    PROPRIETORS    OF    THE 
TOWN   OF   LUNENBURG. 

On  the  Petition  of  the  Proprietors  of  the  Town  of 
Lunenburg. 

Resolved  that  the  Proprietors  of  said  Town  oi  Lunen- 
burg be  &  they  hereby  are  Permitted  to  Deposit  the 
money  arriseing  by  the  sale  of  the  remains  of  their  undi- 
vided Lands,  (for  which  the  owners  have  not  made  appli- 
cation) in  the  Treasury  of  the  said  Town  of  Lunenburg 
takeing  the  Treasurer's  Receipt  therefor  &  makeing  a 
Record  of  the  same  in  the  Pro})rietors  Book  of  Records 
—  such  money  to  Remain  in  the  said  Treasurer's  office 
without  interest  untill  applied  for  by  the  Lawfull  owners 
or  their  Legal  Representatives  —  &  the  said  Proprietors 
are  hereby  Directed  to  Publish  this  Resolve  with  their 
Doings  thereon  three  weeks  successively  in  the  Independ- 
ent Chronicle  as  soon  as  may  be,  the  Expences  of  such 
Publication  to  be  Defrayed  out  of  the  monies  aforsaid. 

March  8,  1791. 


Taken  from  court  record. 


Resolves,  1790.  —  January  Sessiok.  221 


Chapter  130. 

RESOLVE   ON  THE    PETITION    OF    THE    SELECTMEN    OF   STOCK- 
BRIDGE,   ABATING   CERTAIN   ASSESSMENTS. 

On  the  petition  of  the  Selectmen  of  the  Town  of  Stock- 
bridge. 

Resolved,  That  there  be  and  hereby  is  abated  to  said 
Town  of  Stockbi'idge,  one  hundred  thirteen  pounds  1/11| 
being  the  amount  of  several  assessments  on  the  Indians  in 
said  Town  and  committed  to  Indian  Collectors  to  Collect, 
from  the  year  1753  to  1757  both  inclusive  —  and  the 
further  sum  of  one  hundred  and  tioo  pounds  seven  shillings 
&  two  ])ence  being  the  amount  of  taxes  assessed  on  the 
Indians  in  said  Town  in  the  years  1759  &  1760  and  Com- 
mitted to  HendricTc  Wagpont  to  Collect  —  and  the  Treas- 
urer is  directed  to  govern  himself  accordingly. 

And  it  is  further  Resolved  that  the  Treasurer  of  the 
Commonwealth  is  hereby  directed  to  Credit  said  Town  of 
jStockbj'idge  three  j^oimds  seven  shillings  &  21  assessed  on 
said  Town  in  the  year  1748 — and  also  to  CTredit  Stephen 
JSTash  one  of  the  Collectors  of  the  Town  of  Stockbridge  in 
YilZ,  fifteen  pounds  being  the  sum  received  of  him  by  a 
Committee  of  said  Town  to  defray  the  expence  of  sending 
messages  into  Canada,  and  to  the  Western  Indians,  pur- 
suant to  a  resolve  of  the  Provincial  Congress  in  1775. 

March  8,  1791. 

Chapter  131. 

RESOLVE    FOR    THE    DISPOSING    OF    THE    WESTERN    LANDS    TO 
SAMUEL    OGDEN. 

Resolved  that  the  Hon.  Samuel  Phillips,  Nathaniel 
Wells,  David  Cobb,  William  Eustis  &  Thomas  Davis 
Esqrs.  be  a  Committee  with  full  power  and  authority  to 
bargain  and  sell  to  Samuel  Ogden  and  his  heirs  and  assigns 
all  and  singular  the  right  of  pre-emption  and  all  other  the 
title  and  interest  of  this  Commonwealth  in  &  unto  all  that 
Tract  of  Land  lying  in  the  State  of  New  York  the  right 
of  pre-emption  whereof  the  State  of  New  York  ceded 
granted  released  &  confirmed  to  this  Commonwealth  their 
Grantees  and  the  heirs  and  Assigns  of  such  Grantees  for- 
ever saving  and  excepting  such  part  or  parts  of  said  Tract 
the  right  of  preemption  whereof  this  Commonwealth  has 
ceded  and  granted  to  the  United  States  of  America  and 


222  Resolves,  1790.  —  January  Session. 

also  saving  &  excepting  such  part  or  parts  of  the  same 
Tract  the  pre-em[^]tive  right  to  which  now  belongs  to 
Nathaniel  Gorham  &  Oliver  Phelps  Esqrs.  their  heirs  or 
Assigns  by  virtue  of  any  Grant  or  Confirmation  from  this 
Commonwealth,  however  the  same  Tract  is  or  may  be 
bounded  or  described  &  also  reserving  one  undivided 
sixtieth  part  of  sd.  Tract  excepting  such  parts  thereof  as 
belong  to  the  said  United  States  and  said  Gorham  & 
Phelps  by  Virtue  of  any  Cession  from  this  Commonwealth 

—  for  the  consideration  of  one  hundred  thousand  pounds 
to  be  paid  in  the  following  manner,  viz  Seven  thousand 
jive  hundred  pounds  in  three  months  from  the  signing  the 
deed,  Seven  thousand  Jive  hundred  pounds  in  Six  months 

—  and  Jif teen  thousand  jwimds,  annually  until  the  whole 
is  paid,  with  Interest  at  Six  ^  Centiun  ^  annum  after  Six 
months,  from  the  date  of  the  conveyance  upon  each  and 
every  of  the  said  instalments,  reserving  however  to  the 
said  Samuel  Ogden  his  heirs  Executors  Administrators 
and  assigns  a  right  to  make  payment  of  the  said  Install- 
ments at  any  earlier  period  than  that  in  which  they  may 
become  due  as  aforesaid.  And  upon  such  bargain  &  sale 
the  said  Committee  are  hereby  fully  authorised  to  execute 
in  the  name  &  behalf  of  this  Commonwealth  such  good  & 
sufficient  deed  as  shall  be  necessary  to  compleat  the  same 
and  thereby  to  oblige  this  Commonwealth  by  any  other 
act  or  acts  lawful  in  the  premises  to  confirm  to  the  said 
Samuel  Ogden  his  heirs  and  assigns  all  and  singular  the 
right  title  and  interest  aforesaid  upon  the  fair  &  just  extin- 
guishment of  the  Indian  Claims  which  may  remain  to  the 
said  lands  and  also  to  engage  on  behalf  of  this  Common- 
wealth that  on  request  to  the  legislature  thereof  some 
suitable  person  shall  be  appointed  to  superintend  at  the 
expence  of  the  said  Samuel  Ogden  his  heirs  or  assigns  at 
any  indian  treaty  which  shall  or  may  be  held  for  the  pur- 
pose of  such  extinguishment  agreably  to  the  deed  of  cession 
aforesaid,  and  as  therein  is  required.  And  the  said  Com- 
ittee  are  hereby  enjoined  to  take  such  security  either  real 
personal  or  both  for  the  payment  and  performance  of  the 
considerations  &  terms  aforesaid  as  they  together  with  the 
Attorney  General  shall  judge  adequate  and  sufficient. 

And  it  is  Resolved  that  all  monies  to  be  paid  as  afore- 
said shall  be  paid  to  and  received  by  the  Treasurer  of  this 
Commonwealth  and  duplicates  shall  be  given  therefor  and 
one  such  recei[j9]t  for  every  payment  and  also  the  coun- 
terparts of  any  deeds  which  shall  be  executed  as  aforesaid 


Resolves,  1790.  —  January  Session.  223 

&  any  other  deeds  or  securities  respecting  such  sale  shall 
be  deposited  with  the  Secretary  of  this  Commonwealth. 
And  of  their  proceedings  herein  the  said  Committee  shall 
make  report  to  the  General  Court  as  soon  as  may  be. 

March  8,  1791. 

Chapter  133. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  BENJAMIN  KNEELAND,  ALLOW- 
ING HIM  £.54  Vis.  FOR  HIS  SERVICES  AS  CLERK  IN  THE  TREAS- 
URER'S OFFICE,  BETWEEN  1781  AND  1784. 

On  the  Petition  of  Benja.  Kneeland  praying  for  an 
allowance  for  his  service  as  Clerk  in  the  Treasury  Office 
of  this  Commonwealth  under  the  Departmept  oi  John  Fur- 
nass  Esqr.  between  Aug.  23d.  1781  and  Sept.  13th.  1784. 

Resolved  that  the  sum  oi  fifty  four  pounds  twelve  shil- 
lings be  allowed  &  paid  to  the  sd.  Benja.  ITneeland  out 
of  the  Treasury  of  this  Commonwealth  in  full  for  his 
service  aforesaid  ;  and  that  the  Treasur'r  be  directed  to 
govern  himself  accordingly ;  any  Law  or  Resolve  to  the 
contrary  notwithstanding.  March  8,  1791. 

Chapter  133. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  THE  SELECTMEN  OF  THE  TOWN 
OF  GRANVILLE,  DIRECTING  THE  ATTORNEY-GENERAL,  NOT 
TO  PROSECUTE  THE  TOWN  CLERK,  FOR  NOT  RETURNING 
VOTES. 

On  the  Petition  of  the  Selectmen  of  the  Town  of  Gran- 
ville praying  for  the  relinquishment  of  the  penalty  which 
may  by  Law  be  inflicted  for  Neglecting  to  return  the 
Votes  for  Governour,  Lt.  Governour,  and  Senators,  from 
sd.  Town  for  the  year  1790. 

Resolved  (for  reasons  sett  forth  in  said  Petition)  that 
the  prayer  thereof  be  granted,  and  that  the  Town  Clerk 
of  Granville  aforesaid  be  not  prosecuted  for  not  returning 
said  Votes,  And  the  Attorney  General  is  to  govern  him- 
self accordingly.  March  8,  1 791 . 

Chapter  134. 

RESOLVE   ON  THE   PETITION  OF   THE   CLERKS   IN  THE  TREAS- 
URER'S  OFFICE. 

On  the  Petition  of  Saml.  Foster  and  others  Clerks  in 
the  Treasury  Office  praying  for  an  Allowance  for  Deduc- 
tions made  in  their  Accounts  exhibited  to  the  Committee 
on  Accounts. 


224  Resolves,  1790.  —  January  Session-. 

Resolved,  That  the  Committee  on  Accounts  be  and  they 
are  hereby  authorized  to  make  an  allowance  pr.  Day  to 
the  said  Petitioners  (in  the  next  Accounts  they  shall  ex- 
hibit to  the  said  Committee)  for  the  Deductions  made  on 
their  respective  Accounts  from  June  1789  to  June  1790 
so  as  to  make  the  same  conformable  to  the  Establishment 
made  for  the  pay  of  said  Clerks  by  a  liesolve  pf  the  Genl. 
Court  oi  Jane  16,  1790.  March  9,  1791. 

Chapter  135. 

RESOLVE   ON   THE   PETITION   OF  HERMAN  BRIMMER. 

On  the  Petition  of  Herman  Brimmer  praying  that  he 
may  take  into  possession  &  have  the  management  of  cer- 
tain Lands  in  the  County  of  Middlesex  owned  by  certain 
Orphan  Children  dwelling  without  this  Commonwealth 
which  Lands  were  under  the  charge  &  management  of 
Joseph  Gardner  Physician  deceased  of  whose  last  Will 
and  testament  said  Herman  is  Executor. 

Resolved  that  the  prayer  of  the  said  Petition  be  so  far 
granted  as  that  the  said  Herman  Brimmer  be  and  he 
hereby  is  authorized  &  impowered  to  take  care  of  &  im- 
prove to  the  best  advantage  all  the  real  Estate  formerly 
belonging  to  John  Jeykell  late  deceased  lying  in  the  towns 
of  Stow  &  Boxborough  in  the  County  aforesaid  for  the  use 
&  benefit  of  the  Heirs  of  the  said  Jeykell  if  any  there  are 
agreeably  to  the  Laws  of  this  Commonwealth  &  if  there 
are  no  such  Heirs  then  for  the  use  &  benefit  of  this 
Commonwealth. 

And  it  is  further  resolved  that  the  said  Herman  Brim- 
mer is  fully  authorized  &  impowered  to  prosecute  to  final 
Judgment  and  Execution  any  person  or  persons  who  have 
or  hereafter  may  trespass  on  the  premises  and  the  said 
Herman  shall  render  an  account  of  his  doings  in  the  prem- 
ises to  the  Legislature  whenever  he  shall  be  called  on  to 
do  the  same.  March  5,  1791. 

Chapter  136.* 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  MESSRS.  ENOCH  ILSLEY,  NA- 
THANIEL DEERING,  SAMUEL  FREEMAN  AND  THOMAS  SAN- 
FORD. 

On  the  Petition  of  Messrs.  Enoch  Ilsley,  Nathaniel 
Deering,  Samuel  Freeman  &  Thomas  Sanford  in  behalf 

*  Taken  from  court  record. 


Resolves,  1790.  —  January  Session.  225 

of  themselves  and  the  other  siiflerers  by  the  destruction 
of  the  town  of  Falmouth,  now  Portland,  by  the  british 
forces  in  the  year  1775.  '' 

Resolved,  for  reasons  set  forth  in  said  petition,  that 
there  be  granted  to  the  petitioners  &  others  the  sufferers 
aforesaid  two  townships  of  land  of  six  miles  square  each, 
to  be  laid  out  under  the  direction  of  the  Committee  for 
the  sales  of  eastern  lands  in  the  Counties  of  Cumberland 
or  Lincoln,  reserving  however  in  each  township  four  lots 
of  three  hundred  and  twenty  acres  each  for  public  uses, 
viz,  one  for  the  ministry,  one  for  the  first  settled  minister, 
one  for  the  support  of  schools  and  one  for  the  future  dis- 
position of  the  General  Court  to  average  in  goodness  and 
situation  with  the  other  lots  in  said  townships ;  and  the 
sufferers  are  hereby  authorized  &  impowered  at  their  own 
expence  to  lay  out  said  townships  under  such  direction  as 
aforesaid. 

And  be  it  further  Resolved  that  the  townships  so  to  be 
laid  out  shall  be  apportioned  among  the  sufferers  accord- 
ing to  their  present  respective  circumstances  and  wants  & 
a  plan  shall  be  returned  into  the  Secretary's  Office. 

And  it  is  further  Resolved  that  the  grantees  shall  per- 
form the  usual  conditions  required  of  settlers  viz,  to  settle 
thirty  families  in  each  of  said  townships  within  three  years 
from  the  laying  out  of  the  townships  aforesaid,  and  the 
lands  in  said  townships  shall  be  distributed  and  divided 
to  and  among  the  said  sufferers  by  a  Committee  of  dis- 
interested persons  to  be  chosen  by  the  majority  of  the 
sufferers  which  Committee  shall  be  sworn  to  the  faithful 
discharge  of  their  office.  March  9,  1791. 


Chapter  137. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  DAPHNE,  AN  AFRICAN  WOMAN, 
IMPOWERING  JOSEPH  HOSMER,  ESQ.  TO  MAKE  PROVISION 
FOR  HER  SUPPORT. 

On  the  Petition  of  Daphne,  an  African  Woman,  formerly 
belonging  to  Henry  Barns  Esqr.  an  Absentee. 

Resolved  that  Joseph  Hosmer  Esqr.  be  and  he  hereby  is 
impowered,  and  requested,  to  make  suitable  Provision  for 
her  Comfortable  support,  untill  the  further  Order  of  the 
General  Court,  and  lay  his  accounts  from  time  to  time 
before  the  General  court  for  Allowence  and  Payment. 

March  9,  1791. 


226  Eesolves,  1790.  —  January  Session. 


Chapter  138. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF   GILBERT  DENCH. 

On  the  Petition  of  Gilbert  Dench  representing  tliat  he 
with  others  in  the  year  1781  was  appointed  a  Committee 
to  transport,  Morters,  Powder  &c.  from  this  State  to 
Claverick  that  sometime  afterwards  the  said  Committee 
settled  their  accounts  Avith  Government  in  part,  since 
which  Settlement  they  have  been  able  to  collect  some 
Keceipts  which  in  their  former  settlements  were  not 
allowed  to  them. 

Resolved,  that  the  said  Gilbert  Dench  is  hereby  author- 
ized, &  permitted  to  exhibit  his  said  Rece[i]pts  and 
account  to  the  Committee  on  Accounts  for  their  Exam- 
ination and  Allowance,  any  Law  or  Resolve  to  the  Con- 
trary notwithstanding.  March  9,  1791. 

Chapter  139. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE   MEMORIAL  OF  ISAAC  COIT,  GRANTING  HIM 
£.9  11. 

On  the  Memorial  of  Isaac  Coit,  praying  for  a  further 
allowance  of  his  Account  exhibited  to  the  Committee  on 
accounts,  the  last  Session  of  the  last  General  Court,  For 
Visits  Medicines  &c.  for  George  Reed  one  of  the  State's 
Poor. 

Resolved,  For  reasons  therein  mentioned,  That  there  be 
allowed,  and  paid,  out  of  the  Treasu[7-Jy  of  this  Common- 
wealth to  the  said  Isaac  Coit,  the  Sum  of  Nine  pounds 
Eleven  sJiillings,  from  the  first  moneys  that  may  come 
into  the  Treasury,  not  already  appropriated,  in  addition 
to  the  Sum  oi  Eight  pounds  ten  shillings,  already  paid  — 
In  full  for  his  said  Account.  March  9,  1791. 

Chapter  130. 

RESOLVE  FOR  BORROWING  MONEY  TO  PAY  THE  CIVIL  LIST. 

Resolved  that  tlie  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth  l)e 
and  he  is  hereby  empowered  &  directed  to  borrow  if 
necessary  on  the  Credit  of  the  first  monies  which  shall 
be  received  into  the  Treasury,  not  ah'eady  appropriated,  a 
Sum  sufficient  to  pay  the  Members  of  the  General  Court 
for  their  travel  &  attendance  at  their  present  Session  ; 
also  a  sum  sufficient  to  pay  all  the  Officers  &  Servants 


Resolves,  1790.  —  January  Session.  227 

of  Government,  which  compose  the  civil  list,  as  well 
the  Arrears  due  to  them,  as  for  their  Services  that  may 
become  due  at  the  end  of  the  present  Session  of  the 
General  Court  —  also  for  three  quarters  pay  to  the  Garri- 
son at  Castle  Island,  ending  the  21  instant. 

March  9,  1791. 

Chapter  131. 

RESOLVE    FOR   PAYING    THE    CHAPLAIN   AND    CLERKS    OF   THE 
TWO   HOUSES  FOR  THEIR  SERVICES. 

Resolved  that  there  be  allowed  and  paid  out  of  the 
Treasury  of  this  Commonwealth  to  the  Reverend  Samuel 
Stilhnan  Chaplain  of  the  two  Houses  of  the  General 
Court  twelve  pounds  ;  and  to  Samuel  Cooper  Esqr.  Clerk 
of  the  Senate,  Sixty  Pounds  and  to  George  Richards 
Minot  Esqr.  clerk  of  the  House  of  Representatives  Sixty 
pounds  in  full  for  their  services  respectively  for  the  pres- 
ent year  ;  and  that  the  Treasurer  be  and  hereby  is  directed 
to  pay  the  same  out  of  the  same  funds  and  in  the  same 
manner,  as  the  members  of  the  General  Court  are  paid 
for  their  services  the  present  Session.       March  9,  1791. 

Chapter  133. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  WILLIAM  PHILLIPS,  EXECUTOR 
TO  THE  ESTATE  OF  JOSIAH  QUINCT,  JUN.,  ESQ.  TO  QUIT 
CLAIM  ALL  THE  TITLE  UNTO  THE  SAID  WILLIAM  PHILLIPS, 
OF  THE  RENT  OF  A  CERTAIN  HOUSE. 

On  the  Petition  of  William  Phillips  Executor  to  the 
Estate  of  Josiah  Quincy  junior  Esquire  late  of  Boston 
deceased.  Praying  that  this  Court  would  determine  the 
rent  of  a  certain  dwelling  house  in  the  Town  of  Boston 
the  property  of  the  Wife  of  Daniel  Leonard  an  absentee, 
the  profits  of  which  were  confiscated  to  this  Common 
Wealth  during  the  life  of  the  said  Leonard;  and  by  a 
resolve  of  the  General  Court  oi  Fehry.  15,  1783,  was  put 
into  the  possession  of  William  Phillips  aforesaid,  to  dis- 
charge a  note  of  hand  of  the  sum  of  One  hundred  pounds 
&  interest  thereon  from  the  1st.  day  of  May  1771,  given 
by  said  Leonard  to  said  Josiah  Quincy  Junior  for  cash 
lent  to  him,  together  with  such  repairs  as  should  be  neces- 
sary on  said  house. 

Resolved,  That  this  Commonwealth  release  &  quit  claim 
unto  the  said  William  Phillips  all  the  right  &  title  they 


228  Resolves,  1790.  —  January  Session. 

now  have  or  shall  have  in  &  to  the  aforesaid  house  from 
the  passing  the  aforesaid  Resolve  untill  the  first  day  of 
June  One  thousand  seven  hundred  <&  ninety  four  in  full 
discharge  of  the  aforesaid  demand.         March  10,  1791. 


Chapter  133. 

RESOLVE   ON  THE  PETITION  OF   LAZARUS  GOODWIN. 

On  the  Petition  of  Lazarus  Goodwin,  praying  that  five 
articles  of  his  account  for  Services  as  Brigade  major  in 
the  first  Brigade,  in  the  8th.  Division  of  the  militia  of 
this  Commonwealth,  performed  in  the  year  1788  may  be 
paid  for. 

Iiesolve\_d^  that  the  Petitioner's  account  for  such  five 
articles  of  Service  be,  and  the  same  is  hereby  referred 
to  the  standing  Committee  on  accounts ;  who  are  hereby 
directed  to  settle  the  same,  and  to  make  the  said  Peti- 
tioner a  just  allowance  for  the  same,  any  Law  or  Resolve 
to  the  contrary  notwithstanding.  March  10,  1791. 

Chapter  134. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  ABIGAIL  OTIS,  ADMINISTRA- 
TRIX ON  THE  ESTATE  OF  JOSEPH  OTIS,  AUTHORIZING  HER 
TO  MAKE  A  GOOD  DEED  OF  CONVEYANCE  OF  THE  LAND  AND 
BUILDINGS  MENTIONED,  TO  ELISHA  SHERMAN,  JUN. 

On  the  petition  of  Abigail  Otis,  administratrix  on  the 
Estate  of  Joseph  Otis,  late  of  Boston  deceased  praying 
that  she  may  be  authorized  to  execute  a  deed  of  a  certain 
tract  of  land  with  the  buildings  thereon  lying  and  being 
in  Pemhroke  in  the  County  of  Plymouth,  which  the  said 
Joseph  in  his  life  time  agreed  to  convey  to  Elisha  Sher- 
man Jun.  of  Marshfield. 

Resolved  That  the  prayer  of  said  Petition  be  granted 
and  that  the  said  Abigail  be  and  she  is  hereby  authorized 
and  impowered  to  make  and  execute  in  her  said  capacity 
a  good  and  suflicient  deed  of  conveyance  to  the  said  Elisha 
Sherman  Jun.  of  the  said  Josej^Ks  right  and  Interest  in 
the  lands  and  buildings  mentioned  in  said  petition  —  and 
a  deed  thus  executed  by  the  said  Abigail  shall  be  as  good 
and  valid  to  all  intents  and  purposes  as  if  executed  by  the 
said  Joseph  when  in  full  life.  March  10,  1791. 


Eesolves,  1790.  —  January  Session.  229 


Chapter  135. 

RESOLVE    ON    THE    PETITION  OF    CART  GLADDING,   GRANTING 
HIM  £.17  16  1. 

On  the  Petition  of  Carey  Gladding  praying  that  he  may 
be  paid  the  Ballance  due  to  him  for  his  Wages,  on  Account 
of  his  service  as  a  Seaman,  on  Board  the  Ship  Adams 
from  the  15th.  Day  of  February  1778,  to  the  28th.  Day 
of  Sepr.  1778. 

Resolved  that  there  be  paid  out  of  the  Treasury  of  the 
Commonwealth  unto  the  said  Carey  Gladding,  in  full  of 
the  Ballance  due  to  him  for  his  Services  aforesaid  the  Sum 
of  Seventeen  Pounds,  Sixteen  Shillings  and  one  Penny. 

March  10,  1791. 


Chapter  136. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  REPRESENTATION  AND  ACCOUNT  OF  THE 
COMMITTEE  ON  THE  SALE  OF  EASTERN  LANDS,  DISCHARG- 
ING THEM  FROM  SUNDRY  SUMS  OF  MONEY,  AND  MAKING 
THEM  A  GRANT  OF  £.423  6  5. 

Resolved  that  the  committee  for  the  sale  of  Eastern 
lands,  be  &  they  are  hereby  discharged  from  the  sum  of 
Sixty  nine  thousand,  four  hundred  &  nine  pounds,  four- 
teen shillings  &  seven  pence  in  Consolidated  notes  &  Con- 
tinental Securities  paid  by  them  into  the  Treasury,  &  also 
from  the  sum  of  TJtree  Thousand  two  hundred  &  forty 
pounds,  nine  shillings  &  tivo  pence  halfpenny  Specie 
paid  into  the  Treasury  including  the  sums  expended  in 
the  business  of  their  commission,  amounting  in  the  whole 
to  Seventy  tivo  thousand  Six  hundred  &  fifty  pounds 
three  shillings  &  nine  pence  halfpenny.  And  that  there 
be  allowed  &  paid  out  of  the  Public  Treasury,  out  of  the 
monies  that  have  arisen  or  may  arise  from  the  sale  of 
Eastern  lands  unto  Samuel  Phillips,  Nathaniel  Wells, 
Leonard  Jarvis,  John  Read,  &  Daniel  Cony  esquires 
the  committee  aforesaid  the  balance  of  Four  hundred  & 
twenty  three  pounds  six  shillings  &  five  pence,  being  the 
balance  due  to  them  on  their  said  account. 

March  10,  1791. 


^'^0  Eesolves,  1790.  —  January  Session. 


Chapter  137. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  SAMUEL  LARA,  AUTHORIZING 
HIM  TO  PURCHASE  A  MOSES  BOAT,  FOR  THE  USE  OF  RAINS- 
FORD  ISLAND. 

Upon  the  Petition  of  Samuel  Laha,  praying  that  this 
Commonwealth  would  provide  him  with  a  Moses  Boat, 
for  the  use  of  Jlainsford  Island. 

Resolved,  That  the  Prayer  of  the  Petition  be  granted 
&  the  said  Samuel  Laha,  is  hereby  authorised  &  directed 
to  purchase  for  the  use  of  Rainsford  Island  a  Moses  boat, 
not  to  exceed  in  value  the  sum  of  Eighteen  pounds,  &  to 
lay  his  accounts  before  this  Court  for  their  approbation. 

March  10,  1791. 


Chapter  138. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  ROGER  HUNEWELL,  GRANTING 
HIM  ANNUALLY,  £.3,  IN  ADDITION  TO  THE  PENSION  GRANTED 
HIM. 

On  the  Petition  of  Rogei-  Huneivell  Setting  forth  that 
he  lost  one  of  his  arms  at  the  reduction  of  Louisburgh  in 
the  year  1745  for  which  he  receives  a  pension  from  this 
Commonwealth  of  nine  pounds  annually,  which  sum  is 
insulicient  for  his  support. 

Resolved  that  there  be  allowed  &  paid  out  of  the 
Treasury  of  this  Commonwealth  unto  Roger  Hunewell  the 
suni  of  three  pounds  annually  (during  his  natural  life)  in 
addition  to  the  pension  heretofore  granted  to  him. 

March  10,  1791. 


Chapter  139. 

RESOLVE  EMPOWERING  JOHN  BRIDGE  AM,  AMOS  DWINEL  AND 
JOHN  GLOVER,  TO  COMMENCE  AND  PROSECUTE  TO  FINAL 
JUDGMENT,  ANY  ACTION  IN  THE  NAME  OF  THE  COMMON- 
WEALTH. FOR  ANY  LANDS  CONTAINED  IN  THE  LOCATION 
MADE   BY   SAMUEL    GERRISH;  WITH   A   PROVISO. 

Whereas  in  the  year  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and 
sixty  five  the  General  Court  of  the  then  Province  of 
Massachusetts  Bay  granted  to  Samuel  Gerish  and  others 
a  certain  Tract  of  Land  to  be  laid  out  in  the  unappropri- 
ated Lands  then  lying  within  the  same  Province,  to  be 
of  the  Contents  of  seven  and  an  half  miles  square,  on  cer- 
tain conditions  in  the  same  grant  mentioned  —  and   the 


Kesolves,  1790.  — January  Session.  231 

said  Grantees  havins?  located  in  consequence  of  said  Grant, 
a  certain  neice  of  Land  upon  the  west  side  of  Andros- 
coqin  River  and  returned  what  they  pretended  to  be  a 
map  thereof  to  the  General  Court,  the  same  was  confirmed 
to  them  upon  a  Condition  expressed  in  the  same  confir- 
mation in  these  words  ^^ provided  the  same  doth  not 
exceed  the  quantity  of  seven  and  an  half^  miles  square 
exclusive  of  eight  Thousand  and  six  hundred  Acres  allow- 
ance for  ponds  therein  contained." 

And  whereas  the  General  Court  in  the  year  one  thou- 
sand seven  hundred  and  Eighty  Nine  upon  examination 
found  that  the  return  of  the  same  Location  was  unfair  and 
deceitful  and  that  the  map  made  thereof  and  presented  as 
aforesaid  was  not  a  true  Map  of  the  same  Location,  and 
that  the   Lands  confirmed  upon  the    Condition  aforesaid 
contained  a  much  greater  quantity  than  seven  and  an  halt 
miles  square,  and  thereupon  granted  to  John  Bridgham 
Amos  Dwiiiel  and  others  their  associates  for  a  valuable 
Consideration  all  the  right  Title  and  Interest  which  the 
Commonwealth  had  in  a  certain  part  of  the  same  Lands 
so   Located  by  and  conditionally  confirmed  to  the  said 
Samuel   Gerrish  and  others.     And  there  having  arisen 
Leo-al  difliculties  in  the  way  of  the  said  John  Bridgham 
Amos  Dwinel  and  others  gaining  possession  of  any  part 
of  the  same  Lands  upon  the  grant  aforesaid  to  them  be- 
cause that  the  Commonwealth  had  never  previous  to  the 
errant  aforesaid  to  them  obtained  Judgment  against  the 
said  Samuel  Gerrish  and  others  or  against  any  persons 
claiming  under  them  for  possession  of  the  same  Lands  or 
any  pai?  of  them  for  the  breach  of  the  Conditions  expressed 
in  said  Grant  &  Con6rmation  to  the  said  Samuel  Gerrish 
&  others;    by  means  whereof  the  said  John  Bridgham 
Amos  Dwinel  and   others  to  whom  the  General  Court 
o-ranted  the  right  of  the  Commonwealth  as  aforesaid  are 
deprived  of  receiving  any  benefit  from  their  grant  and 
have  therefore  Petitioned  for  the  aid  of  the   Common- 
wealth in  the  premises :  ^  .       ^^  .  7  i,  a 
Therefore  Resolved  that  the  said  John  Bridgham  and 
Amos  Dwinel  be  and  they  hereby  are  jointly  and  sever- 
ally impowered  and  authorized  to  Commence  and  prose- 
cute  to    final   Judgment   and   Execution    any    action    or 
actions  in  the  name  of  the  Commonwealth  of  3Iassachu-       . 
setts  for  any  of  the  Lands  contained  in  the  Location  made 
by  the  said  Samuel  Gerrish  and  others  as  aforesaid  and 


232 


Ebsolves,  1790.  —  January  Session. 

which  are  contained  in  the  return  made  by  the  said 
Samuel  and  others  as  aforesaid,  and  in  the  name  and 
behalf  of  the  same  Commonwealth  to  receive  possession 
and  seisen  of  any  Lands  the  possession  whereof  may  be 
recovered  in  any  of  the  actions  brought  by  them  or  Either 
of  them  as  aforesaid  and  that  the  said  John  Bridgham  and 
Amos  Dwinel  may  in  the  name  and  behalf  of  the  same 
Commonwealth  enter  upon  the  Lands  contained  in  the 
Location  made  by  the  said  Samuel  Gerrish  &  others  as 
aforesaid  or  any  part  thereof  in  consequence  of  the 
Breach  of  the  conditions  aforesaid  or  either  of  them  with 
all  the  powers  and  authorities  which  the  Commonwealth 
have  a  Legal  and  Constitutional  right  to  grant. 

Provided  nevertheless  that  the  said  John  Bridgham  and 
Amos  Dwinel  shall  take  upon  them  all  risque  of  Damao-c 
or  mjury  which  may  accrue  happen  or  be  adjudged  against 
them  or  this  Commonwealth  for  their  proceedings  in  the 
premises  and  shall  bear  their  own  expence  and  all  charo-es 
arising  in  the  same.  March  10,  1791. 

Chapter  140. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  BENJAMIN  JEPSON,  GRANTING 
HIM   £.171  10s.  WITH  INTEREST. 

On  the  Petition  of  Benjamin  Jepson  prayino;  that  pay- 
ment may  be  made  to  him  for  one  half  the  hire  of  the 
hloop  Bigeon  employ'd  in  the  Expedition  against  Be?iob- 
scot. 

Resolved  that  there  be  allowed  &  paid  out  of  the  public 
Treasury  of  this  Commonwealth  to  Benjamin  Jepson,  One 
hundred  &  Seventy  one  pounds  ten  Shillings  with  interest 
from  J^ovr.  15th.  1779,  from  any  monies  that  may  be  paid 
therein,  and  not  already  appropriated,  &  that  the  said 
Jepson  give  his  receipt  therefor  in  full  for  the  remainino- 
half  due  on  the  hire  of  the  Sloop  Pigeon  employ'd  in 
the  expedition  against  Penobscot,  agreealDly  to  the  Charter 
V^^^y-  March  10,  1791. 


Chapter  141. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  THE  SELECTMEN  OF  SPENCER 
GRANTING  THEM  £.15  FOR  A  CANNON,  AND  £3  FOR  THE 
TRANSPORTATION  OF  THE  SAME. 

On  the  Petition  of  the  Select  men  of  the  ToAvn  of  Spen- 
cer praying  that  they  may  be  Paid  for  a  Cannon  which 


Resolves,  1790.  —  January  Session.  233 

was  a  Nine  Pounder,  and  for  Transporting  the  same  from 
the  Town  of  Spencer  to  wartertown  in  June  the  12  1775. 
JResoIved  the  Prayer  of  the  Petition  be  granted  and  that 
there  be  allowed  &  paid  out  of  the  public  Treasury  to  the 
Town  of  Spencer  ffteen  Pounds  for  the  Cannon  and  three 
Pounds  for  Transporting  the  Same  to  wartertown  the  Same 
to  be  charged  to  the  United  States.  March  10^  1791. 

Chapter  143. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  FRANCES  SHIRLEY  IVESTERN, 
MAKING  PROVISION  FOR  THE  PAYMENT  OF  THE  INTEREST 
OF  A  GRANT  PASSED  JUNE  14th,   1785. 

On  the  Petition  of  Frances  Shirley  Western,  Executrix 
of  the  Last  Will  and  Testament,  and  sole  Heiress  of 
her  late  Father,  William  Bollan  Esqr.  Deceased,  praying 
that  Provision  be  made  for  the  Payment  of  the  Sum  of 
tivo  Thousand  Pounds,  which  was  Granted  to  her,  by  a 
Resolve  of  the  General  Court,  passed  June  14th.  1785, 
and  the  Interest  due  on  the  Same. 

Resolved,  that  there  be  paid  out  of  the  Treasury  of  the 
Commonwealth,  the  said  sum  of  two  Thousand  Pounds 
(which  was  Granted,  and  ordered  to  be  paid,  by  the  Re- 
solve aforesaid)  to  her  the  Said  Frances  Shirley  Western, 
together  with  the  lawful  Interest  of  the  same,  from  the 
said  fourteenth  Day  of  June  1785,  to  this  Time  ;  and 
that  the  Treasurer  be,  and  he  hereby  is  directed,  to  pay 
the  said  Interest,  to  the  said  Frances  Shirley  or  her  Order 
out  of  the  first  unappropriated  Monies  that  shall  be  paid 
into  the  Treasury.  March  10,  1791. 

Chapter  143. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  WILLIAM  SCOTT,  DIRECTING 
THE  COMMISSARY  OF  PENSIONS  TO  ENTER  THE  SAID  WIL- 
LIAM SCOTT  ON  THE  PENSION  ROLL,  AND  TO  ALLOW  HIM 
SIX  POUNDS  PER  MONTH. 

On  the  petition  of  William  Scott,  a  wounded  Officer. 

Resolved  that  John  Lucas  Esqr.  Commissary  of  pension- 
ers be  &  hereby  is  directed  to  enter  the  said  William  Scott 
as  a  pensioner  on  the  pension  roll  &  that  he  allow  him  six 
pounds  pr.  month  the  same  being  equal  to  the  half  pay  of 
a  Captain  —  the  said  Scott  having  first  obtained  the  proper 
certificate  that  he  has  returned  his  commutation  agreeably 
to  the  act  of  Congress  in  that  case  made  &  provided. 

March  10,  1791. 


234  Resolves,  1790.  —  January  Session. 


Chapter  144. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  BENJAMIN  CARR,  DIRECTING 
THE  TREASURER  TO  ISSUE  HIS  NOTE  FOR  THE  SUM  WHICH 
APPEARS  TO  BE  DRA^VN  BY  A  FORGED   ORDER. 

On  the  petition  of  Benjamin  Carr  praying  that  he  may 
receive  the  wages  of  his  Son  John  Carr  a  Soldier  in 
the  8th.  Mass'tts  liegiment  which  have  been  drawn  Ijy  a 
forged  order. 

Resolved  that  the  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth  be  & 
he  hereby  is  directed  to  issue  his  note  to  the  lawful  heirs  of 
the  said  John  Carr,  for  the  sum  of  twenty  one  pounds  nine- 
teen shillings,  (which  sum  appears  to  have  been  drawn  by 
a  forged  order,)  in  the  same  way  &  manner  as  he  would 
have  done  if  no  such  forged  order  had  been  presented  — 
And  that  the  same  be  charged  to  the  United  States. 

March  10,  1791. 

Chapter  145. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF   CHARLES   PHILLIPS. 

On  the  petition  of  Charles  Phillips  setting  forth  that 
his  Wages  as  a  Soldier  in  the  Continental  army,  had  been 
drawn  by  a  forged  order. 

Resolved,  that  the  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth 
be,  and  he  is  hereby  ordered  to  discharge  the  Wages  of 
Charles  Rhillips  as  a  Soldier  in  the  Continental  army,  in 
the  same  way  &  manner  as  though  the  VVages  of  the  sd. 
Phillips  had  not  been  drawn  as  aforesaid. 

March  10,  1791. 

Chapter  146. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  THE  SELECTMEN  OF  THE  TOWN 
OF  TOP  SHAM. 

On  the  petition  of  the  Selectmen  of  the  Town  of  Tojjsham 
praying  they  may  be  reiml)urst  a  Sum  of  Fifty  Jive  pounds 
18/8  the  same  being  a  Ballance  due  them  as  appears  by 
the  Treasurer's  Books. 

Resolved  that  the  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth  be 
directed  to  Credit  the  said  Town  of  Topsham  Fifty  five 
pounds  18/8  on  No.  7  &  8  Taxes  &  that  the  Collector  or 
Collectors  of  said  Topsham  be  directed  &  they  arc  hereby 
directed  to  ])ay  said  Sum  of  Fifty  five  pounds  18/8  to 
the  Town  Treasurer  of  Topsham  for  the  use  of  said  Town 
of  Topsham.  March  10,  1791. 


Resolves,  1790.  —  January  Session.  235 


Chapter  147. 

RESOLVE   ON  THE  PETITION  OF  HOLDER  SLOCUM,  ESQ.  IN   BE- 
HALF OF  THE  TOWN  OF  DARTMOUTH. 

On  the  Petition  of  Holder  Slocum  Esqr.  in  behalf  of 
the  Town  of  Darlmo. 

llesolved  that  the  prayer  of  said  Petition  be  granted  & 
that  the  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth  be  and  hereliy 
is  directed  to  Credit  the  said  Town  of  Dartmouth  on  Tax 
No.  7  the  snm  of  JSTine  jiounds  sixteen  shillings  &  Eight 
pence. 

And  be  it  further  resolved  that  the  said  Treasurer  be 
and  hereby  is  directed  to  add  the  sum  of  nine  pounds 
sixteen  shillings  &  eight  pence  to  the  Town  of  Westporfs 
proportion  of  Tax  No.  9  any  Law  to  the  Contrary  not- 
withstanding. March  10,  1791. 


Chapter  148. 

RESOLVE  DIRECTING  THE  TREASURER  TO  CONFER  WITH 
NATHANIEL  APPLETON  ESQ.  RELATIVE  TO  THIS  STATE'S 
NOTES. 

Resolved,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth 
l)e,  and  he  is  hereby  authorized  &  required  to  confer  with 
the  Continental  Loan  Officer,  and  with  him  to  adopt  some 
proper  measures  to  prevent  Frauds  and  detect  Counterfeits 
in  paying  into  the  Continental  Loan  Office,  the  Securities 
of  this  Commonwealth,  on  account  of  that  part  of  the 
Debt  of  this  Commonwealth,  which  has  been  assumed  by 
the  Congress  of  the  United  States.         March  10,  1791. 

Chapter  149. 

RESOLVE  GRANTING  A  TAX  TO  THE  COUNTY  OF  SUFFOLK. 

Whereas  the  Treasurer  of  the  County  of  Suffolk  has 
laid  his  accounts  before  the  General  Court  in  maner  by 
law  prescribed  which  accounts  are  hereby  allowed  : 

And  whereas  the  Clerk  of  the  court  of  General  Ses- 
sions of  the  peace  for  the  said  county  has  laid  before  the 
General  court  an  Estimate  made  by  the  Court  of  General 
Sessions  of  the  peace  of  the  necessary  charges  likely  to 
arrise  within  the  said  county  the  current  year  amounting 
to  the  sum  of  four  Thousand  Jive  Hundred  ?i\\d.  fifty  six 
pounds  Eighteen  Shillings: 


236  Resolves,  1790.  —  January  Session. 

Resolved  that  the  sum  of  Four  Thousand  five  Hundred 
and  fifty  six  pounds  Eighteen  Shillings,  be  and  is  hereby- 
granted  as  a  Tax  for  the  said  County  of  Suffolk,  to  be 
apportioned  assessed  collected  and  applied  in  manner 
asreable  to  Law.  March  10,  1791. 


Chapter  150. 

RESOLVE  GRANTING  £.13  8,  TO  DR.  WARD  NOTES,  AND  £.3  1,  TO 
DR.  THOMAS  KITTREDGE  FOR  ATTENDANCE  ON  THE  POOR 
OF  CHARLESTOWN. 

On  the  petition  of  Doct.  Ward  JSfoyes  &  Doct.  Thomas 
Kiltredge  praying  that  their  accounts  for  Medicine  & 
attendance  on  the  Poor  of  Charlestoivn  may  be  alowed 
&  paid. 

Resolved  that  the  prayer  of  said  petition  be  granted 
and  that  the  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth  be  and  He 
hereby  is  directed  to  pay  to  Doct.  Ward  JVoyes  the  sum 
of  Thirteen  Pound  Fight  shillings,  and  to  Doct.  Thomas 
Kittredge  the  sum  of  Three  Pound  one  shilling  out  of 
the  first  Money  that  shall  come  into  the  Treasury  un- 
apropriated.  March  11,  1791. 

Chapter  151. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE   PETITION  OF  JOHN  RUDDOCK. 

On  the  petition  of  John  Ruddock,  praying  that  the 
Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth  be  directed  to  i)ay  him 
a  sum  of  money  Avhich  was  due  to  him  from  this  Com- 
monwealth which  was  drawn  by  Virtue  of  a  forged  power 
of  Attorny. 

Resolved  that  the  prayer  of  said  Petition  be  granted 
and  that  the  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth  be  and 
hereby  is  directed  to  issue  to  the  said  JoJin  Ruddock  a 
Consolidated  Note  for  one  hundr-ed  &  twenty  nine  pounds 
&  thirteen  shillings  being  due  to  him  as  a  Field  Commis- 
sary in  the  Army  for  the  year  1780,  the  same  having  been 
drawn  as  aforesaid  notwithstanding.       March  11,  1791. 


Chapter  153. 

RESOLVE  IN  FAVOR  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  ON  ACCOUNTS,  GRANT- 
ING THEM  THEIR  PAY. 

Resolved,  That  there  be  allowed,  and  paid  out  of  ye 
Treasury  of  this   Commonwealth,  in   the  same    manner 


Resolves,  1790.  —  January  Session.  237 


that  the  Members  of  the  General  Court  are  paid  the 
present  Session,  to  the  Committee  appointed  to  pass  on 
public  Accounts,  agreeably  to  the  usual  Allowance  made 
them  for  their  Services  ;  the  following  Sums  ;  Viz  : 

To  the  Honble.  Joseph  Hosiner  Esqr.,  the  Sum  of  Three 
Pounds,  twelve  shillings. 

To  the  Honble.  Stephen  lletcalf  Esqr.,  the  Sum  of  Two 
Pounds,  fifteen  shillings,  &  six  pence. 

To  John  Carnes  Esqr.,  the  Sum  of  IViree  Pounds,  twelve 
shillings. 

To  Thomas  Davis,  Esqr.,  the  Sum  of  Two  Pounds, 
fifteen  shillings,  &  six  pence. 

To  Daniel  Forbes  Esqr.,  the  Sum  of  Three  Pounds, 
tivelve  shillings. 

Which  Sums  will  be  in  full  for  their  Services  respec- 
tively, above  their  Pay  as  Members  of  the  General  Court 
to  ye  present  Day.  March  11,  1791. 

Chapter  153. 

RESOLVE   GRANTING  £.24,  TO  THOMAS  WALLCUT. 

Resolved  that  there  be  allowed  &  paid  out  of  the  Public 
Treasury,  in  the  same  manner  that  the  Members  of  the 
Gen.  Court  are  paid,  to  Thomas  Walcutt,  assistant  Clerk 
to  the  Senate,  the  sum  of  Twenty  four  pounds,  in  full 
for  his  services  the  present  Session  of  the  General  Court. 

March  11,  1791. 

Chapter  154. 

RESOLVE    ON    THE    PETITION    OF    JOHN    TUCKER,    GRANTING 
HIM   £.7. 

On  the  Petition  of  John  Tucker  praying  that  he  may  be 
allowed  a  Certain  sum  for  apprehending  Joh7i  Bancroft  a 
Deserter. 

Whereas  this  commonwealth  did  ])y  their  act  passed 
March  12th.  1783  grant  and  order  that  the  sum  of  six 
pounds  be  allowed  and  paid  out  of  the  publick  treasury 
with  all  aditional  Cost  &  Expences  to  any  &  every  person 
that  should  apprehend  and  secure  any  Deserter  : 

Therefore  Resolved  that  there  be  allowed  &  paid  out  of 
the  publick  Treasury  the  sum  of  Seven  pounds  to  John 
Tucker  in  full  for  his  apprehending  John  Bancroft  a 
Deserter  from  Coin.  Cranes  Reg.  in  the  Continental 
Army  and  that  the  same  be  charged  to  the  United  States 
agreably  to  said  act.  March  11,  1791. 


238  Resolves,  1790.  —  January  Session. 


Chapter  155. 

RESOLVE    REQUESTING   THE    GOVERNOR    NOT   TO    DISMISS   MR. 
SHERIFF  BRIDGE  FROM  HIS  OFFICE. 

Resolved,  that  his  Excellency  the  Governor,  &  the 
Honble.  Council,  be,  and  they  hereby  are  requested, 
not  to  Kemove  from  Office,  Edmond  Bridge  esq.  Sheriff* 
of  the  County  of  Lincoln  on  account  of  any  Deficiency 
due  from  him  to  the  Treasury  of  this  Commonwealth  on 
No.  five  Tax,  which  may  appear  to  them  to  be  Occationed 
l)y  the  nonpayment  of  the  Sum  oi  fifteen  hundred  pounds 
due  to  the  said  Sheriff*  from  Waterman  Thomas  Esq. 
untill  after  the  end  of  the  next  Session  of  the  General 
Court,  any  Law  Resolve  or  Address  of  the  two  branches 
of  the  Legislature  to  the  Governor  &  Council  to  the  Con- 
trary notwithstanding.  '  March  11^  1791. 

Chapter  156. 

COMMITTEE  APPOINTED  TO  SETTLE  AVITH  NATHANIEL  GORHAM 
AND  OLIVER  PHELPS,  ESQ.  CONTINUED  IN  COMMISSION  — TO 
MAKE  REPORT. 

Resolved  that  the  Committee  appointed  to  make  a  final 
&  absolute  settlement  with  the  Hon.  Nathaniel  Gorham 
&,  Oliver  Phelps  Esqrs.  relative  to  their  bond  for  one 
hundred  thousand  pounds  in  the  consolidated  Securities 
of  this  Commonwealth,  be  &  they  hereby  are  continued 
in  the  said  Commission  and  directed  to  make  report  of 
their  proceedings  in  this  business  on  the  second  Wednes- 
day of  the  first  session  of  the  next  general  court. 

March  11,  1791. 

Chapter  157. 

RESOLVE    MAKING    AN   APPROPRIATION    FOR    PAYING    BOUNTY 
ON  DUCK  AND   HEMP. 

Resolved  that  the  Bounties  due  on  the  Articles  of  Hemp, 
Duck,  and  Twine,  be  paid,  to  such  Persons  as  are  by  Law 
intitled  to  receive  the  same,  out  of  the  sum  raised  by  the 
Lottery,  made  and  Established,  bj'  an  Act  of  the  General 
Court,  passed  on  the  second  Day  of  March,  in  the  year 
of  our  Lord  1790  ;  intitled  "  An  Act  for  raising  the  Sum 
of  Teii  Thousand  Rounds  by  Lottery  for  the  use  of  this 
Commonwealth,"  and  that  the  Treasurer  of  the  Common- 
wealth be,  and  he  hereby  is  impowered  and  directed,  to 
pay  the  same,  accordingly.  March  11,  1791. 


Resolves,  1790.  —  January  Session.  239 


Chapter  158. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  WILLIAM  FULLER  AND  SUSANNA- 
MCINTIRE. 

On  the  Petition  of  William  Fuller  and  Susanna  Mclntire 
in  the  Town  of  JSfeedham  in  the  County  of  Suffolk. 

Resolved  that  William  Fidler  administrator  and  Susanna 
Mclntire  administratrix  to  the  Estate  of  John  Mclntire 
Deceas'd,  Be  and  they  are  hereby  autliorised  and  em- 
pow[e]red  to  make  and  execute  to  Samuel  Brown  his  Heirs 
and  assigns  forever  a  good  and  Lawfull  Deed  of  al)out 
four  acres  of  Land  which  tlie  Said  Mclntire  Sold  to 
Said  Broion  in  his  Lifetime,  and  is  now  Improved  by 
Said  Brown.  March  11,  1791. 


Chapter  159. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  MEMORIAL  OF  RICHARD  DEVENS,  ESQ.  COM- 
MISSARY GENERAL,  GRANTING  HIM  £.800  TO  PAY  FOR  SUP- 
PLIES FOR  THE  GARRISON  AT  THE  CASTLE,  AND  DIRECTING 
HIM  TO  MAKE  SALE  OF  THE  BLANKETS  HE  HAS  NOW  ON 
HAND. 

On  the  memorial  and  representation  of  Rich'd  Devens 
Esq.,  commisary  General  and  the  papers  acompan[?/]ing 
said  memorial  representing  that  he  has  been  obliged  to 
contract  a  considerable  Debt  for  the  suplies  of  the  Garri- 
son and  convicts  at  the  Cassell  and  finishing  part  of  the 
Jail  Building  Shops  &c.  —  and  praying  he  may  have  a 
grant  to  enalile  him  to  discharge  the  same. 

Resolved  that  there  be  allow'd  and  paid  out  of  the  pub- 
lick  Treasury  to  the  said  Richard  JDevans  Commissary 
Genl.  the  sum  of  Eight  Hundred  pounds  out  of  the  first 
money  that  may  come  into  the  Treasury  not  otherwise 
appropriated  to  enable  him  to  pay  and  discharge  the 
Debts  aforesaid  and  for  further  Supplies  for  said  Garrison 
&  convicts. 

And  be  it  further  Resolved  that  the  Commissary  Genl. 
be  &  he  is  directed  to  make  Sale  of  all  the  Blankets  he 
has  now  in  his  hands  belonging  to  the  Common  wealth  at 
publick  or  private  Sale  as  he  may  conceive  most  advan- 
tageous to  the  commonwealth,  rendering  an  account  of 
the  same  and  of  the  proceeds  thereof.      March  11,  1791. 


240  Kesolves,  1790.  —  January  Session. 


Chapter  160. 

RESOLVE  DIRECTING  THE  TREASURER  NOT  TO  SEND  TAX  ACT 
No.  9  TO  THE  PLANTATION  No.  22. 

Resolved,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth  be 
&  he  is  hereby  directed,  not  to  send  the  Tax  Act  No.  9 
or  to  issue  his  Warrant  for  assessing  any  part  of  the  same 
on  Plantation  No.  22  in  the  County  of  WasJiington  the 
said  Plantation  being  exempted  from  State  Taxes  for  the 
term  of  ten  years  from  the  sale  thereof,  by  a  former  Re- 
solve of  the  General  Court.  March  11,  1791. 


Chapter  161. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  LOAMMI  BALDWIN,  ESQ.  AU- 
THORIZING THE  TREASURER  TO  ADJUST  AND  SETTLE  THE 
ACCOUNTS  FOR  THE   EXECUTIONS  ISSUED. 

Upon  the  Petition  of  Loamoni  Baldwin  Sherift'  of  the 
County  of  Middlesex  Praying  that  a  Eesolve  may  pass 
Explanatory  of  a  former  Resolve  of  the  25  day  of  JVovm, 
1785  upon  the  Petition  oi  Rebeccah  Raymond  also  Pra}^- 
ing  for  a  Full  Settlement  with  the  Treasurer  &c. 

Resolved  that  said  Sheriff  shall  not  be  held  accountable 
for  any  more  money  than  he  actually  did  Receive  on  the 
Executions  vs.  Harlwell  &  Tidtle  who  were  bail  t'ov  JVathaii 
Raymond  as  mentioned  in  his  Petition  &  the  Justices  of 
the  Supream  Judicial  Court  are  authorised  to  Settle  with 
said  Sheriff  agreeably  to  this  Resolve  any  Law  to  the 
Contrary  notwithstanding. 

And  it  is  further  Resolved  that  the  Treasurer  of  this 
Commonwealth  be  and  he  hereby  is  authorised  &  im- 
powered  to  adjust  and  Settle  the  accounts  with  the  said 
Loammi  Baldwin  for  all  the  Executions  which  have 
Issued  from  the  said  Treasurer's  office  (which  do  not 
appear  to  have  been  settled  before)  and  allow  any  over- 
plus payments  which  have  been  made  on  one  Tax,  in 
the  adjustment  of  another ;  so  as  to  make  a  full  &  Just 
settlement  up  to  the  time  when  said  accounts  shall  be 
closed  ;  which  is  to  be  effected  as  soon  as  may  be ;  and 
give  said  Sheriff  a  discharge  in  full  upon  his  paying  the 
balance  if  any  is  found  due.  March  11^  1791. 


Resolves,  1790.  —  January  Session.  241 


Chapter  162. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  JOHN  CRAWFORD,  DIRECTING 
THE  TREASURER  TO  ISSUE  A  CONSOLIDATED  NOTE  FOR  THE 
SUM  OF  £.6  6,  IN  FULL  OF  HIS  DEMANDS. 

On  the  Petition  of  John  Crawford  praying  that  he  may 
be  allowed  for  Transporting  three  Loads  of  Provisions 
from  Sudbury  to  Rutlaiid  in  the  year  1780. 

Resolved  that  the  prayer  of  said  Petition  be  granted, 
and  that  the  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth  be  and 
hereby  is  directed  to  Issue  to  the  said  John  Crawford  a 
Consolidated  note  for  the  sum  of  Six  jmunds  Six  shilliyigs 
in  full  of  his  Demand  against  this  Commonwealth. 

March  11,  1791. 

Chapter  163. 

RESOLVE    DIRECTING  THE  TREASURER  TO  FURNISH    PLANTA- 
TIONS  WITH   LAWS   AND  RESOLVES. 

Resolved  that  the  Treasurer  of  the  Commonwealth  on 
Isueing  the  i)recepts  on  Tax  No.  9  shall  furnish  each 
Plantation  in  this  Commonwealth  which  is  Taxed,  with 
the  Laws  and  Resolves  of  this  Goverment,  which  have 
not  hcartofore  bin  furnished  therewith. 

March  11,  1791. 

Chapter  164. 

RESOLVE    DIRECTING    THE    TREASURER    TO    DEPOSIT    PUBLIC 
MONIES    IN    THE    BANK. 

Resolved  that  the  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth  be 
and  hereby  is  authorized  to  deposit  any  pul)lic  monies 
which  he  hath  or  may  have  in  his  hands,  in  the  Massa- 
chvseils  Bank  for  the  more  safe  keeping  of  the  same 
whenever  he  may  judge  it  proper.        March  11,  1791. 

Chapter  165. 

RESOLVE   ON   THE   PETITION  OF  ELIJAH  HUNT,  IN   BEHALF  OF 
THE  TOWN  OF  NORTHFIELD. 

On  the  Petition  of  Elijah  Hunt  in  behalf  of  the  Town 
oi  NortJifield,  for  reasons  set  forth  in  said  Petition. 

Resolved  that  the  prayer  thereof  be  granted,  and  that 
the  Town  Clerk  of  Northfield  be  not  jn-osecuted  for  neg- 
lecting to  return  the  Votes  (from  said  Town)  for  Gov- 


242  Resolves,  1790.  —  January  Session. 

ernour,  Lt.  Governour  &  Senators  for  the  year  1790, 
and  the  Attorney  General  is  to  govern  himself  accord- 
ingly .  March  11,  1 791 . 


Chapter  167.* 

RESOLVE  TO  CONFIRM  THE  DOINGS  OF  CORONERS- ALLOWING 
THEM  TO  GIVE  BONDS. 

Whereas  certain  persons  have  been  appointed  by  his 
Excellency  the  Governour  and  Council  of  this  Common- 
wealth to  the  office  of  Coroner  who  did  neglect  to  give 
bond  as  the  law  directs  for  the  faithfull  discharge  of  the 
said  offices,  until  the  time  allowd  for  that  purpose  by 
Law  was  expired : 

Resolved  that  each  and  every  person,  who  has  been 
appointed  to  the  office  of  a  Coroner  as  aforesaid  and  has 
neglected  to  give  bond  as  the  Law  directs  be  and  hereby 
is  allowed  to  give  Bonds  as  aforesaid  at  the  next  Court 
of  Common  pleas  to  be  holden  in  &  for  the  County  to 
which  such  person  belongs.  March  11,  1791. 


Chapter  168. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  PAUL   RICHARDSON. 

On  the  Petition  of  Faul  Richardson  setting  forth  that 
many  frauds  respecting  the  Duty  of  excise  have  been 
committed  — 

Resolved  That  the  Attorney  General  immediately  pros- 
ecute for  all  frauds  against  the  revenue  laws  of  this  Com- 
monwealth of  which  He  shall  receive  information  — 

And  be  it  further  Resolved,  That  if  the  said  Paul 
Richardson  shall  appear  &  give  evidence  of  the  frauds 
mentioned  in  his  petition,  and  the  persons  against  whom 
He  shall  give  such  evidence  shall  be  convicted,  then  the 
said  PaulSc  his  Sureties  shall  be  discharged  of  the  penal- 
ties mentioned  in  his  Bond  or  obligation  given  to  a  Col- 
lector of  Excise  for  the  County  of  Suffolk  in  order  to  his 
obtaining  a  permit  to  sell  excised  articles,  and  not  other- 
wise, March  11,  1791. 


*  No  chapter  166. 


Resolves,  1790.  —  Jantjart  Session.  243 


Chapter  169. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  NOAH  HALL,  AUTHORIZING  THE 
TREASURER  TO  DISCHARGE  THE  SAID  HALL,  FROM  THE  NOTES 
MENTIONED;  WITH  A  PROVISO. 

On  the  Petition  of  Noah  Hall,  praying  that  he  may 
be  permitted,  to  discharge  in  Specie  ;  Sundry  demands, 
which  this  Commonwealth  hath  against  him,  in  four  Notes 
of  hand,  bearing  date,  in  the  years  1782  :  1783,  &  1784, 
payable,  in  the  Consolidated  notes  of  this  Commonwealth. 

Resolved,  that  the  prayer  thereof  be  Granted,  and  that, 
the  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth  be,  and  he  hereby 
is,  authorized  and  directed,  to  discharge,  the  said  Hall, 
from  the  notes  aforesaid ;  provided ;  the  said  Hall,  shall 
give  sufficiant  Security,  to  the  Treasurer  of  this  Common- 
wealth ;  for  the  payment,  of  one  hundred  and  Sixty  five 
pounds.  Six  Shillings,  in  Specie,  with  interest,  from  the 
passing  of  this  Resolve ;  payable  wdthin  one  year,  from 
the  date  hereof.  March  11,1791. 


Chapter  170. 

RESOLVE   ON  PROPOSALS   OF  RUGGLES  &  SMITH,  RELATIVE  TO 
CONVICTS  ON  CASTLE  ISLAND. 

Whereas  Joseph  Buggies  &  Half  Smith,  have  proposed 
to  this  Court  to  supply  the  Garison  &  Convicts  on  Castle 
Island,  in  the  harbour  of  Boston,  with  the  following- 
Rations,  for  the  term  of  one  year  from  the  first  Day  of 
April  next  —  viz  : 

—  the  Rations  for  the  Garison  to  each  soldier  as  fol- 
lows one  &  a  quarter  pound  of  beef,  or  half  a  pound  of 
beef,  &  half  a  [)ound  of  Poark,  one  pound  of  wheat  bread 
or  flour,  one  Jill  of  peas  or  beans,  or  vegitables  Equevilent 
thereto,  &  one  Quart  of  Beer,  per  day ;  two  Quarts  of 
salt  two  Quarts  of  Vinegar  four  pounds  of  hard  soap  & 
two  pounds  of  Candles  to  each  hundred  Rations,  &  Rice 
as  usual,  at  the  Price  oi  six  pence  per  Ration. 

—  that  the  Cloathing  for  the  Garison  Shall  be  as  fol- 
lows, viz.  —  one  uniform  Coat,  one  waistcoat,  one  Pair 
of  woolen  overalls,  &  one  pair  of  linnen  overalls,  one 
shirt  one  hat,  &  one  pair  of  shoos,  per  year  for  each 
Soldier  &  of  as  good  a  quality  as  have  been  heretofore 
usually  furnished  for  that  purpose  at  three  pounds  nine 
shillings. 


244  Kesolves,  1790.  —  January  Session. 

—  &  that  the  said  Convicts  shall  be  provided  with 
Provision  &  Necessary  cloathing  in  Quantity,  &  quality, 
equal  to  the  directions  of  the  law,  &  as  heretofore  sup- 
plyed  by  the  Commissary  General  —  upon  Conditions 
that  the  said  Buggies  &  Smith  have  the  Exchisive  Right, 
&  be  fully  Entitled  to  the  benifit  of  the  labour  of  said 
convicts,  &  likewise  to  have  the  loan  &  use  of  the  works 
now  occupied  &  improved  for  manufactureing  nails,  on  said 
Island,  &  the  Bellows  &  other  Utensils,  in  their  present 
state,  &  that  the  said  Convicts  shall  continue  under  Mar- 
tial Law,  &  be  subject  to  the  Commanding  officer  of  the 
Garison,  &  be  Guarded  while  at  work,  &  in  Quarters 
By  the  soldiers  of  the  Garison  as  has  been  usual  Hereto- 
fore—  and  on  the  further  condition  that  the  Provisions 
aforsaid  shall  be  Delivered  at  the  Market  House  in 
Boston,  to  the  Quartermaster  Sergeant,  or  to  such  other 
person  as  the  Commanding  officer  of  the  Garison  shall 
appoint  for  that  Purpose,  in  such  quantities  as  the  Con- 
tractors aforesaid  &  the  said  Commanding  Officer  shall 
agree  on,  proper  returns  to  be  made  by  said  officer, 
which  may  serve  as  Receipts  for  such  provisions. — the 
cloathing  &  provisions  for  the  Garrison  to  be  paid  for 
in  six  months  after  the  Delivery  in  Specie,  — &  that  Gov- 
ernment support  an  overseer  of  the  Convicts  as  at  Pres- 
ent— 

—  Resolved  that  the  foregoing  Proposals  be  &  they 
hereby  are  accepted,  &  that  the  said  Joseph  Buggies  & 
Ralf  Smith,  be  &  they  herel)y  are  Directed  to  furnish  the 
aforsaid  articles  of  provision  &  Cloathing,  &  that  the  said 
Buggies  &  Smith  at  the  expiration  of  each  six  months,  lay 
their  accounts  before  his  Excellency  the  Gove [?■] nor  and 
Council,  with  proper  Vouchers,  for  aIlowanc[e],  who  are 
hereby  Requested,  to  Draw  a  warrant  on  the  Treasurer 
of  this  Commonwealth  for  the  sums  they  shall  find  due 
agreably  to  this  contract  &  the  Treasurer  is  hereby  Di- 
rected, to  borrow  money  (if  necessary)  for  the  payment 
of  the  same,  on  the  Credit  of  the  first  monies  that  shall 
Come  in  to  the  Treasury  not  then  Appropriated  — 

&  it  is  further  Provided  that  the  said  Joseph  Buggies 
&  Balf  Smith  shall  on  or  before  the  first  Day  of  Ap>ril 
Next  Give  Bonds  to  the  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth 
with  sufficient  sureties  to  the  acccptanc[e]  of  the  Gov- 
ernor &  Council  in  the  penal  sum  of  two  Thousand 
pounds  Wn-  tlio  faithfull  Performance  of  the  several  en- 


Resolves,  1790.  —  January  Session.  245 

gagements  expressed  in  this  Resolve,  &  ulso  for  the  Return 
of  the  tools  &  works  loaned  to  them  in  Complyan[c]e  with 
the  foregoing  Resolve,  in  as  good  a  state  as  when  received 
by  them. 

Provided  that  the  Commanding  Officer  of  the  Garrison 
shall  have  a  right  to  command  the  service  of  the  convicts 
in  such  employment  on  the  said  Island  as  he  shall  judge 
necessary  for  the  pul)lic  service,  not  exceeding,  at  the  rate 
of  four  days  for  each  of  the  said  Convicts  in  the  year. 

March  11,  1791. 

Chapter  Itl. 

RESOLVE  REQUESTING  THE  GOVERNOR  AND  COUNCIL,  TO  AP- 
POINT AND  COMMISSION  SOME  SUITABLE,  DISINTERESTED 
PERSON  OR  PERSONS,  AS  SUPERINTENDANT  OF  ANY  PUR- 
CHASE FROM  THE  NATIVE  INDIANS,  TO  BE  MADE  BY 
SAMUEL    OGDEN,   ESQ. 

Whereas  an  Agreement  between  this  Commonwealth 
and  Samuel  Ogden  Esq.  for  the  Sale  and  Purchase  of 
the  Right  of  Preemption  and  all  other  the  Claim  and 
Right,  which  this  Commonwealth  has  remaining  in  the 
Lands  and  Territories  ceded  to  this  Commonwealth  by 
the  State  of  Neiv-  Yorh,  according  to  a  Deed  of  Cession 
executed  by  their  respective  Commissioners  on  the  16th. 
day  of  December,  A.  D.  1786,  has  been  made  and  con- 
cluded by  a  Resolve  passed  on  the  eighth  day  of  MarcJt 
instant,  reference  thereto  being  had,  which  Right  and 
Claim  according  to  the  tenor  of  that  Resolve  are  to  l)e 
conveyed  to  the  said  Samuel  Ogden,  on  the  performance 
on  his  part  of  the  Terms  and  Conditions  of  the  said  Agree- 
ment—  And  Whereas  in  the  said  Deed  of  Cession,  it  is 
provided  among  other  things,  that  no  purchase  from  the 
native  Indians,  by  any  Grantee  or  Grantees  of  the  said 
Right  of  Preemption,  shall  be  valid,  unless  the  same  shall 
be  made  in  the  presence  of,  and  approved  by,  a  Superin- 
tendant  to  be  appointed  for  such  Purpose  by  the  Common- 
wealth of  Massachusetts,  and  having  no  Interest  in  such 
Purchase  : 

Therefore  Resolved,  That  his  Excellency  the  Governour 
of  this  Commonwealth  for  the  time  being,  be  and  he  is 
hereby  authorised  and  requested,  by  and  with  the  advice 
of  Council,  to  nominate,  appoint,  and  by  Commission 
under  the  seal  of  this  Commonwealth  to  Authorise,  any 
suitable  person  or  persons,  having  no  Interest  in  the  pur- 


216  Resolves,  1790.  —  January  Session. 

chase  made,  or  to  l)e  made  by  the  said  Samuel  O'jden  of 
the  Eight  of  Preemption  aforesaid,  to  be  a  supcrintend- 
ant  or  superintendants,  in  behalf  of  this  Commonwealth, 
of  any  Purchase,  from  the  native  Indians  which  shall  be 
undertaken  or  made  by  the  said  Samuel  Ogden  —  or  any 
person  or  persons  who  shall  and  may  claim  such  Right 
of  Preemption  under  him,  or  by  virtue  of  the  Agreement 
with  him  made  as  aforesaid.  And  the  person,  or  persons, 
who  shall  be  so  nominated,  appointed,  and  commissioned, 
as  superintendant  or  superintendants  as  aforesaid,  shall 
and  may,  in  the  name  and  behalf  of  this  Commonwealth, 
but  at  the  sole  expence  of  the  said  Samued  Ogden,  or  of 
the  person  or  persons,  claiming  under  the  said  Agree- 
ment, who  shall  undertake  such  purchase,  be  present  at, 
and  have  power  thereupon  to  approve,  any  purchase 
which  shall  be  made  from  the  said  native  Indians  by 
virtue  of  the  Agreement  aforesaid.  Provided,  that  the 
Commission  aforesaid  shall  not  be  given,  or  be  in  force, 
until  the  said  Samuel  Ogderi  shall  j^erform  or  give  Security 
to  perform  the  Terms  and  Conditions  of  the  agreement 
aforesaid,  to  the  acceptance  of  the  Committee  appointed 
by  the  said  Resolve  to  carry  the  same  into  effect. 

March  11,  1791. 


Chapter  173. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  HEPZIBAH  MUNRO,  AND  OTHERS. 

On  the  Petetion  of  Hepzibah  Munro,  Thaddeus  Munro, 
Amos  Muzzey  Isaac  Harrington  and  Solomon  Harrington, 
Representing  that  the  said  Solomon  was  upon  the  Com- 
plaint of  the  said  Hepzibah  Recognized  to  appear  before 
the  Supreme  Judicial  Court  to  answer  for  an  assault  by 
him  made  on  the  Body  of  the  said  Hepzibah ;  on  the  tenth 
day  of  Febr.  Last  that  the  said  Hepzibah  was  Reconized  to 
prosecute  her  Complaint ;  —  and  that  the  other  above 
named  petetioners  ware  Reconiz'd  to  appear  at  the  said 
Court  as  Avitnesses ;  that  an  amicable  Settlement  Betwen 
the  parties  taking  place,  the  petetioners,  from  a  Misap- 
prehention  of  their  Duty  Did  not  appear ;  and  that  their 
several  Recognizances  have  Been  Declared  Forfeit  and 
proscess  has  Issued  against  them  which  is  now  pending 
in  the  said  Court;  and  praying  the  said  p[o]rosecution 
may  be  Discontinued. 


Rp:solves,  1790.  —  January  Session.  247 

Resolved  that  the  prayer  of  the  petetion  l)e  granted  and 
that  the  Attorney  General  be  and  he  hereby  is  Directed 
to  discontinue  the  aforesaid  process  the  petetioners  paying 
all  the  Legal  Cost  that  has  arisen  thereon. 

March  11,  1791. 


Chapter  173. 

RESOLVE  RESPECTING  THE  SECURITY  OF  THE  CANNON  AND 
OTHER  ORDNANCE,  IN  VARIOUS  PARTS  OF  THE  COMMON- 
WEALTH. 

Resolved  that  his  excellency  the  Governor  be,  &  he 
is  hereby  requested  immediately  to  give  orders  to  the 
Quarter  Master  General  to  furnish  the  several  artillery 
companies  within  this  Commonwealth  with  feild  peices 
&  apparatus  compleat,  ammunition  carts,  &  such  other 
equipments  as  the  Law  requires  to  furnish  the  said  com- 
panies comi)leat  for  the  field. 

And  Whereas  the  public  Interest  requires  that  such 
cannon  &  Avarlike  stores  as  are  in  a  ruinous  situation  in 
various  parts  of  this  Commonwealth  should  be  collected 
&  secured  to  prevent  their  being  destroyed,  &  rendered 
useless : 

Resolved  that  his  excellency  the  Governor  with  the  ad- 
vice &  consent  of  Council  be  &  he  is  hereby  requested 
forthwith  to  take  such  measures  as  they  shall  find  neces- 
sary to  place  the  cannon  belonging  to  this  Common- 
wealth, now  remaining  in  various  parts  thereof  in  such 
a  situation  as  will  prevent  their  1)eing  lost  or  injured,  & 
also  to  cause  the  carriages  &  other  apparatus  thereof,  to- 
gether with  the  shot  &  all  other  ordinance  stores  belong- 
ing to  the  said  Commonwealth  wherever  the  same  may  be 
found  (such  only  excepted  as  are  necessary  for  the  use  of 
the  Garrison  on  Castle  Island)  to  be  transported  to  some 
secure  place  or  places  in  the  inland  part  of  this  Common- 
wealth, &  there  deposited  for  the  use  of  the  same. 

And  it  is  further  Resolved  that  the  Quarter  Master 
General  be  authorised  to  lay  before  the  Governor  &  Coun- 
cil his  account  of  expenditures  in  carrying  this  resolve 
into  execution,  Avho  are  requested  to  draAV  a  warrant  on 
the  Treasury  for  the  payment  of  the  same,  &  that  the  first 
monies  that  come  into  the  Treasury  on  Tax  No.  eight,  not 
already  appropriated,  be  applied  to  the  payment  thereof. 

March  11,  1791. 


248  Resolves,  1790.  —  January  Session. 


Chapter  174. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  JOHN  WAIT,  DIRECTING  HIM 
TO  SERVE  JOSEPH  TUCKER,  WITH  A  COrY  OF  THIS  PETITION 
AND  RESOLVE. 

On  the  Petition  of  John  Wait  praying  for  a  new  trial 
in  an  Action  brought  against  him  by  Joseph  Tucker  before 
JosejJi  Simpson  Esquire  one  of  the  Justices  of  the  Peace 
in  and  for  the  County  of  York  on  the  31st.  clay  of  Jannary 
A  D  1788  on  which  said  action  judgment  was  rendered 
by  the  said  Justice  on  default  upon  which  Judgment  Exe- 
cution has  since  issued. 

Resolved  (for  reasons  set  forth  in  the  said  Petition) 
that  the  said  John  Wait  serve  the  said  Joseph  Tucker 
with  an  attested  copy  of  his  said  Petition  and  of  this  Re- 
solve at  least  thirty  Days  previous  to  the  second  Wedcns- 
day  of  the  next  setting  of  the  General  Court  that  he  may 
appear  on  said  Day  and  shew  cause  if  any  he  has  why  the 
prayer  of  the  aforesaid  Petition  should  not  be  granted  — 
and  the  said  Execution  sliall  be  stayed  in  the  mean  time. 

March  11,  1791. 


Chapter  175. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  JOSEPH  RUSSELL,  JUN.  AND 
OTHERS  REQUESTING  HIS  EXCELLENCY  TO  APPOINT  ONE  OR 
MORE  SUITABLE  PERSONS,  TO  ENQUIRE  INTO  THE  PRACTI- 
CABILITY, AND  EXPENCE  OF  CUTTING  A  CANAL  BETWEEN 
BARNSTABLE  AND  BUZZARD'S  BAT. 

On  the  petition  of  Joseph  Russell  Jun.  and  others  pray- 
ing that  a  Committee  may  be  appointed  to  enquire  into 
the  practicability,  utility  and  probable  expence  of  cuting 
a  navigable  passage  across  the  Isthmus  which  divides 
Barnstable  bay  and  Buzzard's  Bay. 

Resolved  That  his  Excellency  the  Governor  with  advice 
of  Council  be  and  he  hereby  is  requested  to  appoint  one 
or  more  suitable  persons  to  enquire  into  the  practicability, 
utility  and  probable  expence  of  cuting  a  navigable  Canal 
between  Barnstable  Bay  &  Buzzard's  Bay  —  and  for  that 
purpose  to  survey  the  Isthmus  which  divides  said  Bays, 
and  to  ascertain  the  elevation  of  the  ground  above  low 
water  mark,  also  the  usual  rise  of  the  tides  in  each  Bay, 
and  the  mean  difference  of  level  at  High  Water,  (if  any) 
—  also  to  examine  and  report  the  Situation  of  the  Shoals 


Kesolves,  1790.  —  January  Session.  249 

in  Buzzard's  Bay  the  depth  of  Water  over  them,  iiiicl  the 
navigability  of  that  Bay. 

And  it  is  further  Resolved  That  his  Excellency  the  Gov- 
ernor with  advice  of  Council  l)e  empowered  and  requested 
to  draw  his  Warrent  on  the  Treasurer  of  this  C()mmon- 
wealth  for  such  a  sum  as  shall  be  sufficient  to  defray  the 
expence  of  said  Survey.  March  11,  1791. 


Chapter  176. 

ROLL  No.  19. 

The  Committee  on  Accounts,  having  examined  the 
Accounts  they  now  present,  Eeport,  That  there  is  due  to 
ye  Towns  &  Persons  hereafter  mentioned,  the  Sums  set 
against  their  Names  respectively  ;  which  if  allowed,  will 
be  in  full  discharge  of  said  Accounts,  to  the  Dates  therein 
mentioned. 

JOSEPH  HOSMEE  per  Order. 

No.  1.    To    Samuel   Gore,  for  framing   and  varnishing 

Maps,  in  1787,  for  the  use  of  the  General  Court,  and    £.    s.    d. 
that  was  given  in  in  season  ;  for  enquiry,       .         .         .250 

No.  2.  To  James  White,  Stationer,  for  sundries  of  Sta- 
tionary delivered  for  the  use  of  the  Treasury  Office, 
and  the  General  Court,  to  ye  16th  of  Septr.  1790,  .        .     21     9  11 

No.  3.  To  Prince  Patterson,  for  Nursing  James  Moor- 
wood  in  1789,  a  State  Pauper,  &  certified  by  the  Select- 
men of  Boston,  July  28th,  1790, 4  10    0 

No.  4.  To  Supply  Glapp,  for  taking  care  of  Charloitee 
Brewer,  another  of  the  poor  of  the  Commonwealth,  in 
Augtist  1790, 3  18     2 

No.  5.  To  Robert  Little,  for  supporting  Archibald 
McUullen,  a  State  Pauper,  from  the  1st  of  April,  1789, 
to  the  middle  of  Septr.  1790, 22    8    0 

No.  6.  To  Michael  Bacon,  for  an  allowance  made  him 
for  carrying  an  Express  to  General  Washington  in 
(Mr.  1789,  by  Order  of  ye  Governour,   .        .        .         .14    0 

No.  7.  To  Jonathan  Hastings's  Account,  for  the  Postage 
of  public  Letters,  from  June  15th  1790,  to  Febij.  10th, 


1791, 


.3     5     6J 


No.  8.  To  Doctr.  William  WhitingsBiW,  for  Medicines  & 
Attendance  upon  Htcgo  Burghardt,  who  Avas  wounded 
in  ye  Action  at  Sheffield,  &  which  was  seasonably  pre- 
sented but  needed  further  Evidence,  which  is  now  pro- 
duced,        5  10     0 

No.  9.  To  Henry  Sewall,  Deputy  Adjutant  (4eneral  of  ye 
eighth  Division  of  Militia,  to  Octr.  15th,  1790,  for  his 
ScrvicGS  .        •        •        •        •        •        •        •        *        .      z     'J     ^ 

No.  10.  To  William  Jefferds,  Brigade  Major,  in  the 
County  of  York,  for  his  services  from  June  1789  to 
Octr.  1790, 8  10    0 


250  Resolves,  1790.  —  January  Session. 

No.  11.     To  Timothy  Jackson,  Brigade  INIajor  of  ye  .Sd 
Division,  foi-  his  Services  from  the  24th  of  Fcby.  1790,   £.    .s.    d. 
to  the  24th  of  J^-m?/.  1791, 6     0     0 

No.  12.  To  Jabez  Uj)ham,  for  doing  the  Duty  of  a  Bi-igade 
Major,  certified  by  Brigadier  General  Newhall,  to  Octr. 
14th,  1789, 1   10     0 

No.  13.  To  William  Sever,  Brigade  Major,  for  his  Ser- 
vices, from  May  17th,  1790,  to  Jany.  8th,  1791,  certified 
in  the  usual  manner, 9     4     0 

No.  14.  To  James  Scammon,  Deputy  Adjutant  General, 
for  his  Services  from  July  1st,  1789,  to  Septr.  28th, 
1790 820 

No.  15.  To  Lazarus  Goodwin,  Brigade  Major,  for  his 
Sei'vices,  from  May,  1789,  to  January,  1791,  certified  by 
General  Lithgow, 16160 

No.  16.  To  Seth  Banister,  Deputy  Adjutant  General  for 
his  Services  from  A2Jril  18th,  1790  to  Jany.  1791,  certi- 
fied in  the  usual  manner, 12  16     0 

No.  17.  To  Joseph  Williams,  D.  A.  General,  for  his  Ser- 
vices from  Feby.  26th,  1790,  to  Ja7iy.  26th,  1791,  certi- 
fied by  General  Shejihard, 13     7     6 

No.  18.  To  Edivard  Sto7ie,  for  Painting  at  the  Castle, 
alloAved  by  a  former  Committee  on  Accounts,  but  not 
paid,  in  two  Orders  upon  Treasurer  Ivers,     .         .         .       6  16     0 

No.  19.  To  Norton  Brails  ford'' s  Account  as  a  Glazier, 
from  May  10th,  1790,  to  Jany.  13th,  1791,  for  work 
done  for  the  Commonwealth, 1.5  10     8 

No.  20.  To  Joseph  Laughton,  first  Clerk  in  ye  Treasury 
Office,  for  his  services  from  June  30th,  1790  to  5th  of 
March  1791, 106  10    0 

No.  21.  To  the  Honble.  Azor  Orne,  for  his  Account,  for 
his  Services  as  one  of  a  Committee  that  was  appointed 
to  take  up  the  matter  of  the  Fisheries  in  the  Recess  of 
the  General  Court  in  Octr.  1790, 1  19    0 

No.  22.  To  the  Honble.  Feleg  Coffin,  for  the  same  Ser- 
vices, with  Travel  from  Nantucket,        .        .        .        .      7  18     1 

No.  23.  To  Thomas  Davis  Esqr.,  another  of  that  Com- 
mittee, for  his  Bill, 5     2     9 

No.  24.  To  William  Pearson,  another  of  the  Committee, 
for  his  Services, 3    0    0 

No.  25.  To  William  Donnison  Esqr.,  Adjutant  General, 
for  his  Services  and  Expences,  oflice,  &c.,  from  Jany. 
1st,  1790,  to  Ja?iuary  1st,  1791 120    0    0 

No.  26.  To  John  Austin,  for  his  care  of  the  Magizine  at 
Cambridge,  from  the  first  of  Ja7iy.  1790,  to  ye  first  of 
Feby.  1791, 6  10    0 

No.  27.  To  Lemuel  Kollock  Esqr.,  for  his  Account  of 
Charges,  for  procuring,  and  fixing  a  Monument  upon 
the  important  Bounds  in  the  Town  of  Wrentham,  by 
order  of  Government, 21     2     6 

No.  28.  To  Roger  Storrs,  for  printing  for  the  Common- 
wealth, from  July  22d,  1790,  to  ye  2d  of  SejUr.  follow- 
ing,   5  19     0 

No.  29.    To  Edes  &  Son,  for  Printing  to  Octr.  4th,  1790,      12     0 

No.  30.  To  the  same  Persons  for  Printing  for  the  Treas- 
urers office  in  Feby.  1791, 2  10     0 

No  31.     To  James  Eldridge,  an  allowance  omitted  in  the 

Account  reported  in  Roll  No.  16, 0  12     0 


Kesolves,  1790.  —  January  Session.  251 

No.  32.    To  the  Town  of  Taunton,  as  an  allowance  of 
their  Account  where  we  coia'd  allow,  for  taking  care 
of  the  Poor  of  ye  Commonwealth  at  Taunton  to  Feby.    £.    s.    d. 
2d,  1791, .     14  U    0 

No  33.  To  John  Adams  Junr.,  for  dispersing  particular 
Acts  &  Kesolves,  &c.,  by  order  of  Government,  with 
Horse  &  Expences, 1  16     0 

No.  34.    To   Thomas  C.   Gushing  for  Printing  for    the 

Commonwealth  from  Feby.  24th,  1789  to  Deer.  4th,  1790,       3  13     0 

No.  35.  To  William  Crafts,  for  his  Account  for  work 
done  at  the  Treasurer's  House,  and  certified  by  Coll. 
Dawsc, ,   •      ^    '^    '* 

No.  36.  To  the  Town  of  Uxbridge,  as  an  allowance  for 
ye  board  of  Betty  Tnjfle,  a  State  Pauper,  by  order  of 
Goverment,  for  a  charge  omitted  in  a  former  Account, 
and  now  taken  up  by  the  Committee  on  Accounts,         .     13     7     0 

No.  37.  To  the  Town  of  Warwick,  for  the  Board  of 
Philip  Boyle's,  wife,  &  four  small  Children,  from  the 
13th  of  Jany.  1790  to  the  20th  of  Jany.  1791,  with 
Doctrs.  Bill, • 

No.  38.  To  Benjn.  Smith,  Sheriff  of  the  County  of  Dukes 
County  for  services  performed  by  order  of  Govern- 
ment, in  1790,  &  1791,  agreable  to  a  Resolve  of  Jime 
18th  1790,  relative  to  returning  Votes  &c.      .        .         .51 

No.  39.  To  the  Town  of  Edgnrtoivn,  for  the  support  of 
Pat  Sarvash,  and  her  two  Children,  poor  of  ye  Com- 
monwealth, from  ye  6th  of  May,  1790,  to  ye  first  of 


4    0 


Feby.  1791, 


11  18     2 


No.  40.  To  the  Widow  Lydia  Upham,  for  the  board  of 
Philadelphia  Breed  to  the  first  of  March  1790,  one  of 
the  Poor  of  Charlestoivn,  omitted  in  ye  last  Account, 
&  it  appearing  to  be  ye  case, 4     6     4 

No.  41.  To  the  Town  of  Bedford,  for  Boarding,  Nursing, 
&  Buryino-,  James  Thompsoti,  one  of  the  Poor  of  the 
Commonwealth,  to  Jprt7  26th,  1790,       .         .         .         .       2     0  11 

No.  42.  To  the  Town  of  Acton,  for  cleanning,  &  repair- 
ing Fire- Arms  belonging  to  the  Commonwealth,  which 
were  returned  to  ye  Commissary, 4  18    0 

No.  43.  To  the  Town  of  Chelsea,  for  supporting  John 
Ooodivin  &  Family,  ye  poor  of  the  State,  from  Novr. 
1789,  to  Feby.  14,  1791, 22     5     0 

No.  44.  To  the  Town  of  Dedham,  for  supporting  John 
Sheffence,  one  of  the  State's  poor,  from  July  3d,  1788 
to  July  3d  1790  ;  and  also  to  Jany.  1st,  1791,  on  account 
of  John  Titterton  for  supplies,  also  a  State  Pauper,       .     26     6     0 

No.  45.  To  the  Town  of  Needha^n,  for  supporting 
Abigail  Timson,  wife  of  Charles  Timson,  one  of  the 
State's  Poor,  from  Feby.  22d,  1790,  to  March  1st,  1791, 
with  her  four  Children, 25     7  11 

No  46.  To  John  Brcioer,  for  Storage,  &  taking  care  of 
Goods,  the  property  of  the  Commomvealth,  to  the  23d 
of  Jany.  1790, 6  10    0 

No.  47.  To  the  estate  of  Joseph  Otis,  for  the  Board  of 
Ltike  Day,  a  State  Prisoner,  offer'd  in  season  but  not 
allowed  till  now  for  want  of  Evidence,  .         .         .       4  14     6 

No.  48.  To  the  Town  of  Attleborough,  for  the  support 
of  William  Wilson,  to  ye  15th  of  March  1790,  a  pauper 
of  this  State,  with  ye  charge  of  his  funeral, .        .        .       7  17     6 


252  Resolves,  1790.  —  January  Session. 

No.  49.     To  the  same  Town,  for  the  support  of  John 
Jane,  a  State  Poor,  from  the  12th  of  Jany.  1790,  to  the     £.   s.    d. 
12th  of  Jany.  1791, 14     6     0 

No.  60.  To  the  Town  of  Pembroke,  for  taking  care  of  a 
Woman  unknown,  in  Now.  last,  &  providing  a  Collin 
for  James  Brand,  a  State  Pauper, 3     0     0 

No.  51.     To  Ezra  W.  Weld  for  printing  for  Government, 

from  June  30th,  1790,  to  Septr.  1st  following,       .        .700 

No.  52.     To  the  same  Person  for  the  same  service,  viz  :, 

printing,  from  Scptr.  1790,  to  Deer.  8th  following,         .       2     9     (i 

No.  53.  To  Job  Turner,  for  his  Trouble,  &  Expence,  in 
removing  Convicts  to  the  Castle  from  Plimoiilli  Goal 
in  Deer.  1790, 805 

No.  54  To  the  Town  of  Williamsioion,  on  account  of 
Rachel  Galusha,  a  State  Pauper,  from  the  3d  of  Jajiy. 
1790,  to  the  3d  of  Ja?^^/.  1791, 20     6     0 

No.  56.  The  Town  of  Mendon,  James  Thompson,  a  State 
Pauper,  who  was  supported  from  the  first  of  Ja7iy. 
1790,  to  the  first  of  Jarey.  1791, 18  12     6 

No.  56.  The  Town  of  Dartmouth,  for  the  Board  of 
Daniel  McCoiven,  Rachel  Cesar,  &  Patience  Joel,  State 
Poor,  from  May  24th,  1790,  to  Jany.  24th,  1791,     .        .     21     0    0 

No.  67.  To  Samtiel  Brooks,  for  Boarding  &  Nursing 
Isaac  Austin,  &  Family,  transient  Persons  who  were 
taken  Sick,  &  who  were  State  Paupers, .        .        .        .280 

No  58.  To  the  Town  of  Westfield,  for  keeping  William 
Davis,  a  State  Pauper,  from  July  1789,  to  the  7th  of 
Jany.  1791, 12  19     0 

No.  59.  To  the  Town  of  Lincoln,  on  account  of  William 
Orr,  a  State  Pauper,  from  ye  7th  of  April,  1789,  to  ye 
7th  of  Ocir.  1790, 13  14    4 

No.  60.  To  the  Town  of  Mendon,  for  supplies  for  Johii 
Hunt,  &  Family,  State  Poor,  from  the  21st  of  January 
1790,  to  ye  21st  of  January  1791, 3  12    0 

No.  61.  To  the  Town  of  Medjield,  on  account  of  John 
Turner  &  Wife,  State  Poor,  from  Feby.  27th,  1790,  to 
Feby.  27th,  1791 3  110 

No.  62.  To  ye  Town  of  Westborough,  for  Boarding 
John  Scuddemore,  from  the  1st  of  Jany.  1790,  to  Jany. 
1st  1791,  a  State  Pauper 13  18     0 

No.  63.  To  the  Town  of  Concord,  for  supplying  Willia^n 
Shaw,  one  of  the  Poor  of  the  Commonwealth,  from 
June  20th,  1790,  to  Feby.  24th,  1791,       .         .        .        .      5  16     6 

No.  64.  To  Joseph  Blake's  Account,  tor  work  done  at 
the  Treasurers  House,  by  him  as  a  Mason,  &  certified 
by  Coll.  Daiose,  in  August  1790 3     9     9 

No.  65.  To  the  Town  of  Franklin,  for  supj^lies  for  Alex- 
ander Reed,  a  State  Pauper,  from  May  15th  1789  to 
Feby.  12th,  1791, 22  16     4 

No.  60.  To  the  Town  of  New  Brai7itree,  for  Board,  & 
Nursing,  Thomas  Lewis,  a  Negro  Man,  and  a  State 
Poor,  with  the  Charge  of  Burial  in  December,  &  Janu- 
ary last, .        .         .         .516 

No.  67.  To  the  Town  of  Hanover,  on  account  of  Jolm 
Sterlvig,  a  State  Paui:)er,  from  April  1790,  to  Jam/. 
24th,  1791, '.     15     2    0 


Resolves,  1790.  —  Januakt  Session.  253 

No.  68.     To  the  Town  of  Boxborough,  on   account  of 

Jolm  Kennedy  &  Wife,  State  Poor,  from  June  19th,   £.    s.    d. 
1790,  to  Feby.  5th,  1791, U  14    0 

No.  G9.  To  Elizth.  Popkin,  for  Work  done,  &  Articles 
furnish'd,  from  May  29th,  1789,  to  Ja7iy.  1791 ;  certified 
by  Mr.  Jacob  Kuhn, 3    7     8 

No.  70.  To  the  Town  of  Brookfield,  for  Boarding  Mat- 
theiu  Cross,  from  the  first  of  Aj^ril  1789  to  the  lOth  of 
Ja7iy.  1790 10     3     9 

No.  71.  To  the  ToAvn  of  Medway,  for  supporting  Elizth. 
Taylor,  &  her  two  Daughters,  State  Poor,  from  the 
24th  of  May  1790,  to  the  28th  of  Novr.  1790,        .        .      7  IG     9 

No.  72.  To  the  Town  of  Maiden,  for  Boarding  two  aged 
Persons,  John  Martin  &  Wife,  State  Poor,  from  Feby. 
14th  1790,  to  Feby.  14th,  1791, 27     9     2 

No.  73.  To  the  Town  of  Plimouth,  on  account  of 
Jonathan  Bill,  &  Family,  State  Poor,  from  Ja7iy.  6th, 
1790,  to  Ja?My.  27th,  1791, 13  10     2 

No  74.  To  the  Town  of  Blandford,  on  account  of 
Michael  Owen,  and  Mariana  Ward,  State  Poor,  in  1789, 
other  Charges  outlawed  ;  allowance  chiefly  on  account 
of  Mariana  Ward,  and  her  Children,      .        .        .         .       1  16    0 

No.  75.  To  Doctr.  Isaac  Morrills  Bill,  on  account  of 
Jacob  Backus,  an  orphan  Indian  at  Natick,  in  April 
1790 1  14     0 

No.  76.  To  the  Town  of  Salem,  for  supporting  a  large 
number  of  the  Poor  of  the  Commonwealth,  with  charge 
of  Burials,  together  with  Doctr.  Holyokes  Acct : ;  from 
Jany.  1st,  1790,  to  Jany.  1st,  1791, 380     8     2 

No.  77.  To  the  Towni  of  Olocester,  on  account  of  several 
Pei-sons,  in  different  Bills,  being  State  Poor,  to  January 
1791, 49     2    0 

No.  78.    To  Doctr.   Wm.  Coffin's  Bills,  for  Medicines,  & 

Attendance,  for  the  same  Persons,  &  for  the  same  time,     23  14     9 

No.  79.  To  the  Town  of  Ipstvich,  on  account  of  Peter 
IjOW,  &  Others,  Poor  of  the  Commonwealth,  for  Sup- 
plies, from  Jany.  1st,  1790,  to  Jajty.  1st,  1791,       .         .     33     4  10 

No.  80.  To  the  Town  of  Topsjield,  on  account  of  one 
JosMia  Oohagcn,  a  State  Poor,  including  all  Bills,  from 
the  15th  of  June  1790,  to  ye  15th  of  Feby.  1791,    .        .     15  11     6 

No.  81.  To  Thomas  Vose,  for  Board,  &  Doctrs  Bills,  on 
account  of  John  Melhorn,  from  the  13th  of  Feby.  1790, 
to  May  9th,  1790, 17  16     8 

No.  82.  To  the  Town  of  Greenfield,  towards  the  Support 
of  John  Battiss,  a  State  Poor,  from  Febij.  1st  1789,  to 
March  17th,  1790, 12  12  10 

No.  83.  To  the  Town  of  Newton,  for  taking  care  of 
Sarah  George,  an  Indian,  &  a  State  Poor,  with  Doctrs. 
Bill,  for  Eleven  Weeks, 7     2    6 

No.  84.  To  the  Town  of  Ilopkinton,  for  providing  for 
Anna  Fanning,  a  State  Poor,  to  Jany.  1st,  1791,  with 

Nursing 418 

No.  85.  To  Jesse  Wheeler,  for  Himself,  &  Others, 
belonging  to  Captn.  Jones's  Company  of  Militia,  who 
guarded  the  Goal  at  Concord,  &  agreeable  to  a  Roll 
l)resented  are  entitled  to  certain  Sums  mentioned 
therein,  and  taken  up  by  order  of  both  Houses,         .       8  15  11 J 


254  Eesolves,  1790.  —  January  Session. 

No.  86.     To  the  Town  of    Washington,  on  account  of 
Joh7i  Linnion,  one  of  the  Poor  of  the  Commonwealth, 
for  Board,  Nursing,  &  Doctrs.  Bills,  to  March  loth,    £.    s.    d. 
1790,  taken  up  by  order  of  both  Houses,        .        .        .     13     1     3 

No.  87.  To  the  Town  of  Dractit,  on  account  of  John 
Hancock,  &  Wife,  from  the  time  of  ye  last  allowance, 
to  the  first  of  llarch  1791,  with  the  Doctrs.  Bill ;  State 
Poor,  included  in  several  Bills, 21     6     6 

No.  88.  To  the  Town  of  Rochester,  for  supporting  Mary 
Sassaman,  one  of  the  State  Poor,  from  Jany.  11th,  1790, 
to  January  11th,  1791,     .        .        .         .     '   .         .        .     11  14    0 

No.  89.  To  the  Town  of  Concord,  on  account  of  John 
Case,  with  ye  charge  of  his  Burial,  who  was  taken  Sick 
in  Jany.  1789,  a  State  Poor, 10     2     3 

No,  90.  To  Oliver  Watson,  for  Boarding  Robert  Oiffen, 
a  State  Poor,  from  ye  15th  of  Jany.  1790,  to  ye  15th  of 
Jany.  1791, G  16     3 

No.  91.     To  the  Town  of  Chesterfield  for  Boarding  Feggy 

Burton,  a  State  Poor,  to  the  first  of  Jime,  1790,     .        .     IG  10    0 

No.  92.  To  the  Town  of  Southwick,  for  Boarding  Oeorge 
Read,  a  State  Poor,  from  Novr.  10th,  1789,  to  Jany. 
12th,  1791, 15    8     0 

No.  93.  To  the  Town  of  Shrewsbury,  on  account  of  the 
Family  of  George  Philmore,  from  March  1st,  1789,  to 
March  1st,  1791,  State  Poor, 20     1  10 

No.  94.  To  the  Town  of  Norton,  for  the  supjjort  of 
Joseph  Pratt,  a  State  Pauper,  from  ye  20th  of  Feby. 

1789,  to  ye  31st  of  Jany.  1791 23    7     7 

No.  95.    To  the  Town  of   Sudbury,  to  the  support  of 

Philiji  Bailey,  another  of  the  State  Poor,  from  ye  21st 

of  August  1790,  to  ye  23d  of  Octr.  following,        .        .      7  13    0 

No.  96.  To  the  Town  of  Norton,  on  account  of  James 
Coleman,  another  of  the  State  Poor,  from  the  12th 
of  April  1789  to  ye  Novr.  following,  on  to  Jany.  17th 
1791, 13  11     6 

No.  97.  To  the  Town  of  Reading,  for  the  Board  of 
Joseph  Perroo,  a  State  Pauper,  from  the  1st  of  Fehy. 

1790,  to  ye  1st  of  Feby.  1791, 15  12     3 

No.  98.    To  the  Town  of  Framingham,  on  account  of 

Polly  Saunders,  a  State  Poor,  from  ye  1st  of  Feby. 

1790  to  Feby.  1791, 2    0    8 

No.  99.  To  the  Town  of  Hopkinton,  for  the  support  of 
Patience  Bandily,  another  of  the  State  Poor,  from  ye 
1st  of  Feby.  1789  to  the  first  of  Feby.  1791,    .         .     '   .     15  12     0 

No.  100.  To  the  Town  of  Richmond,  for  the  Board  of 
Densa  Tooley,  from  the  first  of  Ja7iy.  1790,  to  the  first 
of  Jany.  1791,  another  State  Poor, 7     5     0 

No.  101.  To  the  Town  of  Nalick,  on  account  of  Jacob 
Baccus,  an  Indian,  Board,  Nursing,  Burial,  &c.,  from 
4th  of  Novr.  1788,  to  ye  7th  of  May  1790,     .         .         .       8  IG     0 

No.  102.  To  the  Town  of  Andover,  for  the  Board  of 
Robert  Halls  Wife,  and  Cliild,  State  Poor,  including 
nursing  and  extra  charges  of  sickness  from  the  8th  of 
ilfarc/i,  1790,  to  ye  26th  of  Jany.  1791,  .        .        .        .     2G  11     0 

No.  103.     To  Doctr.  Abiel  Pearsons  Bill,  on  account  of 

ye  same  Persons,      .         .         .         .         .         .         .         .       4  18     0 


Resolves,  1790.  —  January  Sessioi^.  255 

No.  104.    To  the  Town  of  Andover,  for  the  svipport  of 

Margaret  Pbmket  a  State  Poor,  from  March  1st  1789    £.    s.    d. 
to  March  1st  1790, 7  10    0 

No.  105.  To  the  Town  of  Andover,  for  supporting  John 
Delap,  another  State  Poor,  from  March  1st,  1789,  to 
March  1st,  1790, 13     0     0 

No.  106.  To  Samiiel  Oookins,  for  his  charge  in  taking- 
care  of  William  Thtirston  a  State  Poor,  with  the  Docti's. 
Bill,  from  the  18th  of  March  1790  to  his  Decease,         .       8  IG  10 

No.  107.  To  the  Town  of  Hanover,  for  suj^porting  John 
Sterling,  another  State  Poor,  from  the  11th  of  Jany. 
1790, 7  Weeks, 3  10    0 

No.  108.  To  the  Town  of  Dartmouth,  on  account  of 
Stephen  Toman,  a  State  Poor,  with  Doctrs.  Bill,  & 
charge  of  Burial, 1146 

No.  109.  To  the  Town  of  New  Bedford,  to  Boarding 
Ebenezer  Shott,  a  State  Poor,  40  Weeks,  from  ye  2d 
of  April,  1790, 6     0    0 

No.  110.  To  the  Town  of  Colraine,  for  the  support  of 
Joh7i  Stewart  and  Wife,  State  Poor,  from  Deer.  31, 
1789,  toZ)eceTO6er  31,  1790, 26     4    0 

No.  111.  To  Doctr.  Boss''s  Bill,  on  account  of  the  said 
Joh7i  Steivart, ..0194 

No.  112.  To  the  Town  of  Colraine,  for  boarding  Daniel 
McDugal,  a  State  Poor,  from  Deer.  31st,  1789  to  Deer. 
31st,  1790, 10    8    0 

No.  113.  To  Daniel  Munroe,  for  the  Support  of  Johji 
Anthony,  from  March  10th,  1790,  to  April  1st  following, 
a  State  Pauper, 17     0 

No.  114.  To  Samuel  Brown,  for  Boarding,  &  Nursing, 
William  Proctor,  a  State  Poor,  from  Sejitr.  22d,  1790, 
to  the  14th  of  December, 4  14    8 

No.  115.  [2b]  Thomas  Brastoto,  Deputy  Shei-iff,  for  his 
Sei'vices  for  Government,  and  committed  to  ye  Com- 
mittee on  Accounts, 3    4     2 

No.  116.  To  Samuel  Copp),  for  Boarding  Sally  Davis, 
one  of  ye  State  Poor,  from  the  first  of  January,  1790 
to  the  first  of  t/fl,?*?/.  1791, 15  10     0 

No.  117.  To  Samuel  M.  Thayer,  Brigade  Major,  for  his 
Services,  from  Ajyril,  1790,  to  Jany.  1791,  in  the  1st 
Brigade  of  Militia, 10    9     0 

No.  118.  To  Coll.  John  S.  Tyler,  Deputy  Adjutant  Gen- 
eral, for  his  Services,  from  June  20th,  1790,  to  Novr. 
following,  and  again  to  Fehy.  12th,  1791,       .         .         .     12  16     8 

No.  119.  To  Simon  Lamed,  D.  A.  General,  in  the  9th 
Division,  for  his  Services,  from  ye  10th  of  April,  1790, 
to  the  September  following, 5     2    0 

No.  120.  To  Benjamin  Warren,  Brigade  Major,  in  ye  1st 
Brigade,  5th  Division,  for  his  Services,  from  April, 
1789,  to  Octr.  22d,  1790, 112     0 

No.  121.  To  the  Town  of  Worcester,  on  account  of 
Anthony  Heard,  a  State  Pauj^er,  to  Jany.  1791,  including 
Board,  Doctrs.  Bills,  &  charge  of  Burial,        .        .        .13  19     9 

No.  122.  To  Doctr.  Marshal  Spring,  on  account  of  Fran- 
ces, an  Indian  Woman,  in  May,  1790,  a  State  Pauper,       18     9 

No.  123.  To  the  same  Gentleman,  on  account  of  John 
Millhorn,  another  State  Pauper,  in  May  &  June  1790,   .       1119 


256  Resolves,  1790.  —  January  Session. 

No.  124.     To   the   Town   of    Chelmsford,  for   Boarding 

Thomas  Orant,  a  State  Poor,  from  the  17th  of  Now.    £.    s.    d. 
1790,  to  Feby.  17th,  1791, G  10    3 

No.  125.  To  Josiah  CvMer,  for  Nursing  a  Child,  one  of 
ye  Poor  of  ye  Commonwealth,  from  ye  1st  of  Sexttr. 
1790,  to  ye  28th  of  Feby.  1791, 3  17     2 

No.  126.  To  Edward  E.  Powers,  for  printing  for  ye 
Commonwealth,  to  Deer.  6th,  1790,  taken  up  by  order 
of  both  Houses, o  14  10 

No.  127.  To  James  White,  for  Stationary,  for  the  Com- 
monwealth, from  Oc^r.  1790,  to  ilfarcA,  1791,         .        .     13  19     2 

No.  128.  To  Gilbert  Bench,  for  his  Account  of  Charge 
in  transporting  Cannon  &c.  in  consequence  of  a  Re- 
solve of  June  15th,  1781 ;  taken  up  by  order  of  both 
Houses,  not  being  before  settled, 39  11  10 

No.  129.  To  the  Town  of  Douglass,  for  sujjporting  Mary 
Thomjyson,  one  of  the  State  Poor,  from  the  20th  of 
Novr.  to  ye  7th  of  Deer.  1790 2     0    0 

No.  130.  To  the  Town  of  Abbington,  for  supporting 
John  Steel,  a  State  Pauper,  from  Jany.  4th,  1790,  to 
ye  25th  of  Jany.  1791, 10     1     1 

No.  131.  To  Doctr.  Richard  Briggs^s  Bill  for  the  same 
Person,  to  Feby.  1791, 3     7     9 

No.  132.  To  the  Town  of  Abbington,  on  account  of 
Major  Humble,  for  Supplies  fi'om  Jany.  22d,  1790,  to 
Oclr.  1790, 3  15     6 

No.  133.  To  Constant  Freeman  Junrs.  Account,  for  ser- 
vices in  the  Treasiuy  office,  as  an  allowance  made  by 
Government, 16  12     0 

No.  134.    To  Saml.  Colesworlhy  Junr.,  his  whole  Account 

in  the  same  office  to  10th  March,  1791,  .        .        .         .     98    0    0 

No.  135.     To  Samuel  Foster,  another  Clerk  in  ye  same 

office,  &  to  ye  same  time, 98    0    0 

No.  136.  To  James  Foster  Junr.,  another  Clerk,  and  to 
ye  same  time, 98    0    0 

No.  137.     To  Jonathan  Qoddard,  another  Clerk   in   the 

same  office,  &  ye  same  time, 98    0    0 

No.  138.  To  Onesiphorus  Tilestone,  another  Clerk,  &  to 
ye  10th  of  March,  1791, 98    0    0 

No.  139.  To  Nathl.  Foster,  another  Clerk,  in  ye  same 
office,  for  101  Days,  and  the  allowance  made  him  & 
the  other  Clerks,  by  a  Resolve  of  March  9th  instant,    .     51     9     0 

No.  140.  To  Samuel  Sewall  Esqr.,  for  liis  Journies,  & 
Attendance,  and  extraordinary  Writings,  empowered 
by  a  Resolve  of  March  5th,  1790,  in  ye  affivir  of  Mess's 
Gorham  &  Phelps, 12  12    0 

No.  141.  To  Mary  Blaney,  of  Salem,  for  Boarding,  & 
Nursing,  Daniel  Allerton,  with  other  Expences,  for  20 
Weeks,  in  1790,  a  State  Pauper, 12    0    0 

No.  142.  To  the  Town  of  Boothbay,  on  account  of  Elias 
Skidmore,  a  State  Poor,  an  extraordinary  case,  &  in- 
cluding all  charges,  to  the  28th  of  June  1790,        .        .    40    5    8 

2575     0  11 
N.  B.     The  Sum  of  £39,  lis,  lOd,  allowed  to   Gilbert 
Dench  to  be  allowed  by  the  Treasurer  out  of  any  Sum 
that  may  [6e]  due  from  him  to  the  CommouAvealth,  as 
one  of  ye  Committee  for  removing  wai'like  Stoi'es, 


Resolves,  1790.  —  January  Session.  257 

No.  143.     To  the  Town  of  Bosto7i,  from  March  1st,  1789 

to  Septr.  1,  1789,  for  the  support  of  the  Poor  of  ye   £.      s.    d. 
Commonwealth,  including  all  charges,  .         .         .  976     5     0^ 

No.  144.  To  the  Heirs  of  the  late  Samuel  Partridge,  for 
his  allowance  as  Keeper  of  the  Aims-House,  for  ye 
same  term,       .        .        . 75     5  11 

No.  145.  To  ye  Town  of  Boston  for  ye  Poor  of  ye  Com- 
monwealth, from  Septr.  1st  1789  to  March  1st,  1790,     .  969  18     0 

No.  146.    To  the  Heirs  of  Samuel  Partridge  as  Keeper 

of  the  Aims-House,  for  the  same  term,  .        .        .         .     69     8     6 

No.  147.  To  the  Town  of  Boston,  for  the  Poor  of  ye 
Commonwealth  in  the  Aims-House,  from  March  1st, 
1790  to  Septr.  1st,  1790, 873    0    6^ 

No   148.     To    Samuel  Whitwell,  present  Keeper  of  the 

Aims-House,  for  his  allowance  for  the  same  term,         .     62  10     1 

No.  149.  To  the  Town  of  Boston,  for  keeping  the  Poor 
of  the  Commonwealth  in  the  Aims-House,  from  Septr. 
1st,  1790,  to  March  1st,  1791,  including  Board,  and  all 
Necessaries, 783  17     5| 

No.  150.  To  Samuel  Whitwell,  Keeper  of  the  Aims- 
House,  for  his  allowance  for  the  same  term, .        .        .     51  18    5 

Sum  total,  £6437     4     9| 

Read  &  accepted  &  thereupon 

Resolved,  That  his  Excellency  the  Governour,  with  the 
advice  of  Council,  be,  and  he  hereby  is  requested  to  Issue 
his  Warrant  on  the  Treasury  for  the  payment  of  the  sev- 
eral Persons  &  Towns  borne  on  this  Roll,  the  Sums  set 
against  such  persons  &  Towns  respectively  amounting  in 
the  whole  to  the  sum  of  8ix  thousand  four  hundred  & 
thirty  seven  pounds  four  shillings  &  nine  pence  three 
farthings. 

And  it  is  further  Resolved  That  the  Treasurer  be  and  he 
hereby  is  directed  to  pay  the  same  out  of  the  first  monies 
that  may  come  into  the  Treasury  not  already  appropriated 
—  except  the  Sum  allowed  to  Gilbert  Denech  which  the 
Treasurer  is  directed  to  discount  with  said  Dench  on 
account  of  a  Balance  due  to  the  Commonwealth  from 
Gilbert  Dench  &  others,  a  Committe  appointed  in  1781 
to  transport  military  Stores.  March  11,  1791. 


LAWS 


OF  THE 


COMMONWEALTH 


OF 


MASSACHUSETTS. 

PASSED  BY  THE  GENERAL  COURT: 

BEGUN    AND    HELD   AT  BOSTON,    IN    THE   COUNTY  OF 

SUFFOLK,  ON  WEDNESDAY  THE  TWENTY-FIFTH 

DAY  OF  MAY,  ANNO  DOMINI,  1791. 


BOSTON: 

Printed  by  Adams  &  Nourse, 

Printers   to   the    HONORABLE    COURT. 

M,DCC,XCI. 


Reprinted  by  Wright  &  Poiter  Printing  Company,  State  Printers. 
1895. 


ACTS  AND  LAWS, 

PASSED  BY  THE  GENERAL  COURT  OF  MASSACHUSETTS: 
BEGUN  AND  HELD  AT  BOSTON,  IN  THE  COUNTY  OF 
SUFFOLK,  ON  WEDNESDAY  THE  TWENTY-FIFTH  DAY 
OF  MAY,  ANNO  DOMINI,  1791. 


1791.  — Chapter  1. 

[May  Session,  ch.  1.] 

AN  ACT  FOR  ESTABLISHING  THE  BOUNDARY  LINE  BETWEEN 
THE  TOWNS  OF  BROOKFIELD  &  NEW-BRAINTREE  IN  THE 
COUNTY  OF  WORCESTER. 

Be  it  enacted  hy  the  Senate  &  House  of  Rejyresentatives 
in    General   Court  assembled  &  hy  the  authority  of  the 
same,  that  about  forty  three  acres  of  land  belonging  to  Lands  annexed 
George  JSfye,    lying   near   the   dwelling-house    of  Major  an(?New^*^'^' 
James  Woods,  which,  previous  to  the  passing  of  this  Act,  B''*'"*''^®- 
belonged  to  the  town  of  Broohfield,  be  and  the  same  is 
hereby  annexed  to  the  town  oi  New-Braintree ;  and  that 
the  farm  and  estate  of  Francis  Stone  containing   about 
fourteen  acres,  heretofore  belonging  to  said  town  of  JSfeiv 
Braintree,  be  and  the   same  is  hereby  annexed  to  said 
town  of  Brookfield. 

And  he  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  the  dividing  line  between  the  said  towns  shall  here-  Boundaries. 
after  run  as  followeth,  to  vnt,  beginning  on  the  westerly 
side  of  the  road  at  the  southeasterly  corner  of  Joseph 
Barnes''s  land,  thence  running  northeasterly  to  the  north 
west  corner  of  Samuel  Harrington''s  land,  standing  on  the 
original  north  line  of  the  town  of  Brookfield,  —  and  that 
all  lands  lying  on  the  northwesterly  side  of  said  line,  here- 
tofore belonging  to  the  town  of  Brookfield  be  and  they 
hereby  are  annexed  to  the  town  of  Neio  Braintree ;  and 
all  the  lands  lying  on  the  southeasterly  side  of  said  line, 
heretofore  belonging  to  the  town  of  JSFeiv  Braintree,  be 
and  they  are  hereby  annexed  to  the  town  of  Brookfield. 

Provided  nevertheless,  that  this  Act  shall  not  be  con-  Proviso. 
sidered  to  afiect  the  collecting  of  taxes  now  assessed  or 
granted  within  the   said  towns,   but  the   same    shall   be 
demanded  and  collected  in  the  same   manner  as  though 
this  Act  had  never  passed,  June  10,  1791, 


262  Acts,  1791.  —  Chapters  2,  3,  4. 

1791.  — Chapter  2, 

[May  Session,  ch.  2.] 

AN    ACT    TO    SET    OFF    JOHN  LADD   FROM   THE   FIRST  TO   THE 
SECOND  PARISH  IN   METHVEN. 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representa- 
tives in  General  Court  assembled  &  by  the  authority  of  the 
John  Ladd        Same,  that  John  Ladd  of  Methuen  in  the  County  of  Essex, 
*^'  °  ■  be  and  he  hereby  is  set  oft"  from  the  first  parish  in  said 

Methuen  together  with  all  his  estate  both  real  &  personal 
and  annexed  to  the  second  parish  in  Methuen,  there  to  do 
duty  and  receive  privileges  in  the  aforesaid  second  parish 
m  Methuen.  June  10,  1791. 

1791.  —  Chapter  3. 

[May  Session,  ch.  3.] 

AN  ACT    FOR  THE    PRESERVATION    AND    ENCOURAGEMENT    OF 
THE  FURR  TRADE  WITHIN  THIS  COMMONWEALTH. 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representa- 
tives in  General  Court  assembled  and  by  the  authority  of 
Time  limited  &  (Jiq  same,  that  iio  pci'sou  or  persons  shall  hereafter,  in 
of  offence.  either  of  the  months  of  June,  Jidy,  August  or  September, 
take  or  wilfully  kill  any  Otter,  Beaver,  Minks,  Sable  or 
Martin,  Fisher,  or  Black  Cat,  Leusifee,  Musquash  or 
Wolverin,  on  pain  of  forfeiting  and  paying  a  sum  not  less 
than  twenty  shillings  nor  more  than  three  pounds,  to  and 
for  the  use  and  benefit  of  the  person  or  persons  who  shall 
or  may  sue  or  prosecute  for  the  same,  together  wi[ll]  \t]i  ] 
full  costs  of  suit,  to  be  recovered  l)y  action  of  debt  in  any 
Court  of  this  Commonwealth  competent  to  try  the  same. 
Provided  that  all  prosecutions  or  suits  for  any  breaches 
of  this  law,  shall  be  commenced  within  two  years  from  the 
time  when  the  oflence  was  committed,  &  not  otherwise. 

June  10,  1791. 

1791. -Chapter  4. 

[May  Session,  ch.  4.] 

AN  ACT,  ALTERING  THE  PLACE  OF  HOLDING  THE  COURTS  OF 
GENERAL  SESSIONS  OF  THE  PEACE  &  OF  COMMON  PLEAS  IN 
&  FOR  THE  COUNTY  OF  CUMBERLAND,  NOW  BY  LAW  TO  BE 
HOLDEN  AT  PORTLAND  IN  THAT  COUNTY'  IN  THE  MONTH 
OF  JANUARY  ANNUALLY. 

Be  it  enacted   by  the  Senate  &  House  of  Representa- 
tives in  General  Court  Assembled,  &  by  the  authority  of 


Acts,  1791.  — Chaptek  5.  263 

the  same,  that  the  Courts  of  General  Sessions  of  the  peace  piace  for  hold- 
&  of  Common  pleas,  which  are  now  by  law  to  be  holden  L'lfePed!'^'^ 
at  Portland  in  &  for  the  County  of  Cumberland  on  the 
first  Tuesday  of  Januart/,  annually,  shall  be  holden  in  the 
town  of  JSTeiv  Gloucester  in  said  County,  on  the  same  first 
Tuesday  of  January  annually,  any  Law  to  the  contrary 
notwithstandino;.  June  11,  1791. 


1791.  —  Chapter  5. 

[May  Session,  ch.  5.] 

AN  ACT  FOR  ALTERING  THE  TIME  OF  HOLDING  THE  COURT  OF 
GENERAL  SESSIONS  OF  THE  PEACE,  AND  THE  COURT  OF  COM- 
MON PLEAS,  WITHIN  &  FOR  THE  COUNTY  OF  PLIMOUTH, 
FROM  THE  LAST  TUESDAY  OF  JULY  TO  THE  SECOND  TUES- 
DAY OF  AUGUST. 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representa- 
tives in  General  Court  assembled  &  by  the  authority  of 
the  same,  that  the  Act,  entitled  "  An  Act  for  determining  Act  repealed. 
at  what  times  and  })laces  the  several  Courts  of  General 
sessions  of  the  Peace,  &  the  Courts  of  Common  Pleas 
shall  be  holden  within  and  for  the  several  Counties  within 
this  Commonwealth,  &  for  repealing  all  laws  heretofore 
made  for  that  purpose  "  so  far  as  it  respects  the  holding 
of  the  Court  of  General  Sessions  of  the  Peace,  and  the 
Court  of  Common  Pleas,  within  and  for  the  County  of 
Plimouth,  on  the  last  Tuesday  of  July  be  and  it  is  hereby 
repealed. 

And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid,  that  jy/^^/^j^^a"'^' 
from  and  after  the  passing  of  this  Act,  the  time  of  hold-  mured. 
ing  the  Court  of  General  Sessions  of  the  Peace,  &  Court 
of  Common  Pleas,  within  and  for  the  County  of  Plimouth 
shall  be  on  the  second  Tuesday  of  August  annually. 

And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  all  appeals  already   made,  recognizances  taken,  or  ah  raatters 
that  may  before  the  aforesaid  last  Tuesday  of  July  next,  held  vafid°and 
be    made    or   taken   to  the   aforesaid    Court  of  General  ''^^"'°''^'«- 
Sessions  of  the  Peace,  and  all  actions  already  commenced, 
or  that  may  be  commenced,  and  all  processes  returned, 
or  that  may  ])e  returnable,  before  the  aforesaid  last  Tues- 
day of  July,  and  all  appeals  claimed,  or  which  may  be 
claimed,  &  all  actions  pending  at  the  aforesaid  Court  of 
Common  Pleas,  which  before  the  passing  of  this  Act  was 
to  be  holden  on  the  hist  Tuesday  of  July,  shall  be  return- 
able to  entered,  made,  proceeded  on,  tried  and  determined, 


264 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapters  6,  7. 


agreeably  to  the  true  intent  of  such  writ,  process,  recog- 
nizance or  appeal,  at  the  Courts  hereafter  to  be  holden  in 
said  County  on  the  second  Tuesday  of  August. 

June  15,  1791. 


Julius  AlllB 
Bet  off. 


1791.  —  Chapter  6. 

[May  Session,  ch.  6.] 

AN  ACT  TO  SET  OFF  JULIUS  ALUS,  FROM  THE  TOWN  OF  DEER- 
FIELD  IN  THE  COUNTY  OF  HAMPSHIRE  &  TO  ANNEX  HIM  TO 
THE  TOWN  OF  CONWAT. 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  &  House  of  Representatives 
in  General  Court  Assembled  &  by  the  authority  of  the 
same,  that  the  abovesaid  Julius  Allis  with  his  family  & 
the  land  he  lives  on,  being  about  Seventy  one  acres, 
described  as  follows,  beginning  at  the  South  West  Corner 
of  said  Deerfield,  thence  running  North  twelve  Degrees 
&  an  half  East,  one  hundred  &  twenty  six  rods,  thence 
East  two  Degrees  &  an  half  North  Sixty  rods,  thence 
South  twelve  degrees  &  an  half  West  nineteen  rods  &  an 
half,  thence  East  two  degrees  &  an  half  North  forty  rods, 
thence  South  twelve  Degrees  &  an  half  West  one  hun- 
dred six  rods  &  an  half  to  the  abovesaid  South  West 
corner  of  Deerfield,  be  &  hereby  are  set  off  from  the  said 
town  of  Deerfield  &  annexed  to  the  said  town  of  Con- 
way &  shall  forever  hereafter  be  considered  as  belonging 
thereto ; 

Provided,  nevertheless  that  the  said  Julius  Allis  shall 
pay  his  proportionable  part  of  all  the  taxes  which  are 
already  assessed  or  levied  on  the  said  town  oi  Deerfield  in 
like  manner  as  tho'  this  Act  had  not  passed. 

June  17,  1791. 


1791.  —  Chapter  7. 

[May  Session,  ch.  7.] 

AN  ACT  FOR  INCORPORATING  CERTAIN  PERSONS  FOR  THE 
PURPOSE  OF  OPENING  A  CANAL,  FROM  THE  HEAD  OF  NEW 
MEADOW  RIVER  TO   MERRY  MEETING  BAY. 

WJiereas  great  advantages  may  arise  to  the  toivns  ivest 
of  New  Meadow  River  &  to  the  jmblic  in  general  by 
opening  a  Canal  from  the  head  of  the  same  river  to  Merry 
Meeting  Bay.  — 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  7.  265 

Be   it  therefore  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of 
Representatives   in    General    Court  assetnbled  d   by   the 
authority  of  the  same,  that  Isaac  Snow,  Nathaniel  Larra-  PereoD^B  mcor- 
bee  and    Benjatnin  Dunning   Esquires,   Messieurs   John 
Peterson,   Phillip  Higgins,  Benjamin   Ham,   Nathaniel 
Sprague,    John   Dunlap    &    Samuel    Grose   so    long  ^  as 
they  shall  continue  to  be  proprietors  in  the  Corporation 
hereafter  mentioned,  together  with  all  those  who  are  and 
those  who  shall  l)ecome   proprietors  thereof,  shall   be  a 
Corporation  and  body  politic,  for  the  purpose  of  opening 
and  keeping  open  a  Canal  from  the  head  of  Neiv  Meadoiv 
River  to  Merry   Meeting   Bay,  under  the  name   of  the 
proprietors  of  the  New  Meadow  Canal,  and  by  that  name, 
may  sue  and  prosecute  and  be  sued  and  prosecuted  to 
final  judgment  and  execution,  and  do  and  suffer  all  other 
matters  &  things  which  bodies  politic  may  or  ought  to 
do  and  suffer;    and  that  the  said  Corporation  shall  and 
may  have  full  power  &  authority  to  make  have  and  use  a 
common  Seal  and  the  same  to  l)reak  and  renew  at  pleasure. 
And  be  it  further  Enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  if  it  shall   so   happen  that  any  individual   or  body  D*™«|l.*°y 
corporate  shall  be  damaged  in  his  or  their  lands  or  marsh  whora^recom- 
adjoining  said  Canal,  by  cutting  and  keeping  open  said  ^'"'^  * 
Canal,  the  damage  so  done  shall  be  recompensed  by  the 
proprietors  thereof,  in  such  sums  or  proportions  as  shall 
be  ordered  by  the  Court  of  General  Sessions  of  the  Peace 
in  the  County  of  Cumberland,  upon  enquiring  into  the 
same   by   a   Jury    summoned   for   that   purpose,    at   the 
expence  of  the  proprietors  of  the  aforesaid  Canal,  if  any 
damage  shall  be  assessed  by  the  said  Jury. 

And  be  it  firther  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  Isaac  Snow  Esqr.  be  and  he  hereby  is  impowered  &  \Z"..ll\o''""' 
directed  to  issue  his  warrant  to  one  of  the  proprietors  isBue  warrant, 
aforesaid,  requiring  him  to  notify  a  meeting  of  the  pro- 
prietors in  manner  "as  the  law  directs  ;  and  the  proprietors 
at  said  meeting  shall  choose  a  Clerk  (who  shall  be  duly 
sworn  to  the  faithful  discharge  of  his  office)  &  all  other 
needful  Officers  for  managing  the  business  of  the  said  pro- 
prietors which  they  shall  have  power  to  choose  from  time 
to  time  afterwards,  as  necessary  and  also  shall  agree  on  a 
method  for  calling  future  meetings. 

And  be  it  fiirUier  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  if  the  said  Proprietors  shall  refuse  or  neglect  for  the  Time  allowed, 
space  of  four  years  after  the  passing  of  this  Act,  to  open 


266  Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  8. 

and  compleat  said  Canal,  then  this  Act  shall  be  void  and 
of  none  effect. 

And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 

open! '°  ^'^  ^*'^'  that  the  said  Canal  shall  be  kept  open  for  the  passing  of 
boats,  rafts  and  other  water  craft,  &  for  all  persons  who 
may  wish  to  pass  or  transact  business  therein,  they  paying 

'^°"-  to  the  said  proprietors  the  following  Toll  —  vizt. For 

every  Boat  of  the  burthen  of  one  ton  the  sum  of  nine 
pence,  and  in  the  same  proportion  for  vessels  or  boats  of 
greater  or  less  burthen,  not  exceeding  six  shillings  for 
any  such  vessel  or  boat  —  For  every  thousand  feet  of 
boards  in  rafts,  four  pence  half  penny  and  in  the  same 
proportion  for  all  other  kinds  of  Lumber. 

June  17,  1791. 

1791.  — Chapter  8. 

[May  Session,  ch.  9.] 

AN  ACT  TO  ASCERTAIN  THE  QUALITY  OF  POT  AND  PEARL 
ASHES,  AND  FOR  THE  MORE  EFFECTUAL  INSPECTION  OF 
THE    SAME. 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representa- 
tives in  General  Court  assembled  &  by  the  authority  of  the 
Ashes  not  to  be  same,  that  no  person  or  persons  whatsoever  shall  ship  any 
ins'prcted!  pot  or  pearl  ashes  for  exportation,  before  he  shall  first 

have  submitted  the  same  to  the  view  &  examination  of  the 
Inspector  or  his  deputy,  who  shall  be  appointed  as  herein 
after  mentioned,  who  shall  start  the  same  out  of  the  casks 
and  carefully  examine,  try  &  inspect  the  same,  &  sort  the 
same  in  three  different  sorts,  if  necessary ;  that  the  said 
Inspector  shall  put  each  sort  by  itself  in  tight  new  casks, 
well  hooped  &  coopered,  which  he  shall  distinguish  by 
the  words  first  sort,  second  sort,  or  third  sort,  with  the 
words  pot  or  pearl  ashes,  as  the  same  may  be,  branded  in 
plain  legible  letters,  together  with  the  letters  of  his  name, 
and  the  place  where  such  pot  or  pearl  ashes  shall  he 
inspected,  as  also  the  word  Massachusetts  at  full  length 
on  each  cask;  for  which  services  &  also  the  additional 
service  for  re-packing  the  said  pot  &  pearl  ashes  &  putting 
the  casks  in  good  condition  for  shipping,  and  for  inspect- 
ing and  weighing  the  same  &  delivering  to  the  owner  an 
invoice  or  Aveight-note  under  his  hand  of  the  weight  of 
each  cask,  he  shall  have  and  vece'we  four  pence  halfpenny 
for  every  hundred  weight  so  inspected,  to  be  paid  by  the 
purchaser  of  the  same. 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  8.  267 


And  be  it  Enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid,  that  from  Quality  and  di- 
and  after  the  first  day  of  March  next,  every  cask  in  which  the  casks. 
pot  or  pearl  ashes  shall  be  packed  for  exportation,  shall 
be  made  of  sound  &  well  seasoned  oak  or  white  Ash  staves 
and  heading,  fall  bound,  twenty  nine  inches  in  length, 
nineteen  inches  diameter  in  the  head  and  of  such  weight 
in  proportion  to  its  contents,  as  will  amount  as  near  as 
may  be,  to  fourteen  j^er  centum  tare  thereon. 

And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  the  said  Inspector  or  his  Deputy,   at  the  time  of  ^^e'glT&mark 
starting  pot  or  pearl  ashes  for  inspection,  shall  weigh  the  the  casks. 
cask  or  casks  and  mark  the  weight  with  a  marking  Iron 
on  each  head  thereof. 

And  be  it  further  Enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  every  such  Inspector  shall  have  full  power  &  author-  —empowered, 
ity  by  virtue  of  this  Act,  and  without  further  or  other 
warrant,  to  enter  on  board  any  ship  or  vessel  whatsoever 
lying  &  being  in  the  harbour  where  such  Inspector  is 
authorized  to  inspect  pot  or  pearl  ashes,  shipped  or  ship- 
ping on  board  any  such  vessel  for  exportation  fi'om  this 
State ;  and  if  said  Inspector  shall  on  search  discover  any 
cask  or  casks  of  pot  or  pearl  ashes  not  branded  as  before 
directed,  the  person  or  persons  so  shipping  or  having 
shipped  the  same,  shall  forfeit  all  and  every  such  cask  or 
casks  of  pot  &  pearl  ashes  so  shipped  or  shipping  and  not 
branded  in  the  manner  herein  before  directed  ;  and  such 
Inspector  or  his  Deputy  shall  &  may  seize  and  carry  away 
and  secure  the  same  for  trial,  and  require  necessary  aid 
for  that  purpose,  which  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  every  per- 
son so  required  to  give,  on  pain  of  forfeiting  the  sum  of 
forty  shillings  for  his  refusal  or  neglect ;  &  the  master  Penalty. 
or  commander  of  any  such  vessel  who  shall  receive  on 
board  any  such  cask  or  casks  of  pot  or  pearl  ashes  not 
branded  as  aforesaid,  shall  forfeit  the  sum  oi.  five  pounds 
for  each  cask  so  received ;  And  if  any  Master  of  any  ship 
or  vessel,  or  any  of  his  servants  or  seamen  shall  obstruct 
or  hinder  the  said  Inspector  in  making  such  search  as 
aforesaid,  every  person  so  oflending  shall  forfeit  for  each 
offence  the  sum  of  Ten  pounds. 

And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  if  any  Inspector  of  pot  or  pearl  ashes  (according  to  -  for  neglect  of 
the  duties  of  this  act)  shall  on  application  made,  for  the  inspeTtor.^ 
examination  of  any  pot  or  pearl  ashes  aforesaid,  unreason- 
ably refuse  neglect  or  delay  to  proceed  to  such  examinaj- 


268 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  8. 


—  for  branding 
otherwise  than 
agreeably  to 
law. 


—  in  case  of 
fraud  in  othe 
respects. 


Appropriation 
of  fines  and 
forfeitures. 


tion  and  inspection,  for  the  space  of  three  hours  after 
such  application  so  made  to  him,  the  Inspector  so  refus- 
ing neglecting  or  delaying  to  make  such  examination  or 
inspection,  shall  for  each  oifence  forfeit  the  sum  of  twenty 


Manner  of  pros- 
ecution. 


And  be  it  enacted  hy  the  cmthority  aforesaid,  that  if 
any  person  shall  brand  any  cask  of  pot  or  pearl  ashes 
manufactured  by  himself,  with  the  name  of  any  other 
person  than  his  own,  or  shall  brand  any  such  cask  manu- 
factured by  another  person  with  his  own  name,  or  shall 
counterfeit  any  brand  belonging  to,  or  proper  to  be  used 
by  the  said  Inspector  or  any  of  his  deputies,  or  shall 
impress  or  brand  any  cask  of  pot  or  pearl  ashes  with  any 
brand  or  brands  of  such  Inspectors,  or  with  any  counter- 
feited as  aforesaid,  he  shall  forfeit  &  pay  for  each  offence 
the  sum  of  fifty  pounds. 

And  he  it  farther  Enacted  hy  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  if  any  person  shall  empty  any  cask  or  casks  of  pot 
or  pearl  ashes  inspected  &  branded  as  by  this  Act  is 
required  &  put  in  any  other  pot  or  pearl  ashes  for  sale 
or  exportation,  without  first  cutting  out  the  said  brand 
marks,  the  person  or  persons  so  offending  shall  for  each 
cask  forfeit  &  pay  the  sum  of  fifty  pounds. 

And  he  it  enacted  hy  the  authority  aforesaid,  that  all 
fines  and  forfeitures  mentioned  in  this  Act  above  the  sum 
oi  four  pounds  &  under  twenty  pounds,  shall  and  may  be 
sued  for  &  recovered  with  costs  by  any  person  to  his  own 
use  ;  —  but  if  the  sum  shall  amount  to  twenty  pounds  or 
more,  then  one  half  to  his  own  use,  and  the  other  half 
to  the  use  of  the  Commonwealth,  and  in  both  cases,  by 
action  of  debt  in  the  Court  of  Common  pleas  in  the 
County  where  the  offence  shall  be  committed,  with  liberty 
of  appeal  as  in  other  civil  actions  :  —  But  if  the  forfeiture 
shall  be  four  ^lounds  or  under,  then  it  may  be  sued  for  by 
such  action  for  the  use  of  the  prosecutor  before  a  Justice 
of  the  peace  with  like  liberty  of  appeal.  And  all  casks 
of  pot  or  pearl  ashes  forfeited  and  seized  as  aforesaid, 
may  be  prosecuted  to  condemnation  by  the  Officer  seizing 
the  same,  by  libel  before  the  Court  of  Common  pleas  in 
the  County  where  the  seizure  shall  be  made,  if  above  the 
value  oi  four  pounds,  or  before  a  Justice  of  the  peace  if 
under  that  sum,  with  liberty  of  appeal  to  the  Supreme 
Judicial  Court,  or  Court  of  Common  pleas  respectively, 
as  the  case  may  require ;  And  after  condemnation,  the 
same  shall  be  sold  at  public  vendue  by  such  Officer ;  and 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  8.  269 

after  payment  of  all  charges,  one  half  of  the  remainder 
shall  be  by  him  paid  into  the  Treasury  for  the  use  of  the 
Commonwealth,  &  the  other  half  be  for  the  use  of  such 
Officer. 

And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  every  manufacturer  of  pot  and  pearl  ashes  within  this  fo^J^J"-^"'!- 
Commonwealth  shall  brand  each  cask  containing  the  same, 
with  the  initial  letter  of  his  christian  name  and  his  sir 
name  at  full  length,  with  the  name  of  the  town  where 
the  same  shall  be  manufactured  before  the  same  shall  be 
removed  from  the  manufactory,  under  the  penalty  of  five 
shillings  for  each  cask  so  removed  without  being  previ- 
ously branded  as  aforesaid. 

And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  there  shall  be  an  Inspector  of  pot  &  pearl  ashes  inspector  ap- 
for  the  Commonwealth,  who  shall  be  well  skilled  in  the 
knowledge  &  properties  of  the  same  ;  to  be  appointed  by 
the  Govern(n-  with  the  advice  &  consent  of  the  Council 
and  to  be  by  them  removeable  at  pleasure,  and  who, 
before  he  shall  enter  upon  the  duties  of  his  office,  shall  -togivebonds. 
o-ive  bond  with  sufficient  sureties  to  the  Treasurer  of  the 
Commonwealth  in  the  penal  sum  of  07ie  thousand  pounds, 
for  the  faithful  discharge  of  his  duty,  and  shall  also  be 
sworn  faithfully  to  perform  the  same. 

And  such  Inspector  shall  have  power,  when  so  qualified,  -tpV^PP!^"^* 
to  appoint,  and  shall  appoint.  Deputy  Inspectors  m  every 
Sea  port  town  where  pot  &  pearl  ashes  are  exported,  and 
also  in  Watertown  and  Medford  and  such  other  places  as 
he  shall  judge  necessary,  for  whom  he  shall  be  answerable, 
and  shall  take  bonds  from  them  with  sufficient  surety  or 
sureties,  &  they  shall  also  be  sworn  to  the  faithful  dis- 
charge of  their  duty ;— And  the  said  Inspector  shall  not 
be  entitled  to  receive  from  any  Deputy  he_  may  appoint, 
more  than  one  penny  for  each  hundred  weight  of  pot  or 
pearl  ashes  such  Deputy  may  inspect  agreeably  to  this  Act. 
And  be  it  further  Enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  all  former  laws  respecting  the  inspection  &  assay  of  Laws  repealed. 
pot  &  pearl  ashes,  so  far  as  they  relate  to  the  same,  be 
and  hereby  are  repealed  —  Provided  nevertheless  that  Proviso, 
they  shall  be  considered  as  in  full  force  with  regard  to  all 
actions  and  prosecutions  which  may  be  now  depending  for 
any  penalty  or  forfeiture  incurred  for  breach  of  the  same. 

June  17,  1791* 


«  Approved  June  18, 1791. 


270 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapters  9,  10. 


1791.  — Chapter  9. 

[May  Session,  ch.  8.] 

AN  ACT  IN  ADDITION  TO  AN  ACT,  ENTITULED,  "AN  ACT  FOR 
ERECTING  AND  ESTABLISHING  TWO  NEW  COUNTIES  IN  THE 
COUNTY  OF  LINCOLN  AND  DECLARING  THE  BOUNDARIES  OF 
THE   COUNTY  OF   LINCOLN  IN  FUTURE." 

Preamble,  Wheveas  710  proviswn  is  made  in  the  said  Law  for 

impowering  the  Supreme  Judicial  Court  at  their  sessions 
holden  according  to  Law  in  the  Counts/  of  Lincoln,  to  take 
cognizance  of  crimes  committed  in  the  Counties  of  Hancock 
(&  Washington  otherwise  than  hy  appeal. 

Be  it  therefore  enacted  hy  the   Senate  and  House  of 
Representatives   in    General    Court   assembled   &   hy  the 
Supreme  Judi-    authority  of  the  same,  that  the  Supreme  Judicial  Court 
ho'iden^or  three  to  be  holdcn  in  the  County  of  Lincoln  shall  be  holden  for 
counties.  ^.j^^  Countics  of  Lincoln  Hancock  and    Washington,  and 

shall  from  time  to  time  and  at  all  times  hereafter  untill 
the  further  order  of  the  General  Court  have  the  same 
jurisdiction,  power  and  authority  for  the  trial  of  all  actions 
civil  &  criminal,  the  cause  whereof  has  arisen  or  shall 
arise  within  the  body  of  either  of  the  Counties  of  Hancock 
or  Washington,  as  also  to  hear  &  determine  all  other 
matters  and  things  arisen  or  which  shall  arise  within  the 
body  of  either  of  the  said  Counties,  &  shall  have  the  same 
original  Jurisdiction  of  all  matters  Criminal,  Civil  &  mixed 
arisen  or  which  shall  arise  in  either  of  the  said  Counties 
as  if  the  same  actions  matters  &  things  had  arisen  within 
the  body  of  the  said  County  of  Lincoln. 

And  he  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  the  Grand  &  Petit  Jurors  to  serve  at  the  Supreme 
Judicial  Court  to  be  holden  within  the  said  County  of 
Lincoln  shall  from  time  to  time  be  chosen  &  summoned 
out  of  the  several  Towns  within  the  Counties  of  Lincoln, 
Hancock  &  Washington  in  the  same  manner  as  has  been 
heretofore  practised.  June  10,  1791. 


Jurors  chosen. 


1791.  — Chapter  lO. 

[May  Session,  ch.  10.] 

AN  ACT  IN  ADDITION  TO  AN  ACT,  ENTITLED,  "  AN  ACT  FOR  AP- 
POLNTING  THE  TIMES  &  PLACES  FOR  HOLDING  THE  SUPREME 
JUDICIAL  COURT." 

Whe7'eas  the  Supreme  Judicial  Court,  holden  at  Boston, 
in  the  County  of  Suffolk,  on  the  last  Tuesday  of  August, 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  11.  271 

(&  at  Barnstable,  within  &  for  the  County  of  Barnstable, 
on  the  Wednesday  next  preceeding  the  third  Tuesday  of 
May,  has  the  appellant  jurisdiction  of  all  the  Judgments, 
orders  &  determinations  of  the  Courts  of  General  Sessions 
of  the  peace,  &   Courts  of  Common  pleas,  holden  within 

5  for  the  Counties  of  Nantucket  (&  Dukes  County  ;  but  no 
provision  is  made  for  appeals  from  the  decrees  &  orders 
of  the  Judges  of  Probate  for  the  respective  Counties  of 
Nantucket  &  Dukes  County,  to  the  Supreme  Judicial 
Court,  now  appointed  the  Supreme  Court  of  Probate. 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  &  House  of  Representa- 
tives in  General  Court  Assembled,  <&  by  the  authority  of  the 
same,  that  all  appeals,  which  have  already  been  claimed  ^ay^^e  heard'^ 
according  to  law,  within  twelve  months   from  the   date  for'^NanTu'^ketf 
hereof,  or  that  may  hereafter  be  claimed  from  the  Decrees 

6  orders  of  the  Judge  of  Probate  for  the  County  of 
Nantucket,  shall  be  heard  &  determined  at  the  Supreme 
Judicial  Court,  holden  at  Boston  on  the  last  Tuesday  of 
August  annually. 

And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  all  appeals  which  have   been  claimed   according  to  where  appeals 
law,  within  twelve  months  from  the  date  hereof,  or  that  ami  determined 
may  hereafter  be  claimed  from  the  Decrees  &  Orders  of  cJunty"!^* 
the  Judge  of  Probate  for  the  County  of  Duhes  County 
shall  be  heard  &  determined  at  the  Supreme  Court  of 
Probate,  to  be  holden  at  Barnstable,  on  the  Wednesday 
next  preceeding  the  third  Tuesday  of  May  annually. 

June  17,  1791. 

1791.  —  Chapter  11. 

[May  Session,  ch.  11.] 

AN  ACT  FOR  REPEALING  IN  PART  AN  ACT,  ENTITLED  "AN  ACT 
FOR  THE  FURTHER  REGULATING  THE  ASSIZE  OF  BARREL 
BEEF  AND  PORK,"  PASSED  THE  FOURTEENTH  DAY  OF  NO- 
VEMBER ONE  THOUSAND  SEVEN  HUNDRED  &  EIGHTY  FOUR^ 

W7iereas  the  Act  abovementioned  requires  that  all  barrels  Preamble. 
made  use  of  for  salting  Beef  &  Pork  shall  be  clear  of  sap, 
which  is  found  to  be  unnecessary ; 

Be  it  therefore  Enacted  by  the  Senate  &  House  of  Rep- 
resentatives in  General  Court  assembled  and  by  the  author- 
ity of  the  same,  that  that  part  of  the  clause  in  the  Act  ^Jpeafed. 
aforesaid  requiring  the  cask  made  use  of  for  salting  Beef 
and  Pork,  to  be  clear  of  sap,  be  and  it  hereby  is  repealed. 

June  17,  1791. 


272  Acts,  1791.  —  Chapters  12,  13. 


1791.  — Chapter  13. 

[May  Session,  ch.  12.] 

AN  ACT  IN  ADDITION  TO  AN  ACT,  INTITLED,  "  AN  ACT  FOR  THE 
MORE  SAFE  KEEPING  THE  REGISTRY  OF  DEEDS  &  CONVEY- 
ANCES OF  LAND  &  FOR  APPOINTING  THE  TIME  &  MANNER 
OF  CHOOSING  REGISTERS." 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  &  House   of  Representa- 
tives in  General  Court  Assembled,  (&  by  the  authority  of  the 
Court  of  same,  that  whenever  it  shall  so  happen  that  no  person  shall 

fmpo?v°/red.  have  a  majority  of  the  Votes  legally  returned  for  a  Regis- 
ter of  Deeds  in  any  County  within  this  Commonwealth, 
in  such  cases  the  Court  of  General  Sessions  of  the  Peace 
shall  be  &  hereby  are  impowered  to  adjourn  for  the  pur- 
pose of  opening  the  Votes  returned  upon  a  new  Warrant 
by  the  said  Court  issued,  to  some  day  previous  to  the 
next  Court  of  General  Sessions  of  the  Peace  to  be  by  Law 
holden  in  the  County,  any  thing  in  the  said  recited  Act  to 
the  contrary  notwithstanding.  &  at  any  adjournment  for 
the  purpose  aforesaid  the  same  proceedings  shall  be  had  as 
are  now  authorized  by  law  at  any  Court  of  Genl.  Sessions 
of  the  Peace  by  law  established  for  such  County. 

June  18,  1791. 


1791.  —  Chapter  13. 

[May  Session,  eh.  13.] 

AN  ACT  DIRECTING  THE  MANNER  IN  WHICH  INQUESTS  OF  OF- 
FICE SHALL  BE  TAKEN  TO  REVEST  REAL  ESTATE  IN  THE 
COMMONWEALTH  OR  TO  ENTITLE  THE  COMMONWEALTH 
THERETO. 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representa- 
tives in  General  Court  assembled  and  by  the  authority  of 
Manner  &  form  (he  Same,  that  in    all    cases  where   lands,  tenements  or 
quests  of  office,  hereditaments  have  heretofore  been  granted  or  confirmed 
Estate?'  ^^^^     by  the  late  Province  or  Colony  of  Massachusetts  Bay  or 
by  this  Commonwealth  or  which  may  hereafter  be  granted 
or  confirmed  by  this  Commonwealth  on  certain  conditions 
in  such  grants  or  confirmations  mentioned,  and  the  Com- 
monwealth shall  claim  to  be  revested  in  the  same  for  the 
breach  of  one  or  more  of  the  said  conditions,  an  inquest 
of  office  shall  thereupon  be  taken  in  the  Supreme  Judicial 
Court  in  the  County  where  the  estate  lies  in  the  manner 
following ;  that  is  to  say  —  The  Attorney  General  shall 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  13.  273 

upon  the  direction  of  the  Legislature,  file  an  information 
in  behalf  of  the  Commonwealth  in  the  said  Court,  at  any 
term  thereof  in  any  County,  setting  forth  among  other 
things  the  grant  or  confirmation  with  the  conditions  therein 
mentioned  and  assigning  the  breaches  of  such  of  the  said 
conditions  as  shall  be  directed  by  the  Legislature  and  of 
no  others,  and  alledging  that  by  force  thereof  the  Com- 
monwealth have  right  by  law  to  be  revested  in  the  said 
estate,  and  praying  that  process  may  issue  thereupon  in 
due  course  of  law ;  Avhereupon  the  Court  shall  order  a 
scire  facias  to  issue  against  such  person  or  persons,  bodies 
politic  and  corporate  or  proprietors  as  the  Attorney  Gen- 
eral in  his  information  shall  alledge  hold  the  estate  under 
such  grant  or  confirmation,  returnable  to  the  said  Court 
at  one  of  the  terms  to  be  holden  in  the  County  where  the 
estate  lies,  which  scire  facias  shall  be  served  thirty  days 
before  the  sitting  of  the  Court  to  which  the  same  is  made 
returnable :  And  if  the  defendants  shall  not  appear  or  ap- 
pearing shall  refuse  to  plead,  judgment  shall  be  rendered, 
that  the  Commonwealth  be  reseized  of  the  estate  described 
in  the  information ;  and  if  the  defendants  shall  by  plea 
disclaim  to  hold  the  said  estate  or  any  part  thereof,  then 
judgment  shall  be  rendered,  that  the  Attorney  General 
take  nothing  by  his  information  so  far  as  the  same  respects 
the  estate  so  disclaimed,  and  the  defendants  their  heirs 
and  assigns  shall  forever  thereafter  be  estopped  from 
claiming  or  holding  the  estate  so  disclaimed,  under  the 
said  grant  or  confirmation ;  But  if  the  defendants  shall 
claim  to  hold  the  said  estate  or  any  part  thereof  under 
such  grant  or  confirmation  and  shall  traverse  the  breaches 
assigned,  issue  being  joined  thereon,  the  same  shall  be 
tried  by  a  Jury  at  the  bar  of  the  said  Court  in  the  usual 
and  due  course  of  law,  and  a  view  may  be  granted  or  a 
plan  ordered  when  necessary,  as  in  the  trial  of  real  ac- 
tions :  And  if  the  issue  be  found  in  favor  of  the  Common- 
wealth, judgment  shall  be  rendered  that  the  Commonwealth 
be  reseized  of  the  said  estate  and  recover  costs  of  suit,  for 
which  costs,  execution  shall  issue  in  due  form  of  law ;  but 
if  the  issue  shall  be  found  for  the  defendants,  judgment 
shall  be  rendered  that  they  recover  their  costs  of  suit  to 
be  taxed  by  the  Court  and  paid  out  of  the  public  Treasury 
by  warrant  of  the  Governor  and  Council. 

Provided  nevertheless,  if  the  only  condition  alledged  to  proviso, 
be  broken  is,  that  the  defendants  hold  more  land  under 
such  grant  or  confirmation  than  they  have  right  by  force 


274 


Form  of  an  Ii 
quest  of  ofl3c( 
in  all  other 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  13. 

thereof  to  hold,   and   the   same  shall  appear   either  by 
verdict  of  the  jury  or  confession  of  the  defendants,  then 
the  Justices  of ^  the  said  Court  shall  have  power  to  assign 
to  the  defendants  by  metes  and  bounds,  at  their  request 
and  cost,  so  much  of  the  land  which  shall  l)e  held  by  the 
defendants  as  aforesaid,  as  shall  be  equal  in  quantity  to 
the  land  they  might  lawfully  have  held  under  such  grant 
or  confirmation,  and  in  such  part  thereof,  as  shall  be  just 
and  reasonable  under  all  the  circumstances  of  the  case, 
and  may  order  the  same  to  be  located  by  proper  persons 
to  be  appointed  for  that  purpose  by  the   Court  at  the 
expence  of  the  defendants ;   which   location  with  a  plan 
thereof  shall  be  returned  to  the  said  Court  &  may  be  con- 
firmed by  the  same,  unless  good  cause  be  shewn  to  the 
contrary  by  the  Attorney  General  or  the  defendants ;  and 
if  such  location  shall  be  confirmed,  then  the  Court  shall 
order  an  attested  copy  thereof,  and  of  the  said  plan  to  be 
filed  at  the  expence  of  the  defendants  in  the  Secretary's 
Office,  and  judgment  shall  be  rendered  that  the  Common- 
wealth be  reseized  of  the  residue  &  recover  costs  of  suit. 
And  be  it  further  enacted,  that  in  all  other  cases  where 
an  inquest  of  office  is  necessary  by  Law  to  entitle  the 
Commonwealth  to  hold  lands,  tenements  or  hereditaments, 
such  inquest  shall  be  taken  by  the  Supreme  Judicial  Court 
in  the  County  in  which  such  estate  lies,  upon  information 
of  the  Attorney  General,  describing  among  other  things 
the  estate  claimed  &  the  title  set  up  thereto  by  the  Com- 
monwealth ;  &  upon  the  filing  of  such  information,  the 
same  proceedings  shall  be  had  as  before  directed,  mutatis 
mutandis,  unless  where  there  is  no  ter-tenant  &  in  such 
case,  notice    shall  be    given   to   any  person    or   persons 
claiming  such  estate  to  shew  cause  at  such  term  of  the 
said  Court  as  shall  be  mentioned  in  the  notification  why 
judgment  should  not  be  rendered  that  the  Commonwealth 
be  seized  of  such  estate,  ])y  causing  an  attested  copy  of 
such  information  with  the  order  of  Court  thereon  to  be 
pul)lishc(l  in  such  public  Newspapers  as  the  Court  shall 
direct,    three   weeks   successively,   ninety  days  at   least 
before  the  sitting  of  the  said  Court :  and  if  no  person  shall 
appear  &  by  Plea  deny  the  title  of  the  Commonwealth  to 
such  estate,   then   judgment  shall  l)e  rendered  that  the 
Commonwealth  be  seized  thereof:  But  if  any  person  shall 
api)ear  &  by  Plea  deny  the  title  set  up  by  the  Common- 
wealth, tlie'  cause  shall  be  tried  by  a  Jury  at  the  bar  ot 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  U.  275 

the  Court,  &  a  view  or  a  plan  may  be  ordered  as  in  the 
trial  of  real  actions ;  &  if  a  verdict  shall  be  found,  that 
the  Commonwealth  have  good  title  to  such  estate,  judg- 
ment shall  be  rendered  that  the  Commonwealth  be  seized 
thereof  &  recover  costs  of  Suit  against  the  defendent,  for 
which  costs,  execution  shall  issue  in  due  form  of  law  :  But 
if  the  Jury  shall  find  that  the  Commonwealth  hath  no  title 
to  such  estate  &  that  the  defendent  hath  good  title  thereto, 
the  defendant  shall  recover  his  cost  of  Suit  to  be  taxed  l)y 
the  Court  &  paid  out  of  the  Pulilic  Treasury  by  warrant 
of  the  Governor  &  Council ;  but  if  the  Jury  do  not  find 
that  the  defendant  hath  good  title  to  such  estate  then  he 
shall  not  be  allowed  his  costs. 
Aiid  be  it  further  enacted,   that  when  any  iudo-ment  i°  '=f,^  J"''^- 

ini  IT  •  n    .r^  ^^  J     J        CD  ment  be 

shall  be  rendered  on  any  mquest  of  Office,  that  the  Com-  rendered  for 
monwealth  be  reseized  or  seized  of  any  Lands  Tenements  we'aur""'"'" 
or  hereditaments,  the  Commonwealth  shall  immediately 
upon  the  rendition  of  such  judgment  be  deemed  &  taken 
in  the  Law  to  be  in  fact  seized  of  all  such  estate  to  all 
intents  &  purposes  whatever  :  and  all  judgments  rendered 
on  any  inquest  of  Office  taken  by  virtue  of  this  act,  shall 
conclude  all  parties  &  privies  thereto,  their  heirs  & 
assigns,  so  long  as  such  judgments  shall  remain  in  full 
force.  June  18,  1791. 


1791.  — Chapter  14. 

[May  Session,  ch.  14.*] 

AN  ACT  INCORPORATING  CERTAIN  RELIGIOUS  SOCIETIES 
THEREIN  NAMED,  IN  THE  TOWN  OF  GR[E]AT  BARRINGTON 
IN   THE   COUNTY   OF   BERKSHIRE. 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representa- 
tives in  General  Court  assembled  &  by  the  authority  of  the 
same,  that  Thomas  lugersoU,  Elijah  Egleston,  David  Kty^ncor- 
Wainioright  Samuel  Whiting,  William  Barns,  Walter  pomted. "''**' 
Pynchon,  Andreiv  Robinson,  Lambert  Bur ghardt,  Andrew 
Burghardt,  John  Van  Dusen,  William  Van  Ducen,  Garrit 
Burghardt,  Hendrick  Burghardt,  Clement  Leiiian,  Jacob 
Van  Dusen  Abraham  Van  Dusen,  Jacob  Van  Dusen  2nd., 
John  Burghardt  3rd  Medad  Parsons,  Amos  Olds,  Benja- 
minCahoon,  John  Church,  Jacob  Johnson,  Andrew  Loomis, 
James  Hewit,  Josiah  Church,  John  Church  junv.,  Oliver 
Younglove,  Jonathan    Younglove,    William  Davis,  John 


Wrongly  numbered  chapter  9  in  Session  pamphlet. 


Congregational 
Society  Incor 
porated. 


276  Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  14. 

Stewart,  Peter  Burghardt,  Daniel  Furguson,  John  Burg- 
hardt,  John  Burghardt  2d.  Mose.s  Orcuit,  Elijah  Dwight, 
Elizur  Demminq,  Martin  Houcke,  Isaac  Perre,Ehenezer 
Smith  Caleb  Hill,  William  Whiting,  William  Whiting  od. 
Abraham  K.  Whiting,  Eliphalet  Gregory,  Azel  bprague, 
Thomas  Huxford,  Isaac   Van  Dusen,  Isaac  Van  Dusen 
3d.    Isaac    Van   Dusen    jun.    John    Van    Dusen  jnnr. 
Abraham  Van  Dusen  jr.  John  Farnam,  John  Williams, 
Nicholas  Bidkley,  Emanuel  Hodgit,  Ralph  Adams,   Wil- 
liam  Ilamly,   John    Obrian,    William    Obrian   &   Peter 
Eslen,  all  of  Great  Barrington  in  the  County  ot  Berk- 
shire tooethei-  with  their  families,  Polls  &  Estates,  be,  c^ 
they  are  hereby  incorporated  into  a  Parish  l)y  the  name 
of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Society  of  Great  Barrington, 
with  all  the  privileges,  powers  &  immunities  which  other 
Parishes  within  this  Commonwealth  are  intitled  to  l)y  law. 
And  it  is  further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  all  &  singular  the  other  persons  with  their  Estates, . 
within  the  said  Town  of  Great  Barrington,  shall  continue 
&  remain  a  religious  Society,  by  the  name  of  the  protestant 
congregational  Society  in  Great  Barrington,  with_  all  the 
previleges,  powers  &  immunities  which  other  parishes  m 
this  Commonwealth  are  entitled  to  by  Law,  to  which  shall 
belong  the  estates  of  the  non-resident  proprietors  in  the 

said  Town.  ,,  .  ,.11 

And  it  is  further  enacted,  that  all  monies,  which  by 

virtue  of  this  act,  shall  be  assessed  &  collected  by  the  said 

Congregational  Society,  upon  the  estates  ot  non-resident 

proprietors   within    said  Town   shall  be  equally   divided 

between  said  episcopal  &  congregational  Societies  ;  — and 

the  Treasurer  of  said  Congregational  Society,  as  often  as 

any  sum  or  sums  of  money  shall  be  assessed  ^  collected 

in  manner  aforesaid,  on  estates  ot  non-resident  proprietors 

upon  demand  made  by  the  Treasurer  of  said  Episcopal 

Society,  shall  pay  over  to  the  said  last  mentioned  Ireas- 

urer,  the  one  half  of  said  sum  or  sums  ot  money  which 

shall  have  been  as  aforesaid  assessed  &  collected. 

inhabitantB  to         And  it  is  further  enacted  hy  the  authority  apresaul,  that 

o'wTpVr^Bta.     any  Inhabitants  of  the  said  Town  of  Great  Barrington, 

shall  at  all  times   forever  hereafter   have  full  liberty  to 

ioin  themselves  with  their  families  &  estates  to  either  ot 

Proviso.  the  Parishes  in  said  Town  : -i^rorn'M  they  shall  some 

time   in  the  Month  of  March,  signify  in  Avriting  under 

their  hands  to  the  Clerk  of  said  Town,  their  determina- 


Appropriation 
of  monies. 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapters  15,  16.  277 

tion  of  belonging  to  the  parish  to  which  they  may  join 
themselves  as  aforesaid. 

A7id  it  is   further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid,  ^^^ 

that  Elijah  Dwight  Esqr.,  he,  &  he  is  hereby  authorized  ^^.^oZL  ' 
to  issue '  his  several  Warrants,  directed  to  some  principal  ^a"*"'- 
member  of  each  of  said  Societies,  requiring  him  to  warn 
the  members  of  said  Societies  respectively,  qualified  to 
vote  in  parish  aiiairs,  to  assemble  at  some  suitable  time  & 
place  in  the  said  Town,  to  be  expressed  in  such  Warrant, 
to  choose  such  Officers  as  parishes  are  by  Law  required 
to  choose  in  the  month  of  March  or  April  annually  &  to 
transact  all  matters  &  things  necessary  to  be  done  in  the 
said  Parishes  —  respectively.  June  18,  1791. 


1791.  —  Chapter  15. 

[May  SesBion,  ch.  15.] 

AN    ACT    FOR    DISCONTINUING    THE    OFFICE    OF    COMPTROLLER 

GENERAL  IN  THIS  COMMONWEALTH. 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  &  House  of  Representa- 
tives in  General  Court  Assembled  &  by  the  authority  of 
the  same.  That  the  Office  of  Comptroller  General  shall  fioenrar 
cease  from  &  after  the  first  day  of  July  next,  &  that  the  to  '^ease. 
present  Comptroller  General  shall  settle  his  accounts  to 
that  time  with  the  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth,  who 
is  hereby  impowered  &  directed,  to  perform  all  the  duties 
of  the  said  Office  in  the  same  manner  as  they  are  now 
executed  by  the  present  Comptroller  General,  any  Law 
to  the  contrary  notwithstanding ;  &  at  the  time  of  such 
settlement,  the  Comptroller  General  shall  deliver  to  the 
Treasurer  all  bonds  &  other  official  papers,  taking  his 
receipt  for  the  same.  June  IS,  1791. 

1791.  —  Chapter  16. 

[May  Sesaion,  ch.  16.] 
AN  ACT  DETERMINING  AT  WHAT  TIMES  &  PLACE  THE  COURTS 
OF  GENERAL  SESSIONS  OF  THE  PEACE  &  COURTS  OF  COMMON 
PLEAS   SHALL    BE   HOLDEN   WITHIN  THE  COUNTY  OF  BERK- 
SHIRE. 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  d-  House  of  Rejwesenta- 
tives  in  General  Court  Assembled  &  by  the  authority  of 
the  same.  That  from  &  after  the  tirst  day  of  September  TimcB^nnd^^^ 
next,  the  times  &  place  for  holding  the  Courts  of  General  fngCoCrts." 
Sessions  of  the  peace  &  Courts  of  Common  Pleas  within 


278 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  17. 


&  for  the  County  of  Berkshire,  yliall  he  at  Lenox  on  the 
second  Tuesday  of  September,  the  first  Tuesday  of  Janu- 
ary &  the  third  Tuesday  of  April  annually,  any  Law 
heretofore  made  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding. 

Ju7ie  IS,  1791. 


Justices  of  the 
Supreme  Judi- 
cial Court,  em- 
powered to 
order  appeals 
to  be  entered. 


1791.  — Chapter  17. 

[May  Session,  ch.  17.] 

AN  ACT  IN  ADDITION  TO  AN  ACT  ENTITLED  "  AN  ACT  :^MPO W- 
ERING  THE  JUSTICES  OF  THE  SUPREME  JUDICIAL  COURT  TO 
GRANT  WRITS  OF  REVIEW  IN  CERTAIN  CASES." 

Whereas  in  said  Act,  no  provision  is  made  in  cases 
ivlierein  by  reason  of  any  accident,  mistake  or  unforeseen 
cause,  an  appeal  in  a  civil  action,  or  complaint,  may  not 
be  entered  at  the  Supreme  Judicial  Court,  at  the  proper 
term  of  said  Court  for  entering  the  same,  and  a  provision 
in  such  cases  is  found  to  he  7iecessary,  — 

Be  it  therefore  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Rep- 
resentatives in  General  Court  assembled,  &  by  the  authority 
of  the  same,  that  in  every  such  case  the  Justices  of  the 
same  Court  be  and  they  are  hereby  empowered,  on  the 
jietition  of  the  party,  at  their  discretion,  to  order  such 
appeal  or  complaint  to  be  entered  at  any  other  term 
of  said  Court,  within  the  County  where  the  judgment 
appealed  from  shall  have  been  rendered ;  and  to  proceed 
to  try  the  appeal,  or  affirm  the  former  judgment,  with 
additional  damages  and  costs,  in  the  same  manner  as  they 
might  have  done  if  the  said  appeal  or  complaint  had  been 
entered  at  the  proper  term  for  entering  the  same ;  And 
the  said  Justices  are  hereby  vested  with  all  the  discretion- 
ary power  respecting  such  appeals,  or  complaints,  with 
which  they  are  vested  in  the  cases  mentioned  in  said  Act. 

Provided  that  no  petition  for  entry  of  such  appeal  or 
complaint  shall  be  sustained  unless  such  petition  shall  be 
exhibited  to  the  Court  within  one  year  after  the  term 
at  which  such  appeal  or  complaint  ought  to  have  been 
entered,  or  Avithin  one  year  from  the  passing  of  this  Act ; 
And  jrrovided  also  that  no  goods  or  estate  attached  or 
bail  given  upon  the  original  Avrit  shall  be  aflected  by 
any  thing  done  by  force  of  this  Act ;  but  the  same  shall 
remain  discharged,  notwithstanding  the  entry  of  any  such 
appeal  or  complaint  as  aforesaid. 

And  Avhereas  the  power  for  granting  reviews  by  the 
said  Justices  is  limitted  to  certain  cases  in  the  aforesaid 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  18.  279 

Act  described,  and  to  a  certain  time  therein  specified, 
which  is  found  to  be  inconvenient,  _ 

Be  it  therefore  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid,  that  ~  w'/rTto  gTaSt 
the  said  Justices  be  and  they  are  hereby  vested  with  a  wnt«;f 
discretionary   power   to    grant   reviews    in    civil    actions 
whenever  they  shall  judge  it  to  l)e   reasonable,  without 
being  limited   to  particular  cases,  any  omissions  in  the 
aforesaid  Act  notwithstanding: —  ^^^^.^^ 

Provided  that  api)lication  be  made  to  the  Justices  of 
the  said  Court  within  three  years  after  the  rendition  of 
the  jud2:ment  complained  of. 

And ''be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  every  Court  of  Common  pleas  within  this  Common-  ^^'^'"J'XL^^"" 
wealth  be  &  they  are  hereby  vested  with  the  same  powers  empowered. 
respecting  appeals  made  from  judgments  rendered  by 
Justices  of  the  peace  &  complaints  for  not  entring  the 
same  and  also  respecting  all  actions  and  suits  before 
Justices  of  the  peace,  wherein  the  damage  laid  does  not 
exceed  four  pounds  and  wherein  the  defendant  has  been 
defaulted  for  want  of  actual  notice  of  the  suit  or  by  some 
other  accident  or  mistake  with  which  the  Justices  of  the 
Supreme  Judicial  Court  are  by  this  Act  vested,  respecting 
appeals  from  judgments  rendered  by  Courts  of  Common 
pleas  and  complaints  for  not  entering  the  same  and  respect- 
ing the  granting  reviews  in  the  certain  other  actions  or 
surts  before  mentioned  wherein  the  defendant  has  been 
defaulted  or  lost  his  law.  Jv^ne  18,  1791. 


1*791.  —  Chapter  18. 

[January  Session,  ch.  1.] 
AN  ACT  TO  INCORPORATE  THE  PLANTATION  OF  WALES  IN  THE 
COUNTY  OF  LINCOLN,  INTO  A  TOWN  BY  THE  NAME  OF  MON- 
MOUTH. 

Be  it  Enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representa- 
tives in  General  Court  assembled  and  by  the  authority  of 
the  same,  that  the  following  described  tract^  of  land,  viz. 
Beginning  at  the  southeasterly  corner  of  Winthrop  on  the 
west  side  of  Cobbisacontee  great  pond, —  thence  running 
south  south  west  six  miles  to  a  large  heap  of  stones  erected 
for  a  corner,  thence  west  north  west  al>out  five  miles  to  the 
westerly  line  of  the  Plimouth  Patent,  —  thence  northerly 
on  the  westerly  line  of  said  patent  about  six  miles,  nntill  it 
intersects  a  line  running  west  north  west  from  the  south- 


280 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  19. 


Daniel  Coney, 
Esq ;  to  iasue 
warrant. 


Inhabitants  to 
farm  out  privi- 
lege annually. 


easterly  corner  of  Winthrop  caforcsaid,  thence  east  south 
east  hy  the  southerly  line  of  Winthrop  to  the  first  men- 
tioned l)ound,  together  Avith  the  inhabitants  thereon  be 
and  they  hcrcl^y  are  incorporated  into  a  town  by  the  name 
oi Monmouth;  &  the  said  town  is  hereby  invested  with 
all  the  powers,  priviledges,  &  immunities,  which  other 
towns  in  this  Commonwealth  do,  or  may  enjoy  by  law. 

And  be  it  further  Enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  Daniel  Cony  Esquire  be,  and  he  is  hereby  empowered 
and  requested  to  issue  his  Warrant,  directed  to  some  suit- 
able inhabitant  of  the  said  Monmouth,  requirino-  him  to 
warn  the  inhaljitants  thereof,  to  meet  at  some  convenient 
time  &  place,  to  chuse  all  such  Officers  as  towns  are  by 
law  required  to  chuse  in  the  month  of  March  or  April 
annually.  January  20,  1792. 


1791.  -  Chapter  19. 

[January  Bession,  ch.  2.] 
AN  ACT  TO  REGULATE  THE  TAKING  OF  FISH  CALLED  ALE- 
WIVES  IN  THE  TOWN  OF  MIDDLEBOROUGH,  IN  THE  COUNTY 
OF  PLIMOUTH,  AND  FOR  REPEALING  A  CERTAIN  LAW  MADE 
FOR  THAT  PURPOSE  IN  THE  YEAR  OF  OUR  LORD  ONE  THOU- 
SAND SEVEN  HUNDRED  AND  FORTY  NINE. 

Whereas  the  laivs  already  made  for  regrdatinr/  the  tak- 
ing fish  called  Alewives  at  the  places  called  the  Old  Stone 
Ware  &  Assawomset  Brook  in  said  toton,  are  found  in- 
convenient, — for  remedy  whereof — 

_  Be  it  Enacted  by  the  Senate  arid  House  of  Rejwesenta- 
tives  in  General  Court  assembled,  and  by  the  authority 
of  the  same,  that  from  and  after  the  passing  this  Act,  it 
shall  and  may  be  lawfull,  for  the  inhabitants  of  said  town 
annually,  to  farm  or  hire  out  the  priviledge  of  taking  said 
fish  at  the  place  called  the  Old  Stone  ivare,  and  at''  such 
place  in  Assaioomset  in  said  town,  as  the  inhabitants  thereof 
shall  vote  and  order,  to  such  person  or  persons  as  shall 
appear  to  give  most  for  said  priviledge,  four  days  in  a 
week  at  said  Stone  Ware,  viz,  Tuesday,  Wednesday 
Thursday  and  Friday,  and  at  Assaivomset  Brook  three 
days  in  a  week,  viz,  Monday,  Tuesday  and  AVednesday, 
beginning  at  midnight  preceding  Tuesday,  and  endino-  at 
midnight  succeeding  Friday,  at  said  Stone  ware, —  and 
at  midnight  preceding  Monday,  and  ending  at  midnight 
succeeding  Wednesday,  at  said  Assawo77iset  Brook ,-  — said 
fish  to  be  taken  at  said  Stone  Ware  with  Scoop  nets  only ; 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  19.  281 

and  at  said  Assmvomset  Brook  with  Scoop  nets  or  set  nets 
only. 

And  be  it  further  Unacted  by  the  aidhority  aforesaid 
that  the  purchasers  of  said  priviledge,  shall  not  ask  or  re-  rurchaseie  of 
ceive  for  said  fish  when  taken,  more  than  one  shilling  per  ilmit'eT/iThe 
hundred,  and  in  that  proportion  for  a  greater  or  smaller  P'>*=eoftiBh. 
quantity  ;  and  that  the  purchasers  of  said  priviledge  shall 
l)e  obliged  to  sell  said  fish  at  that  rate,  at  all  times,  when 
they  shall  have  any  on  hand,  Avhen  applied  to,  upon  the 
penalty  oi  five  pounds,  to  be  recovered  by  action  of  del)t 
in  any  Court  proper  to  try  the  same,  for  each  neglect  or 
refusal ;  one  moiety  thereof,  to  the  use  of  the  Poor  of  the 
said  Town,  &  the  other  moiety  to  the  use  of  any  person 
who  shall  prosecute  for  the  same  and  it  shall  be  the  duty 
of  the  inhabitants  of  said  town,  annually,  to  provide  for 
such  of  the  poor  inhabitants  thereof,  as  shall  be  unable  to 
procure  them  for  themselves,  such  quantities  of  said  fish, 
as  shall  be  thought  necessary,  who  shall  receive  the  same 
gratis  ;  —  &  in  order  thereto,  — 

Be  it  further  Enacted  that  said  inhabitants  shall  chuse  committee  to 
a  Committee  of  nine  discreet  judicious  men,  one  in  each  ctwen."^  ^ 
Constable's  district  in  said  town,  in  the  fall  of  the  year 
annually,  who  shall  report  to  the  Overseers  of  the  poor 
of  said  town  previous  to  the  ensuing  Spring,  the  number 
and  names  of  such  poor  inhabitants,  the  number  in  each 
family,  and  their  situation ;  &  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  such  feel^  of  t^hr'' 
Overseers  to  apportion  to  every  such  family,  such  quan-  pooi- 
tity  of  said  fish,  as  they  in  their  discretion  shall  think 
necessary,  &  shall  draw  their  orders  on  the  purchasers  of 
said  priviledge,  for  the  same  ;  which  orders  shall  be  taken 
&  received  by  said  purchasers,  equal  to  money,  and  shall 
l)e  received  of  them  by  the  Treasurer  of  said  town,  equal 
to  money,   in  discharge  of  the  purchase  money  of  the 
priviledge  aforesaid. 

And  be  it  further  Enacted,  that  any  person  who  shall  breachVf°thiB 
presume  to  take  any  of  said  fish  in  any  other  way,  at  any  act. 
other  time,  or  any  other  place  in  said  river  or  Brook,  or 
any  parts  or  dependences  thereof,  than  those  prescribed 
by  this  act,  every  person  concerned  therein,  shall  forfeit 
&  pay  for  each  offence  the  sum  oi  forty  shillings,  to  be 
recovered  by  action  of  debt  in  any  Court  proper  to  try 
the  same,  one  moiety  thereof  to  the  Treasurer  of  said 
town  for  the  use  of  the  poor  thereof,  and  the  other  moiety 
to  the  party  who  shall  sue  therefor. 


282 


Acts,  1791.  —  CnArTER  19. 


Suspicious  per- 
sons to  be 
examined. 


Certificates  to 
be  given  to  jmr- 
chasers  of  fish. 


Minors  or  ser- 
vants —  how 
dealt  with  in 
case  of  offence. 


And  be  it  further  Enacted  hy  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  the  Scoo[)  net,  or  other  instrument,  l)y  which  any 
person  shall  take,  or  attempt  to  take  any  of  said  fish, 
contrary  to  the  true  intent  and  meaning  of  this  act,  shall 
be  forfeit,  and  any  other  person  shall  have  liberty  to  seize 
&  secure  the  same  to  his  own  use  ;  and  if  said  Scoop  net 
or  other  instrument,  forfeited  as  aforesaid,  shall  be  carried 
away,  concealed  or  with  held,  so  that  the  party  attempt- 
ing, cannot  take  or  come  at  the  same,  said  [larty  so 
attempting  to  take  said  instrument,  may  sue  for  &  recover 
the  value  thereof  in  a  special  action  of  the  case,  before 
any  Court  having  proper  jurisdiction  thereof,  against  the 
owner  or  possessor  thereof  to  his  own  use. 

And  he  it  further  Enacted  that  if  any  person  shall  be 
found  near  said  River  or  Brook,  or  going  from  thence, 
with  any  quantity  of  said  fish,  exceeding  sixty  in  number, 
which  are  suspected  to  have  been  taken  in  violation  of 
this  act,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  every  person  who  shall 
then  suspect  said  fish  to  have  been  taken  illicitly,  to  ex- 
amine the  possessor  thereof,  respecting  the  means  of  his 
procuring  them,  &  if  he  cannot  make  it  appear  that  he 
came  ])y  them  legally,  he  shall  forfeit  the  whole  of  said 
fish,  that  he  shall  so  be  possessed  of,  to  be  recovered  in  the 
same  way  &  manner  as  Scoop  nets  and  other  instruments 
are  recovered  as  provided  in  this  Act,  &  be  subject  to  the 
penalty  oi  forty  shillings  for  taking  fish  contrary  thereto, 
to  be  recovered  in  the  same  way  as  is  herein  before  pro- 
vided in  that  particular ;  —  &  to  prevent  dificulty,  and 
unnecessary  expence  to  persons  purchasing  said  fish  it 
shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Clerk  of,  or  some  one  of  the  pur- 
chasers of  said  priviledge,  to  give  a  Certificate  under  his 
hand,  to  all  persons  who  purchase  any  quantity  of  said 
fish,  exceeding  sixty  in  number,  of  the  time  when,  &  the 
place  where,  &  the  quantity  purchased,  &  his  producing 
said  Certificate  shall  be  evidence  of  his  obtaining  said  fish 
legally. 

And  he  it  farther  enacted  hy  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  if  any  children  or  servants  shall  oflcnd  against  this 
Act,  unless  their  parents  masters  or  guardians  or  some 
other  person  in  their  liehalf  shall  pay  the  penalty  set 
against  such  ofienders  within  twelve  hours  after  notice 
being  given  them  of  such  oftence,  such  children  or  ser- 
vants shall  1)6  proceeded  against  by  complaint  before  any 
Justice  of  the  peace  in  and  for  said  County,  and  upon 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  20.  283 

conviction  thereof  shall  be  committed  to  the  house  of 
correction,  there  to  remain  not  less  than  five,  nor  more 
than  tv^enty  days,  according  to  the  nature  of  said  offence, 
in  the  judgment,  and  at  the  discretion  of  the  Court  or 
Justice  before  which  said  conviction  may  be  had. 

And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  author  if  y  aforemid, 
that  all  persons  not  otherwise  disqualified,  shall  l)e  con-  Legal 
sidered  &  taken  to  be  competent  and  legal  witnesses,  in  ^"'^^*®^* 
any  prosecution  upon  this  act,  they  being  inhalntants  of 
said  town  of  Middleborough  notwithstanding. 

And  be  it  further  Enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  an  Act  passed  in  the  year  of  Our  Lord  seventeen  Act  repealed. 
hundred  &  forty  nine,  intitled  "An  Act  to  prevent  the 
unnecessary  destruction  of  Alewives  in  the  town  of  Mid- 
dleborough  "  be,  and  hereby  is  repealed. 

Provided  nevertheless,  that  no  clause  in  this  act  shall  Proviso. 
extend  to,  or  be  considered,  so  as  to  affect  an  Act  passed 
in  the  year  of  our  Lord,  seventeen  hundred  and  sixty 
four  intitled  "An  Act  in  addition  to  an  Act,  intitled  an 
Act  to  prevent  the  unnecessary  destruction  of  Alewives  in 
the  town  of  3Iiddleborough."  January  28,  1792  * 

1791.  —  Chapter  30. 

[January  SeBsion,  ch.  3.] 

AN  ACT  TO  INCORPORATE  THE  WESTERLY  PART  OF  THE  TOWN 
OF  VASSALBOROUGH  IN  THE  COUNTY  OF  LINCOLN  WITH 
THE  INHABITANTS  THEREOF  INTO  A  TOWN  BY  THE  NAME 
OF  SIDNEY. 

Be  it  Enacted  by  the  Seriate  and  House  of  liepresenfa- 
tives  in  General  Court  assembled  and  by  the  authority  of 
the  same,  that  all  the  land  and  water  lying  on  the  west  Bouudariee. 
side  of  Kenebeck  river  in  the  town  of  Vassalborough,  and 
bounded  as  followeth ;  Viz;  —  Beginning  at  said  Kene- 
beck river  on  the  westerly  side  thereof  and  in  the  line 
between  the  towns  of  Winslow  and  Vassalborough  afore- 
said, thence  running  west  northwest  five  miles  to  the 
northwesterly  corner  of  said  Vassalborough,  thence  south- 
erly about  eight  miles  on  a  strait  course  to  the  north- 
westerly corner  of  the  town  of  Halloioell,  thence  east 
southeast  five  miles  on  the  northerly  line  of  said  Halloioell 
to  Kenebeck  river,  thence  northerly  on  the  westerly  side 
of  said  river,  and  bounded  by  the  same  to  the  first  men- 

*  Approved  January  30,  1792. 


284 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  21. 


be  paid . 


tioned  bounds,  with  all  the  inhabitants  thereon  be,  & 
hereby  are  incorporated  into  a  seperate  town  ])y  the  name 
of  Sidney,  with  all  the  powers,  priviledges  and  immunities 
that  other  towns  within  this  Commonwealth  do  or  may  by 
law  enjoy. 

And  be  it  farther  Enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid. 
Taxes  hereto-     that  the  inhabitants  of  the  said  toAvn  oi  Sidney  shall  l)e 

fore  assessed  to  y  c  i  i 

subject  to  pay  all  taxes  heretofore  assessed  upon  them 
while  they  belonged  to  the  said  town  of  Vassalborougli, 
in  the  same  manner  as  though  this  act  had  not  been 
passed.  And  shall  also  be  subject  to  pay  their  proportion- 
able part  of  all  debts  due  from  said  town  of  Vassalborough 
at  the  time  of  their  seperation,  and  also  shall  be  intitled 
to  receive  their  proportionable  part  of  all  the  public  lands, 
and  of  all  other  pul)lic  property  that  did  belong  to  the 
town  of  Vassalborough  at  the  time  of  their  seperation  ; 
such  proportion  or  dividend  to  be  made  in  equal  moi[e]ties 
to  each  town  respectively. 

And  be  it  further  Enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  Daniel  C'o??^  Esquire  be,  and  he  is  hereby  authorized 
and  impowered  to  issue  his  Warrant  to  some  suitable 
inhabitant  of  said  town  of  Sidney,  requiring  him  to  notify 
and  warn  the  inhabitants  thereof  to  meet  at  some  con- 
venient time  &  place  in  said  town,  to  chuse  all  such  town 
officers,  as  other  towns  are  required  by  law  to  chuse  in 
the  months  of  March  or  April  annually. 

January  30,  1792. 


Daniel  Cony, 
Esq;  to  issue 
warrant. 


1791.  —  Chapter  31. 

[January  Session,  cli.  4.] 

AN  ACT  FOR  INCORPORATING  CERTAIN  PERSONS  FOR  THE  PUR- 
POSE OF  BUILDING  A  BRIDGE  OVER  MERRIMACK  RIVER  AT 
PATVCKET  FALLS  BETWEEN  THE  TOWNS  OF  CHELMSFORD 
AND  DRACUT  IN  THE  COUNTY  OF  MIDDLESEX  AND  FOR 
SUPPORTING  THE  SAME. 

Whereas  the  erecting  a  bridge  over  the  said  river  at  the 
said  falls  will  be  of  great  utility,  and  Parker  Varnum 
esquire  <&  others  have  jietitioned  this  Court  for  an  Act  of 
incorporation  to  impower  them  to  build  the  said  bridge, 
and  many  persons  in  expectation  of  such  an  Act  have 
subscribed  to  a  fund  for  the  purpose  of  erecting  and  com- 
pleating  the  same  ; 

Be  it  therefore  Enacted,  by  the  Senate  and  House  of 
Uejireseniatives  in   General  Court  assembled  and  by  the 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  21.  285 

autliority  of  the  same,  that  Parher  Varnum,  James  Var-  PropnetorB  in- 
nu7n,  Thomas  Russell,  Jonathan  Simpson,  Lewis  de 
Maresquelle,  Joseph  Bradley  Varnum,  Loammi  Baldivin, 
William  Blanchard,  esquires,  Messieurs  Solomon  Aiken, 
Samuel  Cotton,  William  Hildreth  junior,  Jephtha.  Spauld- 
ing,  Josiah  Fletcher  junior,  Peter  Coburn  junior,  Bradley 
Varnum,  Jonathan  Varnum,  Benjamin  French,  Nathan 
Tyler,  Eliakin  Wood,  Daniel  Coburn,  Moses  B.  Coburn, 
Asa  Richardson,  Oliver  Whiting  junior,  Joel  Spaulding, 
John  Ford,  Jonathan  P.  Pollard,  Thomas  Beats,  and 
Ebenezer  Hall  togetiier  with  all  those  who  are  or  shall 
become  proprietors  to  the  fund  to  be  raised  for  that  pur- 
pose, so  long  as  they  shall  continue  to  be  proprietors 
therein  or  of  the  said  bridge,  shall  be  a  Corporation  and 
body  politic  under  the  name  of,  the  Proprietors  of  the 
Middlesex  Merrimach  River  Bridge,  and  by  that  name 
may  sue  &  prosecute  and  l)e  sued  &  prosecuted  to  final 
judgment  and  execution  and  do  and  suffer  all  other  matters 
&  things  Avhich  bodies  politic  may  or  ought  to  do  and 
suffer,  and  that  the  said  Corporation  shall  and  may  have 
full  power  and  authority  to  make  have  and  use  a  common  -empowered. 
seal  and  the  same  to  break  &  alter  at  pleasure. 

And  be  it  further  Enacted,  that  the  said  pro})rietors  or  ~[}'|^g°^j^*'g  '° 
any  five  of  them  may  l)y  advertisement  in  the  independent 
Chronicle,  printed  by  Thomas  Adams,  call  a  meeting  of 
the  said  proprietors  to  be  holden  at  any  suitable  time 
and  place,  after  ten  days  from  the  publication  of  said 
advertisement:  and  the  said  proiirietors  by  a  vote  of  the  I'ropnetorsau- 

.       .,  /.    ,1  ,  ^        ^  ^     1       1  -1  X-  thorized  to  call 

majority  of  those  present  or  represented  at  said  meeting  a  meeting  for 
(accounting  and  allowing  a  vote  to  each  single  share  in  uoned?*™*"" 
all  cases)  shall  choose  a  Clerk  who  shall  be  duly  sworn  to 
the  faithful  discharge  of  his  office,  and  also  shall  agree  on 
a  method  for  calling  future  meetings,  and  at  the  same 
or  any  subsequent  meeting  may  make  and  establish  any 
rules  &  regulations  that  shall  be  necessary  and  convenient 
for  regulating  the  said  Corporation,  for  effecting  com- 
pleating  and  executing  the  purposes  aforesaid  or  for  col- 
lecting the  toll  hereafter  granted,  and  the  same  rules  and 
regulations  may  cause  to  Ite  kept  &  executed,  or  for  the 
breach  thereof,  may  order  and  enjoin  fines  and  penalties 
not  exceeding  forty  shilliiigs,  provided  such  rules  &  regu-  Proviso. 
lations  are  not  repugnant  to  the  laws  of  this  Common- 
wealth ;  and  the  said  proprietors  may  also  choose  and 
appoint  any  other  Officer  or  Officers  of  the  Corporation 


286 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  21. 


Toll 
established. 


that  they  may  deem  necessary ;  and  all  representations 
at  the  said  meeting  shall  be  proved  in  writing  signed  by 
the  person  making  the  same,  by  special  appointment, 
which  shall  l)e  tiled  with  or  recorded  by  the  Clerk ;  and 
this  Act  and  all  rules  regulations  and  votes  of  the  said 
Corporation  shall  be  fairly  and  truly  recorded  l)y  the 
said  Clerk  in  a  book  or  books  provided  &  kept  for  that 
purpose . 

And  it  is  furthei'  Enacted,  that  for  the  purpose  of  reim- 
bursing the  said  proprietors  the  monies  by  them  expended 
or  to  be  expended  in  l)uikling  and  supporting  the  said 
l^ridge,  a  toll  be  and  is  hereby  granted  and  established 
for  the  sole  benefit  of  the  said  proprietors  according  to 
the  rates  following,  to  wit:  For  each  foot  passenger  tivo 
thirds  of  one  penny, — for  each  person  and  horse  two 
pence,  —  for  each  horse  and  chaise  or  sulkey  six  pence,  — 
for  each  cart,  waggon,  sley  or  sled  drawn  by  two  beasts 
six  pence,  —  for  each  cart  sley  or  sled  drawn  by  one  horse 
four  pence,  — for  each  coach,  chariot  or  phaeton  one  shil- 
ling, —  for  each  waggon  cart  or  sled  or  other  carriage  of 
burthen  drawn  by  three  or  more  cattle  nine  jjence,  —  for 
neat  cattle  or  horses  exclusive  of  those  rode  or  in  carriages 
one  penny  each,  —  for  sheep  and  swine  at  the  rate  of  six 
pence  for  each  dozen  ;  and  to  each  team  one  person  and  no 
more  shall  be  allowed  as  a  driver  to  pass  free  of  toll ;  and 
at  all  times  when  the  toll  gatherer  shall  not  attend  his  duty, 
the  gate  or  gates  shall  be  left  open ;  and  the  said  toll  shall 
commence  on  the  day  of  the  opening  of  the  said  bridge 
for  passengers  and  shall  continue  to  the  said  proprietors 
their  heirs  and  assigns  forever.  — 

Provided  nevertheless,  and  be  it  further  enacted  that 
from  and  after  fifty  years  from  the  passing  this  Act,  it 
shall  be  in  the  power  of  the  Legislature  to  alter  and  estab- 
lish the  rates  of  toll  for  passing  the  said  bridge  from  time 
to  time  as  they  may  think  necessary  ;  —  And  in  order  to 
apportion  the  said  toll  to  the  expence  of  supporting  and 
keeping  the  said  bridge  in  good  repair,  the  receiver  of  the 
said  toll  for  the  time  being,  after  the  expiration  of  the  said 
fifty  years,  shall  from  time  to  time  when  thereto  directed 
by  the  (Tencral  Court,  lay  before  the  said  Court  a  true 
account  ui)on  oath,  of  the  amount  of  the  toll  received  by 
him  for  such  period  of  time  as  shall  be  directed  by  the 
Legislature,  upon  the  penalty  of  three  himdred  pounds,  to 
be  recovered  by  information  or  indictment  in  any  Court 


Acts,  1791.  — Chapter  22.  287 

proper  to  try  the  same,  for  the  use  of  the  Commonwealth, 
with  costs  of  suit. 

And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  the  General  Court  may  at  any  time  hereafter  author-  j|^^|  "^^J, '° 
ize,  the  digging  &  making  of  any  canal  or  canals  on  the  hereafter,  re- 
banks  of  the  said  river  on  the  shore  near  the  same  where  government. 
the  said  bridge  is  to  be  erected,  the  making  a  convenient 
passage  for  boats  &  rafts  in  the  said  river  by  removing  any 
obstructions  therein  &  by  constructing  locks  or  otherwise 
as  they  shall  judge  proper,  any  thing  in  this  Act  supposed 
to  be  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding. 

And  be  it  further  Enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  the  said  bridge  shall  be  well  built  with  suitable  mate-  Manner  in 
rials  at  least  twenty  eight  feet  Avide  &  well  covered  with  Bridge  u"io  be 
planks,  with  sufficient  rails  on  each  side  and  boarded  up  **"'"• 
eighteen  inches  high  from  the  floor  of  said  bridge,  for  the 
safety  of  passengers  travelling  thereon  ;    and  the   same 
shall  be  kept  in  good  safe  and  passable  repair  at  all  times  ; 
and  also  at  the  place  where  the  toll  shall   be  received, 
there  shall   be  erected  and  constantly  exposed  to   open 
view,  a  sign  or  board  with  the  rates  of  toll  of  all  the  toll- 
able articles  tairly  &  legibly  written  thereon  in  large  or 
capital  letters. 

And  be  it  further  Enacted,  that  if  the  said  proprietors  Act  to  be  void 
shall  neglect  or  refuse  for  the  space  of  three  years  after 
the  passing  this  Act,  to  Imild  and  compleat  the  said  liridge, 
then  this  Act  shall  be  void  &  of  no  effect. 

February  1,  1792* 


1791.  — Chapter  23. 

[January  Session,  ch.  5.] 

AN  ACT  IN  ADDITION   TO  THE  SEVERAL  LAWS  NOW  IN  FORCE 
PROVIDING  FOR  THE  COLLECTION  OF  TAXES. 

Whereas  provision  is  made  by  law,  when  any  Constable  Preamble. 
or  Collector  of  taxes  in  any  town,  district,  plantation,  pre- 
cinct or  parish  shall  die  before  compleating  of  the  col- 
lection of  the  taxes  committed  to  him,  that  the  Assessors 
appoint  a  Collector  to  perfect  such  collection,  but  no  jjro- 
vision  is  made  ivhen  any  Constable  or  Collector  shall 
become  non  compos  mentis  or  be  disabled  by  bodily  infirm- 
ities from  perfecting  his  collection;  —  Eor  remedy  whereof 

*  Approved  February  1,  1792. 


288 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  22. 


Power  &  duty 
of  AssesBora  in 
case  of  inlirm 
Constables  or 
Collectors. 


Assessors 
authorized, 


Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representa- 
tives in  General  Court  assembled  and  by  the  authority  of 
the  same,  that  when  any  Constable  or  Collector  of  any 
town,  district,  plantation,  precinct  or  parish  who  is  al- 
ready or  may  hereafter  become  non  compos  mentis  &  who 
hath  or  may  have  a  Guardian  duly  appointed,  or  who 
hath  already  l)een  or  may  hereafter  by  bodily  infirmities 
be  rendered  incapable  of  discharging  the  duties  of  his 
office  in  the  judgment  of  the  Assessors,  before  such  in- 
sane or  inlirm  Constable  or  Collector  hath  perfected  his 
collection,  the  Assessors  shall  thereupon  procure  and 
appoint  in  writing  under  their  hands  some  suitable  per- 
son a  Collector  to  perfect  such  collection,  and  grant  him 
a  warrant  for  that  purpose  ;  and  the  person  so  appointed 
shall  have  the  same  power  &  authority  as  were  granted 
to  such  insane  or  infirm  Constable  or  Collector ;  j^t'ovided 
nevertheless,  that  no  person  shall  be  appointed  to  com- 
pleat  the  collection  of  such  infirm  Collector  unless  he 
shall  request  the  same  ;  And  p7'0vided  further,  that  when 
it  shall  appear  to  the  Assessors  that  such  insane  or  infirm 
Constable  or  Collector  shall  have  paid  to  the  Treasurer  or 
Treasurers  to  whom  he  was  accountable,  a  larger  sum  or 
sums  of  money  than  the  amount  of  the  monies  that  he  has 
collected  from  the  persons  borne  on  his  list  of  assessment, 
the  Assessors  in  their  warrant  to  the  Collector  by  them 
appointed,  shall  direct  him  to  pay  such  sum  as  shall  ap- 
pear to  them  to  be  overpaid  as  aforesaid,  to  the  Guardian 
of  such  insane  Constable  or  Collector  or  to  such  infirm 
Constable  or  Collector  as  the  case  may  be :  And  in  the 
cases  aforesaid,  and  in  case  of  the  decease  of  any  Constable 
or  Collector  of  taxes  before  his  perfecting  his  collections, 
the  Assessors  for  the  time  being  shall  have  power  to  de- 
mand and  receive  the  list  or  lists  of  Assessments  of  &  from 
such  infirm  Constable  or  Collector  or  from  the  Guardian 
of  such  Constable  or  Collector  as  shall  be  non  comjyos 
mentis,  or  from  the  Executors  or  Administrators  of  any 
deceased  Constable  or  Collector,  or  of  &  from  any  person 
in  whose  hands  the  same  ma}^  be,  and  to  deliver  the  same 
to  the  Collector  newly  appointed. 

And  loJiereas  p)rovision  is  also  made  by  laiu,  that  when 
any  distress  shall  be  taken  by  any  Constable  or  Collector 
for  non  payment  of  taxes,  it  shall  be  kept  four  days  before 
notice  of  sale  shall  be  given,  and  that  the  forty  ei<jht  hours 
notice  of  sale  shall  not  be  given  unlill  after  the  expiration 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  23.  289 

of  the  said  four  days,  which  prolongation  of  the  time  of  sale 
often  increases  expence  and  appears  to  be  unnecessary ;  — 

Be  it  therefore  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid,  that  ^Xc'to'rB\r 
it  shall  and  may  be  lawful  for  any  Constable  or  Collector  give  notice 
to  give  the  forty  eight  hours  notice  of  the  sale  of  any  dis- 
tress by  him  taken,  for  the  non  payment  of  taxes,  within 
the  said  four  days,  and  after  such  notice,  to  sell  such  dis- 
tress after  the  expiration  of  the  said  four  days,  any  Law 
to  the  contrary  notwithstanding. 

And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid,  that  Sr^fin^sT 
any  Officer  who  may  have  occasion  to  distrain  any  per-  of  distrain, 
sonal  property  of  any  deficient  Constable  or  Collector  by 
force  of  any  warrant  of  distress  or  execution  issued  by  the 
Treasurer  of  the  Commonwealth,  or  by  the  Treasurer  of 
any  County,  town,  district,  plantation,  parish  or  precinct, 
shall  proceed  in  the  sale  of  said  personal  property  in  the 
same  manner  such  Officer  by  Law  is  obliged  to  proceed 
in  serving  executions  upon  judgments  obtained  by  Cred- 
itors against  their  Debtors  where  personal  estate  is  taken 
for  satisfying  the  same.  February  3,  1792.* 


1791.  -  Chapter  23. 

[January  Seeeion,  ch.  6.] 

AN  ACT  GRANTING  CERTAIN  PRIVILEDGES  TO  THE  PROPRIE- 
TORS OF  THE  LOWER  OR  NEW  SLITTING  MILL,  STANDING 
ON  MILL-RIVER  IN  THE  TOWN  OF  TAUNTON  IN  THE  COUNTY 
OF  BRISTOL. 

Be  it  Enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representa- 
tives in  General  Court  assembled,  and  by  the  authority  of 
the  same;  that  the  Committee  which  may  be  annually 
chosen  by  the  inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Taunton  afore- 
said, whose  business  it  is  to  see  the  fish  act,  so  called, 
put  in  execution,  are  hereby  impowered  and  directed 
to  notify  one  or  more  of  the  proprietors  of  said  Slitting 
Mill,  that  they  may  stop  the  water,  and  make  use  of  the 
same  three  days  in  each  and  every  week  in  the  months 
of  April  and  May  annually,  for  the  purpose  only  of  slit- 
ting Nail  rods  ;  which  days  the  aforesaid  Committee  are  to 
appoint,  and  to  give  seasonable  notice  to  the  proprietors 
as  aforesaid  ;  any  law  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding. 

February  6,  1792. 

*  Approved  February  3,  1792. 


Religious 


290  Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  24. 


1791.  —  Chapter  34. 

[January  SesBion,  ch.  8.] 
AN  ACT  TO  ESTABLISH  AND  INCORPORATE  A  RELIGIOUS  SOCIETY 
IN  THE  TOWN  OF  EASTOX  IN  THE   COUNTY  OF  BRISTOL  BY 
THE  NAME  OF  THE  CONGREGATIONAL  PARISH  IN  EASTON. 

Be  it  Unacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representa- 
tives in  General  Court  assembled  and  by  the  authority  of 
BocS  ^^*«  -^«^'^'  *^^^^  '^^^  inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Easton  in 

incorporated,     the  County  of  Bristol  who  now  usually  attend  and  who 
shall    hereafter  usually   attend   public  Avorship  with   the 
Cono-regational  Society  of  the  town  of  Easton,  of  which 
the  fievd.  William  Reed  is  the  present  Minister,  and  who 
shall  cause  their  names  to  be  entered  and  registered  with 
the  Clerk  of  such  Society,  or  other  person  or  persons 
who   shall   be  by  such    Society  as  hereinafter    provided 
appointed  and  authorized  for  that  purpose,  shall  be  and 
hereby  are  established,  denominated  and  made  a  Corpo- 
ration, Body-politic  and  Keligious  Society,  by  the  name 
and  stile  of  the  Congregational  Parish  in  Easton,  and  shall 
have  power  as  such,  to  hold  meetings  appoint  officers, 
grant,  vote,  levy  and  collect  taxes,  and  to  do  and  transact 
all  other  matters  and  things  which  parishes  within  this 
Commonwealth  may  usually  do  and  transact  for  the  sup- 
port of  the  minister  or  ministers,  teacher  or  teachers  of 
relioion  &  morality  for  the  said  parish  &  Congregation, 
and'to  maintain  the  public  worship  of  God  within  the  said 
town  of  Easton;  and  also  to  do  all  other  matters  &  things 
which  the  said  Corporation  are  hereinafter  more  especially 
impowered  to  do  :    And  any  person  or  persons  usually 
attending  public  worship,  &  whose  name  or  names  shall 
be  entered  as  aforesaid,  shall  be  understood  and  held  to 
be  members  of  the  said  parish  and  Corporation,  and  to 
be  liable  to  all  taxes  duly  voted  thereby,  and  in  all  other 
respects  as  a  parishioner  or  parishioners  there,  until  1  he 
she  or  they  shall  signify  in  writing  to  the  Clerk  of  the 
said  parish  for  the  time  being,  his  her  or  their  intention  to 
attend  public  worship  with  some  other  religious  society, 
and  shall  actually  discontinue  their  attendance  on  public 
worship  with  said  Society. 
Property  vested      j^nd   be   it  further  Enacted,  that   all    monies,   public 
m  the  Society.    ^^^^^,^^^^3^   credits,   and    other   personal    estate   of  every 
kind,  and    all    lands  tenements  and    hereditaments  now 
holden  by  the  said  Society,  or  by  any  person  or  persons 
in  trust  for  them,  or  to  their  use,  and  being  the  property 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  24.  291 


and  right  of  the  said  Society  for  the  purposes  aforesaid, 
shall  be,  and  are  hereby  vested  in  the  said  Congregational 
parish  in  the  town  of  Easton,  by  them  to  be  hoi  den, 
improved,  and  managed  in  their  said  corporate  capacity, 
and  for  the  support  of  a  public  teacher  or  teachers  and 
the  maintainance  of  the  i)ublic  worship  of  God  as  afore- 
said. And  the  said  parish  in  their  said  corporate  capacity 
are  hereby  authorized  and  enabled  to  receive,  purchase, 
take  and  hold  for  the  purposes  aforesaid,  and  in  like 
manner  to  manage,  any  lands,  tenements,  goods,  monies 
and  credits,  so  that  the  whole  annual  income  to  which 
the  said  parish  shall  be  intitled,  and  which  they  shall  be 
capable  of  holding  and  managing  as  aforesaid,  shall  not 
at  any  one  time,  exceed  the  sum  of  one  hundred,  &  ffty 
pounds. 

Provided  nevertheless.  And  he  it  further  Enacted,  that  Proviso, 
untill  the  annual  income  of  the  stock  and  estate  of  the 
said  parish  now  holden,  or  which  shall  hereafter  belong 
to  them,  shall  in  their  judgment  and  according  to  their 
lawful  agreements  be  sufficient  to  support  a  public  teacher 
as  aforesaid  for  the  said  parish,  no  part  of  such  income 
shall  be  by  the  said  parish  applied  or  in  any  wise  appro- 
priated or  used  for  any  other  purpose  than  to  increase  the 
principal  fund  and  estate. 

And  he  it  further  Enacted,  that  the  Revd.  William  Trustees  ap- 
Reed,  together  with  Matthew  Hayumrd,  Ahiel  Mitchell,  ^°'°''"'" 
Samuel  Guild,  Ahisha  Leach,  ancl  Elijah  Howard,  shall 
be,  and  they  hereby  are  appointed  and  authorized  as 
Trustees  of  the  said  parish  to  receive,  take  and  hold  in 
trust  for  the  said  parish,  and  to  manage  for  the  purposes 
aforesaid,  untill  other  trustees  shall  be  duly  appointed  in 
their  stead,  all  and  si[?i]gular  the  grants,  donations  and 
estates,  whether  real  or  personal,  to  which  the  said  parish 
are  or  shall  be,  during  the  continuance  in  office  of  the  said 
trustees,  entitled. 

And  he  it  further  Enacted,  that  the  said  parish  shall  ~nPP,f  "'^"^ 
annually,  sometime  in  the  month  of  April  at  a  legal  meet- 
ing of  the  Parishioners  to  be  then  holden  within  the  said 
town  of  Easton  and  at  the  common  meeting-house  of  the 
said  parish,  if  any  there  l)e,  appoint  and  authorize  five 
meet  persons  of  the  said  parishioners  as  trustees,  Avho, 
being  duly  sworn  before  a  Justice  of  the  Peace,  to  the 
faithful  discharge  of  their  trust  according  to  their  best 
ability,  shall  be  together  with  the  Minister  of  the  said 
parish,  for  the  time  being,  if  any,  the  trustees  of  the  said 


292 


Trustees  em- 
powered. 


—  annually  to 
exhibit  their 
accounts. 


Apollos  Leon 
ard,  Esq.  to 
issue  warrant 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  24. 

parish,  and  Successors  of  the  said  trustees  herein  before 
appointed,  and  shall  have  authority,  and  shall    require, 
receive,  take,  hold,  and  manage  for  the  said  parish,  m 
trust,  and  for  the  purposes  aforesaid,  all  &  singular  the 
said  monies,  donations,  purchases,  and  all  other  the  estate 
both  real  and  personal  of  the  said  parish  :    And  the  said 
trustees,   as  well   those  herein  appointed,  as  those  who 
shall  be  appointed  and  authorized  in  manner  as  aforesaid, 
shall  have  power  to  let  to  interest  upon  public  or  private 
credit  as  to  them  shall  seem  best,  and  from  time  to  time 
to  call  in,  demand  &  recover  any  monies  ])elonging,  or 
which  shall  belong  to  the  said  parish  as  aforesaid,  and 
also  to  let  to  farm  and  otherwise  in  their  discretion,  to 
improve  and  manage  all  other  the  estate  of  the  said  parish 
whether  real  or  personal,  which  shall  be  by  the  said  Trus- 
tees received  as  aforesaid,  and  shall  be  allowed  all  reason- 
able disbursements,  expences  and  losses  which  shall  &  may 
unavoidably  or  reasonably  happen  and  arise,  in  the  due 
execution  and  performance  of  their  said  trust.     And  the 
said  Trustees  shall  at  their  annual  meeting  aforesaid,  lay 
before  the  said  parish  a  full  statement  in  writing  of  all 
and  singular  the  monies,  effects  credits  and  estate  of  the 
said  parish  in  the  hands  of  the  said  Trustees,  and  of  all 
disbursements,  expences  &  losses  which  shall  have  hap- 
pened or  arisen  in  the  execution  of  their  said  trust :    And 
no  sale  of  any  land  or  other  real  estate  belonging  to  the 
said    parish;    and  no  purchase  of  any  real  estate  to  be 
made  by  any  monies,  or  received  in  exchange,  unless  upon 
morto-age  for  monies  lent,  being  a  collateral  security,  shall 
be  valid  and  effectual  to  pass  or  hold  such  lands  or  tene- 
ments unless  such  sale  or  purchase  shall  be  ordered  made 
or  accepted  by  the  vote  and  agreement  of  the  said  parish 
at  a  legal  meeting  to  be  called  and  holden  for  that  pur- 
pose, and  wnth  the  consent  and  concurrence  of  a  majority 
of  the  said  trustees  for  the  time  being. 

And  he  it  further  Enacted,  that  the  first  meeting  ot  the 
said  parish  for  the  choice  of  trustees  and  other  parish 
Officers  as  aforesaid,  shall  be  called  by  a  Warrant  to 
be  issued  by  Apollos  Leonard  Esqr.  and  shall  be  holden 
within  the  said  town  of  Easton  sometime  in  the  month  of 
April  next ;  and  all  future  meetings  of  the  said  parish, 
shall  be  called  by  the  said  trustees  ;  and  at  the  annual 
meeting  for  the  choice  of  trustees  as  aforesaid,  all  other 
parish  Officers  shall  be  chosen.  February  4,  1792* 

*  Approved  February  7,  1792. 


Acts,  1791.  — Chapteks  25,  26.  293 


1791.  — Chapter  25. 

[January  Session,  ch.  7.] 

AN  ACT  TO  INCORPORATE  THE  PLANTATION  OF  NUMBER  SEVEN, 
SO  CALLED,  IN  THE  COUNTY  OF  HAMPSHIRE  INTO  A  TOWN 
BY  THE  NAME  OF  HAWLET. 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate ^  &  House  of  Representa- 
tives in  General  Court  assembled  <&  by  the  authority  of 
the  same,  that  the  aforesaid  plantation  bounded  north  ^o^.^te^.'"""''" 
on  Charlemont,  east  partly  on  Buchland  and  partly  on 
Ashfield,  south  on  Plainfield,  and  west  on  the  County  of 
Berkshire,  be  and  herel)y  is  incorporated  into  a  town  by 
the  name  of  Hawley,  Avith  all  the  powers  privileges  and 
immunities  that  towns  within  this  Commonwealth  have  or 
do  enjoy. 

And  be  it  enacted,  by  the  authority  aforesaid,  that  David  Esq.io^fssuT' 
8exton  esquire  be  and  hereby  is  impowered,  to  issue  his  warrant. 
warrant,  directed  to  some  principal  inhabitant  of  the  town 
of  Hawley  requiring  him  to  notify  the  Inhabitants  of  the 
said  Town  qualified  as  the  law  directs  to  assemble  and 
meet  at  some  suitable  time  and  place  in  said  town,  and 
chuse  such  Officer  or  Officers  as  towns  by  law  are  im- 
powered to  chuse  at  their  annual  meeting  in  the  month 
oi  March  or  April.  February  6,  1792* 


1791.  —  Chapter  26. 

[January  Session,  ch.  10.] 

AN    ACT    FOR    ESTABLISHING    AN   ACADEMY    IN    THE    TOWN   OF 
FRY E BURG  BY  THE  NAME  OF  FRTEBURG  ACADEMY. 

Whereas  it  appears  that  sundry  well  disposed  persons  Preamble. 
have  erected  a  convenient   building  in  Fryeburg  in  the 
County  of  York   and  appropriated  it  to  the  nse  of  an 
Academy ;  to  effect  which  generous  design  more  fully,  it 
is  necessary  to  establish  a  body  politic.  — 

Be  it  therefore  Enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Rep- 
resentatives in  General  Court  assembled,  &  by  the  author- 
ity of  the  same  that  there  be,  and  hereby  is  established  estabu^h^ed. 
in  the  town  of  Fryeburg  in  the  County  of  York,  an  Acad- 
emy by  the  name  oi  Fryeburgh  Academy  for  the  purpose 
of  promoting  piety  religion  and  morality,  and  for  the 
education  of  youth  in  such  languages,  and  such  of  the  lib- 

*  Approved  February  7,  1792, 


294 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  26. 


Lands,  &c. 
granted  &  con- 
firmed to  the 
said  Trustees. 


Trustees  em- 
powered in 
certain  cases. 


eral  arts  and  sciences  as  the  Trustees  shall  direct ;  and 
that  the  Reverend  William  Fessenden  of  Fryeburg  the 
Reverend  Nathaniel  Porter  of  Conioay  in  the  State  of 
N'ew  Hampshire,  Henry  Young  Brown  esqr.  of  Brown- 
field,  David  Page,  Esqr.  of  Conway,  Moses  Ames  of 
Fryeburg,  James  Osgood  of  Fryeburg,  James  Osgood  of 
ConvKiy,  Simon  Frye  esqr.  of  Fryeburg,  and  Paul  Lang- 
don  of  Brownfield,  the  pr(5sent  preceptor  of  said  Academy 
be,  and  they  hereby  are  nominated  and  appointed  Trustees 
of  said  Academy,  and  they  are  hereby  incorporated  into 
a  body  politic  by  the  name  of  the  Trustees  of  Fryeburg 
Academy,  and  they  and  their  Successors  shall  be  &  con- 
tinue a  body  politic  by  the  same  name  forever. 

And  be  it  further  Enacted  that  the  said  Academy  be 
endowed  with  twelve  thousand  acres  of  land  of  the  un- 
appropriated lands  in  the  County  of  Yorlc  to  be  laid  out 
by  the  Committee  for  the  sale  of  eastern  lands  and  to  be 
located  in  one  or  two  places  ;  and  that  all  the  lands  and 
monies  heretofore  given  or  subscribed,  or  which  for  the 
purpose  aforesaid  shall  be  hereafter  given  granted  and 
assigned  unto  the  said  Trustees  shall  be  confirmed  to  the 
said  Trustees  and  their  successors  in  that  trust  forever 
for  the  uses  which  in  such  instruments  shall  be  expressed 
and  they  the  said  Trustees  shall  be  further  capable  of 
having  holding  and  taking  in  fee  simple,  by  gift  grant 
devise  or  otherwise,  any  lands  tenements,  or  other  estate 
real  or  personal  —  -provided  the  annual  income  of  the  same 
shall  not  exceed  one  thousand  pounds,  &  shall  apply  the 
rents,  issues,  and  profits  thereof  in  such  a  manner,  as  that 
the  design  of  the  institution  of  the  Academy  may  be  most 
effectually  promoted. 

Be  it  further  Enacted  that  the  said  Trustees  shall  have 
full  power  from  time  to  time  as  they  shall  determine,  to 
elect  such  officers  of  the  said  Academy  as  they  shall  judge 
necessary  and  convenient,  and  fix  the  tenures  of  their 
respective  offices,  to  remove  any  Trustee  from  the  corpo- 
ration, when  in  their  opinion  he  shall  be  incapable  through 
age  or  otherwise  of  discharging  the  duties  of  his  office,  to 
fill  all  vacancies  by  electing  such  persons  for  Trustees  as 
they  shall  judge  best,  to  determine  the  times  and  places 
of  their  meetings,  the  manner  of  notifying  the  said  Trus- 
tees, the  method  of  electing  or  removing  Trustees,  to 
ascertain  the  powers  and  duties  of  their  several  officers, 
to  elect  preceptors  and  ushers  of  said  academy,  to  deter- 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  26.  295 

mine  the  duties  and  tenures  of  their  offices ;  to  ordain 
reasonable  rules,  orders  &  bye  laws,  not  repugnant  to 
the  laws  of  this  Commonwealth  with  reasonable  penal- 
ties, for  the  good  government  of  the  Academy,  and  ascer- 
taining the  qualifications  of  students  requisite  to  their' 
admission,  and  the  same  rules,  orders  or  bye  laws  at  their 
pleasure  to  repeal. 

Be  it  further  Enacted  that  the  Trustees  of  said  Academy  —to  have  a 
may  have  one  common  seal  which  they  may  change  at 
pleasure,  and  that  all  the  deeds  signed  and  delivered  by 
the  Treasurer  or  Secretary  of  said  Trustees,  by  their 
order,  and  sealed  with  their  seal,  shall  when  made  in 
their  name  be  considered  as  their  deed,  and  as  such  to  be 
duly  executed  &  valid  in  law ;  and  that  the  Trustees  of 
said  Academy  may  sue  and  be  sued,  in  all  actions  real, 
personal  or  mixed  i^  prosecute  &  defend  the  same  to  final 
judgment  &  execution  by  the  name  of  the  Trustees  of 
Fryehurg  Academy. 

Be  it  further  Enacted  that  the  number  of  said  Trus-  -number of, 
tees  and  their  successors  shall  not  at  any  one  time  be 
more  than  thirteen  nor  less  than  nine,  seven  of  whom  7quorum!''"'^ 
shall  constitute  a  quorum  for  transacting  business,  and 
a  majority  of  members  present  at  a  legal  meeting  shall 
decide  all  questions  proper  to  come  before  the  Trustees ; 
that  a  major  part  shall  be  laymen  and  respectable  free- 
holders,—  also  that  a  major  part  shall  consist  of  men, 
who  are  not  inhabitants  of  the  town  where  the  Seminary 
is  situated. 

Be  it  further  Enacted  that  if  it  shall  hereafter  be  judged  J'oTerTd  t7' 
upon  mature  and  impartial  consideration  of  all  circum-  g'"^™"^^/'''' 
stances  by  two  thirds  of  the  Trustees,  that  for  good  and  i"  case. 
substantial  reasons  which  at  this  time  do  not  exist  the 
true  design  of  this  institution  will  be  better  promoted  by 
removing  the  Seminary  from  the  place  where  it  is  founded, 
in  that  case  it  shall  be  in  the  power  of  the  said  Trustees 
to  remove  it  accordingly,  and  to  establish  it  in  such  other 
place  within  the  County  of  Yorh  as  they  shall  judge  to  be 
best  calculated  for  carrying  into  effectual  execution  the 
intention  of  the  founders. 

Be  it  further  Enacted  that  Simon  Frye  Esqr.,  be  and  eIq".Tufhorized. 
he  hereby  is  authorized  to  fix  the  time  &  place  for  holding 
the  first  meeting  of  the  said  Trustees  &  to  notify  them 
thereof.  February  8,  1792* 

*  Approved  February  9,  1792, 


296 


Acts,  1791.— -Chapter  27. 


Limington 
corporated. 


Josiah 

Thacher,  Esq. 
to  issue 
warrant. 


1791.  — Chapter  37. 

[January  Session,  ch.  9.] 
AN  ACT  TO  INCORPORATE   THE   PLANTATION  CALLED  OSSEPEE 
'     IN  THE   COUNTY  OF   TORE  INTO  A  TOWN  BY  THE  NAME  OF 
LIMINGTON. 

Be  it  Enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representa- 
tives in  General  Court  assembled,  and  by  the  authority  of 
the  same,  that  the  tract  of  land  bounded  as  followeth,  Viz 
Beginning  at  Saco  Eiver,  at  the  northeast  corner  of  the 
plantation  oi  Francisborough,  tYience  running  down  said 
river  as  it  runs,  to  the  place  where  the  river  called  Little 
Ossipee,  fells  into  said  iSaco  river,  thence  runnino-  up  said 
Little  Ossipee  river  to  the  line  of  the  town  of  \imeric 
thence  north  twenty  two  and  an  half  degrees  west,  five 
miles  and  one  quarter  to  the  northeasterly  corner  of  said 
town  of  Limeric,  thence  north  twenty  five  degrees  east 
to  the  southwest  corner  of  a  lot  of  land  containino-  about 
SIX  hundred  acres  formerly  granted  to  Theophilus  Brad- 
bury Esqr.  thence  north  to  the  place  of  beginning  at  Saco 
river,  together  with  the  inhabitants  thereon  be,  and  they 
are  hereby  incorporated  into  a  town  by  the  name  of  Lim- 
ington, &  the  inhabitants  of  said  town  are  hereby  invested 
with  all  the  powers  priviledges  and  immunities  which  the 
inhabitants  of  towns  within  this  Commonwealth  do,  or 
may  by  law  enjoy. 

_  And  be  it  further  Enacted  that  Josiah  Thacher  Esqr. 
IS  hereby  authorized  and  impowered  to  issue  his  Warrant 
directed  to  some  suitable  inhabitant  of  the  said  town  of 
Limington  directing  him  to  notify  the  inhabitants  of  said 
town  qualified  to  vote  in  town  affairs  to  meet  at  such  time 
&  place  as  he  shall  appoint  to  chuse  such  officers  as  other 
towns  are  impowered  to  chuse  at  their  annual  meetino-g  in 
the  month  of  March  or  April  annually.  '^ 

February  8,  1792.* 


*  Approved  February  9,  1792. 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapteb  28.  297 


1791.  — Chapter  38. 

[January  Session,  ch.  11.] 

AN  ACT  IN  ADDITION  TO,  AND  FOR  REPEALING  AND  ALTERING 
PART  OF  AN  ACT,  ENTITLED  "  AN  ACT  FOR  LIMITING  THE  TIME 
WITHIN  WHICH  SUITS  MAY  BE  PROSECUTED  AGAINST  EX- 
ECUTORS AND  ADMINISTRATORS  &  FOR  PERPETUATING  THE 
EVIDENCE  OF  NOTICE  GIVEN  BY  THEM  AND  BY  GUARDIANS 
AND  OTHERS,  RESPECTING  THE  SALE  OF  REAL  ESTATE." 

Whereas  in  the  third  enacting  clause  of  the  aforesaid  act,  Preamble. 
it  is  provided  that  all  claims  of  creditors  to  the  estate  of  any 
person  deceased,  upon  lohich  an  executor  or  admiiiistrator 
has  already  taken  the  administration,  shall  he  exhibited 
and  demanded  of  the  executor  or  administrator  of  such 
estate  within  three  years  from  the  passing  of  said  act,  or 
within  three  years  after  said  claim  may  accrue,  and  not 
aftei'wards  ;  arid  that  no  Executor  or  Administrator  who 
should  after  the  passing  of  the  said  act  undertake  that  trust 
should  be  compelled  or  held  to  answer  to  the  suit  of  any 
creditor  of  his  Testator  or  Intestate,  unless  the  same  suit 
should  have  been  originally  coinmenced  within  the  term,  of 
three  years  next  folloiving  his  giving  bond  for  the  faithful 
discharge  of  his  trust:  And  lohereas  from  the  shorttiess  of 
said  limiited  terjn,  &  from  the  want  of  a  general  knowledge 
thereof  many  inconveniences  may  accrue  to  the  Citizens  of 
this  Commomvealth  : 

Be  it  therefore  eyiacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  oj 
Representatives  in  General  Court  assembled  and  by  the 
authority  of  the  same,  that  all  &  every  part  of  said  enact-  Enacting  clause 

*^     •^  •/     J.  repGaiGQ. 

ing  clause  which  relates  to  the  time  within  which  claims 
may  be  exhibited  &  suits  prosecuted  against  Executors 
and  Administrators  be  and  hereby  is  repealed. 

And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  all  claims  of  Creditors  to  the  estate  of  any  person  creditors  to 
deceased  upon  which  an  Executor  or  Administrator  was  within  a  limited 
appointed  before  the  passing  of  the  aforesaid  act  shall  be  ""'^' 
exhibited  &  demanded  of  such  Executor  or  Administrator 
within  four  years  from  the  time  of  passing  the  act  afore- 
said &  not  afterwards ;  &  that  no  Executor  or  Adminis- 
trator who    has    been    appointed    since    the    passing   the 
aforesaid  act,  or  who  shall  hereafter  be  appointed  shall 
be  held  to  answer  to  any  suit  that  shall  be  commenced 
against  him  in  that  capacity,  unless  the  same  shall  be 
commenced  within  the  term  of  four  years  from  the  time 


298 

ProviBO. 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  29. 

of  his  accepting  that  trust :  Provided  that  he  give  notice 
of  the  appointment  in  the  manner  prescribed  in  the  act 
before  recited.  February  14^  1792.* 


What  Inhab- 
itants may  be 
held  as  belong- 
ing to  the  North 
Parish. 


1791.  — Chapter  29. 

[January  Session,  ch.  12.] 

AN  ACT  IN  ADDITION  TO  AN  ACT  MADE  cS.  PASSED  THE  TWENTY 
FIRST  DAY  OF  JUNE,  IN  THE  YEAR  OF  OUR  LORD  ONE  THOU- 
SAND SEVEN  HUNDRED  &  EIGHTY  SEVEN,  INTITLED,  "AN  ACT 
TO  DIVIDE  THE  TOWN  OF  G/^££;V^^/CH  INTO  TWO  PARISHES." 

Whereas  in  S  by  the  said  Act  it  is  enacted,  that  such 
Inhabitants  of  the  said  Toivn  as  ivere  not  Petitioners  for 
the  division  thereof  &  loere  included  in  the  South  Parish 
in  the  said  Toivn,  shoidd  be  at  liberty  to  belong  to  the 
North  Parish  together  with  their  estates  in  the  said  Town, 
Provided,  such  Inhabitants  sJiould  lodge  their  names  in  the 
Secretary's  Office  with  a  certificate  of  their  desire  to  belong 
to  the  said  North  Parish,  within  a  time  limited  by  the  said 
Act;  which  condition  ivas  complied  icith  by  the  afore- 
described  Inhabitants;  And  whereas  doubts  have  arisen 
whether  the  said  Estates  ivill  not  rever-t  to  the  said  South 
Parish  when  those  persons  who  returned  their  naines  as 
aforesaid  shall  cease  to  occupy  such  Estates; 

Be  it  Enacted  by  the  Senate  &  House  of  Pepreseyita- 
tives  in  Gener-al  Court  Assembled  &  by  the  authority  of 
the  satne,  that  from  &  after  the  passing  this  Act,  the 
several  Eeal  Estates  within  the  said  Town  which  were 
occupied  by  the  aforesaid  Inhabitants  at  the  time  of  lodg- 
ing their  names  in  the  Secretary's  OflSce  as  aforesaid  with 
the  present  &  future  occupants  thereof,  together  with 
the  personal  estates  of  such  present  &  future  occupants  in 
the  said  Town,  shall  forever  hereafter  be  considered  & 
held  to  belong  to  the  said  North  Parish  in  as  full  &  ample 
a  manner  as  if  the  said  Inhabitants  had  been  included  in 
the  said  North  Parish  by  the  dividing  line  between  the 
said  Parishes ; 

Provided  nevertheless,  that  if  any  of  the  present  owners 
&  occupants  of  any  of  the  Estates  aforesaid  shall  on  or 
before  the  first  day  of  June  next  return  his  or  her  name 
to  the  Secretary's  OiSce,  certifying  his  or  her  desire  of 


belonginoj  unto  the   South  Parish  in 


said  Town  he  or  she 


Approved  February  14,  1792. 


Acts,  1791.  — Chapter  30.  299 

shall  be  considered  as  belonging  to  the  South  Parish  with 
his  or  her  Estate,  with  the  future  occupiers  of  the  same, 
there  to  do  duty  &  receive  privileges. 

February  22,  1792. 

1791.  — Chapter  30. 

[January  Session,  ch.  14.] 

AN  ACT  FOR  REGULATING  THE  TAKING  THE  FISH  CALLED 
ALE  WIVES  IN  THEIR  PASSAGE  \5Y  INDIAN  HEAD  RIVER  SO 
CALLED,  BETWEEN  THE  TOWNS  OF  PEMBROKE  &  HAN- 
OVER (IN  THE  COUNTY  OF  PLIMOVTH)  INTO  A  POND  IN 
SAID  TOWN  OF  PEMBROKE  KNOWN  BY  THE  NAME  OF 
INDIAN  BEAD  POND. 

Be  it  enacted  hy  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representa- 
tives in  General  Court  assembled  &  by  the  authority  of 
the  same,  that  there  shall  be  sluice  ways  made  and  opened 
through,  or  passage  ways  made  round,  all  and  each  of 
the  dams  standing  on  or  across  the  river  aforesaid,  suffi- 
cient in  the  judgment  of  the  major  part  of  the  Committee 
or  Committees  of  the  aforesaid  towns  of  Pembroke  and 
Hanover,  to  be  chosen  as  is  hereafter  provided,  for  the 
passage  of  the  said  fish  up  the  said  river  to  the  abovesaid 
Indian  head  pond  in  the  town  of  Pembroke. 

And  be  it  E7iacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid,  that  the  -at the 
owner  or  owners  of  the  several  dams  that  now  are    or  ow^'nTi-rof 
hereafter  may  be  erected  on  said  Indian  head  river,  shall  '*"'"*• 
make  &  provide  such    sluice  ways,  or   passage  ways  as 
are  by  this  Act  required,  to  be  opened  &  kept  open,  from 
the  tenth   day   of  April   to  the  twentieth  day  of  May 
annually. 

And  be  it  further  Enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid y 
that  if  any  owner  or  owners  of  any  dams,  that  now  are  or  Forfeiture  in 
hereafter  may  be  erected  on  or  across  said  river,  shall  re-  <"**^  "^ °®s'«'''- 
.  fuse  or  neglect  to  open  and  keep  open  such  good  and 
sufficient  sluice  way  or  passage  way  for  the  term  above- 
said,  he  shall  forfeit  and  pay  the  sum  oi  fifty  pounds,  to 
be  recovered  by  action  of  debt  in  any  Court  proper  to 
try  the  same ;  one  moiety  to  him  or  them  that  shall  pros- 
ecute &  sue  for  the  same,  and  the  other  moiety  to  the 
aforesaid  towns  of  Pembroke  &  Hanover. 

And  be  it  farther  Enacted  that  the  towns  of  Pembroke  committee  to 
and  Hanover  at  their  respective  town  meetings,  for  the 
choice  of  town  officers  in  the  month  of  March  or  April 
annually,  shall  choose  at  least  three  persons  fveeholders  in 


300 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  30. 


-empowered. 


Time  &  place 
of  taking  to  be 
agreed  on 
by  the  Com- 
mittees; with 
a  proviso. 


each  of  said  towns,  who  shall  be  a  Committee  to  carry 
this  Act  into  effect ;  any  four  of  whom  shall  be  a  quorum, 
and  shall  be  sworn  as  other  town  officers  are  to  the  faith- 
ful discharge  of  the  duties  of  their  office  ;  and  if  any 
person  chosen  as  aforesaid,  and  accepting  of  the  said  trust 
shall  neglect  to  take  an  oath  as  aforesaid  within  seven 
days  from  his  being  so  chosen,  he  shall  forfeit  and  pay  the 
sum  of  ten  shillings^  or  being  chosen  and  sworn,  if  he 
shall  neglect  to  perform  his  duty  he  shall  forfeit  and  pay 
the  sum  oi  five  pounds;  the  said  forfeitures  to  be  sued  for 
and  recovered  by  the  Treasurer  of  the  town  where  such 
offender  belongs  for  the  use  of  such  town. 

And  be  it  further^  Enacted,  that  any  three  of  said  Com- 
mittee shall  have  full  power  and  authority  to  open,  or 
cause  to  be  opened  and  kept  open  such  sluice  or  passage 
ways  at  the  expense  of  the  owner  or  owners  of  any  dam 
or  dams,  that  now  are  or  hereafter  may  be  erected  on  or 
across  said  stream  or  river,  provided  said  owner  or  owners 
shall  refuse  or  neglect  to  open  the  same,  by  the  tenth  day 
of  April  annually ;  and  said  Committee  are  hereby  em- 
powered to  remove  all  and  every  obstruction  to  the  pas- 
sage of  said  fish  up  or  down  said  river  that  may  be  in  or 
across  the  same,  and  if  for  the  purposes  mentioned  in  this 
Act,  it  shall  be  necessary  for  said  Committee  or  either  of 
them  to  go  on  the  land  of  any  person  or  persons  through 
which  said  river  runs,  it  shall  not  be  deemed  a  trespass  ; 
and  if  any  person  or  persons  shall  hinder  or  molest  said 
Committee  or  either  of  them  in  the  execution  of  his  or 
their  office,  the  person  so  offending  shall  forfeit  and  pay 
a  sum  not  exceeding  tiventy  shillings  nor  less  than  ten  shil- 
lings, to  be  sued  for  and  recovered  by  &  to  the  use  of  the 
Officer  against  whom  the  offence  is  committed ;  and  said 
Committee  shall  not  be  liable  to  prosecution  for  any  do- 
ings in  the  necessary  discharge  of  the  duties  of  their  office. 

^And  he  it  further  Enacted,  that  the  time  when  and' 
places  where  said  fish  shall  be  taken  in  said  river,  or  any 
brook  or  stream  discharging  into  said  Indian  head  river 
ov pond,  shall  be  agreed  upon  by,  and  be  under  the  regu- 
lations of  the  Committees  of  the  said  towns  of  Pemhrolce 
and  Hanover  or  the  major  part  oi  them.,  provided,  the  said 
Committee  shall  not  authorize  the  taking  said  fish  more 
than  three  days  in  a  week  in  any  of  the  places  bcforemen- 
tioned  ;  and  the  said  Committees  shall  post  up  notifications 
in  two  of  the  most  public  places  in  each  of  the  said  towns 


Acts,  1791.  — Chapter  31.  301 

oi Pembroke  and  Hanover^  specifying  the  times  and  places 
when  &  where  said  fish  shall  be  taken,  six  days  at  least 
before  the  said  tenth  day  oi  April  annually. 

And  he  it  further  Enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  if  any  person  or  persons  shall  presume  to  take  any  Forfeiture  in 
of  said  fish  on  the  river  or  streams  aforesaid,  in  any  other  of  tins  act. 
way  or  manner  than  such  as  shall  be  directed  by  the 
aforesaid  Committee  or  the  major  part  of  them,  he  shall 
forfeit  and  pay  a  sum  not  exceeding  three  po^inds,  nor  less 
then/or^?/  shillings  at  the  discretion  of  the  Justice  before 
whom  the  same  shall  be  tried,  one  moiety  to  him  that  shall 
prosecute  and  sue  for  the  same,  &  the  other  moiety  to  the 
use  of  said  towns  of  Pembroke  &  Hanover. 

And  be  it  further  Enacted,  that  no  person  shall  be  dis-  uant^of'eiJher^" 
qualified  from  being  a  witness,  on  any  trial  that  may  be  ^'l^u'a'i'iflcation 
had  pursuant  to  this  Act,  on  account  of  his  being  an  in-  as  a  witness. 
habitant  of  or  belonging  to  either  of  the  said  towns  of 
Pembroke  or    Hanover.  — And  if  any  person  or  persons 
shall  be  found  having  said  fish  in  his  or  their  possession, 
and  there  be  reasonable  grounds  of  suspicion  that  such 
person  or  persons  took  said  fish  unlawfully,  he  or  they 
shall  be  subject  to  the  penalties  of  this  Act,  unless  suffi- 
cient evidence    be    adduced,   that  said    fish    were   taken 
agreeably  to  the  spirit  &  meaning  of  the  same. 

February  22,  1792. 

1791.  —  Chapter  31. 

[January  Session,  ch.  15.] 

AN  ACT  FOR  SETTING  OFF  SAMUEL  HOLMES  JUNR.  FROM 
THE  TOWN  OF  ST  OUGHT  ON  &  ANNEXING  HIM  TO  THE 
TOAVN   OF   SHARON. 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  &  House  of  Representatives 
in  General  Court  Assembled  &  by  the  authority  of  the 
same.  That  Samuel  Holmes  junior,  with  his  family  &  es-  samuei  Holmes 
tate  lying  in  the  town  ot  Stoughton  &  adjoining  to  the  *^'° 
Line  of  the  town  of  Sharon  be  &  hereby  is  set  oft'  from 
the  town  of  Stoughton  &,  annexed  to  &  incorporated  with 
the  town  of  Sharon  &  forever  hereafter  shall  be  consid- 
ered as  a  part  of  the  same  ; 

Provided  nevertheless,  that  the  said  Samuel  Holmes  jun-  Proviso, 
ior,  shall  pay  to  the  town  of  Stoughton  his  proportion  of 
the  Debt  that  Town  now  owes,  to  be  computed  according 
to  his  proportion  of  the  last  State  Tax  in  the  same  way 
&  manner  he  would  have  been  liolden  to  pay  the  same  had 
not  this  act  been  passed.  February  22,  1792. 


302 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  32. 


Proprietors 
incorporated. 


—  to  make  ap- 
plication for 
calling  meet- 
ings. 


1791.  — Chapter  33. 

[January  Session,  ch.  13.] 

AN  ACT  INCORPORATING  THE  HONORABLE  JOHN  WORTHING- 
TON  ESQR.,  &  OTHERS  THEREIN  NAMED,  FOR  THE  PURPOSE 
OF  RENDERING  CONNECTICUT  RIVER  PASSABLE  FOR  BOATS 
AND  OTHER  THINGS  FROM  THE  MOUTH  OF  CHICKAPEE  RIVER 
NORTHWARD  THROUGHOUT  THIS  COMMONWEALTH,  BY  THE 
NAME  OF  THE  PROPRIETORS  OF  THE  LOCKS  AND  CANALS  ON 
CONNECTICUT  RIVER. 

Whereas  removing  the  obstructions  to  the  passing  of 
Boats  &  other  craft  made  use  of  for  the  jmrposes  of  trans- 
portation upon  Connecticut  river  from  the  mouth  of 
Chickapee  river,  so  called,  to  the  northern  limits  of  this 
Commonwealth  will  he  of  great  public  utility,  and  John 
Wortliington  Esqr.  and  others  have  petitioned  this  Court 
for  an  Act  of  incorporation  to  impoiver  them  to  make  such 
Canals  S  Locks,  and  perform  such  other  operations  as  are 
necessary  to  remove  the  difficulties  now  attending  such 
passing,  <&  7nany  persons  under  the  expectation  of  such 
an  Act  have  engaged  to  subscribe  to  a  fund  for  the 
effecting  the  aforesaid  purpose; 

Be  it  therefore  Enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of 
Bepresentatives  in  General  Court  assembled  and  by  the 
authority  of  the  same,  that  the  honble.  John  Worthington, 
Caleb  Strong,  Theodore  Sedgwick,  David  Sexton,  Samuel 
Lyman,  &  Samuel  Fowler  Esquires  and  Bobert  Breck, 
Jonathan  Dwight,  Thomas  Dwight,  Justin  Ely,  Dwight 
Foster,  Samuel  Henshaw,  Ebenezer  Hunt,  John  Hooker 
Esqrs.  Messrs.  Ebenezer  Lane,  William  Moore,  Benjamin 
Prescot,  Levi  Shepard,  William  Smith,  and  Simeon 
Strong  &  John  Williams  Esquires  &  their  associates  and 
Successors,  proprietors  of  such  proposed  Canals  and  Locks 
and  in  the  funds  or  real  estate  to  be  raised  or  })urchased  for 
effecting  the  purpose  aforesaid  are  hereby  incorporated, 
and  shall  l)e  a  Corporation  forever  under  the  name  of  the 
proprietors  of  the  Locks  and  Canals  on  Connecticut  river, 
and  by  that  name  may  sue  and  prosecute,  and  be  sued  and 
prosecuted  to  final  judgment  &  execution,  &  shall  be  and 
hereby  are  vested  with  all  the  powers  &  priviledges  which 
are  by  law  incident  to  Corporations. 

And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid 
that  the  said  Proprietors,  or  any  three  of  them  may  make 
their  application  to   any  Justice    of  the    Peace    for   the 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  32.  303 

County  of  Hampshire  requesting  him  to  call  a  meeting  of 

the   said    proprietors  to  l)e   holclen  at   some   convenient 

place  within  the  town  of  8pringfield  in  the  same  County ; 

whereupon  such  Justice  is  hereby  impowered  to  issue  his  ^  "g^^'t^  •g™P°'^" 

Warrant  to  one  of  the  said  proprietors  directing  him  to  warrant. 

warn  &  notify  said  proprietors  to  meet  at  such  time  & 

place  in  said  town  of  Spriivjjield  as  he  shall  therein  direct, 

to  agree  on  such  method  as  may  be  thought  })roper  for 

calling  meetings  of  said  proprietors  for  the  future,  &  to 

do  &  transact  such  matters  &  things  relating  to  the  said 

propriety  as  shall  be  expressed  in  said  Warrant ;  and  the 

proprietor  to  whom  such  Warrant  shall  be  directed,  shall 

give  notice  to  the  said  proprietors  by  causing  the  same  or 

the  substance  thereof  to  be  published  in  the  Springfield 

&  Northampton    News-papers    fourteen  da3's    before   the 

holding  said  meeting  and  make  return  thereof  under  his 

hand  to  the  same  meeting  to  be  lodged  with  the  Clerk 

that  shall  be  then  &  there  chosen :  And  the  said  proprie-  Proprietors 

tors  may  also  at  any  legal  meeting  choose  a  Clerk,  Treas-  ""P"^®''® 

urer  &  other  Othcer  or  Officers  of  the  Corporation  that 

they  may  deem  necessary,  &  also  may  choose  a  Committee 

for  regulating  &  ordering  the  afl'airs  &  lousiness  of  the  said 

Corporation;  and  every  proin-ietor  shall  have  a  right  to-^-y'egai'y 

i,'  .  "^     '-        K  -,.  I'l  ^'°'^ '°  meetings 

vote  jn  the  pro])rietary  meetino-s,  accordms:  to  his  share  in  proportion  to 

,..  .    '^ .      ^  ^         ,  ^  J.    J.-       ^  •      l.^        n   11  their  interest. 

and  interest,  in  person  or  by  representation,  in  the  rollow- 
ing  ratio ;  from  one  hundred  to  thj-ee  hundred  dollars 
inclusive,  shall  have  one  vote,  from  three  hundred  and 
one  to  six  hu7idred  dollars  inclusive  shall  have  one  vote 
more,  from  six  hundred  &  one,  to  a  thousand  dollars 
inclusive  shall  have  one  vote  more  ;  &  for  every  thousand 
above  a  thousand  dollars  shall  have  one  vote  more,  — pro- 
vided no  one  proprietor  shall  have  more  than  ten  votes  : 
All  representations  to  be  proved  in  writing  signed  by  the 
person  making  the  same  by  special  appointment ;  which 
shall  be  filed  wath,  &  recorded  by  the  Clerk  ;  and  this  act 
and  all  rules,  regulations  and  votes  of  the  said  Corporation 
shall  be  fairly  and  truly  recorded  by  the  said  Clerk  in  a 
Book  or  Books,  for  that  purpose  to  be  provided  &  kept. 

Provided,  that  whereas  it  may  become  necessary  in  the  Proviso, 
prosecution  of  the  foregoing  business,  that  the  property 
of  private  persons,  may  (as  in  the  case  of  highways)  be 
appropriated  for  the  public  use,  and  in  order  that  no  per- 
son may  be  damaged  in  his  property  by  the  cutting  or 
making  Canals  through  his   land   l)y  removing  mills    or 


304 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  32. 


Compensations 
obtained  for 
damage  of 
property. 


Committee  ap- 
pointed to 
estimate 
damages. 


Clerk  to  issue 
execution;  with 
provisos. 


mill  dams,  diverting  water  courses,  or  flowing  his  land 
by  the  proiirietors  aforesaid  for  the  purpose  aforesaid 
without  receiving  adequate  compensation  therefor, 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid,  that  in  all 
cases  where  any  person  shall  be  damaged  in  his  property 
by  the  said  proprietors  for  the  purposes  aforesaid  in 
manner  as  is  above  expressed  or  in  any  other  Avay,  and 
the  proprietors  aforesaid  do  not  within  twentj^  days  after 
being  requested  thereto,  make  or  tender  reasonable  satis- 
faction to  the  acceptance  of  the  person  damaged  l)y  them 
as  aforesaid,  the  person  so  damaged  may  apply  to  the 
Court  of  General  Sessions  of  the  peace  for  the  County  of 
Hampshire  to  have  a  Committee  appointed  by  said  Court 
at  his  own  expence  to  estimate  the  damage  so  done ;  and 
the  said  Court  are  hereb}'  authorized  and  impowered  by 
Warrant  under  the  seal  thereof  upon  such  application 
made,  if  within  one  year  from  the  time  of  the  damage 
done  as  aforesaid,  to  appoint  a  Committee  of  five  dis- 
interested free  holders  in  the  same  County,  to  estimate 
such  damages,  which  Committee  shall  give  seasonable 
notice  to  the  persons  interested,  and  to  the  Clerk  of  the 
proprietors  aforesaid,  of  the  time  &  place  of  their  meeting, 
&  they  shall  be  under  oath  to  perform  the  said  service 
according  to  their  best  skill  and  judgment ;  which  having 
done,  they  or  the  major  part  of  them,  shall  make  return 
thereof  under  their  hands  &  seals  to  the  next  Court  of 
General  Sessions  of  the  Peace  to  be  holden  in  said  County 
after  the  same  service  is  performed,  to  the  end  the  same 
may  be  accepted,  allowed  and  recorded  ;  and  the  Com- 
mittee so  appointed  are  impowered  and  required  to 
estimate  the  said  damage,  and  make  return  thereof  as 
aforesaid ;  &  if  the  estimate  of  the  Committee  be  accepted 
by  the  Court,  the  Clerk  of  said  Court  is  hereby  authorized 
and  directed  on  application  therefor,  to  issue  an  execution 
against  the  property  only  of  the  Corporation,  or  of  any 
individual  belonging  thereto,  for  the  sum  so  adjudged  in 
damages,  provided  the  same  is  not  paid  within  the  term 
of  twenty  days  after  the  acceptance  of  said  report,  and 
likewise  for  the  costs  of  the  Committee  and  fees  of  the 
Court,  both  to  be  allowed  by  the  Court ;  provided  the 
sum  of  damages  estimated  by  the  Committee,  exceed 
the  sum  so  tendered ;  But  in  case  the  proprietors  actually 
tendered  to  the  person  complaining,  before  the  complaint 
was   exhibited,  a  sum  as  great  as  that  allowed  by  the 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  32.  305 

Court  in  damages,  then  nothing  to  be  included  in  the 
execution  for  Costs  of  the  Committee  or  Court :  The 
Execution  to  be  issued  by  the  Clerk  of  the  Court,  to  be 
in  the  same  terms,  mutatis  onutandis,  and  returnable  in 
the  same  time,  as  if  judgment  had  been  rendered  against 
said  Corporation  for  a  like  sum  in  damage  on  process,  in 
the   Court  of  Common   pleas.     And  if  any  iierson   find  courtofSeB- 

1  •  M'  •  11  1  1     •  r.     1  •  n^M  •       810118  to  hear 

himseli  agrieved  by  the  domgs  of  the  said  Committee  m  and  determine 
estimating  damages,  he  may  apply  to  the  said  Court  of  appeal" 
General  Sessions,  provided  such  application  be  made  to 
the  same  Court  at  the  next  session  thereof  in  the  same 
County  after  the  acceptance  of  such  return  ;  &  said  Court 
is  hereby  impowered  to  hear,  and  finally  determine  the 
same  by  a  Jury,  under  oath,  to  l^e  summoned  by  the 
Sherift'or  his  deputy  for  that  purpose,  if  the  person  com- 
plaining desires  the  same,  or  by  a  new  Committee  if  the 
person  complaining,  and  the  proprietors  can  agree  thereon  ; 
and  if  the  Jury  or  Committee  agreed  upon  as  aforesaid, 
who  are  to  be  under  oath  shall  not  encrease  the  sum  of 
damages,  the  person  complaining  shall  be  at  the  cost 
incurred  on  that  occasion,  to  be  taxed  against  him  by  said 
Court ;  otherwise  such  cost  &  increase  of  damages  shall 
be  paid  by  the  proprietors,  &  execution  to  issue  therefor 
in  manner  as  before  expressed.  And  it  shall  be  the  duty  coramitteeem- 
of  such  Committee  or  Jury,  on  application  of  either  of  appitcatlon^of 
the  parties,  and  reasonable  notice  given  to  all  persons  the  parties- 
interested,  to  determine  where,  and  how  many  Bridges 
shall  be  made  &  maintained  by  said  proprietors,  over  the 
Canals  aforesaid,  &  how  the  same  shall  be  constructed, 
&  what  damages  shall  be  paid  by  the  proprietors  for 
neglecting  to  make  and  maintain  such  Bridges ;  &  the 
report  of  such  Committee  or  the  virdict  of  such  Jury, 
being  returned  into  the  same  Court  and  being  allowed 
&  recorded  shall  be  a  sufficient  bar  against  any  action 
brought  for  damages  as  aforesaid ;  saving  only,  that 
where  the  sum  of  damages  is  not  estimated  at  a  sum  in 
gross  for  the  full  satisfaction  thereof,  but  a  yearly  sum  is 
assessed,  in  such  case  the  Complainant  shall  be  intituled 
to  an  action  of  debt  for  the  recovery  of  the  same,  so  often 
as  the  same  becomes  due  during  the  continuance  of  the 
damage  done  or  suffered  as  aforesaid,  and  also  for  the 
recovery  of  the  damages  for  neglecting  to  make  &  maintain 
the  Bridges  aforesaid  so  often  as  the  same  is  demandable. 


306  Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  32. 

Penauies  in  case      jind  be  it  further  Enacted,  that  if  any  person  or  per- 
or  Injuring        sons  shall  willfullv,  maliciously  &  contrary  to  law,  take 

locks  ^t  canals.  ,  ii  ti  j^i*  i  -p 

up,  remove,  break  down,  dig  under  or  otherwise  damnify 
any  Dam,  Canal  or  Lock,  made  use  of  for  inclosing  water 
for  the  purposes  aforesaid,  or  any  part  thereof  or  shall 
divert  or  obstruct  the  waters  of  any  stream  running  to 
or  from  any  pond.  Canal,  or  reservoir,  used,  adapted  & 
designed  for  the  purposes  aforesaid,  or  shall  cut  down, 
damnify,  carry  away,  or  set  afloat  to  be  carried  away,  any 
boards,  plank,  joist  or  other  timber  or  materials  used,  or 
to  be  used  in  or  about  any  of  said  works,  or  shall  be 
aiding  or  assisting  in  any  of  the  trespasses  aforesaid,  he 
shall  for  every  such  offence  forfeit  and  pay  to  the  pro- 
prietors aforesaid  treble  the  value  of  such  damages  as  the 
Proprietors  aforesaid  shall,  to  the  Justice  or  Court  and 
Jury  before  whom  the  trial  shall  be,  make  appear  that 
they  have  sustained  by  means  of  the  same  trespass,  to 
be  sued  for  and  recovered  in  any  Court  proper  to  try  the 
same ;  and  such  offender  or  offenders  shall  be  liable  to 
presentment  by  the  Grand  Inquest  of  said  County  of 
Hampshire  for  any  offence  or  offences  against  this  Law, 
and  on  conviction  thereof  on  such  presentment  l)efore  the 
Court  of  General  Sessions  of  the  Peace  for  said  County, 
or  before  the  Supreme  Judicial  Court  shall  l)e  liable  to 
pay  a  fine  to  the  use  of  the  Commonwealth  of  not  more 
than  twenty  pounds  nor  less  than  Jive  jjowids,  or  be  im- 
prisoned for  a  term  not  more  than  three  months  nor  less 
than  thirty  days  at  the  discretion  of  the  Court  before 
whom  the  Conviction  shall  be. 

And  be  it  farther  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 

Property  vested  that  tlic   proprietors    aforesaid   be,  and  they  hereby  are 

ration.  °''^°  aiithoi'ized  and  impowered  to  purchase  and  hold  to  them 
&  their  successors  forever,  so  much  land  &  real  estate, 
as  may  become  necessary  for  carrying  into  effect  the  pur- 
poses aforesaid. 

And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 

Established  t^^&t  fov  tlic  purposc  of  reimbursing  the  said  proprietors, 
the  money  by  them  expended  or  to  l)e  expended  in  build- 
ing and  supporting  the  dams  Canals  and  Locks,  and  in 
clearing  the  passages  necessary  for  the  purposes  aforesaid, 
a  toll  be  and  is  hereby  granted  &  established  for  the  sole 
benefit  of  the  said  proprietors  according  to  the  rates  fol- 

-  rates  of-  lowing  ;  —  For  every  ton  weight  which  shall  be  transported 
in  Boats  or  other  Vessels  through  the  Locks  and  Canals 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  32.  307 

between  the  mouth  of  Cliicka'pee  river  in  Springfield,  and 
the  mouth  of  8toney  Brook  in  South  Hadley,  the  sum  of 
four  shillings  &  six  pence,  —  for  every  thousand  feet  of 
Boards  passing  through  the  same  Locks  and  Canals,  the 
sum  of  four  shillings  &  six  pence,  —  for  plank  and  square 
timber  in  proportion  to  the  rate  last  mentioned,  &  for 
all  other  lumber  floated  on  raft  or  otherwise  through  the 
same  Locks  &  Canals,  in  the  same  proportion,  for  every 
ton  weight  which  shall  be  transported  in  Boats  or  other 
Vessels  through  the  Locks  and  Canals  between  the  mouth 
of  Deerfield  river,  and  the  head  of  Miller's  Falls,  so  called, 
the  sum  of  five  shillings  and  six  pence,  —  for  every  thou- 
sand feet  of  boards  passing  through  the  Locks  &  Canals 
last  mentioned  two  shillings  and  six  pence,  and  for  other 
lumber  in  the  same  proportion;  —  &  every  boat  or  other 
Vessel  passing  through  the  same  Locks  &  Canals  shall 
pay  at  the  rate  of  one  shilling  for  every  ton  burthen  it  is 
capal)le  of  conveying,  whether  the  same  is  loaded  or  not. 

And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  there  shall  be  toll  gatherers  &  others  whose  business  Ton^gaihjjiers 
it  shall  be  to  attend  the  Locks  in  the  day  time,  who  shall  -their  duty. 
give  constant  attendance  at  their  respective  stations,  dur- 
ing the  whole  of  the  season  for  Boats  or  Rafts  to  pass, 
and  on  the  toll  being  paid,  shall  immediately  permit  pas- 
sengers with  their  property  to  pass  the  Locks  :  And  the 
said  toll  shall  commence  on  the  day  of  the  opening  said 
Locks  and  Canals  for  the  purposes  aforesaid,  and  shall 
continue  forever ;  Provided  that  Avhen  fifty  years  from 
the  first  opening  thereof,  are  expired,  the  General  Court 
from  thence  forward  may  regulate  the  rate  of  toll ;  & 
the  same  shall  be  collected  in  such  manner  as  shall  be 
prescribed  by  the  said  Corporation. 

And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid  that  Hg!^ted''to  o're°c''t" 
the  proprietors  aforesaid,  shall  erect,  keep  up,  &  forever  l'"^'!.^^'"^^'^,^ 
maintain  such  Dams,  Canals  &  Locks,  &  shall  also  so  clear 
the  passages  of  the  river  aforesaid  between  the  mouth  of 
Ghickapee  river,  so  called,  in  Springfield  &  the  mouth 
of  Stoney  Brook,  so  called,  in  South  Hadley,  &  between 
the  mouth  of  Deerfield  river,  so  called,  and  the  head  of 
Miller's  falls,  so  called,  in  Connecticut  river,  as  that  rafts 
and  floats  of  timber  not  exceeding  twenty  feet  in  width 
or  sixty  feet  in  length,  may  pass  securely  down,  &  that 
Boats  and  other  Craft  usually  made  use  of  for  trans- 
porting goods  in  Connecticut  River  aforesaid,  within  this 


308 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  83. 


Act  to  be  void 

In  case- 


Common  wealth,  may  pass  securely  up  and  down  between 
the  places  abovementioned  at  all  seasons  of  the  year  when 
the  other  parts  of  said  river  are  passable  up  and  down 
by  such  Boats  or  other  Craft  for  transportation ;  and 
that  they  shall  keep  &  expose  to  view,  when  required, 
the  rates  of  toll  of  the  tollable  articles,  fairly  &  legibly 
written  or  printed,  at  the  several  places  where  the  toll 
shall  be  received. 

And  be  [it]  further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  if  the  said  Proprietors  shall  refuse  or  neglect  for  the 
space  of  four  years  after  the  passing  of  this  act  to  build 
and  compleat  such  dams  Canals  and  Locks,  and  to  clear 
the  passages  of  the  river  between  the  places  first  above- 
mentioned,  so  as  to  be  passable  in  manner  as  aforesaid, 
then  this  act,  so  far  as  it  respects  the  same  shall  be  void, 
and  of  no  effect ;  And  if  the  said  Proprietors  shall  neglect 
or  refuse  for  the  space  of  six  years  after  passing  this  Act 
to  build  and  compleat  such  dams,  canals  and  locks  and 
to  clear  the  passages  of  the  river  between  the  mouth  of 
Deerfeld  liiver  and  the  head  of  Millers  falls  aforesaid, 
so  as  to  be  passable  in  manner  as  aforesaid,  then  this  act 
shall  be  void,  and  of  no  effect,  so  far  as  respects  the  Locks 
and  Canals  last  mentioned.  February  22,  1792  * 


Laws  repealed 
&  Parishes 
dissolved. 


1791.  — Chapter  33. 

[January  Session,  ch.  16.] 

AN  ACT  FOR  DISSOLVING  THE  FIRST  &  SECOND  PARISHES  IN 
MALDEN  &  FOR  CONFIRMING  CERTAIN  ARTICLES  OF  UNION 
ENTERED   INTO   BETWEEN  THE   SAID   PARISHES. 

Whereas  the  first  &  second  parishes  in  Maiden  in  the 
County  of  Middlesex  by  certain  articles  of  agreement  mu- 
tually made  S  duly  ratified  by  both  Parishes  on  the  twenty 
fourth  day  of  January  last  past,  have  agi-eed  to  finite  for 
the  purpose  of  supporting  the  Public  Worship  of  God  in 
said  town,  &  have  petitioned  this  Court  to  give  operation  & 
effect  to  said  Agreement,  the  granting  whereof  ivill  probably 
tend  to  the  Peace  <&  Welfare  of  said  Town : 

Be  it  therefore  Enacted  by  the  Senate  c6  House  of  Rep- 
resentatives in  General  Court  Assembled  &  by  the  author- 
ity of  the  same,  that  all  Laws  heretofore  made  &  passed 
by  force  of  which  said  Second  Parish  was  erected  &  does 
now  exist  as  a  distinct  body  Politic,  be  &  the  same  are 


Approved  February  23,  1792. 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  34.  309 

hereby  repealed,  &  that  both  the  yaid  Bodies  Politic  or 
Parishes  be  &  the  same  hereby  arc  dissolved. 

Provided,  nevertheless,  that  they  shall  still  continue  to  Proviso. 
exist  so  far  as  to  enable  them  to  carry  any  legal  contract 
by  them  heretofore  made  with  their  Ministers  or  any  other 
persons  into  execution  &  to  sue  for  &  recover  any  debts 
due  to  them,  &  that  they  shall  remain  liable  to  be  sued  for 
any  delits,  due  from  them  in  the  same  manner  as  if  this 
Act  had  not  been  made. 

And  he  it  further  Enac led,  that  for  the  future,  the  in-  inhabitants 
habitants  of  the  said  Parishes  shall  &  may  unite  cS;  shall  '""P"'^'"'*'*- 
have  power  &  be  held  as  a  Town,  to  choose,  settle  &  make 
l)rovision  for  the  support  of  a  pul)lic  teacher  or  teachers 
of  piety  religion  &  morality  &  of  the  Public  Worship  of 
God,  in  said  Town  in  the  same  way  &  manner  as  other 
towns  are  authorized  &  held  by  Law  to  do,  &  as  the 
said  Town  of  Mat  den  was  authorized  &  held  to  do  pre- 
vious to  it's  division  into  parishes,  any  law,  usage  or 
custom  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding. 

And  be  it  further  Enacted,  that  the  Articles  of  Agree-  Articles  of 
ment  aforesaid  entered  into  by  said  Parishes  as  the  foun-  confirmed. 
dation  of  their  Union,  be  &  the  same  hereby  are  ratified 
&  confirmed  &  declared  to  be  binding  upon  said  Town. 

February  22,  1792* 

1791.  — Chapter  34. 

[January  Session,  oh.  17.] 

AN    ACT     FOR     ENQUIRING     INTO     THE     RATEABLE     ESTATES 
WITHIN  THIS  COMMONWEALTH. 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  <&  House  of  Representatives 
in   General   Court  assembled  <&   by   the  authority  of  the 
same,  that  the  Assessors  for  each  Town  District,  &  Plan-  Assessors  to 
tation  in  this  Commonwealth,  for  the  year  One  thousand  hl'thi'Bec're"''^^ 
seven  hundred  &  ninety  two,  shall  on  or  before  the  tenth  va"iuation  "of " 
day  of  October  next,  take  and  lodge  in  the    Secretary's  ""Estates. 
Ofiice  a  true  &  perfect  list,  agreeably  to  the  list  hereunto 
annexed  of  all  male  polls  induding  Negroes  &  Molattocs 
sixteen  years  old  &  upwards  whether  at  home  or  abroad, 
(distinguishing  those  of  sixteen  years  old  &  upwards  to 
twenty  one  years,  from  those  that  are  twenty  one  years 
old  &  upwards,  also  distinguishing  such  as  are  exempted 
from  taxation)  &  of  all  rateable  estate  both  real  &  personal 

*  Approved  February  23, 1792. 


310  Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  34. 

lying  within,  or  adjacent  to  their  respective  towns  Dis- 
tricts or  Plantations  (not  exempted  by  law  from  paying 
State  taxes)  expressing  by  whom  occupied  or  possessed, 
particularly  distinguishing  such  adjacent  estate,  &  par- 
ticularly mentioning  dwelling  Houses  &  Shops  under  the 
same  roof  or  adjoining  thereto,  Shops  seperate  from  them, 
Distill  Houses,  Sugar  Houses,  Tan  Houses,  Slaughter 
Houses,  Pott  and  Pearl-ash  works.  Ware  Houses, 
Wharves,  Grist-mills,  Fulling-mills,  Saw-mills,  Iron 
works  and  Furnaces,  Bake-houses,  &  all  other  buildings 
&  edifices  of  the  value  of  Jive  pounds  &  upwards  ;  and  the 
number  of  tons  of  Vessels  &  small  Craft  of  every  kind 
upwards  of  five  tons  burthen  computing  the  same  accord- 
ing to  the  rules  established  by  the  laws  of  the  United 
States,  whether  at  home  or  abroad, — and  the  amount  of 
each  person's  whole  stock  in  trade,  including  all  Goods, 
Wares,  and  Merchandize  at  home  or  abroad  paid  for,  or 
not  paid  for,  also  those  in  their  hands  by  factorage,  — also 
Government  securities  of  all  kinds,  particularly  distin- 
guishing securities  of  the  United  States,  whether  due  for 
loans  upon  their  late  established  funds  or  otherwise,  and 
all  other  monies  at  interest  more  than  any  Creditor  pays 
interest  for,  also  the  whole  amount  of  all  monies  on  hand 
including  such  as  may  be  deposited  in  any  Bank  or  with 
any  Agent,  exclusive  of  such  as  may  belong  to  any  Stock- 
holder, as  such,  —  the  amount  of  stock  held  by  the  Stock- 
holders in  any  Bank,  the  number  of  ounces  of  plate  of 
all  kinds.  Horses,  Neat  Cattle,  &  Swine  of  the  respective 
ages  in  the  said  list  mentioned  :  And  the  said  Assessors 
in  taking  the  said  Valuation  shall  distinguish  the  differ- 
ent improvements  of  land,  &  return  the  list  in  the  follow- 
ing manner :  Viz.  The  number  of  acres  of  pasture  land 
with  the  number  of  Cows  the  same,  with  all  the  after  feed 
of  the  whole  farm  will  keep, — the  number  of  barrells 
of  Cyder  that  has  been  annually  produced  on  an  average, 
upon  the  whole  farm  since  the  last  valuation,  —  the  number 
of  acres  of  tillage  land  annually  improved  for  that  pur- 
pose, —  Bushels  of  grain  &  corn  of  all  sorts  the  same  will 
yearly  produce,  — the  number  of  acres  of  salt-marsh,  with 
the  tons  of  Hay  annually  produced  therefrom,  — the  num- 
l>er  of  acres  of  English,  Upland,  &  Fresh  meadow  mowing 
land  with  the  tons  of  Hay  of  each  sort  annually  pro- 
duced therefrom, — also  all  Cow  rights,  &  all  Woodland 
of  every  kind,  &  lands  belonging  to  any  town  or  other 


Acts,  1791.  — Chapter  34.  311 

propriety,  improved  and  unimproved,  also  the  number  of 
acres  of  land  improved  for  roads,  &  covered  witli  water, 
according  to  the  best  estimation  of  the  Assessors,  &  all 
such  lands,  the  owners  or  occupiers  of  which  are  holden 
to  pay  a  (piit-rent  to  Harvard  College  pursuant  to  the  di- 
rection of  the  original  Donor  or  Donors,  that  the  same 
may  be  considered  in  the  Valuation  that  may  be  estab- 
lished in  pursuance  of  this  Act ;  excepting  however  the 
l)olls  of  the  President,  Fellows,  Professors,  (including 
the  Professor  of  Divinity  emeritus)  Tutors,  Librarian  & 
Students  of  Harvard  College,  of  settled  Ministers,  of 
Grammar  School  Masters,  &  Masters  of  the  several  incor- 
porated Academies  with  their  estates,  under  their  own 
actual  occupation  &  improvement,  and  also  all  the  estates 
belonging  to  Harvard  College,  &  the  said  Academies  ;  — 

Provided  always,  that  the  several  articles  of  the  prod-  P'o^'so. 
uce  of  the  lands  herein  before  enumerated,  shall  not  be 
taken  into  consideration  in  forming  a  Valuation  for  any 
other  purpose,  than  for  ascertaining  the  relative  value  of 
lands  in  the  various  parts  of  this  Commonwealth :  And 
the  said  Assessors  shall  cause  all  the  Colum[?i]s  of  the 
several  articles  contained  in  their  several  lists  to  be 
carefully  cast  up  and  footed,  and  the  lists  of  the  polls  & 
rateable  estates  to  be  taken  as  aforesaid,  shall  be  taken  as 
of  the  first  day  of  May  next. 

And  he  it  further  Enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  the  said  Assessors,  before  they  enter  on  this  work,  t^lTnT^ '°  ^^ 
shall  take  the  following  oath ;   Viz.  — 

You,  A  B,  being  chosen  an  Assessor,  for  the  year  One  Oath. 
thousand  seven  hundred  &  Ninety  two,  do  swear,  that 
you  will  faithfully  &  impartially,  according  to  your  best 
skill  &  judgment,  do  &  perform  the  whole  duty  of  an 
assessor,  as  directed  and  enjoined  by  an  Act  of  this 
Commonwealth,  made  in  the  present  year,  intitled,  "An 
Act  for  enquiring  into  the  rateable  estates  within  this 
Commonwealth,"  without  favor  or  prejudice. 

So  help  you  GOD. 

Which  oath  may  be  administered  by  such  OflScers,  as  iVte^edV/.""'" 
are  now  authorized  by  law  to  administer  the  usual  oaths 
to  Town  Officers.  And  every  Assessor  shall  be  allowed 
by  the  Town,  District  or  Plantation  to  which  he  belongs, 
the  sum  oi  four  shillings  for  every  day  he  shall  be  neces- 
sarily imployed,  in  doing  the  duties  enjoined  by  this  Act. 


:]12 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  31. 


ABBcssors  sub- 
jected to  a 
penalty,  incaBc, 


Pei-BODs  liable 
to  be  taxed, 
refusing  to 
give  in  a  valua- 
tion, to  be 
doomed. 


And  be  it  further  Unacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid^ 
that  if  any  Assessor  of  any  town,  District,  or  Plantation 
within  this  Commonwealth,  for  the  year  aforesaid,  shall 
refuse  to  take  said  oath,  or  having  taken  the  same,  shall 
neglect  or  refuse  to  do,  or  perform  the  duties  required  liy 
this  Act,  or  shall  act  any  way  deceitfully  therein,  shall  for 
each  of  those  offences  forfeit  and  pay  a  line  o^  Fifty  j)Oundfi. 
—  And  every  person  liable  to  be  taxed,  &  not  out  of  this 
Commonwealth,  on  &  from  the  first  day  of  May  next,  to 
the  first  day  of  September  next,  who  shall  refuse,  or  will- 
fully neglect  to  give  the  Assessors  in  writing  ;  &  on  oath  if 
required,  (which  oath  the  Assessors  are  hereby  respec- 
tively impowered  to  administer)  a  true  account  of  all  his 
or  her  rateable  estate,  according  to  the  true  intent  and 
meaning  of  this  Act,  shall  be  doomed  by  the  said  Assess- 
ors according  to  their  best  skill  and  judgment,  to  the  full 
amount  of  his  or  Jier  rateable  estate,  &  shall  likewise  be 
subjected  to  pay  a  fine  of  six  per  centum  on  the  whole 
amount  of  the  sums,  in  which  they  shall  have  been  thus 
doomed  by  said  Assessors :  And  the  oath  last  mentioned 
shall  be  of  the  form  following,  Vizt. 

You  C  D.  DO  SWEAR,  that  all  your  rateable  estate,  con- 
formable to  this  list  here  shewn  by  you,  doth  not  ex- 
ceed this  account  by  you  now  exhibited,  according  to 
the  best  of  your  knowledge  and  judgment. 

So  help  you  GOD. 

Provided  nevertheless,  and  it  is  hereby  further  Enacted, 
that  every  person  conscienciously  scrupulous  of  taking  an 
oath  in  form  required  by  law,  who  shall  be  required  to  take 
either  of  the  oaths  aforesaid,  shall  be  excused  therefrom, 
upon  solemnly  and  sincerely  affirming  the  truth  of  the 
declarations  therein  contained,  under  the  pains  &  penal- 
alties  of  perjury. 

And  be  it  further  enacted  that  the  Treasurer  of  this 
Commonwealth,  shall  forthwith  transmit  to  the  Clerk  of 
each  Town  District  &  Plantation  in  this  Commonwealth, 
a  copy  of  this  act ;  and  also  a  suitable  number  of  blank 
lists,  of  the  form  prescribed  in  this  Act,  for  the  use  of  the 
Assessors. 

It  is  also  hereby  further  enacted  that  the  Assessors  of 

each  Town,  District,  &  Plantation  in  this  Commonwealth, 

wuhin  riYmUed  for  the  year  One  thousand  seven  hundred  &  ninety  two, 

shall  on  or  before  the  said  tenth  day  of  October  next  trans- 


Town  Clerks  to 
have  copies  of 
this  act. 


AsHesBors  to 
give  the  Secre 
tary  a  copy  of 
the  valuation 


time. 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  34.  313 

mit  to  the  Secretiiry's  OiBcc,  a  true  &  attested  copy  of  the 
Val tuition,  by  which  the  Assessors  of  said  Towns,  Dis- 
tricts &  Phuitations,  made  the  tax  in  their  respective 
towns  Districts  and  Plantations,  for  the  year  One  thou- 
sand seven  hundred  &  ninety  one.  And  all  fines  and 
forfeitures,  arising  by  this  Act  may  be  recovered  in  any 
Court  of  Record  proper  to  try  the  same,  by  action  of 
debt :  One  moiety  to  him  or  them  who  shall  sue  for  the 
same,  &  the  other  moiety  to  the  use  of  the  Commonwealth. 

And  be  it  further  Enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  the  following  shall  be  the  form  of  the  list  for  the 
Valuation,  for  the  year  One  thousand  seven  hundred  and 
ninety  two  : 

A  LIST  of  the  polls  and  of  the  Estates  real  and  per-  Form  of  the 
sonal  of  the  several  proprietors  and  inhabitants  of  the  ^'''"''^'''"  '"'• 
Town  of  in  the  County  of  taken  pursuant 

to  an  Act  of  the  General  Court  of  the  Commonwealth,  in- 
titled,  "An  Act  for  enquiring  into  the  rateable  estate  of 
this  Commonwealth";  passed  in  the  year  of  Our  Lord, 
One  thousand  seven  hundred  &  ninety  two,  by  the  sub- 
scribers Assessors  of  the  said  duly  elected  & 
sworn . 

No.  Polls  rateable,  sixteen  years  old  &  upwards  to 
twenty  one  years. 

No.  Polls  rateable  twenty  one  years  old  &  upwards. 

No.  of  Male  polls  not  rateable,  not  supported  l)y  the 
Town. 

No.  of  Male  polls  not  rateable,  supported  by  the  town. 

No.  of  Dwelling  Houses. 

No.  of  Shops  within,  or  adjoining  to  Dwelling  Houses. 

No.  of  Other  Shops. 

No.  of  Distill  Houses. 

No.  of  Sugar  Houses. 

No.  of  Tan  Houses. 

No.  of  Slaughter  Houses,  &  other  working  Houses. 

No.  of  Pott  &  Pearl  ash  Works. 

No.  of  Ware  Houses. 

No.  of  superficial  feet  of  Wharf. 

No.  of  Rope  Walks. 

No.  of  Grist  Mills. 

No.  of  Fulling  Mills. 

No.  of  Saw  Mills. 

No.  of  Slitting  Mills. 

No.  of  other  Mills. 

No.  of  Iron  Works  &  Furnaces. 


314  Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  34. 

No.  of  Bake  Houses. 

No.  of  Barns. 

No.  of  all  Buildings  &  Edifices  of  the  value  of  Jive 
iwunds,  &  upwards. 

No.  of  tons  of  Vessels,  &  small  Craft,  of  five  tons  bur- 
then &  upwards,  at  home  or  abroad,  computing  the  same, 
according  to  the  rules  established  by  the  laws  of  the 
United  States. 

The  amount  of  funded  securities  of  the  United  States, 
at  six  per  cent. 

Do.  at  three  per  cent. 

Do.  not  on  interest. 

All  other  securities  of  this,  or  any  of  the  United  States 
on  interest. 

The  amount  of  money  on  hand,  including  such  as  may 
be  deposited  in  any  Bank,  or  with  any  Agent,  &  exclusive 
of  such,  as  may  belong  to  any  Stock  holders,  as  such. 

The  amount  of  Stock  held  by  the  Stockholders  in  any 
Bank. 

No.  of  ounces  plate. 

No.  of  acres  of  tillage  land,  including  orcharding  tilled. 

No.  of  Bushells  of  Wheat. 

No.  of  Bushells  of  Rye. 

No.  of  Bushells  of  Oats. 

No.  of  Bushells  of  Indian  Corn. 

No.  of  Bushells  of  Barley. 

No.  of  Bushells  of  Peas  and  Beans,  raised  on  the  said 
tillage  land  per  year. 

No.  of  acres  of  English  &  Upland  mowing,  including 
orcharding  mowed. 

No.  of  tons  of  Hay  the  yearly  produce  of  the  same. 

No.  of  acres  of  fresh  meadow. 

No.  of  tons  of  Hay,  the  yearly  produce  of  the  same. 

No.  of  acres  of  Salt  marsh. 

No.  of  tons  of  Hay,  the  yearl}^  produce  of  the  same. 

No.  of  acres  of  pasturage,  including  the  orcharding- 
pastured. 

No.  of  Cows  the  same  will  keep,  Avith  the  after  feed  on 
the  whole  fiirm. 

No.  of  Barrells  of  Cyder  which  can  be  made  yearly 
upon  the  whole  farm. 

No.  of  Cow  rights. 

No.  of  acres  of  Woodland,  not  including  pasture  land 
enclosed. 

No.  of  acres  of  unimproved  land. 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  35.  315 

No.  of  acres  of  land  iinimproveable. 

No.  of  acres  of  land  owned  by  the  town. 

No.  of  acres  of  land  owned  by  any  other  proprietors. 

No.  of  acres  of  land  used  for  roads. 

No.  of  acres  of  land  covered  with  water. 

The  amount  of  every  person's  whole  stock  in  trade,  — 
Goods,  Wares  &  Merchandize,  at  home  or  aliroad  i)aid 
for,  or  not  paid  for. 

The  annual  amount  of  commissions  arising  from  factor- 
age. 

No.  of  Horses  three  years  old,  and  upwards. 

No.  of  Oxen  four  years  old,  &  upwards. 

No.  of  Steers  &  Cows  three  years  old,  &  upwards. 

No.  of  Swine  six  months  old,  &  upwards. 

Amount  of  Estates  doomed. 

February  23,  1792. 

1791.  — Chapter  35. 

[January  Session,  ch.  18.*] 

AN  ACT  FOR  INCORPORATING  CERTAIN  PERSONS  FOR  THE 
PURPOSE  OF  BUILDING  A  BRIDGE  OVER  MERRIMACK  RIVER 
IN  THE  COUNTY  OF  ESSEX  &  FOR  SUPPORTING  THE  SAME. 

Wliereas  the  erecting  a  bridge  over  Merrimack  river  preamble. 
between  the  towns  of  Newbury  and  Salisbury  in  the  County 
of  Essex  will  be  of  great  public  convenience ;  and  whereas 
Nathaniel  Carter  esquire  and  others  have  presented  a  peti- 
tion to  this  Court,  setting  forth  that  they  with  divers  other 
persons  have  associated  for  the  purpose  of  building  said 
bridge,  and  praying  for  liberty  to  build  the  same,  and  to 
be  incorporated  for  that  purpose: 

Be  it  therefore  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of 
Representatives  in  General  Court  assembled  and  by  the 
autliority  of  the  same,  that  Nathaniel  Carter,  Tristram,  proprietors 
Dalton  and  Stephen  Cross  esquires,  Messieurs  William  incorporated. 
Coombs,  Moses  Brown,  Timothy  Dexter,  George  Searle, 
Joseph  Tyler  &  Dudley  Atkins  Tyng  esquire  with  such 
other  persons  as  have  with  them  associated  as  aforesaid, 
and  all  those  who  may  hereafter  liecome  proprietors 
in  the  said  bridge,  be  and  they  hereby  are  made  and 
constituted  a  corporation  and  body  politic  for  the  pur- 
[)Ose  aforesaid,  by  the  name  of  The  Proprietors  of  Essex 
Merrimack  Bridge,  and  by  that  name  may  sue  and  be 
sued  to  final  judgment  and  execution,  and  do  and  suffer 

*  Wrongly  numbered  in  session  pamphlet;  should  be  ch.  19. 


316 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  35. 


—  may  call  a 
raeeling. 


To  choose  offi- 
cers. 


Establish 
bye-laws. 


Allowed  to 
build  a  bridge. 


Empowered  to 
purchase  & 
hold- 


all matters  acts  and  things  which  bodies  politic  may  or 
ought  to  do  or  safier ;  and  the  said  corporation  shall  and 
may  have  and  use  a  common  seal  and  the  same  may  break 
and  alter  at  pleasure. 

And  be  it  furUier  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  the  said  Nathaniel  Carter,  Stejjhen  Orof^s  and  Wil- 
liam  Coombs  or  any  two  of  them,  may  by  advertisement 
in  the  Essex  Journal,  warn  or  call  a  meeting  of  the  said 
proprietors  to  be  holden  at  any  suitable  time  and  place 
after  live  days  from  the  first  publication  of  the  said  adver- 
tisement ;  and  the  proprietors  by  a  vote  of  the  majority  of 
those  present  or  represented  at  the  said  meeting  (account- 
ing and  allowing  one  vote  to  each  single  share  in  all  cases, 
pi'ovided  however  that  no  one  proprietor  shall  be  allowed 
more  than  ten  votes)  shall  choose  a  Clerk  who  shall  be 
sworn  to  the  faithful  discharge  of  his  said  office,  and  shall 
also  agree  on  a  method  of  calling  future  meetings,  and  at 
the  same  or  any  subsequent  meetings  may  elect  such  offi- 
cers &  make  &  establish  such  rules  and  bye-laws  as  to 
them  shall  seem  necessary  or  convenient  for  the  regulation 
and  government  of  the  said  corporation  for  carrying  into 
effect  the  purpose  aforesaid  and  for  collecting  the  toll 
herein  after  granted  and  established ;  and  the  same  rules 
and  bye-laws  may  cause  to  be  executed  and  may  annex 
penalties  to  the  breach  thereof  not  exceeding  three  pounds, 
provided  the  said  rules  and  byelaws  are  not  repugnant  to 
the  constitution  or  laws  of  this  Commonwealth :  And  all 
representations  at  any  meetings  of  the  said  corporation 
shall  be  proved  by  writing  signed  by  the  person  to  be  rep- 
resented, which  shall  be  filed  with  the  Clerk :  And  this 
Act  and  all  rules  bye  laws,  regulations  and  proceedings 
of  the  said  corporation  shall  be  fairly  and  truly  recorded 
by  the  said  Clerk,  in  a  book  or  books  to  be  provided  & 
kept  for  that  purpose. 

And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  the  said  proprietors  be  and  they  are  hereby  per- 
mited  &  allowed  to  erect  a  bridge  over  Merrimach  river, 
from  a  place  called  the  Pines  in  Newbury  aforesaid  to 
Deer  Island  so  called,  &  from  the  said  Island  to  Salisbury 
aforesaid. 

And  be  it  farther  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  the  said  proprietors  be  and  they  are  hereby  author- 
ised and  empowered  to  purchase  Deer  Island  aforesaid,  to 
hold  the  same  in  fee  simple  ;  and  that  the  share  or  shares 
of  any  proprietor  in  the  said  Island  and  Bridge  may  be 


Acts,  1791.  —  CnArTER  35.  317 

transferee!  by  deed  acknowledged,  &  recorded  by  the 
Clerk  of  the  said  proprietors  in  a  book  to  be  kept  for  that 
purpose  :  And  when  any  share  or  shares  of  the  said  bridge 
&  Island  shall  be  attached  as  the  property  of  any  of  the 
said  proprietors  on  mesne  process,  an  attested  copy  of 
such  process  shall  be  left  with  the  Clerk  of  the  said  pro- 
prietors at  the  time  of  such  attachment  otherwise  the  same 
shall  be  void. 

And  he  it  further  enacted  hy  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  for  the  purpose  of  reimbursing  the  said  proprietors  Atoii 
the  money  by  them  to  be  expended  in  building  and  sup-  «^'"^"«''e''- 
porting  the  said  bridge,  a  toll  be  and  hereby  Is  granted 
and  established  for  the  sole  benefit  of  the  said  proprietors 
according  to  the  rates  following;  viz;  —  For  each  foot  pas-  Rateof- 
senger  two  thirds  of  a  penny ;  For  each  horse  and  rider 
tivo  pence;  For  each  horse  and  chaise  chair  and  sulkey, 
seven  pence;  For  each  riding  sleigh  drawn  by  one  horse 
six  pence;  For  each  riding  sleigh  drawn  by  more  than  one 
horse  nine  pence ;  For  each  coach  chariot  phaeton  or  other 
four    wheel  carriage  for  passengers  one  shilling  and  six 
pe7ice;  For  each  curricle  one  shilling  ;  For  each  cart,  sled, 
sleigh  or  other  carriage  of  burthen  drawn  by  one  beast  six 
pence;  For  each  waggon  cart  sled  sleigh  or  other  carriage 
of  burthen  drawn  by  more  than  one  he&st  nine  pence ;  For 
each  horse  or  neat  cattle  exclusive  of  those  rode  or  in  car- 
riages tivo  pence ;  For   sheep  and  swine  ttvo  thirds  of  a 
penny;  and  to  each  team  one  person  and  no  more  shall  be 
allowed  as  a  driver  to  pass  free  of  toll ;  and  at  all  times 
when  the  toll  gatherer  shall  not  attend  his  duty,  the  gate 
or  gates  shall  be  left  open;  and  the  said  toll  shall  com-  to continue 
mence  on  the  day  of  the  first  opening  of  the  said  l)ridge  ^"^  y^""- 
for  passengers  and  shall   continue  for  the  term  of  fifty 
years  from  said  day  ;  provided  nevertheless  the  Legislature  proviso. 
shall  have  a  right  after  the  expiration  of  thirty  years  to 
regulate  &  determine  the  rate  of  toll  and  said  Ijridge  shall 
be  kept  in  good  safe  and  passal)le  repair,  and  at  tlie  end 
of  the  said  term  shall  revert  to  &  ])e  the  property  of  this  Bridge  to  revon 
Commonwealth,  and  be  delivered  by  the  proprietors,  in  wel^th?°™"°° 
like  repair. 

And  he  it  further  enacted  hy  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  the  said  bridge  shall  be  at  least  thirty   feet  wide  ;  Dimeneione  of 
that  ])etween  Newbury  &  Deer  Island  there  be  an  arch  '^"''^e. 
one    hundred  and  sixty  feet  wide, — that  between  Deer 
Island  and  Salisbury  there  be  an  arch  one  hundred   & 
forty  feet  wide,  a  convenient  draw  or  passage  way  for  the 


318  Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  35. 

passing  and  repassing  of  vessels  at  all  times  fifty  feet  wide, 
with  well  constructed  substantial  and  convenient  piers  on 
each  side  of  the  bridge  and  adjoining  said  draw,  sufficient 
for  vessels  to  lie  at  securely ;  and  also  another  arch  fifty 
feet  in  width ;  and  that  the  crown  of  the  arch  between 
Neivhury  &  Deer  Island  be  at  the  least  forty  feet  high,  and 
that  each  of  the  abutments  thereof  be  twenty  eight  feet 
six  inches  high  in  the  clear,  above  common  high  water 
mark  ;  and  that  all  the  abutments  &  piers  be  built  of  wood 
below  high  water  and  laid  in  the  cob  work  manner,  so 
called ;  and  that  the  bridge  be  covered  on  the  top  with 
plank  or  timber,  &  the  sides  be  boarded  up  two  feet  high 
and  be  railed,  for  the  security  of  passengers,  four  feet 
high  at  the  least,  and  the  same  shall  be  kept  in  good  safe 
&  passable  repair,  and  that  said  draw  shall  be  lifted  for 
all  ships  and  vessels  without  toll  or  pay,  by  night  and  by 
day ;  and  all  ships  and  vessels  intending  to  pass  the  said 
draw,  shall  lie  free  of  charge  at  the  wharf  or  pier  until  a 
suitable  time  shall  ofier  for  passing  the  same.  And  said 
proprietors  shall  constantly  keep  some  suitable  person 
or  persons  at  said  draw  for  lifting  up  the  same  for  the 
purpose  aforesaid,  and  also  an  anchor  placed  in  the  bed  of 
the  river  at  a  proper  distance  on  each  side  of  the  bridge, 
with  a  bony  &  such  other  accommodations  as  shall  be  neces- 
sary for  the  safe  passing  and  repassing  of  vessels  through 
the  said  draw,  and  shall  keep  said  bridge  furnished  with 
at  least  five  good  lamps  on  each  side  of  the  same,  which 
shall  be  well  supplied  Avith  oil  and  kept  burning  through 
the  night. 

And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid. 
Compensation  that  witliiu  ouc  vear  after  the  said  brid<>:e  shall  be  o]:)ened 
for  passengers,  the  said  proprietors  shall  pay  to  John 
Webster  and  Joseph  Swazey,  and  also  to  the  town  of 
/Salisb^iry,  all  such  sums  of  money  as  shall  be  respectively 
awarded  to  them  or  either  of  them,  by  three  indifl^erent 
men  mutually  chosen  by  the  parties,  as  a  full  compensa- 
tion for  any  injury  sustained  by  them  respectively,  by  the 
erecting  of  the  said  bridge ;  &  in  case  of  the  refusal  of 
either  of  the  parties  aforesaid  to  appoint  such  referees,  the 
Judges  of  the  Court  of  Common  pleas  for  the  County  of 
Essex  shall  ascertain  and  adjudge  said  compensations  after 
due  notice  to  all  concerned. 

And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid^ 
that  if  the  said  proprietors  shall  neglect  for  the  space  of 


for  damages 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  36.  319 

four  years  from  the  passing  of  this  Act,  to  build  the  said 
bridge,  then  this  Act  shall  be  void  &  of  none  effect. 

February  23,  1792.* 

1791.  — Chapter  36. 

[January  Session,  ch.  17. f] 

AN  ACT  FOR  INCORrORATING  THE  NORTH  PRECINCT  OF  THE 
TOWN  OF  BRAINTREE  IN  THE  COUNTY  OF  SUFFOLK,  INTO 
A  SEPERATE  TOWN  BY  THE  NAME  OF  QUINCY,  AND  FOR 
ANNEXING  SUNDRY  INHABITANTS  OF  THE  TOWN  OF  DOR- 
CHESTER, WITH  THEIR  ESTATES  TO  THE  SAID  TOWN  OF 
QUINCT. 

Be  it  enacted,  hy  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representa- 
tives in  General  Court  assembled  S  hy  the  autJiority  of  the 
same,  that  the  lands  comprized  within  the  north  precinct  Quincy  incoi- 
of  the  town  of  Braintree,  as  the  same  is  now  bounded,  p"''"''"^- 
with  the  inhabitants  dwelling  thereon  be,  and  they  hereby 
are  incorporated  into  a  town  l)y  the  name  of  Quincy,  and 
the  said  town  is  hereby  invested  with  all  the  powers, 
privileges  and  immunities  to  which  towns  within  this 
Commonwealth  are  or  may  l)e  entitled  agreeable  to  the 
Constitution  and  Uiavs  of  the  said  Commonwealth. 

Be  it  further  enacted  hy  the  authority  aforesaid,  that -to pay 
the  inhabitants  of  the  said  town  of  Quincy  shall  pay  all 
the  arrears  of  taxes  which  have  been  assessed  upon  them 
by  the  town  of  Braintree,  &  shall  support  any  poor  per- 
son or  persons  who  have  heretofore  been  or  now  are 
inhabitants  of  that  part  of  Braintree  which  is  hereby  in- 
corporated, and  are  or  may  become  chargeal)le,  and  who 
shall  not  have  obtained  a  settlement  elsewhere,  when  they 
may  become  chargeable,  and  such  poor  person  or  persons 
may  be  returned  to  the  town  of  Quincy  in  the  same  way 
and  manner,  that  paupers  may  by  law,  be  returned  to  the 
town  or  district  to  which  they  belong.  And  the  inhab- 
itants of  the  said  town  of  Quincy,  shall  pay  their  propor- 
tion of  all  debts  noAV  due  from  the  said  town  of  Braintree, 
and  shall  be  entitled  to  receive  their  proportion  of  all 
debts  and  monies  now  due  to  the  said  town  of  Braintree, 
and  also  their  proportionable  part  of  all  the  other  pro})erty 
of  the  said  town  of  Braintree,  of  what  kind  or  description 
soever. 

*  Approved  February  24,  1792. 

t  Wrongly  numbered  in  session  pamplilet;  should  be  ch.  18. 


anears  of 
taxes. 


320 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  37. 


Persons  and 
estnies  set  ofi 
to  the  town  o 
Quincy. 


—  to  pay 
arrears  of 
taxes. 


Richard 
Cranch,  Esq 
issue 
warrant. 


Provided  alivays,  that  the  lands  belonging  to  the  said 
town  oi  Braintree  for  the  purpose  of  maintaining  schools 
shall  be  divided  between  the  said  town  of  Braintree  and 
the  town  of  Quincy  in  the  same  proportion  as  they  were  re- 
spectively assessed  for  the  payment  of  the  last  State  tax ; 
and  no  town  tax  shall  be  laid,  by  either  of  the  said  towns 
upon  the  said  lands  so  long  as  the  rents  thereof  shall  be  ap- 
propriated to  the  purpose  of  supporting  a  school  or  schools. 

Arid  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  Benjamin  Beale  junior,  Joseph  Beale,  John  Bil- 
lings, Ebenezer  Glover,  &  Josiah  Glover  inhabitants  of 
that  part  of  the  town  of  Dorchester  in  the  said  County 
of  Suffolk,  called  Squantuiin  and  the  farms,  with  their 
lands  and  estates,  lying  within  the  limits  of  that  part  of 
Dorchester  called  Squantum  &  the  farms,  be  and  they 
hereby  are  set  oft'  from  the  said  town  of  Dorchester,  & 
annexed  to  the  said  town  of  Quincy. 

And  be  it  further  enacted,  that  the  said  Benjamin  Beale 
Junior,  Joseph  Beale,  John  Billings,  Ebenezer  Glover  and 
Josiah  Glover,  shall  pay  all  the  arrears  of  taxes  which 
have  been  assessed  upon  them  by  the  town  of  Dorchester 
together  with  all  the  expences  of  maintaining  the  widow, 
descendents  or  any  part  of  the  family  of  TJiomas  Wells 
late  of  said  Dorchester  deceased  which  are  or  may  become 
chargeable  as  the  poor  of  the  town  of  Dorchester,  &  shall 
not  be  held  to  pay  any  other  expence  whatever  to  the 
said  town  of  Dorchester. 

And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid,  that 
Richard  Granch  Esquire  be  and  he  is  hereby  authorized  to 
issue  his  warrant,  directed  to  some  principal  inhabitant, 
requiring  him  to  warn,  &  give  notice  to  the  inhabitants 
of  the  said  town  of  Quincy  to  assemble  and  meet  at  some 
suitable  time  &  place  in  the  said  town,  as  socm  as  con- 
veniently may  be,  to  choose  all  such  Officers  as  towns  are 
required  to  choose  at  their  annual  town  meetings  in  the 
month  of  March  or  April  annually. 

February  22,  1792.* 


1791.  — Chapter  37. 

[January  Session,  oh.  20.] 

AN  ACT    FOR  CHANGING    THE    NAME    OF   SAMUEL   TURNER  TO 

SAMUEL  JAMES   LONGMAN. 

Whereas   some  advantages   are   expected    to   accrue   to 
Samuel  Turner,  Son  of  William  Turner  esqr.  of  Boston 


Approved  February  23,  1792. 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  38.  321 

in  the  County  of  Suffolk  by  said  Samuel's  having  the  name 
of  Samuel  James  Longman,  <&  upon  the  Petition  of  the 
said  William  therefor 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  &  House  of  Mepresenta- 
tives  in  General  Court  Assembled  &  by  the  authority  of 
the  same,  that  from  and  after  the  passing  of  this  Act,  the  Name  changed, 
said  Samuel  Turner  shall  be  allowed  to  take  the  name  of 
Sa7nuel  James  Longman  &  by  that  name,  instead  of  his 
present  Christian  &  Surname  to  be  called  &  known,  & 
that  to  all  legal  purposes  the  said  name  of  Samuel  James 
Longman,  shall  be  considered  as  his  own  proper,  &  only 
name,  &  avail  accordingly.  February  22,  1792  * 

1791.  — Chapter  38. 

[January  Session,  ch.  21.] 
AN  ACT  TO  PREVENT  DAMAGE  BY  MISCHIEVOUS  DOGS. 

Whereas  many  persons  in  this  Commonwealth  have  been  Preamble. 
greatly  exposed  by  being  suddenly  assaidted  by  mischievous 
Logs,  —  and  7nany  have  also  sustained  great  damage  by 
such  Logs  worrying,  wounding  <&  killing  neat  cattle,  sheep) 
and  lambs  &  in  various  other  ivays ;  —  For  prevention  of 
which. 

Be  it  Enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representa- 
tives in  General  Court  assembled  &  by  the  authority  of 
the  same,  that  from  and  after  passing  this  Act,  it  shall  and  ^j^g'j^^^r 
may  be  lawful  for  any  person  or  persons  in  this  Common-  kufed?"^ 
wealth  to  kill  any  Dog  that  shall  suddenly  assault  them 
while  they  are  quietly  and  peaceably  walking  or  riding 
any  where  out  of  the  inclosure  of  the  owner  or  keeper 
of  such  Dog ;  and  it  shall  also  be  lawful  for  any  person  to 
kill  any  Dog  that  shall  be  found,  out  of  the  inclosiu'e  or 
immediate  care  of  its  owner  or  keeper,  worrying,  wound- 
ing or  killing  any  neat  cattle  sheep  or  lambs. 

And  be  it  further  Enacted,  that  if  any  person  shall  be  Owner  of  un- 
assaulted  by  any  Dog  in  manner  as  aforesaid,  or  if  any  conflne^hem. 
Dog  shall  hereafter  be  found  stroling  out  of  the  inclosure 
or  immediate  care  of  its  owner  or  keeper  by  day  or  by 
night,  and  the  person  so  finding  such  Dog  shall  at  any 
time  within  forty  eight  hours  after  such  an  assault  or  the 
finding  such  Dog  stroling  as  aforesaid  make  oath  thereof 
before  any  Justice  of  the  peace  for  the  County  or  Clerk 
of  the  town  where  the  owner  of  such  Dog  shall  dwell  ( who 
are  hereby  impowered  to  administer  said  oath  &  to  certify 

*  Approved  February  25,  1792. 


322  Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  38. 

the  same)  and  shall  further  swear  that  he  really  suspects 

such  Dog  to  be  a  dangerous  or  mischievous  Dog,  and  shall 

give  notice  thereof  to  such  owner  or  keeper  by  delivering 

him  a  certificate  of  such  oath  signed  by  such  Justice  or 

Clerk,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  owner  or  keeper  of  such 

Dog  forthwith  to  kill  or  confine  the  same,  and  if  he  shall 

Penalty  in  case   ncglcct  SO  to  do  for  the  spacc  of  twcuty  four  hours  after 

of  neglect.         ^^^[qq  jg  gjven  as  aforesaid,  he  shall  forfeit  &  pay  the  sum 

of  forty  shillings  to  any  person  that  shall  sue  for  the  same, 

to  be  recovered  with  costs  by  action  of  debt  before  any 

Justice  of  the  peace  in  the  County  in  which  such  owner  or 

keeper  dwells,  reserving  liberty  of  appeal  to  either  party 

from  such  Justice's  judgment,  as  in  other  civil  actions. 

The  general  ^,,^  ^g  ^^  farther  Encicted,  that  if  after  such  notice,  such 

issue  may  be  -ta.iiw/  ^^  ^    j  .   .,,      ,  ,,         n   i      ^      i      n  •      i       x"  i 

plead  in  case  of  Doo-  shall  uot  be  killed  or  confined  but  shall  agam  be  touncl 
killing  dogs.      g^^.^ii^^g  Q^^  Qf  ^l^g  inclosure  or  immediate  care  of  its  owner 
or  keeper,  it  shall  and  may  be  lawful  for  any  person  to  kill 
such  Dog,  &  if  sued  therefor  (or  for  killing  a  Dog  as  in 
&  by  the  first  enacting  clause  of  this  Act  is  provided)  to 
plead  the  general  issue  &  give  this  Act  &  the  special  mat- 
ter in  evidence  under  it. 
S'to'paV"'^       -4nc^  he  it  further  Enacted,  that  if  any  Dog,  after  notice 
damages,  for      jg  aiven  as  aforcsaid,  shall  by  any  sudden  assault  in  man- 

iniunes  sua-  &  .^  '^  j_      ^  Jl 

tained  by  them,  ncr  as  aforcsaid,  wound  or  cause  to  be  wounded  any  per- 
son or  shall  worry  wound  or  kill  any  neat  cattle,  sheep  or 
lambs  or  do  any  other  mischief,  the  owner  or  keeper  shall 
be  liable  to  pay  to  the  person  injured  thereby,  treble  dam- 
age, to  be  recovered  with  costs,  by  action  of  debt,  before 
a^Justice  of  the  Peace,  in  the  County  where  such  owner 
dwells,  if  such  treble  damage  doth  not  exceed /owr^oimcZs, 
but  if  it  doth  exceed  that  sum,  then  before  the  Court  of 
Common  pleas  in  such  County,  reserving  liberty  of  appeal 
to  either  party  as  in  other  civil  actions. 

Laws  repealed.  ^^^^  j^  it  further  Euacted,  that  all  laws  heretofore  made 
for  preventing  damage  being  done  by  unruly  Dogs  (except 
such  as  are  enacted  to  prevent  damage  being  done  by 
Dogs  in  the  Island  of  JVantucJcet)  be  and  they  are  hereby 
repealed,  except  so  far  as  they  shall  respect  any  suit  already 
commenced.  February  25,  1792. 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  39.  323 


1791. -Chapter  39. 

[January  ScBsion,  ch.  22.] 

AN    ACT    FOR    ERECTING    A    TOWN    WITHIN    THE    COUNTY    OF 

HAMPSHIRE  BY  THE   NAME   OF  RUSSELL. 

^  Be  it  enacted  bj/  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representa- 
tives in  General  Court  assembled  and  by  the  authority  of 
the  sa7ne,  that  the  northwesterly  part  of  Westfield  called  R"««eii  incor- 
the  JVew  Addition  on  the  westerly  side  of  Westfield  river  ^°''""''^' 
and  the  south  westerly  part  of  Montgomery  included 
between  the  heights  of  Shatterack  mountain  Teho  moun- 
tain and  Westfield  river  aforesaid,  &  bounded  as  follows ; 
vizt:  Beginning  at  Blanford  line  where  it  crosses  West-  Boundaries. 
field  river,  then  running  down  said  river  'till  it  comes  to 
a  turn  in  the  river  near  the  foot  of  Shatterack  mountain 
at  the  northwesterly  part  thereof,  then  crossing  said  river 
to  a  mapple  tree  marked  with  stones  about  it  standing  at 
high  water  mark  on  the  eastern  bank,  then  running  south 
thirty  two  degrees  east  one  hundred  and  sixty  rods  to  a 
pine  staddle  marked  with  stones  about  it  on  the  height 
oi  Shatterack  mountain,  then  running  south  twenty  eight 
degrees  and  tifty  minutes  east  eight'hundred  and  ninety 
four  rods,  partly  along  the  ridge  of  Teko  mountain  to  a 
black  oak  staddle  marked,  with  stones  about  it  towards 
the  southerly  end  of  said  Teko  mountain,  then  running- 
south  four  degrees  east  two  hundred  and  twenty  rods  to  a 
small  flat  rock  marked  I  S  41  by  the  high  way,  a  few  rods 
easterly  of  the  river,  and  near  the  south  end  of  said  Teko 
mountain,  then  running  south  thirty  eight  degrees  west, 
crossing  said  river  &  continuing  a  strait  line  to  a  little 
river  near  the  foot  of  the  west  mountain,  then  westerly 
upon  said  river  to  the  line,  between  the  third  and  fourth 
tier  of  lots,  then  southerly  upon  said  line  to  Granville 
town  line,  then  running  west  twenty  two  degrees  north 
on  Granville  line  to  the  south  east  corner  of  the  town  of 
Blanford,  then  running  north  twenty  degrees  east  on 
Blanford  line  to  the  first  mentioned  bounds,  be  and 
hereby  is  incorporated  into  a  town  by  \_the']  name  of  Biis- 
sell;  and  the  said  town  shall  be  and  hereby  is  invested 
with  all  the  privileges  and  immunities,  that  towns  in  this 
Commonwealth  do  or  may  enjoy  b}-  the  Constitution  or 
Laws  of  the  same. 

And  be  it  farther  Enacted^  that  Samuel  Fowler  Esquire  samuei  Fowier, 
be  and   he   is   hereby  impowered   to  issue    his  warrant  wlrrlnt!'*"^ 
directed  to  some  suitable  inhabitant  of  the  said  town  of 


324: 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  40. 


InhabitantB 
thereof  to  re- 
ceive all  their 
dues. 


—  To  make  and 
maintain  roads. 


—  To  pay  pro- 
portion of 
arrearages  for 
supporting 
poor. 


Russell,  directing  him  to  notify  the  inhabitants  of  said  town, 
to  meet  at  such  time  and  place,  as  he  shall  appoint,  to  choose 
such  Officers,  as  other  towns  are  impowered  to  choose,  at 
their  annual  meeting  in  the  month  of  March  or  Aj^ril. 

Provided  nevertheless,  the  inhabitants  of  said  town  shall 
pay  all  such  town,  State  County  and  other  taxes  as  are 
already  assessed  upon  them  by  the  towns  to  which  they 
have  respectively  belonged,  together  with  all  State  & 
County  taxes  that  may  Tje  hereafter  assessed  upon  them 
by  the  said  towns  to  which  they  have  belonged,  until  a 
new  valuation  shall  be  taken  &  no  longer ;  and  the  inhab- 
itants aforesaid  shall  pay  their  proportion  of  all  public 
debts  which  are  now  due  from  the  said  towns  to  which 
they  respectively  belonged. 

And  be  it  further  enacted,  that  the  inhabitants  of  the 
said  town  of  Russell  shall  be  entitled  to  demand  and 
receive  their  just  proportion  of  all  monies  due  and  of  the 
arms  and  ammunition  belonging  to  the  towns  to  which 
they  respectively  belonged. 

And  be  it  further  enacted,  that  the  inhabitants  of  the 
said  town  of  Russell  do  and  shall  forever  hereafter  make 
and  keep  in  good  repair  all  such  roads  and  cart  ways 
through  the  said  town  of  Russell,  as  the  town  of  Westfield 
ought  or  by  Law^  is  now  obliged  to  make  and  maintain 
there. 

And  be  it  further  enacted,  that  the  inhabitants  of  the 
said  town  of  Russell  shall  be  chargeable  with  their  pro- 
portionable part  of  the  expence  of  supporting  the  poor 
which  at  the  time  of  passing  this  Act  were  the  charge  of 
the  towns  to  which  the  said  inhabitants  respectively  be- 
longed, and  that  the  said  town  of  Russell  shall  be  held  to 
support  all  poor  persons  which  may  hereafter  be  returned 
to  the  town  of  Westfield  and  Montgomery  who  had  gained 
a  settlement  in  that  part  of  the  town  of  Westfield  or  Mont- 
gomery which  is  now  incorporated  into  the  town  of  Russell. 

February  25,  1792. 


1791.  —  Chapter  40. 

[January  Session,  ch.  24.] 

AN  ACT  TO  SET  OFF  JOSEPH  DANFORTH,  JOSIAH  DANFORTH, 
JOHN  CVMINGS  AND  JOSEPH  UPTON,  FROM  THE  TOWN  OF 
DUNSTABLE  IN  THE  COUNTY  OF  MIDDLESEX  &  TO  ANNEX 
THEM  TO  THE  DISTRICT  OF   TINGSBOROUGH. 

Whereas  Joseph  Danforth,  Josiah  Danforth,  John  Cum- 
ings,  (&  Joseph  Upton,  have  petitioned  this  Court  to  be  set 


Acts,  1791.  — Chapter  40.  325 

off  from  the  town  q/"  Dunstable,  and  annexed  to  the  District 
of  Tingsboroiigh,  and  it  appearing  reasonable  that  the 
prayer  of  the  said  petition  should  be  granted. 

Be  it  therefore  Enacted  by  the  Senate  &  House  of  Rep- 
resentatives in  Geiieral  Court  assembled,  &  by  the  aidhority 
of  the  same,  that  the  said  Joseph  Danforth,  Josiah  Dan-  Families  set  off 
forth,  John  Cumings  and  Joseph  Upton  with  their  respec-  boundaries, 
tive  families,  and  that  part  of  said  Upton's  &  Cuming's 
estate,  containing  Twenty  seven  acres,  and  forty  one  rods 
which  is  included  within  the  following  lines.  Viz:  Begin- 
ning at  Tingsboroiigh  line  at  Colonel  John  Tyng^s  great 
farm,  so  called  ;  and  running  from  thence  north  two  de- 
grees west  seventy  three  poles,  running  two  rods  west 
from  fJohn  Cuming's  Barn  till  it  comes  to  the  town  road 
leading  from  said  Cuming's  house  to  Joseph  Upton's 
house  thence  by  said  road  north  westerly,  till  it  comes 
within  four  rods  of  said  Upton's  Barn,  thence  south  thirty 
degrees  west  eight  rods ;  thence  west  nine  degrees  north 
ten  rods ;  thence  north  ten  degrees  east  eight  rods  to  the 
said  road  ;  thence  across  said  road  east  two  degrees  north 
to  Tingsboroiigh  line,  thence  by  said  line  to  the  bounds 
first  mentioned ;  &  that  part  of  the  estate  of  the  said 
Joseph  Danforth  and  Josiah  Danforth  containing  sixty 
two  acres  &  eighty  one  rods  which  is  included  within 
the  following  lines.  Viz  Beginning  at  Tingsborough  line, 
where  the  southerly  line  of  the  said  Danforth's  farm 
crosses  it,  thence  running  south  sixteen  degrees  west, 
one  hundred  and  fourteen  rods, — thence  south  forty  de- 
grees west  seventy  rods  ;  then  south  six  degrees  east  forty 
one  rods  ;  thence  west  eight  degrees  south,  forty  three 
rods,  —  thence  north  one  degree  &  forty  five  minutes 
west  fifty  rods,  thence  north  seventy  four  rods  two  rods 
west  of  the  house  of  said  Danforth  ;  thence  north  thirty 
degrees  east  two  rods  north  of  said  Danforth's  Barn 
fourteen  rods,  thence  east  two  degrees  north  sixty  rods  ; 
thence  north  thirty  two  degrees  west  ninety  three  rods  to 
Tingsborough  line,  thence  south  two  degrees  east  ten  rods 
to  the  bound  first  mentioned  be  and  hereby  are  set  off 
from  the  town  of  Dunstable,  &  annexed  to  the  District  of 
Tingsborough. 

Provided  nevertheless  that  the  said  petitioners  shall  })ay  Proviso, 
all  taxes  that  have  been  legally  assessed  on  them  by  the 
said  town  of  Dunstable,  in  like  manner  as  if  this  Act  had 
never  been  passed.  March  3,  1792. 


326 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapters  41,  42. 


1791.  — Chapter  41. 

[January  Session,  ch.  23.] 

AN  ACT   ASCERTAINING  THE   BOUNDARY  LINE   BETWEEN   THE 
TOWNS   OF  MED  WAY  AND   S  HERB  URN. 

WJiereas  some  doubts  have  arisen  respecting  the  boun- 
dary line  between  the  toivns  of  Med  way  and  Sher])urn ; 

Be  it  Enacted  by  the  Senate  &  House  of  Representa- 
tives, in  General  Court  assembled,  and  by  the  authority  of 
Boundary  Line,  ^/^g  same,  that  tliG  boundaiy  line  between  the  said  towns 
of  Medivay  and  Sherburn  for  the  future  shall  be  as  fol- 
lows, to  wit,  beginning  at  a  Ditch  a  little  east  of  and  near 
BrecTvS  hill  so  called,  at  Charles  river,  from  thence  west- 
erly across  the  small  pine  hill  called  BrecTc's  hill,  &  so 
continuing  a  strait  line  in  a  westerly  direction  to  a  place 
known  by  the  name  of  Allen's  corner,  &  according  to 
former  perambulations  to  a  heap  of  Stones  at  or  near 
Sheffield's  corner  so  called. 

And  be  it  further  Enacted  that  the  inhabitants  and 
owners  of  the  lands  which  by  this  Act  will  in  future 
belong  to  the  town  of  Medway  shall  be  holden  to  pay 
their  proportion  of  all  State  &  County  taxes  to  the  said 
town  of  Sherburn,  untill  a  new  valuation  shall  be  settled 
by  the  General  Court,  &  no  longer :  And  the  said  town 
of  Medioay  shall  assess  the  said  inhabitants  their  propor- 
tion of  all  town  &  Parish  taxes,  in  the  same  manner  as 
if  the  said  inhabitants  had  heretofore  been  considered  as 
inhabitants  of  the  said  town  of  Medway. 

March  3,  1792. 


Inhabitants  to 
pay  proportion 
of  taxes. 


Report  of  Ref- 
erees in  certain 
cases  to  be 
final. 


1791.  — Chapter  43. 

[January  Session,  ch.  25.] 

AN  ACT  TO  PREVENT  APPEALS  IN  CERTAIN   CASES  FROM  THE 
JUDGMENT  OF  A  COURT  OF  COMMON  PLEAS. 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representa- 
tives in  General  Court  assembled  and  by  the  authority  of 
the  same,  that  upon  any  report  of  Keferees  returned  into 
any  Court  of  Common  Pleas,  in  pursuance  of  an  Act  for 
rendering  the  decision  of  civil  causes  as  speedy,  &  as 
little  expensive  as  possible,  and  also  upon  any  report 
made  by  Referees  appointed  by  a  rule  of  any  Court  of 
Common  pleas,  wherein  it  is  agreed  at  the  time  of  entering 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapters  43,  44.  327 

into  such  rule,  that  the  report  of  said  Referees  shall  be 
final,  the  judgment  of  said  Court  of  Common  pleas  upon 
all  such  reports,  shall  be  final,  &  no  appeal  therefrom 
shall  be  allowed  by  said  Court,  any  law  to  the  contrary 
notwithstanding.  March  5,  1792. 

1791. -Chapter  43. 

[January  Session,  ch.  26.] 

AN  ACT  TO  RENDER  VALID  THE  VOTES  &  PROCEEDINGS  OF 
CERTAIN  TOWN  MEETINGS  WHICH  HAVE  BEEN  ASSEMBLED 
BY  VIRTUE  OF  A  WARRANT  SIGNED  BY  A  TOWN  CLERK,  BY 
ORDER  OF  THE   SELECTMEN. 

Be  it  Enacted  by  the  Senate  &  House  of  Representatives 
in  General  Court  Assetnbled  S  by  the  authority  of  the  same, 
that  all  warrants  heretofore  signed  by  a  Town  Clerk  by  Warrants 
order  of  the  Selectmen  of  any  Town  or  a  major  part  of  Tow^'n  cLrk  to 
them,  &  all  proceedings  of  the  legal  voters  of  such  Towns  *'^^'*^''*- 
which  have  been  had  in  pursuance  of  such  warrants  be  & 
hereby  are  ratified  &  confirmed  in  the  same  manner  as  if 
the  said  warrants  had  been  signed  by  the  Selectmen. 

March  6,  1792. 


1791.  — Chapter  44. 

[January  Session,  ch.  28.] 

AN  ACT  IN  ADDITION  TO  AN  ACT  PASSED  IN  THE  YEAR  OF  OUR 
LORD  ONE  THOUSAND  SEVEN  HUNDRED  &  EIGHTY  NINE,  EN- 
TITLED, "AN  ACT  DETERMINING  WHAT  TRANSACTIONS  SHALL 
BE  NECESSARY  TO  CONSTITUTE  THE  SETTLEMENT  OF  A 
CITIZEN  IN  ANY  PARTICULAR  TOWN  OR  DISTRICT." 

Whereas  in  &  by  an  act,  entitled,  ''an  Act  determining  Preamble. 
what  transactions  shall  be  necessary  to  constitute  the  set- 
tlement of  a  Citizen  in  any  particular  town  or  district ", 
passed  in  the  year  of  our  Lord,  one  thousand  seven  hun- 
dred &  eighty  nine,  it  is  among  other  things  provided  that 
persons  of  certain  descriptions  in  the  said  Act  mentioned 
who  shall  come  into  &  reside  in  any  town  or  district  for 
the  space  of  tivo  years  ivithout  being  loarned  to  depart  the 
same  shall  be  deemed  &  taken  to  be  an  inhabitant  of  such 
town  or  district; — And  ivhereas  it  appears  expedient  that 
the  time  of  giving  notice  <&  warning  to  depart  as  aforesaid 
shoxdd  be  extended  &  prolonged.  Therefore 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  &  House  of  Bejyresentatives 
in   General  Court  Asse?nbled  S  by  the  authority  of  the 


328 


Acts,  1791,  —  Chapter  45. 


Inhabitancy  de-  same,  that  DO  pei'son  shall  be  deemed  or  taken  to  be  an 
termined.  inhabitant  of  any  town  or  district  by  virtue  of  residence 

therein,  unless  he  or  she  shall  have  resided  in  the  same 
for  the  space  of  four  years  from  the  time  of  passing  the 
Act  to  which  this  is  an  addition,  without  being  warned  to 
depart  as  aforesaid,  the  above  recited  Act  notwithstanding. 

March  6,  1792. 


1791.  —  Chapter  45. 

[January  Session,  ch.  31.] 

AN  ACT  TO  SET  OFF  ASAHEL  SMITH  AND  OTHERS  FROM  SOUTH 
HADLEY  TO  GRAN  BY. 

Be  it  enacted  hy  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representa- 
tives in  General  Court  assembled  &  hy  the  authority  of  the 
same,  that  Asahel  Smith,  John  Mandeville,  Levi  Smith, 
David  JSFash  junior,  Noah  Clark,  Israel  Clark,  James 
Giddings,  Jotham  Clark,  Enos  Clark,  Eleazer  Ayres, 
and  the  land  belonging  to  the  heirs  of  Israel  Clark 
deceased  (the  said  land  adjoining  the  first  named  Isi-ael 
Clark)  with  their  respective  families  &  estates  be  and 
hereby  are  set  off  from  the  said  town  of  South  Hadley  in 
said  County  of  Hampshire,  and  annexed  to  the  town  of 
Granhy  in  said  County,  and  shall  hereafter  be  considered 
as  part  of  the  same,  there  to  do  duty  &  receive  privileges 
as  the  other  inhabitants  of  said  town  of  Granhy ;  provided 
nevertheless  that  the  said  Asahel  Smith,  John  Mandeville, 
Levi  Smith,  David  Nash  junior,  Noah  Clark,  Israel 
Clark,  James  Giddings,  Jotham,  Clark,  Enos  Clark, 
Eleazer  Ayres  and  the  aforesaid  land  belonging  to  the 
heirs  of  Israel  Clark  deceased  shall  be  held  to  pay  their 
proportion  of  all  such  state  &  county  taxes  as  shall  be 
laid  by  the  Legislature  upon  said  town  of  South  Hadley 
before  the  settlement  of  another  valuation. 

And  he  it  further  enacted  hy  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  the  town  of  Granhy  from  the  passing  this  Act  shall 
ro'adrui TepTirr  kccp  in  good  repair  the  following  roads,  viz,  the  County 
road  from  the  top  of  Cold  hill,  so  called,  in  South  Hadley 
aforesaid  to  the  dividing  line  between  the  towns  aforesaid, 
also  the  County  road  from  the  top  of  the  hill  near  David 
Church's  dwelling  house,  to  the  dividing  line  aforesaid, 
also  the  County  road  through  William  Eastman's  home 
lot,  to  the  west  side  of  said  lot  including  the  gate  leading 
out  of  the  same, — any  Law  or  Resolve  to  the  contrary 


Town  of 

Gran  by  to  keep 


notwithstanding 


Marcli  6,  1792. 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  46.  329 


1791.  — Chapter  46. 

[January  Session,  ch.  29.] 

AN  ACT  INCORPORATING  CERTAIN  PERSONS  FOR  ERECTING  A 
BRIDGE  OVER  CONNECTICUT  RIVER  BETWEEN  MONTAGUE 
&    GREENFIELD  IN  THE  COUNTY  OF   HAMPSHIRE. 

Whereas  application  hath  been  made  to  this  Court  for  Preamble. 
permission  to  build  a  Bridge  over  Connecticut  River  be- 
tween Montague  cl^  Greenfield  at  a  place  called  the  great 
Falls,  &  it  appearing  that  a  Bridge  in  said  place  ivill  be 
of  great  public  utility  ; 

Be  it  therefore  enacted  by  the  Senate  &  House  of  Rep- 
resentatives in  General  Court  assembled  cf*  by  the  authority 
of  the  same,  that  the  Honorable  David  Sexton  &  David  To^p^omed! '"' 
JSmead  Esqrs.  Lyman  Taft  &  Elisha  Mack  together  with 
their  Associates  &  those  who  shall  hereafter  associate  with 
them,  with  their  Heirs  &  Assigns,  be,  &  hereby  are  con- 
stituted a  Corporation  &  liody  politic  for  the  purpose  of 
erecting  a  Bridge  over  Connecticut  river  between  Mon- 
tague &  Greenfield  in  the  County  of  Hampshire,  that  for 
the  purposes  of  reimbursing  to  said  David  Sexton  &  others 
beforenamed  their  Associates,  their  Heirs  &  Assigns,  the 
money  expended  or  to  be  expended,  in  building  &  sup- 
porting the  said  Bridge,  a  Toll,  be,  &  hereby  is  granted  &  j^^jJed."**^" 
established  for  the  sole  benefit  of  the  said  David  Sexton 
&  others  beforenamed,  their  Associates  &  their  Heirs  & 
Assigns  for  the  space  of  fifty  years,  according  to  the  rates 
following;  viz,  for  each  foot  passenger  or  one  person  Rates  of  Toil, 
passing  one  penny  one  third  of  a  penny ;  one  Person  & 
horse  three  pence,  single  horse  cart  sled  or  sleigh,  six- 
p)ence;  Sleigh  drawn  by  two  or  more  horses,  ninepence  — 
single  horse  chaise,  chair  or  sulkey,  six  pence;  Coaches, 
Chariots,  Phaetons  &  Curricles,  one  shilling  &  sixpence ; 
all  other  carriages  drawn  by  two  beasts,  nine  pence,  all 
other  wheel  carriages  drawn  by  more  than  two  beasts,  one 
shilling  &  four  pence;  neat  cattle  &  horses  passing  said 
bridge  exclusive  of  those  rode  on  or  in  carriages  or  teams 
each  one  penny  one  third  of  a  penny ;  Swine  &  Sheep  for 
each  dozen  &  at  the  same  rate  for  a  greater  or  less  number, 
six  pence;  &  in  all  cases  the  same  toll  shall  be  paid  for 
all  carriages  &  vehicles  passing  the  said  Bridge,  whether 
the  same  be  loaded  or  not  loaded ;  and  to  each  team ,  one 
man  &  no  more  shall  be  allowed  as  a  driver  to  pass  free 
from  payment  of  toll :  and  the  toll  gatherer  shall  not  be 


330 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  46. 


Lord's  day  e: 
cepted  from 
toll. 


Dimensions 
materials. 


To  be  kept  i 
good  repair. 


Prohibition  of 
toll  in  case  of 
neglect. 


Penalty. 


To  revert  here 
after  to 
government. 


obliged  at  any  time  to  open  the  gate  or  gates  for  any  pas- 
senger or  passengers  until  he  is  paid  the  rate  or  toll  of 
such  passenger  or  passengers,  and  at  all  times  when  the 
toll  gatherer  shall  not  attend  his  duty  and  from  Sun  rising 
to  sun-setting  on  the  Lord's  day  the  gate  or  gates  shall  be 
left  open  and  no  toll  shall  be  taken :  &  the  said  toll  shall 
commence  on  the  first  day  of  tlie  opening  said  bridge  for 
passengers  &  shall  continue  fifty  years. 

A7id  be  it  further  enacted  hy  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  the  said  bridge  shall  be  well  Ijuilt,  at  least  twenty 
feet  wide,  of  good  &  suitable  materials  &  well  covered 
with  plank  &  timber  on  the  top  suitable  for  such  a  bridge, 
with  suflficient  rails  on  each  side  for  the  safety  of  passen- 
gers ;  &  the  Proprietors  shall  keep  the  said  bridge  in  good 
safe  &  })assable  repair  for  fifty  years ;  &  if  the  said  pro- 
prietors shall  unreasonably  refuse  or  neglect,  to  keep  the 
said  bridge  in  such  safe  and  passable  repair  as  aforesaid, 
on  such  refusal  or  neglect  being  made  to  appear  to  the 
Justices  of  the  Court  of  General  Sessions  of  the  peace  for 
said  County  of  Hampshire,  it  shall  l)e  in  the  power  of 
the  Justices  aforesaid  to  prohibit  &  forbid  the  proprietors 
aforesaid  from  receiving  any  toll  from  any  person  or  per- 
sons for  the  use  of  said  proprietors,  until  it  is  again  put 
in  such  passable  repair  as  by  the  same  Justices  shall  be 
deemed  sufiicient ;  &  if  the  proprietors  of  said  bridge  or 
any  of  them  or  any  other  person,  shall  during  the  time  of 
such  prohibition  &  after  being  duly  notified  thereof  be 
convicted  before  any  Justice  of  the  peace  for  the  same 
County,  of  receiving  of  any  person  or  persons  any  toll  or 
reward  for  the  use  of  said  proprietors,  the  person  or  per- 
sons so  convicted  shall  forfeit  and  pay  for  each  offence  the 
sum  of  twenty  shillings,  one  moiety  thereof  to  accrue  to 
the  use  of  the  person  or  persons  complaining,  the  other 
moiety  to  the  use  of  the  County  oi  Hampshire :  provided 
nevertheless,  that  from  &  after  forty  j'-ears  from  the  passing 
this  Act  it  shall  be  in  the  power  of  the  Court  of  General 
Sessions  of  the  peace  for  the  said  County  of  Hampshire, 
to  regulate  the  toll  of  said  bridge  &  to  determine  what 
toll  &  fare  the  said  Proprietors,  shall  &  may  receive  for 
the  use  of  the  said  Proprietors,  any  thing  herein  to  the 
contrary  notwithstanding. 

And  he  it  further  enacted,  that  at  the  end  of  fifty  years, 
the  said  Proprietors  shall  deliver  up  the  said  Bridge  in 
good  order  and  in  full  repair  to  the  Commonwealth,  &  the 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  47.  331 

said  Bridge  shall  revert  to  &  become  the  property  of  this 
Commonwealth  :  ^^'^'ovided   nevertheless,    that  if  the  said  Proviso. 
Proprietors  shall  not  within  four  years  from  the  passing 
this  Act  erect  &  compleat  the  said  Bridge  then  this  Act 
shall  be  null  &  void.  MarcJi  6,  1792. 

1791.  — Chapter  47. 

[January  Seesion,  ch.30.] 

AN  ACT  FOR  ANNEXING  PART  OF  THE  TOWN  OF  NORWICH  AND 
TART  OF  THE  TOWN  OF  SOUTHAMPTON  TO  THE  TOWN  OF 
MONTGOMERY. 

Be  it  Enacted  hy  the  Senate  &  House  of  Representatives, 
in  General  Court  assembled,  d^  hy  the  authority  of  the  same, 
that  a  certain  tract  of  land  belongino-  to  the  town  of  JVbr-  Part  of  Norwich 

o      o  anuexed  to 

loich  in  the  County  of  Hamjyshire  begining  at  the  north  Montgomery. 
westerly  corner  of  said  Montgomery  called  Rock  House 
corner,  from  thence  runing  easterly  on  said  Montgomery 
line,  untill  it  comes  to  Southampton  line  ;  then  turning  & 
runing  northerly  one  hundred  and  sixty  two  rods,  to  the 
northwest  corner  of  iYvc  fourth  mile  square,  so  called  ;  then 
turning  and  runing  westerly  six  hundred  &  seventy  two 
rods  to  the  corner  of  Taylor  &  Day's  land,  then  turning 
&  runing  southwesterly^  two  hundred  rods  to  the  first 
mentioned  corner  be,  and  the  same  is  hereby  set  off  from 
the  said  town  oi  JN'orwich  and  annexed,  together  with  the 
inhabitants  thereon  to  the  town  of  Montgomery . 

Provided  the  inhabitants  and  owners  of  said  tract  of  pi-ovIbo. 
land  shall  be  holden  to  pa;^*  to  the  town  of  JSForiuich  their 
proportion  of  all  taxes  which  have  been  assessed  on  the 
polls  &  property  so  taken  off  and  annexed  as  aforesaid. 

And  he  it   farther  Enacted  that  a  certain  part  of  the  PartofSouth- 

!>    m         1  IT  /•  11  T7"   J     T->       •        •  ampton  annexed 

town  oi  Southampton  bounded  as  loffows  Vizt,  l^egmning  to  Montgomery. 

at  a  corner  of  said   Montgomery  being  the   north  east 

corner  of  the  fifth  Mile  square,  so  called,  thence  running 

north  four  degrees  cast,  one  hundred  &  thirty  five  rods, 

thence  west  two  degrees  south  three  hundred  &  twenty 

rods  to  the  line  of  Montgomery  be,  and  the  same  is  hereby 

taken  from  the  town  of  Southampton,  and  annexed  to  the 

town  of  Montgomery  with  the  inhabitants  thereon. 

Provided  the  inhabitants  &  owners  of  the  said  land  so  Proviso, 
annexed  shall  pay  to  the  town  of  Southampton  their  pro- 
portion of  all  taxes  which  have  been  assessed  thereon. 

March  6,  1792- 


332 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  48. 


William  Wed- 
gery,  Esq.  to 
issue  warrant. 


1791.  — Chapter  48. 

[January  Session,  ch.  32.] 

AN  ACT  TO  INCORPORATE  THE  PLANTATION,  CALLED  SHEP- 
ARDS FIELD,  IN  THE  COUNTY  OF  CUMBERLAND,  INTO  A  TOWN 
BY  THE  NAME  OF  HEBRON. 

Whereas  application  has  been  made  to  this  Court  by  a 
number  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  Plantation  called  Sliep- 
ardsfield  in  the  County  of  Cumberland,  to  have  said  Plan- 
tation with  the  inhabitants  thereon  incoypoi-ated  into  a  toivn, 
tC  the  same  being  considered  of  Public  utility. 

Be  it  enacted,  by  the  Senate  &  House  of  Representatives 
in  Gejieral  Court  Assembled  &  by  the  authority  of  the  same, 
that  the  plantation  called  Shepardsfield  in  the  County  of 
Cumberland,  bounded  as  follows  vizt.  Beginning  at  a 
stake  &  stones  near  Thompson's  pond,  so  called,  seven 
miles  &  a  quarter  northwest  from  a  beach  Tree,  in  the 
head  line  of  Nevj  Gloucester,  which  tree  is  four  miles 
Northeast  from  the  most  westerly  corner  of  said  JSFew 
Gloucester,  &  from  said  Stake  &  Stones  North  forty  five 
degrees  East  twelve  miles  to  a  white  pine  tree,  thence 
North  twenty  degrees  East  three  hundred  &  fifty  poles  to 
a  stake  &  stones,  thence  North  seventy  degrees  West, 
four  miles  &  a  half  to  a  beach  tree,  thence  South  fourteen 
degrees  East  seven  hundred  &  thirty  six  poles  to  a  pine 
tree,  thence  South  sixty  eight  degrees  &  a  half  AVest 
five  miles,  thence  North  fourteen  degrees  West  two  miles, 
thence  South  fifty  four  degreies  West  twelve  hundred  & 
sixteen  Poles  to  a  hemlock  tree,  thence  South  twenty  five 
degrees  East  seven  miles  &  a  half  &  twenty  poles  to  the 
stake  &  stones  first  mentioned,  together  with  the  inhab- 
itants thereon  be  &  hereby  are  incorporated  into  a  town 
by  the  name  of  Hebron  &  vested  with  all  the  powers, 
privileges  &  immunities  which  towns  in  this  Common- 
wealth do  or  may  by  Law  enjoy. 

And  be  it  further  enacted  that  William  Wedgery  Esqr. 
be  &  he  hereby  is  impowered  to  make  out  a  warrant, 
directed  to  some  principal  inhabitant  of  said  town  to 
notify  the  inhabitants  thereof  qualified  by  Law  to  vote 
in  Town  aftairs  to  assemble  &  meet  at  some  suitable  time 
&  place  in  said  Town  to  choose  all  such  Town  Oflicers  as 
Towns  are  required  by  Law  to  choose  in  the  month  of 
March  or  April  annually.  March  6,  1792. 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  49.  333 


1791.  — Chapter  49. 

[January  Session,  ch.  33.] 

AN  ACT  TO  INCORPORATE  &  ESTABLISH  A  SOCIETY  BY  THE 
NAME  OF  THE  MASSACHUSETTS  SOCIETY  FOR  PROMOTING 
AGRICULTURE. 

Whereas  very  great  d-  important  advantages  may  arise  Preamble. 
to  the  Community  from  instituting  a  Society  for  the  pur- 
pose of  promoting  Agriculture  cf-  divers  persons  having 
petitioned  to  this  Court  to  he  incorpoi^ated  into  a  Society 
for  that  laudable  purpose. 

Be  it  therefore  Enacted  by  the  Senate  &  House  of  Rep- 
resentatives in  General  Court  Assembled  &  by  the  authority 
of  the  same,  that  the  said  Petitioners  vizt.  Samuel  Adams,  Bociety  incor- 
John  Avery  junr.  Joseph  Barrell,  Martin  Brimmer,  p'"'**'"'*- 
Charles  Bulfinch,  John  Codman,  Edivard  Cutis,  Aaron 
Dexter,  Thomas  Durfee,  Moses  Gill  Christopher  Gore, 
Benjamin  Guild,  Stephen  Higgenson,  Henry  Hill,  Samuel 
Holten,  Benjamin  Lincoln,  John  Loivell,  Jonathan  Mason, 
Jonathan  Mason  junr.  Azor  Orne,  Samuel  Phillips, 
Thomas  Russell,  Samuel  Salisbury  David  Sears,  James 
Sullivan,  Cotton  Tufts,  Charles  Vaughan  &  Thomas 
Winthrop  together  with  such  others  who  shall  become 
Members  thereof  be  &  they  are  hereby  incorporated  into 
&  made  a  body  politic  &  corporate  forever  by  the  name 
of  the  Massachusetts  Society  for  promoting  Agriculture. 

And  be  it  further  Enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  the  said  Corporation  be   &  are  hereby  declared  &  ^  p^rc^hlsrand 
made  capable  in  Law  of  having,  holding,  purchasing  &  hold  estate. 
taking  in  fee  simple    or  any  less  estate  by  gift,  grant, 
devise  or  otherwise,  any  lands  tenements  or  other  estate 
real  &  personal ;  provided  that  the  annual  income  of  the  Proviso, 
said  real  &  personal  estate,  shall  not  exceed  the  sum  of 
Ten  thousand  pounds,  &  also  to  sell,  alien,  devise   or 
dispose  of  the  same  estate  real  &  personal  not  using  the 
same  in  trade  or  commerce  — 

And  be  it  further  Enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  the  said  Corporation  shall  have  full  power  &  author — empowered 

•,        ,  1  1  r.  o       1       o     J.1  i      to  have  and  use 

ity  to  make,  have  *x:  use  a  common  oeal,  &  the  same  to  a  common  seal. 

break,  alter  &  renew  at  pleasure ;  that  it  shall  be  capable 

in  law  to  sue  &  be  sued,  plead  &  be  impleaded  answer  & 

be  answered  unto,  defend  &  be  defended  in  all  Courts  of 

record  or  other  Courts  or  places  whatsoever,  in  all  actions 

real  personal  &  mixed,  &  to  do  &  execute  all  &  singular 


334 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  50. 


—  empowered 
to  enact  bye- 
laws. 


—  to  choose 
offlcera. 


Samuel  Adams, 
Esq.  to  notify 
members. 


other  matters  &  things  that  to  them  shall  &  may  appertain 
to  do. 

And  be  it  further  Enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  the  said  Corporation  may  make,  establish  &  put  in 
execution  such  laws  &  regulations  as  may  be  necessary 
to  the  government  of  said  Corporation,  provided  the  same 
shall  in  no  case  be  repugnant  to  the  laws  &  constitution 
of  this  State.  And  for  the  well  governing  of  the  said 
Corporation,  &  the  ordering  their  affiiirs,  they  shall  have 
such  officers  as  they  shall  hereafter  from  time  to  time 
elect  &  appoint ;  &  such  officers  as  shall  be  designated 
by  the  kiws  &  regulations  of  the  said  Corporation  for 
the  purpose,  shall  be  capable  of  exercising  such  power 
for  the  well  governins'  &  orderino-  the  affiiirs  of  the  said 

GOG 

Corporation  &  calling  &  holding  such  occasional  meetings 
for  that  purpose  as  shall  be  fixed  &  determined  l)y  the 
said  laws  &  regulations. 

And  be  it  further  Enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  the  end  &  design  of  the  Institution  of  the  said  Society 
is  for  the  purpose  of  promoting  useful  improvements  in 
Agriculture. 

And  be  it  further  Enacted,  that  the  place  of  holding 
the  first  meeting  of  the  said  Society  shall  be  in  the  town 
of  Boston,  &  that  Samuel  Adams  Esqr.  be  &  he  hereby 
is  authorized  &  impowered  to  fix  the  time  for  holding  the 
said  meeting,  &  to  notify  the  same  to  the  Members  of  the 
said  Society  by  causing  the  same  to  lie  published  in  one 
of  the  Boston  News  Papers,  fo[?<]rteen  days  before  the  time 
fixed  on  for  holding  the  said  meeting.       March  7,  1792. 


Academy  estab- 
lished. 


1791.  — Chapter  50. 

[January  Session,  ch.  34.] 

AN   ACT    FOR   ESTABLISHING   AN   ACADEMY   IN    THE    TOWN    OF 
MACHIAS  BY  THE  NAME  OF   WASHINGTON  ACADEMY. 

Whereas  the  encouragement  of  literature  among  the  ris- 
ing generation  has  ever  been  co7isidered  by  the  wise  and 
good  as  an  object  of  the  most  serious  attention,  and  as  the 
prosperity  &  happiness  of  a  free  people  greatly  depend 
upon  the  advantages  arising  from  a  pious  &  virtuous  edu- 
cation : 

Be  it  therefore  Enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Rep- 
resentatives in  General  Court  assembled  &  by  the  authority 
of  the  satne,  that  there  be,  &  hereby  is  established  in  the 


Acts,  1791.  — Chapter  50.  335 

town  oiMachias  in  the  County  of  Washington  an  Academy 
by  the  name  of  Washington  Academy  for  the  purpose  of 
promoting  piety,  religion  &  morality  and  for  the  instruc- 
tion of  youth  in  such  languages,  &  such  of  the  lil)eral  arts 
and  sciences  as  the  Trustees  shall  direct;  &  the  Revd.  JoTnteT*^" 
James  Lyon,  the  honble.  Stephen  Jones  and  Alexander 
Campbell  Esqrs.  James  Avery,  John  Crane,  George  titill- 
man,  Phineas  Bruce,  John  Cooper  &  Gustavus  Fellows 
Esquires  Messrs.  Joseph  Wallace,  John  Buchman,  John 
Foster  &  Theodore  Lincoln  Gentlemen  be,  &  they  herel)y 
are  nominated  &  appointed  Trustees  of  said  Academy ; 
and  they  are  hereby  incorporated  into  a  Body  Politic  l)y 
the  name  of  the  Trustees  of  Washington  Academy  &  they 
&  their  successors  shall  be  &  continue  a  Body  Politic  by 
the  same  name  forever. 

And   be    it  further  Enacted   that   all    the    lands    and  frmed\oThe 
monies,  which  for  the  purpose  aforesaid,  shall  be  here-  Trustees. 
after  given,  granted  &  assigned  unto  the  said  Trustees, 
shall  be  confirmed  to  the  said  Trustees  and  their  Suc- 
cessors in  that  trust  forever,  for  the  uses  which  in  such 
instruments  shall  be  expressed,  provided  such  uses  shall  p*""^'^"- 
not  be  repugnant  to  the  design  of  this  act,  and  they  the 
said  Trustees  shall  be  further  capable  of  having  holding 
and  taking  in  fee  simple  by  gift,  grant,  devise  or  other- 
wise, any  lands,  tenements  or  other  estate  real  or  personal 
{provided  the  annual  income  of  the  whole  shall  not  exceed 
two  thousand  pounds)  &  shall  apply  the  rents,  issues  and 
profits  thereof,  in  such  a  manner  as  that  the  end  of  the 
Academy  may  be  most  eftectually  promoted. 

Be  it  further  Enacted,  that  the  said  Trustees  shall  have  Trustees  em. 
full  power  from  time  to  time,  as  they  shall  determine,  to  p°^'"'®  "" 
elect  such  Officers  of  the  said  Academy  as  they  shall  judge 
necessary  and  convenient,  &  fix  the  tenures  of  their  re- 
spective offices,  —  to  remove  any  Trustee  from  the  Corpo- 
ration, when  in  their  opinion  he  shall  1)e  incapable  through 
age  or  otherwise  of  discharging  the  duties  of  his  office, — 
to  fill  all  vacancies,  by  electing  such  persons  for  Trustees 
as  they  shall  judge  best ;  —  to  determine  the  times  and 
places  of  their  meetings, — the  manner  of  notifying  the 
said  Trustees,  —  the  method  of  electing  or  removing 
Trustees,  —  to  ascertain  the  powers  and  duties  of  their 
several  officers ;  —  to  elect  Prece})tors  &  ushers  of  said 
Academy,  —  to  determine  the  duties  and  tenures  of  their 
offices ;  to  ordain  reasonable  rules  orders  &  byelaws  not 


336  Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  50. 

repugnant  to  the  laws  of  this  Commonwealth,  with  reason- 
able penalties  for  the  good  government  of  the  Academy, 
and  ascertaining  the  qualifications  of  the  students  requisite 
to  their  admission,  &  the  same  rules,  orders,  &  bye  laws, 
at  their  pleasure  to  repeal. 

-To  have  a  ^g  ^  further  Enacted,  that  the  Trustees  of  the  said 

Academy  may  have  one  common  Seal  which  they  may 
change  at  pleasure,  &  that  all  deeds  signed  and  delivered 
by  the  Treasurer  or  Secretary  of  said  Trustees  by  their 
order  and  sealed  with  their  seal,  shall  when  made  in  their 
name,  be  considered  as  their  Deed,  &  as  such,  be  duly 
executed  &  valid  in  law ;  &  that  the  Trustees  of  said 
Academy  may  sue  &  be  sued,  in  all  actions,  real,  personal 
or  mixed,  &  prosecute  &  defend  the  same  unto  final 
judgment  &  execution,  by  the  name  of  the  Trustees  of 
Washington  Academy. 

Be  it  further  Enacted  that   the   number  of  the   said 
Trustees,  &  their  successors,  shall  not  at  any  one  time 

t^u^te^s^^mifed.  ^c  morc  than  fifteen,  nor  less  than  nine,  seven  of  whom 
shall  constitute  a  quorum,  for  transacting  business,  &  a 
majority  of  the  members  present  at  any  legal  meeting 
shall  decide  all  questions  proper  to  come  before  the  Trus- 
tees; —  that  a  major  part  shall  be  laymen  &,  respectable 
freeholders ;  also  that  a  major  part  shall  consist  of  men, 
who  are  not  inhabitants  of  the  town,  where  the  Seminary 
is  situated. 

And  he  it  further  Enacted  hy  the  Authority  aforesaid, 

-Empowered    that  if  it  sliall  hereafter  be  iuds-ed  upon  mature  &  impartial 

in  certain  cases,  .  ^n-  JO  1  y  •     -,  piii 

to  remove  the     cousidcration  01  all  cu'cumstanccs,  by  two  thirds  oi  all  the 

seminary.         Trustccs,  that  for  good  &  Substantial   reasons  which  at 

this  time  do  not  exist,  the  true  design  of  this  institution 

will  be  better  promoted  by  removing  the  Seminary  from 

the  i)lace  where  it  is  founded,  in  that  case  it  shall  be  in 

the  power  of  the  said  Trustees  to  remove  it  accordingly, 

&  to  establish  it  in  such  other  place  within  this  State,  as 

they  shall  judge  to  be  best  calculated  for  carrying  into 

effectual  execution  the  intention  of  this  Act. 

Aiex.ca^mpbeii,      Be   it  further   Enacted   that    the   honble.    Alexander 

trustees"  '^     Campbell  Esquire  be,  &  he  herel)y  is  authorized  to  fix 

the  time  &  place  for  holding  the  first  meeting  of  the  said 

Trustees,  &  to  notify  them  thereof. 

Appropriation.        Providcd  nevertheless,  and  be  it  further  Enacted  that 

the  Trustees  of  the  said  Academy,  &  their  Successors  in 

oflBce  be  and  they  hereby  are  impowered  to  expend  the 


Acts,  1791.  — Chapter  51.  337 

income  arising  from  any  money,  lands,  or  other  estate 
given  or  granted,  or  which  may  be  given  or  granted  for 
the  use  of  said  Academy,  in  supporting  Schools  for  the 
instruction  of  youth  in  the  several  Towns  in  the  said 
County  as  to  them,  or  the  major  part  of  them  shall  seem 
most  expedient  for  the  space  of  seven  years  next  after 
the  passing  this  act  any  thing  in  this  Act  to  the  contrary 
notwithstanding. 

And  be  it  Enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid,  that  there  a  township 
be  &  hereby  is  granted  a  township  of  land  of  six  miles  ^'■"°'^''- 
square  to  lie  laid  out  and  assigned  from  any  of  the  unap- 
propriated lands  belonging  to  this  Commonwealth  in  the 
County  of  Washington ;  said  township  to  be  vested  in 
the  Trustees  of  Washington  Academy,  and  their  Suc- 
cessors forever,  for  the  use  &  purpose  of  supporting  the 
said  Academy  to  be  by  them  holden  in  their  corporate 
capacity,  with  full  power  &  authority  to  settle,  divide,  & 
manage  said  township,  or  to  sell,  convey  &  dispose  of  the 
same,  in  such  way  &  manner,  as  shall  best  promote  the 
welfare  of  said  academy  : 

Provided  that  said  township  shall  be  laid  out  under  Proviso. 
the  direction  of  the  Committee  for  the  sale  of  eastern 
lands,  &  a  plan  thereof  returned  into  the  Secretar^^'s 
OflSce,  &  that  such  Corporation  shall  proceed  in  that 
design,  &  that  the  said  Trustees  their  Successors  or 
Assigns  shall  &  do  within  five  years  provide  &  settle 
upon,  &  within  such  Township  at  least  twenty  families 
&  shall  also  reserve  from  all  future  dispositions  to  be 
made  of  said  tract  of  land,  three  lots  of  three  hundred 
&  twenty  acres  each  for  the  following  uses  vizt.  One  lot 
for  the  first  settled  minister,  one  lot  for  the  use  of  the 
ministry,  &  one  lot  for  the  use  &  support  of  schools 
within  the  same  town.  March  7,  1792. 

1791.  — Chapter  51. 

[January  Session,  ch.  35.] 

AN  ACT  TO  ENABLE  THE  TOWN  OF  FRAMINGHAM  TO  REGULATE 
&  ORDER  THE  TAKING  OF  THE  FLSH,  CALLED  SHAD  AND  ALE- 
WIVES  WITHIN  THE  LIMITS  OF  SAID  TOWN. 

Be  it  Unacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Represent- 
atives in  General   Conrt  assembled  <(•  by  the  authority  of 
the  same,  that  from  and  after  the  publication  of  this  Act,  inhabitants  to 
it  shall  and  may  be  lawful  for  the  inhabitants  of  said  town  annlTny  wiien 
of  Framingham,  at  their  annual   meeting  in  March   or  m^y  bellken. 


338 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  52. 


Notification. 


Penalty  in  case 
of  offence. 


April  during  the  continuance  of  this  Act,  to  determine 
and  order  in  what  manner,  &  by  whom  the  i>aid  fish, 
called  Shad  and  Alewives  may  be  taken  within  the  limits 
of  said  town :  And  the  said  inhabitants  shall  cause  a  copy 
of  such  order,  attested  by  the  town  Clerk  to  be  posted  up 
in  some  public  place  in  said  town ;  whereunto  all  persons 
shall  conform  with  respect  to  the  taking  said  fish  called 
Shad  &  Alewives  within  said  town  of  Framiiuiham,  on 
penalty  that  each  &  every  ofiender  against  the  same,  shall 
forfeit  &  pay  the  sum  of  twenty  shilliiigs,  to  be  sued  for, 
and  recovered  before  any  Court  proper  to  try  the  same  ; 
one  moiety  to  the  informer  &  the  other  moiety  to  the  poor 
of  said  town  of  Framingham. 

Be  it  further  Enacted,  that  any  of  the  inhabitants  of 
the  said  town  of  Frmningham  not  concerned  in  violating 
this  Act  shall  and  may  be  admitted  as  witnesses  to  testify 
in  any  action  that  may  be  brought  for  the  above  penalty, 
they  being  inhabitants  of  said  town  notwithstanding. 

March  6\  1792. 


Bounds  for  the 
catching  tiah. 


—  may  be  sued 
for  and  recov- 
ered. 


1791.  — Chapter  52, 

[January  Session,  eh.  40.] 

AN  ACT  TO   PREVENT   THE   CATCHING  OF  FISH   IN   THE   MOUTH 
OF  AGAWAM  RIVER. 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  cfr  House  of  Representatives 
in  General  Court  assembled  d*  by  the  authority  of  the  same, 
that  from  &  after  the  first  day  of  April  next  no  person 
or  persons  be  allowed  to  catch  any  Salmon,  Shad  or  Ale- 
wives with  seines,  nets,  pots  or  in  any  other  way  in  any 
part  of  said  river  within  one  mile  of  the  mouth  or  entrance 
thereof  into  Connecticut  river :  And  if  any  person  or  per- 
sons shall  presume  to  take  or  catch  any  fish  in  the  said 
Agawam  River  contrary  to  the  true  intent  of  this  Act, 
each  person  so  offending,  shall  for  each  ofience  forfeit 
and  pay  a  fine  oi  four  pounds. 

And  be  it  further  enacted,  that  all  nets  or  seines  used 
in  taking  fish  as  aforesaid,  shall  be  and  hereby  are  for- 
feited to  any  person  or  persons  who  shall  seize  the  same 
to  his  or  their  own  use. 

And  be  it  further  enacted,  that  all  fines  and  forfeitures 
incurred  1)y  any  breach  of  this  Act,  shall  &  may  be  sued 
for  and  recovered  by  action  of  debt  or  information  before 
any  Justice  of  the  Peace  within  the  County  of  Hampshire, 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  53.  339 

one  half  of  such  fines  shall  enure  to  him  or  them  who  shall 
sue  or  prosecute  for  the  same,  and  the  other  half  to  the 
poor  of  the  town  where  the  offence  shall  he  committed. 

March  8,  1792. 

1791.  — Chapter  53. 

[January  Session,  ch.  27.] 
AN  ACT  PROVIDING  FOR  THE  PAYMENT  OF  COSTS  IN  CRIMINAL 
PROSECUTIONS,  AND  FOR  PREVENTING  UNNECESSARY  COSTS 
THEREIN. 

Whereas  the  provision  made  by  an  Act,  intitled  ''An  Preamble. 
Act  jtrovidinrj  for  the  payment  of  costs  in  criminal  suits", 
j)ast  the  twelfth  day  of  March  in  the  year  of  Our  Lord  one 
thousand  seven  hundred  and  eighty  three,  tt-  by  several  acts 
since  jiassed  in  addition  thereto,  is  still  found  to  be  insuf- 
ficient: Therefore 

Be  it  Enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representa- 
tives in  General  Court  assembled  and  by  the  authority  of 
the  same,  that  the  se^'^eral  acts  aforesaid  be,  and  the  same  Laws  repealed. 
hereby  are  repealed. 

And  be  it  further  Enacted  that  in  all  cases  wherein  courts  empow- 
any  costs  have  already  arisen  or  may  hereafter  arise  in  costl  in 'certain 
any  criminal  prosecution  commenced  either  before  the  ''**''^" 
Supreme  Judicial  Court,  or  Court  of  General  Sessions  of 
the  peace,  in  any  County  in  this  Commonwealth,  the  Court 
before  whom  such  prosecution  has  been  or  may  l)e  so 
commenced  (having  cognizance  of  the  offence),  shall  have 
power  to  allow  and  tax  such  costs  for  Justices,  Officers,  and 
their  Assistants,  Jurors  &  Witnesses,  and  for  Court  and 
other  charges,  as  have  arisen  or  may  arise  upon  such 
prosecution,  &  previous  to  its  determination,  not  exceed- 
ing the  fees  that  are  or  may  be  stated  by  law,  except  in 
cases  which  are  or  may  be  otherwise  provided  for  by  law, 
and  in  which  a  discrcetionary  power  is  or  may  be  given  to 
the  Court,  whether  the  person  accused  be  brought  to  trial 
or  not,  or  whether  he  be  convicted  or  ac(iuitted  upon  trial : 
And  all  such  costs  so  taxed,  shall  l)e  paid  out  of  the  County 
Treasury ;  those  costs  which  are  taxed  by  the  Court  of 
General  Sessions  of  the  peace  to  be  charged  to  the  County  : 
And  the  Clerk  of  each  of  said  Courts  shall  attest  and  deliver  cierk  to  certify. 
to  the  County  Treasurer  copies  of  all  bills  of  costs  allowed 
by  the  Court,  and  certificates  of  all  lines  &  forfeitures  im- 
posed, &  accruing  to  the  Commonwealth  or  to  the  County, 


340 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  53. 


Officers  of  Cou  I 
accountable  to 
county  Treas- 
urer for  fines, 
&c. 


—  forfeiture  in 
case  of  neglect. 


—  penalty  in 
certain  cases. 


either  before  the  rising  thereof,  or  as  soon  after  as  may 
be  :  —  And  the  Clerk  of  the  Supreme  Judicial  Court,  shall 
also  deliver  him  a  seperate  Certificate  of  all  the  bills  of 
cost  allowed  by  the  Court,  setting  down  therein  the  sum 
total  only  of  each  for  the  purpose  hereafter  mentioned,  & 
the  Clerks  of  both  said  Courts  shall  also  be  held  as  is 
already  provided  by  law,  to  return  into  the  Treasury  of 
the  Commonwealth  a  Certificate  of  all  lines  and  forfeitures 
imposed  to  the  use  of  the  Commonwealth  l)y  their  respec- 
tive Courts. 

And  be  it  further  Enacted  that  all  Sheriffs,  Coroners  & 
Constables  who  may  hereafter  receive  any  fines,  forfeitures 
or  bills  of  cost,  in  pursuance  of  the  judgment  or  sentence 
of  either  of  said  Courts,  as  well  where  such  fines  or  forfeit- 
ures accrue  to  the  Commonwealth,  as  where  they  accrue  to 
the  County,  except  debts  and  costs  received  upon  execu- 
tions in  favor  of  the  Commonwealth,  shall  forthwith  pay 
the  same  to  the  Treasurer  of  the  County  in  which  they  shall 
be  received  :  And  if  any  Sheriff  or  other  officer  receiving 
sucfh  fine  or  forfeiture,  or  bills  of  cost,  shall  neglect  to  pay 
the  same  for  the  space  of  ten  days  after  receipt  thereof, 
he  shall  forfeit  and  pay  dou1)le  the  amount  of  such  fine 
or  forfeiture,  and  bill  of  cost  to  such  County  Treasurer, 
who  is  hereby  impowered  and  directed  to  sue  for  the  same 
forthwith,  to  be  recovered  with  costs,  by  action  of  del)t 
in  the  Court  of  Common  pleas  in  the  same  County ;  one 
third  of  said  penalty  to  the  use  of  such  County  Treasurer, 
the  other  two  thirds  to  the  use  of  the  Commonwealth ; 
and  the  same  when  recovered  and  received  (if  the  fine  or 
forfeiture  unpaid  accrue  to  the  Commonwealth,)  shall  to- 
gether with  all  other  fines,  forfeitures  and  costs  accruing 
to  the  Commonwealth  by  him  received  as  above  be  applied 
to  the  payment  of  bills  of  cost  taxed  in  the  Supreme  Judi- 
cial Court  and  certified  to  him  as  aforesaid,  otherwise  it 
shall  be  for  the  use  of  the  County  :  And  if  any  Sheriff  or 
other  Oflicer  aforenamed  or  any  Goaler  shall  permit  any 
person  who  may  be  sentenced  to  pay  any  fine,  forfeiture, 
or  bill  of  cost  and  committed  to  the  custody  of  such 
Sheriff  or  other  Officer  or  Goaler  till  such  sentence  be 
performed,  to  go  at  large  without,  and  before  payment, 
unless  by  order  of  law,  and  shall  not  pay  such  fine  for- 
feitures and  costs  to  the  County  Treasurer  within  twenty 
days  next  after  such  escape,  he  shall  be  held  to  pay  double 
the  sum  of  such  fine,  forfeitures  and  costs,  &  the  Treas- 
urer of  the  County  shall  have  power  to  sue  for  and  recover 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  53.  341 

the  same  in  the  same  manner,  and  to  the  same  uses  as  is 
herein  before  provided  where  such  Sheriff'  or  other  Officers 
neglect  to  pay  such  ffnes  forfeitures  and  costs  as  they 
have  actually  received:  And  every  Sheriff*  and  other -owigated to 
officer  aforementioned,  shall  instead  of  having  his  accounts  receipts. 
of  fines  received  &  paid,  audited  by  either  of  said  Courts 
as  by  law  is  now  provided,  be  held  to  produce  to  said 
Courts  respectively,  at  every  Sessions  thereof  in  their 
County,  receipts  in  full  from  the  County  Treasurer  for  all 
tines  forfeitures  and  costs  imposed  by  said  Courts  respec- 
tively received  and  paid  previous  to  the  setting  of  such 
Courts,  or  to  assign  the  cause  why  they  have  not  received, 
or  not  paid  the  same,  in  order  that  such  Court  may  order 
a  prosecution  against  such  as  shall  appear  to  be  delin- 
(juent.  And  in  order  as  well  to  increase  the  said  fund 
for  payment  of  costs,  as  to  promote  the  convenience  of 
Justices  of  the  peace  by  enal)ling  them  to  settle  their 
accounts  with  the  County  Treasurer  instead  of  the  Treas- 
urer of  the  Commonwealth  :  — 

Be  it  further  Enacted,  that  every  Justice  of  the  peace  Justice  of 

Peace  to  ac- 

be,  and  he  hereby  is  directed  to  pay  all  fines  &  forfeitures  count  for  fines, 
by  him  already  received,  or  that  he  may  hereafter  receive  ^°' 
upon  convictions  and  sentences  before  himself,  as  well 
those  which  accrue  to  the  Commonwealth,  as  those  which 
accrue  to  the  County,  to  the  Treasurer  of  the  County 
whereof  he  is  a  Justice  of  the  peace,  and  that  he  render 
his  account,  and  pay  such  fines  once  in  every  six  months  "J'jj^^g'"  ^''' 
from  and  after  the  passing  of  this  act,  and  that  such  pay- 
ment shall  exempt  such  Justice  of  the  peace  from  all 
penalties  inflicted  by  law  for  nonpayment  of  such  fines 
&  forfeitures  into  the  Treasury  of  the  Commonwealth, 
and  such  of  said  fines  as  accrue  to  the  Commonwealth 
shall  be  appropriated  as  aforesaid.  And  if  any  Justice  -f^';,^fiJ^'fe^? 
of  the  peace  shall  neglect  to  account  for,  and  pay  in  such 
fines  &  forfeitures  to  the  Treasurer  of  the  County  Avhereof 
he  is  Justice  as  aforesaid,  he  shall  forfeit  and  pay  for 
every  such  neglect  the  sum  of  ten  pounds  to  such  County 
Treasurer  to  be  by  him  recovered  as  aforesaid  with  costs, 
one  half  of  such  forfeiture  to  his  own  use,  and  the  other 
half  to  the  use  of  the  Commonwealth,  which  half  accruing 
to  the  Commonwealth  shall  be  appropriated  to  the  i)ay- 
ment  of  costs  and  be  accounted  for  as  aforesaid ;  and  it 
shall  be  the  duty  of  every  County  Treasurer  from  time 
to  time  to  call  upon  the  Justices  of  the  peace  within  his 
County  and  to  require  them  to  account  to  him  for,  and 


3i2 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  53. 


County  Treas- 


his  duty. 


case  of  ueglect. 


Attorney  Gei 
eral to 
prosecute  — 


pay  in  such  fines  and  forfeitures,  and  to  prosecute  such 
as  shall  be  delinquent. 

•  And  be  it  furlher  Enacted  that  every  County  Treasurer 
in  Counties  where  the  Supreme  Judicial  Court  is  holden 
but  once  a  year,  shall  once  a  year,  and  where  it  is  held 
twice  a  year,  shall  twice  a  year,  &  within  two  months 
after  the  rising  of  said  Court  make  out  and  transmit  to 
the  Treasurer  of  the  Commonwealth  an  account  upon 
oath,  therein  charging  the  Commonwealth  with  all  bills 
of  costs  allowed  and  taxed  by  said  Court,  for  Avhich  the 
Clerk's  certificate  above  mentioned  shall  be  a  sufficient 
voucher  &  a  commission  of  five  per  cent  on  all  monies 
received  and  paid,  &  giving  credit  for  all  fines,  forfeitures 
&  costs  accruing  to  the  Commonwealth,  and  by  him  re- 
ceived as  aforesaid  and  pay  in  the  biilance  of  such  account, 
if  in  favor  of  the  Commonwealth  to  the  Treasurer  thereof; 
but  if  such  balance  be  in  favor  of  the  County  Treasurer  it 
shall  be  paid  him  or  his  order  out  of  any  unappropriated 
monies  in  the  Treasury,  as  soon  as  may  be,  by  the  Treas- 
urer of  the  CommouAvealth,  said  account  having  been  first 
laid  by  him  before  the  Governor  &  Council  for  their  ex- 
amination and  allowance  &  their  Warrant  thereupon  by 
him  obtained  for  payment  of  the  same.  And  any  County 
Treasurer  Avho  shall  neglect  to  make  out  &  transmit  his 
account  as  aforesaid  &  to  pay  the  balance  if  any  be  due 
to  the  Commonwealth  as  aforesaid,  within  the  time  afore- 
said shall  forfeit  &  pay  the  sum  of  thirty  pounds  to  the 
use  of  the  Commonwealth  to  be  recovered  with  costs  by 
action  of  debt  in  the  Court  of  Common  pleas  in  the 
County  whereof  he  is  Treasurer;  And  the  Attorney 
General,  upon  notice  of  such  neglect  from  the  Treasurer 
of  the  Commonwealth,  which  he  is  hereby  required  forth- 
with to  give,  shall  be  and  hereby  is  authorized  and  required 
to  prosecute  such  action  without  delay  to  final  Judgment  & 
execution.  And  the  said  County  Treasurer  shall  be  also 
held,  notwithstanding  the  recovery  of  the  penalty  afore- 
said to  account  for  and  pay  the  balance  of  all  such  fines, 
forfeitures  and  costs  accruing  to  the  Commonwealth  into 
the  Treasury  thereof. 

And  lohereas  unnecessary  costs  have  arisen  to  the  injury 
of  the  Gommonwealth^  &  to  the  oppression  of  individuals 
hy  the  summoning  of  unnecessary  tvitnesses  by  Justices  of 
the  peace,  at  the  request  of  pi'ivate  prosecutors  of  criminal 
sxifs,  for  prevention  thereof, 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  54.  343 

Be  it  further  Enacted  that  no  Justice  of  the  ijeace  shall  summonses  not 

,  [,  I  .  .  'O  issue  except, 

herearter  have  jiower  to  issue  summonses  for  witnesses  to  in  certain  cases. 
appear  at  any  Court,  or  before  any  Justice  of  the  peace, 
except  on  complaint  brought  before  himself,  to  give  evi- 
dence in  behalf  of  the  Commonwealth  upon  any  criminal 
suit,  unless  it  be  l)y  the  request  of  the  Attorney  General 
or  person  acting  as  State's  Attorney  in  the  County  where 
such  Justice  dwells,  &  and  no  witness  summoned  without 
such  request,  shall  be  allowed  any  pay  for  his  travel  or 
attendance :    And  when  any  Justice   of  the    peace  shall  i;;w^o'be*^"*^ 
issue  any  Summons  at  the  request  of  the  party  prosecuted,  expressed. 
it  shall  be  so  expressed  in  the  Summons,  and  the  Witness 
shall  therein  be  required  to  appear  &  give  evidence  upon 
condition  such  person  prosecuted  pays  him  his  legal  fees, 
but  not  otherwise.  March  6,  1792.* 

1791.  —  Chapter  54. 

[January  Session,  ch.38.] 

AN  ACT  IN  ADDITION  TO  AN  ACT  PASSED  ON  THE  TENTH  DAY 
OF  JUNE  ONE  THOUSAND  SEVEN  HUNDRED  &  NINETY  ONE, 
ENTITLED,  "AN  ACT  FOR  ESTABLISHING  THE  BOUNDARY 
LINE  BETWEEN  THE  TOWNS  OF  BROOKFIELD  &  NEW- 
BRAINTREE  IN  THE  COUNTY  OF    WORCESTER." 

Wliereas  doubts  have  arisen  relative  to  the  dividing  Line  Preamble. 
in  said  Act  mentioned  by  reason  whereof  inconveniences 
may  arise,  for  preventing  the  same; 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  &  House  of  Representatives 
in   General  Court  Assembled  (&  by  the  authority  of  the 
same,  that  the  second  enacting  clause  in  the  said  Act  men-  clause  repealed. 
tioned  be  &  the  same  is  hereby  repealed  — 

And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  the  dividing  Line  between  the  said  towns  of  Brook-  Boundaries. 
field  &  New  Braintree,  shall  hereafter  run  as  followeth, 
to  wit,  l)eginning  at  the  Northeast  corner  of  Joseph 
Barnes's  original  farm,  which  corner  is  a  heap  of  Stones 
by  the  Southerly  side  of  the  road  leading  from  Joseph 
Barnes's  Dwelling  house  to  Francis  Stone's  dwelling 
house  &  is  the  most  northerly  corner  of  a  small  tract 
of  Land  which  said  Barnes  purchased  of  said  Stone  & 
from  thence  running  Northeasterly  to  the  Northwest  cor- 
ner of  the  Land  which  Samuel  Harrington  purchased  of 
Joseph  Thurston  on  the  original  North  Line  of  the  town 

*  Approved  March  8,  1792. 


3J4 


Acts,  1791.  — Chaptbks  55,  56. 

of  BroolyfieU;  And  that  all  lands  lying  on  the  northwest- 
erly Side  of  said  line  heretofore  belonging  to  the  town  of 
Brookfield  be  &  the  same  are  hereby  annexed  to  the  town 
of  New  Braintree  —  And  all  the  lands  lying  on  the  South- 
easterly side  of  said  Line  heretofore  belonging  to  the  town 
of  New  Braintree  be  &  they  hereby  are  annexed  to  the 
town  of  Bvoolcfield.  March  8,  1792. 


PreatnbU 


1791.  — Chapter  55, 

[January  Seesion,  ch.  39.] 
AN  ACT  IN  ADDITION  TO  AN  ACT  PASSED  FEBRUARY  THE 
TWENTY  SECOND,  ONE  THOUSAND  SEVEN  HUNDRED  & 
NINETY,  ENTITLED,  "AN  ACT  TO  PREVENT  THE  DESTRUC- 
TION OF  THE  FISH  CALLED  ALEWIVES  IN  TAUNTOX  GREAT 
RIVER  SO  CALLED  IN  THE  COUNTY  OF  BRISTOL,  &  TO  REG- 
ULATE THE  CATCHn^G  OF  SAID  FISH  THEREIN  FOR  THE 
FUTURE. 

Whereas  the  provision  made  in  the  said  Act  for  ;;re- 
ventinr/  the  destruction  of  the  said  Fish  has  been  found 
insufficient  for  that  purpose;  — 

Be  it  therefore  enacted,  hy  the  Senate  &  House  of  Rep- 
resentatives  in  General  Court  Assembled  di  by  the  author- 
penauy'-"'""  ^tv  ^f  thc  samc,  that  from  &  after  the  publication  of  this 
Act,  it  shall  not  be  lawful  for  any  person  Avith  scoop  nets 
or  any  other  instruments  nor  at  any  other  time  or  place, 
than  IS  allowed  by  said  Act,  to  molest,  hinder  or  take 
said  fish  on  the  penalties  made  &  provided  in  said  Act. 

And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid 
that  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  persons  chosen  by  the 
towns  on  said  river  to  enforce  said  Act,  to  remove  or 
cause  to  be  removed  all  hindrances  &  obstructions  in  said 
River  &  to  prevent  all  unlawful  catching  of  said  Fish  as 
aforesaid  in  their  towns  respectively  on  the  penalties 
made  &  provided  in  &  by  said  Act.  March  5,  1792. 


Duty  of  Com 
mittee. 


1791. -Chapter  56. 

[January  Session,  ch.  42.] 
AN  ACT  FOR  INCORPORATING  DANIEL  REED  AND  OTHERS 
PROPRIETORS  OF  A  CERTAIN  TRACT  OF  MEADOW  LAND  IN 
THE  TOWN  OF  ABINGTON  KNOWN  BY  THE  NAME  OF  THE 
OLD  MILL  POND  MEADOW,  INTO  A  BODY  CORPORATE  BY 
THE  NAM].;  OF  THE  PROPRIETORS  OF  THE  OLD  MILL  POND 
MEADOW. 

Whereas  Daniel    Reed,  Micah    Hunt  Nathan  Gurney, 
John  Porter,  Silas  Gurney,  Eliab  Noyes,  David  Jenkins 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  56.  345 


jr.  Luke  Bicknell,  Jacob  Bicknell,  Isaac  Tirrell,  Barnabas 
Reed,  Seth  Porter,  Josiah  Torrey,  Phillip  Pratt,  Jacob 
Keed  od.  and  John  Hobart,  proprietors  of  the  aforesaid 
tract  of  Meadow  land  in  the  township  of  Abington  in  the 
County  of  Plimouth,  butted  &  bounded  as  folloivs,  viz. 
J^ast  on  the  upland  lots,  belonging  to  John  Gurney,  Benoni 
Gurney,  Noah  Gurney,  David  Jenkins  Junr.  Silas  Gur- 
ne}^  and  others;  JSForth  on  Josiah  Torrey,  Daniel  Reed, 
and  Isaac  Tirrell,  —  loest  on  upland  lots  belonging  to  John 
Porter,  Seth  Porter  and  Jacol)  Reed  ;  and  south  on  John 
Ciurney,  together  with  a  road  t^vo  rods  in  width  from  said 
Meadoiv  land  to  the  Country  road,  so  called,  on  the  north 
side  of  lot  7iumbered,  six,  on  the  upland,  and  which  fell 
to  William  Reed,  in  the  first  division  of  said  lotts,  have 
petitioned  the  General  Court  that  they,  their  heirs  and 
assigns  may  be  incorporated  into  a  Body  corporate  by  the 
name  of  The  proprietors  of  the  old  Mill  pond  meadow 
in  Abington,  for  the  purpose  of  better  improving  said 
Meadoiv  ; 

Be  it  therefore  Enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Rep- 
resentatives in  General  Court  assembled  cC-  by  the  authority 
of  the  same,  that  the  said  Daniel  Reed  and  others  al)Ove  PropnetorB  in- 
named,  proprietors  of  the  aforesaid  meadow,  they  their  *=°''p°'''*^''''- 
heirs  &  assigns  be,  &  here])y  are  incorporated  into  a  body 
corporate  by  the  name  of  the  proprietors  of  the  old  Mill 
2)ond  Meadow  in  Abington  for  the  purpose  of  a  more  ad- 
vantageous improvement  of  said  Meadow. 

And  be  it  Enacted  by  the  Authority  aforesaid,  that  the  —empowered  to 
said  Daniel  Reed  &  others  proprietors  of  said  Meadow,  ''"''y*"*''- 
their  heirs  &  assigns  be,  and  they  hereby  are  allowed  & 
impowered  to  raise  by  assessment  or  tax  to  be  made  and 
levied  on  all  the  proprietors  of  the  said  Meadow,  lying 
within  the  bounds  above  described,  according  to  the  in 
terest  they  severally  have  therein,  such  sum  or  sums  of 
money  as  may  be  necessary  from  time  to  time  for  defrey- 
ing  the  expences  of  fencing  said  Meadow  &  for  removing 
the  obstructions  from  the  Rivers  and  Brooks  in  the  same ; 
&  for  opening  &  keeping  open  such  a  number  of  ditches, 
as  shall  in  the  Judgment  of  the  major  part  of  said  pro- 
prietors be  necessary  in  said  meadow,  said  sums  to  be 
agreed  upon  by  the  major  part  of  said  proprietors  their 
heirs  or  assigns  that  shall  or  may  l)e  present  at  any 
meeting  legally  warned  for  that  purpose. 


346 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chafter  56. 


Meetings  regu- 
lated, hb  pre- 
Bcribed  by  a 
former  law. 


Proprietors 
empowered  in 
caae  of  delin- 
quency — 


Proprietors  to 
be  governed  by 
the  majority. 


And  be  it  furlher  Enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  the  meetings  of  ^aid  proprietors,  shall  be  called  and 
conducted  in  the  same  manner  as  those  of  proprietors  of 
common  lands,  i)rescribed  l)y  an  Act,  passed  the  tenth  day 
of  March  in  the  year  of  Our  Lord,  One  thousand  seven 
hundred  &  eighty  four,  relating  to  lands,  wharves  and 
other  real  estate  lying  in  common  &  undivided ;  &  the 
said  proprietors  are  hereby  authorized  &  impowered  to 
chuse  all  such  officers  as  may  be  necessary  for  managing 
the  business  aforesaid,  in  the  same  manner  as  proprietors 
of  common  lands  are  impowered  to  chuse  officers  at  their 
legal  meetings. 

And  he  it  farther  Enacted,  that  if  any  of  the  proprie- 
tors of  said  Meadow,  shall  neglect  or  refuse  to  pay  the 
sum  or  sums  of  money  duly  assessed  upon  him  or  them, 
for  the  sj)ace  of  six  months  after  such  money  shall  have 
been  granted ;  or  for  the  space  of  one  month  after  his  as- 
sessment shall  have  been  shown  to  him,  or  a  copy  thereof 
be  left  at  his  usual  place  of  abode,  the  said  proprietors  for 
the  purpose  of  collecting  the  money  in  such  assessment 
arc  hereby  fully  empowered  from  time  to  time  at  pul)lic 
vendue,  to  sell  and  convey  so  much  of  said  delinquent  i)ro- 
prietor's  part  or  share  in  said  Meadow,  as  will  be  sufficient 
to  pay  and  satisfy  the  sum  or  sums  assessed  upon  such 
delinquent  proprietor  as  aforesaid,  and  all  reasonable 
charges  attending  such  sale  to  any  person  that  Avill  give 
the  most  for  the  same  ;  notice  of  such  sale  &  of  the  time  & 
place,  being  first  given,  by  posting  up  an  advertisement 
thereof  in  some  public  place  in  said  Ahington,  six  weeks 
before  the  sale  thereof;  and  said  i)roprietors  may  by  their 
Clerk  or  a  Committee  chosen  for  that  purpose  make  and 
execute  a  good  &  lawful  deed  or  deeds  of  conveyance  of 
the  Meadow  so  sold  unto  the  purchaser  thereof,  to  hold 
in  fee  simple. 

Provided  nevertheless,  that  the  proprietor  or  proprie- 
tors whose  part  or  share  shall  be  sold  as  abovesaid,  shall 
have  liberty  to  redeem  the  same  at  any  time  within  twelve 
months  after  such  sale,  by  paying  the  sum  such  part  or 
share  sold  for  &  charges,  together  with  the  further  sum  of 
six  pounds  more  for  each  hundred  j^ounds  produced  by 
such  sale,  and  so  in  proportion  for  a  greater  or  less  sum. 

And  be  it  further  Enacted  by  the  authority  (foresaid, 
that  the  proprietors  aforesaid,  are  hereby  imi)owered  to 
order  and  manage  all  affairs  relative  to  improving  said 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  57.  347 

meadow,  in  such  way  and  manner  as  shall  be  concluded 
and  agreed  upon  by  the  major  })art  of  those  who  are 
therein  interested,  &  present  at  any  legal  meeting;  the 
votes  to  be  collected  according  to  the  interest  of  said 
l)roprietors.  March  S,  1702. 


1791.  —  Chapter  57. 

[January  Session,  ch.  43.] 

AN  ACT  TO  INCORrORATE  HENRY  KNOX  ESQR.  &  OTHERS  FOR 
THE  PURPOSE  OF  OPENING  A  NAVIGABLE  CANAL  FROM  SOME 
PART  OF  CONNECTICUT  RIVER  TO  COMMUNICATE  WITH  THE 
TOWN  OF  BOSTON,  BY  THE  NAME  OF  THE  PROPRIETORS  OF 
THE  MASSACHUSETTS  CANAL. 


'reamble. 


Whereas  the  estahUshment  of  a  Navigable  Canal  through  Pr 
Hie  interior  parts  of  this  CommonwealtJi  to  the  Capital, 
must  promote  the  essential  Interests  of  this  Commonwealth, 
by  facilitating  the  means  of  transportation  from  one  part 
of  the  Commonwealth  to  the  other,  cO  tvhereas  the  said 
Henry  Knox  cC  others  have  petitioned  this  Court  to  incor- 
porate them  with  certain  previleges  for  that  purpose ; 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  &  House  of  Bejjresenfatives 
in  General  Court  assembled  d*  by  the  authority  of  the 
same,  that  Henry  Knox,  John  Coffin  Jones,  David  Cobb,  ^'^j:^°°J'  •°'=°''- 
Benjamin  Hitchborn  &  Henry  Jackson,  Esquires  with  such 
other  persons  as  have  with  them  associated  &  all  those 
who  may  hereafter  become  Proprietors  in  the  said  Canal, 
be  &  they  hereby  are  constituted  a  Corporation  &  body 
politic  for  the  purpose  aforesaid,  by  the  name  of  the 
l^roprietors  of  the  Massachusetts  Canal,  &  by  that  name 
may  sue  &  be  sued  to  final  judgment  &  Execution  &  do 
&  suffer  all  matters,  acts  &  things,  which  bodies  politic 
may  or  ought  to  do  or  suffer ;  &  the  said  Corporation 
shall  &  may  have  &  use  a  common  Seal  &  the  same  may 
break  &  alter  at  pleasure. 

And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  Authority  aforesaid, 
that  the  said  Henry  Knox,  John  Coffin  Jones,  David  hJld'^'eeikiga. 
Cobb,  Benjamin  Hichborn  &,  Henry  Jachson  Esquires,  or 
any  two  of  them  may  by  Advertisement  in  two  of  the 
Boston  News  papers,  warn  &  call  a  meeting  of  the  said 
Proprietors  to  be  holden  at  any  suitable  time  &  place 
after  thirty  days  from  the  first  })u])lication  of  the  said 
Advertisement,  &  the  Proprietors  by  a  Vote  of  the  Major- 
ity of  those  present,  or  represented  at  the  said  meeting 


348  Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  57. 

(accounting  &  allowing  one  vote  to  a  single  share  in  all 
cases,  provided  however  that  no  one  proprietor  shall  be 
allowed  more  than  twenty  votes)  shall  choose  a  Clerk 
who  shall  be  sworn  to  the  faithful  discharge  of  his  Office ; 
^'"ifmrm'ke  ^^  ^he  said  Proprietors  shall  also  agree  on  a  method  of 
i.ye-iaw«.  calling  futurc  mcctings,  and  at  the  same  or  any  subsequent 

meetings  may  elect  such  Officers  &  make  &  establish  such 
rules  &  bye-laws  as  to  them  shall  seem  necessary  or  con- 
venient for  the  regulation  &  Government  of  the  said  Cor- 
poration, for  carrying  into  effect  the  purpose  aforesaid,  & 
the  same  rules  &  bye-laws  may  cause  to  be  executed  & 
may  annex  penalties  to  the  breach  thereof  not  exceeding 
four  pouiuh,  provided  the  said  rules  &  bye-laws  are  not 
repugnant  to  the  Constitution  or  Laws  of  this  Common- 
wealth :  And  all  representations  at  any  meetings  of  the 
said  Corporation,  shall  be  proved  by  writing  signed  by 
the  Person  to  be  represented,  which  .shall  ])c  filed  by  the 
Clerk :  And  this  Act,  &  all  rules,  bye-laws,  regulations  & 
proceedings  of  the  said  Corporation  shall  l)e  fairly  &  truly 
recorded  by  the  said  Clerk  in  a  Book  or  Books  to  Ije 
provided  &  kept  for  this  purpose. 

And  he  it  farther  enacted  by  the  Authority  aforesaid, 
withinTHmited  ^'I'^t  ^^^  ^^^^  proprietors  be  &  they  arc  hereby  authorized 
time  to  open  n     ^yv   impowcred    exclusively   within   the    term  of  fourteen 

navigable  '^  •i'a  ii-i 

years  irom  the  passing  this  Act  to  open  &  establish  a 
Navigable  Canal  from  any  part  of  Connecticut  River 
between  the  Town  of  Springfield  &  the  northern  limits 
of  this  Commonwealth,  or  from  any  other  part  of  said 
River  (i)rovided  they  obtain  permission  from  the  State 
through  which  the  same  may  pass),  to  communicate  with 
the  Town  of  Boston  or  the  waters  surrounding  said  Town 
&  also  to  open  &  establish  any  branch  or  branches  from 
said  Canal  to  communicate  with  any  other  parts  or  places 
within  this  Commonwealth  &  for  the  purposes  aforesaid 
to  take,  use,  occupy  &  possess  exclusively  in  fee  simple 
or  otherwise  any  Land  or  Avater  which  may  be  necessary 
to  compleat  said  Canal  &  the  appendages  thereof,  they 
paying  therefor  in  manner  as  is  herein  after  directed;  pro- 
vided the  land  so  taken  shall  not  exceed  twenty  five  feet 
in  Avidth  on  each  side  &  running  the  whole  length  of  said 
Canal  for  the  purposes  of  building  &  repairing  said  Canal, 
for  towing,  paths  &  other  necessary  uses,  unless  the 
parties  interested  shall  otherways  agree. 

And  ivhereas  it  may  he  necessary  that  said  Proprietors, 


Caual. 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  57.  349 

make  use  of  <&  appropriate  the  lands  or  other  property  of 
private  persons, 

Be  it  further  enacted  by  the  Authority  aforesaid,  that  ^ofn^ej^,,"^^  j 
when  the  said  Proprietors  &  the  owner  or  owners  of  such  ^o"'t  in  case  of 
hinds,  water,  water  courses,  Streams,  mills,  mill  dams  or  ihe'p»riies.'^^^° 
other  property  or  Estate  which  may  be  necessary  for  the 
purposes  aforesaid   cannot  agree  upon  the  value   of  the 
same  nor  mutually  agree  upon    some  suitable  person  or 
persons  to  appraize  the  same,  the  Justices  of  the  Su].)reme 
Judicial  Court  are  hereby  authorized  &  impowered  at  any 
Session   within   the  County  Avhere   such  land,    water  or 
other  Estate  may  lie,  upon  application  of  either  party  to 
appoint  three  disinterested  Freeholders  within  such  County 
whose  appraizement  under  oath,   made   upon    the   same 
principles  as  private  property  is  estimated  when  taken  & 
appropriated  for  highways,  being  returned  into  said  Court 
&  by  them  accepted  shall  be  final  between  the  parties  & 
vest  the  estate  so  appraized  in  the  proprietors  of  said  Canal, 
unless  either  party  being  dissatistied  with  such  appraise- 
ment shall  at  the  next  Session  of  said  Court  to  be  holden 
in  such  County  after  the  acceptance  of  said  appraizement, 
ap[)ly  for  a  decision  by  a  Jury  ;  in  which  case  the  said  pea°uf  ju"y?^' 
Court  is  hereby  empowered  to  hear  &  finally  determine 
the  same  by  a  jury  under  oath  to  be  summoned  by  the 
Sheriff  or  his  Deputy  for  that  purpose,  or  by  a  new  Com- 
mittee if  l)oth  parties  shall  agree  thereto ;  &  if  the  Jury 
or  Committee  last  mentioned,  who  are  to  be  under  oath, 
shall  not  return  a  verdict  or  report  more  favoral)le  to  the 
party  applying  than  that  of  the  first  Committee,  the  party 
applying  shall  pay  the  Costs,  otherwise,  the  party   not 
applying  shall    pay  the  costs ;    in  both    cases  judgment  i^''^^^Xeva\ct 
shall  be  made  up  agreeable  to  the  verdict  of  the  Jury,  of  the  jury. 
or  report    of  the  Committee    last    mentioned,   so    far  as 
respects  damage  with  or  without  a  deduction  of  the  cost 
therefrom,   as  the   case  shall  require,  &  execution  issue 
therefor ;   &  the   proprietors  of  the  said   Corporation   in  PropiietorB 
their  Individual  Capacity  shall  be  and  hereby  are  made  "xeciuion.'^'^" '" 
liable  to  be  taken  in  Execution  on  such  Judgment,  in  the 
same  manner  as  the  Inhabitant  of  any  Town  in  this  Com- 
monwealth are  by  law  liable,  in  certain  cases ;  and  the 
estate  thus  estimated  shall  vest  in  the  i)roprietors  of  the 
said  Canal. 

And  he  it  further  enacted,  that  when  the  land  or  other  Guardians  of 

.  ,,11  •  ,        T     ,'       ,  t~i  y^v  incapacitated 

property  or  estate  belonging  to  lotants.  Femes  Covert  or  persons  author- 


350 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  57. 


ized  to  act  in 
their  be-half. 


Justices  of  S.  J. 
Court  empow- 


the  Canal  &c. 


l)ersons  non  compos  mentis  shall  be  taken  &  appropriated 
for  the  use  &  purposes  of  said  Canal  as  aforesaid,  the 
husbands  of  such  Femes  Covert  &  the  Guardians  of  such 
infants  or  persons  non  comjjos  mentis,  respectively,  may 
execute  any  Deeds,  enter  into  any  contracts  or  do  any 
other  matter  or  thing  respecting  such  lands  or  other 
estate  to  l)e  taken  and  appropriated  as  aforesaid,  as  they 
might  do  if  the  same  were  by  them  holden  in  their  own 
rights  respectively. 

And  be  it  farther  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  the  Justices  of  the  Supreme  Judicial  Court  upon  the 
tocieier-  application  of  the  Selectmen  of  any  Town  or  the  pro- 
)iitige8'^ac?0B"^  prietors  of  any  land  through  which  said  Canal  may  pass, 
be  and  hereljy  are  authorized  &  empowered  at  any  Session 
within  the  County  where  such  lands  lie,  to  appoint  three 
disinterested  freeholders  in  such  County,  who  shall,  after 
hearing  the  parties  on  oath,  determine  what  Bridge  or 
Bridges  shall  be  erected  across  said  Canal  for  the  accom- 
modation of  the  public  where  said  Canal  may  pass  through 
the  Highway,  or  for  the  accommodation  of  Individuals 
whose  lands  may  be  intersected  by  the  said  Canal,  &  also 
to  determine  upon  the  Amount  of  damage  which  may  be 
done  to  the  land  or  estate  of  any  person  or  persons  by 
overflowing  the  same  or  otherwise  ;  &  in  case  such  bridge 
or  bridges  shall  not  be  erected  within  such  time  or  in  such 
manner  as  shall  be  directed  by  such  Freeholders,  provided 
their  reports  be  accepted  by  said  Court,  the  said  Corpo- 
ration may  be  sued  &  prosecuted  by  the  public  or  such 
pei-son  or  persons  as  may  be  injured  thereby. 

And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  Authority  aforesaid, 
that  any  proprietor's  share  or  shares  in  said  Canal  may  1)e 
transferred  by  Deed  acknowledged  &  recorded  hy  tlie 
Clerk  of  said  Corporation  in  a  Book  to  be  kept  for  that 
purpose;  &  when  any  share  or  shares  of  said  Canal  shall 
be  attached  as  the  property  of  any  of  said  Proprietors  on 
mesne  process,  an  attested  copy  of  such  process  shall  l)e 
left  with  the  said  Proprietor's  Clerk  at  the  time  of  such 
attachment,  otherwise,  the  same  shall  be  void. 

And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  Authority  aforesaid, 
that  a  toll  l)e  &  hereby  is  granted  for  the  sole  benefit  of 
said  proprietors  according  to  the  rates  following,  viz,  for 
every  ton  in  weight  or  by  measure  in  feet  not  more  than 
six  pence  per  mile,  for  each  mile  according  to  the  course 
of  the   Canal,  and  in  the   same  proportion  for  a  larger 


Sharps  may  be 
trauMfcrred. 


Toll 
established. 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  58.  351 

quantity,  &  also  for  a  smaller  quantity  not  less  than 
one  quarter  of  a  ton,  exclusive  of  toll  for  passing  the  locks 
which  may  be  in  the  said  Canal  &  which  may  be  hereafter 
regulated  &  established  by  the  General  Court,  &  for  every 
article  less  than  one  quarter  of  a  ton,  such  toll  as  shall  be 
established  by  the  proprietors  aforesaid. 

And  be  it  furilier  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  said  proprietors  shall  receive  said  toll  and  possess  &  S'be'the'iiiop- 
cnjoy  the   emoluments  of  said  Canal,  together  with  the  p^'^  "fetm'g 
waters  streams  and  rivers  which  they  shall  make  use  of  forever. 
for  the  said  Canal,  so  far  as  it  shall  be  necessary  for  the 
same,  forever ;  provided^  that  the  General  Court  shall  at  i^'oviso. 
all  times  after  the  expiration  of  seventy  years  from  the 
completion  of  said  Canal,  alter,  regulate  &  determine  the 
toll  thereof,  &  [and]  the  said  Commonwealth  shall  be  en- 
titled to  &  receive  one  quarter  part  of  the  net  proceeds 
thereof  forever. 

And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  when  &  so  often  as  the  said  proprietors  shall  have  Toiitocom- 


finished  a  proportion  of  said  Canal  equal  to  ten  miles  in  cenafnpartis 
length,  according  to  the  course  of  said  Canal,  they  shall  '^omp'e'ed. 
])e  entitled  to  receive  a  toll  thereon  in  the  manner  and  at 
the  rates  herein  before  provided. 

Provided  and  be  it  further  enacted,  that  from  and  after  Proviso, 
the  expiration  of  five  years  from  the  time  of  passing  this 
Act,  if  the  Corporation  lierel)y  created  shall  not  have  com- 
pleated  ten  miles  at  least  of  the  said  Canal,  the  Legislat- 
ure of  this  Commonwealth  may  upon  the  application  of 
any  other  company  for  the  privileges  herel:)y  granted,  in- 
corporate such  other  compan}^  for  the  purpose  of  com- 
pleating  the  said  Canal.  March  8,  1792  * 

1791.  —  Chapter  58. 

[January  Session,  cli.  33.t] 

AN  ACT  PROVIDING  FOR  THE  DUE  OBSERVATION  OF  THE 
LORD'S  DAY  AND  REPEALING  THE  SEVERAL  LAWS  HERE- 
TOFORE   MADE    FOR    THAT    PURPOSE. 

Whereas  the  observance  of  the  Lord's   day,   is  highly  Preamble. 
pro7notive  of  the  welfare  of  a   Community ,  by  affording 
necessary  seasons  for  relaxation  from  labour  &  the  cares  of 
business;  for  moi'al  reflections  &  conversation  on  the  ditties 
of  hfe,  &  the  frequent  eri'ors  of  human  conduct;  for  public 

*  Approved  March  10,  1792. 

t  Wrougly  numbered  in  session  pamphlet;  should  be  ch.  36. 


352  Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  58. 

and  privale  ivorship  of  the  Maker,  Governor  &  Judge  of 
the  World  and  for  those  acts  of  charity  which  supjoort  and 
adorn  a  Christian  Society ;  And  whereas  some  thoughtless 
tb  irreligious  jjersons,  inattentive  to  the  duties  &  benefits  of 
the  Lord's  day,  profane  the  same  hy  unnecessarily  pursuing 
their  ivorldly  business  and  recreations  on  that  day,  to  tlteir 
own  great  damage,  as  members  of  a  Christian  Society,  to 
the  great  disturbance  of  ivell  disposed  pei'sons,  S  to  the  great 
damage  of  the  community,  by  producing  dissipation  of 
manners  dc  immoralities  of  life. 

Be  it  therefore  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  Hou^e  of  Rep- 
resentatives in  General  Court  assembled  and  by  the  author- 

fhe  Loid'8°da°y.  ^'^^  '^if  ^^^^  samc,  that  no  person  or  persons  whatsoever 
shall  keep  open  his,  her  or  their  shop,  ware-house,  or 
work  house,  nor  shall  upon  land  or  water  do  any  manner 
of  labour,  business  or  work,  (works  of  necessity  &  charity 
only  excepted)  nor  be  present  at  any  concert  of  musick, 
dancing,  or  any  public  diversion,  shew  or  entertainment, 
nor  use  any  sport,  game,  play,  or  recreation  on  the  Lord's 

Penalty.  ^\^y ^  q^  j^j^y  ^^^^  thereof  upon  penalty  of  a  sum  not  ex- 

ceeding twenty  shillings,  nor  less  than  ten  shillings  for 
every  offence. 

hibited'"^  ^"°  ^^  '"^  /wr^/fer  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid,  that  no 
traveller,  drover,  waggoner,  teamster,  or  any  of  their  ser- 
vants, shall  travel  on  the  Lord's  day  or  any  part  thereof 

Penalty.  (cxccpt  from  nccessity  or  charity)  upon  the  penalty  of  a 

sum  not  exceeding  twenty  shillings,  nor  less  than  ten  shil- 
lings. 

lovhKAA^TiTcn.      ^^  *^  further  enacted,  that  no  vintner,  retailer  of  strong 

tertain.  Hfjuors,  inuholdcr,  or  other  person  keeping  a  house  of 

pul)lic  entertainment,  shall  entertain  or  sulfer  any  of  the 
inhaljitants  of  the  respective  towns  where  they  dwell,  or 
others  not  being  travellers,  strangers  or  lodgers  in  such 
houses,  to  al)ide  and  remain  in  their  houses,  yards,  orchards 
or  fields,  drinking  or  spending  their  time  either  idly  or  at 
play,  or  doing  any  secular  business  on  the  Lord's  day,  or 

Penalty.  aiiy  part  thcrcof,  on  penalty  of  ten  shillings  payable  by 

such  vintner,  retailer  or  innholder,  or  person  keeping  such 
house  of  entertainment,  for  each  person  so  entertained  or 
suffered;  and  every  person  so  drinking  or  abiding  (ex- 
cept as  aforesaid)  shall  pay  a  fine  not  exceeding  ten  shil- 
lings, nor  less  than^ve  shillings;  and  every  such  licenced 
person  upon  any  conviction  after  the  first,  shall  pay  a  fine 
of  twenty  shillings,  and  having  been  three  times  convicted, 
shall  be  debarred  from  renewino;  his  licence  forever  after. 


Acts,  1791 .  — Chapter  58.  353 

And  although  it  is  the  sense  of  this  Cow't  that  the  time  rreambic. 
commanded  in  the  sacred  sa-ijjtures  to  be  observed  as  holy 
time,  includes  a  natural  day,  or  twenty  four  hours;  yet 
whereas  there  is  a  difference  of  opinion  concerning  the  he- 
ginning  and  ending  of  the  Lord's  day,  among  the  good 
people  of  this  Commonwealth,  and  this  Court  being  un- 
ivilling  to  lay  any  restrictions  which  may  seem  unneces- 
sary or  unreasonable  to  persons  of  sobriety  &  conscience; 

Be  it  therefore  enacted  bii  the  authority  aforesaid,  that  Time  to  include 

,,,,,.  <  1    A-  L-  'L^         1  1  the  Lord's  clay. 

all  the  foregoing  regulations,  respecting  the  due  observa- 
tion of  the  Lord's  day  shall  be  construed  to  extend  to  the 
time  included  between  the  midnight  preceeding  and  the  sun 
setting  of  the  same  day. 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid,  that  no  person  Prohibitions  in 
shall  be  present  at  any  concert  ot  musick,  dancing,  or  onpenaky"/"' 
other  public  diversion,  nor  shall  any  person  or  persons, 
use  any  game,  sport,  play  or  recreation,  on  the  hind  or 
water  on  the  evening  next  preceeding  or  succeeding  the 
Lord's  day,  on  pain  of  ten  shillings  for  each  oftence,  and 
no  retailer,  innholder  or  person  licenced  to  keep  a  pulilic 
house,  shall  entertain,  or  suffer  to  remain,  or  be  in  their 
houses  or  yards,  or  other  places  appurtenant,  any  person 
or  persons  (travellers,  strangers  or  lodgers  excepted) 
drinking  or  spending  their  time  on  the  said  evenings,  on 
penalty  of  ten  shillings  for  each  offence. 

And  ivhereas  the  public  worship  of  Almighty   God  is  Preamble. 
esteemed  by  christians  an  essential  part  of  the  due  observ- 
ance of  the  Lord's  day  and  requires  the  greatest  decency 
and  reverence  for  a  due  performance  of  the  same; 

Be  it  therefore  enacted,  that  any  person  being  able  of  Penalty  for  non- 
body  and  not  otherwise  necessarily  prevented  Avho  shall  imbiic  worship. 
for  tlie  space  of  three  months  together  absent  him  or 
herself  from  the  pul)lic  worship  of  God  on  the  Lord's  da}^ 
[provided  there  be  any  place  of  worship  at  which  he  or 
she  can  conscientiously  and  conveniently  attend)  shall 
pay  a  fine  of  ten  shillings. 

Be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid,  that  if  "u"'.;'"'^'"^""' 
any  person  shall  on  the  Lord's  day  within  the  walls  of  any  tireeuug""^ ' 
house  of  public  worship,  behave  rudely  or  indecently,  he 
or  she  shall  pay  a  fine  not  more  than  forty  shillings,  nor 
less  than^^;e  shillings. 

And  be  it  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid,  that  if  any  —  orinterrupt- 
person  or  persons  either  on  the  Lord's  day,  or  at  any  other  "hfp','atan7°'^ 
time  shall  willfully  interrupt  or  disturb  any  assembly  of  "'hertime. 
people  met  for  the  public  worship  of  God,  within  the 


354 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  58. 


Writs  not  to  be 
served  on  the 
Lord's  day. 


Duty  of  Tyth- 
Ing  men. 


Their  Powers. 


Penalty. 


place  of  their  assembling,  or  out  of  it,  he  or  they  shall 
severally  pay  a  line  not  exceeding  ten  pou7ids  nor  less  than 
twenty  shillings. 

Be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid,  that 
no  person  shall  serve  or  execute  any  civil  process  from 
midnight  precccding  to  midnight  folloAving  the  Lord's  day, 
but  the  service  thereof  shall  be  void,  &  the  person  serving 
the  same  shall  be  as  liable  to  ansAver  damages  to  the  party 
aggrieved,  as  if  he  had  done  the  same,  without  any  such 
civil  process. 

And  he  it  further  enacted,  that  the  Ty thing  men  chosen, 
or  which  shall  be  chosen  in  the  several  towns  &  districts 
within  this  Commonwealth,  shall  be  held  &  obliged  to  en- 
quire into,  and  inform  of  all  offences  against  this  Act,  and 
all  such  Ty  thing  men  as  shall  be  hereafter  chosen,  shall 
take  the  following  oath,  — 

YOU  being  chosen  a  Tything  man  for  the  town  of 

for  the  3^ear  ensuing,  and  until  another  shall  be  chosen 
in  your  room,  do  solemnly  swear  that  you  will  diligently 
attend  to  and  fiithfully  execute  the  duties  of  the  said 
office  without  partiality,  and  according  to  your  best 
discretion  and  judgment.      8o  help  you  GOD. 

And  every  such  Tything  man  is  hereby  authorized  & 
impowered  to  enter  into  any  of  the  rooms  and  other  parts 
of  an  inn  or  public  house  of  entertainment  on  the  Lord's 
day  and  the  evening  preceeding  &  succeeding,  and  if  such 
entrance  shall  be  refused  to  any  Tything  man  the  Landlord 
or  licenced  person  shall  forfeit  the  sum  o^  forty  shillings 
for  each  and  every  offence.  And  the  said  Tythingmen 
are  hereby  further  authorized  and  empowered  within 
their  respective  towns,  to  examine  all  persons  whom  they 
shall  have  good  cause  from  the  circumstances  thereof  to 
susi3ect  of  unnecessarily  travelling  as  aforesaid  on*  the 
Lord's  day,  &  to  demand  of  all  such  persons  the  cause 
thereof,  together  with  their  names  and  places  of  abode  ; 
and  if  any  person  shall  refuse  to  give  answer  or  shall  give 
a  false  answer  to  such  demand  he  shall  pay  a  fine  not 
exceeding  j^i'e  pounds  nor  less  than  twenty  shillings;  and 
if  the  reason  given  for  such  travelling  shall  not  be  satis- 
factory to  such  Tything  man,  he  shall  enter  a  complaint 
against  the  ])erson  travelling  before  a  Justice  of  the  peace 
in  the  County  where  the  offence  is  comniitted  if  such  })er- 
son  lives  in  such  County,  otherwise  shall  give  information 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  59.  355 

thereof  to  some  Grand  juryman  to  be  by  him  laid  before 
the  Grand  Jury  for  their  consideration  and  presentment. 

And  be  it  further  enacted,  that  the  oath  of  any  Tything  oath  valid. 
man  shall  be  deemed  fiiU  &  sufficient  evidence  in  any  trial 
for  any  oflence  against  this  Act,  unless  in  the  judgment 
of  the  Court  or  Justice,  the  same  shall  be  invalidated  by 
other  evidence  that  may  be  produced. 

And  he  it  further  enacted  that  the  special  authority  Authority  ex- 
given  l)y  this  Act  to  Tythingmen  for  preventing  the  ""'*'  " 
lu-eaches  thereof  shall  not  be  construed  or  understood  to 
exempt  any  Sheriff,  Grand  Jurors,  Constables  or  other 
Officers  or  persons  whatsoever  from  any  obligation  or  duty 
to  cause  this  Act  to  be  put  in  execution,  but  they  shall  be 
held  to  take  due  notice  and  prosecute  all  l)reaches  thereof, 
such  special  authority  notwithstanding. 

And  he  it  further  enacted,  that  all  the  penalties  &  lines  Fines  appro- 
incurred  and  paid  for  any  of  the  offences  aforesaid,  shall  ^"""^  " 
be  for  the  use  of  the  Commonwealth  —  And  that  all  said 
offences,  the  penalties  against  which  exceed  forty  shillings 
shall  be  prosecuted  by  presentment  of  the  Grand  Jury, 
before  the  Court  of  General  Sessions  of  the  peace  in  the 
County  wherein  the  offence  may  be  committed  ;  —  But  all 
offences,  the  penalty  whereof  does  not  exceed  forty  shil- 
lings (except  the  offender  lives  out  of  the  County  in  which 
the  offence  may  be  committed)  shall  be  prosecuted  by 
complaint  before  a  Justice  of  the  peace  in  such  County  : 
—  But  when  the  oflender  lives  out  of  such  County  he  may 
be  prosecuted  by  presentment  as  aforesaid,  although  the 
penalty  does  not  exceed  forty  shillings. 

And  he  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  all  Laws  heretofore  made,  so  far  as  they  relate  to  the  Laws  repealed. 
due   observation  of  the  Lord's  day,   be  and   here])y   are 
repealed  &  declared  null  and  void.  March  8,  1792. 

1791.  — Chapter  59. 

;  [January  Session,  ch.  34.*] 

AN  ACT  PROVIDING    FOR   THE    SECURITY    OF    THE    TREASURY 
OF  THIS  COMMONWEALTH. 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  /Senate  and  House  of  Representa- 
tives in  General  Court  assembled  &  by  the  authority  of  the 
same,  that  every  person  who  shall  be  hereafter,  pursuant  oath«  and  suro 
to  the  Constitution,  chosen  to  the  office  of  Treasurer  &  Re-  '""*  '^''^" 
ceiver  General  and  accept  the  same,  shall  before  he  enters 

*  Wrongly  numbered  in  session  pamphlet;  sliouUl  be  chapter  37. 


356  Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  59. 

on  the  discharge  of  the  business  of  such  office,  take  and 
sul)scribe  before  the  Governor  &  Council,  the  oaths  or 
affirmations  &  declarations  required  of  such  officer  by  the 
Constitution  of  this  Commonwealth  and  laws  of  the 
United  States,  and  shall  likewise  become  bound  with 
three  sureties  at  the  least,  to  be  ai)proved  as  sufficient 
by  the  Governor  with  the  advice  of  Council,  and  with 
such  officer  to  be  jointly  and  severally  holden  thereupon 
in  the  sum  of  thirty  thousand  pounds  to  the  Common- 
wealth, the  condition  of  which  bond  shall  be  to  the  fol- 
Condition  of  the  lowing  cffcct ;  that  is  to  say,  that  the  person  chosen  and 
qualified  or  to  be  qualified  as  aforesaid,  and  undertaking 
the  said  office  of  Treasurer  and  Eeceiver  General,  and  all 
persons  who  shall  be  by  him  entrusted  and  employed  in 
such  office,  shall  in  all  things  faithfully  and  honestly  dis- 
charge and  perform  their  respective  duties  and  trusts 
which  are  or  shall  be  of  or  in  them  respectively  required 
or  had ;  and  more  especially  that  the  said  Treasurer  & 
Receiver  General  shall  during  his  continuance  in  office, 
use  all  necessary  and  reasonable  diligence  and  care  in  the 
safe  keeping  and  lawful  disposal  of  all  sums  of  money, 
books,  bonds,  notes,  papers  and  all  other  matters  and 
things  appurtenant  to  the  said  office,  and  which  by  virtue 
thereof  have  or  shall  come  to  the  hands  of  the  said  Treas- 
urer and  Receiver  General  his  agents  or  servants ;  and 
thereof,  and  of  all  expenditures  in  the  said  office,  the 
said  Treasurer  &  Receiver  General  his  heirs  executors, 
administrators  or  sureties  or  some  one  of  them  shall  ren- 
der a  just  and  true  account  when  by  law,  or  by  the  Sen- 
ate and  House  of  Representatives  for  the  time  being,  or 
by  either  of  them,  with  reasonable  notice,  required ;  and 
shall,  at  the  exp[r]iration  of  the  office  of  such  Treasurer  and 
Receiver  General,  by  a  new  choice  or  his  death  or  resig- 
nation, or  any  vacancy  thereof  which  shall  be  by  virtue 
of  this  Act  declared  by  the  Governor  with  the  advice  of 
Council,  produce  and  deliver  over  without  fraud,  embez- 
zlement or  delay,  all  and  singular  the  monies,  books, 
credits  and  other  appurtenances  of  the  said  office  then  re- 
maining in  the  custody  of  the  said  Treasurer  and  Receiver 
General  his  agents  or  servants,  to  such  person  or  persons, 
as  are  or  shall  be  by  law  appointed  and  authorized  to  re- 
ceive the  same  ;  and  that  the  said  Ti-easurer  and  Receiver 
General  his  executors  or  administrators  or  the  said  sure- 
ties,   or  their  respective  executors  or   administrators  or 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  59.  357 

some  of  them,  shall  as  soon  as  may  be  then  after,  &  as  far 
as  in  them  lies,  cause  a  final  adjustment  of  the  accounts 
of  said  office,  and  all  balances  and  defalcations  which 
shall  appear  against  such  Treasurer  or  Receiver  General, 
thereupon  shall  pay  or  cause  to  be  paid  into  the  Treasury 
of  this  Commonwealth. 

A7id  be  it  further  enacted,  that  the  Governor  with  the  omce  to  be  de- 

1     •  i? /^  •!  J.1  I     •     J.  J.'  1         claied  vacant 

advice  ot  Council  upon  the  complaint  or  suggestion  made,  lu  case- 
under  oath,  of  any  person  or  persons,  and  more  especially 
of  any  surety  of  a  Treasurer  and  Receiver  General  in  any 
bond  to  be  taken  as  aforesaid,  that  such  officer  is  insane 
or  manifestly  insolvent,  or  hath  absconded  and  concealed 
himself  for  fear  of  his  just  creditors,  or  is  absent  from  this 
Commonwealth,  or  the  duties  of  his  said  office  to  the  im- 
minent hazard  of  the  said  Commonwealth  in  respect  to 
the  trusts  in  such  officer  reposed,  and  the  truth  of  such 
complaint  or  suggestion  appearing  upon  due  examination 
thereof  had,  shall  have  authority  and  it  shall  be  their  duty 
to  discontinue  such  Treasurer  &  Receiver  General  and  to 
declare  such  office  vacant. 

And  be  it  further  enacted,  that  upon  the  death  or  resig-  secretary  and 
nation  of  the  Treasurer  &  Receiver  General  or  upon  any  ized  in  case 
other  vacancy  of  that  office  which  the  Governor  with  °  ^»*'*'"=y- 
the  advice  of  Council  shall  l)e  authorized  1)y  this  Act  to 
declare,  the  Secretary  with  two  discreet  and  impartial 
citizens  to  be  appointed  by  warrant  under  the  hand  and 
Seal  of  the  Governor,  upon  such  event  or  declaration 
made,  shall  have  authority  and  it  shall  be  their  duty  re- 
si)ectively  to  repair  to  the  place  and  places  where  the 
monies  papers  &  other  matters  appurtenant  to  the  Treas- 
ury are  usually  kept,  deposited  or  known  to  be,  and  hav- 
ing previously  notified  such  late  Treasurer  or  his  heirs, 
executors  or  administrators  and  the  sureties  bound  with 
him  as  aforesaid,  or  one  of  them  to  attend  thereat,  shall 
seal  up  and  secure  in  their  presence,  if  they  shall  see  fit 
to  attend,  all  such  monies,  papers  &  other  matters  taken 
to  be  the  property  of  this  Commonwealth,  and  shall  give 
such  representatives  or  sureties  if  required  by  them,  a  true 
list  of  all  boxes  and  packages  which  shall  be  so  sealed  and 
secured,  and  shall  note  on  such  list  the  place  or  places 
wherein  the  same  are  deposited,  and  as  soon  as  it  may 
afterwards  be  conveniently  done,  shall,  having  given  like 
notice,  cause  the  said  boxes  and  packages  to  be  examined, 
and  an  accurate  inventory  to  l)e  taken  of  the  said  monies 


358  Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  59. 

and  of  all  l)onds,  notes,  securities,  books,  and  of  any  other 
matters  appurtenant  to  the  said  office  which  shall  be  re- 
quired by  the  said  late  Treasurer  oi*  his  representatives 
or  sureties  or  either  of  them  present  thereat,  and  a  copy 
thereof  shall  be  lodged  in  the  Secretary's  office  ;  and  one 
or  more  copies  as  may  be  required,  shall  be  given  to  any 
person  concerned  in  ascertaining  the  truth  in  the  prem- 
ises ;  and  the  said  Committee  shall  safely  keep  all  such 
monies,  papers  &  other  matters  inventoried  as  aforesaid 
until  another  Treasurer  shall  be  chosen,  to  whom  they 
shall  deliver  over  the  same,  when  qualified  in  the  manner 
this  Act  provides,  taking  duplicate  receipts  from  such 
Treasurer,  one  of  which  shall  be  deposited  Avith  the  Sec- 
retary, &  the  other  with  such  late  [late]  Treasurer  or  his 
legal  representative  or  his  said  sureties  or  one  of  them. 
Proviso.  Provided  always,  that  in  the  succession  by  the  annual 

choice  of  a  Treasurer  &  Receiver  General,  the  former 
officer  being  present  &  capable  of  acting,  duplicate  re- 
ceipts shall  be  given  by  the  successor,  one  of  which  being 
lodged  with  the  Secretary  shall  be  sufficient  evidence  for 
such  former  officer,  of  the  property  of  the  Commonwealth 
remaining  and  delivered  over  by  him,  and  shall  be  his 
sufficient  discharge  therefor  accordingly,  without  other 
proceedings  as  herein  required. 
^rai°empowered  ^^^  ^^  *^  fuHJier  eiiacted,  that  the  bonds  herein  re- 
iu  case-  quired,  shall  be  lodged  in  the  Secretary's  office,  and  the 

Attorney  General  upon  the  order  of  the  Governor  with 
the  advice  of  Council,  or  of  the  Senate  and  House  of  Rep- 
resentatives in  General  Court  assembled,  and  any  other 
person  or  persons  who  shall  be  l)y  them  authorized  herein, 
shall  and  may  in  behalf  &  for  the  use  of  this  Common- 
wealth, commence  any  action  or  actions  upon  any  such 
bond  and  pursue  the  same  to  final  judgment  execution  & 
satisfaction, 
orfraud "  "^^^  ^'^^  ^^  ^'^  further  enacted  that  if  any  Clerk  or  other 
person  employed  by  the  Treasurer  &  Receiver  General 
shall  commit  any  fraud  or  embezzlement  therein,  and 
shall  be  duly  convicted  thereof  before  the  Supreme  Judi- 
cial Court  he  shall  be  punished  by  fine  not  exceeding  five 
hundred  2)ounds  or  by  confinement  to  hard  labour  for  a 
term  of  years  or  for  life,  according  to  the  nature  &  aggra- 
vation of  the  offence  and  the  judgment  of  the  said  Court 
thereupon.  March  S,  1792. 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  60.  359 


1791.  —  Chapter  60. 

[January  Session,  ch.  44.] 
AN  ACT   PROVIDING   A  MORE  P^ASY  AND  SIMPLE  METHOD  THAN 
IS  NOW  IN  USE  OF  BARRING  ESTATES  TAIL  IN   LANDS,  <S.  FOR 
MAKING  THE  SAME  LIABLE  TO  THE  PAYMENT  OF  THE  DEBTS 
OF  THE  TENANT  IN  TAIL. 

Whereas  the  method  novj  in  use,  of  barring  estates  tail  P>earabie. 
in  lands  tenements  and  hereditaments  by  common  recoveries 
suffered  at  common  law,  is  dilatory  and  ex^misive,  and 
liable  to  many  objections,  and  it  is  expedient  to  provide  an 
easier  and  more  simple  method  for  effecting  that  jnirpose, 
and  for  conveying  such  lands,  tenements,  cO  hereditaments 
in  fee  simple. 

Be  it  therefore  Enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of 
Representatives  in  General  Court  assembled  and  by  the 
authority  of  the  same,  that  from  and  after  the  publication  Persons  pos- 

„,.•/.',,„         '  ,         ,         ^   ^    f  sessed  of  estates 

of  this  Act  it  shall  and  may  be  lawiul  lor  any  person  or  tail,  empowered 
persons,  who  shall  &  may  be  seized  and  possessed  of  any  '» ^eii  the  same. 
lands,  tenements  or  hereditaments  within  this  Common- 
wealth in  fee  tail,  being  of  full  age  l)y  deed  duly  executed 
before  two  or  more  credible  subscribing  witnesses  acknowl- 
edged before  the  Supreme  Judicial  Court,  in  any  County 
or  the  Court  of  Common  pleas  in  the  County  where  such 
lands  lie,  or  before  any  Justice  of  the  peace  in  this  Com- 
monwealth, or  before  a  Justice  of  the  }:)eace  or  Magistrate 
in  some  other  of  the  United  States  of  America,  or  in  any 
other  State  or  Kingdom  wherein  the  Grantor  or  Vendor 
may  reside  at  the  time  of  making  and  executing  the  deed, 
&  recorded  in  the  record  of  Deeds  for  such  County,  for  a 
good  or  valuable  consideration,  bona  fide,  to  give  grant 
sell  &  convey  such  lands,  tenements  or  hereditaments,  or 
any  part  thereof  in  fee  simple,  to  any  person  or  persons 
capable  by  law  of  taking  and  holding  real  estates  in  this 
Commonwealth;  and  such  deed  so  executed,  acknowl- 
edged &  recorded,  shall  be  sufficient  and  eflectual  in  law 
to1)ar  all  estates  tail  in  such  lands,  tenements  or  heredita- 
ments ;  &  all  right  and  title  of  the  tenant  or  tenants  in 
tail,  &  their  issue  in  tail,  &  of  all  others  claiming  under 
&  by  force  of  the  original  gift  or  grant,  which  created 
such  estate  tail,  in  &  to  such  lands,  tenements  or  here- 
ditaments, and  all  reversions  &  remainders  expectant 
upon  the  determinations  of  such  estates  tail ;  &  to  pass, 
&  to  vest  the  absolute  inheritance  in  fee  simple  of  such 


3G0 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  61. 


Estates  so  held, 
to  be  subject  — 


lands,  tenements  or  hereditaments,  in  such  purchasers,  or 
grantees  without  any  fine  or  common  recovery  made  or 
suffered,  or  any  other  act  or  ceremony  whatever,  any  law, 
custom  or  usage  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding. 

And  be  it  further  Enacted,  that  all  lands,  tenements  or 
hereditaments  in  this  Commonwealth,  held,  or  that  may 
1)6  held  in  fee  tail,  general  or  special,  shall  be,  and  are 
hereby  declared  to  be  liable  &  subject  to  the  payment  of 
the  debts  of  the  tenant  in  tail  in  the  same  way  &  manner 
as  other  real  estates  are  liable  and  subject,  as  well  after 
the  decease,  as  in  the  life  time  of  such  tenant  in  tail. 

And  be  [if]  further  Enacted,  that  whenever  any  person 
shall  hereafter  in  &  by  his  last  will  &  testament,  devise 
any  lands,  tenements,  or  hereditaments  to  any  person,  for 
&  during  the  term  of  such  person's  natural  life,  &  after 
his  death  to  his  children  or  heirs,  or  right  heirs  in  fee, 
such  devise  shall  be  taken  &  construed  to  vest  an  estate 
for  life  only  in  such  Devisee,  &  a  remainder  in  fee  simple, 
in  such  children,  heirs  or  right  heirs,  any  law  usage  or 
custom  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding. 

March  S,  1792. 


Evidence  ad- 
mitted in  case 
of  forgery. 


1791.— Chapter  61. 

[January  Session,  ch.  41.] 

AN  ACT  FOll  MAKING    THE    CERTIFICATES    OF    CERTAIN    OFFI- 
CERS, EVIDENCE  IN  CRIMINAL  CASES. 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  /Senate  and  House  of  Representatives 
in  General  Court  assembled  &  by  the  authority  of  the  same, 
that  in  all  criminal  prosecutions  within  this  Common- 
wealth for  forging  or  altering  any  paper  or  other  bill  of 
credit  of  the  United  States  of  America,  or  either  of  said 
States,  or  of  uttering  or  passing  any  such  paper  or  other 
bill  of  credit  knowing  the  same  to  be  forged  or  altered, 
or  of  holding  and  possessing  such  forged  or  altered  bill  of 
credit  with  intent  to  utter  or  jmss  the  same,  knowing  the 
same  to  l)e  forged  or  altered,  the  certificate  under  oath  of 
the  Secretary  or  Treasurer  of  the  said  United  States  of 
America,  or  of  either  of  the  said  States,  of  the  tenor 
of  the  true  ])ill  alledged  to  be  forged  or  altered,  shall  be 
admitted  on  trial  in  such  prosecution  for  the  purpose  of 
proving  such  l>ill  of  credit  to  1)e  forged  or  altered. 

March  8,  1792. 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  62.  361 

1791.  —  Chapter  63. 

[January  Session,  ch.  45.] 

AN  ACT  FOR  INCOllPORATING  CERTAIN  PERSONS  FOR  THE  PUR- 
POSE OF  BUILDING  A  BRIDGE  OVER  CHARLES-RIVER  FROM 
THE  WESTERLY  PART  OF  BOSTOX  TO  CAMBRIDGE,  AND  FOR 
EXTENDING  THE  INTEREST  OF  THE  PROPRIETORS  OF  CHARLES 
RIVER  BRIDGE  FOR  A  TERM  OF  YEARS. 

Whereas  the  erecting  a  Bridge  over  Charles  River  fro7n  Preamble. 
(he  westerly  part  q/"  Boston  near  the  Pest  House,  so  called, 
to  Pelham's  Island  in  the  town  of  Cambridge,  looidd  he  of 
great  public  utility,  and  Francis  Dana  and  others  and 
Oliver  Wendell  and  others,  have  respectively  petitioned 
this  Court  for  an  Act  of  incorporation  to  imjjoiver  them  to 
build  said  Bridge,  and  many  persons  in  exp)ectation  of  such 
an  Act  have  subscribed  to  a  fund  for  executing  and  com- 
p)leating  the  aforesaid  purpose. 

Be  it  therefore  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of 
Bepresentatives  in  General  Court  assembled  and  by  the 
authority  of  the  same,  that  the  Honorable  Francis  Dana,  Proprietors  in. 
the  Honorable  Oliver  Wendell,  the  Honorable  James  ''°'^'°'''''^- 
Sullivan,  Henry  Jackson  Esquire,  Mungo  Mackay  & 
William  Wetmore  Esquire  so  long  as  they  shall  continue 
proprietors  in  said  fund  together  with  all  those  who  are 
and  those  who  shall  become  proprietors  of  said  fund  or 
stock,  shall  be  a  corporation  and  body  politic  under  the 
name  of  the  proprietors  of  the  West  Boston  Bridge,  and 
by  that  name  may  sue  and  prosecute,  &  be  sued  and  prose- 
cuted to  final  judgment  and  execution,  and  do  and  suffer 
all  other  acts  and  things  which  bodies  politick  may  or 
ought  to  do  and  suffer,  and  that  said  corporation  shall  and 
may  have  full  power  &  authority  to  make  have  and  use  a 
common  Seal  and  the  same  to  break  alter  and  renew  at 
pleasure. 

And  be  it  further  enacted,  that  the  said  Francis  Dana,  Empowered  to 
Oliver  Wendell,  James  Sidlivan,  Henry  Jackson,  Mungo  '^"" " "''''"'"*''• 
Mackay  &  William  Wetmore  or  any  three  of  them,  may 
by  advertisement  in  any  two  of  the  Boston  news  papers, 
warn  or  call  a  meeting  of  the  said  proprietors,  to  be  holden 
at  Boston  aforesaid,  at  any  suitable  time  after  seven  days 
from  the  publication  of  said  advertisement,  and  the  said 
proprietors  by  a  vote  of  a  majority  of  those  present  or 
represented  at  said  meeting  (accounting  and  allowing  a 
vote  to  each  share  in  all  cases)  shall  chuse  a  Clerk  who 


362 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  62. 


Indlransl^t"""  ^^all  be  swom  to  the  ftiithful  discharge  of  his  office,  and 
other  mutters,  also  shall  agree  on  a  method  for  calling  future  meetings 
&  at  the  same  or  any  subsequent  meeting  may  make  and 
establish  any  rules  and  regulations  that  shall  be  convenient 
or  necessary  for  regulating  the  said  corporation,  effecting 
compleating  and  executing  the  purposes  aforesaid,  and  for 
collecting  the  toll  herein  granted,  and  the  same  rules  and 
regulations  may  cause  to  be  kept  and  executed,  &  for  the 
breach  of  any  of  them  may  order  and  enjoin  lines  and 
Froviso.  penalties  not  exceeding  four  pounds  ;  provided  that  said 

rules  and  regulations  be  not  repugnant  to  the  Constitu- 
tion or  laws  of  the  Commonwealth ;  and  the  said  pro- 
prietors may  also  chuse  and  appoint  any  other  officer  or 
officers  of  the  corporation  that  they  may  deem  necessary, 
and  all  representations  of  the  aforesaid  proprietors  at 
said  meetings,  shall  be  proved  by  a  special  ap[)ointment 
in  writing  signed  l)y  the  person  making  the  representa- 
tion which  shall  be  filed  with  or  recorded  by  the  Clerk,  — 
and  this  Act  and  all  rules  regulations  and  votes  of  said 
corporation  shall  be  fairly  and  truly  recorded  by  their 
said  Clerk  in  a  book  or  books  for  that  purpose  provided 
and  kept,  which  book  or  books  shall  be  subject  to  the 
inspection  of  any  person  or  persons  for  that  purpose 
appointed  by  the  Legislature. 

And  be  it  further  enacted,  that  for  the  purpose  of  re- 
imbursing the  said  proprietors  of  the  West  Boston  Bridge, 
the  money  expended  and  to  be  expended  in  building  and 
supporting  said  Bridge  and  of  indemnifying  them  for  their 
risque,  a  toll  be  &  hereby  is  granted  and  established  for 
the  sole  benefit  of  said  corporation,  according  to  the  rates 
following,  viz,  For  each  foot  passenger  or  one  person 
passing  two  thirds  of  a  penny,  —  single  horse  cart  sled  or 
sleigh  four  pence,  —  one  person  and  horse  tivo  pence  two 
thirds  of  a  penny,  —  each  wheel  barrow  hand  cart  and 
every  other  vehicle  capable  of  carrying  like  weight,  one 
penny  and  one  third  of  a  penny,  —  each  single  horse  and 
chaise,  chair  or  sulkey  eight  pence, — coaches,  chariots, 
phaetons  and  curricles  one  shilling  each,  —  all  other  wheel 
carriages  or  sleds  drawn  by  more  than  one  horse  six  pence 
each,  —  sleighs  drawn  by  more  than  one  beast  six  p)ence 
each,  —  neat  cattle  or  horses  passing  over  said  Bridge, 
exclusive  of  those  rode  or  in  carriages  or  teams,  one  penny 
&  one  third  of  a  penny  each,  —  swine  and  sheep  four  pence 
for  each  dozen  and  at  the  same  rate  for  a  greater  or  less 


Toll 
established. 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  62.  363 

Dumber,  — and  in  all  cases  the  same  toll  shall  be  paid  for 
all  carriages  i)assing  said  Bridge  whether  the  same  be 
loaded  or  not  loaded ;  and  to  each  team,  one  man  and  no 
more  shall  be  allowed  as  a  driver  to  pass  free  from  pay- 
ment of  toll ;  and  at  all  times  when  the  tollgatherer  shall 
not  attend  his  duty  the  gate  or  gates  shall  ])e  left  open : 
—  And  the  said  toll  shall  commence  at  the  day  of  the  tirst  ooramencing  & 
opening  of  the  said  Bridge  for  passengers,  and  shall  con-  thetoii.' 
tinue  for  &  during  the  term  of  forty  years  from  the  said 
day,  &  be  collected  as  shall  be  prescribed  by  said  corpo- 
ration . 

And  be  it  further  enacted,  that  the  said  Bridge  shall  be  Dimensious  and 
l)uilt  of  good  and  sufficient  materials  not  less  than  forty  ™^"''"''*- 
feet  wide  &  well  covered  with  plank  or  timber  suitable 
for  such  a  Bridge,  with  sufficient  rails  on  each  side  for 
the   safety  of  passengers,  and  the  said  Bridge  shall   be 
kept  accommodated   with  a  number  of  lamps  according  Lamps. 
to  the  length  of  said  Bridge,  in  proportion  to  the  number 
required  to  be  erected  on  Charles  River  Bridge,  which 
shall  be  well  supplied  with  oil  and  lighted  in  due  season 
&  kept  burning  untill  midnight;  and  there  shall  also  be  Diaw. 
made  a  good  and  sufficient  draw  or  passage  way  at  least 
thirty  feet  wide  at  some  place  in  said  Bridge  proper  for 
the  passing  and  repassing  of  Vessels,  through  which  ves- 
sels may  pass  free  of  toll,  and  also  there  shall  be  built 
&  maintained  in  good  repair,  a  well  constructed  and  sub- 
stantial pier  on  each  side  of  said  Bridge  Sc  adjoining  the 
draw  ;  and  there  shall  also  be  erected  at  or  near  the  centre  watch  bouse. 
of  said  Bridge  a  suitable  and  convenient  Watch  House  in 
or  near  which  some  proper  person  shall  continue  &  reside 
from  sun  setting  to  sun  rising  through  the  year;  and  the 
said  Bridge  shall  be  kept  in  good  safe  and  passable  repair 
for  the  term  of  forty  years  to  be  computed  as  aforesaid, 
and  at  the  expiration  of  said  term  shall  be  surrendered 
in  like  repair  to  the  Commonwealth  ;  and  at  the  several  f'^'i\^!j''"'' 
places  where  the  said  toll  shall  be  received  there  shall  be 
erected  by  said  Corporation  and  exposed  to  open  view 
constantly,  a  board  or  sign  with  the  rates  of  toll  and  of 
all  the  tollable  articles  fairly  and  legibly  written  thereon 
in  large  or  capital  letters ;  and  the  draw  shall  be  lifted 
without  delay  for  all  vessels  without  toll  or  pay,  except 
for  such  as  are  so  constructed  that  their  masts  may  be 
struck  and  those  passing  for  pleasure  ;  and  said  Corpora-  Road  to  be  laiu 
tion  shall  also  lay  out  and  make  or  cause  to  be  laid  out  &  ""'' 


364 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  62. 


Annuity  to  tbe 
College. 


Apprupiiation. 


Act  to  be  void 
in  cage  — 


made  a  good  road  from  Pelhmn's  Island  aforesaid  in  the 
most  direct  and  practicable  line  to  the  nearest  part  of  the 
Cambridge  road. 

And  be  it  fur-ther  enacted,  that  after  the  said  toll  shall 
commence,  the  said  corporation  shall  pay  annually  to 
Harvard  College  or  University  the  sum  of  three  hundred 
pounds  during  the  said  term  of  forty  years,  to  be  by  said 
College  appropriated  for  the  purpose  of  defraying  the 
expence  of  tuition  to  such  indigent  scholars  as  in  the 
judgment  of  the  corporation  of  said  University  shall 
stand  in  need  of  the  same  ;  the  residue,  if  any  there  be, 
for  the  purpose  of  reducing  the  expence  of  tuition  to  all 
the  other  schollars ;  and  if  the  sum  liefore  mentioned 
shall  be  applied  to  any  other  purposes  than  the  before 
mentioned,  then  and  in  that  case  it  shall  revert  to  and  be 
paid  into  the  Treasury  of  the  Commonwealth. 

And  be  it  further  enacted,  that  if  the  said  corporation 
shall  refuse  or  neglect  for  the  space  of  three  years  after 
the  passing  this  Act  to  build  &  compleat  the  said  Bridge, 
then  this  Act  shall  be  void  &  of  no  effect. 

And  whereas  the  erection  of  Charles  Elver  Bridge  2vas 
a  work  of  hazard  and  public  utility,  and  another  Bridge 
in  the  place  proposed  for  the  West  Boston  Bridge  may 
diminish  the  emoluments  of  Charles  River  Bridge,  — 
Therefore  for  the  encouragement  of  enteiprize,  — 

Be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid,  that 
the  proprietors  of  Charles  River  Bridge  shall  continue  to 
be  a  corporation  and  body  politick  for  and  during  the 
term  of  sevent}^  years  to  be  computed  from  the  day  that 
said  Charles  River  Bridge  was  complcated  and  opened 
for  passengers,  subject  to  all  the  conditions  and  regula- 
tions prescribed  in  an  Act  entitled  "  An  Act  for  incorpo- 
rating certain  persons  for  the  purpose  of  building  a  Bridge 
over  Charles  River  between  Boston  and  Charlestown  and 
supporting  the  same  during  the  term  of  forty  years  ", — 
and  during  the  aforesaid  term  of  seventy  years  the  said 
the  I'loprietors.  proprictors  of  Charles  River  Bridge  shall  and  may  con- 
tinue to  collect  and  receive  all  the  toll  granted  by  the 
Proviso.  aforesaid  Act  for  their  use  and  l)enefit,  provided  however 

they  also  continue  to  pay  annually  to  said  Harvard 
College  the  sum  of  two  hundred  pounds,  and  to  observe 
the  aforesaid  regidations  and  conditions,  and  at  the  expi- 
ration of  said  term  of  seventy  years,  said  Charles  River 
t^o'ihfstatc!""'*  Bridge  shall  revert  to  and  be  the  property  of  the  Com- 
monwealth, and  shall  be  surrendered  in  good  repair. 


Term  of  the 
Proprietors 
continni'ij  an  a 
corporation. 


BenelilB  of  the 
toll  exlendod  tc 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  63.  365 

A)id  it  is  further  enacted,  that  in  consideration  of  the  Additional  tou 
privileges    in   this   Act    granted    to   the    proprietors    of 
Charles  River  Bridge,  the  said    proprietors  shall    relin- 
quish the  additional   toll    on  the    Lord's  day  from  and 
after  the  passing  this  Act.  March  6,  1792  * 

1791.  — Chapter  63. 

[January  Session,  ch.  46.1 

AN  ACT  REGULATING  THE  TAKING  OF  THE  FISH  CALLED  ALE- 
WIVES  IN  THE  SEVERAL  STREAMS  EMPTYING  INTO  MERI- 
MACK  RIVER  IN  THE  TOWN  OF  ANDOVER. 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  &  House  of  Representa- 
tives in  General  Court  assembled  cO  by  the  AufJiority  of 
the  same,  that  it  shall  and  may  be  lawful  for  the  Inhab-  inhabitants  to 
itants  of  said  Town   of  Andover  from  time  to  time  at  cafchiiigflBh. 
their  Annual  meeting  in  the  INIonth  of  March  or  April 
to  determine  &  order  by  whom  &  in  what  place  or  places 
the  said  Fish  may  be  taken  in  the  several  streams  empty- 
ing into  Merrimack  River  within  the  Town  aforesaid,  & 
shall  cause  a  Copy  of  such  Order  attested  by  the  Town 
Clerk  of  said  Town  to  be  posted  up  in  some  public  place 
in  said  town  &  in  the  town  of  Methuen;  &  any  person  Penalty. 
who  shall  violate  such  order  upon  conviction  thereof  shall 
forfeit  &  pay  a  sum  not  exceeding  twenty  shillings  nor 
less  than  ten  shillings,  provided  the  quantity  so  taken  is  Proviso. 
less  than  one  barrel,  but  for  every  barrel  so  taken  they 
shall  forfeit  &  pay  the  sum  oi  forty  shillings  to  be  re- 
covered l)efore  any  Justice  of  the  Peace  in  the  County 
of  Essex,  before  whom  the  complaint  shall  be  made,  one 
Moiety  to  the  informer  the  other  moiety  to  the  poor  of 
said  Town. 

And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  Authority  aforesaid, 
that  the  times  &  manner  })rescribed  for  taking  fish,  in  an  The  time  and 
Act  passed  4th  March  1790,  entitled  "  An  Act  to  regulate  "atchinyLh  to 
the  catching  of  Salmon,  Shad  &  Ale  wives  &  to  prevent  aS'^Lct.^^ 
obstructions  in  Merrimack  river  &  in  the  other  rivers  & 
Streams  running  into  the  same  within  this  Commonwealth, 
&  for  repealing  several  Acts  heretofore  made  for  that  pur- 
pose" shall  be  observed,  as  the  times  &  manner  for  taking 
said  fish  in  the  said  Streams  in  the  town  of  Andover,  & 
if  any  person  shall  take  any  of  said  fish  at  any  other  time 
or  in  any  other  manner,  than  is  prescribed  in  the  Act  last 
recited,  he  shall  for  each  offence  be  subject  to  such  penalty.  Penalty. 

*  Approved  March  9,  1792. 


36G 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  63. 


Witnesses  ad- 
mitted. 


empowered. 


Penally. 


—  further  em- 
powered. 


as  is  provided  in  the  said  Act  for  the  same  offence,  to  be 
recovered  &  appropriated  in  the  same  manner  as  is  therein 
directed. 

And  he  it  further  enacted  by  the  Authority  aforesaid^ 
that  any  of  the  Inhabitants  of  said  Town  of  Andover  not 
concerned  in  viohiting  this  Act  may  be  admitted  as  wit- 
nesses in  any  Action  that  may  be  l)rought  for  the  penalty 
aforesaid,  they  being  Inhabitants  of  said  town  notwith- 
standing. 

And  be  it  further  enacted,  that  the  Inhabitants  of  said 
town  at  their  Annual  meeting  in  the  Month  of  March 
or  April,  shall  be  and  hereby  are  impowered  to  chuse  a 
Committee  or  Committees,  being  freeholders  in  said  Town 
&  each  person  so  chosen  shall  be  sworn  faithfully  to  dis- 
charge the  duties  required  of  them  by  said  town  agreeable 
to  this  Act  &  the  Committee  or  Committees  or  the  major 
part  of  them  are  hereby  authori^ied  &  impowered  to  open 
such  sluice  or  passage  way  through  or  round  any  dams 
erected  or  that  shall  be  erected  across  said  Streams  as 
they  shall  judge  necessary  for  the  free  passage  of  said 
fish  &  to  remove  lumber  &  every  other  obstruction  to 
the  free  passage  of  said  fish  to  erect  racks  or  wooden 
frames  as  they  shall  judge  necessary  in  the  Stream  or 
Streams  through  which  the  said  Fish  pass,  they  being 
restricted  in  such  opening  &  clearing  to  do  the  same  as 
little  to  the  damage  of  the  owner  or  owners  as  may  l)e, 
such  passage  so  opened  by  the  Committee  aforesaid,  shall 
continue  open  if  they  judge  it  necessary  from  the  tenth 
day  oi  April  to  the  last  day  of  May  Annually,  &  if  any 
person  or  persons  shall  unlawfully  obstruct  the  passage 
or  passages  for  said  fish,  remove  or  injure  any  rack  or 
racks  that  shall  be  erected  by  said  Committee  on  said 
Streams,  such  person  or  persons  so  offending  upon  con- 
viction thereof  shall  forfeit  &  pay  a  sum  not  exceeding 
thirty  jiouuds  nor  less  than  ten  poimds,  to  be  recovered 
in  any  Court  proper  to  try  the  same,  one  Moiety  to  the 
Informer  &  the  other  moiety  to  the  poor  of  said  Town. 

And  be  it  further  enacted,  that  the  said  Committee  or 
Committees  be,  and  hereby  are  authorized  &  directed  to 
distribute  the  fish  that  may  be  taken  by  them  or  any  per- 
son under  them  as  equally  as  circumstances  will  admit,  to 
such  Persons  as  apply  for  the  same  &  for  the  fish  so  sup- 
plied the  Committee  or  Committees  shall  demand  a  sum 
not  exceeding  one  fifth  of  a  Dollar  for  each  hundred  of 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  64.  367 

fish  so  delivered  excepting  of  certain  poor  Persons  of  said 
town  of  Andover,  who  in  the  opinion  of  the  Selectmen 
of  said  Town  are  unable  to  pay  for  the  same  &  such  Per- 
sons shall  l)e  supplied  gratis  with  such  quantities  as  the 
Committee  or  Committees  shall  Judge  expedient :  And 
the  said  Committee  or  Committees  so  appointed  shall  on 
the  first  town  meeting  after  the  month  of  iliay  annually 
exhibit  an  Account  of  all  the  fish  by  them  disposed  of,  & 
the  balance,  if  any  remains,  after  paying  them  a  reason- 
able compensation  for  their  services,  shall  be  paid  into 
the  Treasury  of  said  town  for  the  benefit  thereof. 

And  be  it  further  enacted  that  it  shall  &  may  be  lawful  ^all°aL''°''' 
for  any  of  said  Committee  or  their  Assistants  while  in  the  uee8pa8s.ei8. 
execution  of  their  Ofiice  to  go  upon  the  land  adjoining 
to  said  streams  without  being  considered  as  trespassers  ; 
and  any  person  or  persons  that  shall  attempt  to  molest  or 
hinder  said  Committee  or  either  of  them  in  the  Execution 
of  their  OflSce,  shall  forfeit  &  pay  a  sum  not  exceeding  Penalty. 
four  pounds  nor  less  than  three  pounds  to  be  recovered 
in  any  Court  proper  to  try  the  same  to  be  disposed  of  as 
is  provided  for  in  other  breaches  of  this  Act. 

Aiid  be  it  fwther  enacted,  that  if  any  person  is  found  }u,f  7a\{J,°'fl^h 
attempting  to  take  any  of  said  fish  at  any  time  or  place  subjecito 
otherwise  than  is  provided  in  this  Act  or  if  any  of  said  P'^"*^^" 
fish  shall  be  found  in  the  possession  of  any  person  such 
person  or  persons  shall  be  deemed  to  have  taken  them 
unlawfully,  &  shall  be  subject  to  the  penalty  of  this  Act, 
unless  he  or  they  shall  make  it  appear  upon  trial  that  they 
came  lawfully  by  said  fish.  March  9,  1792. 


1791.  —  Chapter  64. 

[January  Session,  ch.  47.] 

AN  ACT  IN  FURTHEIl  ADDITION  TO  AN  ACT  ENTITLED  "AN 
ACT  FOR  REGULATING  &  GOVERNING  THE  MILITIA  OF  THE 
COMMONWEALTH  OF  MASSACHUSETTS,  &  FOR  REPEALING 
ALL   LAWS   HERETOFORE   MADE    FOR   THAT  PURPOSE." 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  &  House  of  Representatives 
in  General  Court   assembled  cO  by  the  Authority  of  the 
same,  that  the  Governor  or  Commander  in  chief  with  the  Cavahy  to  be 
advice  &  consent  of  the  Council,  may  whenever  he  shall  ernor\^'^^°^' 
judge  expedient,  raise  a  Troop  or  Troops  of  Cavalry  in  ^'o"""'- 
each  division  of  the  Militia  in  Addition  to  those  already 
raised,  provided  always,  that  the  Certificate  of  the  Com-  Proviso. 


368 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  64. 


Cavalry  &  Ar- 
tillery to  be 
formed  into 
battallions. 


Other  corps  to 
be  subject  to  the 
Commanding 
Officer  of  the 
regiment. 


Recruits  to  be 
taken  from  the 
standing  mili- 
tia condition- 
ally. 


Companies  des- 
titute of  officers. 


manding  Officer  of  the  division  shall  be  required,  &  the 
same  rules  &  restrictions  observed  in  every  respect  in  rais- 
ing such  troop  or  troops,  as  the  law  requires  for  raising 
Companies  of  Cadets. 

And  be  it  farther  enacted  by  the  Authority  aforesaid, 
that  the  Governor  or  Commander  in  chief  with  the  advice 
of  Council,  l)e  and  herel)y  is  empowered  to  form  the  sev- 
eral Troops  of  Cavalry  &  Companies  of  Artillery  in  each 
Division  of  the  Militia  of  this  Commonwealth  into  Bat- 
tallions ;  such  Battallions  when  consisting  of  more  than 
three  troops  or  Companies  to  be  commanded  by  a  Lieu- 
tenant Colonel,  &  if  not  consisting  of  more  than  three 
troops  or  Companies  to  be  commanded  by  a  Major. 

And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  Authority  aforesaid, 
that  all  Companies  of  Cadets,  Light  Infantry  or  other 
Corps  except  Troops  of  Cavalry  which  may  be  hereafter 
raised  by  virtue  of  the  Authority  given,  by  the  Law,  to 
the  Governor,  shall  be  under  the  command  of  the  Colonel 
or  Commanding  Officer  of  the  Regiment  in  which  such 
Companies  or  other  Corps  may  be  raised,  in  the  same 
manner  as  the  standing  Companies  of  Militia  belonging 
to  any  Regiment  are  under  the  command  of  the  Colonel 
or  Commanding  Officer  thereof. 

And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  Authority  aforesaid, 
that  no  Captain  of  any  Company  of  Artillery,  Troop  of 
Cavalry,  Company  of  Cadets  or  other  Corps  nor  any  other 
person,  shall  hereafter  inlist  any  man  or  men,  belonging 
to  any  of  the  standing  companies  of  Militia,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  forming  or  recruiting  such  Company,  Troop  or 
other  Corps,  when  by  means  thereof,  such  standing  Com- 
pany would  be  reduced  to  a  less  number  than  sixty  pri- 
vates of  the  Train  Band ;  but  where  it  can  be  done 
without  an  infraction  upon  this  rule,  all  such  Companies, 
troops  &  other  Corps  as  are  already  established,  may  l^e 
recruited,  any  thing  in  the  Act  to  which  this  is  an  Addi- 
t[^jon,  or  in  any  subsequent  Act  in  Addition  thereto,  to 
the  contrary  notwithstanding. 

And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid, 
that  at  all  Regimental  or  Battallion  Musters,  Companies 
destitute  of  commissioned  Officers,  shall  ha  under  the 
immediate  command  of  such  commissioned  Officers  as  the 
Coh)nel  or  Commanding  Officer  of  the  Regiment  to  which 
such  Company  may  belong,  shall  order  ;  any  thing  in  Law 
to  the  contrary  notwithstanding. 


Acts,  1791.  —  Chaptee  65,  369 

And  be  it  further  enacted  by  the  Authority  aforesaid, 
that  the  Adjutants  of  the  several  Resjiments  of  Militia  Adjutants  to  be 
within  this  Commonwealth,  may  prefeAheir  Accounts  for  Services.'""'"'" 
Services  hereafter  performed  in  the  Execution  of  their 
duty,  in  copying  and  distributing  general  &  divisionary 
Orders  &  that  only,  with  proper  Vouchers  &  Certificates, 
to  the  General  Court  for  allowance  and  payment. 

And  be  it  fiirther  enacted  by  the  Authority  aforesaid, 
that  no  Alien  or  Shaker  so  called  shall  be  held  to  do  Mill-  froT°'i,HaT^* 
tary  duty  in  the  Militia  of  this  Commonwealth.  dmy.'"'''""^ 

March  .9,  1792. 


1791. -Chapter  65. 

[January  Session,  ch.  48.] 
AN  ACT  IN  ADDITION  TO  AN  ACT,  INTITLED,  "AN  ACT  TO  ES- 
TABLISH A   BANK    IN    THIS    STATE   &   TO    INCORPORATE   THE 
SUBSCRIBERS   THERETO." 

Whereas  it  is  necessary  to  provide  for  a  more  secure  ad-  Preamble. 
ministration  of  the  affairs  of  the  Massachusetts  Bank,  in 
order  that  the  purposes,  for  ivhich  the  same  loas  established, 
may  be  ansioered. 

^  Be  it  Enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representa- 
tives in  General  Court  assembled,  and  by  the  authority 
of  the  same,  that  the  said  Corporation  shall  not  issue  any  smallest  notes 
note  of  a  less  denomination  than  five  dollars,  &  from  and  ''^  ^'^  '"""^''' 
after  the  first  day  of  January  next,  the  total  amount  of 
all  the  promissory  notes  of  said  Corporation,   together  Notes  &  money 
with  the  money  loaned  by  them  by  a  credit  on  their  Books  restricted. 
or  otherwise,  shall  not  at  any  one  time  exceed   double  the 
amount  of  their  capital  stock  in  gold  &  silver,  actually 
deposited  in  the  Bank  and  held  to  answer  the  demands 
against  the  same  ;  and  in  case  of  excess,  the  Directors  of  Directors  iiabie. 
said  Bank,  under  whose  administration  it  shall   happen, 
shall  be  liable  for  the  same  in  their  natural  and  private 
capacities,  and  an  action  of  debt  or  on  the  case,  may  in 
such  case  be  brought  against  them  or  any  of  them,  their, 
or  any  of  their  heirs,  executors,  or  administrators  in  any 
Court  proper  to  try  the  same,  by  any  Creditor  or  Cred- 
itors of  the  said  Corporation,  and  may  be  prosecuted  to 
final  judgment  and  execution,  any  condition,  covenant  or 
agreement  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding  ;  l)ut  this  shall 
not  be  construed  to  exempt  the  said  Corporation,  or  the 
lands,  tenements,   goods,   or  chatties  of  the  same  from 


370  Acts,  1791.  —  Chapter  65. 

being  also  liable  for,  and  chargeable  with  the  said  excess : 
Proviso.  provided,  that  such  of  the  said  Directors  as  may  be  ab- 

sent when  the  said  excess  was  contracted  or  created,  or 
who  may  have  dissented  from  the  resolution  or  act,  whereby 
the  same  was  so  contracted  or  created  may  respectively 
exonerate  themselves  from  being  so  liable  by  forthwith 
giving  notice  of  the  fact,  &  of  their  absence  or  dissent  to 
the  Supreme  Executive  of  this  Commonwealth,  for  the 
time  being. 

And  be  it  further  Unacted  hy  the  authority  aforesaid^ 
Djity^of^the  that  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Directors  of  said  Bank,  to 
furnish  the  Governor  and  Council  of  this  Commonwealth 
for  the  time  being,  once  in  six  months,  at  least,  and  as 
much  oftener,  as  they  may  require,  with  statements  of 
the  amount  of  the  capital  stock  of  said  Corporation,  and 
of  the  debts  due  to  the  same,  of  the  monies  deposited 
therein,  of  the  notes  in  circulation,  and  of  the  cash  in 
hand ;  which  statement  shall  be  signed  by  the  Directors, 
&  attested  by  their  Cashier. 

And  be  it  further  Enacted  by  the  Authority  aforesaid, 
cor_poraiion       that  if  the  Said  Corporation,  or  any  person  or  persons  for, 

prohibited  from  ,       ,,  ,.  ,  i  i      n    i       /         a        i      •      i 

dealing  or  or  to  thc  usc  of  thc  Same,  shall  deal  or  trade  m  buymg  or 

trading.  selling  any  goods,  wares,   merchandize  or  commodities, 

or  shall  after  six  months  from  the  passing  this  act,  buy 
or  sell  the  stock  or  shares  of  any  Bank,  that  is  already  or 
may  hereafter  be  established  in  this  State  or  any  of  the 
United  States,  all  and  every  person  or  persons,  by  whom 
any  order  or  direction  for  so  dealing  or  trading,  shall  have 
been  given,  &  all  and  every  person  &  persons,  who  shall 

Forfeiture.  \vA^fQ  bccu  conccmed  as  parties  or  agents  therein,  shall 
forfeit  and  pay  double  the  value  of  the  goods,  wares, 
merchandize,  commodities,  or  Bank  stock  in  which  such 
dealing  &  trade  shall  have  been,  —  one  half  to  the  use 
of  the  Informer,  and  thc  other  half  thereof  to  the  use 
of  the  Commonwealth,  to  be  recovered  with  costs  of 
suit. 

Number  of  ^mZ  l)e  it  Enacted  by  the  authority  aforesaid,  that  no 

stockholder  or  proprietor  in  the  Massachusetts  Bank  shall 
l^e  intitlcd  to  more  than  ten  votes,  at  any  meeting  of  said 
Corporation.  March  9,  1792. 


Acts,  1791.— Chapter  66,  371 


1791.  — Chapter  66. 

[January  Session,  ch.  49.] 

AN   ACT  TO   CONTINUE    AN   ACT,  ENTITLED,  "  AN   ACT  FOE,  REN- 
DERING   PROCESSES    IN   LAW   LESS   EXPENSIVE." 

Whe7^eas  the  said  act  will  expire  on  the  first  day  q/"  June 
next,  tO  it  is  expedient  the  same  shoidd  be  continued. 

Be  it  therefore  Enacted  hy  the  Senate  &  House  of  Rep- 
resentatives in  General  Court  Assembled,  &  by  the  author- 
ity of  the  same,  that  the  said  Act  be  &  the  same  is  hereby  Act  extended. 
continued  &  shall  continue  in  force  until  the  end  of  the 
first  Session  of  the  next  General  Court  &  no  longer, 

March  9,  1792. 


RESOLVES 


MASSACHUSETTS 


1791. 


EESOLVES 

OF  THE 

GENERAL    COURT 

OF  THE 

Commonwealth  of  Massachusetts, 


BEGUN     AND     HELD     AT     BOSTON,    IN    THE     COUNTY    OF    SUFFOLK, 

ON   WEDNESDAY   THE   TWENTY-FIFTH   DAY   OF 

MAT,   ANNO  DOMINI,    1791. 


BOSTON : 
PRINTED     BY    THOMAS    ADAMS, 

Printer  to  the  Honourable  General  Court. 

M,DCC,XCI. 

Reprinted  by  Wright  &  Potter  Printing  Company,  State  Printers. 


RESOLYES 


GENERAL  COURT  OF  THE  COMMONWEALTH 
OF  MASSACHUSETTS: 

TOGETPIER  WITH    THE   SPEECHES,    &c.   OF    HIS    EXCEL- 
LENCY THE   GOVERNOUR   TO  THE   SAID  COURT: 

BEGUN  AND  HELD  AT  BOSTON,  IN  THE  COUNTY  OF  SUF- 
FOLK, ON  WEDNESDAY  THE  TWENTY-FIFTH  DAY  OF 
MAY,   ANNO   DO 31  INI,   1791. 

His  Excellency  JOHN   HANCOCK,  Esq. 

Governour. 

His  Honour  SAMUEL   ADAMS,  Esq. 
Lieutenant-Governour. 

COUNCELLORS, 
Honourable  Samuel  Ilolten,  Honourable  Thomas  Russell, 

Moses  Gill,  John  Hastings, 

Azor  Orne,  Thomas  Durfee, 

Edward  Cutts,  Eleazer  Brooks,  Es- 

William  Phillips,  Esquires,  quires. 

The  folloxoing  are  the  names  of  the  Gejitlemen  who  comjMse  the  two 
Branches  of  the  GENERAL  COURT,  viz.  — 

SENATORS, 
Hon.  SAMUEL   PHILLIPS,  Esq.  President. 
For  the  County  of  Suffolk.  County  of  Middlesex. 

Hon.  William  Heath,  Hon.  Ebenezer  Bridge, 

Cotton  Tufts,  Joseph  Hosmer, 

Stephen  IMetcalf,  J.  B.  Varnum, 

Thomas  Dawes.  John  Brooks,  Esquires 

Benjamin  Austin,  jun  ,  Es- 
^"i>^"6s.  County  of  Hampshire. 

Hon.  Samuel  Lyman, 
Cou7ity  of  Essex.  Samuel  Fowler, 

Hon  Samuel  Phillips,  David  Sexton,  Esquires. 

Stephen  Choate, 

Jonathan  Greenleaf,  County  of  Plymouth. 

Theophilus  Bradbury,  Es-      Hon.  Daniel  Howard, 
quires.  Joshua  Thomas, 

Isaac  Thompson,  Esquires. 


378 


Resolves,  1791.  —  May  Session. 


SENATORS - 
County  of  Bristol. 
Hon.  Walter  Spooner, 

Elisha  May,  Esquires. 

County  of  Barnstable. 
lion.  Solomon  Freeman,  Esq. 


-  Concluded. 

Cotmty  of  York. 
lion.  Nathaniel  Wells,  Esquire 

County  of  Cumberland. 
Hon.  David  INIitchell,  Esquire. 


Dukes  County  and  Nan- 
tucket. 
Hon.  Peleg  Coffin,  jun.  Esq. 

County  of  Worcester. 
Hon.  Abel  Wilder, 
Samuel  Baker, 
Jonathan  Warner, 
Timothy  Newell,  Esquires. 


Counties  of  Lincoln,  Hancock 
&  Washington, 

Hon.  Alexander  Campbell,  Es- 
quire. 

County  of  Berkshire. 
Hon.  Thomi^son  J.  Skinner, 
Elijah  Dwight,  Esquires. 


MEMBERS   OF  THE  BOUSE   OF  REPRESENTATIVES. 

Honourable  DAVID   COBB,  Esq.  Sj^eaker. 

County  of  Sufp^olk. 


f  Williara  Tudor,  Esq. 
tg;  Samuel  Breck,  Esq. 
O  I  Charles  Jarvis,  Esq. 
^  <{  Jonathan  Mason,  Esq. 
O  John  C.  Jones,  Esq. 
Ki   I  Jonathan  Mason,  jun.  Esq. 

(^  William  Eustis,  Esq. 
Roxbury,  Thomas  Clarke,  Esq. 
Dorchester,  Benjamin   Hichborn, 

Esq. 
Milton,  Seth  Sumner,  Esq. 
Braintree,  Samuel  Bass,  Esq. 
Hingham,  Col.  Charles  Cushing, 


Dedham,  Nathaniel  Ames,  Esq. 
Brookline,    William    Asijinwall, 

Esq. 
Medfield  and  Dover,  Mr.  Oliver 

Ellis, 
Stoughton,  Col.  Frederick  Pope, 
Sharon,  Mr.  Joseph  Hewins, 
Medtoay,  Mr.  Moses  Richardson, 

jun. 
Waljwle,  Seth  BuUard,  Esq. 
Wrentham,  Mr  John  Whiting, 
Franklin,  Mr.  Hezekiah  Fisher. 
Bellingham,  Mr.  Aaron  Ilolbrook, 


County 

Salem,  Mr.  Ebenezer  Beckford, 
Capt.  John  Saunders,  jun. 

Newburyport,     Hon.      Jonathan 
Greenleaf,   Esq. 
Theophilus  Parsons,  Esq. 
Mr.  Jonathan  Marsh, 

Ipswich,  John  Manning,  Es(]. 

Newbury,  Mr.  Nathaniel  Emery, 

Andover,    Ca^jt.    Peter    Osgood, 
jun. 

Beverly,  Larkin  Thorndike,  Esq. 

Danvers,  Israel  Hutchinson,  Esq. 

Marblehead,  Samuel  Sewall,  Esq. 


of  Essex. 

Gloucester,  Capt.  William  Pear- 
son, 
Haverhill,  Samuel  Blodget,  Esq. 

Capt.  Francis  Carr, 
Lynn  &  Lynnfield,  Mr.  Ezra  Col- 
lins, 
Roivley,  Caj)t.  Thomas  Mighill, 
Salisbury,  Major  Joseph  Page, 
Amesbury,  Christopher  Sargent, 

Esq. 
Boxford,  Mr.  Thomas  Perl ey,  jun. 
Methuen,  Capt.  John  Davis, 
Wcnham,  Major  Billy  Porter, 


Eesolves,  1791.  —  May  Session. 


379 


REPBESENTATIVES  —  Continued. 
Cotmiy  of  Middlesex. 


Charlestown,  Capt.  Thomas  Har- 
ris, 

Cambridge,  P^benezer  Bradish, 
Esq. 

Watertotvn,  Amos  Bond,  Es(]. 

Waltham,  Mr.  Abner  Sanderson, 

Wesiford,  Zaclieus  Wright,  Esq. 

Wilmington,  Col.William  Blanch- 
ard, 

Weston,  Mr.  Amos  Biglow, 

East  Sudbury,  Joseph  Curtis,  Esq. 

Sudbury,  William  Rice,  Esq. 

Marlborough,  Col.  Edward  Barns, 

Framingham,  Cajit.  Jonathan 
Maynard, 

Maiden,  Caj^t.  Isaac  Smith, 

Medford,  Capt.  Ebenezer  Hall, 

County  of 

Siiringfield,  Hon.  Samuel  Lyman, 

Esq. 
West  Springfield,  Justin  Ely,  Esq 
Long  Meadow,  Mr.  Jabez  Cotton, 
Eadley,  Mr  Charles  Phelps, 
Belchertotvn,  ]\Ir.  Justus  Uwight, 
Oreemvich,  Mr.  James  Fisk, 
Warwick  and  )  John   Goldsbury, 
Orange,  \     Esq. 

Northampton  and  )  Samuel  Hen- 
East  Ham23to7i,      \      shaw,  Esq. 
Westfeld,  John  Phelps,  Esq. 
Oranville,  Mr.  James  Hamilton, 

Mr.  Thomas  Burbank. 
Amherst,  Simeon  Strong,  Esq. 
Oranby,  Mr.  Benjamin  Eastman, 
^a</?e/di Hon.  John  Hastings,  Esq. 
Stanford,  Capt.  John  Ferguson, 
Deerfield,  Mr,  Samuel  Field, 


Woburn,  Capt.  Timothy  Winn, 
Lexington,  Mr.  Josei)h  Simonds, 
Concord,  Duncan  Ingraham,  Esq. 
Evading,  Mr.  Benjamin  Upton, 
Billerica,  Edward  Farmer,  Esq. 
Chelmsford,  Major  John  Minot, 
Sherburne,  Daniel  Whitney,  Esq. 
Bo2:>kinton,  Mr.  Ebenezer  Claflin, 

jun. 
Hollision,  Mr.  Moses  Hill, 
Stoio    &    Boxboro\  Mr.    Charles 

Whitman, 
Qroton,  Maj.  Aaron  Brown, 
Acton     &  Carlisle,    ]\Ir.     Jonas 

Brooks, 
Pepperell,  Joseph  Heald,  Esq. 
Dracut,  Parker  Varnum,  Esq. 

Hampshire. 

Comvay,  William  Billings,  Esq. 
Neiv  >SaZem,  Mr.  Ezekiel  Kellogg, 

jun. 
Ashfi'eid,  Mr.  Ephraim  Williams, 
Chesterfield,    Benjamin    Bonney, 

Esq. 
Monson,  Col.  Reuben  Munn, 
Palmer,  Capt.  David  Shaw, 
Northficld,  Capt.  Elisha  Hunt, 
Colrdin,  Hugh  McClallen,  Esq. 
Southivick,  Isaac  Coit,  Esq. 
Greenfield,  David  Smead,  Esq. 
Buckiand,  Samuel  Taylor,  Esq. 
Cummington  and  )  Capt.  William 
Plaiifield,  \      Ward. 

Williamsburg,  William  Bodman, 

Esq. 
Worthington,  Nahum  Eager,  Esq. 


County  of  Plymouth. 


Plymouth,  Thomas  Davis,  Esq., 
Kingston,   Ebenezer    AVashburn, 

Esq. 
Marshfield,  Capt  Joseph  Bryant, 
Scituate,  Israel  Vinal,  Esq. 
Pembroke,  Capt.  John  Turner,  jun. 
Bridgwater,  Dr.  Simeon  Dunbar, 


iIf«ZcZZe6oro2<g'A,JamesSprout,Esq. 
Hanover,  Mr.  Melzer  Curtis, 
Plympt07i,  Col.  Seth  Cushing, 
Carver,  Francis  Shurtliff,  Esq. 
Rochester,  Col.  Ebenezer  White, 
Abington,  Jacob  Smith,  Esq. 
Wareham,  David  Nye,  Esq. 


County  of  Bristol. 

Bristol,  Capt.  John  Pratt,  Stvanzey,     Christopher     INIason, 
Taunton,  Hon.  David  Cobb,  Esq.  Esq. 

Rehoboth,  Maj.  Frederick  Drown,  Somerset,    Jerathmeel     Bowers, 
Attleborozigh,   Hon.   Elisha   May,  Esq. 

Esq.  Freetoion,  Mr.  Ephraim  Winslow, 


380  Eesolves,  1791.  —  May  Session. 

REPRESENTATIVES  —  Continued. 
County  of  Bristol — Concluded. 

Z>i5fA^ora,  Mr.  Thomas  Serjant,  New   Bedford,   Hon.    Walter 
Easton,  Col.  Abiel  Mitchell,  Spooner,  Esq. 

Rainham,  Josiah  Dean,  Esq.  Westport,    Capt.     Sylvester 
Berkley,  Samuel  Tobey,  Esq  Brownell. 

Dartmouth,  Hon.  Holder  Slocum,  Mansfield,  Capt.  John  Pi-att, 
Esq. 

County  of  Barnstable. 

Barnstable,  Capt.  Samuel  Smith,  Yarmouth,\)a,\\6.  Thatcher,  Esq, 

Harwich,  Hon.  Solomon  Freeman,  Eastham,  Elijah  Knowles,  Esq. 

Esq.  Wellfieet,  Capt.  Michael  Collins, 
Truro,  Mr.  Anthony  Snow,  jun. 

County  of  Nantucket. 

Sherburn,  Mr.  Micajah  Coffin, 

Mr.  Alexander  Gardner. 

County  of  Worcester. 

Worcester,  Capt.  Samuel  Flagg,  Neio  Braintree,  Benjamin  Joslyn, 

Leicester,  Col.  Thomas  Denny,  Esq. 

Lancaster,  Capt.  Ephi'aim  Carter,  Oakham,  Capt.  Joseph  Chaddock, 

jun.  Ashburnham,  Mr.  Jacob  Willard, 

Leominster,  Hon  Israel  Nichols,  Petersham,  Daniel  Bigelow,  Esq. 

Esq.  Barre,  Capt.  John  Black, 

Westminster,  Mr  Josiah  Puffer,  Hardwick,  Martin  Kinsley,  Esq. 

Brookfield,  Dwight  Foster,  Esq.  Stei'ling,  Col.  Edward  Raymond, 

Sutton,   Capt.    Jonathan   Wood-  Rutland,  John  Fessenden,  Esq. 

bury,  Spencer,  Mr.  James  Hathway, 

Orafton,  Luke  Drury,  Esq.  Harvard,  Maj.   Benjamin    Kim- 
Charlton,  Salem  Town,  Esq.  .  ball, 

Princeton,  Hon.  Moses  Gill,  Esq.  Lunenburg,  Capt.  Josiah  Stearns, 

Boylston,  Ezra  Beaman,  Esq.  Fitchburg,  Mr.  Daniel  Putnam, 

Templeto7i,  Capt.  Joel  Fletcher,  Shrewsbury,  Capt.  Isaac  Harring- 
Bolton  &  Berlin,  Samuel  Baker,  ton, 

Esq.  Dudley,  Capt.  John  Chamberlain, 

Mendon,  Benjamin  Read,  Esq.  Athol,  Mr.  Josiah  Goddard, 

Uxbridge,  Nathan  Tyler,  Esq.  Oxford,  Capt.  Jeremiah  Learned, 

i.%ir6rMZ(7e,  Mr.  Josiah  Walker,  Hubbardst07i,    Maj.     William 
Westborough,  Mr.  Elijah  Brigham,  Marean, 

Milford,  Capt.  Samuel  Jones,  ires/6o?-o?<5'/i,  Mr. Elijah  Brigham. 

Coimty  of  York. 

York,  Capt.  Joseph  Tucker,  Pepperrellboro\    Mr,    Samuel 

Kittery,  IMr.  IMark  Adams,  Scamman, 

Arundell,  Thomas  Pei-kins,  Esq.  Lebanon,  Mr.  Thomas  i\L  Went- 

Berwick,  Mr.  Richai-d  F.  Cutts,  worth, 

Fryebnrg,  Simon  Frye,  Esq.  Waterborough,  Mr.  Samuel  Scrib- 

Wells,  Brig.  Gen.  Noah  Moulton  ner. 

Littlefield,  Biddeford,  Joseph  Morrill,  Esq. 
Buxton,  Mr.  John  Woodman, 


Resolves,  1791.  — May  Session. 


381 


REPRESENTATIVES  —  Concluded. 
County  of  Cumberland. 


Falmouth,  Joseph  Noyes,  Esq. 

Portland,  John  Fox,  Esq. 

Frceport,  Rev.  Mr.  Alfred  John- 
son, 

Oorhani,  Josiah  Thatcher,  Esq. 

Gape  Elizabeth,  Samuel  Calef, 
Esq. 


Brunswick,  Capt.  John  Peterson, 
Earpswell,    Benjamin     Duning, 

Esq. 
New  Oloucester,  William  Wedg- 

ery,  Esq. 


County  of  Dukes  County. 
Tisbury,  Mr.  Benjamin  Allen. 


County  of  Lincoln. 


Georgetown,  Jordan  Parker,  Esq. 

Pownalborough,  John  Gardiner, 
Esq. 

Woolwich,  Capt.  John  Bayley, 

Hallowell,  Hon.  Daniel  Cony,  Esq. 

Vassalboro\  Mr.  Charles  Web- 
ber, 

Waldoborough,  Jacob  Ludwio- 
Esq. 


Boothbay,  Capt.  John  Borland, 
Winthrop     and     Readjield,    Mr. 

Jedidiah  Prescott,  jun. 
Topsham,     Samuel     Thompson, 

Esq. 
Winsloiv,  George  Warren,  Esq. 
Thomastown,  Mr.  Samuel  Brown. 


Comity  of  Hancock. 
Penobscot,  Isaac  Parker,  Esq. 

Cotmty  of  Washington. 
Machias,  Mr.  Phineas  Bruce. 


County  of  Berkshire. 


.^..^.^.^,  Mr.  John  Hubbard, 
Lanesborough  &  )  Gideon  Wheel- 
New  Ashford,      ^      er,  Esq. 
Wm'.  Starkweather,  Esq. 
Pittsfield,  Simon  Larned,  Esq. 
Adams,  Mr.  Reuben  Hinman, 
Sandisfield,  ]\Ir.  John  Picket,  jun. 
Tyringham,  Capt.  Ezekiel  Hea- 

rick, 
Windsor,  Mr.  Thomas  Robinson, 

jun. 
Egremont,  Ephraim  Fitch,  Esq. 
Great  Barrington,  Elijah  Dwight, 
Esq. 


Partridgefield,  Ebenezer  Peiree 

Esq. 

New  Marlboro',  Col.  Daniel  Tay- 
lor, 

Williamstoivn,  William  Towner, 
Esq. 

Lenox,  William  Walker,  Esq. 

Stockbridge,  Hon.  John  Bacon, 
Esq. 

Hancock,  Mr.  Samuel  Dyer, 

Richmond,  Nathaniel  '  Bishop, 
Esq. 

West  Stockbridge,  Elijah  Wil- 
liams, Esq. 


882  Kesolves,  1791.  —  Mat  Session. 


Chapter  1. 

KESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  THE  NORTH  CONGREGATIONAL 
SOCIETY  IN  NEWBURY-PORT. 

On  the  Petition  of  the  North  Congregational  Society  in 
Newhury- Port  praying  for  the  Confirmation  of  certain 
assessments,  for  the  Reasons  mentioned  in  said  Petition. 

Resolved  That  the  prayer  of  said  Petition  l)e  granted 
and  that  the  apportionments  and  assessments  of  the  Sums 
voted  by  said  Society  and  made  by  their  Assessors  upon 
the  Pews  Polls  &  Estates  of  the  Members  of  said  Society 
previous  to  the  present  Year  shall  be  considered  in  all 
Courts  of  Law  valid  and  binding  as  fully  to  all  Intents 
&  Purposes  as  though  the  said  Assessors  had  taken  the 
Oath  by  Law  required  of  Assessors  previous  to  their 
making  said  assessments  and  apportionments  as  afore- 
said—  their  having  neglected  so  to  do  notwithstanding. 

May  28,  1791. 


Chapter  1a.* 

ORDER  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  JOSHUA  THOMAS. 

On  the  petition  of  Joshua  Thomas  attorney  to  Samuel 
Barker  and  Jeremiah  Barker  praying  for  liberty  to  appeal 
from  a  decree  of  the  Judge  of  Probate  for  the  County  of 
Plimouth  upon  the  settlement  of  the  accounts  of  William 
Barker  executor  of  the  last  will  and  testament  of  Samuel 
Barker  late  of  Scituate  in  the  said  County  Gentleman  de- 
ceased to  the  Supreme  Court  of  Probate,  for  reasons  set 
forth  in  the  said  petition  : 

Ordered  that  the  petitioner  notify  the  said  William 
Barker  by  serving  him  Avith  an  attested  copy  of  the  said 
petition  &  this  order  thereon  four  days  at  least  pre- 
viously to  third  wednesdaj'"  of  the  present  session  of  the 
General  Court  that  he  may  shew  cause  (if  any  he  has)  on 
the  said  day  why  the  prayer  of  the  said  petition  should 
not  be  granted.  May  30,  1791. 

*  Not  printed  in  previous  editions.    Taken  from  court  record. 


Eesolves,  1791.  — May  Session.  383 


Chapter  2. 

RESOLVE  EMPOWERING  THE  COMMITTEE  APPOINTED  BY  THE 
GOVERNOR  AND  COUNCIL,  TO  ENQUIRE  INTO  THE  PRACTI- 
CABILITY, &c.  OF  CUTTING  A  NAVIGABLE  CANAL  BETWEEN 
BARNSTABLE  AND  BUZZARD'S  BAY,  TO  ENQUIRE  INTO  THE 
PRACTICABILITY  OF  MAKING  A  NAVIGABLE  CANAL  AT  ANY 
OTHER  PLACE  IN  THE   COUNTY  OF  BARNSTABLE. 

Resolved  that  the  Committee  appointed  by  the  Gov- 
ernour  &  Council  pursuant  to  a  Resokition  passed  the  11th 
day  of  llarch  last  to  enquire  into  the  Practicability,  Util- 
ity and  probable  expence  of  Cutting  a  Navigable  Canal 
between  Barnstable  &  Buzzards  Bay,  be  and  they  are 
hereby  impowered  to  enquire  into  the  Practicability 
Utility  &  probable  expence  of  making  a  Navigable  Canal 
at  any  other  place  in  the  County  of  Barnstable,  than 
across  the  Isthmus  aforesaid  —  And  to  survey  any  place 
in  the  County  aforesaid,  which  the  Committee  may  think 
will  probably  be  most  suitable  for  making  such  Canal  — 
they  observing  the  same  directions  in  the  execution  of 
this  commission,  which  were  given  in  the  Resolve  afore- 
said- May  31,  1791. 


Chapter  3. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  DEBORAH  FULLER  AND  OTHERS, 
DIRECTING  THE  COMMITTEE  FOR  METHODIZING  ACCOUNTS 
TO   CERTIFY  THE  BALANCE  DUE   TO  JOSHUA   EATON. 

On  Petition  of  Deborah  Fuller  &  others.  Heirs  to  the 
Estate  of  Joshua  Eaton  a  Minor  Deceas'd,  prayino-  that 
they  may  be  paid  what  may  be  found  due  to  the  said 
Joshua  Eaton  as  a  Soldier  in  the  Continental  service. 

Resolved  That  the  Committee  for  Methodizing  public 
accounts,  be  directed  to  certify  to  His  Excellency  the 
Governor,  such  sum  or  sums  as  shall  on  a  ballance  of 
his  account  be  found  due,  to  the  said  Joshua  Eaton  as  a 
Soldier  in  the  late  Continental  Army,  and  that  his  Excel- 
lency the  Governor  be  requested  to  make  out  a  Warrant 
on  the  Treasurer  for  such  ballance  to  the  person  or  per- 
sons properly  authorized  to  receive  the  same,  to  be  paid 
in  the  same  manner  that  other  Soldiers  were  paid  for  like 
Services.  May  30,  1791. 


384  Resolves,  1791.  —  May  Session. 


Chapter  4. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  DANIEL  ROBINS,  JR.,  OF  WIN- 
THROP,  AUTHORIZING  THE  TREASURER  TO  ISSUE  A  NEW 
NOTE. 

On  the  Petition  of  Daniel  Robins  Jr.  of  Winthrop  in 
the  County  of  Lincoln  praying  to  receive  a  new  Note 
from  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  in  lieu  of  one  consumed 
by  fire  as  set  forth  in  sd.  petition. 

Resolved  that  the  Prayer  thereof  be  so  far  granted 
that  the  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth  be  &  hereby  is 
authorized  &  directed  to  issue  a  new  Note  payable  to  sd. 
Daniel  Robins  Jr.  for  tioenty  six  pounds  seven  shillings 
&  three  pence  bearing  date  July  1st,  1784  with  the  several 
Indorsments  of  Interest  paid  on  the  note  destroyed  as 
aforesaid  —  provided  the  sd.  Robins  shall  give  Bond  with 
sufficient  sureties  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  Treasurer,  to 
indemnify  this  Commonwealth  against  any  Demands  which 
may  be  made  for  sd.  Note  supposed  to  be  destroyed  by 
fire.  June  1,1791. 

Chapter  5. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  JACOB  LUDWIG,  IN  BEHALF  OF 
THE  TOWN  OF  WALDOBOROUGH. 

On  the  Petition  of  Jacob  Ludioig  in  behalf  of  the  town 
of  Waldoborough  Praying  that  the  assessors  of  said  Town 
might  be  impowered  to  Commit  &  Dlliver  the  Assess- 
ment made  on  said  town  on  the  21  of  July  1790  being 
No.  8  State  tax  &  a  County  tax  to  their  Collector  for  the 
year  1791  —  For  Resons  set  forth  in  said  Petition. 

Resolved  that  the  Prayer  thereof  be  Granted  &  the 
Present  assessors  of  said  town  are  hereljy  impowered  to 
Commit  the  above  said  Assessments  to  the  Collector  of 
said  town  for  the  year  1791,  who  is  hereby  impowered  & 
Required  to  Collect  &  Pay  in  the  same  to  the  respective 
Treasurers  by  the  first  Day  of  8eptr.  Next. 

June  1,1791. 

Chapter  6. 

RESOLVE   ON  THE  PETITION  OF  JUSTIN  ELY,   ESQ. 

Upon  the  Petition  of  Justin  Ely,  praying  that  the  Com- 
mittee on  Accounts  may  be  authorised  to  make  him  an 
allowance  upon  his  account  set  forth  in  his  Petition. 


Resolves,  1791.  —  May  Session.  385 

Resolved  that  the  Prayer  of  the  Petition  be  granted  & 
the  Committee  on  Accounts  are  hereby  authorised  &  em- 
powered to  adjust  &  settle  the  account  of  the  said  Jtistin 
Ely  &  to  make  him  such  allowance  for  the  services  per- 
formed as  stated  in  his  Petition,  as  they  shall  think  Reason- 
able &  just.  June  1,1791. 

Chapter  T. 

RESOLVE  GRANTING  A  TOWNSHIP  OF  LAND  IN  THE  COUNTY  OF 
LINCOLN,  TO  BE  VESTED  IN  THE  TRUSTEES  OF  EALLOWELL 
ACADEMY;  WITH  A  PROVISO. 

Resolved  that  there  be  &  hereby  is  granted  a  township 
of  land,  of  six  miles  square  to  be  laid  out,  &  assigned 
from  any  of  the  unappropriated  lands  belonging  to  this 
Commonwealth  in  the  County  of  Lincoln  said  township 
to  be  vested  in  the  Trustees  of  Hallowell  Academy,  and 
their  successors  forever  for  the  purpose  of  supporting 
the  said  Academy  to  be  by  them  holden  in  their  Corpo- 
rate capacity,  with  full  power  &  authority  to  settle,  divide, 
&  manage  said  township,  or  to  sell  convey  &  dispose  of 
the  same  in  such  way  &  manner  as  shall  best  promote  the 
welfare  of  said  Academy.  Provided  that  said  township 
shall  be  laid  out  under  the  direction  of  the  Committee  for 
the  sale  of  eastern  lands,  &  a  plan  thereof  returned  into 
the  Secretary's  Office ;  &  that  such  Corporation  shall  pro- 
ceed in  that  design  &  that  the  said  Trustees,  their  suc- 
cessors or  assigns,  shall  &  do  within  five  years  provide  & 
settle  upon  &  within  such  township  at  least  twenty  fami- 
lies and  shall  also  reserve  from  all  future  dispositions  to 
be  made  of  said  tract  of  land,  three  lots  of  Three  hundred 
&  twenty  acres  each  for  the  following  uses  viz.  One  Lot 
for  the  first  settled  minister  —  One  lot  for  the  use  of  the 
ministry,  &  one  lot  for  the  use  &  support  of  Schools  within 
the  same  Town.  j^ne  1,1791. 

Chapter  8. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  FREELOVE  SCOTT,  AUTHORIZ- 
ING THE  JUDGE  OF  PROBATE  FOR  PLYMOUTH  COUNTY  TO 
GRANT  LETTERS  OF  ADMINISTRATION  FOR  THE  PURPOSES 
MENTIONED. 

On  the  Petition  of  Freelove  Scott  praying  that  the 
Judge  of  Pro])ate  for  the  County  of  Plymouth  may  be 
authorised   to    Grant  Letters   of  Administration   on  the 


886  Kesolves,  1791.  — May  Session. 

estate  of  Ed^mrd  Scott  merchant  deceased,  for  Reasons 
set  forth  in  said  Pe[^i]tion. 

Resolved  that  the  Judge  of  Prolmte  for  the  County  of 
Plymouth,  be  and  he  hereby  is  impowered  within  One 
Year  from  the  passing  this  Eesolve  to  grant  letters  of  Ad- 
mioistration  on  the  estate  of  the  said  iJdimrd  Scott  in  the 
same  way  &  manner  as  he  might  have  done  had  not  twenty 
years  expired  since  the  death  of  the  said  Edward  Scott. 
And  may  make  distribution  of  the  same  estate  agreeable 
to  Law.  June  1,1791. 


Chapter  9. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  JOEL  ROGERS  AND  OTHERS, 
NATIVE  INDIANS,  OF  CHILMARK,  IMPO WEEING  THE  JUDGE 
OF  PROBATE  FOR  THE  COUNTY  OF  DUKES  COUNTY,  TO  AP- 
POINT MATHEIV  MAT  HEW,  ESQ.  GUARDIAN  TO  ABEL  ABEL. 

On  the  petition  of  Joel  Rogers  &  others  native  Indians 
of  Chilmark  in  the  County  of  dukes  County  praying  That 
Abel  Abel  an  Indian  native  of  said  Chilmark  May  be  put 
under  guardianship  for  reasons  set  forth  in  their  petition. 

Resolved  that  the  prayer  thereof  be  granted  and  that 
the  Judge  of  Probate  for  the  county  aforesaid  be  and 
hereby  is  Impowered  and  directed  To  appoint  Matthew 
3Iayhew  Esqr.  mentioned  in  their  Petition  or  some  other 
sutable  person,  guardian  to  the  said  Abel  Abel,  in  the 
same  way  and  Manner  that  guardians  are  appointed  in 
other  cases  —  The  said  guardian  to  render  an  account  of 
his  Proceedings  in  said  trust  to  the  Judge  of  probate  tor 
said  county  agreeable  to  law  in  such  case  Made  &  pro- 
vided. June  1,1791. 


Chapter  9a.* 

ADDRESS  OF  BOTH  HOUSES  OF  THE  LEGISLATURE  IN  ANSWER 
TO  THE  GOVERNOR'S  SPEECH  OF  MAY  26,  179L 

May  it  please  Your  Excellency  — 
We  are  happy  in  congratulating  your  Excellency,  that 
the  Suffrages  of  the  People  of  this  Commonwealth  have 
again  placed  you  in  the  Chair  of  Gover[w]ment.  Your  firm 
attachment  to  their  Welfare,  &  your  unremitted  ardor  to 
promote  their  prosperity,  which  for  many  Years  they  have 

•  Not  printed  in  previous  editions. 


Eesolves,  1791.  — May  Session.  387 

experienced,  give  ample  Evidence,  that  their  freedom, 
happiness,  &  Interest  are  Objects  which  claim  your  se- 
rious attention. 

The  tranquility  which  prevails  throughout  the  State, 
together  with  that  Industry,  Peace  &  good  Order,  so  con- 
spicuous at  this  period,  afford  a  very  pleasing  prospect ;  & 
while  the  people  are  thus  happily  disposed,  "we  doul)t  not 
they  will  continue  to  enjoy  the  Blessings  of  Peace,  Lib- 
erty &  Safety. 

3d.  The  happiness  of  the  People  being  the  End  of 
Gover[n]ment,  we  readily  agree  with  your  Excellency, 
that  it  is  the  duty  of  the  Legislature  to  enact  wise  Laws, 
&  to  make  ample  provision  for  the  regular  speedy  &  equal 
distribution  of  Justice. 

4th.  The  tryal  by  Jury,  is  one  of  those  inestimable 
previeleges  we  enjoy  as  Freemen ;  it  is  encumbent  on  us 
therefore  to  use  every  precaution  to  retain  it  in  its  fullest 
latitude.  —  Such  further  Regulations  as  are  necessary  to 
this  great  purpose  Ave  shall  readily  adopt,  by  a  revision  of 
the  Laws  made  upon  this  subject.  — 

5th.  Every  Friend  to  America  must  reprobate  the  Idea 
of  introducing  a  Standing  Army  in  our  free  Republic  :  the 
establishment  of  a  well  disciplined  Militia  must  be  an 
Object  the  most  salutary  &  desirable.  —  On  the  perma- 
nency of  this  measure,  the  happiness  &  security  of  the 
People,  &  the  force  &  Energy  of  the  Gover[n]ment 
greatly  depend. 

6th.  The  subjects  recommended  by  your  Excellency, 
we  consider  as  interesting,  &  none  more  loudly  calls  for 
our  attention,  than  the  Education  of  the  rising  Genera- 
tion.—  Institutions  for  this  purpose  early  claimed  the 
patronage  of  our  Forefathers,  &  the  Patriots  of  our 
Country  have  ever  been  assiduous  to  promote  &  cherish 
them. — The  people  of  these  States,  while  they  wish  to 
secure  to  themselves  &  posterity  freedom  &  Indepen- 
dance,  must  be  equally  solicitous  to  disseminate  Knowl- 
edge &  Virtue  among  the  Peo})le.  —  without  due  attention 
to  this  interesting  subject  the  light  of  our  Country,  as 
your  Excellency  Observes,  will  begin  to  fade,  &  its  glory 
be  seen  in  its  decline.  — 

7th.  The  University  at  Cambridge  is  too  interesting  to 
this  Commonwealth  not  to  demand  our  particular  consid- 
eration &  we  shall  be  ever  hap[)y  in  being  instrumental 
to  encrease  its  prosperity  &  extend  its  beneficial  influ- 


388  Resolves,  1791.  — May  Session. 

ences  by  granting  such  aid  as  may  be  necessary  for  its 
honorable  support. 

8th.  We  are  sensible  that  the  present  circumstances 
of  the  State  render  it  highly  expedient  to  adopt  such 
measures,  without  delay  as  are  best  calculated  to  place 
our  Finances  upon  the  most  respectable  Basis  and  such  as 
may  not  only  prevent  any  further  increase  of  our  publick 
debt  but  also  serve  gradually  to  diminish  it  untill  it  shall 
be  totally  extinguished  without  having  Recourse  to  any 
Schemes  for  raising  money  which  will  injure  the  morals 
of  the  people  or  divert  their  attention  from  laudable  and 
industrious  Pursuits.  ,.       „  t^ 

The  Leo-islature  will  attend  to  your  Excellencys  Rec- 
ommendations respecting  the  Counties  of  Dukes  County 
Nantucket  Hancock  &  Washington  and  will  make  such 
judicial  Provision  as  upon  a  full  investigation  of  the  sub- 
iect  shall  be  found  necessary.  .      -,  ^ 

We  assure  your  Excellency  that  We  are  determined  to 
attend  to  &  dispatch  the  publick  Business  as  soon  as  cir- 
cumstances will  permit  and  to  do  everything  in  our  power 
to  prevent  any  future  E[^»]barassments  at  the  same  time 
We  doubt  not  of  your  disposition  to  do  every  thing  on 
your  part  to  render  the  present  Session  usefull  to  our 
Constituents.  June  1,1791. 


Chapter   10. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  THE  SELECTMEN  OF  THE  TOWN 
OF  CUMINGTON. 

On  the  Petition  of  the  Selectmen  of  the  Town  of  Cum- 
inqton,  praying  for  a  Division  of  a  County  Tax,  which  the 
Clerk  of  the  peace  for  the  County  of  Hampshire  sent  to 
the  said  Town  of  Ten  Pounds  Sixteen  shillings  &  ten 
pence,  bearing  date  the  fifteenth  day  of  March  1786,  which 
appears  to  be  the  Proportion  of  said  Cwnington  &  the 
District  of  Plainfield.  .    ,     ^r.  c  n,       - 

Resolved,  that  the  proportion  of  the  Town  of  Cuming- 
ton  in  the  aforesaid  Tax,  is  Seven  pounds  Eight  shillings 
&  Nine  pence,  and  the  proportion  of  the  District  of  Plain- 
field  is  three  pounds  Eight  shillings  and  one  penny,  and 
the  Clerk  of  the  peace  and  the  Treasurer  of  the  County 
of  Hampshire  are  hereby  directed  to  govern  themselves 
accordingly.  June  2,  1791. 


Kesolves,  1791. —  May  Session.  389 


Chapter  11. 

RESOLVE  ADJOURNING  THE   SUPREME   JUDICIAL  COURT    NEXT 
TO  BE  HOLDEN  IN  THE  COUNTY  OF  CUMBERLAND. 

Whereas  a  different  arrangement  of  the  Supreme  Judi- 
cial Court  from  that  which  is  now  established  by  Law  as 
to  the  time  of  its  sitting  in  the  three  Eastern  Counties  will 
be  necessary  the  present  year  in  order  to  finish  the  busi- 
ness pending  therein  : 

It  is  therefore  I'esolved  that  the  Supreme  Judicial  Court 
which  by  Law  is  to  be  held  at  Portland  within  &  for  the 
County  of  Cumberland  on  the  Tuesday  next  following  the 
fourth  tuesday  of  June  instant  be  &  hereby  is  adjourned 
to  Monday  the  Twenty  fifth  day  of  July  next  then  to  be 
held  at  Portland  aforesaid  and  that  all  matters  civil  & 
criminal  that  now  are  or  before  that  time  shall  be  pending 
therein  shall  be  heard  determined  and  adjudged  in  the  same 
Court  on  the  said  Twenty  fifth  day  of  July  next  in  the 
same  way  &  manner  that  such  matters  might  &  ought  to 
have  been  heard  determined  and  adjudged  on  the  Tuesday 
next  following  the  fourth  Tuesday  of  June  instant  if  this 
Resolution  had  never  passed,  of  which  Jurors  Parties  Wit- 
nesses and  all  others  interested  or  concerned  are  to  take 
Notice  and  govern  themselves  accordingly  and  the  Secre- 
tary is  directed  forthwith  to  cause  this  Resolution  to  be 
published  in  Adams  Independent  Chronicle  the  Cumber- 
land Gazette  and  the  Gazette  of  Maine  and  also  to  trans- 
mit an  attested  Copy  thereof  to  the  Sherift'  of  the  County 
oi  Cumberland.  June  2^  1791. 

Chapter  12. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  ELIJAH  HU.XT,  ESQ.  DIRECTING 
THE  TREASURER  TO   CREDIT  HIM  WITH  £.70  3  9. 

On  the  Petition  of  Elijah  Hunt  Esqr. 

Resolved  that  the  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth  be 
and  he  hereby  is  directed  to  credit  Elijah  Hunt  Esq.  on 
the  Settlement  of  his  Excise  Account  the  Sum  of  Seventy 
jjounds  three  Shillings  and  nine  j)ence  being  the  amount 
of  two  forged  Counterfit  Excise  Orders,  received  by  the 
said  Hunt,  he  having  prosecuted  to  Conviction  one  of  the 
Persons  concerned  in  passing  the  said  counterfit  Orders 
who  has  forfited  to  the  Use  of  this  Commonwealth  the 
Recognizances  taken  by  the  supreme  Judicial  Court  for 
his  appearing  and  abiding  the  Judgment  of  Court  thereon. 

June  2,  1791. 


390  Kesolves,  1791.  —  May  Session. 


Chapter  13. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  MEMORIAL  OF  NATHAN  DANE,  ESQ.;  GRANT 
TO,  FOR  THE  AMOUNT  OF  HIS  ACCOUNT  AND  TO  DISCHARGE 
THE  EXPENCES  MENTIONED. 

On  the  Memorial  of  the  Hon.  Nathan  Dane  Esq.,  and 
consideration  of  his  Account  of  sundry  Services  and  Ex- 
pences  for  this  Commonwealth. 

Resolved,  that  there  l)e  paid  from  the  Public  Treasury 
to  the  said  Honble.  Nathan  Dane  Esq.,  the  Amount  "of 
his  said  Account  being  One  hundred  and  forty  pounds 
fourteen  shillings  and  ninepence  in  full  discharge  of  the 
same. 

And  to  enable  Mr.  Dane  to  discharge  the  Expences 
which  he  may  hereafter  duly  incur  as  Agent  for  this  Com- 
monwealth to  procure  an  adjustment  of  their  Accounts 
against  the  United  States  — 

Resolved,  that  there  be  paid  and  advanced  to  the  said 
Agent  the  sum  of  Sixty  pounds  —  from  the  Public  Treas- 
ury, to  be  accounted  for  by  him  accordingly.  And  his 
Excellency  the  Governour  is  hereby  authorised  and  re- 
quested by  and  with  the  Advice  of  Council,  to  grant  a 
Warrant  upon  the  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth,  for 
payment  of  the  sums  ordered  by  these  Resolves. 

June  2,  1791. 

Chapter  14. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  THOMAS  RVSSELL,  ESQ.  AND 
OTHERS,  GRANTING  THEM  LEAVE  TO  SELL  THE  REAL  ES- 
TATE  MENTIONED. 

Upon  the  Petition  of  Thomas  Russell  &  o'rs  praying 
for  leave  to  sell  the  real  estate  in  their  hands  belonging  to 
the  heirs  of  Dr.  Cooper  deceased. 

Whereas,  by  the  last  will  and  testament  of  Samuel 
Cooper,  late  of  Boston,  in  the  County  of  Sufolk,  Doctor 
of  Divinity  deceased,  one  third  part  of  the  real  Estate  of 
the  Testator  aforesaid  was  devised  to  John  Lotvell  and 
Tliomas  Russell  Esqrs.  in  trust  to  the  use  of  Abigail 
Hixon,  and  whereas  by  the  petition  of  the  P]xecutors,  &  of 
the  Heirs  of  the  said  Testators  it  appears  to  be  to  the  ad- 
vantage of  the  said  Abigail  that  the  one  third  part  afore- 
said should  be  sold,  but  that  the  said  Trustees  have  no 
authority  to  sell  or  dispose  of  the   same  ;  and  the  said 


Resolves,  1791.  —  May  Session.  391 

Trustees  and  Heirs,  by  their  joint  petition  pray  tiiat  the 
said  John  Loioell  &  Thomas  Russell  Esquires,  may  be 
authorized  and  empowered  to  sell  and  convey  the  same : 

Resolved,  —  That  the  said  Thomas  Russell  and  John 
Loivell  Esquires  Trustees  as  aforesaid,  be  and  they  hereby 
are  empowered  to  sell  and  convey  the  one  third  part  of  the 
real  E-tate  aforesaid,  &  a  good  and  lawful  deed  thereof,  in 
fee  simple,  to  make  and  execute,  provided  always,  that 
the  monies  arising  from  the  sale  thereof,  be  and  remain 
with  the  said  Trustees,  in  trust,  to  the  use  of  the  said 
Abigail  Hixon,  in  the  same  manner,  and  subject  to  the 
same  limitations  as  that  part  of  the  personal  Estate  of 
the  Testator  aforesaid,  bequeathed  in  trust  to  the  use  of 
the  said  Abigail  Hixon.  June  2,  1791. 

Chapter  15. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  THE  TOWN  OF   WESTPORT,  RE- 
MITTING A  FINE  LAID  ON  SAID  TOWN. 

On  the  Petition  of  the  Town  of   Westport. 

Resolved  that  for  Reasons  set  forth  in  the  said  Petition, 
The  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth  be  and  ho  hereby  is 
directed  to  credit  the  said  Town  of  Westjport  the  Sum  of 
Fifteen  pounds  set  on  said  Town  as  a  fine  for  not  sending 
a  Representative  to  the  General  Court  the  last  Year. 

June  5,  1791. 

Chapter  16. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  THE  SELECTMEN  OF  THE  TOWN 
OF  PEPPERRELL,  REMITTING  A  FINE  LAID  ON  SAID  TOWN. 

On  the  Petition  of  the  Selectmen  of  the  Town  of  Pep- 
pei'ell. 

Resolved  that  the  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth  be 
and  he  hereby  is  directed  to  credit  the  said  Town  the 
Sum  of  Tivelve  pounds  fifteen  Shillings  set  on  the  said 
Town  as  a  fine  for  not  sending  a  Representative  to  the 
General  Court  in  1786  they  having  complyed  Avith  their 
Duty  there  in.  June  3,  1791. 

Chapter  17. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  THE  INHABITANTS  OF  THE  TOWN 
OF  MILFORD,  REMITTING  A  FINE  LAID  ON  SAID  TOWN. 

On  the  Petition  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of 
Milford. 


392  Eesolves,  1791.  — May  Session. 

Resolved^  that  for  the  reasons  set  forth  in  said  Petition, 
The  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth  be  and  he  hereby 
is  directed  to  credit  the  said  Town  of  Milford  The  Sum 
of  Eleven  pounds  set  on  them  at  the  last  Session  of  the 
last  General  Court  as  a  fine  for  not  sending  a  Representa- 
tive to  the  General  Court  the  last  Year.     June  3,  1791. 


Chapter  18. 

RESOLVE    ON   THE    PETITION   OF    THE    TOWN   OF    TEMPLETON, 
REMITTING  A  FINE  LAID  ON  SAID  TOWN. 

On  the  Petition  of  the  Town  of  Templeton. 

Resolved,  that  for  reasons  set  forth  in  the  said  Petition, 
the  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth  be  and  he  hereby  is 
directed  to  credit  the  said  Town  the  Sum  of  Thirteen 
pounds  set  on  the  said  Town  as  a  fine  for  not  sending  a 
Representative  to  the  General  Court  the  last  Year. 

Jane  3,  1791. 


Chapter  19. 

RESOLVE    ON   THE    PETITION    OF  THE   TOWN   OF  LEOMINSTER, 
REMITTING  A  FINE  LAID  ON  SAID  TOWN. 

On  the  Petition  of  the  Town  of  Leominster. 

Resolved  that  the  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth  be 
and  he  hereby  is  directed  to  credit  the  said  Town  the 
Sum  of  Twelve  pounds  set  on  said  Town  as  a  fine  for  not 
sending  a  Representative  to  the  General  Court  the  last 
Year  for  reasons  set  forth  in  said  petition. 

June  3,  1791. 


Chapter  20. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  THANKFULL  BLAKE,  DIRECTING 
THE  COMMITTEE  FOR  METHODIZING  ACCOUNTS  TO  CERTIFY 
THE  SUM  THAT  SHALL  BE  FOUND  DUE  TO  HER  LATE  HUS- 
BAND. 

On  the  petition  of  Thank/ull  Blake  widow  of  Capt, 
Lt.  Joseph  Blake  praying  slic  may  Receive  what  may 
be  found  Due  to  her  Late  husband  for  his  services  in 
the  Continental  army. 

Resolved  that  the  Committe  for  methodizing  Public [c] 
accompts.  be  Directed  to  Certifie  to  the  Govcrnour  & 
Council  the  sum  that  shall  ho  found  Due  to  the  Estate 


Resolves,  1791.  —  May  Session.  393 

of  the  Late  Capt.  Left.  Joseph  Blake  to  be  paid  to  the 
Administrat[r]ix  to  the  said  Blake's  Estate  in  Like  man- 
ner as  others  Received  their  pay  in  Like  Circomstances. 

June  4,  1791. 

Chapter  31. 

RESOLVE  REQUESTING  HIS  EXCELLENCY  TO  WRITE  TO  NEW 
HAMPSHIRE,  AND  VERMONT,  FOR  THE  PRESERVATION  OF 
FISH  IN  CONNECTICUT  RIVER. 

Resolved  that  his  Excellency  the  Govournor  be  and  he 
hereby  is  requested  to  send  Copies  of  the  Act  lat[e]ly  . 
passed  by  the  Legislature  of  this  Commonwealth  for  the 
preservation  of  Fish  in  Connecticuit  River,  to  the  Supreme 
Executive  Power  of  the  States  of  Neio  Hampshire  and 
Vermont  and  to  request  the  said  States  to  adopt  simular 
measures  for  the  preservation  of  Fish  in  the  said  River  — 
The  State  of  Connecticut  having  adopted  similar  measures 
for  the  same  purpose.  June  4,  1791. 

Chapter  31a.* 

ORDER  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  ELIJAH  HATS  AND  OTHERS,  RELA- 
TIVE TO  THE  DIVISION  OF  THE  TOWN  OF  BERWICK. 

On  the  petition  of  Elijah  Hays,  Ichahod  Goodwin  and 
Jonathan  C.  Chadbiirn  a  Committee  in  behalf  of  the 
town  of  Berwick  praying  the  same  may  be  divided  into 
two  seperate  towns. 

Ordered  that  the  petitioners  notify  the  inhabitants  of 
the  town  of  Berwick  by  leaving  an  attested  copy  of  the 
petition  and  this  order  thereon  with  the  Clerk  of  said 
town  at  least  sixty  days  before  the  second  Wednesday 
of  the  next  session  of  the  General  Court  then  to  ai)pear 
and  shew  cause,  if  any  they  have,  why  the  prayer  of  said 
petition  should  not  be  granted.  Jtme  4,  1791. 

Chapter  33. 

RESOLVE  ESTABLISHING  A  NOTARY  PUBLIC  AT  MACHIAS. 

Resolved  that  hereafter  there  shall  be  appointed  one 
Notary  Publick  for  the  County  of  Washington  whose 
residence  shall  be  at  Machias  in  that  County. 

June  7,  1791. 

*  Not  printed  in  previous  editions.    Taken  from  court  record. 


394  Resolves,  1791.  —  May  Session. 


Chapter  23. 

RESOLVE  DIRECTING  THE  COMMITTEE  FOR  METHODIZING  AC- 
COUNTS, TO  CERTIFY  THE  SUM  DUE  TO  THE  ESTATE  OF  THE 
LATE  MAJOR  GENERAL  JOHN  THOMAS. 

On  the  petition  of  hannah  Thomas  Widow  to  the  Late 
major  general  John  Thomas  praying  she  may  Receive  what 
may  be  found  Due  to  her  late  husband  for  his  Services  in 
the  Cont[?']nental  armey. 

Resolved  that  the  Committe  for  methodizing  public [e] 
acounts  be  Directed  to  Certify  the  sum  of  tioo  hundred 
&  Seventy  pounds  Due  to  the  Estate  of  the  Late  major 
general  John  Thomas  and  that  his  Exelency  the  govenour 
be  Requ[e]sted  to  make  out  his  warrant  for  the  Same  to 
be  paid  to  the  Administrat[7''|ix  of  the  Said  Thomas  Estate 
in  Like  manner  as  others  Received  there  pay  In  Like 
Cercomstanc[e]s.  June  7,  1791. 

Chapter  34. 

RESOLVE  DIRECTING  THE  SECRETARY  AND  THE  CLERKS  OF 
THE  TWO  HOUSES,  TO  AGREE  FOR  THE  PRINTING  BUSINESS 
THE  YEAR  ENSUING. 

Resolved  that  John  Avery  Jun.  Samuel  Oooper  & 
George  R.  Minot  Esqrs.  be  &  hereby  are  appointed  with 
full  Power  &  authority  to  Contract  for  the  Printing  busi- 
ness of  this  Common  wealth  the  year  Ensuing  on  Reason- 
able Terms  not  to  Exceed  the  terms  given  the  year  Pa>t. 

Juyie  7,  1791. 

Chapter  24a.* 

ORDER  RELATIVE  TO  THE  DIVISION  OF  THE  TOWN  OF  VASSAL- 
BOROUGH. 

Ordered  that  Charles  Webber,  who  by  petition  has 
prayed  for  a  division  of  the  town  of  Vassalborough  into 
two  towns,  notify  the  said  town  by  leaving  an  attested 
copy  of  his  petition  and  this  order  thereon  with  the  Clerk 
thereof,  forty  days  before  the  next  sitting  of  the  General 
Court ;  that  they  may  appear  on  the  second  Wednesday 
of  said  sitting  of  the  General  Court,  and  shew  cause,  if 
any  they  have,  why  the  prayer  of  the  said  petition  should 
not  be  granted.  June  7,  1791. 

*  Not  printed  in  previous  editions.    Taken  from  court  record. 


Eesolves,  1791.  —  May  Session.  395 


Chapter  25. 

RESOLVE  REQUESTING  HIS  EXCELLENCY  TO  GIVE  ORDERS  FOR 
RAISING  TWO  ADDITIONAL  TROOPS  OF  CAVALRY  IN  THE  7th 
DIVISION  OF  THE  MILITIA  OF  THIS  COMMONWEALTH. 

On  the  petition  of  Silas  Culler  and  Jotham  Bouher, 
praying  that  additional  Cavalry  may  be  raised  in  the 
seventh  Division  of  the  militia  of  this  Commonwealth, 
for  reasons  mentioned. 

Resolved  that  His  Excellency  the  Governor  be,  &  he 
hereby  is  requested  to  give  orders  for  raising  two  addi- 
tional troops  of  Cavalry  in  the  seventh  Division  of  the 
militia  of  this  Commonwealth ;  one  of  the  said  troops 
to  be  raised  within  the  limits  of  the  third  Eegt.  &  the 
other  within  the  limits  of  the  fifth  Regiment  in  the  second 
Brigade  of  the  said  Division. 

And  be  it  further  Resolved  that  the  said  two  troops 
when  raised  shall  be,  and  hereby  are  attached  to  the 
Eegiment  of  Cavalry  belonging  to  the  seventh  Division 
of  the  Militia.  June  8,  1791. 

Chapter  26. 

RESOLVE  RESPECTING  FORGED  ORDERS,  &c. 

Resolved  that  no  petition  for  wages  drawn  by  forged 
orders,  shall  be  sustained  unless  the  petitioner  shall  have 
given  public  notice  for  three  weeks  successively,  six 
months  before  such  application,  in  Adams's  Independent 
Chronicle ;  in  which  notification  he  shall  describe  the 
number  date  &  sum  of  the  note  so  said  to  have  been 
drawn  by  a  forged  order  ;  together  with  the  time  of  its 
being  issued,  the  name  and  place  of  abode  if  known  of 
the  person  guilty  of  the  forgery  &  his  intention  to  apply 
to  the  Legislature  for  a  new  note  in  lieu  of  that  said  to 
have  been  drawn  by  the  forged  order  aforesaid. 

And  it  is  further  resolved  that  no  petition  for  a  note  to 
be  issued  in  lieu  of  one  lost  or  destroyed  by  fire  or  other- 
Avise  shall  be  sustained  unless  the  i)etitioner  shall  have 
given  public  notice  in  Adams's  Independent  Chronicle  for 
three  weeks  successively  six  months  before  such  applica- 
tion in  Avhich  notification  he  shall  describe  the  number 
date  &  sum  of  said  note  &  the  name  of  the  person  in 
whose  favour  the  same  was  issued  —  the  time  place  & 
manner  in  &  by  which  such  note  was  lost  or  destroyed, 


396  Resolves,  1791.  —  May  Session. 

&  his  intention  to  petition  the  legislature  for  a  new  note 
in  lieu  of  the  one  said  to  be  so  lost  or  destroyed  — 

And  that  the  foregoing  resolutions  be  published  for 
three  weeks  in  the  Independent  Chronicle. 

June  5,  1791. 

Chapter  37. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  DEBORAH  BURGES,  DIRECTING 
THE  COMMITTEE  FOR  METHODIZING  ACCOUNTS  TO  CERTIFY 
THE  BALANCE  DUE  TO  JONATHAN  BURGES. 

On  the  petition  of  Deborah  Burges  praying  that  she 
may  receive  the  wages  due  to  her  late  huslmnd  Jonathan 
Burges  a  Soldier  who  died  in  the  Army  of  the  United 
States. 

Resolved  that  the  Committee  for  methodizing  Public 
accounts,  be  and  hereby  are  directed  to  Certify  to  the 
Govourner  and  Council  the  pay  or  arrears  of  pay  due  to 
the  said  Jonathan  Burges  for  his  Services  as  a  Soldier 
in  Colo.  Bradford's  Kegiment  —  And  the  Treasurer  on 
receiving  warrant  therefor  is  directed  to  Issue  his  Note 
for  the  same,  in  the  same  way  and  manner  as  the  other 
Soldiers  are  paid.  June  <S,  1791. 


Chapter  38. 

RESOLVE    ON     THE     PETITION     OF    JEDEDIAH    HOLMES     AND 
EPHRAIM  HOLMES. 

On  the  Petition  of  Jedediah  Holmes  and  Ephraim 
Holmes  Representing  that  they  on  the  15th  of  may  1789 
Entred  into  a  recognizence  in  the  Sum  of  ten  pounds  each 
Conditioned  for  the  appearance  of  one  Levi  Holmes  at 
the  Supreme  Judicial  Court  then  next  to  be  holden  at 
Plymouth  in  the  County  of  Plymouth,  to  answer  to  such 
matters  and  things  as  should  then  and  there  be  aledged 
against  him  in  behalf  of  the  Commonwealth;  and  that  the 
said  Levi  did  not  appear,  —  that  their  Recognizence  was 
declared  to  lie  forfeit,  and  an  Execution  has  Isued 
against  them  for  the  sum  of  ten  pounds  Each  with  the 
Cost  of  Prosecution,  and  praying  they  may  be  permitted 
to  satisfy  the  said  Execution  in  the  Securities  against  the 
Commonwealth. 

Resolved  that  the  prayer  of  the  Petition  be  so  far 
granted,  that  the  Petitioners  be  and  hereby  are  permitted 


Resolves,  1791.  —  May  Session.  397 

to  pay  and  Discharge  the  said  sum  of  Ten  pounds  each  in 
the  Consolidated  Securities  of  this  Commonwealth,  — 
Provided  they  shall  pay  all  the  Legal  Cost  that  has  arisen 
on  the  said  Prosecution  in  specie,  and  the  sheriff  of  the 
said  County  of  Plymouth  is  lierel)y  directed  to  Govern 
himself  accordingly  — 

And  the  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth  is  hereby 
directed  to  receive  of  the  said  sheriff  the  securities  afore- 
said in  full  Satisfaction  for  the  said  forfeiture. 

June  .9,  1791. 


Chapter  39. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  COL.  RICHARD  G RIDLEY,  ALLOW- 
ING HIM  A  CONSOLIDATED  NOTE  FOR  THE  SUM  OF  £.50, 
DRAWING  INTEREST  FROM  13th  OF  APRIL,  1784,  FOR  THE 
LOSS  HE  HAS  SUSTAINED  BY  A  JUDGMENT  RECOVERED 
AGAINST  HIM. 

On  the  Petition  of  Colo.  Richard  Gridley^  praying  for 
a  reimburstment  of  fifty  pounds,  recovered  of  him,  by 
Judgment  at  Law,  for  a  horse  killed  &  a  Sulkey  worn  out 
in  the  Service  of  the  United  States,  in  the  late  War. 

Resolved,  that  there  be  allowed  &  delivered  to  the  said 
Richard  Gridley,  or  his  order,  a  consolidated  Note  of  this 
Commonwealth,  duely  executed,  for  the  sum  of  fifty 
pounds  lawful  Money,  &  drawing  Interest  at  six  ^ 
Centum  ^  Annum,  from  and  after  the  13th  Day  of  April 
A  D  1.784 ;  which  shall  be  in  full,  for  the  loss  and 
damage  sustained  by  the  said  Gridley  as  aforesaid. 

June  8,  1791. 

Chapter  30. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  THE  SELECTMEN  OF  THE  TOWN 
OF  HANCOCK,  DIRECTING  THE  TREASURER  TO  CREDIT  SAID 
TOWN,  THE  SUM  OF  £.187  11  8,  OUT  OF  THE  OUTSTANDING 
TAXES,  PRIOR  TO  TAX  NO.  4. 

On  the  Pitetition  of  the  Selectmen  of  the  Town  of 
Hancock  seting  forth  the  many  Inconveniences  and  Losses 
Sustaind  by  said  Town  in  the  Collection  of  Taxes  and  in 
the  deficiency  of  Collections,  owing  to  the  unsettled  Line 
of  Jurisdiction  betweene  this  Commonwalth  &  the  State  of 
JSFew  York,  more  especially  that  Ephraim  Boioman  a  Col- 
le[c]tor  of  Taxes  in  said  Town  for  the  years  1780  &  1781 
—  &  now  an  Inhabatant  of  the  State  of  New  York  by  the 


398  Eesolves,  1791.  —  May  Session. 

runing  the  Line  of  Jurisdiction  aftbresaid  had  colle[c]ted 
the  sum  of  tivo  hundred  &  ninety  pounds,  nineteen  shil- 
lings &  sevenjjence  more  than  he  has  accounted  for  with 
the  treasurer  of  this  Common walth  —  And  tliat  although 
said  Town  had  paid  a  small  part  of  the  Sum  afforesaid, 
yet  there  now  remains  due  to  the  puljlick,  Treasurer  the 
Sum  of  one  hundred  &  eighty-seven  pounds  eleven  shillings 
&  eight  pence,  which  said  Town  cannot  recover  of  said 
Bowman  and  which  it  is  utterly  unable  to  pay,  and  pray- 
ing relief  in  the  Premises. 

Be  it  therefore  Resolved  That  the  Prayer  of  the  Petition 
of  the  Selectmen  of  Hancok  be  so  far  granted,  that  the 
Treasurer  of  this  Commonwalth  be,  &  he  is  hereby 
directed  to  credit  the  Town  of  Hancock  the  sum  of  one 
hundred  &  eighty  seven  pounds,  eleven  shillings,  and  eight 
jwiice  out  of  the  outstanding  Taxes  due  from  said  Boiv- 
man  or  out  of  any  other  taxes  prier  to  Tax  number  four. 

June  9,  1791. 


Chapter  31. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  THE  SELECTMEN  OF  CHARLE- 
MONT,  DIRECTING  THE  TREASURER  TO  STAY  EXECUTION, 
FOR  THE  SUM  MENTIONED. 

On  the  Petition  of  the  Selectmen  of  Charlemont  in 
behalf  of  sd.  Town  prayin  for  reasons  set  forth  in  sd. 
petition  a  further  Time  for  paying  the  sum  of  Ninety  eight 
pounds  3/6  of  No.  4  &  5  Taxes. 

Resolved  that  the  Treasurer  be  &  he  is  hereby  directed 
to  stay  Execution  for  said  sum  against  sd.  Town  of  Charle- 
mont until  the  last  day  of  November  next. 

June  9,  1791. 


Chapter  33. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  JOHN  BEACH,  DIRECTING  THE 
COMMITTEE  FOR  METHODIZING  ACCOUNTS,  TO  CERTIFY  THE 
BALANCE  DUE  TO  THOMAS  BEACH. 

On  the  Petition  of  John  Beach  praying  that  he  may 
receive  the  wages  due  to  his  Son  Thomas  Beach  a  Soldier 
who  died  in  the  army  of  the  United  States. 

Resolved  that  the  Committee  for  methodizing  Publick 
accounts  l^e  and  hereby  are  directed  to  Certify  to  the 
Govourner  and  Council  the  pay  or  arrears  of  Pay  due  to 


Kesolves,  1791.  —  May  Session.  399 

the  said  Thomas  for  his  Services  as  a  Soldier  in  Colo. 
Greatons  Kegiment,  and  the  Treasurer  on  receiving  the 
Governor's  warrant  therefor  is  directed  to  Issue  his  Note 
for  the  same  in  the  way  and  manner  as  the  Other  Soldiers 
were  paid.  June  10,  1791. 

Chapter  33. 

RESOLVE  ALLOWING  THE  COUNTY  TREASURER'S  ACCOUNTS  FOR 
THE  COUNTY  OF  YORK  AND  GRANTING  A  TAX. 

Whereas  the  Treasurer  of  the  County  of  York  has 
Laid  his  Accounts  before  the  General  Court  in  Manner 
by  Law  Prescribed  which  Accounts  are  thereby  allowed  ; 
And  Whereas  the  Clerk  of  the  Court  of  General  Sessions 
of  the  Peace  for  the  said  County  of  York,  has  Laid  before 
the  General  Court  an  Estimate  Made  by  the  Court  of 
General  Sessions  of  the  Peace  of  the  Necessary  Charges 
which  have  arisen  in  the  said  County  in  the  year  1790 
and  which  are  Likely  to  Arise  within  the  said  County  the 
Current  Year  Amounting  to  the  sum  of  tivo  Hundred  & 
Thirty  Pounds: 

Resolved  that  the  sum  of  two  Hundred  &  Thirty  Pounds 
be  and  hereby  is  granted  as  a  Tax  for  the  said  County  of 
York,  to  be  apportioned  Assessed  Collected  and  Applied 
in  Manner  Provided  by  Law.  June  10,  1791. 

Chapter  34. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  STEPHEN  WARNER. 

On  the  Petition  of  Stephen  Warner  of  Cumington 
Guardian  to  the  Children  of  Timothy  Mower  late  of  Said 
Cumington  in  the  County  of  Hampshire  deceased,  pray- 
ing that  he  may  be  Authorised  to  make  Sale  of  the  Real 
Estate  belonging  to  said  children,  and  Expend  the  pro- 
ceeds of  Such  Sale  in  the  purchase  of  other  lands  for  the 
Benefit  of  said  Children. 

Resolved  that  the  said  Stephen  Warner  be,  and  he 
hereby  is,  fully  authorised  &  empowered  to  make  sale  of 
said  Real  Estate,  in  way  &  manner  by  law  prescribed  for 
the  sale  of  Real  Estates,  by  Executors  or  administrators, 
and  to  Make  &  Execute  a  good  &  Sufficient  deed  or  deeds 
to  the  purchaser  or  purchasers  thereof,  and  lay  out  & 
Expend  the  proceeds  of  Such  Sale,  in  the  purchase  of 
other  lands  for  the  Benefit  of  said  Children  —  provided 


400  Resolves,  1791.  —  May  Session. 

that  he  the  said  Stephen  Warner  gives  bonds  with  Suffi- 
cient Surety  to  the  Judge  of  probate  of  said  County  for 
the  faithful  discharge  of  the  Trust  reposed  in  him  by  this 
Resolve.  June  10^  1791. 


Chapter  35. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  JOHN  G.  LIGHT,  GRANTING  HIM 
£.4  10  0  FOR  FERRYING  1800  MEN,  OVER  BROAD  BAY. 

On  the  petition  oi  John  George  Light  of  Waldohorough. 

Resolved,  That  there  be  paid  out  of  the  Treasury  of 
this  Commonwealth  four  pounds  ten  shillings  to  John 
George  Light  in  full  for  his  ferrying  Eighteen  hundred 
Officers  &  Men  over  Broad  Bay  ferry  in  the  Penohscott 
Expedition,  1779.  June  10,  1791. 


Chapter  35a.* 

ORDER    ON    THE    PETITION    OF   MOSES    FULLER  AND    OTHERS, 
RELATIVE  TO  THE  DIVISION  OF  THE  COUNTY  OF  SUFFOLK. 

On  the  petition  of  Moses  Fuller  &  others  praying  for  a 
division  of  the  County  of  Suffolk. 

Ordered  that  the  said  petitioners  notify  the  several 
Towns  in  the  said  County  of  Suffolk  by  leaving  an  attested 
copy  of  the  said  petition  and  of  this  order  thereon  with 
the  respective  Clerks  of  said  towns,  thirty  days  at  least 
before  the  next  sitting  of  the  General  Court,  then  to  shew 
cause,  if  any  they  have  why  the  prayer  of  the  said  petition 
should  not  be  granted.  June  10,  1791. 


Chapter  36. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  JOHN  WAIT. 

On  the  Petition  of  John  Wait,  praying  for  a  Trial  in  an 
Action  brought  against  him  by  Joseph  Tucker,  on  Avhich 
Action  Judgment  was  rendered,  on  Default,  against  the 
said  Wait,  before  Joseph  Simpson  Esqr.  a  Justice  of  the 
peace,  for  the  County  of  York,  on  the  thirty  first  day  of 
January  1788. 

Resolved,  that  the  said  John  Wait  be,  &  he  is  hereby 
impowered  to  enter  the  said  Action  at  the  Court  of  Com- 
mon Pleas  next  to  be  holden  in  &  for  the  County  of  York, 

•  Not  printed  in  previous  editions.    Taken  from  court  record. 


Resolves,  1791.  —  May  Session.  401 

and  that  the  same  Proceedings  be  had  thereon,  in  the  said 
Court,  as  though  the  Said  Demand  had  been  Denied  before 
the  said  Justice,  &  Legally  Carryed  to  the  said  Court; 
And  that  Execution  be  Stayed  in  the  mean  time  :  Provided 
the  said  John  Wait  serve  the  said  Joseph  Tucker  with  an 
attested  Copy  of  this  Resolve  at  Least  fourteen  days  before 
the  Setting  of  the  said  Court.  June  11,  1791. 

Chapter  37. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  SUSANNAH  DAVIS,  EMPOWER- 
ING THE  JUDGE  OF  PROBATE  TO  ALLOW  THE  COMMISSION- 
ERS A  FURTHER  TIME  TO  EXAMINE  THE  CLAIMS  TO  THE 
ESTATE   OF   DANIEL   LIVERMORE. 

On  the  Petition  of  Susanah  Davis  Praying  that  the 
Judge  of  Probate  for  the  County  of  Middlesex,  may  be 
impowered  to  allow  a  further  time  to  the  Commissioners 
on  the  Estate  of  Daniel  Livermore  Late  of  Weston,  in  the 
said  County  Deceased,  Represented  Insolvent,  to  receive 
the  claims  on  the  said  Estate. 

Resolved  that  the  Prayer  of  said  Petition  be  granted, 
and  that  the  said  Judge  of  Probate,  be  and  he  hereby  is 
impowered,  to  allow  said  Commissioners  at  the  expence  of 
the  Petitioner  a  further  term  of  one  Month,  to  receive  and 
Examine  the  Claims  of  the  several  Creditors,  to  the  Estate 
of  the  said  Daniel  Livermore,  any  Law  to  the  Contrary 
notwithstanding.  June  11,  1791. 

Chapter  38. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  GOVERNOR'S  MESSAGE,  REPEALING  A  RES- 
OLUTION PASSED  ON  THE  FIRST  OF  JUNE  CURRENT  AD- 
JOURNING THE  SUPREME  JUDICIAL  COURT  IN  THE  EASTERN 
COUNTIES. 

Whereas  a  Resolve  passed  on  the  first  of  June  current 
altering  the  time  by  Law  established  for  the  sitting  of  the 
Supreme  Judicial  Court  in  the  three  eastern  Counties  — 
and  it  having  been  since  represented  that  the  Resolve 
aforesaid  will  prove  injurious  in  its  operation  : 

Therefore  Resolved  that  the  Resolve  above  described  be, 
&  it  hereby  is  repealed.  — 

And  the  Secretary  is  directed  forthwith  to  cause  this 
Resolution  to  be  published  in  the  Independent  Chronicle, 
the  Cumberland  Gazette  and  the  (iazette  of  Maine,  and 
also  to  transmit  an  attested  copy  of  this  Resolve  to  the 
Sheritf  of  the  County  of  Cumberland.        June  11,  1791. 


402  Resolves,  1791.  — May  Session. 

Chapter  39. 

RESOLVE  DIRECTING  THE  TREASURER  TO  PAY  THE  WARRANT 
DRAWN  IN  FAVOR  OF  JOHN  SLATER,  TO  SAMUEL  SLATER, 
IT  APPEARING  THERE    WAS  A  MISTAKE. 

Whereas  by  a  Clerical  mistake  the  Name  ofJoJm 
Slater,''  was  inserted  in  a  Resolve  of  the  General  Court 
of  February  the  8th,  1790  ;  in  the  Room  of  Samuel  blater, 
and  a  warrant  from  the  Governor  &  councel  was  issued  on 
the  Treasurer  for  the  payment  oi  four  X)Ounds  to  John 
Slater  ai^reable  to  Said  Resolve  :  .    ,  .    ^. 

it  is  therefore  Resolved  that  the  Treasurer  ot  this  Com- 
monwealth be,  and  he  hereby  is  directed  and  Authorised 
to  pay  the  Contents  of  said  warrant  to  Samuel  Slater  m 
the  same  way  and  manner  as  tho'  said  warrant  had  been 
drawn  in  the  name  of  the  said  Samuel  Slater,  any  resolve 
to  the  Contrary  notwithstanding.  June  11,  1791. 

Chapter  40. 

RESOLVE  DIRECTING  THE  TREASURER  TO  CALL  UPON  ALL 
DELINQUENT  NAVAL  OFFICERS  TO  MAKE  A  SPEED\  SET- 
TLEMENT. 

Whereas  it  appears  that  there  are  a  numl)er  of  Naval 
Officers  which  have  not  settled  their  Collection,  ot  Light 
Monies  &  other  duties  and  that  no  Person  is  Authorised 
to  call  upon  them  for  the  same  :  ^^  7    7        -n 

Therefore  Resolved  that  Alexander  Hodgdon  J^sqr. 
Treasurer  of  the  Commonwealth  be  and  He  hereby  is 
impowered  &  directed  to  call  upon  all  such  delinquent 
Officers  to  make  speedy  settlement,  and  in  Case  ot  JNeg- 
lect  for  the  term  of  three  months  from  the  date  ot  this 
Resolve  to  prosecute  for  the  same.  June  11,1791. 

Chapter  41. 

RESOLVE  FOR  ADDING  TO  THE  SEVENTH  DIVISION  OF  MILITIA 
OF  THIS  COMMONWEALTH,  A  SECOND  MAJOR,  AND  THE 
OFFICE  TO  BE  CONSIDERED  AS  A  PART  OF  THE  ESTABLISH- 
MENT   OF    THE   SAID    REGIMENT. 

On  the  petition  of  Timothy  Newell,  Major  General  of 
the  7th  division  of  the  Militia  of  this  Commonwealth, 
pravino-,  that,  "  whereas  the  Regiment  of  Cavalry  in  the 
Countf  of  Worcester  is  very  large  &  extensive,  a  second 
Major  be  added  to  the  said  Regiment." 


Resolves,  1791.  — Mat  Session.  403 

Resolved,  that  the  prayer  of  said  petition  be  granted,  & 
that  there  be  added  to  the  said  Regiment  of  Cavalry  a 
second  Major,  who  shall  be  chosen  &  commissioned  ao-re- 
ably  to  the  existing  laws  of  the  Commonwealth,  for^the 
cho[o]sing  &  commissioning  the  officers  of  the  militia-  & 
that  the  office  of  second  Major  be  added  to,  &  considered 
as  a  part  of,  the  establishment  of  the  said  regiment  of 
C^^^^^T.  June  ll  1791. 


Chapter  42. 

RESOLVE     ON     THE     PETITION    OF     WATERMAX     THOMAS    AND 
MEMORIAL   OF  SHERIFF   BRIDGE. 

On  the  Petition  of  Edmund  Bridge  Esqr.  Sheriff  of  the 
County  of  Lincoln  and  on  the  Memorial  of  Waterman 
Thomas  Esqr.  setting  forth,  that  in  the  Year  of  our  Lord 
1780,  Government  became  indebted  to  said  Thomas  in  the 
Sum  of  Two  Thousand  twenty  three  pounds  eight  shil- 
lings and  ni7ie  pence  for  Supi)lies  by  him  furnished  their 
Troops  at  the  eastward;  that  he  applied  to  the  General 
Court  in  January  1781  to  have  his  Accounts  settled  and 
paid,  but  notwithstanding  his  utmost  Exertions  to  effect 
this  he  did  not  obtain  it  till  3Iarch  1787  ;  that  he  then 
received  Orders  upon  Collectors  of  back  Taxes  in  the 
Counties  of  Cumberland  and  Lincoln  to  the  Amount  of 
the  above  Sum,  but  no  Interest  or  Consideration  was 
given  him  for  witholding  said  Debt  during  six  years, 
while  he  was  endeavouring  to  ol^tain  a  Compensation  from 
Congress  by  Direction  of  the  General  Court  —  And  that 
he  the  said  Thomas  has  been  obliged  to  pay  Interest  for 
part  of  the  Supplies  so  furnished  the  Troops  of  this  Com- 
monwealth during  all  that  time—  and  further  setting  forth 
that  he  has  become  indebted  to  this  Commonwealth  in  the 
Sum  offmcr  hundred  yiinety  seven  pounds  nineteen  shil- 
lings and  ten  pence  on  the  Specie  part  of  Tax  No.  5  — 
six  hundred  eighty  seven  pounds  seven  shillings  and  six 
pence  in  army  Notes  and  four  hundred  eighty  eight 
pounds  fourteen  shillings  &  two  pence  in  Indents,  which 
he  has  engaged  to  pay  into  the  Treasury  of  this  Com- 
monwealth, for  several  Collectors  of  the  No.  5  Tax,  for 
which  Sums  Executions  were  issued  to  the  Sheriff  of  the 
County  of  Lincoln  —  and  praying  that  he  may  be  allowed 
his  Interest  on  the  Sum  hrstmentioned  during  the  Time 
it  was  withheld  as  aforesaid  ;  that  he  may  be  paid  for  his 


404  Resolves,  1791.  — May  Session. 

Services  as  Assistant  Quartermaster  and  also  that  the 
several  Orders  which  have  been  drawn  on  Collectors  in 
his  favour  and  afterwards  abated  by  the  General  Court  may 
be  allowed  and  further  that  the  said  Sheriff  of  the  County 
of  Lincoln  be  discharoed  from  the  aforesaid  Sums. 

Resolved  That  the  prayer  of  said  Petition  and  Memo- 
rial be  so  far  granted  that  the  Treasurer  of  this  Com- 
monwealth be  and  he  herel^y  is  directed  to  discharge  the 
said  Edmund  Bridge  Sheriff  of  the  County  of  Lincoln 
of  the  sum  of  Three  hundred  and  ninety  five  pounds,  four 
shillings  OiWiX  five  pence  in  part  of  the  sum  oifour  hundred 
and  ninety  seven  pounds  nineteen  shillings  and  ten  p>ence 
on  the  Specie  Part  of  Tax  No.  5. 

And  it  is  farther  Resolved  that  the  said  Treasurer  be 
and  he  is  hereby  directed  to  discharge  the  said  Sheriff  of 
the  County  of  Lincoln  of  the  Residue  of  said  four  hundred 
&  ninety  seven  pounds  nineteen  shillings  &  ten  pence  &  of 
the  said  sums  due  in  Army  Notes'and  Indents  as  aforesaid 
provided  the  said  Waterman  Thomas  give  Bond  to  the 
said  Treasurer  for  the  payment  of  ihe  same  Sums  in  Man- 
ner following  Viz.  one  third  part  thereof  in  one  year  from 
the  Date  of  this  Resolve  — one  other  third  part  in  two 
years  from  said  Date  and  the  remaining  third  part  thereof 
in  three  years  from  the  Date  hereof.  June  11,  1791. 

Chapter  43. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  REPRESENTATION  OF  ALEXANDER    HODG- 
DON,   ESQ.  TREASURER. 

Resolved,  That  Alexander  Hodgdon  Esq.  Treasurer  of 
this  Commonwealth  be,  and  he  is  hereby  authorised  & 
impowered  to  permit  Mr.  David  Morey  to  reside  in  that 
part  of  the  House  now  improved  l)y  him  the  said  Hodg- 
don, airreal)ly  to  his  request,  until  the  further  order  of  the 
General  Court.  J^yie  11,  1791. 


Chapter  44. 

RESOLVE  ON   THE   REPRESENTATION  OF  THE   TREASURER,  RE- 
SPECTING PICKERING'S  CERTIFICATES. 

On  the  Representation  of  the  Treasurer  of  this  Com- 
monwealth o(  June  ye  8th,  1791. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Treasurer  l)c  and  He  is  hereby 
directed  to  take  the  necessary  Measures  for  loaning  to  the 


Resolves,  1791.  — May  Session.  405 

United  States  Picl-erinrfs  Certificates,  mentioned  in  the 
said  Representation,  in  like  Manner  as  He  was  directed 
by  a  Resolve  of  the  Genl.  Court  of  the  5th  oi  March  last, 
to  loan  the  Certificates  issued  from  the  Loan  Offices  of  the 
other  States,  any  Thing  in  the  said  Resolve  to  the  con- 
trary notwithstanding.  June  11,  1791. 

Chapter  45. 

RESOLVE  ArPOINTING  A  COMMITTEE  TO  EXAMINE  THE  TREAS- 
URER'S BOOKS,  RESPECTING  THE  TRANSFER  OF  OLD  BAL- 
ANCES  OF    TAXES. 

Whereas  there  are  many  small  Balances  on  the  Books 
of  the  Treasury  transferred  from  the  Books  of  Treasurer 
Foye  down  to  those  of  the  late  Treasurer  Ivers,  during 
which  length  of  Time  many  and  great  alterations  have 
taken  Place  in  the  Towns  and  other  Places  from  which 
said  Sums  appear  to  be  due  ;  and  as  it  is  probable  many 
of  them  have  been  paid,  but  from  Time  and  other  Circum- 
stances proper  Proof  cannot  be  obtain'd,  and  that  many 
others  of  them  will  not  compensate  in  any  Degree  the 
Expence  of  an  En(iuiry,  and  whereas  the  i^aid  Balances 
cannot  be  discharged  from  the  Hooks  of  the  Treasury 
without  the  Authority  of  this  Court :  Therefore 

Resolved  That  Cotton  Tufts  Jonathan  Mason  &  Thomas 
Clarke  Esqrs.  be  a  Committee  to  sit  in  the  Recess  of  the 
General  Court  who  shall  have  full  Power  &  authority  to 
examine  into  all  Balances  that  appear  to  be  due  on  Taxes 
prior  to  the  year  1780  — and  report  to  the  Genl.  Court 
at  their  next  sitting  all  such  of  the  said  Balances  as  they 
shall  conceive  expedient,  should  be  discharged  from  the 
Treasury  Books. 

And  it  is  further  Resolved,  That  the  Treasurer  be 
directed  to  furnish  the  said  Committee  with  a  List  of  the 
said  Ballances,  and  such  Aid  in  the  Prosecution  of  their 
Business,  as  they  shall  find  necessary.       June  11,  1791. 

Chapter  46. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  MICHAEL  MCDONSELL. 

On  the  petition  of  Michael  McDonnell  who  served  as  a 
soldier  in  the  army  of  the  United  States  from  March  1777 
to  the  close  of  the  war,  who  enlisted  as  a  private  in  Colo. 
Putnants  Regiment  &  was  afterwards  transfered  to  Colo. 


406  Resolves,  1791.  —  May  Session. 

JVixon's  Regiment  praying  for  a  consideration  (similar  to 
what  others  in  like  circumstances  have  received)  for  the 
deduction  made  from  his  depreciation  notes. 

Resolved  that  there  be  allowed  and  paid  to  the  said 
Michael  McDonnell  the  sum  of  tiventi/  three  pounds,  eight 
shillings  and  nine  pence  in  full  for  the  deduction  aforesaid 
and  for  any  arrears  of  wages  and  cloathing  —  and  that  the 
Committee  tor  methodizing  accounts  be  directed  to  certify 
the  same,  and  the  Treasurer  on  receiving  a  warrant  there- 
for is  directed  to  pay  the  said  Michael  in  the  same  way 
and  manner  as  other  soldiers  have  been  paid,  any  law  or 
resolve  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding. 

June  11,  1791. 

Chapter  47. 

IIESOLVE  GRANTING  £.113  8s.  TO  GEORGE  MORGAN,  ESQ.  EX- 
ECUTOR TO  THE  ESTATE  OF  THOMAS  HUTCHINS,  ESQ.  DE- 
CEASED. 

U[)on  the  Petition  of  George  Morgan  Executor  of  the 
estate  of  Thomas  Hutchins  deceased,  late  Geographer  to 
the  United  States,  praying  for  an  allowance  for  services 
rendered  this  Common  Wealth,  in  ascertaining  the  line 
between  this  &  the  State  of  JSfew  York. 

Resolved  that  the  Prayer  of  said  Petition  be  granted, 
and  that  there  be  allowed  &  paid  to  the  said  George  Mor- 
gan in  his  Capacity  of  Executor  to  said  Hutchins,  out  of 
the  Treasury  of  this  Common  Wealth,  the  sum  of  One 
Jiundred  &  thirteen  pounds  eight  shillings  Lawful  Money, 
in  full  of  the  ballance  now  due  to  said  Morgan,  Executor 
as  aforesaid,  for  the  services  performed  by  said  Thomas 
Hutchins  in  ascertaining  the  line  between  this  &,  the  State 
of  JVeto  York  as  set  forth  in  said  Morgan's  petition. 

June  13,  1791. 

Chapter  48. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  JOB  CLARK. 

On  the  petition  of  Samuel  Henshaw  in  behalf  of  Job 
Clark. 

Resolved  that  the  Commissary  General  be,  and  he  is 
hereby  directed  to  deliver  to  the  said  Job  Clark  a  good 
fire-arm,  with  a  steel  ramrod  and  a  bayonet  fitted  to  the 
same ;  in  full  compensation  for  his  tire-arm  lost  in  the 
service  of  this  Commonwealth.  June  13,  1791. 


Resolves,  1791.  — May  Session.  407 


Chapter  49. 

UESOLVE   ON   THE    PETITION   OF   DANIEL   DENNIS  ON  ROGERS, 
DIRECTING   THE   ATTORNEY   GENERAL. 

Resolved  That  the  Attorney  General  of  this  Common- 
wealth, be  authorized  &  directed  to  appear  in  any  Court, 
within  this  Commonwealth,  &  make  answer  to  any  suit 
or  action,  that  now  is,  or  hereafter  may  be  pending  in 
any  such  Court,  by  any  person  against  Daniel  Dennison 
Rogers  of  Boston  in  tlie  County  of  Suffolk  Merchant  for 
the  recovery  of  any  Estate,  Confiscated  as  being  the  prop- 
erty of  William  Mollineux  late  of  sd.  Boston,  deceased, 
an  absentee  which  estate  has  been  heretofore  sold  to  the 
aforesaid  Rogers,  by  the  Committee  of  this  Common- 
wealth, for  tiie  sale  of  Absentees  estates  —  &  any  such 
action  to  defend  to  the  final  decision  thereof. 

June  13,  1791. 


Chapter  50. 

RESOLVE  EMPOWERING  SAMUEL  FREEMAN,  ESQ.  TO  MAKE 
SALE  OF  LAND  IN  PORTLAND,  THE  PROPERTY  OF  THIS  COM- 
MONWEALTH. 

Whereas  by  a  Resolve  of  the  General  Court,  passed  the 
18th  January/  1790  Saimiel  Freeman  esqr.  was  authorized 
&  impowered  to  make  sale  of  twenty  four  acres  of  land 
lying  in  the  town  of  Portland,  late  the  property  of  Willm. 
Tyng  esqr.  an  absentee,  — since  which,  doubts  have  arisen 
with  respect  to  the  right  or  title  of  the  Commonwealth, 
to  the  whole,  or  a  part  of  said  land  ;  which  preventedthe 
aforesaid  agent's  proceeding  to  execute  his  commission. 
And  whereas  upon  enquiry  it  appears  to  this  Court,  that 
the  Commonwealth  have  a  good  and  legal  right  to  the 
one  half  of  the  land  aforesaid  —  Therefore  — 

Resolved  that  the  aforesaid  Samuel  Freeman  esqr.  be, 
&  he  hereby  is  authorized  and  directed  to  proceed  as  soon 
as  may  be  with  conveniency,  to  make  sale  of  the  one  half 
of  the  aforesaid  twenty  four  acres  of  land,  at  pul)lic  or 
private  sale,  as  he  shall  judge  will  be  most  advantageous 
to  the  Commonwealth,  for  the  most  the  same  will  fetch, 
in  the  consolidated  notes  of  this  Commonwealth;  first 
giving  proper  notice  of  the  sale  —  and  to  make  and  ex- 
ecute a  good  deed  or  deeds  to  the  purchaser  or  purchasers 
of  the  same.  —  And  the  said  Agent  is  directed  to  pay  the 


408  Resolves,  1791.  —  Mat  Session. 

proceeds  of  the  said  sale  into  the  Treasury  of  this  Com- 
iBon wealth,  and  to  take  duplicate  receipts  for  the  same, 
one  to  be  lodged  in  the  Secretary's  office,  and  to  lay  his 
account  of  time  &  expence  before  the  General  Court  for 
allowance  and  payment.  June  13^  1791. 

Chapter  51. 

IIESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  SAMUEL  BARRETT,  IN  BEHALF 
OF  THE  COMMITTEE  FOR  THE  SALE  OF  ABSENTEES  ESTATES 
IN  THE  COUNTY  OF  SUFFOLK. 

On  the  memorial  of  Satrmel  Barrett  in  behalf  of  the 
Comittee  for  the  Sale  of  the  Estates  of  Absentees  in  the 
County  of  Suffolk  shewing  that  there  now  remains  due 
from  the  estate  of  Adino  Paddoch  late  of  Boston  in  the 
said  Count}^  Esq.  an  absentee  to  the  Executors  of  the 
last  will  of  John  Erving  Esquire  deceased  a  sum  of 
money  arising  by  mortgage  executed  by  the  said  Pad- 
doch and  assigned  to  the  said  Erving,  that  the  estate  of 
the  said  Paddoch  hath  been  confiscated  and  sold  &  the 
proceeds  thereof  paid  into  the  public  treasury,  and  that 
the  said  proceeds  are  more  than  sufficient  to  discharge  the 
said  Mortgage,  and  i)raying  for  reasons  set  forth  in  the 
said  memorial  that  the  said  mortgage  may  be  discharged 
out  of  the  public  treasury. 

Resolved  that  the  said  Samuel  Barrett  with  the  assist- 
ance of  the  Attorney  (xeneral  of  this  Commonwealth 
adjust  as  soon  as  may  be  with  the  said  Executors  or  their 
Attorney  the  sum  now  due  on  the  said  mortgage  now  in 
the  hands  of  the  said  Executors,  and  to  certify  to  the 
Secretary  the  sum  found  due  on  the  said  mortgage  upon 
such  adjustment.  And  his  Excellency  the  Governor  is 
authorised  and  requested  by  and  with  the  advice  of  the 
Honourable  the  Council  to  draw  his  warrant  upon  the 
Treasurer  for  payment  of  the  sum  which  shall  be  so  certi- 
fied who  is  hereby  authorised  and  directed  to  discharge 
the  same  out  of  the  first  monies  which  shall  be  received 
into  the  treasury  from  any  })ul)lic  taxes  not  already  appro- 
priated with  Interest  upon  the  same  until  paid. 

June  13,  1791. 

Chapter  53. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  THE  TOWN  OF  WORCESTER. 

On  the  Petition  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of 
Wo7'cester  in  the  County  of  Worcester  shewing  that  there 


Resolves,  1791.  —  May  Session.  409 

is  in  said  Town  a  Lot  of  unimproved  Land  containing 
about  fifty  Acres  laid  out  for  School  Land  —  and  praying 
that  they  may  be  empowered  to  make  Sale  of  said  Land 
for  Reasons  set  forth  in  said  Petition. 

Resolved  That  the  prayer  of  said  Petition  be  granted 
and  that  the  said  Inhabitants  be  &  they  are  hereby  em- 
powered to  make  Sale  of  said  Land  &  to  execute  good 
and  sufiicient  Deed  or  Deeds  to  pass  the  same  —  And  the 
Money  arising  by  the  Sale  or  Sales  of  said  Land  shall  be 
l)ut  out  on  Interest  and  the  annual  Interest  arising  on  the 
Amount  of  such  Sale  or  Sales  shall  be  applied  for  the  Sup- 
port of  Schools  in  said  Town  of  Worcester. 

June  14,  1791. 

Chapter  53a.* 

ORDER  ON  THE  TETITION  OF  NATHANIEL  CARTER  AND  OTHERS. 

On  the  petition  of  Nathaniel  Carter  and  others  praying 
for  liberty  to  erect  a  toll  bridge  over  Merrimack  river  at  a 
place  called  the  Pines  in  Neichury  too  Deer  Island  and 
from  thence  to  Salisbury  and  that  the  petitioners  with 
others  their  associates  may  be  incorporated  for  that  pur- 
pose. 

Ordered  that  the  petitioners  cause  public  notice  of  the 
contents  of  their  said  petition  to  be  given  by  causing  a 
true  copy  of  their  said  petition  and  of  this  resolution  to 
be  published  three  weeks  successively  in  the  month  of 
September  next  in  Adam's  independent  Chronicle  printed 
in  Boston  and  in  Mycall's  Gazette  printed  in  JSFewburyport 
to  the  intent  that  any  person  may  appear  on  the  second 
Wednesday  of  the  next  session  of  the  General  Court  & 
shew  cause  if  any  he  may  have  why  the  prayer  of  the  said 
petition  should  not  be  granted.  June  14,  1791. 

Chapter  53. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  THE  SELECTMEN  OF  TRURO, 
REMITTING  SAID  TOWN  £.49  11  8,  TO  REPAIR  PALMIT  HAR- 
BOUR. 

On  the  Petition  of  the  Selectmen  of  Truro  in  l)ehalf  of 
said  ToAvn,  praying  for  the  Assistance  of  Government,  in 
repairing  their  Harbour  called  Pahnit  Harbour  on  Oape 
Cod. 

*  Not  printed  in  previous  editions.    Taken  from  court  record. 


410  Resolves,  1791.  —  May  Session. 

Resolved  for  reasons  set  forth  in  said  Petition  that  all 
the  Taxes  now  assessed  upon  the  Inhabitants  of  said 
Town  of  Truro,  not  already  paid  into  the  Treasury  of 
this  Commonwealth,  being  £49,  11,8  be  remitted  to 
said  Inhabitants,  &  credited  by  the  Treasurer  of  this 
Commonwealth  j^i'ovided  that  the  same  money  be  raised 
by  said  inhal)itants  &  appropriated  &  laid  out  in  repair- 
ing the  Harbour  aforesd.  provided  cdso  said  Inhal)itants 
shall  Assess  themselves  in  a  like  sum  which  shall  actually 
be  appropriated  &  laid  out  in  repairing  the  Harbour 
aforesd.  in  labour  or  otherwise  which  shall  be  found  most 
conducive  to  the  Effecting  the  purpose  aforesd.  &  be  it 
further  Resolved  that  the  abovementioned  sum,  not  all- 
ready  assessed  be  assessed  &  collected,  in  the  same  way  & 
manner,  as  is  provided  by  law  for  raising  &  collecting 
State,  &  other  Taxes  —  &  be  it  further  resolved  that  Syl- 
vanus  Snoiv  Esqr.  &  Anthony  Snoiv  Junr.  be  a  Commit- 
tee to  direct  the  expenditure  of  the  money  that  shall  be 
collected  pursuant  to  the  foregoing  Resolution,  for  effect- 
ing the  purpose  therein  mentioned,  &  render  their  account 
thereof  to  the  Legislature  as  soon  as  may  be. 

June  14,  1791. 

Chapter  54. 

RESOLVE  FOR  DISCHARGING  A  WARRANT  DRAWN  IN  FAVOR 
OF  GEORGE  MORGAN,  ESQ.  AS  EXECUTOR  TO  THE  ESTATE 
OF   THOMAS  HUTCHINS,   ESQ. 

Resolved  that  the  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth  be, 
and  he  is  hereby  directed  to  discharge  a  Warrant  drawn 
for  One  hundred  &  thirteen  pounds,  eight  shillings  by  the 
Governor  and  Council,  in  favor  of  George  Morgan  Exec- 
utor to  the  estate  of  Thomas  HutcJtins  esqr.  out  of  the 
proceeds  of  the  lottery  now  in  the  Treasury. 

June  14,  1791. 

Chapter  55. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  EDWARD  JONES  AND  JAMES 
HUGHES,  EXECUTORS  TO  THE  LAST  WILL  OF  MART  AXXE 
JOXES,  AUTHORIZING  THEM  TO  SELL  AND  CONVEY  ALL 
THE  INTEREST  AND  ESTATE  IN  A  CERTAIN  WARE  HOUSE 
AND  LAND  IN  BOSTON. 

On  the  petition  of  Edivard  Jones  &  James  Hughes  Ex- 
ecutors of  the  last  Will  and  Testament  of  Mary  Anne 


Resolves,  1791.  —  May  Sessioit.  411 

Jones  late  of  Boston  Widow  deceased  praying  leave  to 
Sell  &  convey  the  Estate  and  Interest  said  Mary  Anne  in 
her  life  time  had  in  a  certain  Warehouse  and  Land  in  said 
Boston  —  For  the  reasons  set  forth  in  the  petition  and  on 
account  of  the  Age  and  local  situation  of  the  heirs  and 
legatees  of  said  Mary  Anne. 

Resolved,  that  the  prayer  of  said  petition  be  granted  and 
that  said  Jones  and  Hughes  as  Executors  of  said  Mary 
Ann's  Will  be  and  they  are  hereby  authorized  to  bargain 
sell  and  convey  unto  any  person  all  the  Interest  and  Es- 
tate which  in  her  life  time  said  Mary  Anne  had  in  and 
unto  the  said  Warehouse,  the  Land  under  and  adjoining 
the  same  and  to  make  and  execute  good  &  sufficient  deed 
or  deeds  of  the  same  Warehouse  and  Land  whereby  to 
vest  said  Mary  Annes  Estate  in  the  purchaser ;  said  Jo7ies 
&  Hufjhes  to  account  for  the  proceeds  of  the  same  to  all 
persons  interested  therein.  June  14,  1791. 

Chapter  55a.* 

ORDER   ON  THE  PETITION   OF    WILLIAM  HUNT  AND  OTHERS. 

On  the  Petition  of  William  Hunt  and  others,  praying 
that  the  Towns  of  Oambridge  and  Lexington,  who  by 
Law  are  at  the  Expence  of  building  and  keeping  in  Repair 
the  Bridge  at  Cambridge,  in  the  County  of  Middlesex, 
may  be  ordered  to  make  a  Draw  across  the  said  Bridge, 
upon  the  Plan  of  Cha7'lestown  Bridge. 

Ordered  —  that  the  Petitioners  cause  the  said  Towns  of 
Cambridge  and  Lexington  to  be  notified  (by  serving  the 
Town  Clerks  thereof  with  an  attested  copy  of  said  Peti- 
tion and  of  this  order,  fourteen  Days  before  the  next  Sit- 
ting of  the  General  Court)  to  shew  Cause,  on  the  second 
Wednesday  of  the  next  Session  of  the  said  Court,  why 
the  Prayer  of  said  Petition  should  not  be  granted. 

June  14,  1791. 

Chapter  56. 

RESOLVE  AUTHORIZING  JOHN  DEMING,  ESQ.  TO  CERTIFY  THE 
BALANCE  DUE  TO  JAMES  PARMETER,  LATE  A  SOLDIER  IN 
THE   SEVENTH   MASSACHUSETTS  REGIMENT. 

Resolved  that  John  Deming  Esqr.  be  authorised  to 
Certifie  to  his  Excellency  the  Governor  &  Council   the 

*  Not  printed  in  previous  editions. 


412  Resolves,  1791.  —  May  Session. 

Balance  that  may  be  found  due  to  James  Pavmeter  late 
Soldier  in  the  7th  Massachusetts  Regiment  and  that  his 
Excellency  be  requested  with  advice  of  Council  to  draw  a 
Warrant  upon  the  Treasurer  of  this  Common  Wealth  for 
said  sum  in  favor  of  Aaron  Parmeter  the  father  of  said 
James.  June  15,  1791. 


Chapter  57. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  MEMORIAL  OF  EDWARD   BRINLET. 

On  the  Memorial  of  Edward  Brinley,  praying  that  the 
Judge  of  Probate  for  the  County  of  Suffolk  may  be  em- 
powered to  extend  the  Commission  which  has  been  granted 
to  Commissioners  to  lieceive  &  examine  the  claims  against 
the  Estate  of  Eliakim  Hutchinson  Late  of  Boston  in  this 
Commonwealth  Esqr.  deceas'd,  a  Conspirator  against  the 
Gover[?z]ment&  Liberties  of  the  people;  in  order  that  he 
may  receive  out  of  the  Estate  of  said  conspirator  a  Bal- 
lance  due  him  on  a  Note  of  hand,  Bearing  date  the  twenty 
sixth  of  December  A  D  17 69. 

liesolved,  that  the  Judge  of  Probate  for  the  County  of 
Suffolk  be,  and  he  hereby  is  empowerd  to  extend  the 
Commission  which  has  been  granted  to  Commissioners  to 
receive  &  examine  the  Claims  against  the  Estate  of  said 
Eliakim  Hiitchinson  so  far,  as  to  examine  the  aforemen- 
tioned demand  of  the  said  Edward  Brinley  &  report  to 
the  said  Judge  of  Probate.  June  16,  1791. 


Chapter  58. 

RESOLVE  ESTABLISHING  THE  PAY  OF  THE  MEMBERS  OF  THE 
GENERAL  COURT,  WITH  DIRECTIONS  TO  THE  TREASURER 
TO  PAY   THE    SAME   OUT   OF   MONIES   UNAPPROPRIATED. 

Resolved,  that  there  be  allowed  and  paid  out  of  the 
treasury  of  the  Commonwealth,  to  each  of  the  members 
of  the  Hon.  Council,  seven  Shillings,  per  day,  for  each 
day's  attendance,  and  a  like  sum  for  every  ten  miles 
travel ;  To  the  meml^ers  of  the  Hon.  Senate,  six  Shillings 
&  six  jJence  per  day,  for  each  day's  attendance,  and  a  like 
sum  for  every  ten  miles  travel ;  And  to  the  members  of 
the  House  of  Representatives  six  Shillings  per  day,  for 
each  day's  attendance,  and  a  like  sum  for  every  ten  miles 
travel. 


Eesolves,  1791.  —  May  Session.  413 

And  be  it  further  resolved,  that  there  be  allowed  &  paid 
as  above,  to  the  Hon.  Samuel  Phillips  Esqr.  President  of 
the  Senate,  and  to  the  Hon.  David  Cobb  Esqr.  Speaker 
of  the  House  of  Representatives,  j^z;e  Shillings  each  for 
every  days  attendance,  over  and  above  their  pay  as  mem- 
bers of  the  legislature  as  above  stated.  And  that  the 
Treasurer  of  the  Common  Wealth  be  and  he  hereby  is 
directed  and  ordered  to  pay  the  Respective  Members  ac- 
cordingly out  of  any  Money  in  the  Treasury  not  already 
appropriated.  Jane  16,  1791. 

Chapter  59. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  STEPHEN  CLAP,  DIRECTING 
THE  TREASURER  TO  PAY  THE  SUM  DUE  TO  HIM,  AS  A 
LIEUTENANT. 

On  the  Petition  of  Stephen  Clap,  shewing  that  the 
wages  due  to  him  from  this  Commonwealth  have  been 
drawn  on  a  forged  order,  and  praying  for  relief. 

Resolved  that  the  said  Steplien  Clap  be  paid  out  of  the 
Treasury  of  this  Commonwealth  the  sum  due  to  him  for 
his  service  as  a  Lieutenant  in  a  Regiment  of  artificers  in 
the  late  Continental  Army,  in  the  same  manner  as  others 
have  heretofore  been  paid  for  like  services  ;  the  same  having 
been  drawn  by  a  forged  Order  notwithstanding  —  and  the 
Treasurer  of  the  said  Comonwealth  is  hereby  directed  to 
govern  himself  accordingly.  June  16,  1791. 


Chapter  60. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  EDWARD  PREBBLE,  DIRECT- 
ING THE  COMMITTEE  ON  ACCOUNTS  TO  CERTIFY  THE  SUM 
DUE   TO   ABRAHAM  PREBBLE. 

On  the  petition  of  Edioard  Prebble,  Administrator  on 
the  Estate  of  Abraham  Prebble,  deceased. 

Whereas  it  appears  l)y  the  Books  of  the  Committee  for 
Settle ing  Army  Accounts,  that  the  Sum  of  £748,8  in 
Old  Currency  at  thirty  two  &  a  half  for  one  is  due  to  the 
estate  of  the  said  Abraham  Prebble,  for  his  Services  as  a 
private  in  Colonel  Tappers,  Regiment, —  in  the  Continental 
Army  : 

Resolved  that  John  Demming  Esqr.  be  and  he  is  hereby 
directed  to  Certifie  to  the  Governour,  &  Council,  the  Sum 
due  to  said  Abrahams  heirs,  in  the  same  way  &  manner 


414  Eesolves,  1791.  —  May  Session. 

as  other  Accounts  of  the  same  nature  have  been  Certified 
any  Resolve  to  the  Contarary  Notwithstanding. 

June  16,  1791. 


Chapter  61. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  WILLIAM  WALKER,  BONDSMAN 
TO  CALEB  HTDE,  LATE  SHERIFF  OF  THE  COUNTY  OF  BERK- 
SHIRE, APPOINTING  A  COMMITTEE   IN    THE  CASE. 

Upon  the  petition  of  William  Walker- one  of  the  Bonds- 
men of  Caleb  Hyde  late  Sheriff  of  the  County  of  Berk- 
shire praying  relief. 

Resolved  that  Saml.  Lyman,  Samuel  Henshaw  &  Jus- 
tin My  Esqrs.  together  with  the  Attorney  General  be  a 
Committee  &  they  are  hereby  fully  authorised  and  im- 
powerd  to  receive  from  the  said  Caleb  Hyde  and  all  or 
any  of  his  Bondsmen  who  are  living  and  from  the  Admin- 
istrator of  one  of  them  who  is  deceased  such  sum  and 
sums  of  money  and  such  real  or  personal  estate  as  by 
agreement  with  them  or  any  of  them  they  shall  under  all 
circumstances  think  it  for  the  Interest  of  the  Common 
wealth  for  them  to  accept  and  thereupon  to  agree  with 
such  of  them  against  whom  an  action  is  now  commenced 
upon  said  Bond  to  the  Court  of  Common  pleas  to  be 
holden  at  Boston  in  and  for  the  County  of  Suffolk  on  the 
first  Tuesday  of  Jidy  next  or  any  of  them  from  whom 
they  shall  have  reed,  such  sum  of  Money  or  estate  that  no 
Execution  upon  the  Judgment  that  may  be  recoverd  in 
that  Action  shall  be  served  or  levied  upon  them  or  their 
estates  —  and  to  agree  with  those  who  are  not  sued  in  that 
action  from  whom  they  shall  receive  such  sum  of  money 
or  estate,  that  no  action  shall  be  commenced  against  them 
upon  said  Bond  —  said  Committee  to  take  proper  deeds 
for  the  transferring  &  conveying  such  estates  to  this  Com- 
mon wealth,  and  to  be  accountable  for  all  personal  Estate 
or  money  which  they  may  receive.  And  the  Attorney 
General  is  directed  to  enter  said  action  &  to  continue  it  as 
long  as  may  be  necessary  to  compleating  the  business 
aforesd.,and  to  discontinue  the  same  and  to  cancel  &  dis- 
charge said  bond  if  said  Committee  shall  effect  a  Compro- 
mise with  said  Hyde  and  all  said  Bonds  men  who  are  living 
&  with  the  Administrator  of  the  one  who  is  deceased. 

June  17,  1791. 


Resolves,  1791.  —  May  Session.  415 


Chapter  62, 

RESOLVE    DETERMINING   THE   PAY  OF  THE   LIEUTENANT   GOV- 
ERNOUR, SECRETARY  AND  TREASURER. 

Resolved,  That  for  one  year  from  the  last  Wednesday 
of  May  last  The  sum  of  one  hundred  &  sixty  pounds  in 
Specie,  shall  be  the  pay  of  the  Lieutenant  Governour 
and  a  proportionable  Sum  for  a  less  Time,  in  full  for  his 
Service  as  Lieutenant  Governour  to  be  paid  out  of  the 
Treasury  of  this  Commonwealth,  in  quarterly  payments 
as  the  same  shall  become  due. 

Resolved,  That  there  be  allowed  and  paid  out  of  the 
Public  Treasury  of  this  Commonwealth  to  the  Secretary 
of  the  same  John  Avery  jun.  Esqr.  the  sum  of  tico  hun- 
dred &  fifty  pounds,  in  full  for  his  services  from  the  first 
of  June  1790  to  the  first  day  of  June  1791. 

Resolved,  That  for  one  year  from  the  twenty  seventh 
day  of  Api'il  last  the  sum  of  three  hundred  &  fifty  pounds 
shall  be  the  pay  of  the  Treasurer  Alexander  Hodgdon 
Esq.  and  a  proportionable  sum  for  a  less  time,  in  full  for 
his  Services  the  present  year  as  Treasurer  of  this  Com- 
monwealth, to  be  paid  out  of  the  Treasury  thereof,  in 
quarterly  payments,  as  the  same  may  become  due. 

June  17,  1791. 


Chapter  63. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  JOHN  CRUMETT,  DIRECTING 
THE  COMMITTEE  FOR  METHODIZING  ACCOUNTS  TO  CERTIFY 
THE  WAGES  DUE  TO  JAMES  TIBBIT,  A  SOLDIER. 

On  the  Petition  of  John  Crumett  praying  that  he  May 
Receive  the  wages  of  James  Tibbet  a  Soldier  in  Colo. 
Smith's  Regiment  who  Died  in  the  public  Service  JS^o- 
vember  7,  1777  which  wages  have  Not  hitherto  been  paid. 

Resolved  that  the  Committee  for  Methodizing  the  publick 
accounts  be  and  they  are  hereby  Directed  to  Certify  to  the 
Governour  &  Council,  the  wages  Due  to  the  said  James 
Tibbit  Soldier  in  Colo.  Smith's  Regiment  of  the  late  Con- 
tinental Army,  the  same  to  be  paid  in  the  manner  other 
Soldiers  have  been  paid  under  like  Circumstances,  and 
that  the  Same  be  Charged  to  the  United  States. 

June  17,  1791. 


416  Resolves,  1791.  —  May  Session. 


Chapter  64. 

RESOLVE   ON  THE   PETITION  OF  SAMUEL  THWING  AND  JAMES 
FOSTER,  ESTABLISHING  THEIR  PAY. 

On  the  memorial  of  Samuel  Thiuing  and  James  Foster, 
l)raying  that  an  establishment  may  be  made  to  them  by 
the  General  Court  for  their  Services  in  Settling  the  late 
Treasurer  Ivers  Books  &  Accounts. 

Resolved  that  there  be  alowed  to  the  said  Samuel 
Thwing  &  James  Foster  at  the  rate  of  yiine  shillings 
pr.  Day  to  each  of  them  for  the  time  they  have  l)een 
employed  in  the  said  Business  respectively. 

June  17,  1791. 


Chapter  (55. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  REPORT  OF  THE   COMMITTEE  APPOINTED  TO 
SELL  CERTAIN   WESTERN  LAND  TO   SAMUEL  OGDEN. 

On  the  report  of  the  Conimittee  appointed  by  the  general 
court  on  the  8th  day  of  March  last,  with  authority  to  sell 
&  convey  to  Sam^iel  Ogden  Esqr.,  his  heirs  &  assigns, 
the  right  of  pre-emption,  &  other  the  title  &  interest  of 
the  Commonwealth  to  that  part  of  the  lands  lying  in  the 
state  of  JSTew-  York,  the  right  of  pre-emption  whereof  the 
said  state  of  JSTew-York  had  ceded  to  this  Commonwealth, 
&  which  had  not  been  by  them  before  otherwise  ceded  or 
granted. 

Resolved,  That  the  same  be,  &  hereby  is  approved,  & 
that  the  several  papers  described  in  the  said  report,  and 
accompanying  the  said  Report  after  the  same  shall  have 
been  recorded  in  the  Secretary's  office  of  this  Common- 
wealth, be  deposited  in  the  Treasurer's  office  of  the  Com- 
monwealth, to  l)e  put  on  file  with  the  other  papers  there 
already  deposited  relative  to  the  same  subject. 

J\me  17,  1791. 

Chapter  66. 

RESOLVE  GRANTING  TO  WILLIAM  COBB,  EXECUTOR  TO  THE 
LAST  WILL  OF  SAMUEL  COBB,  £.13  13  2,  FOR  HIS  SERVICES 
AS   AGENT  TO  THE  ESTATE   OF  WILLIAM  TYNG. 

Resolved  that  there  l)c  allowed  and  paid  out  of  the 
Treasury  of  this  Commonwealth  to  William  Cohb  Execu- 
tor to  the  Last  will  and  Testament  of  Saml.  Cobb  Late 


Resolves,  1791. —  May  Session.  417 

of  Falmouth  in  the  County  of  Cumberland  Deceas'd  the 
Sum  of  thirteen  pounds  thirteen  shillings  &  two  jience  in 
Full  of  the  account  of  the  aforsaid  Saml.  Oohb  for  his 
Services  as  agent  to  the  Estate  of  William  Tyng  Esqr. 
an  Absentee.  j^ne  17,1791. 


Chapter  67. 

RESOLVE    ON    THE    PETITION    OF    SUNDRY    INHABITANTS    OF 
VINALHAVEN,   RESPECTING   THEIR  LANDS. 

On  the  petition  of  sundry  inhabitants  of  the  town  of 
Vinalhaven  in  the  County  of  Hancock  praying  that  meas- 
ures may  be  taiven  to  oblige  the  delinquent  settlers  of 
said  town  to  pay  their  proportionable  part  of  the  sums 
specified  in  a  grant  of  March  1786,  to  quiet  the  said 
settlers  in  their  respective  lands  &  settlements. 

Resolved  that  unless  the  said  delinquent  settlers  pay 
into  the  Treasury  of  this  Commonwealth  the  sum  of  five 
dollars  for  every  hundred  acres  they  possess  as  specified 
in  said  grant,  on  or  before  the  first  day  of  October  next, 
the  Attorney  General  of  this  Commonwealth  be,  and  he 
hereby  is  directed  to  take  such  legal  measures  for  com- 
pelling payment  of  the  aforesaid  sums  as  shall  appear 
necessary. 

And  be  it  further  Resolved,  that  as  soon  as  a  receipt 
from  the  Treasurer  is  produced  by  the  said  settlers  to 
the  Committee  for  the  sale  of  eastern  lands,  proving  that 
they  have  complied  with  the  conditions  of  the  said  grant, 
that  the  said  Conmiittee  be,  and  they  are  hereby  author- 
ized &  directed  to  execute  such  good  and  sufficient  deed 
of  the  lands  granted  to  the  settlers  of  the  town  of  Vinal- 
haven, as  will  secure  to  them,  their  heirs  and  assigns  the 
full  possession  of  the  lands  aforesaid.       June  17,  1791. 


Chapter  68. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  WILLIAM  BILLINGS  IN  BEHALF 
OF  SAMUEL  BOLTfVOOD,  EXTENDING  A  RESOLVE  PASSED 
8th  OF  MARCH  LAST,  FIVE  MONTHS  FROM  THE  TIME  OF  PASS- 
ING THE  SAME. 

On  the  representation  of  Wm.  Billiiigs,  in  behalf  of 
Samuel  Boltwood. 

Resolved  That  the  Resolution  which  passed  on  the 
eighth  Day  of  March  last,  permitting  the  said  Samuel 
Boltwood  to  pay  a    certain    fine   to   the    Sherifl^  of  the 


418  Resolves,  1791.  —  May  Session. 

County  of  Hampshire  in  the  consolidated  Notes  of  this 
commonwealth  within  three  months  from  passing  the 
same,  be,  &  the  said  Kesohition  is  hereby  extended  to 
the  term  of  five  months  from  the  time  of  passing  the 
same  Resolve,  any  thing  therein  to  the  contrary  notwith- 
standing. June  IS,  1791. 

Chapter  69. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  NATHANIEL  FISHER,  OF 
DIGHTON,  APPOINTING  A  COMMITTEE  OF  BOTH  HOUSES  TO 
APPRAISE   THE   LAND    MENTIONED. 

On  the  petition  of  Nathaniel  Fisher  of  Dighton  Pray- 
ing for  the  Appointment  of  a  Committe  agreeable  to 
a  Resolve  of  the  Genrl.  Court  of  this  Common  Welth 
passed  the  25tli  Day  oi  Ajyrl.  1771,  For  the  appraisment 
of  certain  Lands  granted  to  William  Bullock  &  others  in 
said  Petition  mentioned. 

Resolved  that  the  prayer  of  sd.  Fisher  be  granted  and 
that  Elijah  Dwight  Esq.  Capt.  Daniel  Brown  &  Nathel. 
Bishop  Esqr.  be  a  Committee  to  view  &  appraize  the 
aforesaid  Land  of  the  sd.  Petitioner  lying  adjoining  the 
Township  oi  Addams.  June  18,  1791. 

Chapter  70. 

RESOLVE  AUTHORIZING  THE  HONORABLE  THOMAS  DAWES,  TO 
MAKE  NECESSARY  REPAIRS  TO  THE  STATE  HOUSE  AND  LAY 
HIS  ACCOUNTS  BEFORE  THE  GOVERNOR  AND  COUNCIL. 

Resolved  That  Thos.  Dawes  Esq.  be  &  he  is  hereby 
authorized  &  directed  to  make  such  repairs  as  are  neces- 
sary on  the  State  House,  &  lay  his  accounts  l)efore  the 
Governour  &  Council  for  Examination  &  allowance. 

June  18,  1791. 

Chapter  71. 

RESOLVE  GRANTING  £.500  TO  BE  ASSESSED  ON  THE  POLLS 
AND  ESTATES  OF  THE  INHABITANTS  OF  THE  COUNTY  OF 
HANCOCK,  TO  DEFRAY  THE  NECESSARY  CHARGES  OF  SAID 
COUNTY. 

Whereas  it  appears  by  the  representation  of  the  Jus- 
tices of  the  Court  of  General  Sessions  of  the  peace  of 
the  County  of  Hancoclx  that  the  Sura  of  Five  hundred 
Pounds  is  necessarj"  to  discharge  the  expences  of  Said 
County  the  present  year  : 


Resolves,  1791.  —  May  Session.  419 

Resolved  that  there  be  &  there  hereby  is  granted  a  tax 
of  Five  hundred  Pounds  to  be  assessed  on  the  polls  & 
Estates  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  County  aforesaid  to  be 
apportioned,  assessed,  collected  and  applied  to  the  use  of 
said  County  according  to  the  Laws  of  this  Commonwealth 
to  defray  the  necessary  Charges  thereof  the  Current  Year. 

June  18,  1791. 


Chapter  73. 

RESOLVE  ALLOWING  THE  COUNTY  TREASURER'S  ACCOUNTS  FOR 
THE  COUNTY  OF  WASHINGTON,   AND  GRANTING  A  TAX. 

Whereas  the  Treasurer  of  the  County  of  Washington, 
has  laid  his  Accounts  before  the  Genl.  Court  in  Manner 
by  Law  prescribed,  which  Accounts  are  hereby  allowed 
—  And  whereas  the  Clerk  of  the  Court  of  the  Genl.  Ses- 
sions of  the  Peace  for  the  said  County  has  laid  before  the 
Genl.  Court  an  Estimate  made  by  the  Court  of  Genl. 
Sessions  of  the  Peace,  of  the  necessary  charges  likely  to 
arise  within  said  County  the  Current  Year  amounting  to 
Ninety  Eight  pounds  one  shilling  &  sixpence  : 

Resolved  that  the  Sum  of  Ninety  Eight  pounds  one 
shilling  &  sixpence  be  &  hereby  is  granted  as  a  Tax  for 
the  said  County  of  Washington  to  be  apportioned  assessed, 
collected  and  applied  in  manner  agreeably  to  law. 

June  18,  1791. 


Chapter  73. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  ANNA  DYER,  DIRECTING  JOEN 
DEMING,  ESQ.  TO  CERTIFY  THE  BALANCE  DUE  TO  JUDA  DYER, 
HER  LATE  HUSBAND. 

On  the  Petition  [o/]  Anna  Dyer,  praying  for  the  Wages 
of  Juda  Dyer  her  late  Husband  (deceased)  a  Soldier  in 
Col.  Shepards  Regiment. 

Resolved,  that  John  Deming,  Esq.  be,  and  he  hereby 
is  directed,  to  certify  to  the  Governor  and  Council,  the 
balance  due  to  the  said  Juda  (being  the  Sum  of  one 
Pound,  fourteen  shillings)  in  the  same  way  and  manner, 
as  such  balances  have  heretofore  been  certified ;  and  that 
the  said  Anna  l)e  entitled  to  receive  the  same  accordingly 
any  Law  or  resolve  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding. 

June  18,  1791. 


420  Resolves,  1791.  —  May  Session. 


Chapter  74. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  DAVID  SMEAD,  ESQ.  DIS- 
CHARGING THE  TOWN  CLERK  OF  GREENFIELD  FROM  THE 
FINE  ALLUDED  TO  IN  HIS  PETITION, 

On  the  petition  oi  David  Smead  Esqr.  in  behalf  of  the 
town  of  Greenfield. 

Resolved,  for  reasons  set  forth  in  sd.  petition,  That  the 
prayer  thereof  be  granted,  &  that  the  Clerk  of  said  Town, 
be  not  prosecuted,  for  neglecting  to  return  the  Votes 
of  said  Town,  for  Governor,  Lieutenant  Governor  & 
Senators,  for  the  year  1790;  &  the  Attorney  General  is 
to  govern  himself  accordingly.  June  18,  1791. 

Chapter  75. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  JOSEPH  HENDERSON,  ESQ.  LATE 
SHERIFF  FOR  SUFFOLK  COUNTY,  ALLOWING  HIM  TWELVE 
MONTHS  TO  MAKE  CERTAIN  PAYMENTS. 

On  the  Petition  of  Joseph  Henderson  late  Sheriff  of  the 
County  of  Suffolk  for  Eeasons  set  forth  in  said  Petition. 

Resolved  That  the  said  Joseph  Henderson  be  and  he 
hereby  is  allowed  the  Term  of  twelve  Months  from  the 
Date  of  this  Resolve  to  make  Payment  of  the  sum  of 
Ninety  Pounds  eight  shillings  in  specie,  six  hundred  and 
seventy  six  Pounds  &  eight  pence  in  Army  Notes  &  Two 
hundred  and  seventy  two  Pounds  nineteen  shillings  and  ten 
pence  in  Indents,  due  from  the  said  Sheriff  on  an  Execu- 
tion committed  to  one  Samuel  Mellish  late  a  Deputy 
Sheriff  under  said  Henderson  —  and  the  Treasurer  of  this 
CommonAvealth  is  hereby  directed  to  govern  himself 
accordingly.  June  18,  1791. 

Chapter  76. 

RESOLVE   ALLOWING    THE    ACCOUNTS    OF    THE   GUARDIANS    OF 
THE  CATHEAD  INDIANS. 

Whereas  James  Athearn  &  Simon  Ilayhew  Jun.  two 
of  the  Guardians  of  the  Indians  at  Gay  Head  have  ex- 
hibited their  accounts  of  Guardianship  &  their  appearing 
on  a  settlement  of  said  Accounts  to  be  due  from  said 
Guardians  Seventeen  pounds  &  nine  pence: 

Resolved,  That  said  Accounts  be  allowed,  and  that  the 
balance  remaining  in  the  hands  of  the  Guardians  be 
accounted  for  by  them  in  a  future  settlement. 

June  18,  1791. 


Resolves,  1791.  —  May  Session.  421 


Chapter  77. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  THE  SELECTMEN  OF  THE  TOWN 
OF  SHELBURNE,  DISCHARGING  THEM  FROM  ANY  FINE,  FOR 
THE  NEGLECT  MENTIONED. 

On  the  Petition  of  the  Selectmen  of  the  Town  of  Shel- 
hurne  Preying  that  their  Town  May  be  Exculpated  from 
Paying  a  Fine  for  their  Neglect  of  Returning  their  Votes 
for  Gove[?']nour  Lieut.  Gove[?"]nour  &  Senators  for  the 
Year  1790  for  Reasons  set  fourth  in  their  Petition. 

Resolved  that  the  Prayer  of  their  Petition  be  Granted 
and  that  the  Town  clerk  of  Shelburne  be  and  he  herel)y  is 
acquieted  and  Discharged  from  any  Fine  for  said  Neglect, 
and  the  Attorney  General  is  hereby  Directed  to  stay  any 
Prosecution  against  the  Town  Clerk  of  said  Town  if  any 
is  commenc[e]d,  if  otherwise  not  to  commenc[e]  any  Suite 
against  said  Town  Clerk  for  said  Neglect,  the  said  Town 
Clerk  Paying  all  Cost  that  ^lay  already  have  arisen,  in 
consequence  of  the  said  neglect.  June  18,  1791. 

Chapter  78. 

RESOLVE  GRANTING  £.30,  TO  THE  CLERKS  OF  BOTH  HOUSES. 

Resolved  That  there  be  allowed  &  paid  out  of  the  public 
Treasury  to  Samuel  Cooper  Esqr.  Clerk  of  the  Senate, 
thirty  pounds  —  and  to  George  R.  Minot  Esqr.  Clerk  of 
the  House  of  Representatives,  thirty  pounds,  on  account 
of  their  Services  as  Clerks  aforesaid  for  the  present  year 
—  They  to  be  accountable  for  the  same  respectively. 

June  IS,  1791. 

Chapter  79. 

RESOLVE    GRANTING    TO    JACOB    KUHN,    £.24,     TO     PURCHASE 
FUEL,    &c. 

Resolved  that  there  be  paid  t)ut  of  the  Treasury  of  this 
Commonwealth,  the  sum  of  Twenty  four  pounds  to  Jacob 
Kuhn  Messenger  to  the  General  Court,  to  enable  him  to 
purchase  full  and  candles  for  their  use  —  the  said  Kuhn 
to  be  accountable  for  the  expenditure  of  the  same. 

Jane  18,  1791. 


422  Kesolves,  1791.  —  May  Session. 


Chapter  80. 

RESOLVE   MAKING  AN   EXTRA   GRANT  TO   THE   COMMITTEE  AP- 
POINTED TO  EXAMINE  AND  PASS  ON  PUBLIC  ACCOUNTS. 

Resolved,  that  there  be  allowed,  and  paid  out  of  the 
Public  Treasury,  in  the  same  manner  the  Members  of 
the  General  Court  are  paid  for  their  Travel  and  attendance 
the  present  session,  to  the  Committee  appointed  to  examine 
and  pass  on  the  Public  Accounts  the  following  sums,  vizt. 
To  the  Honorable  Joseph  Hosmer  Esqr.  StepJien  Medcalf 
Esqr.  Ephraim  Fitch  Esqr.  &  Benjamin  Read  Esqr.  the 
sum  of  Twenty  seven  shillings  each,  in  full  for  eighteen 
days  attendance  on  the  said  business  the  present  session  : 
which  sums  are  in  full  for  their  services  respectively  above 
their  pay  as  meml)ers  of  the  General  Court. 

June  18,  1791. 


Chapter  81. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  SIMON  FRYE,  IN  BEHALF  OF 
THE  TOWN  OF  FRYE  BURG,  DIRECTING  THE  TREASURER  TO 
SUSPEND  ISSUING  EXECUTION  AGAINST  SAID  TOWN  FOR  THE 
DEFICIENCY  OF  TAX  NO.  6,  FOR  SIX  MONTHS. 

On  the  Petition  of  /Simon  Frye  in  behalf  of  the  Town 
of  Fryehurcj  praying  that  a  Warrant  of  Disstress  may  not 
immediately  issue  against  sd.  Town  —  for  Reasons  set 
forth  in  sd.  petition. 

Resolved  that  the  prayer  thereof  be  so  far  granted  that 
the  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth  be  &  he  hereby  is 
directed  to  suspend  issuing  Execution  against  sd.  Town 
for  the  deficiency  of  Tax  No.  6  committed  to  Ezekiel 
Walker  to  collect,  for  the  Term  of  six  Months  from  the 
date  of  this  Resolve  any  Law  or  Resolve  of  this  Com- 
monwealth to  the  contrary  notwithstanding. 

June  18,  1791. 


Cliapter  83. 

RESOLVE   ON   THE    PETITION   OF   THE   SELECTMEN   OF    WALDO- 
BOROUGH,  RELATIVE  TO  THEIR  TAXES. 

On  the  petition  of  the  Selectmen  of  the  Town  of 
Waldoborowjli  praying  for  an  Abatement  of  Taxes  for 
reasons  set  forth  in  said  petition. 


Resolves,  1791.  —  May  Session.  423 

Resolved,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth 
Credit  the  Town  of  Waldoborough  Twenty  five  pounds 
on  Tax  No.  6  — 

It  is  further  Resolved  that  the  aforementioned  sum  be 
aliated  to  those  persons  who  in  the  judgment  of  the  Select- 
men of  said  Town  shall  be  })roper  Subjects  of  the  same, 
it  being  the  intention  of  this  Court  to  relieve  the  distressed 
only.^ 

It  is  further  resolved  that  the  Treasurer  Stay  the  Execu- 
tion against  said  Town  on  Tax  No.  6  for  three  months 
from  the  passing  this  Kesolve.  Jxme  18,  1791. 

Chapter  83. 

RESOLVE  ON   THE   PETITION   OF   SARSON  BELCHER  AND   JOHN 
LANGDON,  DISCHARGING  THEM  OF  £.35  3  4^. 

On  the  petition  of  Sarson  Belcher  &  John  Langdon. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Sarson  Belcher  &  John  Langdon 
be  and  they  are  hereby  discharged  of  a  demand  this  Com- 
monwealth now  have  against  them  in  consequence  of  their 
signing  a  Bond  with  James  Yancy  &  Nathaniel  Oudworth 
—  Auctioneers  to  account  for  the  duty  on  goods  sold  at 
Auction  by  said  Yancy  &  Cudtvorth  —  for  the  sum  of  thirty 
five  pounds  three  shillings  &  four  pence  ^  —  provided  the 
said  Belcher  &  Langdon  pay  the  expence  of  the  prosecu- 
tion that  has  been  commenced  on  the  Bond  aforesaid  — 
and  the  Treasurer  is  hereby  directed  to  Govern  himself 
accordingly.  June  18,  1791. 

Chapter  84. 

RESOLVE  RESPECTING  THE  SETTLEMENT  OF  THE  LATE  TREAS- 
URER IVER'S  ACCOUNT.  AND  ALLOWING  10s  PER  DAY  TO 
MESSRS  THWING  AND  FOSTER. 

Whereas  it  is  necessary  that  the  accounts  of  the  late 
Treasurer  Tliomas  Ivers,  be  fully  examined  &  settled  : 

Resolved  that  Messrs  Samuel  Thiving  &  James  Foster, 
now  employed  in  examining  &  adjusting  the  accounts  of 
the  late  Treasurer  of  this  Common  Wealth,  be  continued 
in  said  employment,  untill  the  first  Wednesday  of  the 
next  session  of  the  General  Court,  unless  they  shall  sooiier 
accomplish  the  settlement  of  the  same,  &that  each  of  them 
be  allowed  &  paid  in  full  for  their  services  at  the  rate  of 
ten  shillings  a  day  for  the  time  they  shall  be  engaged 
therein.  June  18,  1791. 


424  Kesolves,  1791. —  May  Session. 


Chapter  85. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  TETITION  OF  JOHN  LANE  AND  JOSEPH 
HEARD,  ASSESSORS  OF  THE  PLANTATION  OF  BROWN  FIELD, 
AUTHORIZING  THE  TREASURER  TO  DISCHARGE  SAID  PLAN- 
TATION  OF  THE   SUM   OF   £.238  17  7. 

On  the  Petition  of  John  Lane  and  Joseph  Heard  Assess- 
ors of  the  Plantation  of  Brownfield. 

Resolved,  that  the  Prayer  of  the  Petition  be  so  far 
Granted,  that  the  Treasurer  of  tlie  Commonwealth  be, 
and  he  hereby  is  impowered  and  directed,  to  discharge 
the  Said  Plantation  from  the  Payment,  of  the  Sum  of  hvo 
Hundred  and  thirty  Eight  Pounds,  Seventeen  Shillings 
and  Seven  Pence,  mentioned  in  the  Petition,  in  the  same 
manner  and  on  the  same  Conditions,  as  he  might  have 
discharged  the  same  Plantation  from  Payment,  by  Virtue 
of  a  Eesolve  of  the  Genearal  Court  passed  on  the  ninth 
Day  of  march  in  the  Year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  Seven 
Hundred  &  Ninety,  in  Case  the  Time  Limited  for  per- 
forming the  Conditions,  Expressed  in  the  same  Eesolve, 
had-  therein  been  Extended  to  the  first  Day  of  September 
Anno  Domini  one  thousand  Seven  hundred  and  ninety  one. 

June  18,  1791. 

Chapter  86. 

RESOLVE  RESPECTING  THE  TREASURER'S  CONSIDERING  HIM- 
SELF AS  UNDER  SIMILAR  DIRECTIONS,  RELATING  TO  THE 
SPEEDY  ENFORCING  THE  COLLECTION  OF  THE  TAXES  SUB- 
SEQUENT TO  TAX  NO.  6,  WITH  THOSE  HE  WAS  DIRECTED 
TO  OBSERVE,  AND  THAT  LIKE  EXPECTATIONS  WILL  BE  HAD, 
TOUCHING  HIS  CONDUCT  IN  REGARD  TO  THE  TAXES  FIRST 
MENTIONED. 

Resolved,  That  the  Treasurer,  consider  himself  as  under 
similar  directions  relating  to  the  speedily  enforcing  the 
collection  of  the  Taxes  subsequent  to  Tax  Number  6,  with 
those  which  he  was,  by  a  Resolve  of  the  General  Court 
passed  February  14th,  1781),  directed  to  observe  in  en- 
forcing the  i)ayment  of  the  said  Tax,  No.  G  and  that  like 
expectations  will  be  had  touching  his  conduct  in  regard  to 
the  taxes  first  mentioned.  June  IS  1791. 


Chapter  87. 

RESOLVE  DIRECTING  THE  TREASURER  TO  PAY  TllE  CIVIL  LIST. 

Resolved   that    the    Treasurer    be    and    he    hereby    is 
directed  to   pay  the  Civil   list,   including  the  Ofiicers  & 


Eesolyes,  1791.  —  May  Session.  425 

Servants  of  Government,  the  Castle  Rolls,  &  accounts 
of  the  Committee,  and  other  the  incidental  charges  of 
Government  for  the  current  year,  out  of  the  monies  aris- 
ing from  Lotteries,  and  the  interest  from  the  funded  debt, 
and  from  such  part  of  Tax  No.  eight,  that  is  not  already 
appropriated  ;  and  in  case  there  should  not  be  suificient 
money  in  the  Treasury  for  that  purpose  the  said  Treasurer 
is  directed  to  pay  the  same  out  of  the  monies  that  have 
arisen  or  may  arise  from  the  sale  of  the  eastern  &  western 
lands,  and  to  replace  the  same  from  the  first  monies  that 
shall  come  in  from  the  unappropriated  part  of  the  said 
Lotteries — the  interest  arising  from  the  funded  debt,  and 
Taxes  No.  eight  and  nine.  June  18,  1791. 

Chapter  SS, 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  JABEZ  JONES,  GRANTING  HIM 
£.44  DAMAGE,  AND  £.24  COST,  AS  A  COMPENSATION  FOR  THE 
DAMAGES  AND  COSTS  HE  SUSTAINED  IN  PURCHASING  AND 
DEFENDING  A  SMALL  LOT  OF  LAND  SOLD  HIM  BY  THE  COM- 
MONWEALTH. 

On  the  petition  of  Jahez  Jones,  praying  for  a  compen- 
sation for  the  loss  of  a  Lot  of  Land  which  has  been  sold 
him  by  the  Commonwealth,  &  which  he  has  been  deprived 
of  by  Judgment  of  the  Supream  Judicial  Court. 

Resolved,  That  the  prayer  of  said  petition  be  granted, 
and  that  there  be  allowed  &  paid  out  of  the  Treasury  of 
this  Commonwealth  to  the  said  Jabez  the  sum  oi  forty 
four  pounds  damage,  &  twenty  four  pounds  Cost,  as  a 
Compensation  for  the  damages,  &  Costs  which  he  has  sus- 
tained in  purchasing,  &  defending  a  small  Lot  of  Land  in 
the  Town  of  Falmouth,  which  was  convey'd,  &  warranted 
to  him  in  common  with  others,  by  the  Committee  of  the 
general  Court  for  the  sale  of  the  Estates  of  Absentees 
in  the  County  of  Cumberland ;  &  the  Treasurer  of  this 
Commonwealth  is  hereby  directed  on  receiving  warrant 
therefor  to  pay  said  sum  to  the  said  Jones  out  of  the  first 
money  that  shall  come  into  the  Treasury  from  the  public 
Taxes,  not  otherwise  appropriated.  June  IS,  1791. 

Chapter  89. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  MAJOR  GENERAL  NEWELL,  RE- 
QUESTING THE  GOVERNOR  TO  ISSUE  ORDERS  FOR  RAISING  A 
COMPANY  OF  LIGHT  INFANTRY  IN  AS  HB  URN  HAM. 

On  the  Petition  of  Timothy  JSfewell  Major  General  of 
the  seventh  Division  of  Militia  in  this  CommouAvealth  — 


426  Resolves,  1791.  —  May  Session. 


setting  forth  that  a  number  of  persons  in  the  Town  of 
Ashburnham,  l)clonging  to  the  fourth  Kegiment  in  the 
Second  Brigade  in  said  Division,  have  agreed  to  form 
them  selves  into  a  Company  of  Light  Infantry  —  &  Pray- 
ing that  Liberty  be  granted  for  raiseing  &  organizeing  said 
Company. 

Resolved  that  his  Excellency  the  Governor  be,  and  he 
is  hereby  impowered  and  Kequested  to  Issue  orders  for 
forming  a  Compy.  of  Light  Infantry  in  the  Town  of 
Ashburnham,  (provided  they  do  not  reduce  the  stand- 
ing Company,  or  Companies  of  Militia  in  sd.  ye  Town  to 
a  less  numl)er  than  Sixty  privates  of  the  Train  band)  the 
officers  of  said  Light  Infantry  Company  to  be  appointed 
&,  Commissioned  in  the  same  way  &  manner  as  is  pro- 
vided by  Law  for  the  appointing  &  Commissioning  other 
Militia  officers  —  Said  Company  when  so  formed  to  be 
under  the  Command  of  the  Colonel  or  Commanding 
officer  of  the  fourth  Regiment  of  the  Second  Brigade  in 
said  Division.  June  18,  1791. 

Chapter  90. 

IlESOLYE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  JOHN  COOPER,  APPOINTING  A 
COMMITTEE  TO  LAY  OUT  100  ACHES  OF  LAND  TO  EACH  SET- 
TLER IN  TOWNSHIP  NO.  8,  &c. 

On  the  petition  of  John  Cooper  as  Agent  for  Township 
No.  8  in  the  County  of  Washington. 

Resolved,  that  for  the  reasons  set  forth  in  said  peti- 
tion —  Joltn  Allan  Esqr.  and  Messrs  William  Ramsdel 
&  Benjamin  Reynolds  of  Sowards  JVeck  —  Lewis  F. 
Delesdinear,  of  Fredeinch  Island,  and  IMessrs  James 
Cockrain,  Joseph  Clark  and  JSFalhl.  Goddard  of  Moose 
Island  all  of  said  Township  be  and  they  arc  hereby  ap- 
))ointcd  a  Committee  to  survey  and  lay  out  at  the  expence 
of  the  Settlers  within  s;iid  Township  one  iuuidred  acres 
of  land  to  each  Settler  —  to  include  his  improvements  & 
not  to  interfere  with  any  grants  of  the  General  Court 
heretofore  made,  and  the  said  Committee  are  further  em- 
powered to  lay  out  four  lots  of  three  hundred  and  twenty 
acres  each  for  i)ublic  uses,  in  such  parts  of  said  Town- 
ship, as  the  said  Conunittee,  or  a  major  part  of  them, 
shall  determine  most  for  the  interest  thereof —  one  for 
the  first  settled  Minister  —  one  for  the  use  of  the  ministry 
&  one  for.  the  support  of  Schools,  (which  are  hereby  re- 
served for  those  purposes,  and  ap})r()priatcd  accordingly) 
and  one  for  the  future  disposition  of  government. — and 


Eesolves,  1791.  — Mat  Session.  427 

upon  the  report  of  said  Committee  or  a  major  part  of 
them,  to  the  Committee  for  the  sale  of  eastern  lands 
accompanied  with  a  plan  of  said  lots  and  a  Certificate  of 
the  Settlers  having  taken  the  oaths  of  allegiance  before 
some  Magistrate  agreeably  to  Law  —  the  said  Committee 
for  the  sale  of  Eastern  lands  shall  give  said  Inhabitants 
proi)er  deeds  of  their  lots,  each  settler  who  settled  before 
the  first  day  oi  January  1784  —  paying  five  dollars  —  and 
each  other  Settler  in  said  Township  paying  ten  dollars  for 
the  use  of  this  Commonwealth. 

And  it  is  further  resolved  that  they  shall  be  exempted 
from  paying  any  State  Taxes  for  the  term  of  five  years, 
from  the  date  of  this  Resolve.  June  18,  1791. 

Chapter  91. 

RESOLVE    FOR    CONTINUING    COLLECTORS   OF    EXCISE    NOW  IN 
OFFICE,  UNTIL  FURTHER  ORDER. 

Resolved  That  the  Collectors  of  Excise  now  in  ofiice 
under  this  Commonwealth  be  &  they  are  hereby  continued 
in  their  respective  ofiices  with  full  power  &  authority  to 
do  &  perform  all  the  duties  by  law  required  of  Collectors 
of  Excise  untill  the  further  order  of  the  General  Court, 
and  that  they  take  the  most  eflectual  measures  for  com- 
pleating  their  collections.  June  18,  1791. 

Chapter  9S. 

REPORT  RESFECTING  STATE  POOR.  — SECRETARY  DIRECTED  TO 
PUBLISH  THIS  ORDER. 

Ordered,  that  public  Notice  be  &  it  is  hereby  given 
to  each  &  every  Corporation  within  this  Commonwealth, 
who  are  disposed  to  Contract  to  Support  the  Whole,  or 
any  part  of  the  poor  of  the  Commonwealth,  for  ten  years 
that  they  may  present  their  proposals  to  the  General 
Court,  in  Writing,  on  the  Second  Wednesday  of  the 
next  Setting  of  the  said  Court ;  that  proper  contracts  may 
be  entered  into  for  the  Suport  of  the  said  poor,  with 
these  Corporations  (or  their  Agents  duly  Authorized  for 
the  purpose)  whose  proposals  shall,  in  the  Opinion  of 
the  Legislature,  be  most  conducive  to  the  Interest  of  the 
Commonwealth,  &  the  Comfort  of  the  said  poor. 

And  the  Secretary  of  this  Commonwealth  is  Directed, 
Immediately  to  publish  the  foregoing  Order  in  Adamses 
Independent  Choronical,  three  Weeks  Successively. 

June  18,  1791. 


428  Kesolves,  1791.  —  May  Session. 


Chapter  93. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  GOVERNOR'S  MESSAGE,  GRANTING  £.300  TO 
AMASA  DAVIS,  ESQ.,  Q.  M.  G.,  TO  ENABLE  HIM  TO  CARRY  INTO 
EFFECT  THE  ORDERS  OF  THE  COMMANDER  IN  CHIEF. 

On  the  Message  of  His  Excellency  the  Governor  of 
this  day,  and  the  petition  of  the  Quarter  Master  General, 
representing  the  necessity  of  his  being  furnished  with  the 
means  necessary  to  carry  into  effect  the  orders  of  the 
Commander  in  chief  for  furnishing  the  artillery  Com- 
panies with  field  pieces  &c. 

Besolved  that  there  be  paid  out  of  the  public  Treasury 
to  Amasa  Davis  esq.  Quarter  Master  General  the  sum  of 
thire  hundred  pounds  to  enable  him  to  comply  with  the 
orders  of  the  Commander  in  chief  for  carrying  into  ex- 
ecution a  Resolve  of  the  Gen,  Court  of  the  10th  March 
last  resp'g  the  duty  of  the  Quarter  Master  General  he  to 
l)e  accountable  for  the  expenditure  thereof — the  said  sum 
of  tliree  hundred  j)ounds  to  be  paid  in  the  same  way  & 
manner  as  is  provided  by  a  Resolve  passed  this  day  for 
the  payment  of  the  Civil  List  &c.  June  18,  1791. 

Chapter  94. 

RESOLVE    GRANTING    TO    ELNATHAN  JO.VES,   £.6  5  11,  DUE    TO 
HIM  FROM   THE   LATE   BOARD   OF   WAR. 

Whereas  there  appears  to  be  due  to  EhiatJian  Jones 
from  the  Late  Board  of  War,  four  hundred  Seventij  two 
pounds  six  shillings  paper  Currency,  the  Specie  Value 
of  which  is  six  pounds.  Jive  shillings  &  Eleven  pence: 

Resolved,  That  there  be  allowed  &  paid  out  of  the 
Public  Treasury  to  Elnathan,  Jones  Six  pounds  Jive  shil- 
lings &  Eleven  pence  in  full  for  the  Balance  due  to  him  as 
aforesaid  —  and  John  Deniing  Es(p  is  directed  to  note  on 
the  Books  of  the  late  Board  of  War  and  in  the  page  where 
said  Jones's  account  is  stated  that  the  account  aforesaid  is 
settled  by  this  resolution.  Jmie  18,  1791. 

Chapter  95. 

RESOLVE  APPOINTING  THE  HONOURABLE  JOSEPH  B.  VARNUM, 
ESQ.  TO  EXAMINE  AND  LIQUIDATE  ACCOUNTS  OF  THE  COM- 
MISSARY OF  PENSIONERS,  TO  RECEIVE  THE  VOUCHERS,  AND 
DELIVER  THEM  TO  JOHN  DEMING,  ESQ.  &c. 

Resolved,  That  Joseph  B.  Varnum  Esq.  be  and  he 
hereby  is  authorized  &  empowered  to  examine  and  liqui- 


Resolves,  1791.  —  Mat  Session.  429 

date  the  Accounts  of  John  Lucas  Esqr.  Commissary  of 
Pensioners,  and  to  receive  of  said  Commissary,  his  vouch- 
ers for  money  paid  by  him  pursuant  to  his  appointment 
and  to  report  to  the  General  Court  at  their  next  Session 
the  state  of  said  account. 

And  it  is  further  resolved,  That  the  said  Joseph  B.  Var- 
mnn  be  and  he  hereby  is  directed  to  deliver  the  vouchers 
he  may  receive  of  said  Commissary  to  John  Deming  Esqr. 
who  is  directed  to  forward  the  same  to  Nathan  Dane 
Esq.  in  order  to  support  the  Charges  of  this  Common- 
wealth against  the  United  States.  June  18,  1701. 

Chapter  96. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  DANIEL  POMEROT  A^ND  OTHERS, 
AUTHORIZING  THE  GOVERNOR  AND  COUNCIL  TO  EXAMINE 
THE  PAY  ROLL  OF  SAID  POMEROT,  AND  M\KF.  SUCH  ALLOW- 
ANCE TO  THE  OFFICERS  AND  MEN  BORNE  THEREON,  AS  MAY 
APPEAR  TO  BE  JUSTLY  DUE. 

On  the  Petition  of  Daniel  Pomeroy  &  others,  praying 
for  an  allowance  for  Services  in  the  Western  Army  in 
1778. 

Resolved,  that  the  Honourable  Council  are  hereby  Im- 
powered  to  Examin[e]  the  pay  Role  Exhibited  by  the  Said 
Pomroy,  &  make  such  allowance  to  him,  &  the  other 
Officers  &  Soldiers  born  thereon,  as  shall  appear  to  be 
Justly  due,  according  to  the  Establishment  of  this  State 
for  the  pay  of  Officers  &  Soldiers  at  the  time  the  Said 
Service  was  preformed,  any  Law  to  the  Contrary  Notwith- 
standing. June  18,  1791. 

Chapter  96a.* 

ORDER    ON    THE    PETITION    OF    THE    TOWNS    OF    SHELBURNE, 
CHARLEMONT,  HEATH  &  ROWE,  RELATIVE  TO  A  BRIDGE. 

On  the  petition  of  the  towns  of  Shelburne,  Gharlemont, 
Heath  &  Powe  in  the  County  of  Hampshire,  the  Commit- 
tee having  reported  as  their  opinion  that  a  bridge  in  the 
place  mentioned  in  the  petition  is  necessary,  and  that  the 
gore  of  land  mentioned  in  the  petition  whereon  the  bridge 
is  to  be  built  ought  in  justice  to  be  annexed  by  an  Act  of 
the  General  Court  to  the  towns  of  /Shelburne  and  Gharle- 
mont in  the  following  manner,  to  wit,  the  southeasterly 
part  thereof,  extending  to  the  middle  of  the  said  north 

*  Not  printed  in  previous  editions.    Taken  from  court  record. 


430  Resolves,  1791.  —  May  Session. 

river  to  be  annexed  to  the  town  of  Shelhurne  and  the 
northwest  part  of  the  same  gore  from  the  middle  of  the 
same  river  to  be  aimexed  to  the  said  town  of  Charlemont, 
&  that  the  same  towns  of  Shelburne  &  Charlemont  ought 
to  be  enjoined  by  law  forever  to  maintain  the  same  bridge 
when  erected  in  equal  shares,  that  is,  each  of  said  towns 
to  repair  to  the  middle  of  the  bridge  &  that  the  sum  of 
forty  pounds  towards  the  expences  of  the  building  said 
bridge  ought  to  be  paid  by  the  County  of  Hampshire  — 
And  that  the  several  parties  interested  be  duly  notified  to 
appear  at  the  next  session  of  the  General  Court  to  shew 
cause  Avhy  an  Act  should  not  be  passed  according  to  the 
tenor  of  their  report :  — 

The  [re]  fore  Ordered  that  the  County  of  Hampshire  be 
notified  by  the  petitioners,  of  the  foregoing  report  by 
serving  the  Clerk  of  the  Court  of  the  General  sessions  of 
the  peace  within  and  for  the  same  County  with  a  copy 
thereof  &  of  this  order  at  or  before  the  next  term  of  the 
same  Court,  and  that  the  towns  of  Shelhurne  and  Gliarle- 
mont  be  notified  by  the  same  petitioners  by  leaving  a  like 
copy  with  the  clerks  of  the  same  towns  respectively  thirty 
days  before  the  second  Thursday  of  the  next  session  of 
the  General  Court,  and  that  the  inhabitants  living  on  said 
tract  or  gore  of  land  mentioned  in  the  petition  be  like- 
wise notified  by  serving  each  of  them  with  a  like  copy  or 
leaving  such  copy  at  their  dwelling  houses  respectively 
fourteen  days  before  the  same  second  thursday  to  shew 
cause  if  any  they  have  why  a  law  of  the  Commonwealth 
should  not  be  passed  according  to  the  tenor  of  the  same 
report.  June  IS,  1791. 


Chapter  07. 

ROLL,  No.  20. 

The  committee  on  accounts  having  examined  the  ac- 
counts they  now  present ;  Report  that  there  is  due  to 
the  Towns  and  persons  hereafter  mentioned  the  Sums  Set 
against  their  names  respectively  which  if  allowed  will  be 
in  full  discharge  of  the  said  accounts  to  the  date  therein 
mentioned. 

No.  1.     To  the  widow  Abigail  Lymnn  find  other  Exec- 
utors to  the  Estate  of  Job  Lyman  late  of  York,  Es(ir. 
Decsd.  for  Doctoring  One  Mrs.  Amy  and  her  Chihl,    £.    s.    d. 
poor  of  the  Commonwealth,  in  full,        .        .        .        .      7  17     2 


Eesolves,  1791.  —  May  Session.  431 

No.  2.     To  Justus  Dwight  for  supporting  Agnis  Thompson 

from  the  1  of  May  1790  to  the  first  of  May  1791  and  £.     s.    d. 
for  clothing  in  full, 15  12     0 

No.  3.  To  John  Borland  for  supporting  and  transporting 
one  Elias  Scidmore  to  the  State  of  Connecticut  in  full,      8     5    0 

No.  4.  To  the  Town  of  Mendon  for  supporting  one  James 
Thompson  one  of  the  States  poor  from  the  first  of  Jara- 
?<ary  to  the  first  of  J?iwe  1791, 6     8  11 

No.  5."  To  the  Town  of  Greenfield  for  supporting  John 
Baltis  &  family  States  poor  from  the  first  of  March 
1790  to  the  first  of  March  1791  and  in  full  for  Doctor- 
ing,       13  11     2 

No.  6.  To  the  Town  of  Edgertoji  for  sujipoi'ting  one 
Robert  Philips  a  foreignor  from  the  9th  of  December 
1790  to  the  31  of  May  1791  and*  in  full  for  Doctoring 
said  Philips,     .        . 15  13  10 

No.  7.  To  Hezckiah  Blanchard  for  hoarding  one  Thomas 
Oaks  from  the  26th  of  Ja?iy.,  to  9th  of  March  1791  States 
poor, 1  IG     0 

No.  8.  To  Josejih  Twichel  Guardian  for  the  Natick  In- 
dians for  their  support  from  the  first  of  Jam/.,  1790  to 
the  first  of  Feby.  1791  &  in  full  for  his  Trouble  & 
Doctors  Bill,     .  28     9     6 

No.  9.  To  David  Brown  one  of  the  coroners  of  the 
County  of  Bristol  for  taking  an  IiKiuisition  on  the  Body 
of  Poley  Ayers  a  trainsant  j^erson,  .         .         ,         .         .       2  14     6 

No.  10.  To  the  Town  of  Portland  for  supporting  one 
Mary  Jones  &  her  two  Children  forty  five  and  a  half 
weeks  and  paying  for  her  j^assage  to  8t.  Johns  &  pro- 
visions,    ...  18     7     0 

also  to  supporting  Dudley  Broadslreat  one  of  the  poor  of 
the  Commonwealth  Seventy  Eight  weeks  to  the  23  of 
May  1791, 22     5    3 

No.  11.  To  the  Town  of  Swansey  for  supporting  one 
Penelope  Awashonks  States  poor  from  the  6th  of  Jany., 
1790  to  the  first  of  April  17i)l  Sixty  five  Aveeks  and  in 
full  for  Clothing, 7  15     6 

No.  12.  To  the  Town  of  Kingston  for  supporting  one 
Patiance  Eobins  one  of  the  Poor  of  the  commonwealth 
and  for  Clothing  up  to  the  23d  of  May  1791  in  full,       .485 

No.  13.  To  John  Oardfier  Esqr.  Sheriff  of  the  County  of 
Najitucket  for  Distributing  precepts  for  the  Choice  of 
a  fedei-al  Representative  for  District  of  Bristoll  Nan- 
tucket &  Dukes  County  and  returning  the  votes  in  full 
to  the  21  may  1791, 9     0     0 

No.  14.  To  Johnson  Motion  Esqr.  Sheriff  of  the  County 
of  York  for  distributing  precejits  and  returning  votes 
for  a  federal  Representative  for  the  Distric[i]  of  Main 
up  to  t/Mne  3d  1791  in  full, 4  15     9 

No.  15.  To  Fitch  Hall  DepHy  A  Genl.  3d  Division  of 
Militia  in  full  for  his  accent,  from  February  1st,  1790 
to  the  first  of  March  1791, 18  18    0 

No.  16.  [To]  Lazerus  Qoodwin  Brigade  Major  first  Brd. 
8th  Division  for  his  services  not  allowed  in  his  last 
accont  (by  order  of  court), 6     8    0 

No.  17.  To  Justin  Eley  Esqr.  for  services  performed  for 
the  Commonwealth  in  1785  &  86  allowed  by  a  Resolve 
of  Court  in  full, 4  10    0 


432  Resolves,  1791.  —  May  Session. 

No.  18.     To  William  Greenlcaf  Jun.  Brigade  INIajor  2d 
Brd.  7th  Division  for  services  i)erformed  from  Jmie   £.    s.    d. 
1789  to  April  1791, 16     2    0 

No.  19.  To  the  Town  of  New  bedford  for  supporting  one 
Ebenr.  Shott  poor  of  the  commonwealth  up  to  April  1st 
1791, 1  If)     0 

Also  to  tlie  same  Town  for  supporting  one  Mary  Oreen- 
way  from  march  23d,  1790  to  1791  and  for  sundiy 
clothing  in  full 6     2     3 

No  20.  To  the  Town  of  Richmond  for  boarding  &  Nurs- 
ing one  Mehbl.  Shiimian  an  aged  person  States  poor 
from  the  fourth  of  Octr.  1790  to  the  9th  may  1791  and 
for  sundrjr  Clothing  and  Doctors  Bill,    .         .         .         .12  15     0 

No.  21.  To  the  Town  of  La7iesborough  for  Boarding 
Saml.  Harrison  &  son  States  'poor  from  the  7th  of 
May  1790  to  the  7th  of  May  1791  and  in  full  for  Cloth- 
ing,       29  16     1 

Short  allowance  to  the  same  Town  in  the  Setlement  of 
their  last  account, 3156 

No.  22.  To  the  Town  of  Northampton  for  supporting 
Mary  Davis  and  her  two  Children  from  the  first  of 
i)ecr.,  17»9  to  the  first  of  i¥orc/i  1791  — in  full,     .         .       6  12     0 

No.  23.  To  Capt  Saml.  Laha  for  providing  a  Moses 
Boat  for  the  use  of  Ransfords  Island  by  Resolve  of 
Court, 960 

to  his  salery  for  taking  care  of  said  Island  from  25th  Day 

of  Jany.,  1790  to  the  25  April  1791  in  full,     .        .        .     16  13     4 

No.  24.  To  the  Town  of  Chesterfield  in  full  for  board- 
in  [g^]  &  Clothing  two  of  the  States  poor  up  to  the  15th 
of  May  1791  {viz)  John  Kanady  &  Sarah  Burden,        .     20  10    0 

No.  25.     To  Thomas  B.  Wait  Printer  for   printing  for 

(Government  from  June  28th  to  Octr.  11  1790  in  full,     .       7     7     9 

No.  26.  To  the  Town  of  Waljwle  for  Doctoring  and 
Nursing  one  Peter  Haley  a  sick  person  not  an  Inhabit- 
ant of  that  Town  nor  any  Town  in  the  Commonwealth 
from  the  fifth  day  of  Ja7iy.  to  the  30  of  March  1791,     .     1117     4 

To  the  same  Town  for  Doctoring  and  nursing  one  Mer- 
rick Nichols  Transient  person  who  was  taken  sick  & 
Died  in  that  Town, 1  18    0 

No.  27.  To  John  Cooper  Esqr.  Sherrift"  of  the  County  of 
Washington  for  Distributing  precepts  and  returning 
votes  for  a  federal  Representative  for  the  District  of 
Main  to  Jzme  6th,  1791, 24  13    4 

No.  28.  To  the  Town  of  Westborough  for  supplys  pro- 
vided for  Joh7i  Scudmore  one  of  the  States  poor  from 
the  first  of  (/any.,  to  the  first  of  J?i?ze  1791,    .         .         .       5  12     6 

No.  29.  To  Edmond  Freeman  for  jjrinting  for  the  com- 
monwealth from  the  twenty  sixth  of  Febuary  1790  to 
the  30  of  iV^oi-e7n6er  folowing — in  full,  .        .        .        .       1  12     6 

No.  30.  To  the  Town  of  Richmond  for  supporting  nurs- 
ing &  Doctoring  One  Hans  in  his  last  sickness  &  for 
funeral  Charges, 6     2     6 

No  31.  To  the  Town  of  Shrewsbury  for  supporting 
Oeorge  Filmores  Family  from  March  1st,  1790  to  March 
1st  1791  States  poor, 15  10    0 

No.  32.  To  John  S.  Tyler  for  his  services  as  Deputy  Adj 
Genl.  first  Division  Militia  from  the  12  Feby.  to  the  9th 
of  June  1791  in  full, 12  12    0 


Resolves,  1791.  —  May  Session.  433 

No.  33.     To  the  Town  of  Plymton  for  supporting  Simon 

Brow  and  Hajinah  Mitchel  from  23  March  179U  to  14th     £    s.    d. 
March  171)1  States  poor  in  full,       .         .         .         .         .       8  16     4 

No.  34.  To  the  Town  of  Wi?isor  for  supjjorting  Benja. 
sun  &  Wife  States  poor  from  the  17th  Augicst  1789  to 
the  17th  May  1791  and  Doctors  Bill  in  full,    .         .         .     34  12     0 

No.  35.  To  Roger  Storrs  printer  for  printing  for  the 
commonwealth  from  4th  Feby.,  to  the  20  of  May  1790 
in  full, 8  12     6 

No.  36 .  To  Jacob  Mann  for  his  Serv  [i]  ces  as  Brigd.  Major 
2d  Brigad.  first  Division  of  militia  commonwealth  from 
the  first  of  Feby.,  1790  to  the  first  of  Feby.,  1791  in 
full, 18    0     7 

No.  37.  To  the  Town  of  Easton  for  supporting  one 
Abigail  Hunneybrook  a  transient  person  when  sick 
from  the  20th  of  June  1790  to  the  2d  of  May  1791  in 
full, 12  16    0 

No.  38.  To  Thomas  Turner  iov  supporting  Robert  Griffin 
one  of  the  States  poor  from  the  30  of  Octr.  1790  to  the 
Eighth  of  Z>ecr.,  fol[Zj owing  —  in  full,.         .         .         .       1  15     1 

No.  39.  To  Jacob  Kuhn  for  money  expended  by  him 
for  the  purchase  of  Wood,  Coal  &c.  for  the  General 
Court,  over  &  above  the  sum  of  Tiventy  four  pounds 
paid  him  by  the  Treasurer  joursuant  to' a  resolve  passed 
June  24,  1790, 3  15     6 

No.  40.  To  Doctr.  Willia^n  Eustis  for  Doctoring  the 
States  poor  in  the  Alms  House  from  the  15th  of  May 
1790  to  the  16th  of  May  1791  in  full,      .         .         .         .  120     0     0 

No.  41.     To  the  Town  of   Uxbridge  for  the  Support  of 

Betty  Trijle  for  Febuary  \,  1790  to  June  6,  1791,    .         .     35     0     0 

No.  42.  To  Ezra  Waldo  Weld  to  printing  for  the  Com- 
monwealtli  from  ilf«rc/i  9th  to  ifay  fourth  1791  in  full,      5     7     3 

No.  43.  To  the  Town  of  Petersham  for  supporting  Wil- 
liam Obrian  and  Any  Obrian  from  the  20th  of  October 
1789  to  the  8th  Feby.,  1791  and  Doctors  Bill  States 
poor, 36     4  10 

No.  44.  To  the  Town  of  Ashfield  for  supporting  one 
Stej)he7i  Orcut  States  poor  from  the  6th  of  Ajiril  to 
18th  of  May  1791  and  for  Doctoring  in  full, .         .         .       3  15     7 

No.  45.  To  the  Town  of  Boxboroughior  supporting  John 
Kanady  &  wife  from  the  fifth  of  Feby.  to  the  4th  of 
Jwie  1791  and  for  Doctoring, 10  10    0 

No.  46.  To  Doctor  John  Oreen  of  Worcle^ster  to  Doctor- 
ing Isaac  Ostin  a  tra[?i]sient  person  from  the  26th 
Deer.  1790  to  the  18th  Jany.,  1791  in  full,  .  .  .16  2 
No.  47.  To  Lemuel  Kollock  for  the  Balance  due  to  him 
for  his  time  &  expences  prosecuting  sundry  persons 
by  order  of  Government  that  trespas[s]ed  on  lands  be- 
longing to  the  Commonwealth  and  for  redeeming  part 
of  said  Land,  that  had  been  sold  for  taxes  —  over  and 
above  the  sum  of  two  hundred  pounds  New  Emission 
money  advanced  him  by  the  Commonwealth  May,  1781,  19  10  9 
No.  48.  To  the  Town  of  Machias  for  supplys  allbrded 
Sundry  States  poor  from  the  Eighth  of  May  to  the  29th 

of  November  1790, 11   19     0 

To  the  Same  Town  for  supply  aftbrded  to  sundry  States 
poor  from  the  80  of  Novr.,  1790  to  the  21  May  1791  and 
Doctors  bill  in  full, 8  16     5 


434  Resolves,  1791. — May  Session. 

No.  49.     To   the  Town  of  Malborough  for  supj^orting 

Josej)h  Waters  States  poor  from  the  LS  of  Deer.  1790  to     £    s.    d. 
the  first  of  June  1791  and  Doctors  liill,  .         .         .         .832 

No  50.  To  Nancy  Learned  for  supporting  one  Jack 
Willis  a  negro  not  an  Inhabitant  of  this  common- 
wealth from'the  26th  of  Feby.  1790  to  the  9th  of  April 
fo][qowingin  full,         .        • 3     3    0 

To  Doctor  Eatons  Bill  for  Doctoring  the  Same  person 

the  same  time  in  full,      .         .         .         .         .         .         .       1  10     0 

No.  61.  \_To]  Simon  Stow  in  full  for  money  paid  by  him 
as  Agent  on  the  Estate  of  Henry  Barnes  an  a))sentee, 
for  Witnesses  &c.,  and  for  supporting  a  negro  Woman 
belonging  to  said  Estate,  and  for  his  time  attending  to 
the  buisiness,  and  for  all  demands  against  the  Common- 
wealth in  consequence  of  said  Agency  &  for  his  time 
and  expence  selling  the  land  belonging  to  the  Com- 
monwealth late  the  property  of  Edward  Barnes,  .        .     35  17     6 

No.  52.  To  the  Town  of  Partridgeficld  for  supporting 
Mary  Cace  States  poor  to  the  fifteenth  of  March  1791 
in  full, 6  12     0 

No.  53.  To  Houghton  and  Curtice  for  the  Enterment  of 
simdry  persons  strangers  not  Inhabitants  of  this  com- 
monwealth from  April  17th,  1790  to  may  1st,  1791  in 
full, 20  17     0 

No.  54.  To  Mary  Cutter  for  su^Ji^orting  a  Child  States 
poor  from  the  28th  of  Feby.  to  the  25th  of  May  1791 
and  for  Clothing  in  full, 1  19     0 

No.  55.  To  the  Town  of  Oeorgetown  for  sui^porting  John 
Lyns  &  partrick  Lynch  two  of  the  States  poor  from  the 
Sth  of  December  1789  to  the  25th  of  May  1791  and  for 
Clothing  in  full, 63     5     0 

No.  56.  To  the  Town  of  Abington  for  supporting  one 
Moses  a  Negro  man  who  was  Taken  sick  and  died  in 
said  Town  ;  from  the  9th  of  March  1789  to  the  first  of 
Feby.  1791  and  forfunei-al  Charges  States  poor  in  full 
of  tiieir  account, 23     3     3 

No.  57.  To  the  Town  of  Boston  for  the  Support  of  the 
poor  of  the  Commonwealth  in  the  Alms  House  from 
March  I,  to  Jtme  1  1791, 460  15  11 

No.  58.  To  Samuel  Whitwell,  overseer  of  the  Alms 
House  in  Boston  for  the  usual  allowance  made  to  said 
overseer  for  attending  to  the  Poor  of  the  Common- 
wealth, from  March  1,  to  June  1,  1791,  .         .         .         .     40     7     4 

No.  59.  To  the  Honble.  Samuel  Phillips  for  his  time  & 
Expences,  attending  to  the  Sale  of  the  Western  Lands 
to  Alessrs.  Morris  &  Ogden, 7     4    8 

No  60.  To  Nathaniel  Wells  Estj.  for  his  time  &  Ex- 
pences on  the  same  buisiness,         11   18    0 

No.  61.    To  David  Cobb  Esq.  for  his  time  &  expences  on 

the  .same  buisiness, 6  12     0 

No  62.  To  Thomas  Davis  for  his  time  &  Expences  on 
the  same  buisiness, 8    8    0 

No.  63.  To  Thomas  Walcut  for  Copying  deeds  &e.  by 
direction  of  the  Committee  for  the  Sale  of  the  Western 
Lands, 1  10     0 

'I'o  David  Morey  for  the  same  Service,       .        .        .        .10    0 

To  Edward  McLa7ie,  Samuel  Colesworthy  &  Jonathan 

Ooddard  20.s.  each  for  the  same  Service,         .         .         .300 


Resolves,  1791. —  May  Session.  435 

No.  64.     To  Jeremiah  Bulfinch  for  horse  hire,  his  time  & 

expences   going  express  from  Boston  to  Wells   after 

Nathaniel  Wells  Esq.  to   attend   at  Boston  in  order  to 

compleat  the  Contract  made  with  Samuel  Ogden  for    £    s.    d. 

the  Sale  of  the  Western  Land, ,'j  13     2 

No.  65.     To  the  Town  of  Boston  for  the  Board  of  Snndry 

persons,  that  were  deducted  from  the  former  Accounts 

exhibited  by  the  Select  Men  but  on  further  enquiiy  a 

numbe[r]  of  the   persons  deducted  appears  to  be  the 

l^oor  of  the  Commonwealth, 353    2    8 


£.1818  10    6 
Deduct      28     9     6 


1790     1     0 

^  Resolved  that  his  Excellency  the  Governour,  with  ad- 
vice of  Council,  l)e  and  he  hereby  is  requested  to  Issue 
his  Warrant  on  the  Treasury  for  the  payment  of  the  sev- 
eral persons  &  Towns  borne  on  this  roll,  the  sums  set 
against  the  names  of  such  persons  &  Towns  respectively 
except  the  sum  of  tioenty  eight  pounds  nine  shillings  & 
sixpence  reported  in  favor  oi  Joseph  Twitchell  pr.  account 
Numlier  8,  in  the  foregoing  Roll  amounting  in  the  whole  to 
one  thousand  seven  hundred  &  Ninety  pounds  one  shilling 
provided.  That  the  Treasurer  be  &  is  hereby  directed  to 
discount  with  Lemuel  Kollock  the  sum  that  is  allowed  to 
him  out  of  any  Balance  due  from  said  Kollock  to  the  Com- 
monwealth, for  money  received  by  him  &  for  which  he 
was  to  account.  June  IS,  1791. 


RESOLVES 


GENERAL    COURT    OF   THE    COMMONWEALTH 
OF  MASSACHUSETTS: 

BEGUN  AND  HELD  AT  BOSTON,  IN  THE  COUNTY  OF 
SUFFOLK,  ON  WEDNESDAY  THE  TWENTY-FIFTH  DAY 
OF  MAY,  ANNO  D03IINI,  1791;  AND  FROM  THENCE 
CONTINUED  BY  ADJOURNMENT,  TO  WEDNESDAY  THE 
ELEVENTH   DAY    OF   JANUABY  FOLLOWING. 


1791.  _  January  Session. 
Chapter  1. 

RESOLVE     CONTINUING    IN     FORCE    THE    RESOLVES    GRANTING 
BOUNTIES  ON  HEMP  UNTIL  JULY,  1793. 

Resolved  that  The  Bounties  granted  by  the  Resolves  of 
the  8th  of  Novemher  1786  and  28th  March  1788,  for 
raising  Hemp,  be  and  the  same  are  hereby  continued, 
untilUhe  1st  July  1793.  Jum  18,  1791. 


Chapter  3. 

RESOLVE   REQUESTING   THE   GOVERNOR   AND    COUNCIL   TO    EX- 
AMINE THE  ACCOUNTS  OF  NATHAN  DANE,  ESQ.  &c. 

Resolved,  That  his  Excellency  the  Governor  with  the 
advice  of  Council  be  and  he  hereby  is  authorized  to 
examine  the  accounts  of  Nathan  Dane  Escjr.  for  his 
services  as  agent  of  this  State  for  supporting  the  claims 
thereof  against  the  United  States  —  and  to  draw  a  warrent 
or  warrents  on  the  Treasurer  of  the  Commonwealth  for 
the  balance  that  may  from  time  to  time  be  due  to  said 
Asent  for  his  services  as  aforesaid.      January  12,  1792. 


438  Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session. 


Chapter  3. 

RESOLVE    ON    THE    PETITION    OF    THE    TOWN    OF    HARVARD, 
ABATING    SAId    TOWN    A    FINE    OF    £15. 

On  the  Petition  of  the  Town  of  Harvard. 

Resolved,  that  for  the  reasons  set  forth  in  the  said 
Petition,  the  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth  be  and  he 
hereby  is  directed  to  credit  the  Town  of  Harvard  the  Sum 
of  Fifteen  pounds  set  on  the  said  Town  for  not  sending  a 
Representative  to  the  General  Court  the  last  Year. 

January  13,  1792. 

Chapter  4. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  THE  TOWN  OF  VASSALBOROUGH, 
ABATING  SAID  TOWN  £.19  FOR  NEGLECTING  TO  SEND  A  REP- 
RESENTATIVE TO  THE  GENERAL  COURT. 

On  the  petetion  of  the  Select-Men  of  the  Town  of  Vas- 
salborough  praying  for  the  Abatement  of  a  Fine  charged 
against  said  town  for  not  Sendino-  a  Representative  in  the 
year  1788. 

Resolved  for  reasons  set  forth  in  said  Petetion,  That 
the  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth  be,  and  he  liere])y  is 
directed  to  credit  the  said  Town  the  Sum  of  Nineteen 
pounds,  charged  against  said  Town  in  Tax  No.  Seven  as 
a  fine  for  not  sending  a  Representative  to  the  General 
Court  in  the  year  1788.  January  13,  1792. 

Chapter  5. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  SAMUEL  LA  MPS OiV,  AUTHORIZING 
TWO  JUSTICES  OF  THE  PEACE  TO  LICENCE  HIM  AS  AN  INN- 
HOLDER  IN   WESTON. 

On  the  petition  of  Samuel  Lampson  of  Weston  in  the 
County  oi  Middlesix  praying  that  two  Justices  of  the  peace, 
may  l)e  impowered  to  Licence  him  as  an  in [?2] holder. 

Resolved  for  Reasons  set  forth  in  said  petition  that  any 
two  Justices  of  the  peace  within  sai<l  County  ([uorum  unus 
be  and  they  are  her [e]  by  authorised  and  impowered  to 
Licence  the  said  Samuel  as  an  in [;i] holder  untill  the  Next 
term  insuing  for  granting  Licences  in  said  County  lie  the 
said  Samuel  Complying  with  the  Requisitions  of  Law 
which  Respect  Licensing  in  [ri]  holders ;  any  act  or  Re- 
sol  v[e]  to  the  Cont[r']ary  Not  with  standing. 

January  14,  1792. 


Resolves,  1791. — January  Session.  439 


Chapter  6. 

RESOLVE  APrOINTING  A  COMMITTEE  TO  SETTLE  ALL  DEMANDS 
AGAINST  WILLIAM  GREENLEAF,  LATE  SHERIFF  OF  WORCES- 
TER COUNTY. 

Resolved,  That  Dwight  Foster  &  Daniel  Bhjelow 
Esqrs.  with  the  Attorney  General  be  a  committee  with 
full  powers  to  settle,  adjust  &  conclude  in  such  manner 
as  they  shall  think  [)i'oper  all  the  claims  &  demands  which 
this  Common  Wealth  now  have  against  William  Greenleaf 
oi  Lancaster  late  Sheriff  of  the  County  of  Worcester,  or 
his  bondsmen  for  the  faithful  performence  of  his  duty  in 
that  Office ;  &  also  in  behalf  &  in  the  name  of  this  Com- 
mon Wealth  to  make,  seal  &  execute  all  necessary  convey- 
ances, acquittances  &  releases  &  receive  all  assignments, 
deeds  or  other  papers,  that  shall  be  requisite  to  the 
finishing  &  final  settlement  of  said  claims  &  demands. 

January  14,  1792. 

Chapter  7. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  ELISHA  PORTER,  ESQ.  SHERIFF 
OF  HAMPSHIRE  COUNTY. 

On  the  Petition  of  Elisha  Porter  Escjr.  Sherifi'  of  the 
County  of  Hampshire  praying  for  lil)erty  to  }iay  in  to  the 
Treasury  the  balance  due  from  him  on  several  executions 
for  collecting  of  taxes  prior  to  tax  No.  6. 

Resolved,  That  for  Reasons  set  forth  in  said  Petition  [s], 
the  said  Elisha  Porter  Esqr.  be  &  he  hereby  is  allowed, 
the  Term  of  five  months  from  the  date  of  this  Kesolve, 
for  collecting  &  paying  into  the  Treasury  the  aforesaid 
balance  due  from  him  amounting  to  five  hundred  &  sixty 
nine  Pounds  fourteen  sJiillings  &  four  pence  |  to  l)c  paid 
in  the  Consolidated  Notes  of  this  Conmionwealth,  com- 
puting the  Interest  that  may  be  due  thereon  at  the  time 
affixed  for  payment.  January  14,  1792. 


Chapter  8. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  JOSEPH  FOBES. 

On  the  Petition  of  Joseph  Fobes,  praying  that  he  may 
be  Licenced  as  a  Retailer  in  the  Town  of  Oakham  in  ye 
County  of  Worcester . 


440  Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session. 

Resolved,  for  Eeasons  set  forth  in  stiid  Petition,  that 
ye  prayer  thereof  be  Granted,  and  that  any  two  Justices 
of  ye  peace,  within  and  for  ye  said  County  Quorum  Units, 
be,  and  they  herel)y  are.  Authorised  and  inipowercd  to 
Grant  a  Licence  to  the  said  Joseph  Fohes  for  that  pur- 
pose, he  Complying  with  ye  directions  of  ye  Law  in  that 
Case  made  and  Provided.  January  16,  1792. 

Chapter  9. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  THE  REV.  SAMUEL  PARKER, 
D.  D.  DIRECTING  THE  COMMITTEE  FOR  SETTLING  THE  BOOKS 
AND  ACCOUNTS  OF  THE  LATE  TREASURER  IVERS,  TO  TAKE 
A  NEW  ACCOUNT  OF  THE  PUBLIC  PROPERTY,  &c. 

On  the  Petition  of  Doer.  Samuel  Parker  p]xecutor  of 
the  last  Will  &c.  of  Thomas  Ivers  Esq.  late  Treasurer 
of  the  Commonwealth  deceased. 

Resolved  that  Samuel  Thiving,  and  James  Foster  the 
Committe  for  set  [<]  ling  the  books  and  Accounts  of  the 
late  Treasurer  Ivers  be  and  they  hereby  are  authorized  at 
the  Expence  of  the  Petitioner  to  take  a  new  and  accurate 
Account  of  the  several  kinds  of  public  paper  and  Govern- 
ment Securities  which  w^ere  in  the  Treasury  at  the  Death 
of  the  late  Treasurer  Ivers,  and  Avhich  now  remain  there, 
and  to  make  report  thereof  to  the  General  Court  as  soon 
as  may  Ije  —  and  that  the  said  Thwing  and  Foster  be 
under  Oath  to  the  faithful  discharge  of  the  said  Trust. 

January  16,  1792. 

Cliapter  10. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  TRISTRAM  OILMAN. 

Upon  the  petition  of  Tristram  Gihnan  of  North  Yarmo. 
in  the  County  of  Cumberland  Clerk  praying  to  l)e  im- 
powered  to  sell  certain  lands  of  which  he  is  tenant  by  the 
Curtesy,  to  certain  persons  in  pursuance  of  certain  con- 
tracts made  with  them  l)y  him  &  his  deceased  wife  in 
whom  the  fee  of  said  lands  was  in  her  life  time. 

Resolved  that  the  said  Tristram  be  and  he  hereby  is 
fully  authorised  &  imjiowered  to  sell  &  convey  the  lot  of 
hind  called  Number  three,  &  one  sixth  [)art  of  the  k)t 
called  Num))er  two  in  the  North  division  of  Common  lands 
in  Wells  in  the  County  of  York  containing  about  one 
hundred  &  tAventy  aci'es,  also  twenty  acres  part  of  the 


Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session.  441 

twenty  six  acres  which  the  Honble.  Joseph  Sawyer  Esqr. 
Father  of  the  said  Tristram's  said  deceased's  wife  purchased 
oi  Peter  Rich  &  situate  in  Wells  aforesd.  Also  a  moiety 
of  about  fifty  acres  of  land  in  Wells  which  sd.  Joseph 
Sawyer  deed,  bought  of  Richd.  Walker,  to  the  persons 
respectively  to  whom  the  said  Tristram  &  his  wife  in  her 
life  time  contracted  to  sell  the  same,  Viz.  the  said  one 
hundred  &  twenty  acres  to  Joseph  Gilpatrick  of  said  Wells 
Yeoman,  said  twenty  acres  part  of  said  twenty  six  acres 
to  Abner  Fish  of  said  Wells  Yeoman,  &  said  moiety  of 
said  fifty  acres  or  thereabouts  of  land,  to  Saml.  Williams 
of  said  Wells  Yeoman  agreeal)le  to  the  Contracts  made 
with  them  respectively  &  to  make  &  execute  good  & 
suflicient  deeds  to  convey  the  same  to  them  their  heirs  & 
assigns  respectively  in  fee  simple  —  The  said  Tristram 
first  giving  bond  with  suflicient  sureties  to  the  Judge  of 
Probate  for  the  County  of  Yo7'h  in  such  sum  as  he  shall 
direct  conditioned  to  account  with  said  eTudge  for  so  much 
of  the  monies  due  by  said  Contracts  as  he  the  sd.  Tristram 
has  received  since  the  decease  of  his  said  wife  or  may  yet 
receive  &  to  pay  to  her  Children  as  they  shall  severally  & 
respectively  arrive  to  the  age  of  twenty  one  years,  their 
respective  shares  of  the  same.  January  16,  1792. 


Chapter  11. 

RESOLVE  GRANTING  A  TAX  FOR  THE  COUNTY  OF  BARNSTABLE. 

Whereas  the  Treasurer  of  the  County  of  Barnstable,  has 
laid  his  Accounts  before  the  General  Court,  in  manner  by 
Law  prescribed,  which  Accounts  are  hereby  allowed  ;  — 

And  Whereas  the  Clerk  of  the  Court  of  General  Ses- 
sions of  the  peace  for  the  said  County  of  Barnstable,  has 
laid  before  the  General  Court  an  Estimate  made  by  the 
Court  of  General  Sessions  of  the  peace  of  the  Necessary 
Charges  which  have  Arisen  in  said  County  in  the  Year 
1791  —  Amounting  to  the  sum  of  7\vo  hundred  &  thirty 
one  pounds  : 

Resolved  that  the  Sum  of  tivo  hundred  &  Thirty  one 
pounds  be  and  is  hereby  Granted  as  a  Tax  for  Said 
County  of  Barnstable,  to  be  Apportioned,  Assessed  Col- 
lected &  Applied  in  manner  provided  by  Law. 

January  16,  1792. 


442  Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session. 


Chapter  13. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE   PETITION  OF  NAmANIEL  KNAP,  AUTHORIZ- 
ING HIM  TO  SELL  LAND. 

On  the  Petition  oi  Nathaniel  luiap  Administrator  of 
Isaac  Knaj)  late  of  Salem  deed. 

Resolved  that  the  Petitioner  have  leave  to  sell  a  Lot 
of  Land  containing  about  Seventy  five  rods,  lying-  in 
/Salem,  belonging  to  the  Estate  of  the  said  Isaac  Kiuqj 
deceased,  the  said  Nathaniel  giving  bond  with  sufficient 
Surety  to  the  Judge  of  Probate  for  the  County  of  Essex 
to  observe  the  Law  in  all  things  respecting  the  Sale  of 
real  Estates,  and  to  pay  out  the  net  proceeds  of  the  Sales 
thereof  to  the  respective  Heirs  of  said  Estate,  according 
to  the  Decree  of  the  said  Judge.  January  17,  1792. 

Chapter  13. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE   PETITION  OF  JONAS  TEMPLE  AND  HIS  WIFE, 
AUTHORIZING  HIM  TO  SELL  REAL  ESTATE. 

On  the  petition  of  Jonas  Temple  &  Zillah  his  Wife  Ex- 
ecutors in  her  right  to  the  last  will  &  testament  of  Nathan 
How  late  of  Slirewsbury  in  the  County  of  Worcester  deed, 
praying  that  they  may  be  authorized  to  sell  so  much  of 
the  said  deceased's  Real  Estate  as  shall  be  sufficient  to 
raise  the  sum  of  one  hundred  &  fifty  Pounds  to  he  applied 
towards  the  payment  of  the  deceased's  just  debts  for 
reasons  mentioned. 

Resolved  that  the  said  Jonas  Temple  be  and  he  hereby 
is  fully  authorized  &  impowered  to  make  sale  of  so  much 
of  the  said  deceased's  Keal  Estate  as  shall  be  sufficient  to 
raise  the  aforesaid  sum  of  one  hundred  and  fifty  Pounds 
&  in  his  said  Capacity  to  make  &  execute  a  good  deed  or 
deeds  of  the  same  he  the  sd.  Jonas  observing  the  directions 
of  the  law  relating  to  the  sale  of  Real  Estates  by  Executors 
&  Administrators,  &  first  giving  Bond  with  sufficient  sure- 
ties to  the  judge  of  Probate  for  the  County  of  Worcester 
that  the  proceeds  of  the  said  Sale  shall  be  applied  to  the 
])ayment  of  the  said  deceased's  just  del)ts  —  any  Law  to 
the  Contrar}-^  notwithstanding.  January  18,  1792. 

Chapter  14. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  THE  INHABITANTS  OF  HOLLISTON. 

On  the  Petition  of  the  Inhal)itants  of  ye  Town  of  Ilollis- 
ton  Praying  that  they  may  be  abated  a  Fine  set  to  them 


Kesolves,  1791.  —  January  Session.  443 

for  not  sending  a  Representative  to  ye  General  Court  in 
the  year  ^  D  1790. 

Resolved,  that  for  reasons  set  forth  in  sd.  Petition  the 
prayer  thereof  be  granted,  and  that  ye  Treasurer  of  this 
Commonwealth  be,  and  ho  hereby  is,  directed  to  Credit 
the  said  Town  of  Holliston  the  Sum  of  Twelve  pounds. 
Set  on  them  as  a  Fine  for  not  sending  a  Representative 
to  the  General  Court  as  aforesaid.        January  IS,  1792. 


Chapter  15. 

RESOLVE  GRANTING  A  TAX  FOR  THE  COUNTY  OF  PLYMOUTH. 

Whereas  the  Treasurer  of  the  County  of  Plymouth  has 
laid  his  Accounts  before  the  General  Court,  in  manner  by 
Law  prescribed,  which  Accounts  are  hereby  allowed  ;  — 

And  Whereas  the  Clerk  of  the  Court  of  General  Sessions 
of  the  peace  for  said  County  of  Plymouth,  has  laid  before 
the  General  Court  an  Estimate  made  by  the  Court  of 
General  Sessions  of  the  peace  of  the  Necessary  charges 
which  have  arisen  in  said  County  in  the  year  1791, 
Amounting  to  the  Sum  of  Three  Hundred  &,  fifty  Pounds: 

Resolved  that  the  Sum  of  Tltree  hundred  &  fifty  pounds 
be  and  is  hereby  granted  as  a  Tax  for  said  County  of 
Plymouth  to  be  Apportioned,  Assessed,  Collected,  &,  Ap- 
plied in  manner  provided  by  Law.        January  IS,  1702. 

Chapter  16. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  ABEL  ALLYNE  AND  E.  CHASE' 
ADMINISTRATORS  OF  THE  ESTATE  OF  THOMAS  CHASE,  ESQ. 
DECEASED. 

Upon  ye  Petition  of  the  Administrators  on  the  Estate 
of  Thomas   Chase  Esq.  late  of  Bolton  in  the  County  of 

Worcester  deceased  praying  that  ye  Judge  of  Probate  for 
said  County  of  Worcester  may  l)e  em[)owered  to  appoint 
Commissioners  to  receive  &  examine  the  Claims  upon  said 
deceased's  Estate  for  Reasons  set  forth  in  said  Petition. 
Resolved  that  the  Judge  of  Probate  for  said  County  of 

Worcester  be  &  he  hereby  is  authorised  &  empowered  to 
extend  the  time  granted  to  the  former  Commissioners  or 
appoint  new  Commissioners  to  receive  &  examine  the 
Claims  of  the  Creditors  upon  said  deceased's  Estate  for  a 
term  not  less  than  one  month  nor  more  than  three  months 
from  the  date  of  his  Order.  January  IS,  1792. 


444  Resolves,  1791.  —  Jantjary  Session. 


Chapter  17. 

RESOLVE  GRANTING  A  TAX  TO  BRISTOL  COUNTY. 

Whereas  the  Treasurer  of  the  County  of  Bristol  has 
Uiid  his  Accounts  before  the  General  Court,  in  manner  by 
Law  prescri])ed  ;  which  Accounts  are  hereby  Allowed,  — 

And  Whereas  the  Clerk  of  the  Court  of  General  Ses- 
sions, of  the  peace  for  said  County  of  Bristol,  has  laid 
before  the  General  Court  an  Estimate  made  by  the  said 
Court,  of  the  Necessary  Charges,  which  are  likely  to  arise 
in  Said  County,  in  the  Current  Year,  Amounting  to  the 
Sum  of  Five  Hundred  pounds  : 

Resolved  that  The  Sum  of  Five  hundred  j^ounds,  be 
and  hereby  is  granted  as  a  Tax  for  said  County  of  Bristol, 
to  be  Apportioned,  Assessed,  Collected,  and  Applied  in 
manner  provided  by  Law.  January  IS,  1792. 

Chapter  18. 

RESOLVE  GRANTING  A  TAX  TO  THE  COUNTY  OF   YORK. 

Whereas  the  Clerk  of  the  Court  of  General  Sessions 
for  the  County  of  York  has  laid  before  the  General  Court 
an  Estimate  made  by  the  Court  of  General  Sessions  of  the 
peace  of  the  Necessary  charges  which  are  likely  to  arise 
within  said  County  the  Current  Year  —  Amounting  to  the 
Sum  of  TJn^ee  Hundred  pounds  : 

Resolved  that  the  Sum  of  Three  Hundred  pounds  be 
and  hereby  is  Granted  as  a  Tax  for  the  said  County  of 
York  to  be  Apportioned,  Assessed,  Collected,  and  Applied 
in  manner  provided  by  Law.  January  19,  1792. 

Chapter  19. 

RESOLVE  GRANTING  A  TAX  TO  HAMPSHIRE  COUNTY. 

Whereas  the  Treasurer,  of  the  County  of  Hampshire,  has 
laid  his  Accounts  before  the  General  Court  in  manner  by 
Law  prescribed,  which  Accounts  are  hereby  Allowed  — 

And  Whereas  the  Clerk  of  the  Court  of  General  Ses- 
sions of  the  peace  for  the  said  County  of  Hampshire,  has 
laid  before  the  General  Court  an  Estimate  made  by  the 
Court  of  General  Sessions  of  the  peace,  of  the  Necessary 
charges  which  are  likely  to  arise  in  said  County  the  Cur- 
rent year.  Amounting  to  the  Sum  of  Seven  Hundred,  and 
thirtij  one  pounds  Seven  Shillings  and  Fight  ji^nce: 


Eesolves,  1791.  —  January  Session.  445 


Resolved,  that  the  Sum  of  Seven  Hundred  &  thirly  one 
jjounds,  Seven  Shillings,  and  Eight  pence,  be  and  is  hereby 
Granted  as  a  Tax  for  Said  County  of  Hmnpshire,  to  lie 
A})portioned,  Assessed,  Collected,  and  applied  in  manner 
provided  by  Law.  January  19,  1792. 

Chapter  20. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  JOHN  BREWER,  IN  BEHALF  OF 
THE  WIDOW  PIAL,  AN  INDIAN  WOMAN,  PROVIDING  FOR  HER 
SUPPORT. 

On  the  petition  of  John  Breiver  in  behalf  of  the  Widow 
Pial  an  Indian  woman  whose  Husband  was  supposed  to 
be  murdered  by  some  persons.  Citizens  of  this  Common- 
wealth in  the  year  1787,  praying  that  some  allowance 
may  be  made  for  her  Support. 

Resolved,  for  reasons  set  forth  in  said  Petition  that  the 
said  John  Brewer  together  with  Simeon  Fowler  Esquire 
of  Orrington  in  the  County  of  Hancock  be  authorized  & 
impowered,  and'  they  are  hereby  authorized  &  impowered 
(for  the  space  of  twelve  months  from  this  time)  to  supply 
the  said  Widow  Rial  with  such  articles  of  Cloathing  & 
food  as  they  shall  judge  necessary  for  the  subsistence  of 
herself  &  the  Child  which  she  had  1)y  her  said  deceased 
Husband  —  and  that  at  the  expiration  of  said  Twelve 
months  they  render  their  account  therefor  to  the  Commit- 
tee on  Accounts  for  this  Commonwealth  for  Allowance  — 

Provided  However,  that  the  sum  to  be  expended  by  the 
said  Brewer  &  Fowler  for  the  purposes  above-mentioned 
shall  not  exceed  three  shillings  per  Week  during  the  time 
for  which  they  are  authorised  as  above. 

January  20,  1792. 

Cliapter  21. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  THOMAS  DENNT,  IN  BEHALF  OF 
THE  TOWN  OF  LEICESTER,  ABATING  SAID  TOWN  £.32. 

On  the  Petition  of  Thomas  Denny  in  behalf  of  the 
Town  of  I^eicester,  praying  that  they  may  be  abated  tW'O 
several  Fines  set  tf)  them,  for  not  sending  a  Representa- 
tive to  the  General  Court  for  the  years  A  D  1789  and 
1790. 

Resolved,  that  for  reasons  set  forth,  in  sd.  Petition,  the 
pra3^er  thereof  be  granted,  and  that  ye  Treasurer  of  this 
Commonwealth,  be,  and  he  hereb}'  is  directed  to  credit 


446  Resolves,  1791. —  January  Session. 

the  said  Town  of^  Leicester  the  Sum  of  Thirty  tivo  jpouiids, 
being  ye  amount  of  the  said  two  Fines  set  to  them  for  not 
sending  a  liepresentative  to  the  General  Court  as  afore- 
said, any  Law,  or  Eesolve  to  ye  Contrary  Notwithstand- 
ing. January  20,  1702. 


Chapter  32. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  REPRESENTATION  OF  THE  TREASURER,  DI- 
RECTING HIM  TO  CALL  ON  THE  COMrTROLLER  GENERAL 
AND   NAVAL  OFFICERS,  TO    SETTLE   THEIR  ACCOUNTS. 

Resolved  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  Conmionwealth  be 
directed  forthwith  to  call  on  the  late  Comptroller-General 
for  a  settlement  of  his  Accounts  as  soon  as  may  be  and 
that  the  Treasurer  receive  from  the  said  Comptroller- 
General  all  Bonds  &  other  official  Papers  in  his  Hands 
agreably  to  an  Act  passed  on  the  18th  day  oi  June  last. 

And  it  is  further  Resolved  That  the  Treasurer  be  di- 
rected immediately  to  call  upon  the  several  Naval  Officers 
heretofore  appointed  within  this  Commonwealth,  who  have 
not  as  yet  settled  their  Accounts,  for  a  settlement ;  and  in 
Case  of  Neglect  or  refusal  that  the  Treasurer  be  directed 
to  commence  &  prosecute  Suit  or  Suits  at  Law  for  the 
Recovery  of  the  Balance  or  Balances  due  from  them  re- 
spectively. January  20,  1792. 

Chapter  33. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  DEBORAH  GANNET,  GRANTING 
HER  £.34,  FOR  SERVICES  IN  THE  CONTINENTAL  ARMY. 

On  the  petition  of  Deborah  Gannet,  praying  compen- 
sation for  services  performed  in  the  late  Army  of  the 
United  States. 

Whereas  it  appears  to  this  Court  that  the  said  Deborah 
Gannet  inlisted,  under  the  name  of  Robert  Shirtlif  in 
Captn,  Webb's  com]:)any,  in  the  4th  Massifs.  Regiment  on 
May  20th  17.S2,  and  did  actually  perform  the  duty  of  a 
soldier  in  the  late  army  of  the  United  States  to  the  23rd 
Day  of  October  1783,  for  which  she  has  received  no  com- 
pensation. And  whereas  it  further  appears  that  the  said 
Deborah  exhibited  an  extraordinary  instance  of  female 
heroism  1)y  discharging  the  duties  of  a  faithful  gallant 
soldier,  and  at  the  same  time  preserving  the  virtue  & 
chastity  of  her  sex  unsuspected  &  unblemished,  &  was 


Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session.  447 

discharged  from  the  service  with  a  fair  &  honorable  char- 
acter : 

Therefore  Resolved  That  the  treasurer  of  tliis  Common- 
wealth be  &  he  hereby  is  directed  to  issue  his  note  to  the 
said  Deborah  for  the  sum  of  Thirty  four  pounds  bearing 
interest  from  October  23,  1783.  January  20,  1792. 

Chapter  33a.* 

ORDER  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  JOHN  LANGDON  ESQUIRE. 

Upon  the  petition  of  John  Langdon  esquire  praying 
for  licence  to  Imild  a  bridge  from  Kittery  to  his  Ishind  in 
Piscatiqua  river  and  to  have  the  ferry  from  said  Island  to 
Portsmouth. 

Ordered  that  the  town  of  Kittery,  and  also  Alexander 
Rice  of  said  I\^ittery  keeper  of  the  ferry  there  be  notified 
to  appear,  if  they  see  cause,  on  the  second  Wednesday  of 
the  next  session  of  the  General  Court,  to  shew  cause  if 
any  they  have  Avhy  the  prayer  of  said  petition  should  not 
be  granted  by  the  petitioner's  leaving  an  attested  copy  of 
said  petition  and  this  order  with  the  Clerk  of  said  town, 
and  also  with  the  said  Alexander  Rice  fourteen  days  before 
the  said  second  Wednesday.  January  20,  1702. 

Chapter  24. 

RESOLVE    ON    THE    PETITION   OF   JOSEPH   TWITCHELL,   GUAR- 
DIAN TO   THE   NATICK  INDIANS,  GRANTING   HIM  £.28  9  6. 

On  the  Petition  of  Joseph  Twitchell,  praying  that  the 
Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth  might  be  directed  to 
pay  Him  those  Accounts  which  have  been  examined  and 
allowed  by  the  standing  Committee  of  Accounts. 

Whereas  it  appears  by  Roll  No.  20.  June  18,  1791, 
That  the  Committee  on  Accounts,  having  examined  the 
Accounts  they  then  presented  —  Reported  that  there  was 
due  to  the  Towns  and  Persons  thereafter  mentioned,  the 
Sums  set  against  their  Names  respectively ;  which,  if 
allowed,  Avould  be  in  full  discharge  of  the  said  Accounts, 
to  the  Date  therein  mentioned ;  which  Report  being  ac- 
cepted, it  was  thereupon  Resolved  l)y  the  Legislature, 
that  his  Excellency  the  Governour,  with  the  Advice  of 
Council  be,  and  he  was  thereby,  requested  to  issue  his 
warrant  on  the  Treasury  for  the  Payment  of  the  several 


Not  printed  in  previous  editions.    Taken  from  court  record. 


448  Eesolves,  1791.  —  January  Session. 

Persons  and  Towns  borne  on  that  Roll,  the  Suras  set 
against  the  Names  of  such  Persons  and  Towns  respec- 
tively, "except  the  Sum  of  Twenty  eight  Pounds  nine 
shillinr/fi  and  six  j^^^^ce,  reported  in  favour  of  Joseph 
Twitchell  (the  now  Petitioner)  as  by  the  said  Resolve, 
relation  being  thereunto  had,  will  more  fully  a[)pear ; 

Now  It  is  hereby  Resolved  That  his  Excellenc^^  the 
Governour  be,  and  he  hereby  is,  requested,  with  Advice 
of  the  Council,  to  issue  his  warrant  on  the  Treasury  of 
this  Commonwealth,  for  the  Payment  of  such  Sum  of 
.  Twenty  eight  Pounds,  nine  shillings  and  six  pence,  in 
favour,  and  to  the  Use,  of  the  said  Joseph  Twitchell. 

Jamiary  21,  1792. 

Chapter  25. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  FREDRICK  WILLIAM  GEYER. 

On  the  Petition  of  Fredrick  William  Geyer,  represent- 
ing, that  by  a  Resolve  of  the  General  Court  of  the  State 
oi  Massachusetts,  passed  the  17th  Day  oi  April  1780,  the 
then  Agent  of  the  Estate  of  the  said  Geyer  was  em- 
powered and  directed,  in  behalf  of  the  said  State,  to 
deliver  to  Nathan  Frazier  seizen  and  possession  of  the 
said  Geyer' s  Real  Estate,  for  the  purposes,  and  on  the 
conditions  in  the  said  Resolve  expressed,  and  directing 
the  said  Frazier  to  pay  the  surplus  Monies  into  the  public 
Treasury,  and  praying  that  the  surplus  money  aforesaid 
may  be  demanded  and  received  by  the  said  Geyer.  For 
reasons  set  forth  in  the  said  Petition 

Resolved,  that  the  prayer  thereof  be  granted  ;  and  that 
the  said  Fredrick  William  Geyer,  be,  and  he  hereby  is 
cmpoAvered  to  demand  and  receive,  in  his  own  name,  and 
to  his  own  use,  of  the  said  Nathan  Frazier  all  the  Monies 
remaining  in  his  hands  arising  from  the  Sale  of  the  said 
Geyer's  Real  Estate  aforesaid,  over  and  above  the  sum 
appropriated  in  the  Resolve  of  the  General  Court  first 
mentioned. 

And  it  is  further  Resolved,  that  upon  the  said  Frazier's 
paying  to  the  said  Geyer  the  said  surplus  Monies,  a  certain 
Bond  given  by  the  said  Frazier  to  the  Treasurer  of  this 
Commonwealth,  of  the  penalty  of  Tii:o  thousand  pounds 
sterling  Money,  be,  and  hereby  is  rendered  null  and  void, 
and  the  Treasurer  is  directed  to  cancel  the  said  Bond 
accordingly.  January  21,  1792. 


Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session.  449 


Chapter  36. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  JOSEPH  ADAMS  AND  WILLIAM 
TORRET,  IN  BEHALF  OF  THE  FIRST  PARISH  IN  MENDON. 

On  the  Petition  of  Joseph  Adams  and  William  Torrey 
in  tlie  behalf  of  the  first  parish  in  the  Town  of  Mention 
praying-  for  a  confirmation  of  the  doings  of  said  parish. 

Resolved,  for  Reasons  in  said  Petition  set  forth,  tliat 
the  proceedings  of  tlie  said  Parisli  at  a  Meeting  of  the 
Inhabitants  tliereof  in  said  Mendon  on  tlie  thirteenth  day 
of  June  last  past  be  and  herel^y  are  declared  good  & 
valid  as  'though  the  said  Meeting  had  been  holden  in  the 
Months  of  March  or  Ajwil  last  past  so  far  as  it  respects 
the  choice  of  parish  Officers  ;  and  the  said  parish  Officers 
and  each  of  them  chosen  at  the  said  Meeting  be  and 
hereby  are  invested  with  full  and  ample  powers  to  do 
and  transact  all  the  Matters  and  things  belonging  to  them 
in  their  respective  Offices,  in  the  same  Manner  as  though 
the  said  Meeting  had  been  holden  &  the  said  Officers 
had  been  chosen  in  the  Months  of  31arch  or  April  last 
past,  any  Law  or  usage  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding. 

January  21,'  1792. 


Chapter  36a.* 

ORDER  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  WILLIAM  PRATT  AND  POLLY- 
CARPUS  EDSON,  RELATIVE  TO  ERECTING  A  DAM  ACROSS 
TAUNTON  GREAT  RIVER,  AT  A  PLACE  CALLED  TITICUT 
FALLS. 

On  the  petition  of  William  Pratt  and  Pollycarjms 
Edson  praying  for  liberty  to  erect  a  dam  or  dams  across 
Taunton  great  river  at  a  place  called  Titicut  falls  in  said 
river  for  the  purpose  of  building  mills. 

Ordered  that  Elisha  May,  Josiah  Dean  and  Ebenezer 
Washburn  esquires  be  a  Committee  to  repair  to  and  view 
the  premises  at  the  expence  of  the  petitioners  on  the 
tenth  day  of  April  next,  and  that  the  petitioners  notify 
the  towns  of  Bridgwater  Middlehorough  and  Halifax  by 
leaving  copies  of  the  petitions  with  this  order  thereon 
with  the  Clerks  of  the  several  towns  aforesaid  fourteen 
days  before  the  said  tenth  day  of  April  next  then  to 
appear  before  said  Committee  to  shew  cause  if  any  they 

*  Not  printed  in  previous  editions.    Talvcn  from  court  record. 


450  Resolves,  1791 .  —  January  Session. 

have  why  the  prayers  of  said  petitions  may  not  be  granted, 
and  report.  January  21,1792. 

Chapter  21. 

RESOLVE   ON  THE   PETITION  OF  JAMES   SULLIVAN,  IN   BEHALF 
OF  JAMES   WARDER  AND  OTHERS. 

Whereas  l)y  the  Petition  of  James  Sullivan  in  behalf 
of  James  Warder  &  others  and  the  papers  therewith  ex- 
hibited it  appears,  that  the  said  Warder  and  others  made 
their  appeal  from  the  decree  of  the  Judge  of  Probate 
for  the  County  of  Dukes  County  in  October  1789  to  the 
Supreme  Judicial  Court  in  Boston,  before  that  Court  had 
cognizance  of  the  appeal,  and  was  there  entered,  and  has 
untill  this  Time  been  continued  on  the  Docket  of  said 
Court ;  and  that  the  Act  lately  made  giving  appeals  from 
the  said  Probate  Court  to  the  said  Supreme  Judicial  Court 
does  not  Extend  to  the  appeal  aforesaid  : 

Therefore  Resolved  that  the  Supreme  Judicial  Court  to 
be  holden  at  Boston  within  and  for  the  County  of  Suffolk 
on  the  third  teusday  of  February  next  l)e  and  hereby  is 
empowered  to  hear  try  and  determine  the  same  appeal  in 
the  same  manner  and  as  efi'cctually  as  if  the  same  had 
been  made  legally  and  regularly,  and  to  award  such 
Judgment  as  might  have  been  if  a  Law  for  such  appeal 
had  existed  when  the  same  was  made. 

January  23,  1792. 

Chapter  28. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  THE  TOWN  OF  READING. 

On  the  petition  of  the  Town  of  Reading  shewing  that 
Samuel  Banchroft  is  not  an  inhabitant  of  said  town  & 
that  he  is  maintained  l)y  said  town. 

Resolved  that  the  said  Samuel  be  considered  as  one  of 
the  States  poor  &  that  the  Town  of  Reading  be  allowed 
the  same  consideration  for  the  support  of  said  Samuel  as 
is  usual  in  such  cases  from  &  after  the  day  &  date  of  this 
Resolve.  January  24,  1792. 

Chapter  29. 

RESOLVE    ON    THE    PETITION    OF    PRINCE    WEST,    PERMITTING 
HIM   TO   DISCHARGE   A   BOND    IN   PUBLIC   SECURITIES, 

On  the  Petition  of  Prince  West,  praying  that  a  further 
time   may   l)e   allowed   him   for  })aying,  in   Consolidated 


Kesolves,  1791.  —  January  Session.  451 

Notes  of  this  Commonwealth,  a  Bond  given  by  him  to 
the  Treasurer. 

Resolved  that  the  Prayer  of  the  said  Petition  be  granted, 
and  that  the  Treasurer  be,  and  he  is  hereby  directed  to 
receive,  in  Consolidated  Notes  of  this  Commonwealth,  the 
sum  due  on  said  Bond,  Provided  the  same  shall  be  paid 
before  the  fifteenth  day  of  February  next. 

January  24,  1792. 


Chapter  30. 

RESOLVE     ON     THE     PETITION     OF     PALMER     GARDNER    AND 
OTHERS,   GRANTING   THEM   LANDS. 

On  the  petition  of  Palmer  Gardner,  Noah  Eli,  Reuben 
Heivett,  Daniel  McCarthy,  Eleazer  Bateman,  Thomas 
Eldridge,  Jeremiah  Mark,  John  Cops,  Asa  Douglass, 
Caleb  Eldridge,  Jas.  Oshourn,  David  Warren,  John 
Rathburn,  Barnett  Slilwill  &  Jonas  Shed  praying  com- 
pensation may  be  made  them  for  lands  lost  in  running  the 
line  between  this  Commonwealth  &  the  State  oi  Neiu  Yo7'k. 

Whereas  it  appears  to  this  Court  that  nineteen  hun- 
dred &  eighty  acres  of  land  belonging  to  a  Grant  of  land 
made  to  the  proprietors  of  Groton  in  the  Year  1771  have 
fallen  within  the  State  of  New  York,  &  whereas  it  also 
appears  from  the  representation  of  the  above  Petitioners 
that  nine  hundred  &  eighty  acres  of  the  grant  aforesaid 
were  sold  by  the  said  proprietors  of  Groton  aforesaid  to 
the  said  petitioners : 

Therefore  Resolved  that  the  Committee  on  the  subject 
of  unappropriated  land  in  the  County  of  Lincoln  be  & 
they  are  hereby  impowered  &  directed  in  behalf  of  this 
Commonwealth  to  convey  &  confirm  to  the  said  petition- 
ers such  a  quantity  of  the  unappropriated  land  in  either 
of  the  four  Eastern  Counties  in  this  Commonwealth  as 
the  said  Committee  shall  estimate  to  be  worth  two  hun- 
dred &  forty  five  pounds  —  To  have  &  to  hold  the  same 
to  them  their  several  heirs  &  assigns  in  proportion  to  the 
several  quantities  of  land  which  they  have  respectively 
lost  as  aforesaid  provided  the  said  Petitioners  have  actu- 
ally purchased  the  right  of  the  said  Proprietors  of  Groton 
to  the  said  Nine  hundred  &  eighty  acres  &  now  hold  the 
same.  January  24,  1792. 


452  Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session. 


Chapter  31. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  ANDREW  FREESE,  ON  BEHALF 
OF   SARAH  KENDRICK,  AUTHORIZING  HER  TO  SELL  LAND. 

Upon  the  petition  of  Andrew  Freese  on  behalf  of  Sarah 
Kendrich  Administratrix  of  the  goods  &  estate  of  David 
Kendrick  late  of  Deerjield  in  the  County  of  Rockingham 
and  State  of  jSfeio  Hampshire  Yeoman  deceased  intestate. 

Resolved  That  the  said  Administratrix  be  and  she  hereby 
is  authorised  in  her  said  capacity  to  sell  at  public  auction 
one  hundred  acres  of  land  being  lot  numbered  eight  in  the 
liftli  range  of  lots  in  the  plantation  of  Bridgetoivn  in  the 
Count}^  of  Cumberland  for  the  most  the  same  will  fetch 
she  advertising  the  time  and  place  of  sale  in  some  public 
place  in  the  said  plantation  &  causing  such  advertisement 
to  be  published  in  both  of  the  public  newspapers  printed 
in  the  Town  of  Portland  in  the  said  County  of  Cumber- 
land thirty  days  at  least  before  the  sale ;  the  said  Admin- 
istratrix also  first  giving  bond  to  the  Judge  of  Probate  for 
the  County  of  Rockingham  with  sufficient  security  condi- 
tioned that  she  will  truly  account  with  him  or  his  suc- 
cessor in  that  office  for  the  yn-oceeds  of  the  said  Sale  and 
that  she  Avill  faithfully  administer  the  same  according  to 
law.  January  25,  1792. 


Chapter  31a.* 

ORDER  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  DANIEL    WARNER   AND  OTHERS. 

On  the  petition  of  Daniel  Warner  &  others,  pray- 
ing to  be  incorporated  into  an  Episcopalian  Society  in 
8a.ndisfield. 

Ordered  That  the  Petitioners  notify  the  Inhabitants  of 
the  Towns  of  Sandisfield  Tyringham  JSfeiv- Marlboro,  & 
Bethleham  District,  to  appear  on  the  second  Wednesday 
of  the  next  Session  of  the  Genl.  Court,  to  shew  cause  (if 
any  they  have)  why  the  prayer  of  sd.  Petition  shou'd  not 
ha  granted  by  leaving  an  attested  Copy  of  sd.  Petition 
with  this  order  thereon  fourteen  days  at  least  before  sd. 
second  AVednesday,  with  the  Clerk  of  each  of  said  ToAvns 
&  the  clerk  of  said  district.  Jcmuary  25,  1792. 

*  Not  printed  in  previous  editions. 


Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session.  453 


Chapter  33. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  CHARirT  VICKERY,  GRANTING 
HER  WAGES  DUE  TO  HER  SON  ELI  VICKERY,  DECEASED, 
BEING  £  36. 

On  the  petition  of  Charity  Vickeri/,  praying  that  the 
wages  due,  for  her  son  JSli  Vickery^s  services,  who  was  a 
seaman  in  the  service  of  this  State,  may  be  paid  to  her ; 
he  having  died,  while  a  minor  in  Prison,  in  the  Ivingdom 
of  Great  Britain. 

Resolved,  that  the  sum  of  thirty  six  Pounds  hiwftil 
Money,  be  allowed  &  paid  to  the  said  Charity,  in  full 
for  the  services  of  her  said  Son  as  aforesaid. 

January  23,  1792. 


Chapter  33a.* 

ORDER  ON   THE  PETITION   OF   JOSIAH  DANA,   AND  OTHERS. 

On  the  petition  of  Josiah  Dana  and  others  praying  for 
an  opportunity  to  contest  the  guardianship-account  of 
John  Caldwell  esquire  guardian  to  the  heirs  of  James 
Caldivell  and  Anna  Caldwell  late  of  Barre  in  the  County 
of  Worcester  deceased,  which  account  was  settled  in  the 
Probate  Office  in  the  said  County  of  Worcester  on  the  first 
day  of  July  1788. 

Ordered,  that  the  petitioners  serve  the  said  John  Cald- 
well esquire  with  an  attested  copy  of  their  petition  and 
this  order  thereon  at  least  fourteen  days  before  the  second 
Wednesday  of  the  next  sitting  of  the  General  Court,  that 
he  may  appear  and  shew  cause,  if  any  he  can  shew  on  the 
said  second  Wednesday  why  the  prayer  of  the  said  petition 
should  not  be  granted.  January  25,  1792. 

Chapter  33. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  MEMORIAL  OF  GILBERT  BENCH,  DIRECTING 
THAT  JOHN  DEMING  RECEIVE  THE  BOOKS  OF  THE  LATE 
BOARD  OF  WAR,  AND  SETTLE  THE  ACCOUNTS  IN  THE  SAME. 

On  the  memorial  of  Gilbert  Bench,  setting  forth  that 
he  has  been  under  contract  with  the  late  Board  of  War  & 
has  accounts  which  remain  unsettled  with  the  said  board, 
&  that  no  person  is  authorized  to  settle  the  said  Accounts 

*  Not  printed  in  previous  editions.    Taken  from  court  record. 


454  Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session. 

—  Also  setting  forth  that  he  was  one  of  the  Committee 
for  transporting  Morters,  Cannon,  Powder  &c.  to  JSforih 
River,  in  the  Year  1781,  and  there  being  a  ballance  due 
from  said  Committee  to  the  Commonwealth. 

Resolved  that  John  Demming  Esq.  be  a  Conmiittee  to 
receive  the  Books  of  the  late  Board  of  War  &  settle  all 
Accounts  if  any  there  be  now  remaining  unsettled  with 
any  person  or  persons  having  accounts  open  with  the  said 
board  in  order  that  all  accounts  between  this  Common- 
wealth &  individuals  may  be  adjusted. 

Be  it  further  Resolved  that  the  Attorney  General  be  & 
he  hereby  is  directed  to  commence  a  suit  or  suits  against 
the  said  Committee  or  such  only  of  them  as  appear  to  have 
public  monies  in  their  hands  unaccounted  for,  as  he  shall 
judge  most  expedient,  in  order  to  effect  an  immediate 
settlement  between  the  Commonwealth  &  the  said  Com- 
mittee. January  26,  1792. 


Chapter  33a.* 

ORDER  ON  THE    PETITION   OF  JOSEPH  ROBERTS  JUNIOR    AND 
OTHERS. 

On  the  petition  of  Joseph  Roberts  junior  and  others 
inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Turner  and  plantation  called 
BucJvStoion  praying  to  be  incorporated  into  a  Society  by 
the  name  of  the  Baptist  Society. 

Ordered  that  the  petitioners  or  one  of  them  notify  the 
inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Turner  and  plantation  called 
Buckstown  by  leaving  an  attested  copy  of  this  petition 
&  order  thereon  wdth  the  town  Clerk  of  Turner  and 
plantation  Clerk  of  Buckstovm.  to  appear  on  the  second 
Wednesday  of  the  next  sitting  of  the  General  Court  and 
shew  cause  if  any  they  have  why  the  prayer  of  said  peti- 
tion should  not  be  granted.  January  26,  1792. 

Chapter  34. 

RESOLVE   ON  THE   PETITION  OF  THE   TOWN  OF   WISCHENDON. 

On  the  Petition  of  the  Town  of  Winchendon,  seting 
forth,  that  in  the  original  Grant  of  said  Township,  there 
was  a  reservation  of  two  sixty  third  parts,  of  said  Grant, 
for  the  use  of  a  school  and  Ministry  in  said  town,  and  that 

*  Not  printed  in  previous  editions.    Talven  from  court  record. 


Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session.  455 

through  inadvertency,  in  the  early  settlement  of  said 
Town,  Leases  were  given  of  the  premises,  for  the  term 
of  nine  hundred  &  ninety  nine  years,  with  Condition,  to 
give  warrantee  Deeds  of  the  same,  to  the  Lessees,  on  their 
tendering  the  Principal,  upon  which  the  Kents  were  esti- 
mated, and  that  accordingly,  in  sundry  instances,  tenders 
have  been  made  as  aforesaid. 

Resolved,  for  reasons  set  forth  in  said  Petition,  that 
the  to\vn  aforesaid,  be  and  they  hereby  are  authorized  & 
impowered,  to  give  warrantee  Deeds  of  the  Premises, 
on  Condition  they  reserve,  for  the  uses  aforesaid,  the 
monies  with  the  Interest  thereon,  which  they  have,  or 
hereafter  may  receive,  as  Consideration  for  said  Lands  ; 
and  said  Deeds,  shall  be  considered  as  legal  &  valid,  any 
thing  contained  in  sd.  original  Grant  to  the  contrary  not- 
withstanding. January  27,  1792. 

Chapter  35. 

RESOLVE  ON   THE  PETITION    OF  THE    SELECTMEN  OF    WALDO- 
BOROUGH. 

On  the  petition  of  the  Select-men  of  Waldoborouyh 
praying  that  David  Vinal  a  collector  of  said  Town  might 
be  empowered  to  collect  the  Remainder  of  Sundry  taxes 
committed  to  him  to  collect  in  1786  amounting  to  forty 
eigJit  pounds  fourteen  shillings  &  four  pence  half  peney. 
Resolved  that  David  Vinal  collector  of  taxes  for 
Waldoborough  in  the  year  1786  be  and  he  is  hereby 
authorised  and  empowered  to  collect  all  Such  sums  as 
Remain  due  on  such  arrearage  taxes  as  were  committed 
to  him  as  aforesaid  by  the  Select-men  &  assessors  of  said 
Town  in  the  same  maner  as  if  they  had  been  origanally 
committed  to  him  according  to  law  and  to  pay  the  same 
into  the  Town  treasurer  of  Said  Town  on  or  before  the 
first  day  of  may  next.  January  27,  1792. 

Chapter  36. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE    PETITION   OF   REUBEN  MUN,  IN  BEHALF  OF 
JOSEPH  BAKER. 

On  the  Pitition  of  Ruben  Mim  In  Behalf  of  Joseph 
Baker  a  Soldier  in  the  Army  of  the  United  States  in  Colo. 
Hazens  Redgt.  Preying  that  the  Secratary  be  Directed  to 
Pay  such  Ballance  as  is  due  to  said  Soldier  Notwithstand- 
ing said  Soldier  has  lost  his  Dischartje. 


4:56  Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session. 

Resolved  tluit  the  Prayer  of  said  Pitition  be  Granted 
and  the  Secratary  is  hereby  directed  on  said  Ruheii  Mun's 
Producing  an  Order  from  said  Baher  and  signing  a  Re- 
ceipt of  his  having  Receiv'd  the  same  for  the  Use  of  said 
Joseph  Baker  to  Pay  the  said  Ruben  whatever  sum  is 
due  to  said  Joseph  Baker  on  his  final  settlement  with  ye 
United  States.  January  27,  1792. 

Chapter  37. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION    OF  JERVSHA   LEONARD,   EMPOW- 
ERING   HER   TO   SELL  REAL   ESTATE. 

On  the  Petition  of  Jerusha  Leonard  Executrix  of  Colo. 
Noadiah  Leonard  deceased. 

Resolved,  for  reasons  set  forth  in  her  Petition  that  the 
said  Jerushua  be  and  she  hereby  is  authorized  and  empow- 
ered to  sell  a  certain  Tract  of  Land  lying  in  South  Brim- 
field,  which  Avas  taken  by  Execution  in  favour  of  the  said 
Noadiah  against  Asa  Fisk,  she  giving  bond  with  suffi- 
cient Sureties  to  the  Judge  of  Probate  for  the  County  of 
Hampshire,  in  all  things  to  observe  the  Laws  respecting 
the  Sale  of  real  Estates  by  Executors  or  Administrators, 
and  to  account  with  the  said  Judge  for  the  net  proceeds 
thereof.  January  28,  1792. 

Chapter  38. 

RESOLVE    ON   THE    PETITION    OF     AARON    CHAMBERLAIN   AND 
OTHERS,  AGENTS    FOR  THE    PROPRIETORS   OF    TYNGSTOWN. 

On  the  Petition  of  Aaron  Chamberlain  &  others  agents 
for  the  proprietors  of  the  Townshi})  of  Tyngstoivn  setting 
forth  that  in  locating  said  township,  a  part  of  it  as  laid  out 
through  mistake  interfered  with  the  Township  of  Phipps 
Canada  so  called  so  that  the  Proprietors  of  Tyngstown 
are  deficient  in  the  quantity  of  land  granted  them  by  the 
General  Court  to  the  amount  of  about  three  thousand 
acres. 

Resolved  that  the  prayer  of  said  Petition  be  so  far 
granted  as  that  some  suitable  surveyor  be  appointed  by 
the  Committee  for  the  sale  [o/J  eastern  lands,  Avho  with  dis- 
interested Chain  carriers  under  oath  at  the  expence  of  the 
Proprietors  of  said  Tyngstown  shall  examine  the  location 
of  their  township  &  if  it  shall  be  found  to  interfere  with 
the  township  of  PJiipps  Canada  then  that  the  surveyor  & 


Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session.  457 

Chain  carriers  to  be  appointed  as  aforesaid  be  directed  to 
lay  out  as  much  of  the  unappropriated  land  belonging  to 
this  Commonwealth  adjoining  to  said  Tyngstown  as  shall 
be  equal  to  the  deficiency  arising  from  the  interference 
aforesaid  agreeably  to  such  directions  as  he  may  receive 
from  the  said  Committee  and  make  return  of  his  doings  to 
the  General  Court  within  one  year  next  ensuing. 

January  28,  1792. 

Chapter  39. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  CALVIN  CURTIS,  REQUESTING 
THE  GOVERNOR  AND  COUNCIL,  TO  GRANT  HIM  A  WARRANT 
FOR  £.3  18  9  IN  LIEU  OF  A  FORMER  ONE  LOST. 

On  the  Petition  of  Calvin  Curtis  seting  forth  that  he 
did  duty  as  a  Brigade  Majr.  in  the  State  of  lihodeisland 
on  an  Alarm  in  the  Year  1776  under  the  command  of 
Brigr.  Genl.  Joseph  dishing  for  the  Term  of  Twenty 
one  days  for  which  service  he  has  never  been  paid,  and 
praying  for  an  allowance  for  the  same,  And  also  seting 
forth  that  he  commanded  a  Company  in  the  State  of  Rhod 
Island  in  the  Year  1778  in  the  Regiment  commanded  by 
Colo.  John  Jacob,  for  which  service  and  that  of  his  other 
Officers  he  had  a  Warrant  from  his  Excellency  the  Gov- 
ernor for  the  sum  of  Three  pounds  Eighteen  shillings  and 
Nine  "pence,  which  Warrant  was  by  accident  lost. 

Resolved,  that  the  prayer  of  the  said  petition  be  granted 
and  that  the  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth  is  hereby 
directed  to  pay  to  the  said  Calvin  Curtis  the  sum  of 
Eleven  pounds  five  shillings  in  full  for  the  aforesaid  ser- 
vice as  Brigade  Major  in  the  same  way  and  manner  as  if 
he  had  been  made  up  in  the  Roll  at  the  time  of  said  service. 

And  it  is  further  Resolved,  that  his  Excellency  the 
Governor  with  the  advice  of  Council  be  requested  to 
Issue  another  Warrant  to  the  said  Calvin  Curtis  for  the 
Aforesaid  sum  of  Three  pounds  Eighteen  Shillings  and 
Nine  pence  in  lieu  of  the  one  lost,  he  giving  Bonds  to 
the  trea[r] surer  to  Indemnify  the  Commonwealth  against 
the  one  that  was  lost  and  that  he  will  be  accountable  to 
Lieut.  Reuben  Rose,  Lieut.  Saml.  Parris  &  Ensign 
Joseph  Fowle  for  their  proportion  of  the  last  mention'd 
Sum  as  made  up  in  the  pay  Roll  of  their  service  and  that 
the  same  be  charged  to  the  United  States. 

January  28,  1792. 


458  Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session. 


Chapter  40. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  MIC  AH  GOODENOW  AND  miL- 
EMON  BROWN,  DECLARING  NULL  AND  VOID  A  JUDGMENT 
RECOVERED  AGAINST  THEM  IN  FAVOUR  OF  THE  COMMON- 
WEALTH. 

On  the  Petition  of  Micah  Goodenow  &  Philemon  Brown, 
praying  to  be  Discharged  from  a  Judgment  recovered 
against  them,  at  the  Court  of  Common  pleas,  in  the  County 
of  Middlesex,  at  Septr.  Term  1790,  in  favour  of  the  Com- 
monwealth ;  for  reasons  Set  forth  in  the  said  Petition. 

Resolved,  that  the  Judgment  Which  was  recovered 
against  the  said  Micah  Goodenow  &  Philemon  Brown,  at 
the  Court  aforesaid,  in  favour  of  the  Commonwealth,  for 
thirty  Pounds,  against  each  of  them,  Debt  &  cost,  to- 
gether with  all  the  Proceedings  which  have  been  had 
thereon,  are  hereby  Set  aside,  &  Declared  null  &  void ; 
&  the  Attorney  General  is  hereby  directed  to  govern 
himself  accordingly.  January  28,  1792. 


Chapter  41. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  ELISHA  PORTER,  ESQ. 

On  the  petition  of  Elisha  Porter,  Sheriff  of  the  County 
of  Hampshire,  seting  forth,  that  on  the  19th  Day  of  Jidy 
last  past,  he  lodged  with  the  Treasurer,  a  certificate  of 
one  hundred  and  thirty  five  pounds ;  five  Shillings  &  three 
pence,  loaned  to  the  United  States,  in  behalf  of  &  in  the 
name  of  the  Treasurer  of  said  Commonwealth. 

Resolved,  for  Reasons  set  forth  in  said  petition,  that  the 
Treasurer  be,  &  he  hereby  is  ordered  &  directed,  to  credit 
the  said  Sheriff,  the  aforesaid  sum  of  one  hundred  &  thirty 
five  pounds,  five  shillings  and  thi^ee  pence,  in  his  account 
current  of  Executions,  received  in  favor  of  the  Common- 
wealth aforesaid.  January  28,  1792. 

Chapter  43. 

RESOLVE   ON   THE   PETITION   OF  JABEZ  AND  ROBERT  FARLEY. 

Resolved  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth  be 
and  he  hereby  is  directed  to  receive  of  the  Administrators 
on  the  Estate  of  Michael  Farley,  deceased,  two  notes 
Commonly  called  Army  notes  one  for  the  sum  of  Eighteen 


Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session.  459 

pounds  fourteen  shilliiu/s  &  three  per^ce  the  other  for  the 
sum  of  ten  ptounds  twelve  shillings  &  six  pence — on  Ac- 
count of  the  Balance  due  to  this  Commonwealth  from  said 
Estate  on  taxes  prior  to  tax  No.  6. —  And  the  said  Treas- 
urer is  further  directed  to  receive  the  remaining  })art  of 
said  Balance  due  from  said  Estate  on  the  taxes  aforesaid 
in  the  consolidated  notes  of  this  Comonwealth,  computing 
the  Interest  due  on  the  said  Army  and  consolidated  notes 
to  the  first  day  of  January  1790  provided  the  said  Admin- 
istrator pay  the  l)alance  in  manner  aforesaid  in  one  month 
from  the  date  of  this  resolve.  January  2S,  1792. 

Chapter  43. 

RESOLVE  GRANTING  A  TAX  TO  THE  COUNTY  OF  WORCESTER- 

Whereas  the  Treasurer  of  the  County  of  Worcester,  has 
laid  his  Accounts  before  the  General  Court,  in  manner  by 
Law  prescribed  —  which  Accounts  are  hereby  allowed  : 

And  Whereas  the  Clerk  of  the  Court  of  General  Ses- 
sions of  the  peace  for  the  Said  County  of  Wo7xester,  has 
laid  before  the  General  Court,  an  Estimate  made  by  the 
Court  of  General  Sessions  of  the  peace,  of  the  Necessary 
Charges,  which  are  likely  to  arise  in  Said  County,  the 
Current  Year  —  Amounting  to  the  Sum  of  Ten  JIundred 
&  forty  four  pmunds  fifteen  Shillings  : 

Resolved  that  the  Sum  of  one  Thousand  and  forty  four 
pounds  fifteen  Shillings,  be  and  hereby  is  granted  as  a 
Tax  for  said  County  of  Worcester  to  be  Apportioned, 
Assessed,  Collected,  and  Applijed  in  manner  provided  by 
Law.  January  28,  1792. 


Chapter  44. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  SAMUEL  DA  VIS. 

On  the  petition  of  Samuel  Davis  representing  that  he 
purchased  of  Samuel  Davis  late  of  Gorham  in  the  County 
of  Cumberland  deceas'd,  Twenty  five  acres  of  Land,  but 
that  said  Samuel  died  suddenly  without  giving  a  Deed 
thereof  to  the  petitioner,  and  praying  that  Ebenezer  Davis 
Administrator  on  the  said  deceased's  Estate  may  be  em- 
powered to  give  him  a  Deed  of  said  Lands. 

Resolved,  that  the  prayer  thereof  be  granted,  and  that 
the  said  Ebenezer  Davis  be,  and  hereby  is  empowered, 


460  Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session. 

in  his  capacity  of  Administrator,  to  convey  to  the  said 
Samuel  Davis  the  said  twenty  6ve  acres  of  Land,  upon 
his  complcating  the  payment  of  the  purchase  Money 
agreed  on  in  the  life  time  of  the  said  /Samuel  deceased, 
and  to  make  and  Execute  a  Good  Deed  thereof,  which 
shall  be  good  and  valid  in  Law  as  if  the  same  had  been 
given  by  the  said  Samuel  Davis  prior  to  his  decease. 

January  28,  1792. 

Chapter  45. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  DAVID  MITCH  EL,  ESQ.  AU- 
THORIZING THE  COMMITTEE  ON  ACCOUNTS  TO  ALLOW  THE 
ACCOUNT  OF  THE  COUNTY  OF  CUMBERLAND. 

On  the  Petition  of  David  Mitchel,  Esqr.  praying  for  a 
reimburstment  of  Several  Sums  of  Money  paid  to  John 
Waite  Sherifl*  of  the  County  of  Cumberland,  by  order  of 
the  Court  of  Sessions  in  Said  county,  as  by  an  account 
exliil)ited.  appears. 

Resolved  That  the  Committe  on  accounts  be  &  hereby 
are  authorized :  to  receive  and  Examine  the  aforesaid 
account  &  to  allow  So  much  Thereof  as  to  them  Shall 
appear  Justly  due  to  the  county  of  Cumberland,  the  time 
limited  by  law  for  exhibiting  part  of  the  Charges  in  Said 
account  being  expired  notwithstanding. 

January  28,  1792. 


Chapter  4:5a.* 

ORDER   ON    THE    PETITION    OF   THE   INHABITANTS   OF  IPSWICH 
HAMLET. 

On  the  Petition  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Parish  of 
Ipswich  Hamlet,  praying  to  be  incorporated  into  a  sepe- 
rate  Town  &  Parish. 

Ordered,  that  the  Petitioners  notify  the  Town  of  Ips- 
wich, by  serving  the  Clerk  of  sd.  Town  with  an  attested 
Copy  of  their  Pc[^i]tion  &  this  order  thereon,  thirty  days 
at  least  before  the  second  Wednesday  of  the  first  sitting 
of  the  next  General  Court,  that  they  may  appear  on  the 
said  second  Wednesday  &  shew  cause  (if  any  they  have) 
why  the  Prayer  of  the  said  Petition  should  not  be  granted. 

January  28,  1792. 

*  Not  printed  in  previous  editions. 


Kesolves,  1791.  —  J^vNUAiiY  Session.  461 


Chapter  46. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  THE  SELECTMEN  OF  TRURO. 

On  the  Petition  of  the  Select  men  of  To'uro  in  Behalf 
of  said  Town  —  setting  forth  that  some  time  In  the  last 
war  there  was  delivered  to  said  Town  of  Truro  from  the 
commonwealth  a  small  quantity  of  warlike  stores  viz 
thirty  two  small  arms  two  half  Barrels  of  powder  &  two 
Iron  feild  pecies  with  Carriages ;  &  some  other  small  war- 
like stores  —  and  praying  that  the  whole  or  part  thereof 
may  he  remitted  to  said  town  of  t7-uro. 

Resolved  for  reasons  sett  forth  in  said  Petition  that  the 
select  men  of  the  town  of  iruro  shall  as  soon  as  may  be 
deliver  to  the  Quarter  master  General ;  the  two  Iron  feild 
pecies  and  twenty  five  small  Arms,  which  when  delivered 
shall  be  in  full  discharge  to  the  Town  of  truro  from  the 
commonwealth  for  the  stores  charged  against  the  Town 
aforesaid.  January  30,  1792. 


Chapter  47. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  ABIGAIL  OTIS. 

Upon  the  Petition  of  Abigail  Otis,  admix,  upon  the 
estate  of  Joseph  Otis,  late  of  said  Boston,  deceased,  pray- 
ing that  she  may  be  discharged  from  a  Judgement  & 
Execution  thereon  now  against  her  in  her  said  Capacity 
in  favor  of  this  Common  Wealth. 

Resolved  that  for  reasons  set  forth  in  said  Petition  the 
prayer  thereof  be  so  far  granted  that  the  Clerk  of  the 
Supreem  Judicial  Court  in  whose  Office  said  Judgement 
is  recorded,  is  hereby  authorised  &  directed  to  enter  upon 
said  Record  a  full  discharge  of  said  Judgement  &  Exe- 
cution against  said  Abigail,  upon  her  paying  all  the  legal 
Costs  &  charges  which  have  arisen  in  the  prosecution  of 
said  suit.  January  30,  1792. 

Chapter  48. 

RESOLVE  GRANTING  A  TAX  TO  MIDDLESEX  COUNTY. 

Whereas  the  Treasurer  of  the  County  of  Middlesex  has 
laid  his  Accounts  before  the  General  Court,  in  manner  by 
Law  prescribed ;  which  Accounts  are  hereby  allowed,  ex- 


402  Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session. 


cepting  hcenty  eight  pouyids  fifteen  shillings  &  four  pence 
paid  to  the  Kegister  of  Probate  for  office  rent : 

And  Whereas  the  Clerk  of  the  Court  of  General  Ses- 
sions of  the  peace  for  Said  County  of  Middlesex,  —  has 
laid  before  the  General  Court  an  Estimate,  made  by  the 
Court  of  General  Sessions  of  the  peace  —  of  the  Necessary 
Charges  which  are  likely  to  arise  in  said  County  in  the 
Current  Year,  Amounting  to  the  Sum  of  One  Thousand 
pounds  : 

Resolved  that  the  Sum  of  nine  hundred  &  seventy  one 
potinds  four  shillings  &  eight  pence  be  and  hereby  is 
granted  as  a  Tax  for  said  County  of  Middlesex,  to  be 
apportioned,  Assessed,  Collected,  and  applied  in  manner 
provided  by  Law.  January  30,  1792. 

Chapter  49. 

RESOLVE    ON    THE    ACCOUNTS    OF    THE    GUARDIANS    OF    THE 
DUDLEY  INDIANS. 

Whereas  it  appears  by  Examining  the  accounts  pre- 
sented by  the  Guardians  of  the  dudley  Indians  from 
Fehey.  14th  1791  to  Jany.  9th  1791  that  there  is  a  bal- 
lence  in  favor  of  said  Guardians  (including  a  l)alencc  due 
to  them  in  a  Settelment  made  Fehey.  14th  1791)  the  sum 
of  thirty  seven  pounds  seventeen  shillings  &  4cZ  \  for 
articles  furnished  said  Indians  : 

Resolved,  that  the  aforesaid  Sum  of  tJiirty  seven  pounds 
seventeen  shillings  &:,  four  pence  one  farthing  ])e  allowed 
and  Credited  as  a  balence,  duo  to  said  Guardians  accord- 
ingly. January  30,  1702. 

Chapter  4:9a.* 

ORDER    ON    THE    PETITION    OF    JONATHAN    GREENLEAF   AND 
NATHANIEL   EMERY. 

On  the  petition  of  Jonathan  Greenleaf  and  Nathaniel 
Emery  agents  for  the  proprietors  of  the  town  of  Newhury 
praying  that  an  Act  passed  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one 
thousand  seven  hundred  and  thirty  nine  be  explained, 
amended  or  repealed  for  certain  [)urposes  set  forth  in  said 
petition. 

Ordered  that  the  petitioners  cause  an  attested  copy  of 
their  petition  with  this  order  of  Court  thereon  to  be  pub- 


Not  printed  in  previous  editions.    Talcen  from  court  record. 


Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session.  463 

lished  three  weeks  successively  in  the  pul^lic  news  paper 
printed  in  the  town  of  Neivhuryport  some  time  in  the 
month  of  April  next,  that  any  person  concerned  may 
appear  on  the  second  Wednesday  of  the  first  session  of 
the  next  General  Coui-t  &  shew  cause  if  any  he  hath  why 
the  prayer  of  said  petition  should  not  be  granted. 

January  30,  1792. 

Chapter  50. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  THE  PROPRIETORS  OF  WARNER 
FORMERLY  NO.  1 

On  the  Petition  of  the  proprietors  of  the  Township  of 
Warner  formerly  called  N^imher  One. 

Whereas  the  Tow^nship  heretofore  granted  by  the 
General  Court  of  the  late  Province  of  the  Massachusetts 
Bay  to  Thomas  Stevens  and  others  by  the  name  of  Num- 
ber one,  now  called  Warrier,  fell  &  now  lies  within  the 
State  oi  New  Hampshire  by  running  the  Line  of  division 
between  that  State  &  this  Commonwealth.  And  whereas 
many  years  ago  the  following  persons  viz  Jonathan 
Barnard,  Increase  Morrill,  Ezekiel  Evans,  Nathan 
Qurrier,  Nehemiah  Ordivay  Humphrey  Pierce  Reuben 
Dimond  Joseph  Jeioell  Samuel  Barnard  eTun.,  Stephen 
Colby  Barnard  Hoyt  Benjainin  Evans  Joseph  Eastman 
Simeon  Morrill  Elihu  Goold  John  Nichols,  Pain  Wingate 
Thomas  Powell  Esq.  Thomas  Barnard  David  Ring  Ben- 
jamin Tucker  Simeon  Bartlet  Enoch  Sargent  Bartholomew 
Heath  Jonathan  Pressy  Stephen  Merril  Nathaniel  Cur- 
rier, Esther  Colby  John  Wells  Daniel  Quinhy  Thomas 
Fowler  Barns  Jewell  Nathan  Goodwin,  Francis  Davis 
Peter  Sargent  Aaron  Roicel  Thomas  Jewell  Abraham 
Merril,  George  Abbot  Jeremiah  Flanders,  Samuel  Bar- 
nard Theodore  Hoyt,  Nehemiah  Ordway  Jun.  Gideon 
Roirell,  Samuel  Straw  Israel  Straio  James  Ordivay  Eze- 
kiel Morrill  Jarvis  Ring  Joseph  Jones,  Stephen  Sargent, 
William  Straio,  Benjamin  Sargent,  David  Bagley  Ben- 
jamin Osgood,  Eastman  Hoyt,  Jonathan  Martin  Elipha- 
let  Lowell  &  Daniel  Morrill  being  Pro[)rietors  of  said 
Township,  were  ol>lig'd  to  pay  and  did  pay  large  sums  of 
Money  to  the  Masonian  Proprietors  so  called  &  to  their 
grantees  who  claimed  said  Township,  in  order  to  purchase 
their  right  &  claim  in  &  to  the  same,  &  to  quiet  them- 
selves in  the  possession  thereof,  besides  expending  divers 
other  sums  of  Money  in  Law,  in  endeavouring  to  support 


464:  Eesolves,  1791.  —  January  Session. 

their  own  title  to  the  same  —  and  whereas  it  appears  to 
be  just,  that  they  should  be  reasonably  compensated  (as 
other  Proprietors  in  similar  Circumstances  have  been)  for 
the  loss  they  have  sustained  by  reason  of  the  premises 
which  they  have  not  yet  been  : 

Resolved  Therefore  that  there  be,  &  there  hereby  is 
granted,  to  such  of  the  Persons  above  named  Proprietors 
as  aforesd.  as  are  now  living,  and  to  the  heirs  and  legal 
Representatives  of  such  of  them  as  are  deceased,  a  tract  of 
land,  measuring  six  miles  in  length  and  three  miles  in 
breadth,  to  be  surveyed  &  laid  out  to  them  at  their  ex- 
})ence,  by  the  Committee  for  the  Sale  of  Eastern  Lands, 
from  any  of  the  unappropriated  lands  belonging  to  the 
Common  wealth  in  either  of  the  Counties  of  Lincoln  Han- 
cock or  Washington  —  they  to  take  and  hold  the  same  in 
fee  simple  in  the  same  shares  &  proportions  as  they  had  & 
held  in  the  said  Township  of  Warner  —  in  full  satisfaction 
&  compensation  for  their  Loss  aforesd.  Reserving  four  lots 
of  Land,  equal  in  Quality  with  the  rest,  of  one  hundred 
and  sixty  acres  each,  for  public  uses  ;  vizt.  one  for  the  first 
Settled  ordained  Minister,  one  for  the  use  of  the  Ministry, 
one  for  the  use  of  Schools,  and  one  for  the  future  appropri- 
ation of  the  General  Court. — The  Grantees  above  named 
their  heirs  or  assigns,  settling  twenty  Families  at  least  on 
the  above  granted  premises  within  four  years  from  the  date 
of  this  resolve,  and  returning  and  lodging  in  the  secre- 
tary's ofBce  within  one  Year  ensuing  the  date  hereof  the 
Location  of  the  tract  hereby  granted  under  the  hands  of 
said  Committee  or  the  major  part  of  them. 

January  31,  1792. 


Chapter  51. 

RESOLVE    ON    THE    TETITIGN  OF    JOHN   LUCAS   AND    EDWARD 
TVCKERMAN. 

On  the  Memorial  of  John  Lucas  &  Edward  Tuckerman. 

Resolved  as  the  Opinion  of  this  Court  that  it  is  expedi- 
ent the  said  John  Lucas  &  Edward  Tuckerman,  at  the 
next  Supreme  Judicial  Court  to  be  liolden  in  and  for  the 
County  of  Sujfolk,  siiould  review  an  Action  of  Covenant 
broken  commenced  by  Thomas  Reals  against  Joseph  Rar- 
rell  Esq.  on  which  Judgment  was  rendered  at  the  last 
Supreme  Judicial  Court  holden  within  &  for  the  same 
County.  January  31,  1792. 


Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session.  465 


Chapter  53. 

RESOLVE  DISCHARGING  BROWNFIELD  PLANTATION,  OF  CERTAIN 
TAXES. 

liesolved  that  the  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth  be, 
and  he  is  hereby  directed ;  to  discharg[e]  the  plantation 
of  Broumfield,  from  all  taxes  Mentioned  in  A  Resolve  of  the 
General  Court ;  Passed  March  the  Ninth  1790.  —  Provided, 
the  Said  Plantation  Shall,  Immediately  pay  into  the  Treas- 
ury of  this  Comonwealth,  the  lialance  that  is  due  to  sd. 
Treasury,  by  the  aforesaid  Resolve  ;  and  Shall  Also,  Pro- 
duce the  Evidence  Required  by  Said  Resolve,  that  they 
have  Appropriated  the  Other  Money,  Mentioned  in  Said 
Resolve,  according  to  the  true  intent,  and  Meaning  thereof. 

January  31,  1792. 


Chapter  53. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITIONS  OF  JOHN  TRACT,  SETH  CATLIN 
AND  EZRA  SMITH,  DIRECTING  THE  COMMITTEE  ON  ACCOUNTS 
TO  EXAMINE  THEIR  ACCOUNTS. 

On  the  Petitions  of  John  Tracy  Dy.  Adjutant  General  of 
the  2d  division,  Seth  Catlin  Brigade  Major  of  the  Second 
Brigade  in  the  County  of  Hampshire,  And  Nathl.  Bishop, 
in  behalf  of  Ezra,  Smith  Brigade  Major  in  the  second 
Brigade  in  the  ninth  division,  of  the  Militia,  praying  that 
an  allowance  may  be  made  to  them  for  their  services  ren- 
dered to  the  Militia  of  this  Commonwealth. 

Resolved  for  Reasons  set  forth  in  said  Petitions,  The 
Committee  on  Accounts  be  &  hereby  are  Authorised  & 
directed  to  examine  the  Accounts  of  said  Petitioners  and 
to  make  such  allowance  as  to  justice  shall  appertain,  in 
the  same  manner  as  if  the  said  Accounts  had  been  pre- 
sented within  the  time  prescribed  by  Law. 

February  1,  1792. 

Chapter  54. 

RESOLVE   ON  THE  PETITION  OF   TIMOTHY  HILL,  EMPOWERING 
HIM  TO  SELL  REAL  ESTATE. 

On  the  petition  of  Timothy  Hill  Guardean  to  Mehitahle 
Brick  of  8herlmrn  in  the  County  of  Middlesex  [)raying 
for  Liberty  to  sell  the  Real  Estate  of  said  Mehitable  for 
her  support,  for  reasons  set  forth  in  the  said  petition. 


466  Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session. 

Resolved,  that  the  prayer  thereof  be  granted,  and  that 
the  said  Timothy  Hill  be,  and  he  hereby  is  empowered,  in 
his  said  capacity  of  Guardian  to  said  Mehitahle  Brich,  to 
sell  and  convey,  the  said  MehitaUe's  Real  Estate  situate 
in  Shurburn  aforesaid,  also  the  said  Mehitable's  Eeal 
Estate  situate  in  Medivay  for  her  support  and  maintain- 
ance,  and  to  give  a  good  Deed  or  Deeds  thereof,  which 
shall  be  good  &  valid  in  Law ;  he  first  giving  Bond  with 
sufficient  Sureties  to  the  Judge  of  Probate  for  the  County 
of  Middlesex  to  conduct  the  sale  of  said  Estate  &  to  ac- 
count for  the  proceeds  thereof  in  manner  prescribed  by 
Law.  February  2,  1792. 

Chapter  55. 

RESOLVE   ON   THE   PETITION    OF    JUSTUS   DWIGHT,   IN  BEHALF 
OF  BELCHERTOWN. 

On  the  petition  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  Town  of 
Belcliertown. 

Resolved  that  for  reasons  Set  forth  in  said  petition  the 
Treasurer  of  this  Common  wealth  l)e  &  he  is  hereby  di- 
rected to  Credit  the  said  town  of  Belchertoum  the  Sum  of 
Tivelve  pounds,  which  was  Set  on  them  as  a  fine  for  not 
Sending  a  representative  to  the  General  Court  for  the 
year  1790.  February  2,  1792. 

Chapter  56. 

RESOLVE  DIRECTING  THE  MESSENGER  OF  THE  GENERAL  COURT 
TO  FROCURE  AN  ASSISTANT  THE  PRESENT  SESSION. 

Resolved  that  the  Messenger  of  the  General  Court  pro- 
cure an  Assistant  during  the  present  Session  of  the  said 
Court,  and  lay  his  account  for  the  services  of  such  Assist- 
ant before  the  Committee  on  accounts  for  allowance  & 
payment.  February  5,  1792. 

Chapter  57. 

RESOLVE    ON    THE    PETITION    OF    MOSES    PORTER    AND    AMEY 
HIS  WIFE. 

On  the  Petition  o(  Moses  Porter  &  .4me?/ his  Wife  pray- 
ing that  the  Judge  of  l^-obate  for  the  County  of  Hamj)- 
shire  may  be  empowered  to  order,  that  the  share  of  the 
said  Amey,  in  the  Estate  oi'  Benjamin  Colt,  late  of  Hadley 
deceased  may  be  set  ofi'to  her  in  severalty. 


Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session.  467 

Resolved  That  the  prayer  of  said  petition  l)e  granted, 
And  that  the  Judge  of  Pro])ate  for  the  County  of  Hamp- 
shire, be,  &  he  hereby  is  authorized  &  empowered  to 
order  that  the  Share  of  the  said  Amey  in  the  Estate  of  the 
said  Benjamin  deceased  be  set  oft'  to  her  to  hold  in  sev- 
eralty, any  law  or  usage  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding. 

February  3,  1792. 

Chapter  58, 

RESOLVE  GRANTING  A  TAX  TO  THE  COUNTY  OF  BERKSHIRE. 

Whereas  the  Clerk  of  the  Court  of  General  Sessions  of 
the  peace  for  the  County  of  Berkshire  has  laid  before  the 
General  Court,  an  Estimate  made  by  the  Court  of  General 
Sessions  of  the  peace,  of  the  Necessary  Charges,  which 
are  likely  to  arise  in  Said  County,  the  Current  Year  — 
Amounting  to  the  Sum  of  Six  hundred  pounds  : 

Resolved  that  the  Sum  of  Six  hundred  pounds,  he  and 
hereby  is  Granted  as  a  Tax  for  said  County  of  Berkshire, 
to  be  Apportioned,  Assessed,  Collected,  and  applied  in 
manner  provided  by  Law.  February  4,  1792. 

Chapter  59. 

RESOLVE    ON  .THE    PETITION    OF    JOHN  MOORE,  REPEALING  A 
RESOLVE  PASSED  THE  2d  OF  MARCH,  1791. 

Resolved  that  a  Resolve  which  passed  the  Legislature 
the  second  day  of  March  last  on  the  Petition  of  George 
Warren  agent  for  Zitnri  Hoicard,  Solomon  Parker  & 
David  Webb  assessors  for  the  Town  of  Winsloiv  for  the 
Year  1781  praying  that  their  assessment  for  that  Year  may 
be  established  as  it  respects  certain  Setlers  adjacent  to  said 
Town  of  Winslow  &  granting  the  prayer  of  said  Petition 
with  every  article  &  clause  of  said  Resolve  be  &  hereby  is 
repealed  &  declared  null  &  void.  February  6',  1792. 

Chapter  60. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  AMOS  BARRETT,  EMPOWERING 
HIM  TO  CONVEY  REAL  ESTATE  TO  MART  W7MAN  AND 
THOMAS   DUG  AN. 

On  the  Petition  of  Ainos  Barrett  Administrator  on  the 
Estate  of  Capt.  JoJin  Minot,  Praying  that  some  person 
may  be  empowered  to  give  deeds,  for  Reasons  mentioned 
in  said  Petition. 


468  Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session. 

Resolved,  that  the  Prayer  of  said  Petition  be  granted, 
&  the  said  Amos  Barrett  in  his  said  Capacity,  be  &  he 
hereby  is  empowered,  to  make  &  execute  a  good  &  suffi- 
cient deed  to  Mary  Wyman,  agreealile  to  a  liond  given  by 
the  said  Minot  to  Mary  Wyman,  l)earing  date  the  twen- 
tieth day  of  November  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and 
eighty  eight. 

And  it  is  further  Resolved,  that  the  said  Amos  Barrett 
be  empowered  to  make  &  execute  a  good  &,  sufficient  deed 
to  Thomas  Dugan,  agreeal)le  to  the  Contract  made  be- 
tween the  said  Minot  in  his  life  time  &  the  said  Dugan, 
he  the  said  Dugan  paying  the  remainder  of  the  money 
ugreeal)ly  to  the  said  Contract.  February  6,  1792. 


Chapter  61. 

RESOLVE  ArPOINTING  A  COMMITTEE  FOR  SETTLING  WITH  WIL- 
LIAM GREENLEAF,  LATE  SHERIFF  OF  THE  COUNTY  OF 
WORCESTER,    AND    HIS   BONDSMEN. 

Resolved  that  Stephen  Choate,  Thomas  Dawes,  Dwight 
Foster  &  Daniel  Bigelow  Esquires  (together  with  the  At- 
torney General)  be  a  Committee  with  full  Powers  to  settle, 
adjust,  &  conclude  in  such  manner  as  said  Committee,  or 
the  Major  Part  of  them  shall  think  proper,  all  the  Claims 
&  Demands  which  this  Commonwealth  now  have  against 
William  Greenleaf  of  Lancaster  late  Sheriff' of  the  County 
of  Worcester,  or  his  Bondsmen,  for  the  faithfull  Perform- 
ance of  his  Duty  in  that  Office ;  And  also  in  behalf  &  in 
the  Name  of  this  Commonwealth  to  make,  seal  &  execute 
all  necessary  Acquittances,  Releases  or  Conveyances,  & 
to  receive  all  Assignments,  Deeds  or  other  Papers  that 
shall  be  requisite  for  the  final  Settlement  &  Discharge  of 
all  such  Claims  &  Demands.  February  6,  1792. 


Chapter  62, 

RESOLVE    ON     THE    PETITION    OF    DAVID    DRURY,    CREDITING 
THOMAS  DRURT  £.12  12. 

On  the  Petition  of  David  Drury,  Praying  that  the 
Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth,  may  be  empowerd 
to  Credit  Thomas  Drury  Collector  of  Tax  No.  1,  for 
the  Town  of  Fra,mingham  the  Sum  of  Twelve  Ronnds, 
Twelve  Shilliiif/s,  being  the  amount  of  an  Order  drawn 
on,  Loamtni  Baldioin  Esqr.  Shercifl'  of  the  County  of 


Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session.  4G9 

Middlesex,  in  favour  of  the  Said  Thomas  Drury  and  lost 
by  the  Said  Drury. 

Resolved  for  Reasons  set  forth  in  said  Petition  that  the 
Prayer  thereof  be  Granted,  and  that  the  Treasurer  be  and 
he  hereby  is  authorized  and  Directed,  to  Credit  the  said 
Thomas  Drury  the  Sum  of  Tivelve  Pounds  Twelve  Shil- 
lings, he  Giveing  Bond  with  sufficient  sureties  to  indemnify 
the  Commonwealth  from  the  former  Order. 

February  6,  1792. 

Chapter  63. 

RESOLVE    ON    THE    PETITION    OF    THE    SELECTMEN   OF    PROV- 
INCETOWN  REMITTING  SAID  TOWN,  TAXES   NO.  8  AND  9. 

Resolved,  that  the  sums  set  to  the  town  of  Pi'ovince- 
town  in  Taxes  No.  8  &  9,  amounting  to  the  sum  of  six- 
teen  pounds  fourteen  shillings  &  ten  pence  be  &  hereby 
are  remitted  to  the  sd.  Town  of  Province  Town  provided 
that  the  said  sum  ])e  solely  applied  to  the  purpose  of 
building  a  Meeting  house  in  sd.  Province  toivn  on  or 
before  the  tirst  day  of  Janry.  next  and  that  ye  sd.  Select 
men  lodge  a  Certificate  thereof  with  the  Treasurer  of  this 
Connuonwelth,  from  the  Town  Clark  of  Province  Town 
that  ye  whole  of  the  aforesaid  sum  has  be[e]n  rais'd  &  laid 
out  agreably  to  this  Resolve  and  the  Treasurer  is  hereby 
directed  to  Govern  himselfe  accordingly. 

February  6,  1792. 

Chapter  G4. 

RESOLVE  APPOINTING  SAMUEL  RENSIIAW,  ESQ.  TO  SELL  BURN- 
HAM  ROCK  ISLAND,  LYING  IN   CONNECTICUT  RIVER. 

On  the  Petition  of  William  Smalley  and  others. 

Resolved  that  Samuel  Henshaw  Esqr.  l)e  a  Committe 
to  sell  a  small  Roch  Island,  called  Burnham  Rock,  lying 
in  Connecticut  river  between  the  Towns  of  Greenfield  and 
Montigue  in  the  County  of  HanipsJiire  to  the  best  advan- 
tage either  at  public  or  private  Sale,  and  to  take  Security 
with  pro})er  Sureties,  for  the  payment  of  the  amount  of 
the  Sale  thereof  to  the  Treasurer  of  the  County  of  Hamp- 
shire for  the  Use  of  said  County,  and  to  make  and  exe- 
cute in  behalf  of  this  Commonwealth  a  good  and  sufficient 
Deed  thereof  to  the  purchasers.  The  said  Committe  to 
lay  their  Account  for  the  Service  al)ove  mentioned  before 


470  Resolves,  1791.  —  Januaky  Session. 

the  Court  of  General  Sessions  of  the  Peace  for  the  said 
County  for  allowance  and  payment  for  performing  the 
Service  above  mentioned.  February  6,  1792. 

Chapter  65. 

HESOLVE   ON  THE    PETITION   OF   EPHRAIM   PICKARD,  OF  BEV- 
ERLY. 

On  the  petition  of  Ei^liraim  Pickard  of  Beverly  in  the 
County  of  Essex  trader,  to  have  a  mistake  in  entring  a 
judgment  recovered  in  the  Supreme  Judicial  Court  holden 
in  &  for  said  County  in  November  last  rectitied. 

Resolved  that  the  Clerk  of  said  Court  be  and  he  hereby 
is  authorised  and  directed  to  correct  the  Entry  of  the 
judgment  which  was  rendered  by  the  said  Court  holden 
at  Scdern  in  &  for  said  County  of  Essex  on  the  second 
tuesday  of  November  last  in  an  action  Avherein  said 
Pickard  was  plaintiff  and  ap})ellant  against  Hmnphry 
Ghadbourn  the  third  and  Robert  Ford  both  of  Berwick 
in  the  County  of  York  yeoman  Defendants  &  appellees 
and  which  is  now  entred  against  said  Ghadbourn  only  and 
to  enter  judgment  in  said  action  against  said  Ghadbown 
&  Ford  according  to  the  truth  of  the  case. 

February  6,  1792. 

Chapter  65a.* 

ORDER  ON  THE   PETITION   OF    OLIVER    WOOD. 

On  the  j)etition  of  Oliver  Wood  praying  that  a  strip 
of  land  about  one  mile  and  a  half  in  width  lying  on  the 
north  side  of  the  town  of  Noi'ridgeivalk,  and  also  three  or 
four  lots  on  the  west  side  thereof  between  that  town  and 
/Sandy  River  &  adjoining  the  same,  may  be  annexed  to 
the  said  town  of  Norridgeivalk. 

Ordered  that  the  petitioner  forty  days  before  the  next 
setting  of  the  General  Court,  notify  the  Plimouth  Com- 
pany, the  inhabitants  living  on  the, strip  fo/']  land  men- 
tioned in  his  petition  and  the  inhabitants  living  on  the 
lots  of  land  mentioned  in  the  same  petition  by  leaving  an 
attested  copy  of  the  said  })etition  and  of  this  order  thereon 
with  the  Clerk  of  said  Company,  and  with  some  })rincipal 
inhabitant  dwelling  on  the  aforesaid  strip  of  land,  and  also 
with  some  principal  inhabitant  living  on  the  lots  of  land 

*  Not  printed  in  previons  editions.    Talcen  from  court  record. 


Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session.  471 

aforesaid,  to  appear  on  the  second  Wednesday  of  the  said 
next  sitting  of  the  General  Court,  and  shew  cause,  if  any 
they  have,  why  the  prayer  of  the  said  petition  ought  not 
to  be  granted.  February  6,  1792. 


Chapter  66. 

RESOLVE    ON    THE    PETITION    OF    STEPIIEX   BRUCE,   GRANTING 
HIM   £.199  4  4   IN   NOTES. 

On  the  Petition  of  StepJien  Bruce,  praying  for  a  Settle- 
ment of  his  account  with  the  late  Board  of  War,  and  for 
payment  of  ye  Balance  that  Shall  or  may  be  found  due  to 
him  on  Such  Settlement. 

Whereas  it  appears  there  is  a  Balance  due  from  the  said 
late  Board  of  War  to  the  said  Stephen  Bruce  of  the  sum 
of  one  hundred  and  ninety  nine  pounds  four  Shillimjs  and 
four  pence  for  monies  advanced,  and  Services  performed, 
by  the  Said  Stephen  Bruce,  for  the  Government  dureing 
the  late  war : 

Therefore  Resolved  that  the  prayer  of  the  sd.  Petition 
be  granted,  and  that  the  Treasurer  be  and  he  herel)y  is 
directed  to  Issue  a  Consolodated  note  to  ye  sd.  Stephen 
Bruce  dated  the  eighth  day  oi  Deer.  A  Dill  Q  with  Inter- 
est for  the  same,  for  the  aforesaid  sum  of  one  hundred 
and  ninety  nine  piounds  four  Shillings  and  four  pence, 
in  full  of  his  demand  aforesaid,  and  that  the  same  be 
Charged  to  the  United  States.  February  7,  1792. 

Chapter  67. 

RESOLVE  ON   THE   PETITION  OF   CAPT.  THOMAS  ALEXANDER. 

On  the  Petition  of  Capt.  Thomas  Alexander  of  JVbrth- 
field  in  the  County  of  Hampshire,  who  met  with  a  Fall 
which  dislocated  his  hipbone,  about  the  20th  of  Jany. 
1777  while  in  the  service  of  the  United  States,  as  appears 
by  examination  and  authentic  documents. 

Whereas  the  said  Alexander  was  placed  on  the  pension 
List  by  a  Resolve  of  September  24th  1779,  which  states 
"That  he  was  intitled  to  Half-Pay  as  a  Captain  from 
January  1st  1778  in  consequence  of  a  Fall  received  which 
dislocated  his  hip-bone  when  in  the  service  of  the  United 
States  and  by  which  means  he  was  a  Cripple  " — and  whereas 
it  appears  that  in  consequence  of  a  Representation  from 
the  Court  of  General  Sessions  of  the  peace  for  said  County 


472  Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session. 

of  Hampshire,  the  pension  of  the  said  Alexander  was  by 
Resolve  of  Feby.  11th  1783,  thenceforth  discontinued: 
and  whereas  also  it  appears  that  the  said  Alexander  in 
consequence  of  said  Fall  is  Still  a  Cripple  and  unable  to 
labour  for  his  support,  and  on  principles  of  that  equity 
which  has  been  extended  to  invalids,  ought  never  to  have 
been  struck  ofi"  the  pension  List : 

Therefore  Resolved  that  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  Court 
that  the  said  Alexander  ought  again  to  be  placed  on  the 
pension  List  and  intitled  to  receive  the  Half  pay  of  a 
Captain  for  Life  to  commence  from  the  20th  of  January 
1777  (excepting  from  the  1st  of  Jany.  1778  to  the  11 
of  February  1783  during  which  period  he  has  received 
his  Half-pay  from  this  Common wth.)  and  he  is  hereby 
recommended  to  the  Congress  of  the  United  States  as 
a  fit  subject  for  a  pension  accordingly  —  any  act  of  this 
Commonwth.  to  the  Contrary  notwithstanding. 

February  8,  1792. 

Chapter  68. 

RESOLVE   ON  THE  PETITION  OF   SAMUEL   SNO]V. 

On  the  Petition  of  Samuel  Snow  seting  forth  that  he 
did  duty  as  a  soldier  for  the  term  of  seven  Months  in  the 
Nine  months  Campaign  in  the  year  1778,  and  has  not 
been  made  up  in  any  payroll,  and  praying  for  a  Com- 
pensation therefor. 

Resolved  that  the  Treasurer  of  this  CommouAvealth  be 
and  he  is  herel)y  directed  to  pay  to  the  said  Samuel  Snow 
the  Sum  of  Fourteen  pounds  in  full  for  the  said  service 
in  the  same  way  and  manner  as  others  have  been  paid  who 
did  duty  in  the  aforesaid  Cam})aign.     February  <S,  1792. 

Chapter  69. 

RESOLVE   ON  THE   rETITION   OF  JOHN    WELSH,  GRANTING  HIM 
£.123  3  IL 

Wher[e]as  a  resolve  passed  the  general  Court  of  the  State 
of  Massachusetts  on  the  19th  day  o^  June  1780,  authoriz- 
ing &  impowering  certain  agents  therein  named  to  hire 
money  for  the  use  of  this  Government  upon  Conditions 
therein  mentioned,  and  wher[e]asin  Consequence  thereof 
one  John  Welsh  Ijoancd  to  government  nine  thousand  & 
one  Jiundred  jjounds  of  pa[)er  currency  on  the  8th  day 
of  Jidy  1780  and  received  from  said  agents  a  Lease  or 


Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session.  473 


Boston  late  the  property  of  Jolin  Troutbeck  an  al)sentce  as 
a  collateral  Security ;  &  it  being  represented  to  this  court 
that  said  land  &  buildings  really  l)elonged  to  one  Wil- 
liam Gould  who  has  since  In-ought  his  action  at  Law 
and  evicted  said  Welsh  and  that  there  is  in  conse([uence 
thereof  a  ballance  due  from  this  common-wealth  to  said 
Welsh  of  the  Sum  of  one  Hundred  twenty  three  pounds 
tJiree  sJiilUngs  &  eleven  jjence  therefore 

Resolved  that  there  be  paid  out  of  the  Treasury  of  this 
commonwealth  to  the  said  John  Welsh  the  Sum  of  one 
Hundred  &  twenty  three  j^oiinds  three  shillings  &  eleven 
pence  in  full  of  his  demands  on  account  of  the  Loan 
aforesaid.  February  S,  1792. 

Chapter  70. 

RESOLVE     ON     THE     PETITION     OF     EBENEZER     WOODWARD, 
GRANTING  £.379  10  1. 

On  the  Petition  of  Ebenezer  Woodward  for  Reasons  set 
forth  in  said  Petition. 

Resolved  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth  be 
and  he  is  hereby  directed  to  pay  to  the  said  Ebenezer 
Woodward  the  Sum  of  TJiree  hundred  and  seventy  nine 
pounds  ten  shillings  and  one  penny  in  full  Payment,  Sat- 
isfaction and  Discharge  of  his  Claim  against  this  Com- 
monwealth for  the  Monies  he  loaned  to  a  Committee  of 
the  General  Court,  pursuant  to  a  Resolve  passed  the  nine- 
teenth day  oi  Jane  in  the  Year  of  our  Lord  One  thousand 
seven  hundred  &  eighty,  &  which  were  secured  to  him 
by  a  Lease  of  a  Part  of  the  Real  Estate  of  John  Borland 
an  Absentee  —  Which  Lease  was  executed  on  the  part  of 
government  by  Caleb  Davis,  Thos.  Dawes,  Ebenr.  Wales 
&  Saml.  Henshaiv  Esquires  and  is  dated  JVov.  1,  1780 
—  Provided  the  said  Ebenezer  Woodward  shall  deliver  the 
said  Lease  to  the  said  Treasurer  &  shall  also  give  his  Re- 
ceipt in  full  for  Monies  secured  to  him  by  said  Lease. 

February  8,  1792. 

Chapter  71. 

RESOLVE   RESPECTING   THE   BOND   OF    I'RINCE    WEST. 

Resolved,  that  the  Treasurer  l)e,  and  he  is  hereby  author- 
ized to  receive  of  Prince  West,  on  his  Bond  to  the  Treas- 


474  Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session. 


urer,  the  sum  of  Two  hundred  and  tioenty  five  pounds 
Nine  shillings  and  teii  j)ence  in  Consolidated  Notes  of  this 
Commonwealth,  now  lying  in  the  hands  of  Johji  Brown 
Esq.,  in  part  payment  of  said  Bond.  And  also,  that  the 
Treasurer  be  in  like  manner  authorized  to  receive  of  the 
said  Prince  West  the  remainder  of  the  sum  due  on  his 
said  Bond,  amounting  (as  it  is  said)  to  thirteen  pounds 
seven  shillings  and  Eight  pence  with  Interest  thereon 
from  the  first  day  of  February  current  in  Notes  of  the 
aforesaid  Discription,  Provided  the  same  shall  be  paid  by 
the  first  day  of  June  next,  A  Resolve  of  the  24th  Jany. 
1792  on  the  same  subject  notwithstanding. 

February  9,  1792. 

Chapter  73. 

RESOLVE    ON    THE    PETITION    OF    NATHANIEL    BISHOP,   IN  BE- 
HALF  OF   THE    TOWN   OF   RICHMOND. 

On  the  Petition  oi  Nathaniel  Bishop)  Esquire  in  behalf 
of  the  Town  of  Richmond. 

Whereas  it  so  happens  that  the  title  to  certain  Lands  in 
the  Town  of  Richmgnd  originally  intended  to  be  appro- 
priated for  the  purpose  of  highways  still  continues  in  this 
Commonwealth,  and  it  being  found  inconvenient  to  use 
the  said  Land  for  that  purpose  and  the  said  town  having 
at  its  own  expence  provided  the  necessary  highways  for 
its  own  and  the  publick  accommodation  —  it  hath  there- 
fore become  reasonable  to  vest  the  Title  to  said  Lands  in 
the  said  Town  to  indemnify  its  expence  in  the  premises : 

Therefore  Resolved  that  all  the  Lands  aforesaid  lying  in 
the  said  Town  Avhicli  have  not  l)een  used  for  highways  nor 
granted  by  the  said  Town  to  make  satisfaction  for  high- 
ways already  laid  out  shall  be  and  hereby  are  granted  to 
the  said  Town  oi  Richmond  in  fee  simple. 

February  9,  1792. 


Chapter  73. 

RESOLVE   ON  THE   PETITION  OF  THE   SELECTMEN  OF  DIG H  TON, 
REMITTING   THE    SAID   TOWN   A   FINE   OF   £.14. 

On  the  Petition  of  the  Selectmen  of  tiie  Town  of 
Bighton,  praying  that  a  Fine  set  to  the  said  Town  for 
omitiog  to  choose  a  Rei)resentative  to  send  to  the  Gen- 
eral Court  in  the  Year  1790,  may  be  remitted. 


Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session.  475 

Resolved  that  the  prayer  of  the  said  Petition  be  granted, 
and  that  the  sum  o^  fourteen  Pounds  set  to  the  said  Town 
of  Di(jhton,  as  a  Fine  for  omitting  to  choose  a  Represent- 
ative to  send  to  the  General  Court  in  the  Year  1790,  be 
remitted,  and  that  the  Treasurer  be,  and  he  is  hereby 
directed  to  govern  himself  accordingly. 

February  9,  1792. 

Chapter  74. 

RESOLVE     GRANTING    A    TOWNSHIP     OF    LAND,    TO     BERWICK 
ACADEMY. 

Besolved  that  there  be  &  hereby  is  granted  to  the  Trus- 
tees of  Berioick  Academy  in  the  County  of  Yorh  &  their 
Successors  in  fee,  a  Township  of  land  six  miles  square  to 
be  laid  out  in  the  unappropriated  Land  of  the  Common- 
wealth within  the  district  of  Maine,  with  full  power  & 
authority  to  settle  manage  &  divide  said  Towaiship  or  to 
sell  convey  &  dispose  of  the  same  in  such  way  &  manner 
as  may  best  promote  the  welfare  of  said  Academy ;  Pro- 
vided that  said  Township  shall  l)e  laid  out  under  the  di- 
rection of  the  Committee  of  the  Sale  of  Eastern  lands  & 
a  plan  thereof  returned  into  the  Secretary's  Office  &  that 
said  Corporation  shall  proceed  in  the  design  of  their  insti- 
tution &  that  the  said  Trustees  their  Successors  or  Assigns 
shall  within  live  years  provide  &  settle  upon  and  within 
such  Township  at  least  twenty  families  reserving  however 
in  said  township  three  lots  of  three  hundred  &  twenty 
acres  each  for  the  following  uses  —  Vizt.  One  lot  for  the 
first  settled  minister,  one  lot  for  the  use  of  the  Ministry 
&  one  lot  for  the  use  &  support  of  schools  within  said 
Township.  February  9,  1792. 

Chapter  75. 

RESOLVE   ON  THE  PETITION  OF  ELISHA  WILSON  AND  OTHERS. 

On  the  Petition  of  Elisha  Wilson  and  others,  praying 
that  the  Judge  of  Probate  for  the  County  o^  BerksJiire 
may  be  authorized  to  order  a  new  Distribution  of  the  Real 
Estate  of  Elijah  Wilson  late  of  Stockb ridge  in  the  said 
County,  deed.,  so  far  as  respects  two  certain  parcels  of 
Land  thereinmentioned. 

Resolved,  That  the  Prayer  of  the  said  Petition  be 
granted,  and  that  the  said  Judge  of  Probate  be,  and  he 


476  Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session. 

is  hereb}^  authorized  and  impowered  to  assign  to  Mary 
Wilson  Eelict  of  the  said  Elijah,  as  part  of  her  Eight 
of  Dower,  six  Acres  of  Land,  which,  pursuant  to  an 
Order  of  the  said  Judge,  hath  been  set  off  to  Peter  Wil- 
son as  his  Share  of  the  Real  Estate  of  the  said  Elijah; 
And  also,  that  the  said  Judge  be,  and  he  is  hereby  author- 
ized and  impowered  to  assign  to  the  said  Peter  six  Acres 
of  Land  lying  on  the  East  side  of  the  Road  leading  by 
the  Dwelling  House  of  the  said  Widow,  which  six  Acres 
hath  been  set  off  to  her  as  part  of  her  Right  of  Dower,  the 
six  Acres  of  Land  to  be  thus  assigned  to  the  said  Peter 
to  be  to  him  &  his  Heirs  in  lieu  of  the  six  Acres  which 
hath  been  set  off  to  him  as  his  })resent  Share  of  the  Real 
Estate  of  the  said  Elijah  Wilson  deed.  And  such  new 
DistriI)ution  being  made,  the  same  shall  be  good  and  valid 
in  Law,  to  all  intents  and  purposes,  any  Law,  Custom,  or 
Usage  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding. 

February  10,  1792. 

Chapter  76. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE    PETITION  OF  TIMOTHY  RUGGLES. 

On  the  Petition  of  Timothy  Ruggles  of  Hardivick  pray- 
ing that  the  Commonwealth  would  relinquisii  to  him  their 
claim  to  that  part  of  his  fathers  Estate  which  now  Re- 
mains in  the  possession  of  the  sd.  Commonwealth. 

Resolved  for  reasons  set  forth  in  sd.  Petition,  that  the 
prayer  of  it  be  granted ;  &  the  Commonwealth  doth 
hereby  relinquish  to  the  sd.  Timothy  Ruggles  his  heirs  & 
Assigns  forever,  all  their  right  &  title  in  &  to  the  sd. 
premises.  Consisting  of  the  old  Mansion  house  in  Hard- 
loich  aforesd.  together  with  about  thirty  Acres  of  land 
more  or  less,  being  all  the  Land  which  was  lately  set  off 
in  discharge  of  a  Claim  due  from  sd.  Estate  to  this  Com- 
monwealth. February  10,  1792. 

Chapter  77. 

RESOLVE     STAYING    AN     EXECUTION     ISSUED     IN    FAVOUR    OF 
THOMAS  BEALS,  AGAINST   JOSEPH  BARRELL. 

Whereas  a  Resolution,  on  the  Memorial  of  John  Lucas 
&  Edward  Tuckerman,  passed  tliis  Court  on  the  31th  of 
January  last,  expressing  their  oj^inion,  "  That  it  is  expe- 
dient the  said  JoJin  Lucas  &  Edward  Tuckerman  at  the 
next  Supreme  Judicial  Court  to  be  holden  in  &  for  the 


Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session.  477 

County  of  S^iffolk  should  review  an  Action  of  covenant 
broken,  commenced  by  Thomas  Beals  against  Joseph 
Barrell  Esqr.,  on  which  Judgment  was  rendered  at  the 
last  Supreme  Judicial  Court  liolden  within  &  for  the  same 
County  " —  But  no  provision  was  therein  made  for  staying 
of  Execution  in  the  mean  time  : 

Be  it,  therefore  Resolved,  That  Execution  on  the  Judg- 
ment aforesaid  shall  not  l)e  levied  or  extended  on  the  per- 
son or  property  of  the  said  Joseph  Barrell  Esqr.  l)efore 
the  review  of  an  action  of  covenant  broken  as  aforesaid, 
shall  have  lieen  had  as  aforesaid,  any  law  or  usuage  to  the 
contrary  not  withstanding.  February  11,  1792  * 

Chapter  78. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION   OF  LUCY  JENKS. 

On  the  Petition  of  Lucj/  Jenks. 

Resolved,  that  Lucy  Jenhs  of  Brookfield  in  the  County 
of  Worcester,  Administratrix  on  the  Estate  of  Gideon 
Jenks  late  of  said  Brookfield.  deceased  be  and  she  is 
hereby  impowered  in  her  said  capacity  to  make  and 
execute  a  good  and  sufficient  Deed  to  Daniel  Forhs,  his 
heirs  and  assigns,  of  fourteen  acres  of  Land  in  said  Brook- 
field,  known  by  the  name  of  the  Hall  Lott,  agreeable  to 
an  obligation  given  to  the  said  Daniel  Forbs,  by  the  said 
Gideon  Jenks  in  his  life  time,  any  Law  or  Resolve  to  the 
Cont[e]rary  notwithstanding.  February  15,  1792. 

Chapter  79. 

RESOLVE  ON  REPRESENT ATION  OF  JOHN  LUCAS,  ESQ.  AUTHOR- 
IZING THE  SECRETARY  TO  GIVE  CERTIFICATES  TO  INVALID 
PENSIONERS. 

On  the  memorial  of  Joh7i  Lucas  Esqr.  representing  that 
no  person  is  at  present  appointed  to  give  certificates  to  the 
invalid  pensioners  belonging  to  this  Commonwealth,  and 
that  without  such  certificates  pensions  cannot  be  drawn. 

Resolved  that  Joh7i  Avery  Junr.  Esqr.  Secretary  of 
this  Commonwealth,  be,  and  he  hereby  is  authorized  and 
directed,  to  give  certificates  to  such  of  the  invalid  pen- 
sioners belonging  to  this  Commonwealth,  as  are  intitled 
thereto,  and  shall  apply  therefor,  to  enable  them  to  draw 
such  pensions  as  have  been  granted  to  them  respectively. 
And  the  Secretary  is  hereby  directed  to  cause  this  resolve 

*  Approved  Fehriiary  11,  1792. 


478  Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session. 

to  be  published  in  the  Independent  Chronicle  &  in  the 
several  public  news  papers  printed  in  the  other  parts  of 
this  Commonwealth,  for  the  information  of  those  concerned. 

February  15,  1792.* 

Chapter  80. 

RESOLVE  ADJOURNING  COURTS  IN  COUNTY  OF  WORCESTER. 

Whereas  the  Court  of  General  Sessions  of  the  Peace  & 
Court  of  Common  Pleas  by  law  appointed  to  be  holden  at 
Worcester  within  &  for  the  County  of  Worcester  on  the 
Tuesday  next  preceding  the  last  Tuesday  of  March  next 
will  happen  the  present  Year  to  be  on  the  same  day  when 
simular  Courts  are  to  be  holden  within  the  County  of 
Middlesex;  l)y  reason  whereof  Inconveniences  may  arise, 
to  remedy  which  it  is  hereby 

Resolved  that  the  Court  of  General  Sessions  of  the 
Peace  and  the  Court  of  Common  Pleas  by  law  to  be 
holden  at  Worcester  within  &  for  the  County  of  Worces- 
ter on  the  Tuesday  next  preceding  the  last  Tuesday  of 
March  next  be  &  they  hereby  are  adjourned  to  the  last 
Tuesday  of  March  next  then  to  be  holden  at  Worcester 
within  &  for  the  County  [o/"]  Worcester  aforesaid,  and  all 
Writs  processes  and  recognisances  returnable  to  and  all 
appeals  made  to  said  Courts  to  be  holden  on  said  Tues- 
day next  preceding  the  last  Tuesday  of  March  aforesaid 
and  all  matters,  causes  &  things  that  might  have  day  or 
that  might  be  had  moved  or  done  at  in  or  by  the  said 
Courts  on  the  said  Tuesday  next  preceding  the  last  Tues- 
day of  March  aforesaid,  shall  be  returnable  to  &  may  be 
entered  prosecuted  had  moved  &  done  at  in  &  by  the 
said  Courts  at  the  time  hereby  a})pointed  for  holding  the 
same  —  and  the  Secretary  is  directed  as  soon  as  may  be 
to  cause  this  Resolve  to  he  published  in  the  Boston  Inde- 
pendent Chronicle  and  in  the  Worcester  Gazette  three 
Weeks  successively.  February  17.,  1792. 

Chapter  81. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  SAMUEL  BRADSTREET,  AD- 
MINISTRATOR ON  THE  ESTATE  OF  RICHARD  HARRIS,  DE- 
CEASED 

On  the  I^etition  of  /Samuel  Bradstreet  Administrator  on 
the  Estate  of  Richard  Harris  late  of  Marblehead  Gentle- 

*  Approved  February  18,  1792. 


Resolves,  1791.  —  Januaey  Session.  479 

man  deceased,  Collector  of  impost  &  excise  for  the  County 
oi  Essex  for  the  years  1786,  1787,  1788  &  1789  — it  ap- 
pears that  the  said  Richard  Harris's  accounts  are  in  a  con- 
fused &  unsettled  state  —  and  there  are  probably  several 
sums  of  money  due  to  the  said  Harris  in  his  said  Capac- 
ity, of  which  this  Commonwealth  cannot  easily  avail 
themselves  unless  they  have  the  Books,  papers  &  securi- 
ties of  the  said  Harris  relative  to  his  said  office  of  Collec- 
tor deliver'd  to  some  persons  whom  the  Legislature  may 
appoint. 

Resolved  That  Stephen  Metcalf  Esq.  Mr.  George  War- 
ren &  Thos.  Clark  Esqr.  be  a  committee  to  settle  with  the 
said  Administrator  &  receive  from  him  such  sum  or  sums 
of  money  as  shall  lie  found  equitably  due  from  the  said 
Richard  Harris's  Estate  to  this  Commonwealth  &  of  him 
to  receive  all  Bonds  or  Notes  which  the  said  Harris  had 
on  hand  at  the  time  of  his  decease  taken  in  his  said  Capac- 
ity properly  assigned  to  the  Treasurer  of  this  Common- 
wealth &  therefor  to  account  with  the  said  Treasurer  and 
also  to  receive  of  the  said  Administrator  all  the  Books  & 
papers  of  the  said  Harris,  relative  to  his  said  office  & 
them  to  deliver  to  the  successor  of  the  said  Harris,  & 
upon  such  delivery,  payment  &  assignment  made  by  the 
said  Administrator  as  aforesaid,  the  said  Committee  are 
hereby  authorised  &  impowerd  to  make  &  execute  on 
behalf  of  this  Commonwealth,  an  absolute  discharge  to 
the  said  Administrator  of  all  demands  which  this  Com- 
monwealth have  against  the  Estate  of  the  said  Richard 
Harris .  February  17,1 792. 

Chapter  82. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  THE  HONORABLE  FRANCIS 
DANA  AND  INCREASE  SUMNER,  ESQUIRES,  JUSTICES  OF 
THE   SUPREME   JUDICIAL   COURT, 

Resolved,  That  there  be  paid  out  of  the  public  treasury 
of  this  commonwealth  the  sum  of  One  hundred  and  JiffA/ 
pounds,  to  the  honorable  Francis  Dana  and  Increase 
Sumner,  Esqrs.  respectively,  as  an  additional  compensa- 
tion for  their  services  as  Justices  of  the  Supreme  judicial 
Court  from  the  first  Day  of  January/  1787,  to  tlie  first 
Day  of  January  1790.  Being  at  ye  rate  of  Fifty  pounds 
by  the  year,  during  the  interval  of  time  that  elapsed  after 
the  expiration  of  a  temporary  Act,  granting  the  Justices 
of  the  said  Court,  an  additional  Salary  of  Fifty  Pounds  by 


480  Resolves,  1701.  —  January  Session. 

the  year,  and  until  the  late  new  Establishment  for  the  said 
Justices  was  made,  in  February  1790. 

February  IS,  1792. 


Chapter  83. 

RESOLVE   ON  THE   PETITION   OF   SAMUEL  BROWN. 

On  the  Petition  of  Sa'muel  Brown. 

Besolved  that  the  Treasurer  of  this  Common  Wealth  l)e 
and  he  is  hereby  Directed  to  issue  one  note  on  Interest 
bearing  Date  March  first  A  I)  1782  for  the  sum  of 
Twenty  one  jjounds  eleven  i^hillings  in  Favour  of  Samuel 
Brown  he  the  said  Samuel  Delivering  to  the  Treasurer  a 
Note  now  in  his  Possession  of  the  same  sum  &  Date  which 
note  is  essentially  Defaced.  February  20,  1792. 

Chapter  84. 

RESOLVE   ON  THE   PETITION  OF  JACOB  KITTREDGE. 

On  the  Petition  of  Jacob  Kittredge  praying  that  the 
Committee  on  accounts  may  lie  authorized  to  examine, 
consider  &  allow  his  accounts  against  this  Commonwealth 
—  for  Reasons  set  forth  in  said  Petition. 

Resolved  That  the  said  Committee  be  and  they  are 
here])y  authorized  and  empowered  to  examine,  consider 
&  if  they  see  Cause,  to  allow  the  said  accounts,  any  Law 
or  Resolve  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding. 

February  20,  1792. 

Chapter  85. 

RESOLVE   GRANTING  ^.20  TO  JAMES   ROBINSON. 

Upon  the  Petition  of  James  Eobinson  praying  that  the 
sum  of  twenty  pounds  be  allowed  him  as  Capt.  of  the  first 
Company  of  Artillery'  in  the  County  of  Suffolk,  to  Re- 
build a  Gun  house. 

Resolved  that  the  prayer  of  said  Petition  be  granted  & 
that  there  be  paid  out  of  the  publick  Treasury  of  this 
Commonwealth  to  the  said  James  Robinson  the  sum  of 
twenty  pounds  to  ])e  appropriated  for  the  purpose  of  Re- 
l)uilding  a  Gun-house  in  Dorchester  as  mentioned  in  said 
Petition.  February  20,  1792. 


Kesolves,  1791.  —  January  Session.  481 


Chapter  86. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  NATHAN  PATCH,  EXEMPTING 
THE  BUILDINGS,  MACHINES,  cSeC.  IMPROVED  IN  THE  COTTON 
MANUFACTURE  IN    WORCESTER,   FROM  TAXATION. 

On  the  Petition  of  JSfathan  Patch  for  Reasons  set  forth 
in  said  Petition. 

Resolved  That  the  Prayer  thereof  be  so  far  granted  That 
the  Buildings,  Machines  &  Stoclv  belonging  to  the  said 
NatJian  Patch  &  his  associates  improved  or  to  be  im- 
proved in  said  Town  of  Worcester  in  the  Cotton  Manur 
facture  be  and  they  are  hereby  exempted  from  Taxation 
for  the  Term  of  ten  years  from  the  Date  of  this  Resolve, 
any  Law  or  Resolve  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding. 

February  20,  1792. 

Chapter  87. 

RESOLVE    ON  THE   PETITION   OF  SAMUEL   TAYLOR,  IN  BEHALF 
OF  THE   TOWN   OF  BUCKLAND. 

On  the  Petition  of  Samuel  Taylor  in  behalf  of  the 
Town  of  Buckland,  praying  that  a  certain  strip  of  unap- 
propriated land  lying  within  the  incorporating  line  of  said 
Town  may  be  granted  them  for  the  use  of  Public  Schools 
within  sd.  Town. 

Resolved,  That  there  be  &  hereby  is  granted  to  the 
Town  of  Buckland  forever,  all  the  interest,  title,  &  claim 
of  this  commonwealth  to  a  certain  Strip  or  tract  of  land 
bounded  as  followeth —  (viz)  Begining  in  Ashfield  north 
line  at  the  southwest  corner  of  Buckland,  thence  runing 
north  nineteen  degrees  east  about  fifty  rods  to  the  south- 
west corner  of  Holden's  Grant,  thence  runing  east  three 
degrees  north  on  the  south  line  of  Holden's  and  Wyman's 
Grant,  and  Continuing  the  same  Course  to  an  angle  in  the 
south  line  of  Sprague's  Grant,  one  thousand  &  ten  rods, 
thence  east  nineteen  degrees  south  one  hundred  &  sixty 
rods  to  Ashfield  north  line,  thence  west  three  degrees 
north  on  sd.  line  one  thousand  one  hundred  &  sixty  rods 
to  the  first  mentioned  Corner,  containing  three  hundred  & 
Seventy  two  Acres.  On  condition  the  land  aforesaid  or 
the  principal  of  the  money  for  which  it  shall  be  sold  shall 
be  kept  unimpaired  &  ai)propriated  to  the  use  of  support- 
ing public  Schools  in  said  Town  forever.     And  whereas 


482  Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session. 

several  persons  have  Setled  &  made  some  improvement  on 
sd.  land  : 

Jiesolved,  That  all  such  persons  be  confirmed  in  their 
possessions,  on  making  good  Security  to  the  Treasurer 
of  the  Town  of  Buckland,  or  paying  such  sum  in  Specie 
as  the  Select-men  of  Ashfield  shall  adjudge  the  same  to 
have  been  worth  in  its  wild  and  uncultivated  State  at  the 
several  periods  of  time  when  the  said  possessors  took  pos- 
session thereof.  February  21,  1792. 


Chapter  88. 

RESOLVE   ON   THE   PETITION   OF    JONATHAN  NEWELL,  GRANT- 
ING  A   NEW  NOTE. 

On  Petition  of  Jonathan  Newell  praying  that  the  Treas- 
urer be  directed  to  receive  a  note  which  had  been  altered 
in  its  Date. 

Resolved  that  the  prayer  of  said  Petition  be  so  far 
granted  that  the  Treasurer  be  &  he  hereby  is  directed  to 
receive  said  Note  according  to  its  just  Value  when  issued 
and  give  therefor  a  consolidated  Note  agreeable  to  Law. 

February  21,  1792. 


Chapter  89. 

RESOLVE  ON   THE   PETITION  OF   SILAS   CONANT. 

On  the  Petition  of  Silas  Conant  of  Acton  in  the  County 
of  Middlesex,  praying  for  liberty  to  take  out  Certain 
Original  Papers  lodged  in  the  Office  of  the  Clerk  of  the 
Supreme  Court. 

Resolved  That  the  Prayer  of  the  Petition  be  Granted 
and  that  Charles  Gushing  Esqr.  Clerk  of  the  Supreme 
Judicial  Court,  be  &  he  hereby  is  directed  to  deliver  said 
Conant  the  said  original  Papers  {viz)  one  Keceipt  signed 
by  Henry  Gardner  Treasurer  in  favor  of  William  Baker, 
for  the  Sum  of  Sixty  one  Pounds  &  one  Kec[e]ipt  Signed 
Leommi  Baldwin  to  the  Petitioner  for  the  sum  of  forty 
Eight  Pounds  Nine  shillings,  &  Also  Two  Certificates 
from  tlie  Supreme  Judicial  Court  &  from  the  Court  of 
Common  Pleas  of  said  County  ;  keeping  Attes[^]ed  Coppies 
of  the  same  in  said  Office ;  any  Law  or  Custom  to  the 
Contrary  Notwithstanding.  February  21,  1792. 


Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session.  483 


Chapter  90. 

RESOLVE  GRANTING  £.741  17  10,  TO  JOHN  LUCAS,  ESQ.  LATE  COM- 
MISSARY OF  PENSIONERS. 

On  the  Representation  of  J.  B.  Varnum  Esqr.  who 
was  appointed  by  the  Legislature  June  the  18th  1791  to 
liquidate  the  Accounts  of  John  Lucas  Esqr.  Commissary 
of  Pensioners. 

Resolved  that  there  be  allowed  and  paid  out  of  the 
Treasury  of  this  Commonwealth  to  John  Lucas,  Esqr.  the 
Sum  of  Seven  Hundred  and  forty  one  pounds,  Seventeen 
Shillings  and  ten  pence  it  l)eing  the  balance  of  his  Ac- 
count to  the  first  day  of  </m?//  1791. 

And  be  it  further  Resolved  that  the  Said  John  Lucas  be 
and  hereby  is  discharged  from  any  demands  on  account 
of  two  Pension  Rolls  which  he  sign'd  at  the  request  of 
Thomas  Ivers  Esqr.  Treasurer  of  the  Common  wealth  of 
Massachusetts  deceased  for  which  said  Ivers  gave  him  an 
Indemnyfying  Bond  dated  14th  tnay  1785  for  Tivelve 
Thousand  two  hundred  &,  fourteen  pounds  twelve  shillings 
&  seven  pence.  February  21,  1792. 


Chapter  91» 

RESOLVE  GRANTLNG  BOUNTY  ON  DUCK. 

Whereas  it  is  necessary  That  the  Encouragement  here- 
tofore given  to  the  manufacture  of  Sail  Cloth  &  Twine 
within  this  Commonwealth  should  be  renewed  : 

Resolved,  That  the  Resolution  of  the  28th  March  1788 
granting  a  Bounty  on  Duck,  Sail  Cloth  &  Twine  manu- 
factured within  this  Commonwealth,  be  &  hereby  is  re- 
newed &  continued  in  full  force  from  the  1st  day  of  Jany. 
1792  to  the  1st  day  of  July  1793. 

It  is  further  Resolved,  That  the  Selectmen  of  the  several 
Towns  Avithin  this  Commonwealth  where  such  Manufactu- 
ries  are  or  may  hereafter  be  established,  be  &  hereby  are 
authorized  &  requested  to  appoint  one  or  more  suitable 
persons  in  sd.  Town  as  Inspectors  of  Duck  &  Twine  whose 
Duty  it  shall  be  to  inspect  the  same  agreably  to  the  Reso- 
lution above  refered  to,  anything  in  sd.  Resolution  to  the 
contrary  notwithstanding.  February  21,  1792. 


484  Resolves,  1791. — January  Session. 


Chapter  93. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  JOHN  SMITH,  AUTHORIZING 
THE  COMMITTEE  ON  ACCOUNTS  TO  EXAMINE  AND  ALLOW 
HIS  ACCOUNT. 

On  the  petition  of  John  Smith,  Brigade-major  of  the 
first  brigade  in  the  4th  division  of  militia,  praying  for 
allowance  for  services  done  in  his  said  office  as  set  forth 
in  his  petition. 

Resolved  that  the  Committee  on  accounts  be  and  they 
hereby  are  anthoriz'd  &  directed,  to  receive  examine  & 
allow,  all  or  such  part  of  the  account  above  referred  to, 
as  to  them  shall  appear  reasonal)le,  any  Law  or  Resolve 
to  the  contrary  notwithstanding.  February  22,  1792. 


Chapter  93. 

RESOLVE   ON  THE   PETITION   OF  RUTH  HERRIMON. 

On  the  Petition  of  Ruth  Herrimon  Praying  for  the 
Wages  oi  Nathaniel  Chace,  her  late  Husband,  who  was  a 
Soldier  in  Conl.  JVixons  Regt.  During  the  War,  and  De- 
ceased in  the  Month  of  Dece7nher  1777,  —  for  reasons  set 
forth  in  the  said  Petition. 

Resolved,  That  John  Deming  Esq.  be,  &  he  is  herel)y 
directed  to  make  up  the  Wages  of  the  said  Nathaniel 
Chace,  (in  the  same  Manner  as  other  Soldiers  in  Simelar 
Circumstances  have  been  made  up)  for  Nine  Months  Ser- 
vice, to  the  time  of  his  Decease  and  certify  the  same  to 
his  Excellency  the  Governor  and  Council  and  the  Treas- 
urer of  this  Commonwealth  is  Directed  to  pay  the  same  to 
the  said  Ruth  Herrimon,  in  the  same  manner  as  he  has 
paid  wages  for  similar  services.  February  23,  1792. 

Chapter  94. 

RESOLVE    ON    THE    PETITION    OF     ELIPHALET   LEICESTER,    IN 
BEHALF  OF  THE  WIDOW   PEASE. 

On  the  petition  of  Wiphalet  Leicester,  in  Ijchalf  of  the 
widow  of  MattJieio  Pease,  late  a  Soldier  in  the  Continental 
Army,  praying  that  the  said  Eliphalet,  may  receive  the 
wages,  which  were  due  to  the  said  Pease. 

Resolved,  that  the  Committee  for  methodizing  public 
accounts,  be  and  hereby  are  directed,  to  certify  to  the 


Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session.  485 

Governor  &  Council,  the  pay,  or  arrears  of  pay,  due  to 
the  said  Mattlie^v,  previous  to  his  decease,  for  his  service  in 
Collo.  MicJial  Jackson's  Regement ;  and  the  Treasurer,  on 
receiving  the  Governor's  warrant  therefor,  is  directed  to 
issue  his  Note  for  the  same,  according  to  Law. 

February  23,  1702. 

Chapter  95. 

RESOLVE    DIRECTING    JOH^    DEMING,  ESQ.    TO    CERTIFY    BAL- 
ANCES DUE  TO   CERTAIN  SOLDIERS. 

Resolved,  that  John  Deminy  Esqr.  Committee  for  meth- 
odizing Pul)lic  Accounts,  be,  &  he  is  hereby  directed  to 
certify  to  his  Excellency  the  Governor  &  Council  in  the 
usual  form,  the  sums  which  may  be  found  due  to  the  fol- 
lowing persons,  on  the  Books,  containing  the  late  Army 
Accounts  —  Vizt.  The  heirs  of  Augustus  Allen  a  Ser- 
jeant in  Coll.  Bradford's  Regiment  —  The  heirs  of  William 
Draper  a  Private,  the  heirs  of  Ezekiel  Larahy  a  Private 
&  Benja.  Pollard  late  Lieut.,  in  Coll.  Smitli's  Regiment, 
Moses  Rugg  of  the  tenth  Regiment,  Anah  West  of  the 
tirst  Regiment,  the  heirs  of  Josiah  Burnham  &  Ohadiah 
Burnham,  Jabez  Spicer  a  Soldier,  the  heirs  of  Peter 
Bennet  a  Private,  in  Coll.  Michael  Jackson's  Regiment, 
Henry  Young  Serjeant,  Joseph  Walker  a  Soldier  in  Coll. 
Greaton's  Regiment  —  Josiah,  Moore  Private  in  Coll.  Wes- 
son's Regiment  —  Nohle  Gunn  a  Soldier,  William  Taylor 
a  Private,  in  Col.  Sprout's  Regiment,  the  heirs  of  Ehenr. 
Town  Ensign  in  Coll.  Shephard's  Regiment,  the  heirs  of 
Josiah  Bragdon  Lieut.,  the  heirs  of  Nathaniel  Cleever  a 
Private  in  Coll.  Tupper's  Regiment  —  John  Spencer  Pri- 
vate in  Coll.  Vose's  Regiment.  February  23,  1792. 

Chapter  96. 

RESOLVE   ON    THE    PETITION    OF    ZEPHANIAH    LEONARD,   ESQ. 
SHERIFF  OF  BRISTOL  COUNTY. 

On  the  Petition  of  Zephaniah  Leonard  Sheriff  of  the 
County  of  Bristol  —  Praying  for  compensation  for  his 
Services  and  Moneys  Disbursed. 

Resolved  for  reasons  set  forth  that  the  Petition  be  so 
far  granted  as  that  the  said  Zeph'h  Leonard  have  liberty 
to  lay  his  accounts  before  The  Conunittee  on  accounts  for 
allowance  any  Law  or  Resolve  to  the  contrary  Notwith- 
standg.  February  23,  1702. 


486  Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session. 

Chapter  97. 

RESOLVE   ON  THE  PETITION   OF  JUSTUS  DWIGHT. 

On  the  Petition  of  Justus  Dwight  praying  for  Alowance 
&  payment  of  liis  Account  for  Doctring  Arjnis  Thomjjson, 
one  of  the  paupers  of  this  Commonwealth. 

i?eso?vecZ  for  reasons  set  forth  in  sd.  Petition  that  the  sd. 
Account  be  presented  to  the  Committee  on  Accounts  who 
are  hereliy  authorised  to  examine  &  pass  on  sd.  Account, 
any  law  or  Resolve  to  the  contrary  Notwithstanding. 

February  23,  1792. 

Chapter  98. 

ROLL  NO.  2L 

The  Committee  on  Accounts  having  examined  the  Ac- 
counts they  now  present,  Report,  that  there  is  due  to  the 
Towns  and  persons  hereafter  mentioned,  the  sums  set 
against  their  names  respectively :  which  if  allowed,  will 
be  in  full  discharge  of  the  said  Accounts,  to  the  dates 
therein  mentioned. 

JOSEPH   HOSMER  pr.  order. 

No.  1.  To  Amasa  Davis,  Quarter  master  General  for 
balance  due  to  him  on  settlement  of  his  Account,  as  ^ 
Certificate  from  John  Dainn<i  dated  uuti/  30,  1791,  the 
said  Quarter  master  having  in  that  settlement  ac- 
counted for  the  money  granted  him  by  a  Resolve  £'.  s.  d. 
passed  Jzme  26,  1789, 41  10    6 

No.  2.  To  Anuisa  Davis  Quarter  master  General  for  his 
Services  including  office  rent  stationary  &  his  assistant 
from  March  17  1788,  to  March  17,  1789,  .         .         .  120     0     0 

No.  3.  To  ditto,  for  his  services  including,  expence  for 
Office  rent,  Clerks  &  stationary  from  March  17, 1789  to 
March  17, 1791, 96     0     0 

No.  4.  To  John  Boyle  for  Stationary  supply 'd  the  Secre- 
tary office  to  January  17,  1792  as  #>"  Certificate  from 
the  Secretary, 63  10     6 

No  5.  To  Joseph  Hosmer  Esqr.  for  Supporting  Daphne 
an  african  Woman  pursuant  to  a  Resolve  of  the  Gen- 
eral Court  from  April  1,  1791  to  Vcbrnary  1,  1792,         .     10  17     6 

No  6.  To  the  Town  of  Pa rtrvhji  field  for  Supporting 
Marti  Lace  one  of  the  States  poor  from  March  15,  1791 
to  January  24.  1792,  45  Weeks, 6  15     0 

No.  7.  To  the  Town  of  Maiden  for  Supporting  John 
Martin  &  Wife  and  William  Barlwan,  States  poor,  to 
Frebuary  14,  1792, 39     3     0 

No.  8.     To  the  Town  of  lliehniond  for  Supporting  Mehila- 

ble  Richmond  and  Densa  Tooly  to  January  2(),  1792,      .     11  17     0 


Kesolves,  1791.  —  January  Session.  487 

No.  9.     To  Samuel  Laha  for  his  Salary  for  taking  care  of     £.   s.    d. 
Bainsford  Island  from  April  25, 1791,  to  Jaim//.  25, 1792,     10     0     0 

No.  10.     To  ditto  for  Cash  he  paid  George  Acres  for  work 

done  ou  said  Island, 2  17     6 

No.  11.  To  the  Town  of  Westborough  for  Supporting 
John  Scudmore  from  June  1,  1791  to  February  1,  1792, 
35  Weeks, 10  11     2 

No.  12.  To  the  Town  of  Chelsea  for  Supplies  to  John 
Goodiu  &  family  from  Febrtiari/  14,  1791  to  February 
6,  1792,     .         .' 16     1     6 

No.  13.     To  the  ToAvn  of  So/dhiviek  for  supporting  George 

Head  from  January  12,  1791  to  Jau/iary  12,  1792,  .     15  12     0 

No.  14.     To  the  Town  of  Atllrliorouqh  for  Supi^orting  John 

Jane  &  Wife  from  January  12, 1791  to  January  1 2, 1792,     20  14     0 

No.  15.    To  the  Town  of  Wo'rthuaiton  for  Supporting  John 

Washington  from  December  1790  to  April  1791,      .         .501 

No.  16.  To  Mary  OuUcr  for  boarding  a  Child,  one  of  the 
poor  of  the  Commonwealth  from  June  1,  1791  to  De- 
cember 1,  is  2G  Weeks 3  18    0 

No.  17.  To  Jomdhan  Hastings  for  postage  of  letters  to 
the  Governour  &  Secretary  from  Marcit,  5,  1791  to  Jan- 
uary 30,  1792, 3  17  10 

No.  18.  To  the  County  of  Cumberland  for  money  paid 
by  said  County  to  John  Wait  Esqr.  Sheriff  for  dispers- 
ing precepts  &  returning  Votes  for  a  Federal  Repre- 
sentative,   12     7  U 

No.  19.  To  the  Town  of  Moidon  for  Supporting  James 
Thompson  one  of  the  States  Poor  from  the  first  of  Jtme 
1791  to  the  first  of  r/rt»?^(^/7/ 1792  in  full,         .         .         .     10     0     8 

No.  20.  To  the  same  Town  for  Sundrys  supplyd  John 
Hunt  &  family  from  Janip  25th  1791  to  Jany.  25th 
1792,         .         .         .         .    '    .         .         .         .       \         .       3  12     0 

No.  21.  To  the  Town  of  Concord  for  Supporting  William 
Shaw  one  of  the  States  poor  from  Felnj.  24th,  1791  to 
Jany.  23d  1792  in  full,     ...'....       6     1     7 

No.  22.  To  the  Town  of  Suuoisey  for  Nursing  and  takeing 
care  of  one  John  Lee  a  transient  person  who  was  taken 
sick  in  said  Town  and  died  there  and  for  his  funeral 
Charges  in  full, 1  10     0 

No.  23.  To  Solomon  Freeman  Esqr.  for  his  Services  in 
Taking  Depositions  in  the  County  of  Dukes  County  pur- 
suant to  a  Resolve  of  the  Genl.  Court  passed  June  13th, 
1791  as  pr.  accot. 8  14     4 

No.  24.     To  the  Town  of  Eeholioth  for  Supporting  James 

Corner  &  I'hillif)  Warner,  —  poorof  the  Commonwealth,       4  10  10 

No.  25.  To  the  Town  of  Warunck  for  Supporting  the  wife 
of  rhllip  Itoijle  and  four  Children  from  Januarij  20, 
1791  to  Janiiy.  20,  1792, ."        .     16  12     0 

No.  26.  To  the  Town  of  Reading  for  supporting  Joseph 
Fervoo  &  family  from  February  1,  1791  to  Felyruary  1, 
1792, 16  10     2 

No.  27  &  No.  28.  To  John  Eliot  for  Supporting  Rebecca 
Gardner  from  Janmi.  1, 1790  to  Januitrij  1,  1792,  (Cer- 
tified by  the  Selectmen  of  Kaslhamiilon),       .         .         .     20     8     0 

No.  29.  To  Jomdhan.  Janes  forsui>[)<)rting  Samuel  Green 
from  September  1,  1790  to  December  1,  1791,  (Certified 
by  the  Selectmen  of -£'fW(;/i«7»p<o?i),        .        .        .        .     17    6    5 


488  Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session. 

No.  30.     To   William  Moore  in  full  for  his  account  for 
Coffins  for  several  persons,  poor  of  the  Commonwealth, 
who  died  in  the  Town  of  Boston,  Certified  by  the  Select    £.  s.    d. 
Menof  said  Town 13    0    0 

No.  31.  To  S((mnel  Curtis  &  Jesfte  Houghton  in  full  for 
their  Account  for  burying  several  persons  poor  of  the 
Commonwealth, 1234 

No.  32.     To  Samuel  Coj^p  for  Supporting  Sally  Davis 

from.  Januy.  1  1791  to  Ja?marij  1,  1792,.        .        .         .     15     5     6 

No.  33.     To  the  Town  of  Boxboromjh  for  Supporting  John 

Kenncdi/  &  wife  from  June  5, 1791  to  Jannari/ 14, 1792,     16  IG     3 

No.  34.     To  Doctr.  Charles  Whitman  for  medicine  &c.  for 

said  KetDiedi/, 0  12     0 

No.  35.  To  the  Town  of  Haverhill  for  supporting  James 
Oa;/  from  Ju)ie  1,  1791  to  January  1,  1792  &  for  smi- 
dry's  supplied  James  McAdams, 5     8     2 

No.  36.  To  the  Town  of  Edgarlown  for  boarding  &  nurs- 
ing Robert  Phillips,  (a  foreigner)  from  June  1  to  Septr. 
28,  1791 10  11     6 

No.  37.    To  Matthew  Mayheiv  for  visits  &  medicine  for 

Bo.  Phillips,     .         .      ■ 3     2     6 

No.  38     To -/rw^>/;  r/wa;^f^r  for  Visits  &  medicine  to  Ditto,      3     6     0 

No.  39.     To  the  Town  of  Barre  for  svmdries  supplied 

Bobert  Tompson  from  3'[ay  30  1790  to  January  2 A792,     10     6     8 

No.  40.     To  Doctr.  Spencer  Field  for  mediQine  &  attend- 

anG[e']  for  Bo.  To7npls']on  to  January  7,  1792,       .         .300 

No.  41.  To  the  Town  of  Dracut  for  Supporting  John 
Hancock  &  Wife  from  March  1,  1791  to  January  10, 
1792, 21     4     0 

No  42.  To  John  Boyle  in  full  for  his  account  for  station- 
ary furnished  the  Adjutant  Generals  office  from  Feb- 
ruary 12,  1790  to  Jaimy.  13,  1792, 21  18     1 

No.  43.  To  the  Town  of  Boxbury  for  Supporting  George 
De  Silva  and  Jane  Croxford  from  Januarif  1,  1790  to 
January  1,  1792,       .         \         .         .         .       '  .         .         .     54     0     0 

No  44.     To  the  Town  of  Northbridge  for  supporting  of 

Tlnnuas  Harrison  eight  weeks  to  November  17,  1791,    .       3     4     0 

No.  45.  To  the  Town  of  Kingston  for  Supiwrting  Polhi 
Williams  from  Februarij  16,  1790  to  April  30,  1791  & 
Doctrs.  Bill,     .        .       " 10    5  10 

No.  46.  To  Benjamin  Smith,  Sheriff  of  the  Coimty  of 
Dukes  County  for  distributing  precepts,  &  returning 
Votes  for  a  Representative  in  Congress  —  to  Jcmuaru 
21,1792, 6  17     4 

No.  47.  To  Justus  Dwight  for  boarding  Aqnis  Thompjson 
from  May  1,  1791  to  December  23,  1791  and  funeral 
Charges 8  11     0 

No.  48.  To  the  Town  of  Colrain  for  supporting  John 
Stewart  &  Wife  from  December '61, 1790  to  December  SI, 
1791 2t  19     0 

No.  49.     To  the  Same  Town  for  supporting  Daniel  Mc- 

Dngal  from  IhreaitjcrSl,  \790  to  I hrenilier  31,1791,     .     12     4     0 

No.  50.  To  tlic  Town  of  Lonijinnidnui  for  Supporting 
Mereii  Chase  tfe  her  three  Children  40  Weeks  to  (/«««- 
an/ il,  1792— &  Physicians  bill, 18  19     3 

No.  51  &  No.  52.  To  the  Town  of  Beverly  for  Supporting 
John  Miller  &  for  Doctr.  Woodbury  bill  ^  Account,      .     20  12  11 


Kesolves,  1791.  —  January  Session.  489 

No.  53.     To  William  Butlers  Account  in  full  for  printing    £.  s.    d. 
to  Fcbrnanj  1792, .         .     26     5     3 

No.  54.  To  the  Town  of  Qroion  in  full  for  sundry  sup- 
plies to  Several  persons,  poor  of  the  Commonwealth  to 
Januy.  10,  1792, 28     7     1 

No.  55.  To  the  Town  of  Northampton  for  Sundries  sup- 
plied several  persons  poor  of  the  Commonwealth,  14:    0    9 

No.  56.  To  Doctr.  Pat-id  Phelps  for  medicine  &  attend- 
anc[c]  forthe  Wife  of  .7rj/iMilfa(/ee,         .        .        .        .     29     7  11 

No.  57.     To  Doctr.  William  Hooker  for  medicine  &  at- 

tendancfe]  for  the  Same  person,    .         .        .        .        .      5  15  lU 

No.  58.  To  the  Town  of  (Jconjclou-n  for  supporting  sev- 
eral persons  poor  of  the  Commonwealth  to  December 
31,  1791, 46  12     0 

No.  69.     To  the  Town  of  Harvard  for  Supporting  Joh)i 

Georcje  nine  Weeks  from  March  29,  1790,       .        .        .262 

No.  60.     To  the  Town  of  Sharon  for  Supporting  Amia 

Perry  Eight  Weeks  from  Ihcemtjer  17,  1789,  .         .580 

No.  61.  To  Doctr.  Joshua  Wood  for  medicine  &  attend- 
ance for  the  same  person, 14     0 

No.  62.  To  the  Town  of  York  for  supporting  Hannah 
Downs  in  Octor.  &  Novemr.  1791  &  for  Doctr.  bill  & 
funeral  Charges, 7  18     6 

No.  63.     To  the  Town  of  Pa ncasfer  for  Supporting  Nancy 

Hall  also  Doctr.  bill  and  funeral  Charges,    .         .        .458 

No.  64.    To  Doctr.  Williatn  Thotiias'm  full  for  his  Accoitnt 

for  visits  &  medicine  for  an  Indian  Woman,  .         .         .580 

No.  65.  To  HaiiiiK'l  Cioiis,  for  Balance  due  to  him  as 
agent  on  the  Estate  of  Hoiry  Barnes  an  absentee  as 
appears  by  a  Certificate  from  James  Winlhrop  Register 
of  Probate  for  the  County  of  il//('if/'A.<;cx,  .         .         .         .     15     2     6 

No.  66.    To  the  Town  of  Ijaneasleriov  Supporting  Richard 

Patten  from  P'cbruary  1,1790  to  Fela-uary  1,1792,        .     19     0  10 

No.  67.  To  the  Town  of  Carlisle  for  Supporting  Phrothy 
Tajflor  &  her  Child,  to  December  28,  1791  &  for  Doctr. 
Wilki}is  bill,     . 19     2     5 

No.  68.  To  the  Town  of  Concord  for  Supporting  Charles- 
ioini  Edes  thirty  six  weeks  &  four  days  &  for  Doctors 
bill  &  funeral  Charges, 23  16     5 


£.1146     8    2 


Read  and  Acce])ted  &  thereupon 
Resolved  that  his  Excellency  the  Governoiir  with  the 
advice  of  Council,  be,  &  he  hereby  is  requested  to  issue 
his  Warrant  on  the  Treasury  for  the  i)ayment  of  the 
several  Towns  &  Individuals  borne  on  this  lloll  the  sum 
set  against  the  said  Towns  &  Individuals  respectively, 
amounting  in  the  whole  to  the  sum  of  One  thousand  one 
hundred  and  forli/  six  pounds,  ei<j]tt  shillings  &  tivo  j^ence. 

February  24,  1792. 


490  Kesolves,  1791.  —  January  Session. 


Chapter  99. 

RESOLVE   ON  THE  PETITION  OF  ELIPHALET  SLACK,  GRANTING 
HIM  £.6. 

On  the  petition  of  Eliphalet  Slack  setting  forth  that  he 
paid  to  one  Cato  Hunt  a  Soldier  who  did  duty  in  the  Gar- 
rison at  Dartmouth  in  the  year  1782  for  the  term  of  three 
Months  and  took  said  Hunt's  order  to  draw  the  same,  but 
on  application  found  that  l)y  some  neglect  he  was  not 
made  up  in  the  payroll. 

Resolved  that  there  be  paid  out  of  the  pul)lick  Treasury 
of  this  Commonwealth  to  the  said  Eliplialet  Slack  the 
sum  of  Six  pounds  in  full  for  the  said  three  Months  ser- 
vice, in  the  same  way  and  manner  as  others  doing  duty 
at  the  aforesaid  time  and  place  have  been  paid. 

February  20,  1792. 


Chapter  100. 

RESOLVE    ON   THE    PETITION  OF    SARAH    HALL,   AUTHORIZING 
HER  TO   SELL  REAL  ESTATE. 

On  the  petition  of  Sarah  Hall  of  Providence  in  the 
State  of  R.  Island  Administratrix  on  the  Estate  of  Colo. 
Levi  Hall,  praying  for  licence  to  make  Sale  of  a  Certain 
small  Brick  House  and  Land  adjoining  in  the  Town  of 
Boston  —  for  reasons  therein  set  forth. 

Resolved  that  the  prayer  thereof  be  Granted  And  that  the 
petitioner  in  her  said  Capacity  be  and  she  is  hereby  fully 
Empowered  to  make  sale  of  and  to  Execute  a  good  and 
Lawfull  Deed  or  Deeds  of  a  small  brick  House  belonging 
to  the  estate  of  Levi  Hall  deceased  in  the  town  of  Boston 
&  Lands  on  which  it  stands  with  aliout  Eight  feet  of 
Land  adjoining  the  same  belonging  to  the  estate  of  Colo. 
Levi  Hall  deceased,  she  observing  the  llules  and  direc- 
tions of  the  Law  for  the  sale  of  Real  P]states  by  Execu- 
tors and  administrators,  she  first  giving  Bond  to  the 
Judge  of  Probate  for  the  County  of  Suffolk  that  the  pro- 
ceeds of  said  sale  shall  be  applycd  for  the  Benetitt  of 
the  widow  and  heirs  of  the  said  Levi  Hall  according  to 
Law.  February  25,  1792. 


Kesolves,  1791.  —  Januaky  Session.  491 


Chapter  101. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE   PETITION  OF  THE  ADMINISTRATORS  ON  THE 
ESTATE   OF  JONATHAN  ASHLEY,   DECEASED. 

On  the  Petition  of  Eliliu  Ashley,  David  Dickinson,  & 
Tirzah  Ashley,  Administrators  on  the  Estate  of  Jonathan 
Ashley  late  of  Deerfield  Esqr.  deceased,  represented  in- 
solvent praying  that  the  Judge  of  the  Probate  of  Wills  &c. 
for  the  County  of  Hami:)shire  may  be  authorized  to  allow 
the  Commissioners  appointed  to  receive  &  examine  the 
Claims  against  said  Estate  a  further  time  for  said  service. 

Resolved  for  Reasons  set  forth  in  said  Petition  that  the 
said  Judge  of  Probate  be  &  he  hereby  is  authorized  & 
empowered  to  allow  the  Commissioners  by  him  appointed 
as  aforesaid  a  further  time  not  exceediog  six  months  to 
examine  &  adjust  the  several  Claims  against  said  Estate 
the  Judge  aforesaid  &  the  said  Commissioners  observing 
the  directions  of  the  Law  in  such  Cases  made  &  provided 
Any  Law  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding. 

February  27,  1792. 

Chapter  103. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  THE  INHABITANTS  OF  WORCES- 
TER, ALLOWING  THEM  TO  SELL  CERTAIN  LAND. 

On  the  Petition  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of 
Worcester,  in  the  County  of  Worcester ,  Shewing,  that  there 
is  in  said  Town,  Twenty  two  Acres  and  an  half  of  Land, 
laid  out  for  the  purpose  of  Complcating  ye  Ministerial  & 
School  Lott,  Divisions  in  said  Town,  Situate  in  ye  Ex- 
treeme  part  of  said  Town,  and  unimproved,  and  for  Reasons 
Set  forth  in  said  Petition,  praying  that  they  may  be  em- 
powered to  make  Sale  thereof — Also  Shewing  that  the 
said  Inhabitants  have  heretofore  made  Sale  of  other  Min- 
isterial &  School  Lands  in  said  Town  without  first  having 
the  leave  of  Government  therefor  and  praying  that  such 
Sales  may  be  confirmed. 

Resolved,  that  ye  })rayer  of  said  Petition  be  granted, 
and  that  the  said  Inhal)itants,  be,  and  they  hereby  are, 
empowered,  to  make  Sale  of  said  twenty  two  Acres  &  an 
half  of  Land,  and  to  make,  and  execute  a  good  and  Suffi- 
cient Deed  or  Deeds  to  pass  the  same,  and  it  is  further 

Resolved,  that  the  Sales,  and  Titles  to  the  other  Min- 
isterial &  School  Lands,  which  the  said  Inhabitants  have 


492  Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session. 

heretofore  Sold,  he,  and  they  hereby  are  established  and 
Confirmed  to  ye  original  purchasers,  in  as  full  and  ample 
a  manner,  as  if  Licence  had  been  first  obtained  from  ye 
General  Court  therefor.  Provided  that  the  money  which 
has  arisen  &  shall  arise  from  the  sale  or  sales  of  sd.  Land 
shall  be  put  out  at  Interest  on  good  Security  &  that  the 
Annual  Interest  arising  on  ye  amount  of  Such  Sale  or 
Sales,  Shall  be  applied  for  the  Support  of  the  Ministry 
and  Schools  in  said  Town  agreeably  to  the  original  de- 
sign, for  which  the  said  lands  were  reserved  any  Law  or 
liesolve  to  the  Contrary  Notwithstanding. 

February  27,  1792. 

Chapter  103. 

RESOLVE   ON  THE  PETITION  OF  JOSIAH  P ARRIS. 

On  the  petition  of  Josiah  Parris  of  Pembroke  in  the 
County  of  Plymouth,  })raying  that  Simon  Jackson  of 
Newton  Esqr.  Administra[tor]  on  the  Estate  oi  Alexander 
Shei^lierd  Junr.  late  of  said  Newton,  deceas'd,  maybe  em- 
powered to  convey  to  said  Parris  certain  Lands,  situate 
in  8hej)herdsjield  in  the  county  of  Cu^nherland,  agreeable 
to  a  contract  made  with  said  Alexander  Shepherd  Junr. 
in  his  life  time. 

Resolved,  that  said  Simon  Jackson  be,  and  he  hereby 
is  empowered,  in  his  said  Capacity,  to  make  and  execute 
a  Good  Deed  to  the  said  Josiah  Parris  of  certain  Lands 
in  said  Shepherdsjield  according  to  the  beforementioned 
covenant  and  agreement  of  said  Alexander  Shepherd 
Junr.  Avhich  Deed  shall  be  good  &  valid  in  Law  to  all 
intents  and  purposes  as  if  it  had  been  duly  made  and  ex- 
ecuted by  the  said  Alexander  in  his  life  time. 

February  27,  1792. 

Chapter  104. 

IlESOLVE  ON   THE   PETITION   OF   ASAPH  RICE. 

On  the  Petition  of  Asaph  Rice  Praying  for  Liberty  to 
sell  a  small  Real  Estate  Lying  in  the  Town  of  Boston  De- 
scended to  his  Children  by  their  late  Mother  Deceased  — 
for  reasons  set  forth  in  said  Petition. 

Resolved  that  the  Reverand  Asaph  Rice  of  Westminster 
be  &  he  is  hereby  autherised  &  impowcred  to  make  sale 
of  the  Real  Estate  Late  the  propperty  of  Ebenezer  Clonr/h 


Resolves,  1791.  —  Januaey  Session.  493 

of  Boston  deceased,  lying  near  Charleston  Bridge,  which 
Estate  Descended  to  ThanJcfull  Glougli  Daughter  of  the 
said  Ebenezer  &  late  Wife  of  the  said  Asaph  Rice,  for  the 
most  the  same  will  fetch  &  to  Put  the  proceeds  on  interest 
with  Good  security  for  the  use  of  the  children  of  his  late 
Wife  the  said  ThankfuU,  he  first  Giveing  bonds  with  suf- 
ficient sureties  to  the  Judge  of  Probate  for  the  County 
of  Stifolk  to  account  for  the  money  arriseing  l)y  the  sale, 
accorciing  to  law.  February  27,  1792. 

Chapter  105. 

RESOLVE  FOR  PAYING  FEES   IN  CRIMINAL  rROSECUTIONS. 

Whereas  there  is  a  consideral)le  numl)er  of  Bills  of  Cost 
taxed  by  the  Supreme  Judicial  Court,  in  this  Common- 
wealth in  criminal  causes,  due  to  individuals  of  this 
Commonwealth,  which  Costs  are  by  a  Law  of  this  Com- 
monwealth directed  to  be  paid  by  the  several  Sheriffs  out 
of  fines  laying  in  their  hands  &  when  it  ha}ipens  that  there 
is  no  money  in  the  hands  of  the  Sheriffs  the  Governor  & 
Council  are  impowered  to  issue  their  Warrant  to  the 
Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth  for  the  payment  thereof, 
but  they  consider  themselves  restricted  from  issuing  their 
Warrant  when  any  part  of  the  said  monies  is  in  the  hands 
of  the  Sheriffs  : 

Resolved  that  the  Governor  with  the  advice  of  Council 
be  &  he  hereby  is  impowered  to  issue  his  Warrant  for  the 
payment  of  all  such  bills  of  Cost  or  so  nmch  of  them  as 
remain  unpaid  &  that  the  Treasurer  of  this  Connnonwealth 
upon  receiving  such  Warrant  be  &  he  is  hereby  directed 
to  pay  the  same  out  of  any  unappropriated  monies  in  the 
public  Treasury  whether  such  Sheriffs  have  accounted  for 
and  paid  such  fines  &  forfeitures  as  they  have  recievcd  or 
not  —  any  Law  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding.  And 
that  the  Attorney  General  l)e  &  he  hereby  is  directed  to 
prosecute  all  delinquent  Sheriffs  for  all  fines  &  forfeitures 
recieved  &  not  accounted  for  &  paid. 

February  27,  1792. 

Chapter  106. 

RESOLVE   ON    THE    REPRESENTATION    OF    AMASA    DAVIS,   ESQ. 
QUARTER  MASTER  GENERAL. 

Whereas  l)y  a  Resolution  passed  the  11th  day  of  March 
1791,  the  Governor  is  requested   to  give   orders  to  the 


494  Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session. 

Quarter-Master  General,  to  furnish  the  several  companies 
of  Artillery  within  this  Commonwealth,  with  Field-pieces 
and  such  equipments  as  the  Law  requires ;  but  the  said 
Quarter-Master  General  has  not  as  yet  been  able  to  carry 
the  said  Resolve  into  execution  : 

Therefore  Resolved,  That  the  Quarter-Master  General 
be  &  he  hereby  is  directed  to  cause  all  the  defective  Can- 
non &  Mortars,  and  all  other  metals,  suitable  therefor, 
belonging  to  the  Comonwealth  to  be  cast  into  four  pound 
brass  Cannon. 

Resolved  further,  that  there  be  paid  out  of  the  publick 
Treasury  to  the  Quarter-Master  General  the  sum  of 
Twelve  hundred  pounds  to  enable  him  to  carry  this  &  the 
Resolution  above  recited  into  execution,  he  to  be  ac- 
countable for  the  expenditure  of  the  same. 

February  27, 1792. 

Chapter  107. 

RESOLVE  GRANTING  A  TAX  TO  THE  COUNTY  OF  CUMBERLAND. 

Whereas  the  Treasurer  of  the  County  of  Ouniberland, 
has  laid  his  Accounts  before  the  General  Court,  in  manner 
by  Law  prescribed,  which  Accounts  are  hereby  allowed : 

And  whereas  the  Clerk  of  the  Court  of  General  Sessions 
of  the  peace,  for  the  said  County  of  Cumberland,  has  laid 
before  the  General  Court,  an  Estimate  made  by  the  Court 
of  General  Sessions  of  the  peace  of  the  necessary  charges 
which  are  likely  to  arise  in  said  County  the  Current  Year, 
Amounting  to  six  hundred  and  forti/ pounds  : 

Resolved  that  the  Sum  of  /Six  hundred  and  forty  poimds, 
be  and  hereby  is  granted  as  a  tax  for  said  County  of  Oum- 
berlaiid,  to  be  apportioned,  assessed.  Collected  and  applied 
in  manner  provided  by  Law.  February  28, 1792. 

Chapter  108. 

RESOLVE  ON   THE  PETITION  OF  JOHN  TRACY,   ESQ. 

On  the  Petition  of  John  Tracy  Esq.  who  in  the  year 
1782,  acted  as  a  Commissioner  to  expedite  the  Collection 
of  Public  Taxes,  in  Newbury -Port,  Newbury,  Rowley  and 
I-pswich,  and  in  consideration  of  the  losses  which  he  sus- 
tained by  advancements  on  the  Penobscot  expedition,  and 
loans  of  Money  for  the  Use  of  this  Commonwealth,  and 
his  present  embarrassments. 


Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session.  495 

Resolved,  that  a  supposed  l)alance  which  appears  in  the 
Treasury-Books  against  the  said  John,  to  the  amount  of 
two  hundred  and  seventy  two  pounds  and  eleven  sJiillings, 
deficiency  of  Collections  in  said  Commission,  shall  be  and 
hereby  is  remitted  and  discharged  to  the  said  John  —  And 
the  Treasurer  is  authorised  and  directed  to  adjust  the  said 
Account  accordingly.  February  28, 1792. 


Chapter  109. 

RESOLVE   ON  THE  PETITION  OF  JONATHAN  HASTINGS. 

On  the  petition  of  Jonathan  Hastings. 

Resolved  that  Ebenezer  Bridge  Esq.  guardian  to  the 
Children  of  Walter  Hastings  deceased  who  are  minors,  be 
and  he  hereby  is  authorised  and  impowerd  to  make  and 
execute,  a  good  and  valid  deed  of  release  to  Jonathan 
Hastings  of  Boston  in  the  County  of  8iiffolk  of  all  their 
right  title  share  and  proportion  of  and  in  the  estate  of 
Jonathan  Hastings  late  of  Cambridge  in  the  County  of 
Middlesex  Esq.  deceased  devised  to  them  in  and  hy  the 
last  will  of  the  said  Jonathan  deceased,  the  whole  of  which 
estate  was  settled  upon  the  said  Jonathan  Hastings  first 
above  named  by  a  decree  of  the  Judge  of  probate  in  and 
for  said  County  of  Middlesex,  and  which  is  now  in  said 
Jonathan's  Possession,  for  the  consideration  of  Seventy  one 
jmunds,  five  shillings  &  five  pence,  the  appraised  value 
thereof,  which  the  said  Guardian  has  already  received  of 
said  Jonathan,  for  ye  use  of  said  Minors. 

February  28,  1792. 


Chapter  110. 

RESOLVE   ON  THE  PETITION  OF  JESSE  ALLEN,  GRANTING  HIM 
£.4  10. 

On  the  Petition  of  Jesse  Allin  praying  for  Alowance  & 
payment  for  transporting  one  ton  of  Lead  from  Westown 
to  Springfield  in  the  month  oi  May  1779. 

Resolved,  for  reasons  set  forth  in  sd.  Petition  that 
there  be  alowed  &  paid  out  of  the  Tre'r  of  this  Common- 
wealth to  the  sd.  Jesse  Allen  the  sum  of  four  p)Ounds 
^e[e]7i  shillings  in  full  for  the  sd.  Service. 

February  28,  1792. 


496  Kesolves,  1791.  —  January  Session. 


Chapter  111. 

RESOLVE   ON  THE   PETITION  OF   EPHRAIM  LIVERMORE. 

On  the  Petition  of  Ephraim  Livermore,  praying  tliat  the 
Judge  of  Probate,  for  the  County  of  Middlesex,  may  be 
empowered  to  allow  a  further  time  to  ye  Commissioners 
on  the  Estate  of  Daniel  Livermore,  late  of  Weston,  in  the 
Said  County,  Deceased,  Represented  Insolvent,  to  receive 
the  Claims  on  the  said  Estate.  For  Eeasons  set  forth  in 
the  said  Petition, 

Resolved,  that  the  said  Judge  of  Pro])ate,  be,  and  he  is 
hereby  empowered  to  allow  the  said  Commissioners,  at  the 
expence  of  the  Petitioner,  a  further  term  of  one  Month,  to 
receive  &  examin[e]  the  Claims  of  the  several  Creditors  to 
the  Estate  of  the  said  Daniel  Livermore,  any  Law  to  the 
Contrary  Notwithstanding.  February  28,  1792. 


Chapter  112. 

RESOLVE    ON    THE    PETITION    OF    SIMEON   KEITH,    GRANTING 
HIM   £.12  13  6. 

On  the  Petit [i]  on  of  Simeon  Keith  of  Easton  in  the 
County  oi  Bristol  a  Soldier  under  the  Command  of  General 
Sidliven  in  Col.  Thomas  Carpenter's  Regement  and  in  Capt. 
Nathan  Packards  Compeney,  who  had  a  Musquit  Ball  Shot 
in  to  his  arm  in  a  Battle  on  Rhodisland  in  the  year  1778  ; 
Praying  that  he  may  be  allowed  for  his  time  and  the  Dock- 
ters  bill. 

Resolved:  that  the  Prayer  of  Said  Petition  Be  Granted, 
and  that  there  be  allowed  and  paid  to  the  Said  Simeon 
Keith,  out  of  the  Treasury  of  this  Commonwealth  The  Sum 
of  tivelve  Pounds  Thirteen  Shillings  and  Six  pence  Lawful 
money,  in  full  consideration  for  the  loss  of  time  and  for 
his  Dockter  bill  —  The  Same  to  be  Charged  to  the  United 
States.  February  28,  1792. 

Chapter  113. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  SARAH  SHAIV. 

Upon  the  Petition  of  Sarah  Shaw  sole  Executrix  of  the 
last  Will  of  Francis  Shaw  Esqr.  deceased,  &  John  Lane 
the  Assignee  of  Robert  Gould  deceased  &  of  Nathan  Jones 
Esqr.  praying  that  the  original  Grant  of  the  Township  of 


Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session.  497 

Gouldshorough  in  the  County  of  Hancock  may  ])e  con- 
firmed, &  that  the  original  Grantees,  their  Heirs  &  As- 
signs may  be  quieted  in  their  possesion  of  the  Same. 

Resolved  that  the  Grant  of  the  Township  called  Number 
Three  now  Gouldshorough  containing  all  that  Tract  of 
Land  begining  at  a  Point  on  the  West  Side  of  a  Creek 
mark'd  K,  on  a  plan  of  Six  Townships  survey'd  by  John 
Jones  &  Joseph  Frie  &  certified  by  them  December  26, 
Seventeen  hundred  &  Sixty  three  &  running  West  seven 
Miles  to  another  Bay  of  the  Sea,  &  from  thence  along 
the  Sea  Shore  easterly  to  the  first  Point,  which  Tract  & 
Township  was  on  the  24th  Day  of  February  Anno  Domini 
Seventeen  hundred  &  Sixty  three  given  &  granted  by  the 
General  Court  of  the  then  Province  of  the  Massachusetts 
Bay,  (subject  nevertheless  to  the  Approbation  of  the 
King  of  Great  Britain)  to  Mess's  Nathan  Jones,  Robert 
Goidd,  &  Francis  Shaio,  &  to  their  Heirs  forever  —  BE 
&  is  hereby  confirmed  &  made  perpetual  to  the  said 
Nathan  Jones  &  to  the  Heirs  &  Assigns  of  the  said  Robert 
Gould  &  Fra7icis  Sha^v  deceased  —  And  all  &  every  Per- 
son legally  claiming  any  Estate  &  title  to  the  same  Tract 
or  Part  of  the  Same  under  Covenants  &  Conveyances  of 
the  same  from  the  said  Nathan  Jones  Francis  Shaw  or 
Robert  Goidd  or  their  Assigns  —  be  &  hereby  are  quieted 
&  confirmed  in  their  Title  Possesion  &  Estate  in  such 
parts  &  parcels  of  the  said  Township  as  they  may  lawfully 
claim  as  aforesaid  &  under  such  Titles  as  aforesaid. 

Provided  nevertheless  anything  in  this  Pesolve  to  the 
contrary  notwithstanding  that  each  &  every  Inhabitant 
who  has  made  a  Settlement  within  the  said  Town  at  any 
time  prior  to  the  Year  Seventeen  hundred  &  Eighty  four 
shall  be  &  hereljy  is  quieted  &  confirmed  in  the  possesion 
of  One  hundred  Acres  of  Land  &  no  more  —  And  pro- 
vided also  that  in  said  Township  there  be  reserved  and 
appropriated  four  whole  shares  in  the  division  of  the  same, 
agreealde  to  the  Conditions  &  reservations  mention'd  in 
the  Original  Grant  aforesaid,  (accounting  One  sixty  fourth 
part  a  share)  for  the  following  purposes,  to  Wit,  One 
Share  for  the  first  settled  &  ordained  Minister  his  Heirs  & 
Assigns  forever  —  One  share  for  the  Use  of  the  Ministr}^ 
One  Share  to  &  for  the  Use  of  Harvard  College  in  Gam- 
bridge,  and  One  for  the  Use  of  a  School  in  said  Town 
forever.  February  29,  1792. 


498  Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session. 

Chapter  114. 

RESOLVE   ON   THE  PETITION  OF  ASA  DOUGLASS  AND  OTHERS. 

On  the  Petition  of  Asa  Dour/lass  William  Douglass 
John  Hermon  Daniel  Brown  Jahez  Vaughn  and  Peter 
Harrington  Praying  a  Committe  May  be  Sent  to  view  the 
Lands  taken  from  the  Petitioners  l^y  the  Sett[Z]ement  of 
the  Line  between  this  State  and  the  State  of  Newyorh 
and  inquire  into  the  Damages  they  have  susta[^Jned  and 
that  they  may  be  allowed  and  made  good. 

Resolved  that  the  Prayer  of  the  Petition  be  so  far 
granted  that  the  Honble.  Elijah  Dwight,  Esqr.  Elijah 
Williams  Esqr.  &  Mr.  John  Hubbard  be  a  Committee  to 
view  the  said  Lands  so  taken  from  the  Petitioners  by  the 
State  of  JSfeivyork  Apraise  the  Damages  and  make  report 
to  the  next  Generall  Court  at  the  Cost  of  the  Petitioners. 

March  1,  1792. 


Chapter  115. 

RESOLVE    ON    THE    PETITION    OF    DAVID    PEARCE,    GRANTING 
HIM  £.172  1  4. 

On  the  Petition  of  David  Pearce  praying  that  a  sum 
recoverd  against  him  by  the  Collector  of  Excise  for  the 
County  of  Suffolk  may  be  allowed  &  paid  him  out  of  the 
Public  Treasury,  he  having  been  Compelled  by  Execution 
to  pay  the  sum  of  three  hundred  &  ninety  two  j)Ounds 
seventeen  shillings  &,  ten  pence,  by  reason  of  his  not  being 
able  to  produce  in  season  the  Certificates  proper  to  Dis- 
charge him. 

Resolved  that  the  prayer  of  said  petition  l)e  so  far 
granted,  that  there  be  allowed  &  paid  out  of  the  Public 
Treasury  of  this  Commonwealth  the  sum  of  one  hundred  & 
seventy  two  pounds  one  shilling  &  four  i^ence  to  the  said 
David  Pearce  in  full  of  all  sums  of  money  which  he  has 
been  Compelled  to  pay  as  aforesaid,  &  from  Avhich  he 
might  have  been  discharged  had  he  produced  the  Neces- 
sary Certificates  on  trial  and  his  Excellency  the  Gove  [r]  nor 
with  the  Advice  of  Council  is  requested  to  issue  his  war- 
rent  accordingly.  March  1,  1792. 


Eesolves,  1791.  —  January  Session.  499 


Chapter  116. 

RESOLVE   ON   THE   PETITION   OF   DANIEL   PUTNAM,  IN   BEHALF 
OF  FITCHBURG. 

On  the  Petetion  oi  Daniel  Putnam  in  behalf  of  the  Town 
of  Fitchburg  setting  forth  that  the  said  Town  is  greatly 
burthened  on  account  of  Building  Bridges  and  Repairing 
Roads  and  praying  Releif. 

Resolved  that  There  be  &  hereby  is  Granted  to  the  Said 
Town  of  Fitchburg  the  Sum  of  fifty  pounds  out  of  the 
proportion  of  Tax  No.  Nine  assessed  on  the  Said  Town,' 
and  the  Collectors  of  the  said  Tax  are  hereby  Directed  to 
pay  into  the  Treasury  of  the  said  Town  the  aforesaid  Sum 
of  fifty  jiounds  on  or  before  the  first  Day  of  Sept.  next ; 
provided  however,  the  said  sum  oi  fifty  pounds  shall  be 
applied  to  Finishing  the  New  Bridge  near  the  meeting 
House  &  Repairing  County  Roads  in  the  said  Town  by  the 
first  day  of  Octobr.  next,  and  a  Certificate  Thereof  from  the 
Select  men  of  the  said  Tow^n  Transmitted  to  the  Treasurer 
of  the  Commonwealth,  in  which  Case,  the  Treasurer  is 
Directed  to  Credit  the  said  Town  for  the  said  Sum  of 
fifty  pounds,  and  not  otherwise.  March  2,  1792. 


Chapter  117. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  JOHN  MANNING. 

On  the  Petition  of  John  Manning  praying  for  the  pay- 
ment of  certain  dues  from  this  Commonwealth,  to  enable, 
and  encourage  him,  to  establish  and  carry  on  a  woollen 
Manufactory  in  the  Town  of  Ipsioich. 

Resolved,  That  there  be  paid  out  of  the  Treasurey  of 
this  Commonwealth  to  the  said  John  Manning,  the  interest 
due  to  him  on  the  State  notes  which  he  holds  in  his  own 
name,  and  so  much  of  the  principal,  as  shall  amount,  with 
the  interest,  to  one  thousand  pounds,  he  the  said  John 
first  lodging  in  the  hands  of  the  Treasurer,  .three  hundred 
pounds  in  consolidated  notes  of  this  Commonwealth,  to 
ensure  to  this  Commonwealth,  that  the  said  one  thousand 
pounds  shall  within  one  year  from  the  passing  this  resolve, 
be  employed  in  a  woollen  Manufactory  Avithin  the  Town 
of  fyswich  and  in  case  of  failure,  said  three  hundred 
pounds  to  be  forfeited  to  the  use  of  the  Comon wealth  — 
and  that,  upon  Certificate   being    presented  to  the   said 


500  Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session. 

Treasurer,  at  the  expiration  of  one  year  as  aforesaid, 
signed  liy  the  selectmen  of  the  town  of  Ipswich  for  the 
time  being,  or  the  major  part  of  them,  (who  are  hereby 
authorized  for  that  purpose,)  shewing  that  the  said  one 
thousand  jiounds  has  in  fact  been  employed  to  the  sole 
purpose  of  setting  up  &,  carrying  on  a  woolen  manu- 
factory in  the  town  of  Ipswich  then  the  three  hundred 
pounds  deposited  as  aforesaid  shall  l)y  the  said  Treasurer, 
be  delivered  up  to  the  said  John,  his  heirs,  or  assigns  on 
their  application  for  the  same. 

And  it  is  further  Resolved  that  the  stock,  and  Buildings 
necessary  for,  and  actually  improved  in  carrying  on  the 
said  Woollen  Manufactory  be,  and  hereby  are  exempted 
from  all  taxes,  for  the  term  of  ten  years  from  the  passing 
of  this  resolve,  provided  that  they  are  during  that  time 
employed  for  the  purpose  aforesaid.  March  2,  1792. 


Chapter  118. 

RESOLVE  ESTABLISHING  THE  PAY  OF  MEMBERS  OF  THE 
COUNCIL,  SENATE  AND  HOUSE  OF  REBRESENTATIVES,  AND 
PROVIDING  FOR   THE   PAYMENT   OF   THE   CIVIL  LIST. 

Resolved  That  there  be  allowed  and  paid  out  of  the 
Treasury  of  this  Commonwealth  to  each  of  the  members 
of  the  Hon.  Council,  Seven  shillings  &  six  pence,  to 
each  of  the  members  of  the  Senate,  seven  shillings,  &  to 
each  of  the  members  of  the  House  of  Representatives, 
Six  shillings  &  six  pence  per  day  for  each  day's  attend- 
ance, and  a  like  sum  for  every  ten  miles  Travel. 

And  be  it  further  Resolved  that  there  be  allowed  & 
paid  as  above  to  the  Hon.  Samuel  Rhillip)s  Esq.  Presi- 
dent of  the  Senate,  and  to  the  Hon.  David  Cobb  Si)eaker 
of  the  House  of  Representatives,  Six  shillings  for  every 
day's  attendance  over  &  above  their  pay  as  members  of  the 
Legislature,  as  above  stated ;  And  that  the  Treasurer  of 
the  Commonwealth,  be  &  he  hereby  is  directed  &  ordered 
to  pay  the  respective  members  accordingly  out  of  the 
money  in  the  Treasury  not  already  a}ipropriated.  And 
the  Treasurer  is  hereby  further  directed,  in  like  manner 
to  pay  all  the  Officers  &  Servants  of  Government,  which 
com})Ose  the  Civil  List,  as  well  the  arrears  due  to  them, 
as  for  the  services  that  may  become  due  at  the  end  of  the 
present  Session  of  the  General  Court.      March  2,  1792. 


Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session. 


Chapter  118a.* 

ORDER  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  BEN  NET  WOOD. 

On  the  i)etitioii  of  Bennet  Wood  praying  that  a  tract 
of  land  may  be  set  ofl'  from  the  town  of  Littleton  and 
annexed  to  the  district  of  Boxboromjli. 

Ordered  that  the  })etitioner  notify  the  inhabitants  of 
the  town  of  Littleton  by  serving  the  Cleric  of  said  town 
with  an  attested  copy  of  his  petition  and  this  order 
thereon,  thirty  days  at  least  before  the  second  Wednes- 
day of  the  first  sitting  of  the  next  General  Court  that 
they  may  appear  on  the  said  second  Wednesday  &  shew 
cause,  if  any  they  have,  why  the  prayer  of  the  said  peti- 
tion should  not  be  granted.  March  2,  1792. 


Chapter  119. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  THE  PROPRIETORS  OF  YORK 
RIVER  BRIDGE,  GRANTING  THEM  £.300,  FOR  REBUILDING 
SAID   BRIDGE. 

Whereas  the  Bridge  over  York  River  in  the  first  Parish 
in  York  was  built  at  the  private  Expence  of  a  Number  of 
Gentlemen  in  the  Vicinity  Avho  dedicated  it  to  the  Use 
of  the  Pul)lick,  being  the  first  of  the  construction  ever 
invented  and  as  the  Invention  is  not  only  curious  but 
useful  to  the  Publick  in  a  high  degree  from  which  great 
advantages  have  already  arisen  and  much  greater  may  l)e 
reasonably  expected  and  as  it  appears  from  the  Represen- 
tation of  the  People  upon  that  River,  that  by  uncommon 
losses  they  are  rendred  unable  to  rebuild  said  Bridge 
without  some  Assistance  from  the  Publick  :  Therefore  as 
well  for  the  purpose  of  encouraging  curious  and  useful 
Inventions,  &  those  who  have  been  concerned  in  promot- 
ing the  same,  as  for  furnishing  the  necessary  Assistance 
in  rebuilding  said  Bridge  — 

Resolved  that  there  shall  be  allowed  and  paid  out  of 
the  monies  arising  from  the  Sale  of  the  lands  of  this  Com- 
monwealth which  formerly  belonged  to  Sir  William  Pep- 
perel  the  sum  of  three  hundred  pounds  to  be  employed 
in  rebuilding  said  Bridge,  and  the  Committee  appointed 
to  sell  said  lands  are  directed  to  pay  the  said  sum  unto 
the  Honble.  David  Sewall  Esqr.  Joseph  Bragdon  Esqr. 

*  Not  printed  in  previous  editions.    Taken  from  court  record. 


502  Kesolves,  1791.  —  January  Session. 

and  Capt.  Joseph  Tucker  they  first  giving  Bond  to  the 
Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth  in  the  sum  of  ISix  hun- 
dred pounds  conditioned  that  said  sum  or  such  part 
thereof  as  shall  l)e  received  by  them  pursuant  to  this 
Eesolve  shall  be  faithfully  applied  to  the  purpose  for 
which  the  same  is  granted.  March  3,  1792. 


Chapter  130. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  THE   SELECTMEN  OF  THE  TOWN 
OF  DARTMOUTH,  ABATING  TAXES. 

On  the  petition  of  the  Select  Men  of  the  Town  of  Dart- 
mouth praying  for  the  remission  of  Sundry  Taxes  due  to 
the  Commonwealth  from. said  town. 

Resolved  for  reasons  set  forth  in  said  petition  that  the 
Sum  of  tltree  hundred  and  eight  pounds  eleven  shillings 
&  eight  pence  it  being  the  ballance  due  the  Commonwealth 
on  Taxes  Numlier  one  and  two,  l)e  and  hereby  is  remitted 
to  the  said  town  of  Dartmouth,  and  the  Treasurer  is  hereby 
directed  to  govern  himself  accordingly.     March  2,  1792. 

Chapter  131. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  JOSEPH  HENDERSON. 

On  the  Petition  of  Joseph  Henderson  late  Sheriff  of 
the  County  of  Suffolk,  representing  the  peculiar  incon- 
veniences he  has  experienced,  and  the  losses  he  has  sus- 
tained in  consiquence  of  the  Misconduct  of  one  Samuel 
3fellish  late  one  of  the  said  Henderson's  Deputies  :  and 
praying  releif ;  For  reasons  set  forth  in  said  Petition. 

Resolved,  that  the  prayer  thereof  be  granted  ;  and  that 
the  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth,  be,  and  he  hereby 
is  authorised  and  directed  to  adjust  and  settle  all  accounts 
between  the  Commonwealth  aforesaid  and  the  said  Hender- 
son, so  far  as  it  respects  the  ballances  due  from  him  on  two 
certain  Executions  issued  by  the  said  Treasurer  against 
Amariah  Blake  Collector  of  the  Town  of  Milton  &  Isaac 
Sparhawk  Gardner  Collector  of  the  Town  of  Brookline, 
amounting  in  the  whole  (in  Specie  Orders,  Army  Notes 
and  Indents,)  to  the  sum  of  one  thousand  &  forty  two 
pounds  two  shillings  &  three  pence:  and  to  make  and 
execute,  in  behalf  of  this  Commonwealth,  to  the  said 
Joseph  Henderson  a  discharge  of  the  Executions  afore- 
said. 


Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session.  503 

Provided  however  that  the  said  Joseph  Henderson  shall 
previously  pay  to  the  said  Treasurer  all  Monies,  Orders, 
Due  Bills,  Army  Notes,  Indents  or  private  Obligations 
now  in  his  possession  the  property  of  the  Commonwealth, 
and  shall  make  Oath  that  he  has  bona  fide  delivered  over 
and  paid  in  the  whole  property  of  the  Commonwealth 
which  he  has  received  without  any  reserye  whatever. 

March  5,  1792. 

Chapter  133. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  DUNCAN  INGRAHAM,  GRANTING 
HIM  £.58  13  4. 

On  the  Petition  of  Duncan  In<jraJiam,  from  whom  four 
four-pound  Iron  Cannon  were  taken  by  the  Order  of  the 
Committee  of  Safety  in  the  year  1774,  and  were  retained 
in  the  public  service. 

Resolved  that  the  sum  of  fifty  eight  pounds  thirteen 
shillings  &  four  pence  be  allowed  &  paid  to  the  said 
Duncan  from  the  Treasury  of  this  Commonwealth  in  full 
satisfaction  for  the  said  Cannon  —  And  the  Governor  is 
requested  with  the  advice  of  the  Council  to  grant  a  War- 
rant upon  the  Treasurer  for  payment  of  that  sum  accord- 
ingly. March  3,  1792. 

Chapter  123. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  WILLIAM  JENNINGS,  GRANTING 
HIM  £.60,  AND  A  PENSION  OF  £.15  PER  ANNUM. 

On  the  petition  of  William  Jennings,  a  Serjeant  in  the 
company  of  Artillery,  commanded  by  Captn.  John  John- 
son, in  the  first  divission  of  Militia  of  this  Commonwealth, 
praying  compensation  for  the  loss  of  his  left  arm,  and  for 
being  so  badly  wounded  in  his  right  arm  as  that  it  is 
rendered  useless  to  him,  by  the  explosion  of  a  field  piece 
on  the  10th  Day  of  JVbvember  1790,  when  on  duty  in  con- 
sequence of  orders  from  the  Commander  in  chief. 

Mesolved  that  there  be  allowed  &  paid  from  the  Treasury 
of  this  Commonwealth  to  the  said  William  Jennings  the 
Sum  of  Sixty  pounds  as  a  compensation  for  his  expences 
to  Doctors  Nurses  &c.  during  his  long  confinement  under 
said  wounds. 

And  it  is  further  resolved  that  there  be  allowed  &  paid 
to  the  said  Willia^n  Jennings  the  further  sum  of  Fifteen 
pounds  annually  during  his  life  to  commence  from  &  after 
the  first  day  of  March  171)2.  March  b\  1792. 


504  Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session. 


Chapter  134. 

RESOLVE  GRANTING  £.325  TO  THE   SECRETARY,  FOR    HIS   SER- 
VICES THE  YEAR  PAST. 

On  the  petition  of  John  Avery  Junior  Esq.  Secretary 
of  the  Commonwealth. 

Resolved,  that  there  be  paid  out  of  the  puljlic  Treasury 
of  this  Commonwealth  the  sum  of  three  hundred  &  ticenty 
Jive  pounds  in  full  for  his  services  as  Secretary  of  this 
Commonwealth  for  the  year  past ;  out  of  which  sum  shall 
be  deducted  all  such  sums  of  money  as  he  has  received 
or  shall  recieve  for  fees  in  his  said  office,  within  the  time 
abovementioned ;  And  that  he  shall  annually  account  for 
all  fees  which  in  future  he  may  recieve  in  his  said  office ; 
&  the  same  shall  l)e  deducted  out  of  the  annual  grants  in 
future  to  be  made  to  him  for  his  services. 

March  5,  1792. 

Chapter  125. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  ISAAC   IVEST. 

On  the  Petition  of  Isaac  West,  praying  that  Simon 
Jackso?i  administrator  on  the  Estate  of  Alexander  8hep- 
hard,  may  be  autherised  &  empowered,  to  execute  a  con- 
veyanc[e]  of  two  lotts  of  land,  which  the  said  Shephard  in 
his  life,  time.  Covenanted  to  convey  to  the  petitioner  but 
died  before  the  deed  was  executed. 

Resolved,  that  the  prayer  of  the  petition  be  so  far 
granted,  that  the  said  Simon  Jackson,  be  &  he  is  hereby 
autherised  &  Empow'ed,  to  make  &  execute  to  the  said 
Isaac  West,  deed  or  deeds,  in  law,  agreal)le  to  the  cov- 
enant entered  into  by  the  said  Shephard  in  his  life  time. 
Provided,  said  lotts  of  land  actually  lie,  within  the  bounds 
of  the  land,  Confirmed  unto  the  Q2ad  Alexander  Shephard, 
by  a  Resolve  of  the  General  Court  passed  June  24th  1779 
&  not  otherwise  —  wdiich  deed  shall  have  the  same  valid- 
ity in  law  as  the  same  would  have  had,  if  the  said  deed 
had  been  executed  by  the  said  Sliepard  in  his  life  time. 

March  5,  1702. 

Chapter  126. 

RESOLVE  GRANTING  £.150  TO  WILLIAM  CRANCH,  AS  EXECU- 
TOR TO  THE  LAST  WILL  OF  THE  HON.  NATHANIEL  P.  SAR- 
GENT, ESQ.  DECEASED. 

On  the  petition  of  William  Cranch  sole  Executor  of  the 
last  Will  &  Testament  of  the    late  Honble.   Nathaniel 


Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session.  505 

Peaslee  Sargeant  praying  that  the  sum  of  Fifty  j)ounds 
per  year  for  three  years  may  be  granted  to  him  in  his 
said  Capacity  of  Executor. 

Resolved  for  the  reasons  set  forth  in  said  Petition  that 
the  prayer  thereof  be  granted,  &  that  there  bo  allowed  & 
paid  out  of  the  Treasury  of  this  Connnonwealth  the  sum 
of  One  hundred  &  ffty  pounds  to  the  said  William 
Cranch  Executor  as  aforesaid  in  full  of  all  demands  sub- 
sisting against  the  Commonwealth  from  the  estate  of  the 
said  deceased.  March  5,  1792. 

Chapter  137. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  JOHIV  BRIDGHAM  AND  JOHN 
GLOVER,  CONTAINING  DIRECTIONS  TO  THE  ATTORNEY- 
GENERAL. 

On  the  Petition  of  Jo/m  Bridgham  and  John  Glover, 
setting  forth  That  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand 
seven  hundred  and  sixty  five,  The  then  Province  of  the 
3Iassachusetts  Bay  granted  to  Samuel  Gerrisli  and  others  a 
certain  tract  of  land  to  be  laid  out  in  the  unappropriated 
kinds  within  the  same  Province,  &  to  be  of  the  Contents 
of  Seven  miles  and  a  half  square ;  And  whereas  the  said 
Samuel  Gerrish  and  others  in  pursuance  and  Satisfaction 
of  said  Grant  located  a  certain  tract  of  Land  in  the  County 
of  Cumberland  on  the  West  side  of  Androscoggin  River 
&  adjoining  the  same,  and  returned  a  plan  and  description 
of  the  bounds  thereof  to  the  General  Court  of  sd.  Province 
attested  by  Joseph  JVbyes  Surveyor  ;  and  whereas  the  said 
General  Court  on  the  4th  of  September  ^  Z)  1765,  accepted 
said  })lan  and  confirmed  the  lands,  described  therein,  and 
also  described  in  said  confirmation,  by  the  bounds  therein 
mentioned,  upon  this  condition  among  others  expressed  in 
said  Confirmation,  viz,  ^'■provided  lioivever  the  same  doth 
not  exceed  the  quantity  of  seven  and  a  half  mile  square, 
exclusive  of  eight  thousand  and  six  hundred  Acres  allow- 
ance for  ponds  therein  contained  ;  "  And  whereas,  the  tract 
of  land  confirmed  as  aforesaid  by  the  l)ounds  aforesaid  & 
now  called  Bakers  toum  does  exceed  the  said  Quantity  of 
seven  &  a  half  mile  square  exclusive  of  eight  thousand  six 
hundred  acres  allowance  for  ponds  therein  contained : 

Therefore  Resolved  that  the  Attorney  General  be  and 
he  hereby  is  directed,  at  the  Instance  &  expence  of  said 
John  BridgJiam  John  Glover  &,  their  Associates,  to  file 
and  prosecute  in  the  name  of  the  Comnionwealth,  an  In- 


506  Eesolves,  1791.  —  January  Sessioi^^. 

formation  against  the  Proprietors  of  said  Baiters  toion  or 
against  any  person  or  persons  claiming  under  them  or  any 
of  them  or  under  said  grant  &  confirmation  agreeable  to 
the  directions  of  an  act  entitled,  "an  act  directing  the 
manner  in  which  Inquests  of  office  shall  be  taken  to  re- 
vest real  Estate  in  the  Commonwealth  or  to  entitle  the 
Commonwealth  thereto  "  for  recovery  of  all  the  lands  con- 
tained within  the  bounds  described  in  said  plan  and  con- 
firmation except  so  much  of  said  Lands  as  are  contained 
within  the  following  bounds,  viz  beginning  at  a  large  rock 
near  the  middle  of  Androscoggin  River  upon  the  great  or 
twenty  mile  falls  so  called  in  said  River,  and  from  said 
llock  running  south  forty  five  degrees  west  four  miles, 
thence  south  thirty  three  degrees  east  one  mile.  Thence 
south  forty  five  degrees  west  seven  miles,  from  thence  to 
Androscoggin  River  upon  such  a  Course  as  will  include  a 
tract  of  ye  Contents  of  seven  &  a  half  mile  square  exclu- 
sive of  eight  Thousand  six  hundred  acres  allowance  for 
ponds,  thence  down  said  River  to  the  first  bounds. 

&  further  Resolved,  that  on  every  information  filed  and 
prosecuted  as  aforesaid  at  the  Instance  of  the  said  Bridg- 
ham  and  Glover  &  their  Associates,  the  said  John  Bridg- 
ham  and  John  Glover,  with  such  others  of  their  associates 
as  the  Court  shall  direct  shall  wa-ite  their  names  at  Length 
with  their  additions  &  places  of  abode  on  the  back  of  such 
information,  before  the  Defendant  or  Defendants  shall  be 
held  to  plead  thereto,  and  if  Judgment  shall  thereupon  be 
given  in  favour  of  such  defendant  or  Defendants  he  and 
they  shall  also  have  Judgment  and  Execution  for  their 
Costs  against  the  persons  whose  names  shall  be  written  & 
indorsed  upon  said  Information  as  aforesaid. 

And  further  Resolved  that  said  Bridgham  &  Glover  & 
their  associates  shall  not  be  entitled  to  any  more  or  other 
lands  that  shall  or  may  be  recovered  by  the  Common- 
wealth, upon  such  Information  or  Informations  &  the  pro- 
ceedings thereon  than  such  as  arc  contained  and  described 
in  a  certain  grant  made  to  said  John  Bridgham  and 
others,  by  the  Legislature  on  the  fifteenth  day  of  January 
A  D  1789,  of  all  the  Interest  title  &  claim  of  the  Com- 
monwealth in  and  to  the  lands  described  in  that  grant. 

And  further  resolved  that  the  Attorney  General  be  and 
he  hereby  is  directed  to  assign  the  breach  of  that  Condi- 
tion mentioned  in  said  Confirmation,  contained  in  these 
words  vzs  "provided  that  the  same  does  not  exceed  the 


Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session.  507 

quantity  of  seven  and  a  half  mile  s(|uare  exclusive  of  eight 
thousand  six  hundred  acres  allowance  for  ponds "  and 
none  other  as  a  cause  of  Forfieture  in  every  Information 
to  be  filed  and  prosecuted  by  force  of  this  Resolve. 

March  5,  1792. 


Chapter  138. 

RESOLVE  DIRECTING  JOHN  DEMING  TO  CERTIFY  THE  BAL- 
ANCES DUE  TO  JOHN  CORNIEL,  THOMAS  WHITNEY  AND 
MERRICK  CHAP  IN. 

■Resolved,  that  John  Deming  Iilsq.  Commiltee  for  Meth- 
odizing Public  Account [s],  be  and  he  is  herel)y  Directed 
to  Certify  to  his  Excellency  the  Governor  &  Council,  the 
Ballances  due  to  the  following  Persons  on  the  Books  con- 
taining the  Late  Army  Accounts  ;  Viz,  to  the  Heirs  of 
John  Corniel  late  Sarjeant  in  the  third  Regiment,  Thomas 
Whitney  Private  in  Col.  Spronfs  Regiment,  &  to  the 
Heirs  of  Merrich  Cliapin  Soldier  in  Col.  ShepanVs  Regt. 

March  5,  1792. 


Chapter  139. 

RESOLVE   ON  THE   PETITION    OF  JOHN    WHEELWRIGHT. 

On  the  petition  of  John  Wheehvright,  administrator  on 
the  Estate  of  Nathaniel  Wheelwright,  late  of  Boston, 
merchant  deceased,  stating,  that  Whereas  Charles  Paxton 
on  the  29th  day  of  May  A  D  17 65  levied  his  execution, 
obtained  on  a  judgment  against  Nathaniel  Wheelwright 
late  of  Boston,  on  a  certain  estate  then  belonging  to  sd. 
Nathaniel,  lying  m  Belcherton  in  the  County  oi  Hampshire, 
bounded  as  follows,  viz,  westerly  on  Hadley  line,  south- 
erly on  land  formerly  belonging  to  Walter  Fairfield,  east- 
erly on  land  of  George  Thapin  &  Jonathan  Graves,  & 
northerly  on  land  now,  or  late  of  Lynde  &  Davenport, 
being  one  of  the  lots  called  No.  1  containing  about  three 
hundred  &  fifty  acres,  together  with  a  dwelling  house,  & 
pot  ash  buildings  &  appurtenances,  &  took  possession  of 
the  same  &  enjoyed  the  profits  thereof;  And  whereas  the 
monies  due  on  sd.  judgment,  &  all  other  demands  said 
Paxton  had  against  sd.  Nathaniel  were  afterwards  ])aid  & 
satisfied  to  said  Paxton,  but  no  release  of  said  estate  was 
made,  as  in  justice  there  ought  to  have  been.     And  the 


508  Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session. 

same  estate  is  now  vested  in  this  Commonwealth  by  title 
of  confiscation  as  the  estate  of  said  Paxton,  therefore 

Resolved,  That  all  the  right,  title,  claim  &  estate  which 
is  now  vested  in  the  Commonwealth,  in  &  to  the  afore- 
described  land  buildings  &  appurtenances,  be  &  they 
hereby  are  released  &  given  to  John  Wheehvright  the 
petitioner,  in  his  capacity  of  administrator  to  the  estate 
of  said  Nathaniel  &  his  successors  in  sd.  capacity,  to  have 
&  to  hold  the  same  to  him  the  sd.  John  Wheehvright  in  his 
capacity  aforesaid  &  his  successors.  March  5,  1792. 

Chapter  130. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE   REPRESENTATION   OF  THE   COMMITTEE  FOR 
THE   SALE   OF   EASTERN  LANDS. 

Resolved,  that  the  attention  of  the  Committee  for  the 
Sale  of  Eastern  Lands  to  the  interest  of  this  Common- 
wealth in  the  instances  stated  in  their  representation  to 
the  General  Court  made  the  present  Session  is  hereby 
fully  approved.  And  Whereas  the  selling  the  unappro- 
})riated  Lands  which  belong  to  this  Commonwealth  ;  lying 
West  of  the  River  Penobscot,  in  large  Quantities  is  at 
present  Inexpedient. 

Therefore  Resolved  that  the  Connnittee  for  the  Sale  of 
Eastern  Lands  be  &  hereby  are  directed  in  the  future  sale 
of  the  Lands  aforesd.  not  to  dispose  thereof  in  larger  tracts 
than  Townships  of  the  contents  of  Six  Mile  Square  or  as 
nearly  as  circumstances  will  admit,  having  particular  re- 
gard to  the  Settlement  thereof. 

And  it  is  further  Resolved  that  the  said  Committee  be  & 
they  are  hereby  directed  to  dispose  of  such  unappropri- 
ated lands  the  property  of  this  Commonwealth  lying 
Easterly  of  the  sd.  River  Penobscot  in  any  Quantities  they, 
may  have  opportunity  for ;  said  Committee  stipulating 
that  the  last  described  lands  shall  be  laid  out  in  Town- 
ships of  the  same  dimensions  as  are  prescribed  in  the 
foregoing  Resolve  &  that  forty  Inhabitants  shall  be  set- 
tled on  each  Township  within  a  reasonable  time. 

March  5,  1792. 

Chapter  131. 

RESOLVE  ON  REPORT  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  APPOINTED  TO  EX- 
AMINE INTO  OLD  BALANCES  DUE  ON  TAXES  PRIOR  TO  1780, 
DIRECTING  THE  TREASURER  IN  THIS   CA"feE. 

Resolved,  That  the  several  Taxes  due  from  Towns  and 
Individuals   as  appears  by   Schedule  No.  1,  reported  by 


Eesolves,  1791.  —  January  Session.  509 

the  Committee  appointed  to  examine  into  all  Balances 
due  on  taxes  prior  to  1780  be  and  hereby  are  abated  — 
and  it  is  further  Resolved  That  the  following  Taxes  due 
on  Schedule  No.  2  reported  l)y  the  same  Committee  be  and 
hereby  are  abated,  viz  —  The  Balance  due  from  William 
Price,  Collector  for  1774,  The  Balance  due  from  John 
Weller  Collector  for  the  Town  of  Westjield  in  the  year 
1773 — The  Balance  due  from  the  Town  of  Chester  for 
short  assessments  in  1774  and  1775  —  The  Balance  due 
from  the  Town  of  Gorham  for  taxes  assessed  in  1764  — 
The  Balances  due  from  the  Town  of  Adams  and  plantation 
No.  7,  for  taxes  assessed  in  1772  to  1780  both  inclusive 
—  and  that  there  also  be  and  hereby  is  abated  Seven 
j)ounds  seventeen  shillings  &  ten  pence  to  Moses  Cooper 
being  part  of  the  Balance  due  from  him  as  Collector  for 
1779  —  and  five  pounds  ten  shillings  to  the  Town  of  Wil- 
liamston  being  part  of  the  Balance  due  from  said  Town 
for  taxes  assessed  in  1774  —  and  Thirty  seven  pounds 
three  shillings  &  eight  pejice  is  also  abated  to  Ebenezer 
Buck  being  part  of  the  Balance  due  from  him  as  Collector 
for  the  Town  of  Lanesborough  for  1775. 

And  it  is  further  Resolved  That  the  Treasurer  be  and 
he  hereby  is  directed  to  suspend  Issuing  executions  for 
the  remaining  taxes  w  liich  appear  to  be  due  on  Schedule 
No.  2,  until  the  end  of  the  next  Session  of  the  General 
Court.  March  5,  1792. 

Chapter  133. 

RESOLVE   6n    the  PETITION    OF  CAPT.  JOHN  BAILET,   GRANT- 
ING HIM   £.8  16. 

On  the  Petition  of  Capt.  John  Bailey,  Praying  for 
Compensation  for  Marching  a  Company  of  men  from 
ivoohoich  to  Boston,  in  the  year  1777. 

Resolved  that  there  be  allowed  and  Paid  out  of  the 
Treasurey  of  this  Commonwealth,  to  Capt.  John  Bailey, 
Bight  Bounds  sixteen  shillings,  in  full  for  Marching  a 
Company  of  Sixty  five  men,  from  ivoolwich  to  Boston  in 
the  year  1777.  March  6,  1792. 

Chapter  133. 

RESOLVE   ALLOWING  EXTRA  PAY  TO  THE  COMMITTEE   TO  EX- 
AMINE  AND  PASS  ON  ACCOUNTS. 

Resolved,  that  there  be  allowed  and  paid  out  of  the  Pub- 
lic Treasury  of  this  Commonwealth,  in  the  same  manner 


510  Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session. 

the  members  of  the  General  Court  are  paid  for  their 
Attendance  and  Travel  the  present  session,  to  the  Com- 
mittee appointed  to  examine  &  pass  on  Accounts,  for  their 
extra  services  on  the  said  Committee,  the  following  sums, 
Vizt,  To  the  Honorable  Joseph  Ilosmer  Esqr.  the  sum  of 
Four  jmunds  two  shillings  &  six  pence.  To  the  Honorable 
Stephen  Medcalf  Esqr.  the  sum  of  Three  pounds  fifteen 
shillings.  To  Thomas  Davis  Esqr.  the  sum  of  Four 
pounds  four  shillings.  To  Ephrai7n  Fitch  Esqr.  the  sum 
of  Four  p)0U7ids  four  shillings,  and  to  Benjamin  Read 
Esqr.,  the  sum  of  Three  pouyids  sixteen  shillings  &  six 
pence;  which  sums  shall  l^e  in  full  for  their  services  afore- 
said, amounting  in  the  whole  to  the  sum  of  Tiventy  pounds 
two  shillings.  March  6,  1792. 

Chapter  134. 

RESOLVE  APPOINTING  A   COMMITTEE   TO  HEAR  AND  CONSIDER 
THE   CLAIMS   OF   THE    PEJEPSCUT  PROPRIETORS,  &c. 

Resolved,  That  Abel  Wilder,  8aml.  Lyman,  Israel 
Hutchi7ison,  James  Sprout,  &  William  Wedgery  Esquires 
be  a  Committee,  and  they  are  hereby  fully  authorized  & 
impowered  to  hear  &  consider  the  claims  of  the  proprie- 
tors of  Pejepscut  so  called,  &  they  or  any  Four  of  them 
are  hereby  further  impowered  to  establish  the  boundary 
line  or  lines  between  the  lands  of  the  Proprietors  afore- 
said &  this  Commonwealth  &  they  or  any  four  of  them  are 
further  authorized  &  impowr'd  to  make  &  execute  good  & 
sufficient  deeds  in  Law,  thereby  conveying  all  such  tracts 
&  parcels  of  Land  to  the  said  Proprietors  as  they  or  any 
four  of  said  Committee  may  determine  to  be  just  &  equi- 
table —  like-wise  to  recieve  from  said  Proprietors  for  the 
use  of  this  Commonwealth,  legal  Deeds,  releases  &  con- 
veyances of  all  such  lands,  as  the  said  Proprietors  now 
claim,  l)elonging  to  the  Connnonwealth  aforesaid  &  to 
make  a  final  settlement  with  said  Proprietors,  respecting 
their  claims  to  said  Lands.  March  6,  1792. 

Chapter  135. 

RESOLVE   ON  MEMORIAL  OF  THE  SENATORS  AND  REPRESENT- 
ATIVES OF  THE  DISTRICT  OF   MAINE. 

Whereas  it  has  been  represented  to  the  Legislature  in 
a  Memorial  signed  by  the  Hon:  JSfath:  Wells  Esq.  & 
others    Senators    &   Keprcscntatives    of  the    District    of 


Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session.  511 

Maine,  that  the  inhabitants  of  the  Counties  of  York, 
Cumberland,  Lincoln,  Hancock  &  Washington  contem- 
plate the  formation  of  a  separate  government,  to  consist 
of  the  Counties  aforesaid,  with  the  consent  of  this  Com- 
monwealth.—  In  order  that  the  real  sense  of  said  inhab- 
itants may  be  known  on  this  important  subject. 

Resolved,  that  the  selectmen,  or  any  other  officers,  who 
are  by  law  authorized  to  call  meetings  of  the  inhabitants 
of  any  town,  district,  or  plantation  within  the  Counties 
aforesaid  be,  &  hereliy  are  authorized  &  empowered  to 
issue  a  regular  notification  to  the  inhabitants  of  their  sev- 
eral towns,  districts  &  plantations  to  convene  on  the  first 
monday  of  May  next  for  the  purpose  of  giving  in  their 
votes  in  their  respective  towns,  districts  &  plantations  on 
the  proposed  separation.  And  the  Clerks  of  the  several 
towns,  districts  &  plantations  aforesd.  are  hereby  directed 
to  make  out  a  true  &  accurate  return  of  all  the  votes  for  & 
against  a  separation,  &  to  make,  or  cause  to  l)e  made  a 
return  thereof  into  the  Secretary's  Office  on  or  before  the 
second  Wednesday  in  June  next. 

And  it  is  further  Resolved,  that  the  Secretary  be  &  he 
is  hereby  directed  to  send  as  soon  as  may  be  a  printed 
copy  of  the  foregoing  resolve  to  the  clerk  of  each  town, 
district  &  plantation  in  the  said  Counties. 

March  6,  1792. 

Chapter  136. 

RESOLVE  ON   THE   PETITION  OF  JOHN  PICKET,  IN  BEHALF  OF 
REUBEN  SMITH. 

On  the  petition  of  John  Picket  in  behalf  of  Reuben 
Smith  praying  for  further  allowance  of  Said  Smiths  ac- 
count for  taking  care  of  George  Reed  a  States  pauper. 

Resolved  that  the  petitioner  have  leave  to  lay  Said  Ac- 
count before  the  Committee  on  accounts  for  them  to  make 
such  further  allowance  as  they  shall  think  just  &  equita- 
l)le — any  Law  or  Resolve  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding. 

"  March  6,  1792.^ 

Chapter  137. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF   DANIEL    VOSE. 

On  the  petition  of  Daniel  Vose  praying  for  allowance 
of  his  account,  for  takeing  care  of  John  Wilkins  a  for- 
eigner while  sick. 


512  Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session. 

Bef^olved  that  the  prayer  thereof  be  so  far  granted,  as 
that  it  l)e  committed  to  the  Committee  on  accounts  for 
examination  &  allowance  any  law  to  the  contrary  notwith- 
standing. •  March  7,  1792. 

Chapter  138. 

RESOLVE    ON   THE    TETITION  OF    JOHN  HUBBARD,  IN   BEHALF 
OF  MOUNT   WASHINGTON. 

On  the  Petition  of  John  Hubbard  in  behalf  of  the  Se- 
lectmen and  Town  Clerk  of  Mount  Washington,  setting 
forth  that  the  said  Selectmen  and  Town  Clerk  had  in- 
curred a  penalty  by  failing  to  transmit  to  the  Sheriff  the 
Votes  of  said  Town  for  Governor  &c.  in  the  last  election, 
which  failure  was  the  fault  of  a  Deputy  Sheriff,  and  pray- 
ing relief. 

Resolved,  for  reasons  set  forth  in  the  Petition,  that  the 
said  Selectmen  and  Town  Clerk  be  and  they  are  hereby 
exempted  from  the  penalty  incurred  by  said  failure  and 
the  Attorney  General  is  directed  to  govern  himself  ac- 
cordingly. March  7,  1792. 

Chapter  139. 

RESOLVE   ON   THE  PETITION  OF    THOMAS  M.    WENTWORTH,  m 
BEHALF   OF   LEBANON. 

On  the  Petition  of  Thomas  M.  Wentivorth  Representa- 
tive for  the  town  of  Lebanon  in  the  County  of  York 
praying  for  an  Abatement  of  their  Taxes. 

Resolved  that  the  prayer  thereof  be  so  far  granted  that 
the  said  town  have  liberty  to  discharge  themselves  of  the 
sum  of  one  hundred  &  fourteen  pounds  nine  shillings  & 
seven  pence  being  the  balance  due  on  Tax  No.  6,  also 
Thirty  four  pounds  &  eight  shillings  being  the  balance 
due  on  Tax  No.  8,  amounting  in  the  whole  to  the  sum  of 
one  Jiundred  &  forty  eight  pounds  seventeen  shillings  & 
seven  pence  in  the  following  manner  viz  by  applying  the 
aforesaid  sum  to  repairing  the  County  roads  in  said  town 
under  the  direction  of  the  Select-men,  not  to  allow  more 
than  three  shillings  per  day  for  labour,  provided  the  same 
is  actually  done  &  performed  within  one  year  from  the 
passing  of  this  Resolve  &  the  Selectmen  of  said  town 
certify  under  oath  to  the  Treasurer  of  this  Connnonwealth 
that  said  money  is  actually  laid  out  agreeably  to  the  above 
direction.  And  the  Treasurer  is  hereby  directed  on  reciev- 


Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session.  513 

ing  the  above  certificate  to  discharge  tlie  said  town  from 
said  Taxes  but  on  default  thereof  the  said  town  shall  be 
held  to  pay  the  whole  of  the  aforesaid  sums  into  the 
Treasury,  and  the  Treasurer  is  hereby  directed  to  govern 
himself  accordingly.  March  7,  1792. 

Chapter  140. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION   OF  DOCTOR  AMOS  HOLBROOK. 

On  the  petition  of  Amos  Holhrook  praying  for  allow- 
ance of  his  account  for  Doctoring  John  Wilkiiis  a  foreigner. 

Resolved  that  the  prayer  thereof  be  so  far  granted  as 
that  it  be  committed  to  the  Committee  on  accounts  for 
examination  and  allowance,  any  law  to  the  contrary  not- 
withstanding. March  7,  1792. 

Chapter  140a.* 

ORDER  ON  THE  PETITION  OF    JOSEPH  STORER   AND    OTHERS. 

On  the  petition  of  Joseph  Stover  and  others  praying  to 
be  incorporated  for  the  purpose  of  making  a  new  harbour 
to  lead  into  Mouso7n  river  in  Wells  in  the  County  of  York 
with  certain  privileges. 

Ordered  that  the  said  Joseph  be  and  he  hereby  is  di- 
rected to  publish  an  attested  copy  of  said  petition  with 
this  order  thereon  in  the  Oazette  of  Maine  printed  in 
Poi'tland  thirty  days  at  least  before  the  second  Wednesday 
of  the  next  session  of  the  General  Court  in  order  that  all 
persons  who  may  apprehend  that  they  will  be  injured  by 
making  said  harbour  may  then  appear  if  they  shall  think 
proper  and  shew  cause  if  any  can  be  shewn  why  the  prayer 
of  said  petition  should  not  be  granted.      March  7,  1792. 

Chapter  141. 

RESOLVE    ON    THE    PETITION    OF    SAMUEL    CALEF,    GRANTING 
£.43  4  8i. 

On  the  petition  of  Smnuel  Calef  praying  that  he  may 
be  allowed  a  Debt  due  to  him  out  of  the  estate  of  Richard 
Lechmere  an  Absentee  Executor  to  the  last  will  of  Michael 
Trowleti  Esq.  deceased  that  is  now  in  the  hands  of  the 
Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth. 

*  Not  printed  in  previous  editions.    Talten  from  conrt  record. 


51d  Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session. 


Resolved  that  the  prayer  of  the  Petition  be  so  far 
granted  that  the  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth  be  & 
hereby  is  directed  to  pay  unto  the  said  Samuel  Oalef  the 
principal  sum  oi  Forty  three  jJOuncU,  four  shillings  So  eight 
'pence  half  penny ^  being  the  full  amount  of  his  account 
against  the  estate  of  the  late  Michael  Trowlett  Esqr.  de- 
ceased, exclusive  of  any  interest  thereon  in  full  of  his 
demand,  against  the  estate  of  the  said  Troiolett  out  of  the 
monies  paid  into  the  Treasury  belonging  to  the  estate  of 
the  said  Richard  Lechmere.  March  7,  1792. 


Chapter  143. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  CHARLES  CUSHING,  ESQ,  GRANT- 
ING HIM   £.100  PER  ANNUM,  FOR  TWO  YEARS. 

On  the  Petition  of  Charles  Gushing  Esqr.  Clerk  of  the 
Supreme  Judicial  Court,  praying  for  allowance  for  ser- 
vices performed  in  said  Office. 

Resolved  that  there  be  allow'd  &  paid  out  of  the  Treas- 
ury of  this  Commonwealth,  unto  the  said  Charles  dishing 
over  &  above  his  Official  fees,  the  sum  of  One  hundred 
pounds  per  year  for  the  two  years  last  past,  as  a  full  com- 
pensation for  services  in  said  office.  March  7,  1792. 

Chapter  143. 

RESOLVE   ON  THE  PETITION  OF   SAMUEL    WARD. 

Whereas  the  Attorney  General  of  this  Commonwealth 
has  in  his  hands  an  Execution  against  Samuel  Ward  Esq. 
late  Collector  of  Impost  &  Excise  for  the  County  of  Essex 
for  a  Ballance  found  due  to  this  Commonwealth  on  his 
failure  in  Office  in  the  Year  One  thousand  seven  hundred 
&  Eighty  five  amounting  to  upAvards  of  four  hundred 
pounds.  And  whereas  it  is  represented  that  the  sd.  Sam- 
uel Ward  Esq.  is  under  embarressed  Circumstances,  which 
he  says  renders  him  incapal)le  of  discharging  the  same  or 
any  part  thereof: 

Therefore  Resolved,  that  Joseph  Hosmer  Esq.  the  At- 
torney General  of  this  Commonw^ealth  &  Mr.  Ezra  Collins 
be  a  Committee  with  full  power  &  authority  to  adjust  & 
finally  settle  &  conclude  all  Demands  existing  l)ctween  the 
sd.  Ward  &  this  Commonwealth. 

And  'tis  further  Resolved,  that  the  Attorney  General  be 
hercl)y  directed  to  suspend  his  Execution  against  sd.  Ward 


Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session.  515 

untill  the  further  Order  of  the  General  Court  anything  in 
any  Law  or  Resolve  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding. 

March  7,  1792. 


Chapter  144. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE   PETITION  OF  JOHN  TUCKER,  ESQ.  GRANTING 
£.100  PER  ANNUM,  FOR  TWO  YEARS. 

On  the  petition  of  John  Tucker  Esq.  Clerk  of  the  Su- 
preme Judicial  Court  praying  for  allowance  for  services 
performed  in  said  office. 

Resolved  that  there  he  allowed  &  paid  out  of  the  Treas- 
ury of  this  Commonwealth  unto  the  said  JoJin  Tucker 
over  &  above  his  official  Fees  the  sum  of  One  hundred 
pounds  per  year  for  the  two  years  last  past  as  a  full  com- 
pensation for  services  in  said  Office.  March  7,  1792. 


Chapter  144a.* 

ORDER    ON    THE    PETITION    OF    JAMES    JORDAN   AND    OTHERS. 

On  the  petetion  of  James  Jordan  and  sundry  other  in- 
habitants of  the  Town  of  Deer-Isle,  praying  that  a  certain 
Lot  of  Land  may  be  granted  to  the  Rev'd  Peter  Poiuars. 

Ordered  That  the  petitioners  (or  either  of  them)  notify 
the  Inhabitants  of  Deer  Isle,  by  leaving  with  the  Town 
clerk,  an  attested  copy  of  their  petition  with  this  order 
thereon,  thirty  days  before  the  second  Wednesday  of  the 
first  sitting  of  the  next  General  Court  that  they  may  ap- 
pear on  the  said  second  Wednesday,  &  shew  cause,  if  any 
they  have,  why  the  prayer  thereof  shall  not  be  granted. 

March  7,  1792. 


Chapter  145. 

RESOLVE   MAKING   AN  ESTABLISHMENT  FOR  THE  GARRISON  AT 
CASTLE  ISLAND. 

Whereas-the  Establishment  made  for  Garrisoning  Castle 
Island  in  the  harbour  of  Boston  on  the  sixteenth  day  of 
February  1789  expires  on  the  twenty  first  day  of  March 
next,  and  it  is  necessary  that  the  said  Castle  should  con- 
tinue to  be  Garrisoned  : 

*  Not  printed  in  previous  editions. 


;16  Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session. 

therefore  Resolved  that  there  be  appointed  &  Commis- 
sioned for  the  purpo3e  aforesaid, 

One  Captain  Lieutenant,        Three  Quarter  Gunners, 
One  First  Lieutenant,  Four  Sergeants, 

One  Gunner  to  be  Commis-     Four  Corporals, 
sioned  as   second  Lieu-     One  Drummer, 
tenant.  One  Fifer  & 

One  Chaplain  and  Fifty  Privates, 

One  Overseer  of  the  Convicts, 
To  be  properly  formed  into  one  Company :  the  non- 
commissioned Officers  and  Matrosses,  to  be  enlisted  for 
the  term  of  Three  Years,  unless  sooner  discharged  ;  to  do 
Garrison  &  fatigue  duty  at  said  Fort ;  and  not  to  be  called 
off  for  any  other  purpose. 

And  it  is  further  Resolved  that  the  following  establish- 
ment be  allow'd  to  the  Officers  &  Matrosses  who  shall 
compose  the  said  Company,   Vizt. 

Captain  Lieutenant,  Nine  pounds  pr.  month, 
First  Lieutenant,  Five  pounds  pr.  month, 
Gunner  to  be  Commissioned  as  a  second  Lieutenant, 
Five  poimds  pr.  month, 

Chaplain,  Six  pounds  Jive  shillings  pr.  month. 
Overseer  of  the  Convicts,  Four  pounds  ten  shillings  pr. 
month, 

Each  Gmmer,  Tivo  pounds  )     _    month 

Each  Corporal,  Thirty/  shillings  5  ^    '  "^  ' 

Each  Drummer  &  Fifer,  thirty  shillings  pr.  month. 
Each  Matross,  twenty  six  shillings  pr.  month. 
And  each  non-Commissioned  officer  &  private  in  the 
said  Company  shall  recieve  one  suit  of  Cloaths  a  year  for 
each  &  every  year  they  shall  continue  in  the  said  service ; 
and  the  pay  of  the  said  Officers  &  Matrosses  shall  be  made 
to  them  quarter  yearly  during  the  term  aforesaid  &  the 
said  Officers  &  Soldiers  shall  be  exempted  from  a  })oll  Tax. 
And  it  is  further  Resolved,  that  the  Chaplain  who  is  or 
may  be  appointed  to  officiate  on  said  Island,  shall  con- 
stantly reside  thereon,  &  shall  be  provided  with  such  ac- 
commodations, as  are  suitable  to  his  character  &  station  ; 
and  shall  perform  divine  service  by  preaching  to  &  pray- 
ing Avith  the  said  Garrison,  and  such  others  as  reside  on 
the  said  Island  every  Lord's-day,  and  also  by  praying 
with  them  every  Morning  and  Evening  at  proper  &  stated 
hours,  unless  necessarily  prevented  or  the  Commanding 
Officer  shall  judge  necessary  to  dispense  with  such  attend- 


Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session.  517 

ance  ;  and  to  perform  all  other  duties  of  Religion  &  Piety, 
that  may  best  tend  to  promote  virtue  and  morality  in  the 
said  Garrison.  March  S,  1792. 

Chapter  146. 

RESOLVE   GRANTING  A  TAX  TO  ESSEX  COUNTY. 

Whereas  the  Treasurer  of  the  County  of  Essex,  has  laid 
his  Accounts  l)efore  the  General  Court  in  manner  by  Law 
prescribed,  which  Accounts  are  hereby  Allowed  : 

And  Whereas  the  Clerk  of  the  Court  of  General  Ses- 
sions of  the  peace,  for  Said  County  of  Essex  has  laid  before 
the  General  Court  an  Estimate  made  by  the  Court  of  Gen- 
eral Sessions  of  the  peace,  of  the  Necessary  charges  wdiich 
are  likely  to  arise  in  Said  County  the  Current  Year  — 
Amounting  to  the  Sum  of  Eight  hundred  S^  forty  j)ounds  : 

Resolved  that  the  sum  of  Eight  Hundred  and  forty 
2)OU7ids,  be  and  hereby  is  Granted  as  a  Tax  for  Said  County 
of  Essex,  to  be  Apportioned,  Assessed,  Collected,  and 
applied  in  manner  provided  by  Law.         March  8,  1792. 

Chapter  147. 

RESOLVE  FOR  ALTERING  THE  SITTING  OF  THE  SUPREME  JUDI- 
CIAL COURT,   IN  SEVERAL  COUNTIES. 

Whereas  a  longer  time  is  necessary  for  doing  the  busi- 
ness of  the  Supreme  Judicial  Court,  at  their  next  Sessions 
in  the  Counties  of  Worcester,  York  &  Cumberland  than 
the  present  arrangement  of  said  Courts  will  admit : 

Therefore,  Resolved  that  the  Supreme  Judicial  Court 
Avhich  was  by  law  to  have  been  holden  at  North  Hampton 
within  &  for  the  Cowniy  o^  Hampshire  on  the  fourth  Tues- 
day of  April  next,  be  &,  the  same  hereby  is  adjourned  to 
the  first  Tuesday  in  May  next  then  to  be  holden  at  North 
Hampton  aforesaid ;  That  the  Supreme  Judicial  Court 
which  was  by  law^  to  have  been  holden  at  Barnstable 
within  &  for  the  County  of  Barnstable  on  the  second 
Wednesday  of  May  next  be  &  hereby  is  adjourned  to  the 
third  Wednesday  of  May  next  then  to  be  holden  at  said 
Barnstable ;  That  the  supreme  Judicial  Court  which  was 
by  law  to  have  been  holden  at  Plimoulh  in  &  for  the 
County  of  Plimouth  on  the  third  Tuesday  of  May  next  be 
&  the  same  hereby  is  adjourned  to  the  fourth  Tuesday  of 
May  next  then  to  be  holden  at  said  Plimouth ;  That  the 
Supreme  Judicial  Court  which  was  by  law  to  have  been 


518  Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session. 

m 
holden  at  Portland  Avitliin  &  for  the  County  of  Cumber- 
land on  the  Tuesday  next  following  the  fourth  Tuesday 
of  Jitne  next,  be  &  the  same  hereby  is  adjourned  to  the 
second  Tuesday  of  July  next  then  to  be  holden  at  Port- 
land aforesaid ;  And  that  the  Supreme  Judicial  Court 
which  was  by  law  to  have  been  holden  at  Pownolborough 
within  &  for  the  County  of  imco/n  on  the  second  Tuesday 
next  following  the  fourth  Tuesday  of  June  next  be  &  the 
same  hereby  is  adjourned  to  the  fourth  Tuesday  in  July 
next  then  to  l)e  held  at  PoivnalborougJi  aforesaid. 

And  it  is  further  Resolved,  That  all  inquisitions,  in- 
dictments, recognizances,  warrants,  writs,  executions  & 
all  other  processes,  &  all  matters  &  things,  taken  or  issued 
or  that  may  be  taken  or  issued  which  are  or  may  be  re- 
turnal^le  to,  or  which,  by  law  would  have  had  day  in  & 
might  have  been  proceeded  &  acted  Upon,  at  said  Courts 
respectively  at  said  times  at  which  they  were  by  law  to 
have  been  holden  as  aforesaid  shall  &  may  be  returned 
to  &  have  day  in  and  be  proceeded  &  acted  upon  by  said 
Courts  respectivly  at  the  times  to  which  they  are  ad- 
journed as  aforesaid,  in  the  same  way  and  manner  as  they 
might  &  would  have  had  day  in  &  been  acted  upon  at  the 
times  at  which  said  Courts  w^ere  to  have  been  held  as 
aforesaid — and  all  warrants,  writs,  executions  and  other 
l)rocesses  hereafter  to  be  issued  returnable  to  said  Courts 
may  be  made  returnable  at  the  times  to  which  they 
are  respectively  adjourned  as  aforesaid  —  and  all  persons 
recognized  or  iDOund  or  that  may  be  recognized  or  bound 
for  their  appearance  at  either  of  said  Courts  at  the  times 
at  which  they  were  to  have  been  holden  as  aforesaid,  shall 
be  held  to  appear  at  the  times  aforesaid  respectively  to 
which  said  Courts  are  hereby  adjourned  as  aforesaid. 

And  it  is  further  Resolved  that  the  Secretary  be  directed 
to  cause  this  Kesolve  to  be  published  three  Weeks  succes- 
sively in  the  independent  Chronicle  printed  in  Boston  by 
Thomas  Adams,  in  Weld's  News  Paper  at  Springfield  & 
in  Titcomb's  and  Wait's  News  Papers  at  Portland,  and 
also  that  he  send  printed  copies  thereof  forthwith  to  the 
respective  Sheriffs  of  the  Counties  of  Hampshire,  Barn- 
stable, Plimouth,  Cumberland  &  Lincoln;  &  that  said 
Sheriffs  upon  Receipt  thereof  be  directed  to  cause  the 
same  to  be  ])osted  \x\)  at  the  Court  houses  in  said  North- 
ampton, Barnstable,  Plimouth,  Portland  &  Pownalborough 
respectively,  &  at  such  other  places  as  they  shall  think 
proper.  3larch  8,  1792. 


Eesolves,  1791.  —  January  Session.  519 


Chapter  148. 

ADDRESS   TO   CONGRESS   FOR  ASSUMING  THE  REMAINING   PART 
OF  THE   STATE   DEBT. 

TJie  Committee  appointed  by  the  House  to  consider  tJie 
projwiety  of  Congress  assuming  the  residue  of  the  debt  of 
this  Commonwealth,  beg  leave  to  report  the  following  Ad- 
dress and  Remonstrance  on  that  subject. 

CHARLES  JAEVIS,  per  order. 

To  the  Hon])le.  the  Senate  &  House  of  Jiejjresentatives 
of  the  United  States  in  Congress  assembled. 

The  Legislature  of  the  Commonwealth  of  Massachusetts, 
having  considered  that  part  of  their  debt  incurred  in  the 
late  war,  which  yet  remains  unprovided  for,  take  occasion 
to  solicit  your  attention  to  this  important  8ubj(;ct.  They 
should  be  unwilling  to  revive  a  question,  the  discussion 
of  which,  has  been  attended  with  such  a  diversity  of  senti- 
ment on  a  former  investigation  of  its  merits,  did  they  not 
conceive  that  the  benefits  already  experienced  from  the 
partial  assumption  of  the  debts,  contracted  by  the  States 
in  their  respective  capacities,  had  clearly  evinced  the 
policy,  as  well  as  justice  of  that  expedient.  It  is  not 
surprising  however,  that  such  an  opposition  appeared  at 
first  against  a  measure,  no  less  remarkable  for  the  novelty 
of  the  circumstances  attending  it,  than  the  magnitude  of 
the  object  in  contemplation.  But  it  must  afford  peculiar 
satisfaction  to  reflect,  that  the  difliculties  apprehended 
from  the  operation  of  the  })lan  have  not  been  realized, 
while  the  advantages  derived  from  it  are  tacitly  assented 
to,  or  cheerfully  acknowledged. 

In  urging  the  pretensions  of  this  Commonwealth  to  a 
compleat  assumption  of  its  debt  by  the  Federal  Govern- 
ment, your  attention  is  requested  to  the  circumstances  in 
which  it  originated. 

Other  States  in  a  similar  situation,  with  balances  unas- 
suraed  will  no  doubt  represent  the  validity  of  their  respec- 
tive Claims ;  On  our  part  it  seems  almost  sufficient  to 
establish  the  equity  of  our  demand,  simply,  to  state  the 
principles  on  Avhich  it  depends. 

It  is  universally  agreed,  that  the  war  of  America,  was 
the  cause  of  each,  for  the  benefit  of  all.  The  agitation 
of  a  Avhole  continent  clearly  foretold  the  a})proaching 
calamity  ;  &  the  policy  of  the  enemy,  or  the  mere  casualty 


520  Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session. 

of  a  moment,  might  determine  the  scene  of  the  first  hostile 
aggression. 

But  it  would  l)e  altogether  superfluous  to  attempt  to 
prove  by  a  series  of  facts  &  inductions  that  the  fortunes 
&  prospects  of  every  i)erson  in  the  most  remote  depend- 
encies of  the  Union,  were  as  deeply  pledged  on  the  issue, 
as  those  of  the  citizens  who  resided  within  the  waste  & 
danger  of  the  first  eruption.  It  was  the  fate  of  Massachu- 
setts at  that  period  to  be  the  })ost  of  honour.  It  was  the 
inclination,  as  well  as  duty  of  her  citizens,  to  discharge 
with  fidelity  the  obligations,  which  their  situation  imposed 
upon  them ;  their  conduct  might  decide  the  event  of  the 
controversy  ;  they,  were  called  on,  not  to  deliberate,  but 
to  act;  —  And  America,  &  the  world  must  determine,  how 
far  they  have  contri])uted  to  fulfill  the  predictions  of  the 
friends  of  humanity  &  freedom  abroad,  &  the  just  expec- 
tations of  their  fellow  citizens  at  home. 

May  it  not  be  asserted  Avithout  vanity,  that  their  op- 
position as  a  State  was  directed  under  the  impressive 
sense  of  the  combined  motives  of  honour,  justice,  & 
patriotism ;  the  recollection  of  the  past,  &  the  hope  of 
the  future ;  For  if  their  own  rights,  &  those,  perhaps,  of 
a  whole  Continent,  were  at  hazard,  their  eflTorts  surely 
were  to  be  apportioned  to  the  importance  of  the  object 
in  view  as  well  as  to  the  diflSculties  inevitably  annexed  to 
their  }>eculiar  situation ;  It  would  have  been  considered 
as  an  infamous  desertion  of  principle  &  profession  in  them, 
even  to  have  hesitated  for  a  moment  between  the  cost  of 
the  enterprize,  &  the  end  to  be  attained.  Parsimony 
would  then  have  been  a  crime,  &  the  first  doubt  which 
avarice,  or  timidity  had  formed  as  the  ground  of  delay 
or  acquiescence  on  their  part  might  have  been  soon 
succeeded  by  the  ruin  of  the  noblest  cause  which,  per- 
haps, had  ever  been  exhil)ited  on  the  theatre  of  human 
ailairs. 

The  blood  &  treasure  of  the  State  were  considered  as 
the  property  of  the  Continent :  for  they  well  knew  the 
alternative  depending  ;  —  Subjugation  or  Liberty.  —  From 
the  first  nothing  could  be  saved ;  from  the  last,  they  had 
everything  to  hope  ;  for  they  believed  it  to  be  impossible, 
that  the  same  people  could  be  free  &  unjust ;  &  thc}^  con- 
sidered that  they  had  not  only  a  sure  resource  in  the  truth 
of  this  principle,  but,  in  the  generosity,  honour,  &  afi'ec- 
tion  of  the  sister  States, 


Resolves,  1791.  —  Januaky  Session.  521 

It  cannot  be  inferred  from  the  preceeding  retrospect  of 
the  feelings  &  principles  which  eminently  distinguished 
the  period  referred  to,  that  every  other  State  in  the  Union 
wou'd  not  have  made  the  same  or  even  greater  exertions 
in  a  similar  situation.  But  it  is  very  certain  that  these 
circumstances  have  had  a  uniform,  steady  &  unceasing 
operation  in  producing  the  eifects  we  have  stated.  Nor 
can  it  be  concluded  that  there  was  any  want  of  frugality 
in  the  expenditures  of  the  State  at  this  period  ;  on  the 
other  hand  it  may  be  asserted,  that  the  oeconomy  which 
has  characteriz'd  this  Government  through  the  various 
stages  of  the  War,  can  only  be  exceeded  by  the  prompti- 
tude &  alacrity  of  their  efforts  in  the  common  cause  of 
the  Country  —  The  truth  of  this  position  is  of  such  noto- 
riety that  it  will  not  be  necessary  to  engage  in  a  detail  of 
particulars  to  prove  it  —  But  if  a  doubt  remains,  Congress 
need  but  be  referred  to  the  requisitions  on  their  own 
journals  &  to  the  official  dispatches  of  the  Commander  in 
Chief,  for  the  genuine  &  honorable  testimonials  of  the 
services  &  exertions  of  the  State  whenever  they  were 
required. 

As  to  the  Taxes  of  the  various  species  &  denominations 
which  have  been  imposed  on  the  people  of  this  Common- 
wealth in  the  course  of  the  Revolution,  it  may  truly  be 
observed,  that  we  are  in  the  situation  of  a  person  who 
has  passed  a  precipice  &  views  with  surprize  &  terror  the 
dangers  he  has  escaped. 

Under  these  circumstances  &  upon  these  principles, 
notwithstandg.  every  method  to  prevent  it,  the  Debt  of 
the  Commonwealth  originated  and  increased  —  It  accu- 
mulated, till  it  became  too  great  for  the  seperate  exertion 
of  the  State  even  with  the  auxiliary  influence  of  the 
Impost  &  Excise  to  support.  For  these  very  productive 
sources  of  Revenvie ;  from  the  rivalship  &  competition  of 
the  contiguous  Governments  were  render'd  inadequate  to 
their  objects ;  and  the  late  unhappy  Commotions  in  this 
Commonwealth  are  plenary  evidence  of  the  extreme  in- 
convenience of  relying  too  far  on  direct  taxation. 

The  adoption  of  a  General  Government  which  secured 
an  exclusive  right  to  the  impost  c^  an  incontestible  claim 
to  every  other  branch  of  taxation,  presented  to  view  the 
very  disagreeable  alternative  cither  of  a  failure  of  our 
resources,  or  an  open  opposition  to  those  measures  which 
Government  might  adopt  in  support  of  its  credit,  from 


522  Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session. 

the  discordant  sentiments  of  the  various  parties  in  the 
State,  which  our  peculiar  embarrassments  had  produced. 

The  partial  assumption  of  our  Debts  by  the  Federal 
Government  has  fortunately  interposed  to  prevent  the 
existence  of  those  evils  which  there  was  such  reason  to 
apprehend.  But  unhappily  the  relief  is  not  perfect,  & 
there  is  still  the  utmost  reason  to  urge  upon  the  Councils 
of  the  Union  the  necessity  of  some  further  provision  for 
the  residue  of  our  Debt. 

But  there  are  other  arguments  which  the  Legislature  beg 
leave  to  submit  in  aid  of  the  measure  they  so  earnestly 
recommend.  It  is  supposed  with  the  utmost  reason  that 
this  State  is  among  the  few  in  advance  upon  the  general 
account,  &  that  to  no  inconsiderable  amount.  The  delay 
(perhaps  necessarily)  attach'd  to  a  final  adjustment  of 
the  various  claims  against  the  Union  operates  therefore 
in  this  view  as  an  inconceivable  injury ;  For  it  deprives 
this  State  of  the  means  of  doing  justice,  in  the  last  resort, 
to  those  individuals  who  have  demands  against  the  Gov- 
ernment and  who  would  have  the  colour  of  importunity 
deepned  were  we  not  oblig'd  to  suffer  what  we  in  some 
measure  are  necessitated  to  impose  upon  them. 

What  the  precise  sum  is  that  is  due  to  the  Common- 
wealth from  the  United  States  the  Legislature  })retend 
not  to  ascertain ;  but  it  may  be  fairly  conchided  that  it  is 
far  beyond  any  demands  which  exist  against  this  Gov- 
ernment. The  resources  of  the  Government  being  thus 
either  alienated,  or  uncertain ;  their  pretensions  on  the 
other  hand  unequivocal,  solid,  &  explicit ;  the  most  pro- 
ductive sources  of  income  within  the  controul  of  tlie 
United  States ;  the  Revenue  of  the  Federal  Government, 
confessedly  competent  to  all  its  necessary  objects  ;  the 
Legislature  can  concieve  of  no  inconvenience  from  the 
prayer  of  their  memorial  being  granted  —  But  apprehend 
many  &  almost  every  evil  from  disappointment.  If  the 
remaining  part  of  the  Debt  is  not  assumed,  the  Legis- 
lature percieve  nothing  but  difficulties  and  embarrass- 
ments in  their  future  proceedings.  If  the  Commonwealth 
is  exonerated  from  its  pressure  they  can  look  forward 
with  pleasure  to  the  fruition  of  those  blessings  which 
they  have  so  often  fondly  anticipated  from  the  success 
of  the  llevolution. 

It  is  scarcely  necessary  to  remind  you  that  the  Scheme 
upon  which  the  Assumption  alluded  to,  was  made,  being 


Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session.  523 

merely  conjectural  as  to  the  amount  of  the  Debts  from 
the  several  States,  has  left  them  in  a  situation  extremely 
dissimilar  &  unequal  in  this  respect. 

But  the  Federal  Constitution  having  established  a  per- 
fect uniformity  on  the  point  of  Taxation  throughout  the 
Union,  the  wisdom  of  that  excellent  provision  is  con- 
travened at  least  as  to  the  Spirit  of  it,  provided  the  War 
expences  are  to  be  left  unsettled,  or  unequal.  And  this 
inequality  in  the  distribution  of  Debts  &  the  consequent 
obligations  which  will  lie  upon  particular  Governments 
must  operate  as  a  fertile  source  of  jealousy  &  discontent. 
For  it  will  be  difficult  to  prove  that  any  Debt  incurred  for 
the  good  of  all,  shou[?jd  not  be  made  as  equal,  as  to  the 
means  of  discharging  it  as  the  nature  of  things  will  admit. 

Having  thus  stated  the  grounds  of  their  pretensions, 
the  Legislature  must  await  your  decision.  But  they  have 
scarcely  a  doubt  of  their  success,  for  it  seems  almost  im- 
possible that  any  event  shou'd  intervene,  which  can  in 
any  degree,  shake  their  confidence  in  the  honor  &  justice 
of  the  Federal  Government.  March  8,  1792. 


Chapter  149. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  SEVERAL  TOWNS  AND  PLANTA- 
TIONS, IN  THE  COUNTIES  OF  WASHINGTON  AND  HANCOCK, 
DIRECTING  THE  TREASURER  NOT  TO  ISSUE  EXECUTIONS 
AGAINST  THEM. 

On  the  Petitions  of  the  several  towns  &  plantations  in 
the  Counties  of  Hancoch  &  Washington  representing  that 
there  are  several  back  taxes  due  from  them  which  from 
the  great  difficulties  they  labour  under  they  are  unable  to 
pay  into  the  Treasury. 

Resolved  that  the  Prayer  thereof  ])e  so  far  granted  that 
the  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth  be  &  he  hereby  is 
directed  not  to  issue  his  Executions  for  the  collection  of 
Taxes  No.  5,  6,  7,  8  &  9  set  on  said  towns  &  plantations 
untill  the  further  order  of  the  Legislature. 

March  S,  1792. 

Chapter  150. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  AMOS  BUTTRICK. 

On  the  representation  of  Amos  Buttrich,  shewing  that 
he  is  conscientiously  sc[r]upulous  of  receiving  a  pension  in 


524  Kesolves,  1791.  —  January  Session. 

consequence  of  a  wound  received  in  the  service  of  the 
United  States. 

Resolved  that  Amos  Buttrick  be  &  he  hereby  is  per- 
mitted to  deposit  in  the  Treasury  of  this  Commonwealth 
any  sum  of  money  he  may  have  repeived  from  this  Gov- 
ernment, as  a  pension,  there  to  remain  till  the  further 
order  of  Government  taking  du[)licate  receipts  for  the 
same,  one  of  which  together  with  his  certificate  for  a 
pension  shall  l)e  deposited  in  the  Secretary's  office. 

March  S,  1792. 

Chapter  151. 

RESOLVE  FOR  CONTRACTORS  FOR  SUPPLYING  GARRISON  AND 
CONVICTS  AT  CASTLE  ISLAND,  TO  SUPPLY  OFFICERS  AND 
SOLDIERS  OF  SAID  GARRISON  WITH  BUTTER  FOR  ONE  YEAR. 

On  the  Petition  of  the  Non-commissioned  Officers  and 
j)rivate  Matrosses,  belonging  to  the  Garison  on  Castle 
Island,  representing,  that  in  the  contract  made  with 
Joseph  Ruggles  &  Ralj^Jt  Smith  for  the  supplying  the 
said  Garison  with  Eations  of  Provision,  commencing  the 
first  Day  of  April  1791,  the  article  of  Butter  was  omited  ; 
and  that  they  before  that  time,  had  been  allowed  six 
Ounces  per  man  per  week,  for  reasons  set  forth  in  the 
said  petition. 

Resolved,  that  the  prayer  of  said  Petition  be  granted, 
and  that  the  Contractors  who  may  agree  to  contract  for 
the  Year  current  be,  and  hereby  are  directed  to  supply  the 
officers  Non-commissioned  Officers  and  private  Matrosses 
of  sd.  Garrisson  with  a  quantity  of  Butter  not  exceeding 
six  ounces  per  ration  per  week,  for  one  Year  ending  the 
first  Day  of  April  next,  and  lay  their  Account  for  the 
same  before  the  Governour  &  Council  for  allowance  and 
payment.  March  8,  1792. 

Chapter  151a.* 

ORDER  ON  THE  PETITION  OF   ELIZABETH   SMITH. 

On  the  petition  of  Elizabeth  Smith  Executrix  of  the  last 
will  &  testament  of  Thomas  Smith  praying  for  a  new  trial 
in  a  cause  Avherein  judgment  was  recover'd  against  her 
late  husband  &  one  Isaiah  Parker  at  the  suit  of  Jonathan 
Reals  of  Quincey  in  ye  County  of  Suffolk  yeoman. 

*  Not  printed  in  previous  editions. 


Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session.  525 

Ordered  that  the  Petitioner  notify  the  said  BeaU,  by 
serving  him  with  an  attested  copy  of  the  Petition  with 
this  order  thereon  at  least  fourteen  days  before  the  second 
Wednesday  of  the  first  Session  of  the  next  General  Court, 
then  to  appear  &  shew  cause  if  any  he  has,  why  the  Prayer 
of  said  Petition  shou'd  not  be  ojranted.     March  8,  1792. 


Chapter  153. 

ROLL,  No.  22. 

The  Committee  on  Accounts  having  examined  the  ac- 
counts they  now  present  —  Report  That  there  is  due  to 
the  Towns  and  persons  hereafter  mentioned,  the  sums  set 
against  their  names  respectively ;  which  if  allowed  will 
1)6  in  full  discharge  of  said  accounts,  to  the  date  therein 
mentioned. 

JOSEPH  HOSMER  pr.  Order. 

To  William  Donnison  in  full  for  his  services  as  Adjutant 

General   including  his   expences   &  office  rent"  from     £.     s.    d. 
January  1,  1791  to  January  1,  1792,       .         .         .         .     125     0     0 

To  Simon  Lamed,  deputy  adjutant  General  of  the  9th 
division  of  militia  for  his  services  from  March  18  to 
Decemr.  31,  1791, 19     1     0 

To  James  Scammon,  Dei^uty  adjutant  General  of  the 
Gth  division  of  militia  for  his  services  fi'om  May  1,  to 
Novemr.  10,  1791, 12    0    0 

To  Joseph  Williams,  Dejiuty  adjutant  General  of  the  4th 
division  of  militia  for  his  services  from  Jamiary  1791, 
to  January  20,  1792, lo     0    0 

To  Seth  Bannister,  Deputy  adjutant  General  of  the  7tli 
division  of  militia  for  his  services  from  Januy.  1,  1791 
to  Januy.  1  1792,      .        . 13    8    0 

To  Henry  Sewall  Deputy  adjutant  General  of  8th  divi- 
sion of  militia  for  his  services  from  April  10,  1790  to 
January  13,  1792, 8  19     4 

To  John  8.  Tyler,  Deputy  adjutant  General  of  the  first 
division  of  militia  for  his  services  from  Jzme  9,  1791 
to  February  7 ,  1792, 11     8     0 

To  John  Tracey,  Deputy  adjutant  General  of  the  Second 
division  of  militia  for  his  services  from  June  1788  to 
January  21,  1792,  taken  \\\i  i)ursuant  to  a  resolve  of 
the  General  Court, 74  17     0 

To  8elh  Vatlin,  Brigade  Major  for  his  services  fi-om  No- 
vember 1,  1788  to  January  20,  1792,      .         .         .         .       36  12     0 

To  Josiah  Dicight,  Brigade  Major  for  his  sei-vices  from 

March  \^,  17 'Mio  January  \',\7  92,         .         .         .         .         G     4     0 

To  William  Sever  for  his  services  as  Brigade  Major  from 

January  9i\7i)\  to  November  22,  \792,    .         .'      .         .       12     0     0 

To  Nathaniel  Freeman  for  his  services  as  Brigade  Major 

from  August  1791  to  January  13,  1792, .         .        .        .        5    3    0 


526  Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session. 

To  Timothxi  Jackson  for  his  services  as  Bx-igade  Major      £.  s.    d. 
ivom  Feby.  2^,1791  to  January  \\,ri9'2,       .         .         .         8     8     0 

To  Samuel  Miller   Thayer,  for  his  services  as  Brigade 

Major  from  March  1,  1791  to  January  21,  1792,     .         .       15  10     0 

To  Lazerus  Ooodivin  for  his  services  as  Brigade  Major 

from  Api'il  1791  to  January  1792, IS     4  10 

To  Jacob  Mann,  for  his  services  as  Brigade  Major  from 
Feb^J.  \,  \1  {)l  to  Febrj.\,n ^2 IG  16     0 

To  William  Jefferds  for  his  services  as  Brigade  Major 
from  Ajoril  1,  to  Se2Jlember  24,  1791,      .        .        .        .        8     4    0 

To  Ezra  Smith  in  full  for  his  services  as  Brigade  Major 
to  Ja?mor?/20  1792, '     .        8     2    0 

To  Abraham  Williams  in  full  for  his  services  as  Brigade 

Major  to  3farc/i  19,  1791, 6  14    0 

To  James  Avery,  in  full  for  his  services  as  Brigade  Major 
to  Ja7iuary  1,1792, IG     0    0 

To  Samson  Woods,  in  full  for  his  services  as  Brigade 

Major  from  il/arcA  1790  To  Feftmar?/ 14, 1792,      .        .       12     3     0 

To  Fitch  Hall  in  full  for  his  services,  as  Dei^uty  Adjutant 
General  of  the  3d  division  from  April  1,  1791  to  Feby. 
22,  1792, 11  18     6 

To  the  Town  of  Medfield  for  supj^orting  Oeorge  Turner 

&  family  to  February  22,  1792, 14     0 

To  Joh7i  Heard,  in  full  for  his  account  for  taking  an  in- 
quisition on  the  Body  of  a  stranger,        .         .         .         .         4     8     6 

To  David  Morey  for  writing  several  Copies  of  the  Ai'ti- 
cles  of  agreement,  between  the  Commonwealth  & 
Messrs.  Jacksofi  &  Flint, 14     0 

To  Tompso7i  Joseph  Skinner,  in  full  for  his  account  for 
the  service  of  a  Writ,  Commonwealth,  Vs.  Caleb  Hyde 
&c, 2  18    0 

To  the  Town  of  Williamslown  for  supporting  Rachel  Ga- 

lusha  56  Weeks  to  Feby.  2,  1792, 20  IG     0 

To  the  Town  of  Scituate  for  supporting  sundry  persons 

poor  of  the  Commonwealth  to  February  1, 1792  in  full,       25     8     5 

To  the  Town  of  Uxbridge   for  supporting  Betty  Tryjfe 

from  Ju7ie  G,  1791  To  February  20,  1792,       .         .     '    .       18  10     0 

To  Walter  Spoo7ier  Esqr.  for  his  time  and  expences  at- 
tending as  a  Commissioner  to  run  the  line  between  this 
Commonwealth  &  the  State  of  B.  Island,       .         .         .       18     0     0 

To  David  Cobb  Esqr.,  for  his  time  &  exj)ences,on  the  same 
business  and  for  Cash  advanced  Ja7nes  Winthrop  Esqr. 
on  account  of  his  expences 23     2    0 

To  Elisha  May  Esqr.  for  his  services  &  expences  on  the 

same  business, 14     6     9 

To  Ja7)ies  Wi7ithro2y  Esq.  for  his  time  &  expences  at- 
tending on  the  same  business  (after  deducting  Cash  ad- 
vanced him  by  Damrf  Co56  Esqr.),  .         .        .        .        G  11     5 

To  Samuel  Smith  for  his  time  &  expences  on  the  same 

business  as  a  Surveyor, 9     1     G 

To  Joel  Reed  for  his  time  &  expences  on  the  same  ser- 
vice,   G  11     1 

To  Lemuel  Kollock  for  his  time  &  expences  on  the  same 

service, 0  18     0 

To  the   Town   of    Framingham    for   supporting    Polly 

Saunders  from  Feby.  1,  1791  to  Feby.  1792,  .         .         .         1  19     4 

To  Edivard  E.  Powars  for  printing  <^  account,        .        .        0  14    0 


Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session.  527 

To  RicJiard  Eunnewell  sheriff  of  the  County  of  Hajicock 

in  full  for  his  account  for  distributing  pi-ecepts  and  re-      £.    s.    d. 
tui-ning  Votes  for  a  Federal  Representative, .         .         .       20  16     0 

To  Edmund  Bridge  Sheriff  of  the  County  of  Lincoln  in 

full  for  his  account  for  the  same  service,       .         .         .       14     7     0 

To  Justin  Ely  in  full  for  his  account  for  his  time  &  ex- 
pences  attending  to  the  Settlement  of  the  demand  of 
the  Commonwealth  against  Caleb  Hyde,         .         .         .        3  12     0 

To  Samuel  Lyman  Esq.  for  the  same  service,  .         .         .         3  12     0 

To  Sami/el  Henshaw  for  the  same  service,         .         .         .         3  12     0 

To  the  Town  of  Plymouth  for  supporting  sundry  persons 

poor  of  the  Commonwealth  to  Feby.  2, 1792, .         .         .       13  15     3 

To  Thomas  B.  Wait  in  full  for  his  account,  for  publish- 
ing several  Laws  of  the  Commonwealth  &c.  from 
March  1791  to  Feby.  3,  1792, 10  10    G  - 

To  Ezra  W.  Weld  in  full  for  his  account  for  similar  sei-- 

vices  from  J7/?ze  8,  1791  to  Jffl?jt<ar?/1,  1792,  .         .        .        6     4  10 

To  Isaiah  Thomas  in  full  for  his  account  for  similar  ser- 
vice from  Aiiril  1,  1790  to  January  1,  1792,  .         .         .       37  10     4 

To  Joseph  B.  Varnum  in  full  for  his  account  for  his  time 
&  expences,  in  examining  the  accounts  of  the  Commis- 
sary of  Pensioners  &  for  the  expence  of  an  assistant  on 
the  same  business,  . 13     2    4 

To  Justus  Divight  for  money  he  paid  Doctr.  Estis  Eawcs 

for  Visits  and  medicine  for  Agnis  Thompson,        ..300 

To  the  Town  of  i?oc/«es/er  for  supporting  Mary  Sassaman 

from  January  11,  1790  to  January  11,  1792,  .         .         .       10     8     0 

To  the  Town  of  Williamsburgh  in  full  for  supporting  one 

of  the  poor  of  the  Commonwealth  &  for  funeral  Charges,         2  11     4 

To  the  Town  of  Marshfield  for  supporting  Urania  Peck 

&  her  two  Children  from  May  5,  1790  to  May  5,  1791,  .       12  17     5 

To  Martha,  &  Rebecca  Wyer  in  full  for  their  account  for 
supporting  John  Wyer,  &  for  Doctrs.  bill  and  funeral 
Charges, 14    7     3 

To  the  Town  of  Greetifield  for  boarding  John  Heard  ten 

Weeksto  J/arc/i  1,  1791, 2  10     0 

To  the  Town  of  Middleborough  in  full  for  supporting 

Oeorge  Wilks,  and  Catherine^ More Xa  January  3,  1792,  .       13  17     8 

To  Abijah  Richardson  for  medicine  &  attendance  for 
Elizabeth  Taylor  &  Daughter, 14    8 

To  Burrill  Devereux  for  his  time  &  expences  attending^ 
on  a  Committee  of  the  General  Court  at  the  request  of 
said  Committe  relative  to  a  settlement  of  the  accounts 
of  the  late  Mr.  Harris,  excise  officer  for  the  County  of 
Essex, 1  16    0 

To  the  Town   of   Cape  Elizabeth  for  supporting  Betty 

Caret  from  May  27,  1790  to  May  27,  1791,      .         .         .       15     1     0 

To  the  Town  of  Amherst  for  supporting  James  Johnston 

13  Weeks  and  for  Doctors  bill, 6     9     0 

To  the  Town  of  Acton  for  supporting  the  family  of  Robert 

Barber  from  May  1,  1791  to  January  30  1792,       .        .       18  10    0 

To  the  Town  of  JAncoln  for  supporting  Thomas  Pocock 

from  February  8,  1790  to  E'ebruary  in,  U92,        .        .      13     6    7 

To  the  same  Town  for  supporting  William   Oar  from 

Octor.  7  1790  to  May  9,  1791, 6     6     2 

To  the  Town  of  Westfield  for  supporting  William  Davis 
from  January  1,  1791  to  January  1,  1792,      .        .        .        9  16    0 


528  Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session. 

To  the  Town  of  Cambridge,  in  full  for  suj^porting  several      £.   s.    d. 
persons  poor  of  tlie  Commonwealth  to  January  2, 1792,       13  12     8 

To  Robert  Little  for  boarding  Archibald  McMullen  &  wife 
from  October  1,  1790  to  Ap[r']il2%,  1791,  Certified  by  the 
Selectmen  of  Northampton, 9     0    0 

To  Zephaniah  Leonard  shei'iff  of  the  County  of  Bristol  in 
full  for  his  account  for  dispersing  precepts  and  return- 
ing Votes  for  a  Representative  in  Congress,  and  for 
other  services, 47  10    7 

To  the  Town  of  Abington  for  Supporting  Thomas  Wallis 

from  Ap)ril  1,  1791  to  January  1,  1792,  .        .         .         .        5     G     8 

To  the  Town  of  Williamstown  for  Supporting  Isaac  Hu- 
tanak  and  for  Doctr.  Toumers  bill  for  medicine  &  attend- 
ance for  said  Hutanak, llllG 

To  the  Town  of  Topsfield  for  supporting  Joshua  Patrick 
Oohegan  from  Feby.  15  1791  to  Feby.  15,  1792,  &  Doc- 
tors bill, 14     0     0 

To  Mary  Gutter  for  boarding  a  Child  one  of  the  Poor  of 
the  Commonwealth  from  Decemr.  1,  1791  to  March  1. 
1792, :         1  19     0 

To  the  Town  of  Hanover  for  supporting  Oeorge  Sterling 
from  Januy.  24,  1791  to  December  24  1791  &  funeral 
Charges, 18  18     6 

To  the  Town  of  Medfield  for  sundrys  supplied  Warrick 
Oreen  and  family  from  January  28,  1792  to  February 
20,1792,  &  tor  Doctevs  Shep2mrds  hill,.        .        .         .        3  11     6 

To   the   Town   of  Neivbury  in  full  for  supporting  Mr. 

Howell  &  family  to  January,  1792  and  for  Doctr.  Bill,       26     5  11 

To  the  Town  of  Norton  for  sundrys  supplied  for  Joseph 

Pratt  &  family  from  Feby.  4,  1791  to  February  4,  1792,       24  12     2 

To  the  same  Town  for  supporting  James  Coleman  from 

February  4,  1791  to  February  4,  1792,   .         .         .         .       11  17   10 

To  Docti'.  Thomas  Welsh  in  full  for  his  account  for  medi- 
cine and  attendance  for  several  persons  sick  with  the 
Small  Pox  in  the  Hospital  at  West  Boston  to  Feby  25, 
1792, 13    7     4 

To  the  Town  of  Needham  for  supporting  Marshal  Timson 

from  Ajjril  8,  1791  to  Feby.  16,  1792,      .         .         .         .         G  15     0 

To  tlie  Town  of  Groton  for  short  allowance  to  that  Town 
on  Roll  No.  21,  for  sujj porting  several  persons  poor  of 
the  Commonwealth,         .         .         .         .         .  .       13  19     9 

To  the  Town  of  Boston  for  supporting  several  persons 
poor  of  the  Commonwealth  fi-om  June  1,  to  Sept.  1, 
1791,         .         .         . 395     3     3 

To  the  same  Town  for  su^jporting  several  jjersons  poor 

of  the  Commonwealth  from  Septr.  l,to  Decemr.  1  1791,     424  13     0 

To  Samuel  Whitwell,  ovei'seer  of  the  Alms  House  in  the 
Town  of  Bosto7i,iovih.e  customary  allowance  made  him 
for  superintending  the  poor  of  the  Commonwealth 
from  Ju7ie  1,  to  September  1,  1791,         .         .        .        .      33     2     6 

To  the  Same  person  for  the  same  service  from  Septr.  1  to 

December  1,  1791, 35  19     4 

To  Benjamin  Warren  for  his  services  as  Brigade  Major 

from  January  28,  1791  To  February  28,  1792,       .    '    .         8  10     0 

To  Cotto7i  Tufts  Esqr.  for  his  time  and  expences,  examin- 
ing into  the  balances  of  taxes  jjriorto  1780  pursuant  to 
a  resolve  of  the  General  Court  passed  Jtcne  11,  1791,    .        2  14    0 


Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session.  529 

To  Jonathan  Mason  Esqi\  foi*  his  time  on  the  same  busi-       £.   s.  d. 
ness, 220 

To  Thomas  Clark  Esqr.  another  of  the  Committee  on  the 

same  business, 1  15     0 

To  the  Town  of  Charlemont  for  Supporting  of  Samuel 

Hill  13  AVeeks  To  February  20,  1792,     .        .        .        .        5    0    0 

To  James  White  for  Stationary  supplied  the  Senate  and 
the  Secretary  from  March  15,  1791  to  March  6,  1792,    .       23  10     6 

To  John  Cockran  for  boarding  Johii  Allen  a  foreigner 
from  January  3  1791  to  Octor.  3,  1791  &  for  other 
charges, 21     9     0 

To   David  Miller  in  full  for  his  Account  for  boarding 

Timothy  Roiley  fi-om  January  3  to  Feby.  18,  1791,         .         4  12     0 

To  Doct.  William  Crooks  in  full  for  his  account  for  mQ(\.- 

icine  a.nd  attendance  for  John  Allen  &  2'imothy  Roiley,       11     7     0 

To  Jonathan  Batch  in  full  for  his  Account  for  pump  &c. 

for  Rainsford  Island, 5     8     6 

To  Josej)h  Twichel,  Guardian  of  the  natick  Indians  in 
full  for  his  Account  for  providing  for  Several  Indians 
of  that  tribe  to  i^eiy.  1,  1792, 27  10     1 

To  the  Town  of  Andover  for  supporting  several  persons 

—  poor  of  the  Commonwealth  to  ilfarcA  1,  1791,    .         .       25  18     4 

To  the  Town  of  Newbury  Fort  in  full  for  supporting 
several  persons  poor  of  the  Commonwealth  to  January 
2,  1792, 196  17  11 

To  the  Town  of  Pembroke  in  full  for  supporting  several 

persons  poor  of  the  Commonwealth  to  Novemr.  21, 1791,       19  17     0 

To  Thomas  Adams  in  full  for  his  Account  for  iirinting 
for  the  Commonwealth  from  January  28, 1790,  to  Novr. 
26  1791, 572  11     3 

To  William  Lowden  in  full  for  133  dozen  of  tin  tubes  for 

the  Artillery  companies, 9  19     6 

To' Josejyh  Laughton  for  his  services  in  the  Treasury 

Office  from  March  5,  1791  to  March  5,  1792,  314  days,  .     157     0    0 

To  the  Town  of  Gloucester  for  supporting  several  per- 
sons poor  of  the  Commonwealth  to  January  1,  1792 
and  for  Doctrs.  bill, 108  14     9 

To  the  Town  of  Salem  for  supporting  several  jjersons 

poor  of  the  Commonwealth  to  January  1,  1792,    .         .     218  11     8 

To  John  Gardner  2d,  Sheriff  of  the  County  of  Nantucket 
for  his  account  for  returning  Votes  for  a  Representa- 
tive in  Congress  4  times, 9     0     0 

To  the  Town  of  fysivich  for  supporting  several  persons 
poor  of  the  Commonwealth  from  February  1,  1791  to 
il/a?-c/il,  1792,  &  for  Doctr.  bill, 53     4     5 

To  John  Aiistin  for  taking  care  of  the  military  Stores  be- 
longing to  the  Commonwealth  at  Cambridge  from  Feb- 
ruary 1  1791  to  August  1,  1791, 3     0     0 

To  the  Town  of  Shirley  for  Supporting  John  Kelley  from 
May  7, 1791  To  February  7, 1792  &  for  Doctr.  Longleys 
bill, 6  13     1 

To  Daniel  Vose  in  full  for  his  account  for  nursing  an[d] 
boarding  ^Joh7i  Wilkijis  from  Octo.  4,  1787  to  March 
1788  —  Committed  to  the  Committee  on  Accounts  by  a 
Resolve  of  the  General  Court, 20    0    0 

To  Amos  Eolbrook  for  Visits  &  medicine  for  the  said 

John  Wilkins, 18  11     4 


530  Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session. 

To  Jeduthaiz  Willinglon  one  of  the   Coi-oners  for  the 
County  of  Middlesex  in  full  for  his  bill  taking  an  inqui- 
sition on  the  body  of  a  stranger  allowed  by  the  Court 
of  Gen.  Sessions  for  said  County  and  certified  by  the       £.   s.  d. 
Clerk  of  said  Court 3  16     6 

To  Jacob  Kuhn  in  full  for  his  account  for  hireing  an  as- 
sistant from  February  2,  to  March  10  1791,   .        .        .        9  18    0 

To  Ephraim  Meriani  and  others  in  full  for  their  account 

for  guarding  the  Goal  in  Concord  in  1787,     .        .        .        7     111 

£.3537  15  3 
Read  &  Accepted  &  thereupon 
Resolved  that  his  ExcelleEcy  the  Governour  with  the 
advice  of  Council,  be,  &  he  hereby  is  requested  to  issue 
his  Warrant  on  the  Treasury  for  the  payment  of  the  sev- 
eral Towns  &  Individuals  borne  on  this  Roll  the  sum  set 
against  such  Towns  &  Individuals  respectively  amounting 
in  the  whole  to  the  sum  of  Three  thousand  Jive  hundred 
and  thirty  seven  pounds  fifteen  shillings  &  three  'pence. 

March  9,  1792. 

Chapter  153.* 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  REPORT  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  APPOINTED  ON 
THE  SUBJECT  OF  CUTTING  A  CANAL  BETWEEN  BARNSTABLE 
AND  BUZZARDS  B^T,  WITH  DIRECTIONS  TO  THE  SECRETARY. 

Whereas  the  Committee  that  were  appointed  to  enquire 
into  the  practicability,  utility  &  probable  expence  of  cut- 
ing  a  navigable  Canal  across  the  isthmus  that  divides 
Barnstable  Bay  from  Buzzard's  Bay,  have  caused  said 
Isthmus  to  be  surveyed,  and  a  plan  of  that  survey  having 
been  produced  to  the  Legislature,  by  Avhich  it  appears, 
that  it  is  practicable  to  make  a  navigable  Canal  across  the 
isthmus  aforesaid  :  And  whereas  it  also  appears  to  the 
Legislature  that  if  the  said  Canal  is  made  it  will  be  ben- 
eficial to  the  commerce  carried  on  between  this  State 
and  the  States  lying  south  of  it,  and  therefore  it  w^ould 
be  reasonable  that  the  Canal  in  contemplation  should  be 
made  &  supported  by  the  Commerce  which  may  be  car- 
ried on  by  means  of  the  same  : 

Resolved,  that  the  Legislature  upon  application  being 
made  to  them  will  authorize  any  person  or  persons  to 
make  a  Canal  across  the  Isthmus  that  divides  Barnstable 
Bay  from  Buzzard^ s  bay,  and  grant  for  the  benefit  of  the 
person  or  per  [sons]  who  may  undertake  to  complete  the 
same  a  reasonable  toll  on  all  vessels  and  goods  that  may 

*  Taken  from  court  record. 


Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session.  531 

pass  the  said  Canal,  on  such  conditions  and  for  such  term 
of  time  as  may  hereafter  be  provided. 

And  it  is  further  Resolved,  that  the  Secretary  of  the 
Commonwealth  be  and  he  hereby  is  directed  to  take 
such  measures  for  the  security  and  preservation  of  the 
plan  aforesaid  as  may  appear  to  him  to  be  necessary,  and 
that  he  permit  the  said  plan  and  the  report  of  the  Com- 
mittee to  be  examined  by  any  person  or  persons  that 
may  apply  to  examine  or  view  the  same ;  &  the  Secretary 
is  further  directed  to  cause  this  resolve  to  be  published 
three  weeks  successively  in  the  Independent  Chronicle. 

March  8,  1792. 

Chapter  154.    ' 

RESOLVE   ON   THE  PETITION  OF  ARNOLD   WELLS. 

On  the  petition  of  Arnold  Wells  praying  for  a  ballance 
due  to  him  on  the  settlement  of  an  account. 

Resolved  that  there  be  allowed  &  paid  out  of  the  Treas- 
ury of  this  Commonwealth  to  Arnold  Wells  Esqr.  the  sum 
of  hoenty  pounds  seventeen  shillings  &  six  pence  in  full 
for  the  ballance  due  to  him  for  supplying  the  Govern- 
ment with  powder  agreeably  to  an  account  annexed  to  his 
petition.  ^  March  9,  1792. 

Chapter   155. 

RESOLVE   ON  THE  PETITION  OF  JOHN  BAILEY,  IN  BEHALF  OF 
HANNAH  FARNUM. 

On  the  petition  of  John  Bailey. 

Resolved,  That  Johyi  Deming,  Esq,  Committee  for 
Methodizing  Public  Accounts,  is  Directed  to  Certify  to 
his  Excellency  the  Governor  &  Council,  the  Sum  due  to 
the  Heirs  of  John  Farnum,  late  Soldier  in  Col.  Michael 
Jacksons  liegiment,  on  the  Books  containing  the  Late 
Army  Accounts.  March  9,  1792. 

Chapter  156. 

RESOLVE    DIRECTING    JOHN   DEMING   TO    CERTIFY    BALANCES 
DUE  TO  SEVERAL  SOLDIERS. 

Resolved,  that  John  Deming  Esq.  Committee  for 
Methodizing  Public  Accounts  is  hereby  Directed  to  Cer- 
tify to  his  Excellency  the  Governor  &  Council  the  Sums 
due  to  the  following  Persons,  on  the  Books  contain'g  the 


532  Eesolves,  1791.  —  January  Session. 

late  Army  Account ;  Viz,  the  Heirs  of  Caleb  Whitney 
Soldier  in  Col.  Bigelow's  Kegt.,the  Heirs  of  William 
Bright  in  Colol.  Tupper's  Regt.,  William  Winford  in 
Col.  Shepherd's  Regt.,  Moses  Barker  in  Col.  Marshal's 
Regt.,  William  Menden  in  Col.  Crane's  Regt.,  &  Le 
Burr  de  Belcore  Lt.  in  Col.  Crane's  Regt. 

March  9,  1792. 

Chapter  157. 

RESOLVE   ON    MESSRS.   LOWELL  AND    PARSON'S   ACCOUNT. 

Resolved  That  the  Comittee  of  Accounts  be  and  they 
are  hereby  directed  to  examine  the  accounts  of  the  Hon- 
ourable John  Lowell  Esq.  and  Theophilus  Parsons  Esquire 
as  comissioners  for  settling  the  claims  of  the  Common- 
wealth to  the  Western  lands  with  the  State  of  Neiv-  York 
&  that  the  said  Comittee  certify  such  balances  as  may  be 
found  due  to  them  respectively  to  his  Excellency  the  Gov- 
ernor &  the  Honourable  the  Council  who  are  requested  to 
issue  warrants  on  the  treasury  for  the  payment  of  such 
balances  —  &  the  Treasurer  is  hereby  ordered  to  pay 
the  same  out  of  the  first  monies  in  the  treasury  unappro- 
priated, any  Law  or  Resolve  to  the  contrary  notwith- 
standing. March  9,  1792. 

Chapter  158. 

RESOLVE  APPOINTING  DAVID  SMEAD,  ESQ.  TO  MAKE  INQUIRY 
RELATIVE  TO  A  GORE  OF  LAND  IN  THE  COUNTY  OF  HAMP- 
SHIRE. 

On  the  Representation  that  there  is  a  certain  Gore  of 
Land  lying  betwen  the  towns  of  Cherlimont  &,  Hawley 
which  might  be  sold  to  the  advantage  of  the  Common- 
wealth. 

Resolved  that  David  Smead  Esqr.  be  a  Committee  to 
examine  into  the  circumstances  of  sd.  Land ;  &  report  to 
the  next  Genl.  Court  at  their  first  Session  the  quantity  & 
value  thereof.  March  9,  1792. 

Chapter  159. 

RESOLVE  REQUESTING  THE  GOVERNOR  TO  WRITE  A  LETTER  TO 
CONGRESS,  AND  ENCLOSE  THEREIN,  A  RESOLUTION  ON  THE 
PETITION  OF  CHARLES  KNOWLES  AND  OTHERS,  PASSED 
MARCH  2,  1787. 

Resolved  that  his  Excellency  the  Gove[?-]nour,  be  re- 
quested to  write  to  the  Congress  of  the  United  States, 


Kesolves,  1791.  —  January  Session.  533 

and  in  his  letter  to  Inclose  a  Resolve  of  this  Common- 
wealth, on  the  petition  of  Chaiiefi  Knoivles,  and  others 
late  Regimental  paymasters,  &  Agents,  of  this  States 
Quota  of  the  Continental  Army,  granting  them  one  Hun- 
dred and  Twenty  ipound  Each  which  passed  March  the  2d 
1787,  and  Inform  Congress  that  at  the  time  of  passing 
said  Resolve  the  Legislature,  conceived  that  the  AUow- 
ence  made  to  the  Several  paymasters,  named  in  Said  Re- 
solve, was  adequate  to  their  respective  services  but  it  since 
appears  from  the  Representation  of  Josej)h  Tucker,  and 
others  that  the  allowence  which  has  been  made  is  very  In- 
adequate to  the  Services  of  some  of  the  paymasters,  named' 
in  said  Resolve,  and  that  no  Allowence  whatever  has  been 
made  to  Ehenezer  Storer,  who  has  perform'd  the  duty  re- 
quired of  him  as  a  paymaster  and  therefore  Intitled  to  a 
reasonable  allowence  for  the  Same  —  that  as  the  time 
limited  by  Congress  for  Exhibiting  Accounts  of  the  Sev- 
eral States  —  against  the  United  States,  is  expired  —  the 
Legislature  of  this  Commonwealth,  recomend  the  Sev- 
eral persons  named  in  Said  Resolve  to  Congress  for  such 
further  allowence  for  their  Respective  Services  as  may  be 
thought  reasonable,  and  the  said  Ehenezer  Storer,  for  such 
an  allowence  for  his  services  as  paymaster  &  Agent  as 
Shall  be  thought  adequate  thereto.  March  9,  1792. 

Chapter  160. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  REPRESENTATION  OF  THE  HON.  NATHAN 
DANE,  ESQ.  REQUESTING  HIS  EXCELLENCY  TO  WRITE  TO  THE 
SENATORS  AND  REPRESENTATIVES  OF  THIS  COMMONWEALTH 
IN  CONGRESS,  ON  THE  SUBJECT  OF  THEIR  ACCOUNTS,  &c. 

Whereas  by  the  representation  of  the  Honble.  JSFathan 
Dane  Esqr.  appointed  Commissioner  to  support  the  claims 
of  this  Commonwealth  against  the  United  States,  made  to 
his  Excellency  the  Governor,  and  by  his  Excellency  com- 
municated to  the  Legislature  the  present  Session, — It 
appears  to  this  Court,  that  but  little  progress  is  as  yet 
made  in  the  Settlement  of  the  claims  of  the  individual 
States,  against  the  United  States,  —  and  that  much  time 
will  probably  elapse  before  that  desireable  object  will  be 
effected.  — And  whereas  there  is  reason  to  believe  that  a 
large  ballance  will  be  found  due  to  this  Commonwealth 
upon  a  just  Settlement  of  its  demands  against  the  united 
States,  the  delay  of  which  settlement  operates  injuriously 
to  this  Common  wealth  : 


RESOLVE  MAKING  GRANTS  TO  THE  CHAPLAIN  AND  CLERKS  OF 
THE   TWO   HOUSES. 


534  Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session. 

Therefore  Resolved  that  his  Excellency  the  Governor  be 
and  he  hereby  is  requested  to  write  as  soon  as  may  be  to 
the  Senators  and  liepresentatives  of  this  State  in  Con- 
gress, requesting  them  to  use  their  utmost  Endeavours  to 
promote  and  effect  a  speedy  settlement  of  those  demands, 
while  at  the  same  time  they  endeavor  to  obtain  an  assump- 
tion of  the  remaining,  unassumed  part  of  this  states  debt 
incurred  for  the  general  defence  of  the  united  states,  by 
such  measures  as  shall  appear  to  them  most  proper. 

March  9,  1792. 

Chapter  161. 

^.NTS  TO  THE  CHAI 
niE   TWO   HOUSES. 

Resolved  that  there  be  allowed  &  paid  out  of  the  Treas- 
ury of  this  Commonwealth,  to  the  Reverend  Jeremy  Bel- 
knap, Chaplain  of  the  two  houses  of  the  General  Court, 
Twelve  pounds,  &  to  Samuel  Cooper  Esq.  Clerk  of  the 
Senate  Sixty  pounds,  and  to  George  Richards  Minot  Esq. 
late  Clerk  of  the  House  of  Representatives  Tiventy  four 
pounds  thirteen  shillings,  &  to  Henry  Warren  Esq.  Clerk 
of  the  House  of  Representatives,  Thirty  five  pounds,  seven 
shillings,  to  Thomas  Crafts  junr.  the  other  Clerk  to  the 
House  of  Representatives  Nineteen  pounds  five  shillings, 
and  to  Thomas  Green  assistant  Clerk  in  the  Senate  Twenty 
pounds  eight  shillings,  in  full  for  their  services  respectively 
for  the  present  year,  and  that  the  Treasurer  be,  &  hereby 
IS  directed  to  pay  the  same,  out  of  the  same  funds  &  in  the 
same  manner  as  the  members  of  the  General  Court  are 
paid  for  their  services  the  present  Session. 

March  9,  1792. 

Chapter  162. 

RESOLVE   ON  THE  PETITION  OF  SAMUEL  GORE,  GRANTING  HIM 
£.98  12  7,  IN  A  NOTE. 

On  the  petition  of  Samuel  Gore  praying  for  pay  for 
painting  Ammunition- Waggons,  Carriages  &c.  for  the 
Commonwealth  in  the  course  of  the  year  1778. 

Resolved,  That  the  Treasurer  be,  and  hereby  is,  di- 
rected to  issue  a  Note  payable  to  the  said  Samuel  Gore 
for  the  sum  of  ninety  eight  pounds  twelve  shillings  and 
seven  pence  in  full  for  the  aforesaid  Service  —  bearing  In- 
terest from  the  date  of  the  Avarrant  which  shall  be  issued 
therefor.  March  9,  1792. 


Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session.  535 


Chapter  163. 

RESOLVE  REPEALING  RESOLVE  ON  PETITION  OF  SILAS  CON  ANT, 
PASSED  21sT  OF  FEBRUARY  LAST. 

Whereas  it  is  suggested  that  the  original  papers  de- 
scribed in  a  resohition  of  the  General  Court  passed  on  the 
twenty  first  day  of  February  last  passed  on  the  petition 
of  Silas  Ooiiant,  may  be  necessary  evidence  for  the  pur- 
pose of  })roving  a  forgery  supposed  to  have  been  comitted 
w^ithin  the  County  of  Middlesex  &  for  that  purpose  ought 
to  remain  on  the  files  of  the  Supreme  Judicial  Court : 

therefore  Resolved  that  the  said  resolve  be  &  the  same 
hereby  is  repealed.  3Iarch  9,  1792. 


Chapter  164. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  WILLIAM  PRESCOTT,  GRANT- 
ING HIM  £.60,  AND  GIVING  HIM  A  PENSION  OF  £.15  PER 
ANNUM. 

On  the  Petition  of  William,  Prescott  Bombardier,  in 
Capt.  Farnsworths  Compiny  of  Groton  Artilery  Seting 
forth  that  in  obedience  to  Said  FarnswortJi's  Command  he 
appeared  in  the  Train  field  on  the  last  wednisday  of  May 
in  the  year  1788,  when  by  the  sudden  discharge  of  one 
of  the  field  Peaces  the  Said  Prescott  received  Several 
dangerous  wounds  in  consequence  where  of  your  Peti- 
tioner hath  lost  his  right  Hand  and  is  disabled  of  his  Left 
and  otherwise  wounded,  all  which  incapacitates  him  from 
obtaining  a  livelihood  —  and  Justly  Ranks  him  with  the 
most  debilitated  and  Pitiable  Invalids. 

Resolved  that  there  be  paid  out  of  the  Treasury  of  this 
Commonwealth  to  the  said  William  Prescott  from  the  first 
moneys  that  shall  com[e]  into  the  Treasury  not  otherwise 
appropriated  the  Sum  of  Sixty  Pounds  as  a  Compensation 
for  his  Expences  in  doctring  nursing  &  boarding  during 
his  confindment  by  the  loss  of  his  Hand  and  other  wounds 
—  and  it  is  further 

Resolved  there  be  paid  out  of  the  Treasury  of  this  Com- 
monwealth to  the  said  William  Prescott  the  Sum  of  fifteen 
Pounds  annually  as  a  Pension  during  his  Life — the  first 
Payment  to  be  made  on  the  first  day  of  January  in  the 
year  1793.  March  9,  1792. 


536  Eesolves,  1791.  —  January  Session. 


Chapter  165. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE   PETITION  OF  EUNICE  RICE,  GRANTING  HER 
£.12. 

On  the  petition  of  Eunice  Rice  shewing  that  her  late 
husband  Jonathan  Rice  deceased  was  wounded  in  the  ser- 
vice of  Government,  and  by  a  ResoJve  of  the  General 
Court  pass'd  in  JSfovr.  1788  he  was  allow'd  two  pounds  a 
year  as  a  compen[.s]ation  therefor,  until  1  the  further  order 
of  Court,  &  praying  that  some  allowance  may  be  made  to 
her  or  her  children,  her  husband  being  dead. 

Resolved  that  the  })rayer  of  said  Petition  be  so  far 
granted,  that  there  be  paid  out  of  the  Treasury  of  this 
Commonwealth,  to  the  said  Eunice  Rice  widow  of  the  said 
Jonathan  Rice  deceas'd  in  addition  to  the  former  grant, 
the  sum  of  Twelve  pounds  in  full  of  all  demands  which 
she,  or,  her  said  husband  or  her  Children  had,  or  might 
have,  by  virtue  of  the  said  Resolve  oi  Now.  1788. 

March  .9,  1792. 

Chapter  166. 

RESOLVE  APPOINTING  COMMITTEE  TO  SURVEY  ROADS  BETWEEN 
BOSTON  AND    WORCESTER,  &c. 

Resolved  that  Samuel  Bakei\  John  Fessenden  &  Josiah 
Sternes  Esqrs.  be  a  Committee  for  the  purpose  of  ascer- 
taining (by  actual  surveys  or  otherwise)  the  shortest  & 
most  eligible  roads  from  the  town  of  Boston  to  the  town 
of  Worcester  &  the  expediency  of  altering  the  present  es- 
tablished Post-roads  between  said  towns,  &  to  report  at 
the  first  Session  of  the  next  General  Court. 

MarcJi  9,  1792. 

Chapter  167. 

RESOLVE  APPOINTING  PELEG  COFFIN  AND  THOMAS  DAVIS, 
ESQRS.  TO  EXAMINE  AND  SETTLE  THE  ACCOUNTS  OF  ALEX- 
ANDER  HODGDON,  ESQ.   TREASURER,  &c. 

Resolved,  That  Releg  Coffin  &  Thomas  Davis  Esqrs. 
be,  and  hereby  are  authorised  to  examine  the  accounts. 
Books  papers  and  vouchers,  which  have  been  under  the 
direction  of  Alexr.  Hodgdon  Esquire,  from  the  time  of 
his  appointment  to  the  Office  of  Treasurer  of  this  Com- 
monwealth, to  make  an  adjustment  and  Settlement  thereof, 
with  the  said  Treasurer,  in  l^ehalf  of  the  Commonwealth  ; 
and  report  a  State  of  the  same  to  the  General  Court,  as 
soon  as  may  be. 


Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session.  537 

And  it  is  further  Resolved,  That  the  said  Committee  be 
authorised  and  directed,  to  report  to  the  Legislature,  an 
arrangement  of  the  Treasury,  whereby  the  business  thereof 
may,  in  future  be  conducted  in  the  most  simple  &  least 
expensive  manner,  in  order  to  render  at  all  times  the  true 
state  thereof  easily  known  ;  and  that  the  Settlement  of  all 
accounts  in  the  said  Office  may  l)e  annually  made. 

And  it  is  also  Resolved,  that  the  Treasurer  be  directed 
to  afford  to  the  said  Committee  all  necessary  aid,  by  him- 
self and  the  Clerks  in  his  Office,  compatible  with  the  or- 
dinary duties  of  the  Treasury,  in  order  to  carry  into  Effect 
these  Resolves. 

And  it  is  further  Resolved,  that  there  be  allowed  and 
paid  to  the  said  Committee  at  and  after  the  rate  of  two 
dollars  ^  day  for  their  services  during  the  time  they  shall 
be  actually  employed  in  the  duties  of  their  appointment. 

And  it  is  further  Resolved,  that  the  said  Committee  to- 
geather  with  the  Treasurer  aforementioned,  be  directed  & 
impowered  to  deface  all  the  Bills  of  credit,  notes,  Due 
Bills  and  orders  issued  under  the  authority  of  this  Com- 
monwealth or  any  Officer  thereof,  that  have  been  re- 
deemed &  are  now  in  the  Treasury ;  and  report  the 
proceedings  thereon,  togeather  with  a  list  of  all  such 
papers  defaced  to  the  General  Court  as  soon  as  the 
same  may  be  compleated.  March  9,  1792. 

Chapter  168. 

RESOLVE    ON    THE    PETITION    OF    THE    SELECTMEN    AND    DIS- 
TRICT CLERK  OF  LEYDEN. 

On  the  Petition  of  the  Selectmen  &  District  Clerk  of 
the  District  of  Ley  den  for  the  Year  1790,  for  Reasons  set 
forth  in  said  Petition. 

Resolved  That  the  said  Selectmen  be  and  hereby  are 
exempted  from  the  forfeiture  by  them  incurred  in  not 
making  a  seasonable  Return  of  the  Votes  for  a  Govern- 
our,  Lt.  Governour  &  Senators  for  the  Year  1790  —  any 
Act  or  Resolve  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding. 

March  9,  1792, 

Chapter  169. 

RESOLVE   ON   THE   PETITION  OF  AUSTIN   FLINT,  CL^UK  OF  THE 
TOWN  OF   LEICESTER. 

On  the  petition  of  Austin  Flint  Town  Clerk  of  the 
town  of  Leicester  praying  to  be  excused  from  paying  a 


538  Kesolves,  1791.  —  January  Session. 

fine  for  not  returning  the  votes  for  Governor  Lt.  Gov- 
ernor and  Senators  for  the  hist  year,  given  in  to  the 
Selectmen  by  the  Inhabitants  of  said  Town.    . 

Resolved  for  reasons  set  forth  in  said  Petition  that  the 
prayer  thereof  be  granted,  and  the  said  fine  is  hereby  re- 
mitted to  the  said  Austin  Flint  and  the  Attorney  General 
is  hereby  directed  to  govern  himself  accordingly. 

March  9, 1792. 

Chapter  169a.* 

ORDER  ON  THE  MEMORIAL  OF  SUNDRY  TOWNS  m  MIDDLESEX 

COUNTY. 

On  the  Memorial  of  the  Eepresentatives  of  sundry 
Towns  in  the  County  of  Middlesex  praying  that  the 
Town  of  Concord  may  be  established  as  the  Shire  Town 
of  said  County. 

Ordered  That  the  Memorialists  notify  the  Inhabitants 
of  the  several  Towns  in  said  County  of  Middlesex  by 
leaving  an  attested  Copy  of  said  Memorial,  with  this 
Order  thereon  with  the  several  Town  Clerks  of  said 
Towns,  at  least  forty  Days  before  the  second  Wednes- 
day of  the  first  Session  of  the  next  General  Court  — 
That  the  said  Towns  may  then  appear  and  shew  Cause 
if  any  they  have  why  the  Prayer  of  said  Memorial  should 
not  be  granted.  March  9, 1792. 

Chapter  170. 

RESOLVE  ON  THE  PETITION  OF  ROBERT  SOUTHGATE,   ESQ. 

On  the  Memorial  of  Robert  Southgale  Esqr.  shewing 
that  Sir  William  Pepperell  deceased  purchas'd  of  several 
of  the  heirs  of  Richard  Foxwell,  their  several  shares  or 
part  thereof  in  said  FoxwelVs  estate  a  part  of  which  that 
is  under  improvement,  is  at  &  near  a  place  called  hlue- 
point  in  Scarborough  in  the  County  of  Cumberland  &,  that 
by  the  said  Sir  William's  last  Avill  &  testament  he  gave  all 
those  lands  to  his  Grandson  Sir  William  Pepperell  now 
of  London  after  the  death  of  his  the  said  Testators  wife  & 
daughter  which  daughter  is  now  living  &  holds  only  an 
estate  for  life  in  said  lands,  after  which  the  same  reverts 
to  this  Commonwealth  by  an  Act  of  confiscation,  &  also 
a  small  share  in  said  land  purchased  since  the  said  Tes- 
tator's death,  now  likewise  the  property  of  this  Com- 
monwealth, and   as  the    Memorialist,  who    holds   all  the 

*  Not  printed  in  previous  editions. 


Eesolves,  1791.  —  January  Session.  539 

aforesaid  life  estate  by  lease  under  the  said  Testator's 
daughter,  submits  it  to  this  Court  whether  it  wou'd  not 
be  for  the  interest  of  this  Commonwealth,  to  sell  the  same 
under  the  present  incumbrance,  &  if  thought  not  best 
to  sell,  he  then  prays  this  Court  to  appoint  a  Committee 
to  join  with  him  in  petitioning  to  the  Supreme  Judicial 
Court  for  a  division  of  said  FoxwelVs  estate  in  those  lands. 
Resolved  that  the  Hon  :  David  Sewall,  Benjamdn  Ohad- 
burn,  &  Nathaniel  Wells  Esqrs.  be  &  they  hereby  are  ap- 
pointed a  Committee  to  sell  the  hmd  lying  at  or  near  a 
place  called  blue-point  in  Scarborough  in  the  County  of 
Cumberland,  which  was  purchased  by  Sir  William  Pep- 
perell  deceas'd  of  the  Heirs  of  Richard  Foxwell,  &  given 
by  the  said  Sir  William  RepjJerell  by  his  last  Will  &  Tes- 
tament to  his  Grandson  Sir  Willia7n  Pepperell  now  of 
London  in  the  Kingdom  of  Great  Britain  after  the  death 
of  the  first  mentioned  Sir  Williams  wife  &  daughter, 
which  lands  arc  now  confiscated  to  this  Commonwealth, 
under  their  present  incumbrances  of  a  life  estate  therein, 
&  lying  in  an  undivided  estate,  for  the  most  the  same  will 
fetch  &  make  &  execute  a  good  deed  or  deeds  of  the  same 
&  pay  the  money  into  the  Treasury  of  this  Commonwealth 
taking  duplicate  reciepts  therefor  one  of  which  to  be 
lodged  in  the  Secretary's  office,  but  if  the  said  Committee 
shall  judge  it  to  be  more  for  the  interest  of  this  Common- 
wealth, not  to  sell  said  lands  under  their  present  circum- 
stances then  they  are  herel^y  impowored  &  directed  to  join 
with  the  said  Robert  Southgate  Esq.  in  petitioning  to  the 
Supreme  Judicial  Court  for  a  division  of  said  lands,  that 
the  Commonwealth  may  hold  in  severalty,  at  the  rever- 
sion, &  return  a  descriptive  account  of  said  lands  into 
the  Secretary s  Office,  therein  setting  forth  the  boundaries 
thereof,  whose  land  it  adjoins  upon  &  also  what  quantity 
of  Upland,  &  what  of  marsh  it  contains  &  lay  their  ac- 
counts l)efore  the  General  Court  for  allowance  &  payment. 

March  9,  1792. 

Chapter  171. 

RESOLVE  FOR  ACCEPTING  THE  PROPOSALS  OF  RUGGLES  AND 
SMITH  FOR  SUPPLYING  THE  GARRISON  AND  CONVICTS  OF 
CASTLE  ISLAND,  WITH  RATIONS  OF  PROVISION  AND  CLOATH- 
ING,  FOR  THE  TERM  OF  ONE  YEAR,  COMMENCING  APRIL  1, 
1792. 

Whereas  in  pursuance  of  an  order  of  this  Court,  passed 
on  the  28th  day  of  January  last,  Josepli  Ruggles  &  Ralph 


540  Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session. 

Smith  have  proposed  to  supply  the  Garrison  and  con- 
victs on  Castle- Island  with  rations  of  Provision  &  Cloath- 
ing  for  the  term  of  three  years  from  &  after  the  last  day 
of  March  next  on  the  following  conditions,  vizt  For  the 
said  Garrison  one  &  a  quarter  pound  of  Beef,  or  half  a 
pound  of  Beef  &  half  a  pound  of  Pork  ;  one  pound  of 
wheat  bread  or  flour ;  one  Jill  of  peas  or  beans  or 
vegitables  equivalent  thereto,  one  Ounce  of  butter  one 
Jill  of  Rice,  &  one  quart  of  Beer  to  each  soldier  pr.  day. 
Two  quarts  of  Salt,  two  (juarts  of  Vinegar,  four  pounds 
of  hard  soap  &  two  pounds  of  candles  to  each  hundred 
rations  at  eight  pence  for  each  ration  to  be  delivered  at  the 
Market  in  Boston.  For  Cloathing  for  the  said  Garrison 
one  uniform  Coat,  one  Waistcoat,  one  pair  of  woollen,  & 
one  pair  of  linen  overalls,  one  Shirt,  one  Hat,  &  one  pair 
of  Shoes  for  each  noncommissioned  officer  &  private 
Soldier,  yearly  &  every  year ;  and  of  as  good  a  quality 
as  have  been  heretofore  usually  furnished  for  that  purpose  ; 
at  tJ tree  pounds  twelve  shillings  pr.  Man  pr.  Year.  And  to 
supply  the  said  Convicts  with  the  following  rations  & 
Cloathing  vizt.  One  &  a  quarter  pound  of  meat,  one  &  a 
quarter  pound  of  bread,  one  Jill  of  peas  or  beans,  or 
vegetables  equivalent  thereto  for  each  convict  per  day ; 
Two  pounds  of  soft  soap,  &  two  quarts  of  Salt  (when 
they  shall  draw  fresh  provisions)  for  each  hundred  ra- 
tions. Also  the  following  articles  of  Cloathing  vizt.  Two 
Shirts,  one  Coat,  one  Waistcoat,  &  two  pair  of  Overalls 
to  be  of  two  distinct  colours  agreabl}^  to  Law  &  one  pair 
of  shoes  per  man  })er  year  ;  for  their  Labour,  together  with 
the  use  of  the  Shops,  Tools  &  necessary  buildings,  and 
that  they  be  paid  at  the  rate  of  six  pence  pr.  ration  for 
each  convict  whom  the  Commanding  Officer  of  the  Gar- 
rison &  Surgeon  shall  judge  unfit  for  labour,  by  sickness 
or  otherwise  in  consideration  of  which  allowance  they 
shall  furnish  such  sick  convicts  with  diet  &  necessaries 
suitable  to  the  [2]  r  condition .  And  that  the  said  Ruggles  & 
Smith,  obtaining  the  consent  &  permission  of  the  Com- 
manding officer  of  the  Garrison,  shall  have  the  priviledge 
of  transporting  the  provisions  for  the  said  Convicts  from 
Boston  to  the  Castle,  as  also  their  Stock  of  Nails  &  shoes 
to  &  from  the  Castle,  in  the  Castle  boats  from  time  to 
time  as  they  may  have  occasion ;  The  said  Convicts  to  be 
under  the  martial  Law,  &  Government  to  pay  the  expence 
of  a  necessary  overseer  as  heretofore.     Provided  always 


Resolves,  1791.  —  January  Session.  541 

the  Commanding  Officer  of  the  Garrison  may  employ  the 
whole  of  the  Convicts  four  days  in  the  year,  on  fatigue- 
duty  without  expence  to  the  Commonwealth. 

Resolved  that  the  foregoing  proposals  be  &  they  hereby 
are  accepted,  &  that  the  said  Joseph  Ruggles  &  Ralph 
Smith  be  &  they  hereby  are  directed,  to  furnish  the  afore- 
said articles  of  provision  &  Cloathing,  and  that  the  said 
Ruggles  &  Smith  at  the  expiration  of  each  three  months, 
lay  their  accounts  before  his  Excellcy.  the  Governor  & 
Council,  with  proper  vouchers  for  allowance ;  who  are 
hereby  requested  to  examine  the  same  &  to  draw  a  war- 
rant on  the  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth,  for  the 
sums  they  shall  find  due  agreably  to  this  Contract ;  &  the 
Treasurer  is  hereby  directed  to  borrow  money  ( if  neces- 
sary) for  the  payment  of  the  same,  on  the  credit  of  the 
first  monies  that  shall  come  into  the  Treasury,  not  then 
appropriated. 

And  it  is  further  resolved  that  the  said  Joseph  Ruggles 
&  Ralph  Smith  shall  on  or  before  the  first  day  of  April 
next  give  bonds  to  the  Treasurer  of  this  Commonwealth 
with  sufiicient  sureties,  to  the  acceptance  of  the  Governor 
&  Council,  in  the  penal  sum  oi  Jive  hundred  pounds  for 
the  faithful  performance  of  the  several  engagements  ex- 
pressed in  this  resolve ;  and  also  for  the  return  of  the 
tools  &  works  loaned  to  them,  in  compliance  with  the 
foregoing  resolve  in  as  good  a  state  as  when  received  by 
them. 

And  be  it  further  Resolved  that  this  Contract  shall  con- 
tinue &  be  in  force  for  the  term  of  one  year  &  no  longer. 

March  9,  1792. 


SPEECHES    AND    MESSAGES, 

1790-1791. 


SPEECHES 


HIS  EXCELLENCY  THE  GOVERNOR  AND  HIS 
HONOR  THE  LIEUTENANT  GOVERNOR, 


MESSAGES    TRANSMITTED    BY    HIS    EXCELLENCY    TO    THE 
GENERAL   COURT   DURING   THE   LEGISLATIVE   YEARS 

1790-1791. 


[May  Session,  1790.] 

Friday,  May  28. 

At  Twelve  o'clock,  the  two  Houses  met  in  Convention, 
in  the  Representatives'  Chamber,  when  His  Excellency  the 
Governonr,  and  His  Honour  the  Lieutenant  Governour, 
(attended  by  the  Hon.  Council,  and  the  Secretary  of  the 
Commonwealth)  appeared  to  qualify  themselves  agreeable 
to  the  Constitution.  After  being  for  a  short  time  seated. 
His  Excellency  arose,  and  addressed  both  Houses,  as 
follows :  — 

Gentlemen  of  the  Senate,  and  Gentlemen  of  the  Honse  of 
Representatives, 

I  thank  you  for  the  very  polite  and  respectful  manner, 
in  which  you  have  notified  me  of  my  being  chosen  Gov- 
ernour of  this  Commonwealth,  for  the  year  ensuing. 

I  appear  in  this  jilace  to  accept  the  trust  assigned  me 
by  my  country,  and  am  ready  in  your  presence,  to  make 
and  subscribe  the  declaration,  and  to  take  and  subscribe 
the  oaths,  provided  by  the  Constitution. 

It  is  unnecessary  for  me  to  say  any  thing  more  upon 
this  occasion,  than  to  assure  you,  that  I  shall  zealously 
endeavour,  in  all  my  conduct,  to  Justify  the  partiality 
which  has  been  frecjuently  exhibited  by  my  fellow-citizens 
towards  me. 

JOHN   HANCOCK. 


540  1790.  —  Governor's  Messages,  Etc. 

His  Honour  the  Lieutenant  Governour  then  addressed 
the  Convention,  as  follows  : 

Mr.  President, 

Having  been  regularly  informed,  that  a  majority  of  the 
late  electors  in  the  several  towns  and  districts  within  this 
Commonwealth,  have  honoured  me  with  their  suftrages  for 
the  office  of  Lieutenant  Governour,  I  now  present  myself 
before  the  two  Branches  of  the  General  Court,  to  be  quali- 
fied as  the  Constitution  directs.  I  do  the  more  readily 
obey  this  repeated  call,  because  I  cannot  help  flattering 
myself  that  it  has  proceeded  from  a  persuasion  in  the 
minds  of  my  fellow-citizens  of  the  attachment  of  my  heart, 
to  their  rights  and  liberties,  and  my  earnest  desires,  that 
they  may  be  perpetuated.  My  fellow-citizens  may  be  as- 
sured, that  I  feel  that  attachment,  and  the  strength  of 
those  desires.  The  first  of  my  wishes  as  they  respect  this 
life,  is  for  our  country,  and  the  best  of  my  feeble  abilities, 
shall  ever  be  employed  for  her  prosperity. 

I  shall  presently  be  called  upon  by  you,  Sir,  as  it  is  en- 
joined by  the  Constitution,  to  make  a  declaration  upon 
oath,  and  I  shall  do  it  with  cheerfulness,  because  the  in- 
junction accords  with  my  own  judgment  and  conscience, 
that  the  Commonwealth  of  Massachusetts  is,  and  of  right 
ought  to  be,  a  FREE,  SOVEREIGN  and  INDEPEN- 
DENT 8tate.  I  shall  also  be  called  upon  to  make  another 
declaration,  with  the  same  solemnity,  to  support  the  Con- 
stitution of  the  United  States.  I  see  the  consistency  of 
this,  for  it  cannot  but  have  been  intended,  that  these  Con- 
stitutions should  mutually  aid  and  support  each  other.  It 
is  my  humble  opinion,  that  while  the  Commonwealth  of 
Massachusetts  maintains  her  own  just  authority,  Aveight 
and  dignity,  she  will  l)e  amongst  the  firmest  pillars  of  the 
Federal  Union. 

May  the  administration  of  the  Federal  Government, 
and  those  of  the  several  States  in  the  Union,  be  guided  by 
the  unerring  finger  of  Heaven  !  —  Each  of  them,  and  all 
of  them  united,  will  then,  if  the  people  are  wise,  l)e  as 
prosperous  as  the  wisdom  of  liuman  institutions  and  the 
circumstances  of  human  society  will  admit. 

SAMUEL    ADAMS. 


1790.  —  Governor's  Messages,  Etc.  54< 

[May  Session,  1790.] 

Tuesday,  June  1. 

At  Twelve  o'clock,  His  Excellency  the  Governour  came 
down  to  the  Chamber  of  the  House  of  Representatives ; 
where  the  Senate  were  previously  convened  ;  —  when  he 
addressed  the  two  Houses  as  follows  : 

Gentlemen  of  the  Senate  and  Gentlemen  of  the  House  of 
Representatives, 

At  a  time,  when  the  attention  of  this  Country  was  neces- 
sarily called  to  a  defence  against  an  invading  Enemy,  the 
People  of  the  several  States,  originated,  or  revised.  Sys- 
tems of  Governments :  On  these  Systems,  the  Freedom, 
and  Happiness  of  their  posterity,  will  essentially  depend. 
The  great  plan  for  uniting  the  powers,  and  directing  the 
Force  of  so  many  independent  States,  rising  into  one  con- 
federated and  powerfuU  Republic,  could  not  in  such  a  sit- 
uation be  properly  attended  to. — To  unite  in  one  great 
System  of  national  Government  so  many  seperate  Repul)- 
licks,  including  extremes  of  Climate,  and  possessed  by 
People,  ver}^  various  in  their  habits  of  life,  in  their  man- 
ners, and  in  their  religious  opinions,  was  indeed  a  work 
which  demanded  the  utmost  exertions  of  human  Wisdom, 
and  required  the  most  unimbarrassed  deliberations.  This 
seems  to  have  been  reserved  as  an  honorary  task  for  the 
People  oi  America.  Whether  all  our  expectations  will  be 
eventually  answered  from  this  plan,  must  be  left  to  future 
experience  :  but  this  principle  is  already  ascertained,  that 
any  delay  which  has  happened,  or  which  may  hereafter 
happen,  in  producing  the  effects  which  the  form  of  that 
Government  is  capable  of  affording,  is  no  objection  to  the 
Government  itself.  Time  and  experience  we  hope  will 
consolidate  the  opinions  of  the  Members  of  Congress  in 
the  important  points  before  them,  and  yield  to  the  people 
of  the  great  Republick,  all  the  advantages  which  can  ])e 
derived  from  the  wisest  and  best  administered  form  of 
Government.  And  we  cannot  but  feel  ourselves  well  as- 
sured, that  a  candour  and  generosity  peculiar  to  the  l)ody 
of  this  People,  will  continue  to  support  amongst  them,  the 
harmony  of  sentiment,  which  so  universally  prevails,  and 
which  affords  a  happy  ju'esage  of  our  political  prosperity. 

We  have,  by  the  l)lessingof  divine  Providence,  achieved 
a  situation  truly  enviable  in  the  eyes  of  other  Nations  : 


548  1790.  —  Governor's  Messages,  Etc. 

our  persons,  and  possessions,  are  governed  by  standing 
and  known  laws,  and  secured  by  a  Constitution  formed 
by  ourselves.  This  Constitution  is  a  law  to  the  Legis- 
lative authority  itself:  and  least  the  pride  of  Office,  or 
the  hand  of  lawless  power,  should  rob  the  People  of 
their  Constitutional  security,  a  proper  balance  is  provided 
in  the  judicial  department,  occasionally  arising  from  the 
body  of  the  People.  The  Price  of  our  Freedom  has  been 
great  toil,  and  much  expence,  and  we  yet  feel  the  weight 
of  it :  but  we  feel  as  freemen,  while  the  People  of  some 
other  countries,  are  oppressed  with  heavy  burthens  which 
have  been  accumulated,  not  to  secure,  but  to  destroy  their 
Freedom. 

Though  the  National  affairs  of  our  Country,  are  more 
immediately  under  the  attention  of  the  General  Govern- 
ment, yet  we  have  very  important  business,  which  de- 
mands our  attention. 

Having  formed  our  Governments,  established  our  Inde- 
pendency, we  sit  down  quietly,  and  peaceably  to  inquire 
into,  and  to  perform  those  duties  which  may  be  reasona- 
bly expected  from  us,  in  our  tranquil  situation.  And  I 
am  very  happy  to  inform  you,  that  the  business  of  our 
meeting,  is  principally  confined  to  the  devising  ways  and 
means,  for  answering  the  just  demands  of  our  public 
Creditors,  making  such  additional  Laws,  as  may  be  neces- 
sary to  mark  out  the  paths  of  distributive  justice,  to  adopt 
such  measures  as  may  facilitate  the  settlement  of  the  un- 
cultivated parts  of  the  State,  &  to  devise  ways  for  pro-' 
moting  useful  knowledge,  and  for  inculcating  those  Virtues 
which  are  the  only  solid  foundation  of  public  and  private 
Felicity.  — 

Many  of  the  Citizens  of  this  Commonwealth,  while  the 
Country  was  pressed  on  every  side,  by  danger  &  distress, 
freely  loaned  their  property  to  the  public  safety  :  and  had 
the  most  solemn  assurances  for  a  repayment  with  interest. 
Others  ventured  their  lives  in  the  war  for  our  defence,  and 
received  the  public  faith  pledged  for  a  compensation, 
when  the  War  should  be  terminated.  The  Eyes  of  these 
Creditors  are  now  upon  us  for  justice  :  and  the  sufferings 
of  the  Widows  and  Orphans  demand  our  attention. 

I  am  sensible  that  some  of  the  pul)lic  securities,  eviden- 
tial of  these  loans  and  services,  have  been  thrown  into  the 
hands  of  persons  who  have  given  but  a  small  considera- 
tion for  them,  l)ut  while  we  are  convinced  that  this  has 
in  some  measure,  been  owing  to  the  failure  of  Govern- 


1790.  —  Governor's  Messages,  Etc.  549 

mental  promises,  we  ought  not  to  increase  the  calamity  by 
unnecessary  delays  in  doing  justice.  Was  it  within  the 
power  of  the  people  to  pay  the  debt  they  owe  as  a  Gov- 
ernment, it  would  be  for  their  honour,  and  advantage  to 
do  it  immediately,  but  as  this  cannot  be  done,  the  making 
provision  for  the  punctual  payment  of  the  interest  annu- 
ally, will  be  nearly  as  well  for  the  Creditors.  But  then 
in  order  to  produce  this  eflect,  the  payment  of  this  inter- 
est must  be  assured  upon  funds  which  may  be  depended 
upon.  In  a  Republican  Government,  the  idea  of  respon- 
sibility is  generally  divided  amongst  too  many  persons,  to 
insure  that  punctual lity  in  the  performance  of  promises, 
which  some  other  forms  of  Government  may  aflbrd  :  there- 
fore the  security  of  punctual  payments,  is  not  frequently 
well  established,  without  appropriated  Funds,  and  yet  the 
happiness  of  every  Government,  in  whatever  form  it  may 
be,  depends  essentially,  upon  the  rectitude,  and  punctu- 
allity  of  it.  When  I  speak  of  the  happiness  of  a  Govern- 
ment, I  mean  that  situation  of  a  civil  Community,  which 
has  a  tendency,  to  make  those  who  compose  it  hapi)y,  by 
atibrding  them  security  against  foreign  invaders,  as  well 
as  against  internal  commotions ;  and  in  defending  the  in- 
dividuals over  whom  it  is  extended,  against  oppression 
and  injustice. 

The  debt  we  are  involved  in,  and  Avhich  I  have  now 
under  consideration,  was  contracted  for  the  common  de- 
fence of  the  United  States,  and  I  flatter  myself,  that  jus- 
tice will  finally  prevail,  so  that  the  Government  lately 
established,  Avill  consider  the  whole  of  the  Union,  as  re- 
si)onsible  to  each  State  for  debts  of  this  nature.  In  the 
Report  of  the  Secretary  of  Treasury  of  the  United  States 
there  is  a  proprosal  for  Congress  to  assume  the  Debts  of 
the  several  States,  but  I  am  not  convinced  of  the  pro- 
priety of  the  General  government's  assuming  to  pay  the 
Debts  of  this  Commonwealth  without  the  request  or  con- 
sent of  this  Government ;  but  as  it  will  be  more  congenial 
to  any  system  of  Finance,  which  the  Congress  may  adopt, 
for  this  Class  of  the  Creditors  of  this  State,  to  transfer 
the  demands  to  the  General  Government,  on  the  Idea  of 
the  standing  Credit  of  our  Government,  and  to  have  them 
involved  in  the  funded  debt  of  the  United  States,  than  to 
have  a  claim  open  in  favour  of  the  Commonwealth,  I  rec- 
ommend it  to  your  serious  delil)eration,  whether  Instruc- 
tions may  not  be  given  to  our  Senators  &  Representatives 
on  this  point. 


550  1790.  —  Governor's  Messages,  Etc. 


Gentlemen  of  the  Senate  and  Gentlemen  of  the  House  of 
Representatives, 

the  settlement  of  a  very  extensive  Territory  of  Wilder- 
ness within  this  Commonwealth,  is  an  object  of  great  con- 
sequence in  my  mind.  The  sale  of  those  lands  has  been 
a  subject  of  much  expectation  in  former  General  Courts, 
but  the  advantages,  and  benefits  have  not  been  equal  to 
their  hopes.  The  first  settlers  of  a  new  soil  have  to  en- 
counter great  difficulties,  and  to  sufter  many  hardships. 
The  want  of  a  regular  gospel  Ministry,  and  proper  schools, 
are  not  the  least  discouragements  attending  such  an  en- 
terprize  ;  for  want  of  these  their  children  are  in  danger, 
of  rising  into  life  without  those  Ideas,  habits  and  abili- 
ties, which  might  render  them  good  and  useful  Citizens. 
Should  the  Legislature  of  the  Commonwealth,  make  a 
grant  of  these  lands,  for  a  small  consideration,  to  such 
persons  as  would  settle  them  in  regular  Corporations,  ac- 
cording to  the  condition  of  their  grants,  and  reserve,  & 
appropriate  suflicient  quantities  of  the  soil,  to  procure,  & 
support  the  settlement  of  a  regular  ministry,  and  the  sup- 
port of  proper  schools  for  a  number  of  years,  until  the 
Inhabitants  could  be  able  to  support  them  without  the  aid 
of  Government,  I  believe  it  would  have  a  happy  effect. 
Should  this  or  any  other  plan  be  adopted,  to  induce  our 
people  to  become  settlers  there,  it  would  have  a  tendency 
to  prevent  those  emigrations,  which  have  for  some  years 
past  been  so  frequent,  encrease  the  number  of  our  Citi- 
zens, support  the  respectability  of  the  Commonwealth,  and 
probably,  in  a  short  space  of  time,  afibrd  a  resource  for 
taxes  far  exceeding  what  the  value  of  the  lands  have  been 
estimated  at. 

It  is  of  vast  im})ortance  to  our  Commonwealth,  that  a 
speedy,  and  just  execution  of  the  laws  should  be  main- 
tained;  that  industry,  and  every  virtue  should  be  encour- 
aged ;  and  that  idleness,  dissipation  &  every  vice,  should 
be  discountenanced  :  I  therefore  recommend  it  to  you,  to 
revise  the  laws,  and  to  remove  every  obstacle  that  may 
obtrude  itself  in  the  path  of  justice  betAveen  man,  and 
man;  that  every  one  may  have  a  full  remedy  for  every 
wrong,  and  the  strongest  security  in  the  enjoyment  of  the 
fruit  of  his  la])our  and  industry  :  these  are  among  the  great 
ends  of  civil  Gover[n]ment. 


1790.  —  Governor's  Messages,  Etc.  551 

Whatever  I  may  find  conducive  to  the  well  being  of  the 
State,  in  particular  instances ;  and  whatever  information 
ought  to  be  given  you  of  the  proceedings  of  the  Su[)reme 
Executive  power  of  the  State,  shall  be  the  subjects  of  par- 
ticular messages. 

Gentlemen  of  the  Senate  (&   Gentlemen  of  the  House  of 
Rej)7'esentatives, 

I  have  requested  this  interview  in  compliance  with  the 
usages  of  this  Government,  and  that  I  might  pay  that 
respect  to  you,  and  to  our  fellow  Citizens  which  is  due 
from  the  first  Magistrate  to  his  Constituents ;  and  shall 
add  no  more,  than  to  assure  you,  and  them  through  you, 
that  while  I  have  strength  for  the  least  exertion,  my  zeal- 
ous endeavours  shall  be  for  the  support  of  their  Liberty 
and  for  the  promotion  of  their  happiness  and  prosperity. 

I  have  directed  the  Secretary  to  lay  before  you  the 
several  acts  of  Congress  which  have  been  received  since 
the  last  session  of  the  General  Court. 

JOHN  HANCOCK. 

Council  Cuabibeu,  Boston,  May  31,  1790. 


[May  Session,  1790.*] 

Gentlefnen  of  the  Senate,  and  Gentlemen  of  the  House  of 
Representatives, 

In  the  last  Session  of  the  General  Court  of  this  Com- 
monwealth, two  now  Counties  were  erected  in  the  easter- 
most  part  of  the  State,  by  the  time  in  which  the  Courts 
were  appointed  to  sit,  I  suppose  the  Legislature  expected 
that  the  Civil  Officers  in  each  Avould  before  this  time  have 
been  apjiointed.  I  have  been  successfull  in  receiving  the 
needed  information  respecting  Characters  suitable  to  till 
the  Offices  in  the  County  of  Washington,  they  are  all 
appointed,  and  I  believe  the  appointments  are  quite  satis- 
factory to  the  people  of  the  County  —  The  organizing  a 
new  County  I  find  to  be  a  work  of  great  im[)ortance  to 
the  peace  of  the  Community  &  have  not  been  successfull 
enough  in  gaining  information  from  the  County  of  Han- 
cock to  enable  me  to  appoint  the  civil  Officers  there.     I 

*  Not  printed  in  previous  editions. 


552  1790.  —  Governor's  Messages,  Etc. 

am  very  sorry  that  I  have  been  obliged  to  delay  it ;  but 
the  County  is  remote,  very  few  of  the  Gentlemen  there 
have  been  known  in  public  life,  and  the  opinions  respect- 
ing them  have  been  too  various  and  indecisive  to  enable 
me  to  form  a  plan  for  perfecting  the  Ijusiness  — 

I  shall  as  soon  as  possible  comply  with  the  exi)ectations 
of  the  Legislature  and  hope  finally  to  efiect  the  business 
so  as  to  render  the  Government  there  respectable  &  give 
entire  satisfaction  to  all  concerned,  but  I  thought  it  my 
duty  in  the  mean  time,  to  give  you  this  information,  that 
the  Legislature  may  take  any  measures  they  think  to  be 
necessary  on  the  occasion. 

JOHN  HANCOCK. 

Council  Chamber,  June  1,  1790. 

[May  SeBsion,  1790.*] 

Gentlemen  of  the  Senate  &   Gentlemen  of  the  House  of 
Representatives , 

In  compliance  with  the  request  of  the  Honble.  Monsieur 
De  L'Etombe  Consul  of  France  I  have  directed  the  Secre- 
tary to  lay  before  you  his  Memorial  which  I  submit  to 
your  determination  to  act  upon  the  subject  as  you  shall 
think  proper. 

JOHN  HANCOCK. 

Boston,  Jime  9,  1790. 

[May  Session,  1790.t] 

Gentlemen  of  the  Senate  &   Gentlemen  of  the  House  of 
Representatives , 

The  Legislature  of  the  Commonwealth  by  their  resolve 
ot  the  thirtieth  of  Jicne  1786,  provided,  that  the  Governor 
for  the  time  being,  should  order  a  discharge  of  cannon  as 
a  token  of  joy  upon  the  anniversary  of  the  Independence 
of  the  United  States  of  America;  and  that  he,  with  advice 
of  Council,  should  provide  a  place  for  the  Supreme  Exec- 
utive, as  well  as  for  the  Senate  and  House  of  Eepre- 
sentatives  (if  the  Legislature  should  be  then  in  session) 
to  meet  for  religious  exercises.  — 

The  fourth  day  of  Jul]/,  1776,  was  the  birth  day  of  a 
nation ;  it  was  a  day  pregnant  with  greater  events,  in 
a  political  view,  than  the  world  had  ever  seen ;  not  only 

•  Not  printed  in  previous  editions. 

t  Not  printed  jn  previous  editions.    Taken  from  court  record. 


1790.  —  Governor's  Messages,  Etc.  553 

the  nation  of  which  we  were  a  part,  l)ut  all  the  nations 
of  the  world  will  probably  derive  great  and  lasting  ])less- 
ings  from  it :  A  free  discussion  of  the  rights  of  men  was 
then  proclaimed  and  has  since  ])een  supported  by  a  great 
&  increasing  people.  As  knowledge  is  extended,  benevo- 
lence and  candour,  will  expand  themselves  over  the  Globe, 
and  we  may  safely  conclude  that  tyranny  and  oppression 
will  give  })lace  to  those  mild  and  reasonable  principles  of 
government,  which  will  render  the  human  race  secure  and 
happy. — 

There  is  the  highest  propriety  in  the  Resolution  of  this 
Commonwealth,  for  a  celebration  of  this  anniversary,  & 
while  it  is  thus  celebrated,  there  will  be  a  collection  of 
people  on  the  occasion  ;  should  there  not  be,  it  would  be 
a  reproach  to  our  exertions  for  freedom.  — 

I  therefore  think  it  to  be  my  duty  to  suggest  the  idea, 
of  your  appointing  some  person  or  persons  to  provide  a 
frugal  collation  in  the  Senate  Chamber,  at  twelve  o'clock 
u})on  that  day,  to  which  the  foreign  Consuls  and  other 
foreigners  of  distinction  may  be  invited. — 

I  feel  for  the  peoi)le,  whenever  they  have  a  burden  laid 
upon  them,  but  it  appears  to  me  that  the  expence  of  such 
a  repast  as  I  have  mentioned  is  very  small  when  compared 
with  the  public  benefit  which  may  result  from  it,  as  well 
as  with  the  dignity  of  the  Commonwealth,  and  the  rank 
we  hold  amongst  the  States  which  do  celel^rate  this  anni- 
versary. 

JOHN   HANCOCK. 

Council  Chamber,  June  10,  1790. 


[May  Session,  1790.*] 

Gentlemen  of  the  Senate  &   Gentlemen  of  the  House  of 
Representatives, 

Immediately  upon  the  Secretary's  presenting  me  with 
your  Resolution  of  4th  Inst.,  respecting  the  State  Debt, 
I  complied  with  your  Re(|uest,  and  wrote  to  the  Senators 
and  Representatives  of  this  Commonwealth  in  Congress, 
and  Transmitted  your  Resolution,  and  by  the  last  Post  I 
Received  their  Replies,  which  I  have  Directed  the  Secre- 
tary to  lay  before  you. 

JOHN  HANCOCK. 

Council  Chamber,  June  14,  1790. 

*  Not  printed  in  previous  editions . 


554  1790.  —  Governor's  Messages,  Etc. 


[September  Sesaion,  1790.] 

Wednesday,  September  15,  1790. 

Pursuant  to  His  Excellency's  Proclamation,  the  ]\lem- 
bers  of  the  Legislature,  met  at  the  State  House,  and 
having  formed  a  quorum,  a  Committee  of  both  Houses 
were  appointed  to  wait  on  the  Governour,  and  inform 
him  that  they  were  ready  to  proceed  to  business ;  where- 
upon His  Excellency,  attended  by  the  Secretary,  met 
the  two  Branches  convened  in  the  Senate  Chamber,  and 
addressed  them  as  follows  : 

Gentlemen  of  the  Senate,  d;   Gentlemen  of  the  House  of 
Representatives, 

Nothing  but  a  strong  conviction  of  the  necessity  of 
the  Legislature's  l)eing  together  at  this  time,  could  have 
induced  me  to  convene  you  at  so  early  a  day  after  the 
late  adjournment. 

By  your  act  past  in  the  late  sessions  for  a  conditional 
repeal  of  the  act  for  raising  a  revenue  by  excise  ;  it  is 
provided,  that  "in  case  the  Congress  of  the  United  States 
should  assume,  or  permit  to  be  loaned  on  the  credit  of 
the  United  States,  the  consolidated  debt  of  this  State,  or 
otherwise  provide  upon  the  credit  of  the  United  States 
for  the  payment  thereof;  then,  and  in  either  case,  the 
said  act  intitled  an  act  to  raise  a  revenue  by  excise,  and 
to  regulate  the  collection  thereof,  should  be,  S  thereby 
tvas  repealed  from,  &  after  the  time,  when  any  act,  or 
law  of  Congress  for  either  of  the  purposes  aforesaid, 
shotdd  be  made,  and  established." 

On  the  fourth  of  Aiigust  last,  an  act  was  made,  & 
established  by  the  Congress  of  the  United  States ;  by 
which  Twenty  one  million  five  hundr'ed  thoiisand  dollars 
of  the  debts  of  the  respective  States,  incurred  for  com- 
pensations, expenditures,  for  services,  or  supplies  towards 
the  prosecution  of  the  late  war,  or  for  the  defence  of  the 
United  States,  or  some  part  thereof,  during  the  same,  is 
permitted  to  be  loaned  on  the  credit  of  the  United  States  — 

Upon  receiving  information  of  this  act,  I  directed  the 
Treasurer  to  lay  before  the  Supreme  Executive  the  amount 
of  the  consolidated  debt  of  this  State,  which  I  find  to 
amount  to  one  million  five  hundred  ehjhty  three  thousand, 
and  eighty  six  pounds  D/3,  e(j[ual  to  five  million  ttvo  hun- 


1790.  —  Governor's  Messages,  Etc.  555 

dred  seventy  six  thousand  nine  Jiundred,  and  Jifty  four 
dollars,  and  5  /6ths  of  a  dollar. 

I  have  directed  the  Secretary  to  hiy  before  you  a  copy 
of  the  act  of  Congress ;  that  you  may  give  it  such  con- 
struction as  shall  appear  to  you  to  be  reasonable,  &  take 
such  measures  as  may  be  best  suited  to  the  welfare  of  the 
Commonwealth  in  the  present  particular  situation  of  it. 
The  Secretary  will  also  lay  before  you  the  several  acts  of 
Congress  passed  since  your  last  adjournment. 

You  will  observe  with  satisfaction,  that  Congress  are 
taking  measures  to  suppqrt  the  credit,  and  to  maintain 
the  honor  of  the  Federal  Government ;  And  whilst  the 
Eyes  of  the  people  are  upon  you,  as  the  Guardians  of 
this  State,  their  just  expectations  will  be  fully  answered, 
by  your  adopting  those  measures,  which  will  do  the  most 
speedy  Justice  to  Our  Creditors,  and  have  a  just  tendency 
to  maintain  the  rank,  &  importance  of  this  Commonwealth. 

By  your  act  above  refered  to  ;  it  is  provided,  that  the 
Supreme  Executive  on  having  notice  of  the  making,  & 
establishing  an  act,  or  law  of  Congress  for  either  of  the 
purposes  aforesaid,  that  is,  for  assuming  the  consolidated 
debt  of  this  State,  permitting  the  same  to  be  loaned  on 
the  credit  of  the  United  States,  or  otherwise  to  provide 
for  the  payment  of  the  same,  on  the  credit  of  the  States, 
that  they  should  make  the  same  known  in  the  Common- 
wealth. 

When  you  shall  have  attended  to  the  act  of  Congress, 
and  the  particular  situation,  into  which  the  Common- 
wealth, from  our  own  acts,  and  the  act  of  Congress  is 
thrown,  you  will  see  that  the  Supreme  Executive  would 
have  been  remiss  in  the  exercise  of  the  authority  vested  in 
them,  unless  they  had  called  the  General  Court  together, 
in  preference  to  any  other  measure. 

Supposing  that  the  inconvenient  season  of  the  year,  in 
which  you  are  convened,  will  preclude  you  from  attending 
to  any  other  lousiness,  besides  that  which  I  have  already 
mentioned  ;  I  forbear  to  mention  any  other  to  you. 

JOHN  HANCOCK. 

Council  Chamber,  Boston,  Sept.  15,  1790, 


550  1790.  —  Governor's  Messages,  Etc. 


[September  Beesion,  1790.*] 

Gentlemen  of  the  Senate  &   Gejitleme)!,  of  the  House  of 
Representatives , 

The  Secretary  will  lay  before  you  a  Letter  which  I  have 
received  from  the  Secretary  of  State  upon  a  very  im- 
portant subject,  &  materially  affecting  this  Common- 
wealth. I  thought  it  my  duty  to  communicate  it  to  you, 
&  am  ready  to  do  every  thing  in  my  power  to  carry  into 
effect  the  valuable  purposes  of  the  Secretary  of  State. 

JOHN   HANCOCK. 

Council  Chamber,  Septr.  16,  1790. 

[September  Seeslon,  1790.*] 

Gentlemen  of  the  Senate  and  Gentlemen  of  the  House  of 
Representatives, 

I  have  directed  the  Secretary  to  lay  before  you  a  letter 
froiii  James  Sullivan  Esqr.  Attorney  General  represent- 
ing the  escape  of  Samuel  Hadlock  a  prisoner  under  Judg- 
ment of  Death  in  the  County  of  Lincoln  and  information 
being  received  that  said  Hadlock  is  sculking  in  the  wilder- 
ness in  said  County,  the  Council  have  Advised  me  to  issue 
a  Proclamation  for  the  apprehending  him,  — but  as  I  have 
not  the  means  in  my  power  to  offer  a  reward  competent 
to  induce  the  good  people  of  that  County  to  apprehend 
him,  I  therefore  submit  the  matter  to  your  consideration. 

JOHN  HANCOCK. 

Council  Chamber,  Sepr.  17,  1790. 

[January  Session,  1790.] 

Thursday,  January  27,  1791. 

At  twelve  o'clock,  the  Secretary  delivered  to  the  House, 
a  Message  from  His  Excellency  the  Governour,  request- 
ing their  attendance  in  the  Senate  Chamber,  whither  they 
immediately  retired,  —  and  where  his  Excellency  delivered 
the  following  speech. 

*  Not  printed  in  previous  editions. 


1790.  —  Governor's  Messages,  Etc.  55' 

Gentlemen  of  the  Senate  &   Gentlemen  of  the  House  of 
Representatives, 

When  we  contemplate  the  present  happy  situation  of 
our  Country,  &  compare  it  with  the  distressing  scenes 
through  which  a  kind  providence  has  conducted  her,  the 
mind,  if  not  void  of  patriotism  must  expand  with  delight ; 
&  the  heart  if  not  insensible  to  the  impulses  of  religion, 
will  overflow  with  gratitude. 

The  people  of  this  Commonwealth,  whilst  they  were  in- 
volved in  accumulated  difliculties,  established  the  Consti- 
tution of  Government,  by  force  of  which,  we  are  now 
assembled.  And  the  Citizens  of  the  other  States  in  the 
Union,  no  less  attentive  to  the  means  of  establishing  their 
political  happiness  &  security,  pursued  similar  measures. 
The  unanimity  which  prevailed  on  this  important  occasion 
throughout  all  the  States,  &  that  extraordinary  exercise 
of  learning  &  wisdom,  which  has  been  acknowledged  by 
the  world,  were  at  that  time  attributed  by  many,  to  the 
great  pressure  of  our  particular  &  hazardous  circum- 
stances ;  but  since  we  have  been  favored  with  a  state  of 
perfect  peace,  &  tranquillity,  a  great  display  of  wisdom  & 
learning  has  been  exhibited,  &  a  degree  of  unanimity  has 
prevailed  in  the  forming,  &  establishing  the  Constitution 
of  the  United  States  of  America. 

I  do  not  mention  these  great  events  for  your  informa- 
tion ;  but  to  lead  your  minds  to  the  contemplation  of 
those  virtues  &  qualities  from  whence  they  originated. 

We  see  in  the  history  of  nations,  that  an  ignorant  & 
unprincipled  multitude,  may  be  frequently  induced  to  fol- 
low an  ambitious  leader,  to  rapine,  plunder  &  conquest ; 
but  when  these  objects,  which  serve  only  to  encrease  the 
miseries  of  mankind  are  atchieved,  the  most  successful  sit 
down  more  wretched  than  they  were  before. 

It  seems  to  be  reserved  as  the  peculiar  character  of  the 
A7nericans,  to  be  moved  in  their  operations  by  a  purer  & 
a  more  extensive  degree  of  intelligence  than  has  fallen  to 
the  lot  of  those  nations  whose  characters  we  ol)tain  from 
history.  And  it  is  their  great  felicity  to  have  as  the  re- 
ward of  their  virtues,  the  ability  of  conducting  their  per- 
ilous controversies,  so  as  to  lay  a  noble  foundation  for 
their  own  future  glory,  &  for  the  promotion  of  human 
happiness.  The  means  which  have  been  blessed  to  these 
important  purposes,  are  the  general  dissemination  of  the 


558  1790.  —  Governor's  Messages,  Etc. 

principles  of  religion,  &  morality,  &  of  useful  learning 
amongst  our  fellow  Citizens  in  general,  as  well  as  that 
e(]uality  of  character,  privileges,  hopes  &  prospects  which 
the  Laws  &  Constitution  of  our  Country  have  been  estab- 
lished &  steadily  maintained  for  them. 

Our  Constituents,  Gentlemen,  wnll  feel  themselves  as- 
sured, that  under  the  enjoyment  of  these  inestimable  bless- 
ings, you  will  pay  the  most  unremitted  attention  to  the 
encouragement  &  support  of  those  principles  &  measures 
which  have  been  capable  of  producing  such  astonishing  & 
glorious  effects. 

When  a  country  is  favored  by  divine  providence,  with 
a  singular  share  of  felicity  it  becomes  those  whom  the 
people  by  their  suffrages  have  placed  in  the  lead  of  their 
public  concerns  to  acknowledge  it  with  gratitude  upon  all 
suitable  occasions. 

The  United  States  of  America  by  force  of  their  Con- 
stitution of  Government  have  already  arisen  to  honor  & 
credit.  Our  observations  convince  us  of  the  sufficiency 
of  this  System,  to  answer  all  the  great  purposes  of  form- 
ing connexions  with  other  nations,  of  defending  the  Union 
against  foreign  invasions  &  of  preserving  harmony  &  sup- 
porting Justice  between  the  Citizens  of  different  States. 
It  remains  for  us.  Gentlemen,  to  give  our  support  to  this 
System,  by  maintaining  in  full  energy,  the  Constitution 
of  our  own  State,  upon  which,  with  those  of  the  other 
States  in  the  Union,  the  Federal  government  is  founded  : 
for  it  must  eventually  stand  or  fall  with  these  particular 
governments.  The  least  alteration  in  the  constitutional 
principles  of  one  of  them  must  essentially  affect  that.  The 
Federal  government  might  indeed,  by  absorbing  the  pow- 
ers of  the  State  Governments  change  its  own  nature  & 
l)ecome  a  very  different  System  from  what  it  originally 
was ;  but  to  maintain  it,  as  it  now  is  will  be  best  effected 
by  maintaining  them  in  as  much  respectaljility,  as  their 
several  Constitutions  will  admit  of. 

Government  being  founded  in  the  nature  of  man,  the 
establishment  of  it  has  been  attempted  in  all  Countries  & 
by  all  Nations.  Wherever  the  Officers  who  have  been 
designated  to  execute  it  have  held  their  authority  inde- 
pendent of  the  people.  Slavery  &  despotism  have  suc- 
ceeded. In  every  part  of  the  world,  therefore,  where 
Literature  &  useful  knowledge  have  prevailed,  the  people 
have  struggled  for  a  free  form  of  Government ;  &  while 


1790.  —  Governor's  Messages,  Etc.  559 


they  have  attended  carefully  to  their  own  interest,  &  ex- 
ercised their  liberty  without  licentiousness ;  while  they 
have  distinguished  the  friends  of  freedom  from  the  friends 
of  Arbitrary  Power  &  used  their  liberty,  as  not  abusing  it, 
they  have  continued  to  be  free  &  happy. 

For  all  Citizens  to  have  an  equal  right  to  elect,  &  to  be 
elected  to  office,  is  a  privilege  which  other  Countries  have 
not  been  able  long  to  retain  ;  but  from  the  estimate  which 
is  put  upon  civil  liberty  by  our  fellow  Citizens,  from  the 
mode  of  education  in  this  Country,  &  from  that  most 
laudable  pride,  which  each  member  of  our  great  Republic 
feels,  in  standing  as  the  Guardian  of  his  own  freedom,  we 
have  the  happiness  of  being  assured,  that  we  shall  long 
enjoy  a  blessing  which  other  nations  have  forfeited  by  their 
folly,  &  want  of  attention.  We  are  all  then  most  solemnly 
engaged  to  Unite,  in  our  endeavors  to  preserve,  encourage 
&  maintain  in  the  great  l)ody  of  the  people,  those  ideas 
upon  which  the  glory  of  our  Country,  &  the  felicity  of 
future  generations  so  essentially  depend. 

It  is  true  that  the  late  revolution  has  involved  the 
United  States  as  a  government,  &  the  particular  States  in 
a  large  debt ;  but  the  vast  increase  of  population,  &  the 
growing  resources  of  our  Country  will  soon  be  amply 
sufficient  for  the  discharge  of  it.  And  altho'  we  may  feel 
the  weight  of  it  for  a  time,  we  shall  derive  great  consola- 
tion from  comparing  our  circumstances  w^ith  those  of  other 
Nations  &  above  all,  by  recollecting  that  this  debt  was 
incurred  for  the  preservation  of  our  freedom  as  men ;  & 
that  instead  of  being  mere  provincials  dependent  upon,  & 
a  grade  below  the  subjects  of  a  Foreign  Sovereign,  each 
Citizen  not  only  claims  rank  with  every  Citizen  of  other 
nations,  but  rises  superior  to  them  all,  by  possessing  a 
part  of  the  sovereignty  of  his  own  Country. 

In  addition  to  the  other  favors  we  enjoy  as  a  Govern- 
ment we  have  the  blessings  of  internal  peace  &  tranquil- 
lity :  industry  &  Economy  prevail  &  the  people  appear  to 
be  satisfied  &  contented  — 

The  happiness  of  the  people,  that  sole  object  of  all  good 
government,  is  every  where  acknowledged  :  the  ^e\d  has 
in  the  year  past  yielded  its  increase  in  great  al)undance  : 
our  fishery  &  commerce  have  been  prosj^ered,  &  there 
appears  to  he  laudal)le  exertions  to  introduce  the  useful 
Arts  to  the  Country  —  A  number  of  Gentlemen  have  in  the 
town  oi  Bo  fit  on.  &  other  Towns  carried  the  Manufactory  of 


560  1790.  —  Governor's  Messages,  Etc. 

Duck  to  a  great  degree  of  perfection  :  they  deserve  great 
applause  for  their  spirited  exertions.  And  from  the  at- 
tempts of  other  worthy  Citizens  we  have  reason  to  hope 
that  there  wdll  be  as  great  success  in  the  Manufoctory  of 
oflass  in  the  same  town. 


Gentlemen  of  the  Senate  &   Gentlemen  of  the  House  of 
Represe7itatives , 

The  line  of  true  policy  for  a  Commonwealth,  is  at  all 
times  found  on  the  path  of  Justice.  But  it  sometimes 
unfortunately  happens  that  the  situation  of  a  State  renders 
it  impossible  for  the  governing  power  to  do  that,  which 
in  justice  ought  to  be  done ;  when  this  happens  those 
who  have  been  the  greatest  friends  to  the  State,  are 
generally  the  greatest  sufferers.  We  find  with  the  highest 
satisfaction  that  the  public  securities  of  the  United  States 
are  very  fjist  approximating  in  their  real,  to  their  nominal 
value.  But  while  they  were  very  low,  many  of  those 
persons  who  took  them,  or  the  securities  exchanged  for 
them,  in  the  place  of  money  &  have  been  obliged  to  part 
with  them  at  a  very  great  discount  have  been  sutFerers. 
However  much  we  may  lament  the  sufterings  of  these 
people,  we  can  find  no  remedy  for  them,  for,  the  situation 
of  the  Country  was  such  at  that  time,  that  the  resources 
of  it  could  not  be  turned  to  the  channel  of  Justice  in  which 
they  ought  to  have  been  directed.  And  now  the  very 
existence  of  the  great  Republic  of  America  depends  upon 
the  support  of  pul)lic  Credit. 

The  Congress  of  the  United  States  having  assumed 
foiir  Millions  of  Dollars  of  the  debt  of  this  Common- 
wealth, the  residue  remains  as  the  object  of  finance  for 
this  particular  Government.  Perhaps  upon  the  final  ad- 
justment of  our  accounts  with  Congress  it  may  appear 
that  this  also  is  chargeable  upon  the  United  States ;  but 
the  Creditors  still  are  to  look  to  this  State  for  payment. 
The  original  holders  of  Securities  issued  by  this  Govern- 
ment have  received  great  injury,  &  greater  still  will 
accrue  to  them,  unless  from  your  proceedings,  it  shall 
l>e  made  evident  to  the  world  that  the  interest  of  the 
residue  of  our  debt  will  be  provided  for  in  a  manner  fully 
cc|ual  in  point  of  advantage  to  that  proposed  l)y  Congress 
&  that  a  punctual  annual  Payment  may  be  relied  upon. 
Unless  this  is  done,  the  Citizens  who  have  parted  with 
their  property  to  save  their  Country  from  impending  ruin. 


1790.  —  Governor's  Messages,  Etc.  561 

will  be  obliged  to  continue  to  dispose  of  their  securities 
at  discount  &  must  be  finally  taxed  to  redeem  them  at 
par,  from  those  who  shall  be  holders  of  them.  1  have  no 
doubt,  Gentlemen,  l)ut  that  you  are  fully  impressed  with 
this  important  sui)ject ;  but  I  feel  it  to  be  my  duty  to 
urge  upon  you  a  speedy  progress  in  restoring  credit  to 
the  Commonwealth. 

By  the  Act  of  Congress  for  assuming  a  part  of  the  debt 
of  this  State  it  is  agreed,  that  if  the  whole  of  the  sum 
allowed  to  be  sul)scribed  by  the  holders  of  our  Public 
securities  shall  not  be  subscribed  within  the  present  year, 
that  this  State  shall  receive  from  the  United  States,  in- 
terest according  to  the  provision  of  the  Act  upon  so  much 
of  the  sum  [)roposed  to  be  loaned  as  shall  not  be  so  sub- 
scribed. AVhich  interest  so  received  by  the  State,  is  to 
be  received  in  trust  for  the  Non-Subscribing  Creditors  of 
this  Commonwealth  until  there  shall  be  a  settlement  of 
accounts  between  this  &  the  United  States.  If  measures 
could  be  adopted  to  raise  the  Credit  of  this  Government 
so  la,r  as  that  the  holders  of  our  public  securities  would 
place  such  a  confidence  in  them,  as  they  would  in  the  pro- 
posal of  the  United  States,  it  would  aflbrd  great  ease  to 
those  Creditors  who  have  a  right  to  subscribe  towards  the 
four  millions  to  apply  to  our  own  Treasury  for  their  in- 
terest. I  propose  this  idea  for  your  attention,  l)ut  shall 
not  enlarge  upon  it. 

Gentlemen,  I  have  some  matters  to  communicate  to  you 
which  I  shall  make  the  subject  of  particular  Messages,  & 
shall  recommend  them  to  your  attention  as  deserving  your 
notice  —  I  shall  do  all  within  my  power  to  render  the 
Session  useful  to  our  fellow  Citizens,  and  agreeable  to 
you. 

The  Secretary  will  lay  before  you  the  Acts  &  Journals 
of  Congress  so  far  as  I  have  received  them  since  your 
last  session. 

JOHN  HANCOCK. 

Council  Chamber,  January  26th,  1791. 

[January  Session,  1790.*] 

Gentlemen  of  the  Senate  and  Gentlemen  of  the  House  of 
Representatives, 

I  have  directed  the  Secretary  to  lay  before  you,  a  Me- 
morial presented  to  me  by  the  Consul  of  His  Britannick 

*  Not  printed  in  previous  editions. 


562  1790.  —  Governor's  Messages,  Etc. 

Majesty,  residing  within  this  Commonwealth ;  together 
with  the  papers  accompanjdng  the  same. 

The  sul)ject  of  his  Memorial,  is  a  judgment  given  by 
the  Supreme  Judicial  Court  of  this  Commonwealth,  in 
a  case,  between  Stephen  Hooper  of  Newhiiry  Port  and 
Thomas  Pagan  a  subject  of  the  King  of  England.  The 
design  of  the  Memorial,  is  to  obtain  a  revision  of  the 
judgment  in  that  case.  As  the  Judges  of  the  Supreme 
Judicial  Court  are  by  law  impowered  to  grant  New  trials 
in  certain  cases,  I  should  have  referred  the  business  to 
them,  but  I  find  by  the  papers  that  the  question  of  a  new 
trial  has  been  agitated  before  them,  and  that  they  have 
decided  against  it.  —  Since  that  decision,  the  Consul  has 
received  Instructions  from  the  King  of  Great  Britain, 
through  his  Ministry,  to  apply  to  the  Government  of  this 
State,  for  a  reversion  of  the  Judgment. 

It  appears  by  the  papers  that  the  question  arises  re- 
specting the  right  to  capture  a  certain  Vessel,  which  was 
taken  by  a  British  Privateer  on  the  tw^enty  fifth  of  March 
seventeen  hundred  &  Eighty  three,  being  the  property  of 
Mr.  Hooper.  The  trial  involves  a  question  upon  the  late 
Treaty  of  Peace,  between  the  United  States  of  America, 
&  Great  Britain. 

The  decision  of  the  Courts  of  the  two  Nations  have 
been  different,  I  believe  upon  the  construction  of  the 
Treaty.  The  Lords  Commissioners  of  appeals  for  prize 
causes  in  England,  havmg  determined  this  Vessel  to  be 
lawful  prize,  when  the  Courts  of  the  United  States,  have 
determined  Vessels  taken  at  that  time  from  British  sub- 
jects to  be  no  prize. 

If  any  controversy  should  exist  upon  this  question,  it 
would  no  doubt  be  more  eligible  to  have  it  declared  by 
the  United  States,  than  b}^  this  Commonwealth. 

I  recommend  this  matter  to  your  serious  attention,  and 
hope  such  proceedings  will  be  had,  as  will  ease  this  State 
of  the  trouble  of  a  Controversy,  and  promote  that  Justice 
which  the  nature  of  the  case  may  demand. 

JOHN   HANCOCK. 

Council  Chamber,  January  28tb,  1791. 


1790.  —  GovERT^OR^s  Messages,  Etc.  563 


[January  Session,  1790.*] 

Gentlemen  of  the  Senate  and  Gentlemen  of  the  House  of 
Representatives, 

I  have  directed  the  Secretary  to  lay  before  you,  an 
Address  presented  to  me,  by  the  Select  Committee  of  the 
Society  for  propagating  the  Gospel  among  the  Indians, 
and  others,  in  North  America. 

The  Institution  of  that  Society  does  great  honor  to 
the  Wisdom  and  humanit}^  of  our  Government.  As  the 
benevolent  designs  of  it,  are  attended  to,  by  the  Gentle- 
men of  whom  it  is  composed,  with  great  faithfulness  and 
assiduity,  it  is  most  ardently  wished,  that  their  funds  were 
so  increased,  as  to  ena])le  them  to  carry  their  intentions 
more  largely  into  execution. 

Having  in  my  address  to  you  at  the  opening  ot  the 
Session,  expressed  myself  fully  upon  the  great  benefits  of 
Education,  it  is  less  necessary  for  me  to  enlarge  in  tins 
Message  upon  that  su])ject ;  but  I  feel  myself  so  much 
impressed  with  the  disagreeable  situation  of  our  fellow 
Citizens  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  Commonwealth,  which 
I  believe  to  be  justly  represented  in  the  Address  of  the 
Committee,  that  I  cannot  1>ut  urge  it  upon  you  Gentle- 
men, to  take  measures  for  their  relief,  so  far  as  it  is  within 
your  power  to  do  it. 

The  People,  whose  situation  is  the  subject  of  this  Mes- 
sage, are  obliged  to  suffer  toil,  hunger  and  all  the  hard- 
ships, which  are  incident  to  the  settlement  of  a  new 
Country :  whilst  every  tree  they  cut  down  and  every 
acre  of  wild  land  they  subdue,  contributes  to  the  wealth 
of  the  State.  And  as  the  strength,  numbers  and  respec- 
tability of  the  Commonwealth,  are  encreased  by  extending 
our  settlements  into  the  wilderness,  the  men  who  under- 
take [s]  the  arduous  business,  ought  to  have  every  pos- 
sible encouragement  from  Government. 

Besides  this,  there  will  be  a  peculiar  disadvantage  in 
having  so  numerous  a  body  of  people,  as  the  rising  gener- 
ation in  that  part  of  the  Commonwealth  will  form,  situated 
upon  a  frontier  point  of  the  United  States,  almost  intirely 
destitute  of  that  knowledge,  and  information,  which  render 
the  other  parts  of  their  Country  so  respectable. 

There  are  many  reasons  to  induce  you  Gentlemen,  to 

*  Not  printed  in  previous  editions. 


564  1790.  —  Governor's  Messages,  Etc. 

take  this  subject  into  your  consideration,  and  it  will  afford 
you  great  pleasure,  and  satisfaction,  to  find,  that  the  re- 
sources of  the  State,  by  the  appropriation  of  wild  lands, 
or  by  any  other  means,  are  such,  as  will  allow  you  to 
assist  that  society  in  their  laudable  endeavours  to  dis- 
seminate the  principles  of  Religion  and  morality  amongst 
our  fellow  Citizens  who  are  the  objects  of  their  present 
attention. 

JOHN  HANCOCK. 

Council  Chamber,  January  28th,  1791. 

[January  Session,  1790.*] 

Gentlemen  of  the  Senate  &   Gentlemen  of  the  House  of 
Representatives, 

By  the  last  post  I  received  a  Letter  from  His  Excel- 
lency the  Governor  of  the  State  of  Rhode  Island,  with  a 
copy  of  an  Act  of  the  General  Assembly  of  that  State, 
and  copies  of  the  papers  on  which  it  was  founded,  re- 
specting a  dispute  that  has  arisen  upon  the  seizure  of  the 
stock  of  a  Mr.  Aldrich  under  pretence  of  taxes  assessed 
upon  him  as  an  inhabitant  of  the  Town  of  .Wretitham; 
which  I  have  directed  the  Secretary  to  lay  before  you  — 
and  request  that  you  would  be  pleased  to  give  the  subject 
of  the  said  dispute  the  earliest  attention,  in  order  that  an 
answer  might  be  transmitted  as  soon  as  possible,  agree- 
able to  the  request  of  the  Governor  of  the  said  State. 

JOHN  HANCOCK. 

Council  Chamber,  Boston,  Feby.  14th,  1791. 

[January  Session,  1790.*] 

Gentlemen  of  the  Senate  and  Gentlemen  of  the  House  of 
Representatives, 

From  a  recollection  of  your  Message  delivered  this 
morning,  a  copy  of  which  I  am  not  possessed  of,  I  appre- 
hend it  was  your  inteution  to  perfect  your  Business  and 
request  a  recess  this  afternoon ;  but  as  new  Resolves  are 
constantly  laying  before  me  it  is  not  within  the  line  of 
possibility  with  all  the  assiduity  that  can  be  used  in  the 
course  of  this  Evening,  to  give  that  attention  my  duty 

*  Not  printed  in  previous  editions. 


1790.  —  Governor's  Messages,  Etc.         565 

requires.  I  take  leave  to  submit  to  your  own  considera- 
tion whetiier  it  will  be  more  eligible  to  continue  your 
session  or  rel'er  the  papers  now  before  me  that  are  not 
acted  upon  to  the  next  Session, 

JOHN   HANCOCK. 

Council  Chamber,  March  11,  1791. 

[January  Sessiou,  1790.*] 

Gentlemen  of  the  Senate  -and  Gentlemen  of  the  House  of 
Representatives, 

At  four  o'clock  yesterday  afternoon  the  Secretary  laid 
before  me  a  Resolution  of  the  General  Court  on  the  pe- 
tition of  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Boiodoin  and  James  Boivdoin 
Esqr.  requesting  an  additional  power  to  be  given,  or  an 
explanation  from  the  Legislature  as  to  the  intention  of  the 
late  Honorable  Testator  James  Bowdoin  Esqr.  in  a  par- 
ticular part  of  his  Will.  I  find  myself  embarrassed  in  this 
instance,  and  cannot  without  further  conviction  approve 
of  it,  for  I  cannot  see  the  necessity  of  the  aid  of  the  Leg- 
islature, because  all  the  powers  given  by  the  Will  or  by 
the  Letter  of  Attorney  of  Sir  John  Temple  ought  to  arise 
from  a  fair  construction  of  their  Instruments,  and  not  from 
any  Act  of  Legislation  upon  them ;  and  that  an  attempt 
to  extend  the  powers  granted  in  the  one  or  the  other  may 
introduce  a  dangerous  &  unconstitutional  precedent  in  the 
Commonwealth  —  I  have  therefore  returned  the  papers  for 
your  consideration. 

JOHN   HANCOCK. 

Council  Chamber,  March  11,  1791. 


*  Not  printed  in  previous  editions. 


SPEECHES   AND   MESSAGES, 

1791. 


[May  Session,  1791.] 

Thursday,  Mmj  26,  1791. 

At  half  past  12  o'clock,  His  Excellency  the  Governour 
appeared  in  the  House,  where  the  Senate  had  convened, 
and  in  a  short  and  pertinent  address,  informed  the  two 
branches  of  the  General  Court,  That  he  had  been  politely 
informed  by  their  Committee  of  his  having  been  re-elected 
to  the  oflSce  of  the  First  Magistrate  of  the  Commonwealth  ; 
and  he  was  fully  sensible  of  the  honour  done  him  by  this 
fresh  instance  of  the  confidence  reposed  in  him  by  the 
citizens  thereof;  that  he  experienced  the  highest  satis- 
faction in  contemplating  that  the  welfare  and  happiness 
of  the  Commonwealth,  had  ever  been  the  chief  objects 
of  his  concern,  and  that  he  should  not  fail  of  paying  that 
attention  to  its  interests  which  this  repeated  instance  of 
confidence  demanded.  The  President  of  the  Senate  then 
administered  the  oaths  to  his  Excellency. 

Before  the  President  of  the  Senate  administered  the 
oaths  to  his  Honour  Samuel  Adams,  Esq.  he  addressed 
the  two  Branches  as  follows : 

Mr.  President, 
By  the  Con.stitution  of  this  Commonwealth,  powers  suf- 
ficient for  the  preservation  of  the  rights  and  liberties  of 
the  people,  and  the  well  ordering  of  civil  society,  are 
annually  delegated  to  such  persons  as  the  free  citizens 
think  fit  to  confide  in.  Those  original  rights  of  men, 
^vhich  are  deemed  to  be  by  the  Laws  of  God  and  Nature 
unalienable,  are  secluded  from  the  controul  of  civil  gov- 
ernment, and  are  left  to  be  exercised  by  each  individual, 
at  his  own  discretion,  without  injury  to  others.  It  is 
a  Constitution,  not  obtruded   l)y  any  one  man,  or  any 


568  1791.  —  Governor's  Messages,  Etc. 

numl)ei'  of  men  who  might  combine  to  gratify  their  own 
feelings  to  the  exclusion  of  all  others,  l)ut  contemplated, 
deliberated,  approved  and  adopted  by  the  people  them- 
selves. 

You  are  very  sensible,  Sir,  there  are  advantages  in 
frequently  recurring  to  first  principles. 

It  is  the  express  language  of  this  excellent  Constitu- 
tion, and  I  conceive  it  to  be  the  clear  voice  of  Nature  and 
Reason,  that  "  all  power  originally  resides  in  the  people  ; 
and  being  derived  from  them,  the  several  Magistrates  and 
Officers  of  government,  whether  Legislative,  Executive 
or  Judicial,  are  their  substitutes  and  agents,  and  are  at 
all  times  accountable  to  them."  That  "  the  people  alone 
have  the  incontestible,  unalienable  and  indefeasible  right 
to  institute  governments,  and  to  reform,  alter  or  totally 
change  the  same,  when  they  find  their  own  safety,  pro- 
tection and  welfare  require  it."  That  "the  idea  of  a  man 
born  a  Magistrate,  Legislator  or  Judge,  is  absurd  and  un- 
natural." 

May  it  not  hence  be  inferred,  that  claims  to  hereditary 
right,  to  shares  in  sovereignty,  or  in  the  administration 
of  government,  transmissible  to  children,  or  relations,  by 
blood,  are  usurpations  of  the  natural  rights  of  men,  as 
well  as  totally  repugnant  to  the  first  principles  of  our  free 
Constitution.  It  is  further  declared,  that  "the  people 
have  a  right,  at  certain  periods,  to  cause  their  public  Ofii- 
cers  to  return  to  private  life,  and  to  fill  up  vacant  places 
by  regular  elections  and  appointments."  And  that  all 
elections  ought  to  be  free. 

Upon  these,  and  other  like  principles,  the  people  of  this 
territory  did  solemnly  and  mutually  agree  with  each  other, 
to  form  themselves  into  a  free,  sovereign  and  independent 
body  politic,  or  State. 

When  the  year  expired,  in  which  I  was  called  to  offi- 
ciate in  the  office  of  Lieutenant  Governour  of  this  Com- 
monwealth, I  freely  and  voluntarily  complied  with  a  rule 
of  the  Constitution,  wisely  calculated,  and  I  conceive  in- 
tended, to  secure  and  perpetuate  annual  elections,  and 
returned  to  my  own  native  private  station  in  the  com- 
munity. 

A  joint  committee  of  the  two  Branches  of  the  General 
Court,  have  by  their  order  informed  me,  that  my  fellow 
citizens  have  thought  it  proper  again  to  elect  me,  to  the 
same  office.     I  am  highly  honoured  by  this  repeated  mark 


1791.  —  Governor's  Messages,  Etc.  569 

of  their  confidence.  I  accept  the  trust :  And  am  ready, 
before  this  venerable  and  freely  elected  Legislature  now 
convened  for  the  purpose,  to  take  and  subscribe,  the  sev- 
eral oaths  and  declarations  which  the  Constitution  of  this 
Commonw^ealth  has  made  pre-requlsite  to  my  acting  in 
the  office.  Having  done  this  I  shall  use  my  utmost  en- 
deavour, to  perform  the  duties  required,  diligently  and 
faithfully,  according  to  the  best  of  my  ability  and  under- 
standing. 

[May  Session,  1791.] 

Friday,  May  27,  1791. 

At  4  o'clock.  His  Excellency  the  Governour,  met  the 
two  Branches  convened  in  the  Representatives'  Chamber, 
and  delivered  the  following  speech  : 

Gentlemen  of  the  Senate  and  Gentlemen   of  the  House  of 
Representatives, 

The  partiality  of  my  Fellow  Citizens  having  again  called 
me  to  the  Chair,  my  duty,  according  to  the  established 
mode  of  proceedure  in  this  Government,  coincides  with  my 
inclinations,  in  requesting  your  attendance  in  this  place ; 
that  I  might,  personally,  pay  my  respects  to  you.  And  I 
take  this  opportunity,  to  express  to  them,  through  you, 
the  obligation  I  feel,  in  being  honored  so  repeatedly  with 
their  suffrages.  Their  freedom,  hap})iness  &  interest,  are 
ol^jects  which  demand  my  warmest  attention,  and  which  I 
shall  pursue  with  unremitted  ardor.  My  only  amliition 
is,  to  render  myself  useful  to  them  ;  &  thereby  to  merit, 
in  some  measure,  the  confidence  with  which  they  honor 
me. 

I  am  very  happy,  to  be  able  to  assure  you,  of  the  preva- 
lence of  tranquility  throughout  our  Republick.  Industry, 
peace  &  good  order  are  continued  ;  &  public  felicity  every 
where  enjoyed,  the  intercourse  of  the  Citizens  of  the  Town 
&  Countr}^  is  continued  to  their  mutual  satisfaction,  & 
advantage  :  And  we  have  reason  to  hope  that  under  a 
mild  &  regular  Government,  we  shall  continue  to  enjoy 
the  inestimable  blessings  of  Peace,  Liberty  &  Safety. 

The  institution  of  Civil  Government  is  intended  to  pro- 
mote the  happiness,  &  to  ensure  the  safety  of  the  people, 
to  effect  these  important  ends,  it  is  our  duty,  to  Enact  wise 
Laws,  &  to  make  ample  })rovision,  for  an  e(|ual,  &  regular 


1791.  —  Governor's  Messages,  Etc. 

distribution  of  Justice.  The  Citizens  of  a  Free  State  have 
a  right  to  expect  Justice,  "in  tlie  most  cheap,  easy  & 
expeditious  manner  :  promptly,  &  without  delay  conform- 
ably to  the  Laws."  As  our  Commonwealth  encreases  in 
numbers,  the  business  of  the  Executive  &  Judicial  De- 
partments, must  proportional)ly  be  encreased,  &  such  pro- 
vision, from  time  to  time,  ought  to  be  made  as  will  prevent 
the  Citizens  from  being  wearied  in  their  attendance,  on 
Courts  of  Justice,  &  being  worn  out,  in  pursuing  their  just 
demands. 

The  trial  liy  Jury  is  justly  considered  as  the  bulwark  of 
our  Liberties,  &  great  care  ought  to  be  taken,  to  support 
the  reputation  of  it :  our  Laws  are  such  as  will  excuse  a 
man  from  serving  more  than  once  in  three  years  in  that 
respectable  office ;  but  the  Courts  of  the  United  States, 
together  with  those  of  our  own  Government,  make  so  fre- 
quent calls  for  Juries,  that  there  may  be  a  necessity  to 
revise  the  Laws  made  upon  this  subject,  &  to  shorten  the 
time  of  excuse  in  the  Sea-port  Counties. 

As  our  Government  is  in  the  hands  of  the  People,  they 
have  the  means,  under  the  smiles  of  Divine  Providence  of 
securing  their  own  happiness :  but  since  wars  &  san- 
guinary" conflicts,  are  too  frequently  the  lot  of  mankind, 
it  is  always  prudent  to  stand  prepared  for  every  event ;  & 
as  standing  Armies,  that  bane  of  all  Civil  Freedom  may 
be  necessary,  unless  a  well  disciplined  Militia  is  main- 
tained, it  is  of  the  highest  consequence  that  the  people, 
with  their  own  Arms,  should  be  able  to  defend  themselves 
against  all  invasions  of  a, foreign  Enemy,  &  to  preserve 
the  force  &  energy  of  their  own  internal  Government.  In 
order  to  eflect  this,  they  should  l)e  universally  instructed 
in  the  use  of  Arms.  A  well  disciplined  Militia  is  the  only 
Military  force  compatible  with  the  people's  liberty ;  & 
ought  to  be  their  main  dependence,  for  repelling  attacks 
from  a  Foreign  Enemy.  I,  therefore,  recommend  it  to 
you.  Gentlemen,  to  attend  to  this  subject,  &  by  encourage- 
ments on  the  one  hand,  &  provisions  for  a  certain  execu- 
tion of  the  Laws  on  the  other,  to  render  our  Militia,  an 
armed,  &  effectual  body.  There  shall  be  nothing  wanting 
on  my  part,  to  render  the  Militia  respectable. 

The  attention  of  the  Citizens  of  the  Commonwealth  to 
the  Education  of  the  rising  Generation  aflbrds  a  most 
pleasing  prospect,  of  the  future  support  of  those  princi- 
ples, for  which  the  Patriots  of  our  Country  have  nobly 


1791.  —  Governor's  Messages,  Etc.  671 

contended,  &  in  maintainance  of  which  so  many  of  our 
fellow  citizens  have  fallen  in  the  Field. 

The  useful  Institutions  of  Learned  Teachers  of  Piety, 
Religion  &  Morality  in  the  Parishes,  &  of  Grammar' 
Schools  in  the  towns  of  our  Republick,  the  latter  of  which, 
is  in  a  great  measure  peculiar  to  the  Northern  States  of 
the  Union,  are  exceedingly  well  adapted  to  the  support 
of  a  Eepublican  form  of  Government:  because  the  main- 
tain [aw]  ce  of  such  a  Government,  depends  altogether  upon 
light  &  knowledge,  being  universally  disseminated  in  the 
body  of  the  People.  While  our  fellow  Citizens  continue 
to  be  able  to  contemplate,  &  to  understand  their  true  in- 
terest, they  will  cherish  these  important,  &  honorable 
institutions. 

But  unless  there  is  an  ample  source  to  derive  the  means 
of  these  Institutions  from,  all  our  laudable  exertions  will 
avail  us  nothing.  The  University  of  Cambridge  was 
founded  by  our  Avise  &  patriotic  Ancestors,  for  this  pur- 
pose ;  on  the  support  of  this  depends  all  the  other  literary 
Institutions  of  the  Commonwealth.  And  I  am  very  sorry 
to  be  obliged  to  inform  you,  that  unless  some  exertions 
are  immediately  made  by  you  Gentlemen,  for  its  support, 
the  light  of  our  Country  will  begin  to  fade,  &  its  glory 
will  be  seen  in  its  decline.  You  will  soon  have  the  state 
of  the  University  laid  before  you,  in  such  a  manner,  as  I 
hope  will  obviate  all  doubts  respecting  the  necessity  of 
your  aid.  And  I  cannot  in  justice  to  the  best  interest  of 
all  my  fellow  Citizens,  in  whose  name  I  now  address  you, 
refrain  from  beseeching  you  to  give  your  most  assiduous, 
and  candid  attention  to  it. 


Gentlemen  of  the  Senate  S    Gentlemen  of  the  House  of 
Representatives, 

I  will  submit  to  your  consideration,  whether  the  late 
influx  of  Specie,  does  not  render  the  present,  a  favorable 
opportunity,  to  regulate  &  amend  the  Finances  of  this 
Government.  I  would  by  no  means  consent  to  the  laying 
a  heavy  burden  on  the  People,  but  the  interest  of  our 
Public  Debt  is  rapidly  accumulating,  &  the  Creditors, 
amongst  whom,  are  many  distressed  people,  are  anxious 
to  receive  something  upon  their  just  demands.  I  have 
directed  the  Treasurer  to  lay  before  you  the  state  of  the 
Treasury,  that  our  Constituents  may  have  the  benefit  of 


572  1791.  —  Governor's  Messages,  Etc. 

your  wise  deliberation  upon  it.  And  I  flatter  myself,  that 
when  the  state  of  the  Treasury  shall  be  examined,  &  the 
resources  of  the  Commonwealth  compared  with  the  exi- 
gencies of  the  Government,  it  will  appear  proper  to  dis- 
continue the  Schemes  of  raising  money  by  Lotteries. 
Experience  now  teaches  us,  that  this  mode  of  raising 
money  for  public  use,  as  well  as  the  schemes  of  raising 
money  by  Lotteries  for  private  purposes,  have  a  manifest 
tendency  to  withdraw  the  people's  attention  from  industry, 
&  to  distract  them  with  the  hope  of  gain  by  chance  &  ac- 
cident. They  also  lay  a  very  unequal  tax  upon  the  people 
at  large  ;  the  indigent,  &  embarrassed  part  of  the  com- 
munity, being  in  such  schemes,  generally  the  greatest 
adventurers. 

Gentlemen , 

In  the  Law  for  erecting  the  Counties  of  Wasltington  & 
Hancock,  there  is  no  tribunal  established  with  cognizance 
of  Treasons,  Murders,  &  other  Felonies  of  a  high  nature, 
which  mny  be  committed  within  those  Counties.  There  is 
also  a  defect  in  the  Law  establishing  a  Supreme  Probate. 
Before  the  American  Revolution,  Appeals  were  made  from 
the  Probate  Courts,  in  all  the  Counties,  to  the  Governor 
&  Council.  The  Laws  have  now  established  the  Supreme 
Judicial  Court,  as  the  Supreme  Prol)ate  :  &  provide  that 
all  appeals  from  Decrees  of  the  Probate  Courts  shall  be 
made  to  the  Supreme  Judicial  Court,  next  to  be  holden 
loithin  &  for  the  County,  where  the  Decree  is  made.  As 
no  Supreme  Judicial  Court,  is  holden  within  either  of  the 
Counties  of  Nantucket,  or  Dukes  County,  there  is  no  Su- 
preme Probate  for  those  Counties  :  their  particular  situa- 
tion, as  well  as  that  of  the  two  first  mentioned  Counties 
requires  your  immediate  attention. 

Having  suggested  these  things,  I  shall  not  tire  your 
patience  with  others,  but  shall  make  them  the  subject  of 
more  particular  Messages,  &  will  only  add  that  at  this 
Season  of  the  year  I  imagine  you  would  be  pleased  with 
as  short  a  Session  as  shall  consist  with  the  disi)atch  of 
Public  business,  to  aid  which  you  will  find  me  ready  early 
&  late,  &  give  me  leave  to  recommend  to  you  to  enter 
upon  that  business  at  an  early  stage  of  the  Session,  as  for 
want  of  that  I  have  been  greatly  embarrassed  &  the  Com- 
munity has  suffered  injury  by  former  General  Courts,  for 
so  soon  as  they  had  finished  on  their  part  the  matters 
that  were  before  them,  a  number  of  Bills,  &  many  Ee- 
solves  were  brought  to  me  with  a  pressing  desire  that  I 


1791.  —  Governor's  Messages,  Etc.  573 

might  immediately  decide  upon  them,  &  give  them  a 
recess,  upon  this  occasion  I  found  myself  embarrassed 
lietween  a  desire  not  to  detain  them,  &  the  duty  which  I 
owed  to  the  Commonwealth,  by  giving  a  deliberate  con- 
sideration to  matters  of  such  length  &  importance ;  your 
candid  attention,  Gentlemen,  to  this  circumstance  in  Pub- 
lic business,  will,  I  am  persuaded  relieve  me  as  much  as 
may  be,  from  any  such  future  Embarrassment. 

The  Secretary  will  lay  before  you  the  several  Acts  & 
Papers  I  have  received  from  Congress  since  the  last  Ses- 
sion of  the  General  Court. 

I  shall.  Gentlemen,  use  my  endQavors  to  render  the 
Session  useful  to  our  Constituents,  &  agreeable  to  you. 

JOHN  HANCOCK. 

Council  Chamber,  May  2Gth,  1791. 

[May  Session,  1791.*] 

Gentlemen  of  the  Senate  and  Gentlemen  of  the  House  of 
Representatives, 

I  have  directed  the  Secretary  to  lay  before  you  a  Peti- 
tion of  the  Overseers  of  our  University  at  Cambridge  — 
You  will  observe  by  the  Vote  annexed  to  it,  that  a  Com- 
mittee is  appointed  to  conduct  the  subject  matter  of  the 
Petition  before  the  Legislature  —  This  Committee  have 
requested  me  to  introduce  the  Petition  in  this  way  — 
And  my  concern  for  the  interest  our  Country  has  in  this 
important  business  forbids  my  refusing  a  compliance  with 
the  request  —  I  have  in  the  Communications  which  1  have 
already  had  the  honor  to  make,  said  so  much  upon  this 
subject,  that  it  would  not  be  proper  to  say  any  thing 
more  at  this  time,  unless  it  be  to  solicit  your  immediate 
attention  to  the  Petition. 

JOHN  HANCOCK. 

Council  Chamber,  May  30th,  1791. 

[May  Session,  1791.*] 

Gentlemen  of  the  Senate  <!;   Gentlemen  of  the  House  of 
Representatives, 

I  have  directed  the  Secretary  to  lay  before  you  a  Letter 
which  I  have  received  from  two  of  the  Judges  of  the 

*  Not  printed  in  previous  editions. 


574  1791.— Governor's  Messages,  Etc. 

Supreme  Judicial  Court.  When  I  approved  the  Reso- 
lution referred  to  in  their  Letter,  I  concluded  that  the 
motion  originated  with  them,  &  their  Associates  :  Their 
knowledge  of  the  l)usiness  in  the  Judicial  Department,  & 
their  Assiduity  in  the  duties  of  their  OiBce  afford  me  the 
highest  confidence,  that  if  the  measure  was  necessary, 
they  would  have  no  objection  to  it. 

I  shall  therefore  chearfully  approve  a  Resolution  re- 
pealing that  for  the  adjournment  of  the  Supreme  Judi- 
cial Court  in  the  County  of  Cumhevland,  if  it  meets  your 
approl)ation. 

JOHN  HANCOCK. 

Council  Chamber,  June  7,  1791. 

[May  Session,  1791.*] 

Gentlemen  of  the  Senate  and  Gentlemen  of  the  House  of 
Representatives , 

I  have  directed  the  Secretaiy  to  lay  l)efore  you  a  Reso- 
lution passed  the  two  branches  of  the  Legislature  March 
11th,  1791,  requesting  the  Governor  with  the  advice  of 
the  Council  to  take  measures  to  place  the  Cannon  belong- 
ing to  this  Commonwealth  now  remaining  in  various  parts 
thereof  in  such  a  situation  as  will  prevent  their  being  lost 
or  injured,  and  to  cause  the  transportation  of  the  carriages 
and  other  apparatus  thereof  to  some  secure  place,  ^vhich 
involves  in  it  a  considerable  expence  as  will  appear  by 
the  representation  of  the  Quarter  Master  General  of  the 
Militia,  which  the  Secretary  will  also  lay  before  j'ou ; 
and  unless  there  is  some  advance  made  to  enal^le  the  said 
Quarter  Master  General  to  carry  the  orders  he  has  re- 
ceived into  execution,  the  intention  of  the  General  Court 
must  be  frustrated. 

JOHN  HANCOCK. 

Council  Chamber,  June  14th,  1791. 

[May  Session,  1791.*] 

Gentlemen  of  the  Senate  &   Gentlemen  of  the  House  of 
Representatives, 

I  beg  leave  to  request  your  consideration  of  the  Mes- 
sage I  had  the  honor  to  deliver  you  respecting  the  situa- 

*  Not  printed  in  previous  editions. 


1791.  —  Govehnor's  Messages,  Etc.  575 


tion  of  the  Quarter  Master  General  as  to  the  supply  of 
the  necessary  Field  Pieces  &  apparatus  to  the  several 
Artillery  companies  in  this  Commonwealth  —  I  wish  to 
carry  into  full  effect  the  resolve  of  the  General  Court  in 
March  last,  but  I  am  unable  to  comply  with  the  expecta- 
tion of  the  publick  without  your  aid  in  the  advance  of 
such  sum  to  the  Quarter  Master  General  as  you  shall  judge 
necessary  for  that  purpose.  I  must  therefore  request 
your  attention  to  this  Subject 

JOHN  HANCOCK. 
Council  Chamber,  Jane  18,  1791. 

[January  Session,  1791.*] 

Gentlemen  of  the  Senate,  and  Gentlemen  of  the  House  of 
Representatives, 

The  Secretary  will  lay  l)efore  you  a  Letter  from  his  Ex- 
cellency Governour  Barllett  of  the  State  of  Kew  Hamp- 
shire, as  also  an  Act  of  their  General  Court  respecting  the 
inspection  of  Pot,  and  Pearl  Ashes,  which  I  received  on 
Saturday  Evening  last,  and  ])eing  informed  that  this  Sub- 
ject is  now  under  your  consideration,  I  take  the  earliest 
opportunity  to  communicate  them  to  you. 

JOHN   HANCOCK. 

Boston,  Jan'y.  30th,  1792. 


[January  Session,  1791. f] 

Gentlemen  of  the  Senate, 

I  return  to  you  by  the  Secretary  a  resolve  which  origi- 
nated in  the  Senate  on  the  twenty  first,  and  was  passed 
by  the  House  of  Representatives  on  the  twenty  second 
day  of  February  instant,  for  dissolving  the  bond  of  Mat- 
rimony between  Daniel  Chickering  and  Abigail  his  wife. 

It  is  with  great  reluctance  that  I  state  objections  to  any 
act  of  the  two  Houses,  but  the  duty  I  owe  the  people  and 
the  Constitution,  must  rise  superior  to  every  other  con- 
sideration.^ 

The  manner  in  which,  decrees  of  divorce  were  obtained 
prior  to  the  present  constitution  of  Government,  you  are 
as  well  informed  of  as  I  am. 

•  Not  printed  in  previous  editions. 

t  Not  printed  in  previous  editions.    Taken  from  court  record. 


1791.  —  Governor's  Messages,  Etc. 

When  the  people  established  the  present  Constitution 
of  their  Commonwealth  they  gave  to  the  several  depart- 
ments of  their  Government,  such  Y)owers  as  they  consid- 
ered to  be  safe  and  useful  ;  the  whole  system  ought  to 
have  such  a  construction,  as  will  not  cause  the  several 
parts  to  militate  with  each  other. 

In  the  third  Chapter  they  expressly  declared  that  ^'AU 
Causes  of  marriage  divorce  &  alimony  shall  be  heard 
and  determined  by  the  Governor  and  Council,  until  the 
Legislature  shall,  by  law  make  other  provision."  The 
delegation  of  power  to  determine  all  causes  of  divorce  is 
an  exclusive  &  comprehensive  authority,  fo?'  all  causes, 
must  comprehend  every  possible  cause  that  can  exist.  If 
the  General  Court  have  any  right  to  enact  or  decree  a  di- 
vorce, they  have  it  by  force  of  the  Constitution,  and  had  it, 
while  this  business  was  in  the  hand  of  the  Governor,  and 
Council,  as  fully  as  they  now  have  it;  and  if  they  then 
had  it,  the  Governor  and  Council  were  not  vested  with 
exclusive  power  to  try  all  causes  of  this  nature.  If  the 
people  intended  this  power  to  be  exercised  by  the  Leg- 
islature, the  declaration,  that  it  should  be  exercised  by  the 
Governor  and  Council  until  other  provision  should  be 
made  was  unnecessary,  because  other  provision  Avas  in 
fact  made  by  the  Constitution.  Pursuant  to  this  article 
in  the  Constitution,  the  General  Court  in  the  year  1786 
made  other  provision,  by  enacting,  that  '^All  Questions  of 
divorce,  and  alimony  shall  be  heard  and  tried  by  the 
Supreme  Judicial  Court  in  the  Counties  where  the  parties 
live."  The  delegation  by  the  people,  of  this  authority, 
was  not  to  the  Legislature,  but  in  the  first  instance  to 
the  Governor  and  Council,  and  in  the  second  to  whom 
the  Legislature  should  give  it,  and  the  mode  of  expres- 
sion used,  is  very  exclusive  and  comprehensive. 

As  it  appears  to  me,  that  this  authority  is  constitution- 
ally placed  in  other,  than  the  Legislative  dejiartment,  and 
that  a  dissolution  of  the  matrimonial  bond  must  be  effected 
by  an  Act  of  judicial  authority,  that  such  act  must  mate- 
rially effect  the  characters,  fortunes,  and  families  of  the 
parties  concerned,  and  that  there  nnist  be  an  investiga- 
tion of  facts,  which  are  within  the  Constitutional  province 
of  a  jury,  I  am  obliged  to  with  hold  my  approbation. 

The  ])ond  of  Matrimony  has  been  considered  in  all 
civilized  countries  as  one  of  the  strongest  bonds  of  civil 
society,  and  where  a  dissolution  of  it  has  been  procurable 


1791.  —  Governor's  Messages,  Etc.  577 

with  ease,  the  applications  have  been  frequent,  and  effects 
injurious  to  the  Society.  The  Causes  of  adultery  and  im- 
potency  may  procure  a  divorce  from  the  marriage  bond, 
as  our  hiw  stands  :  but  the  reason  mentioned  in  the  re- 
solve under  consideration,  is  only  a  cause  for  divorce  from 
bed  and  board ;  should  the  Legislature  upon  mature  con- 
sideration see  fit  to  increase  the  number  of  legal  causes 
for  divorce  extending  alike  to  all  the  people,  or  to  create 
any  new,  or  other  tribunal  for  the  trial  of  such  causes,  1 
shall  have  no  objection,  but  at  present,  I  do  not  discover 
any  necessity  for  a  new  mode  of  trial.  If  the  Legislature 
possesses  the  authority  to  dissolve  by  a  special  act  the 
bond  of  marriage,  I  am  of  opinion,  that  as  the  good  order 
of,  and  different  relations  in,  civil  Society  depend  so  much 
on  that  obligation,  it  ought  to  be  done  with  more  form, 
and  solemnity  than  is  practi[z]  [s]ed  in  passing  resolves. 

JOHN  HANCOCK. 

Boston,  February  25th,  1792. 


INDEX. 


INDEX. 


A. 

Page 

Aaron,  Joseph,  Indian,  resolve  on  petition  of 101 

Abbot,  George,  relating  to 463 

Abel,  Abel,  Indian,  to  be  placed  nnder  guardianship  ....  386 
Abington,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor  .        256,  434,  528 
proprietors  of  the  old  mill  pond  meadow  in,  incorporated       .  345 
Absentees,  estates,  committee  for  the  sale  of,  in  county  of  Worces- 
ter, directed  to  sell  estate  of  Adam  Walker  ....  157 

Academy,  Berwick,  established 78 

Berwick,  township  of  land  granted  to  trustees  of    .        .        .  475 

Fryeburg,  established 293 

Hallowell,  established 80 

Hallowell,  township  of  land  granted  to  trustees  of  .        .        .  385 

Leicester,  additional  managers  of  lottery  for,  appointed         .  108 

Washington,  established 334 

Accounts  against  the  United  States,  relating  to  prepai'ation  of          .  170 
Accounts,  committee  for  methodizing  public,  to  certify  balance  due 

Abigail  Allen 188 

to  certify  balance  due  estate  of  James  Pecker  .         .        .        .201 

to  certify  balance  due  estate  of  Maj.  Gen.  John  Thomas         .  394 

to  certify  balance  due  estate  of  Capt.  Joseph  Blake         .        .  392 

to  certify  balance  due  Joshua  Eaton 383 

to  certif  J'  pay  due  heirs  of  Ephraim  Keen 209 

to  certify  pay  due  Matthew  Pease 484 

to  certify  pay  due  Jonathan  Burges 396 

to  certify  pay  due  Thomas  Beach 398 

to  certify  wages  due  James  Tibbet 415 

Accounts,  committee  for  stating  and  methodizing,  to  certify  the 

amount  due  Charles  Casseter 205 

Accounts,  committee  on,  allowance  to         .        .        .        138,  236,  422,  509 

authorized  to  allow  account  of  county  of  Cumberland      .        .  460 
authorized  to  examine  accounts  of  John  Tracy,  Seth  Catlin 

and  Ezra  Smith 465 

authorized  to  make  allowance  to  clerks  in  the  treasury  oflace  .  223 

authorized  to  pass  on  account  of  Justus  Dwight      .        .        .  486 

empowered  to  make  allowance  to  Justin  Ely    ....  384 

report  of,  roll  No.  18,  accepted 141 

report  of,  roll  No.  19,  accepted 249 

report  of,  roll  No.  20,  accepted 430 


582  Index. 

Page 
Accounts,  committee  ou,  report  of,  roll  No.  21,  accepted  .         .        .       486 

report  of,  roll  No.  22,  accepted 525 

to  examine  accounts  of  Jacob  Kittredge 480 

to   examine  accounts  of  John  Lowell  and  TheopMlus  Par- 
sons   532 

to  examine  accounts  of  John  Smith 484 

to  examine  accounts  of  town  of  Uxbridge        .        .         .         .176 
to  pass  upon  accounts  of  town  of  Washington        .         .         .       178 

to  settle  with  Lazarus  Goodwin 228 

Accounts  of  county  treasurers,  relating  to  allowance  of  .  .  .  211 
Accounts,  public,  governor  to  write  to  Nathan  Dane  relative  to  .  204 
Accounts,  treasurer's,  for  county  of  Barnstable,  allowed  .         .       171,  441 

for  county  of  Bristol,  allowed 444 

for  county  of  Cumberland,  allowed 206,  494 

for  county  of  Essex,  allowed     .        .         .        .         .        .       160,  517 

for  county  of  Hampshire,  allowed 174,  444 

for  county  of  Lincoln,  allowed 195 

for  county  of  Middlesex,  allowed 162,  461 

for  county  of  Plymouth,  allowed 175,  443 

for  county  of  Suffolk,  allowed 235 

for  county  of  Washington,  allowed 419 

for  county  of  Worcester,  allowed 159,  459 

for  county  of  York,  allowed 399 

Acquesnet  river,  act  for  the  preservation  of  alewives  in     .        .         .         14 

Acres,  George,  relating  to 487 

Actions,    personal,    act  for    limitation    of,    suspended  in    certain 

cases 26 

Acton,  town  of,  account  allowed 251 

account  allowed  for  support  of  poor         ....       144,  527 

Adams,  town  of,  tax  abated 509 

Adams,  John,  Jr.,  account  allowed 251 

Joseph,  and  William  Torrey,  resolve  on  petition  of         .         .       449 

Ralph,  relating  to 276 

Samuel,  relating  to 333 

Thomas,  account  allowed 529 

Address  of  general  court,  in  reply  to  governor's  speech     .         .       168,  386 

to  congress,  relative  to  state  debt 519 

Adjutant  general,  allowance  to 250,  525 

treasurer  directed  to  pay  grant  to 107 

Administrators  and  executors,  relative  to  time  within  which  claims 

must  be  exhibited  to 297 

Agawam  river,  regulation  of  fisheries  at  the  mouth  of  .  .  .  338 
Agriculture,  Massachusetts  society  for  promoting,  incorporated       .      333 

Aiken,  Solomon,  relating  to 285 

Aldrich,  Mr.,  relating  to 564 

Alewife  fishery,  at  the  mouth  of  Agawam  river,  regulated  .  .  338 
in  Acquesnet  river,  in  town  of  New  Bedford,  regulated  .  .  14 
in  Indian  Head  river,  regulated 299 


Index.  583 

Page 

Alevvife  fishery,  in  Mattapoiset  river,  act  further  regulating      .        .  28 

in  Neponset  river  and  other  streams,  regulated        ...  81 
in  streams  emptying  into   Merrimack  river,  in  town  of  An- 

dover,  regulated 365 

in  Taunton  great  river,  further  regulated          ....  344 

in  town  of  Bridgewater,  regulated 67 

in  town  of  Middleborough,  regulated 280 

town  of  Framingham  empowered  to  regulate,  within  its  own 

limits 337 

Alewives  and  shad,  part  of  act  for  preservation   of,  in  Ten  and 

Three  Mile  rivers,  repealed 23 

Alexander,  Capt.  Thomas,  resolve  on  petition  of       .         .        ...  471 

Alford,  town  of,  tax  abated 216 

Allan,  John,  member  of  committee  appointed 426 

Allen,  Abigail,  treasurer  directed  to  pay 18& 

Augustus,  relating  to 485 

Boston,  relating  to 219- 

Capt.  Jacob,  treasurer  directed  to  pay 188 

Jesse,  allowance  to 495 

John,  relating  to 529 

Joseph,  relating  to 108 

AUerton,  Daniel,  relating  to 256 

AUyne,  Abel,  and  E.  Chase,  resolve  on  petition  of     .        .        .        .  443 

Alsop,  Mary,  relating  to 197 

Richard,  relating  to 197 

Ames,  Moses,  relating  to 294 

Amherst,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor    .         .        .  527 

Amy,  Mrs.,  and  child,  relating  to 430 

Andover,  town  of^  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor    .        254,  255,  529 
alewife  fishery  in  streams  emptying  into  Merrimack  river  in, 

regulated 365 

Anthoine,  Nicholas,  relating  to 60 

Anthony,  John,  relating  to 255 

Appleton,  Nathaniel,  treasurer  to  confer  with,  relative  to   state's 

notes 235 

Arey,  Thomas,  relating  to 13 

Army,  committee  for  settling  with,  to  certify  balance  due  Boston 

Allen 219 

to  certify  sum  due  Dudley  Tyler 212 

Army,  Continental,  relative  to  allowance  to  regimental  paymasters 

of 533 

Artillery  companies,  message  of    governor  relative  to   supplying 

field  pieces  to 574 

Ashburnham,  town  of,  light  infantry  company  to  be  raised  in  .        .  425 

to  show  cause 158 

Ashby,  town  of,  to  show  cause 158 

Ashes,  pot  and  pearl,  relative  to  appointment  of  inspector  of    .        .  131 

relative  to  inspection  of 266 


584  Index. 

Page 

Aslifield,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor     .         .         .  433 

Ashley,  Azariah,  resolve  on  petition  of 178 

Elihu,  and  others,  resolve  on  petition  of 491 

Jonathan,  relating  to 491 

Tirzah,  and  others,  resolve  on  petition  of         ....  491 

Assessors,  duties  of,  in  making  valuation  of  I'ateable  estates     .        .  309 

plantation  of  Francisborough,  to  assess  and  make  returns       .  188 

plantation  of  Shepardstown,  to  assess  and  make  returns        .  164 

plantation  of  Washington,  to  assess  and  make  returns     .         .  172 
town  of  Plympton,  to  assess  tax  on  towns  of  Plympton  and 

Carver 150 

town  of  Waldoborough,  empowered  with  respect  to  collection 

of  taxes 384 

town  of  Winslow,  assessment  by,  made  valid  ....  202 

Astens,  Stephen,  relating  to 18 

Athearn,  James,  member  of  committee,  appointed     ....  97 
James,  and  Simon  Mayhew,  Jr.,  accounts  as  guardians  of  the 

Gay  Head  Indians,  allowed 420 

Atkinson,  Cai-oline  Frances,  naturalized 85 

Charles,  naturalized 85 

Eliza  Storer,  naturalized 85 

Elizabeth,  naturalized 85 

George  Hodgson,  naturalized 85 

John,  natui'alized 85 

John,  Jr.,  naturalized 85 

Mary  Ann,  naturalized 85 

William,  naturalized 85 

Attleborough,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor     .       251,  487 
Attorney  general,  directed  relative  to  action  against  Daniel  Denni- 

son  Rogers 407 

directed  to  commence  suit  against  members  of  a  committee   .  454 
member  of  committee,  appointed       .        .        .        414,439,468,514 

not  to  prosecute  Austin  Flint 538 

not  to  prosecute  Benjamin  Hall,  Jr 206 

not  to  prosecute  David  Mitchel 196 

not  to  prosecute  Israel  Turner  . 153 

not  to  prosecute  selectmen  and  town  clerk  of  Mount  Wash- 
ington        512 

not  to  prosecute  town  clerk  of  Brunswick        ....  180 

not  to  prosecute  town  clerk  of  Granville  .....  223 

not  to  prosecute  town  clerk  of  Greenfield          ....  420 

not  to  prosecute  town  clerk  of  Northfleld         ....  241 

not  to  prosecute  toAvn  clerk  of  Shelburne          ....  421 

to  be  furnished  by  secretary  with  list  of  delinquent  towns       .  105 

to  discontinue  prosecution  against  Hepzibah  Munro  and  others  246 

to  have  Ephraim  Winslow  discharged  from  an  execution         .  162 

to  proceed  against  William  Tucker 107 

to  prosecute  for  frauds  against  revenue  laws    ....  242 


Index.  585 

Page 

Attorney  general,  to  prosecute  proprietors  of  Bakerstowu        .        .       505 

to  put  bonds  of  Caleb  Hyde  in  sviit 215 

to  suspend  prosecution  against  selectmen  and  clerk  of  town 

ofWalpole 124 

to  withdraw  action  against  Ebenezer  Bacon     ....       165 

Atwood,  Soloipon,  Jr.,  relating  to 18 

Austin,  Isaac,  and  family,  relating  to 252 

John,  account  allowed 250,  529 

Josiah,  relating  to 60 

Avery,  James,  brigade  major,  account  allowed 526 

James,  relating  to 335 

John,  Jr.,  appointed  member  of  committee  to  contract  for 

printing 103,  394 

John,  Jr.,  relating  to 25,333 

John,  Jr.,  secretary  of  the  Commonwealth,  allowance  to     130,  415, 

504 
John,  Jr.,  secretary  of  the  Commonwealth,  authorized  to  give 

certificates  to  invalid  pensioners 477 

Awashonks,  Penelope,  relating  to 431 

Ayers,  Foley,  relating  to 431 

Ayres,  Eleazer,  set  off  from  town  of  South  Hadley  and  annexed  to 

town  of  Granby 328 


B. 

Baccus,  Jacob,  Indian,  relating  to 254 

Bacheldor,  Josiah,  and  others,  discharged  of  the  sum  mentioned      .  219 

Backus,  Jacob,  Indian,  relating  to 253 

Bacon,  Ebenezer,  resolve  on  petition  of 165 

John,  resolve  on  memorial  of 138 

Michael,  account  allowed 249 

Badlam,  Col.  Ezra,  relating  to 184 

Bagley,  David,  relating  to 463 

Bailey,  Capt.  John,  allowance  to 509 

John,  relating  to 62 

John,  resolve  on  petition  of 531 

Philip,  relating  to 254 

Baker,  John,  Jr.,  relating  to 62 

Joseph,  relating  to 455 

Samuel,  member  of  committee,  appointed         ....  536 

William,  relating  to 482 

Bakerstown,  town  of,  relative  to  boundaries  of 506 

Bakerstown  and  Shepardsfleld,  towns  of,  agents  for,  appointed        .  120 

Balch,  Jonathan,  account  allowed 529 

Nathaniel,  relating  to 25 

Baldwin,  Leommi,  relating  to 482 

Loammi,  account  allowed 142 


586  Index. 

Page 
Baldwin,  Loammi,  relatiug  to 285,  468 

Loammi,  treasurer  authorized  to  settle  accounts  with      .        .  240 

Bancroft,  John,  relating  to 237 

Bancliroft,  Samuel,  relatiug  to 450 

Bandily,  Patience,  relating  to 254 

Bangor,  town  of,  incorporated 28 

Bangs,  Barnabas,  relating  to 60 

Barnabas,  Jr.,  relating  to 60 

Ebenezer,  relating  to 60 

Thomas,  relating  to 60 

Banister,  Seth,  deputy  adjutant  general,  account  allowed  .        .         .  250 

Bank,  Massachusetts,  further  regulations  for  the  government  of       .  369 

Bannister,  Seth,  deputy  adjutant  general,  account  allowed         .  525 

Baptist  Religious  Society  of  Gorham,  incorporated  ....  60 

of  New  Gloucester  and  Gray,  incorporated        ....  18 

Baptist  Society  in  the  town  of  Windham,  incorporated      ...  59 

Barber,  Joseph,  account  allowed 142 

Robert,  relating  to 527 

Barker,  Jeremiah,  relating  to 382 

Moses,  relating  to 532 

Samuel,  relating  to 382 

William,  to  show  cause 382 

Barlow,  Jesse,  resolve  on  petition  of 192 

Barnard,  Jonathan,  relating  to 463 

Samuel,  relating  to 463 

Samuel,  Jr.,  relating  to 463 

Thomas,  relating  to 463 

Barnes,  Henry,  relating  to 434,  489 

Joseph,  relating  to 261,343 

Barns,  Henry,  relating  to 225 

William,  relating  to 275 

Barnstable  bay  and  Buzzard's  bay,  committee  to  enquire  into  practi- 
cability of  cutting  a  canal  between,  to  make  further  investi- 
gations       383 

governor  to  appoint  suitable  persons  to  enquire  into  the  prac- 
ticability of  cutting  a  canal  between 248 

relative  to  canal  between 530 

Barnstable  county,  accounts  of  treasurer  allowed  and  tax  granted  171,  441 

preservation  of  oysters  in  harbors  and    rivers  of  town  of 

Yarmouth  in 9 

Barnstable  and   Plymouth  counties,  designated  as  a  congressional 

district 118 

Barre,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor         .        .        143,  488 

Barren,  Joseph,  execution  against,  stayed 477 

Joseph,  relating  to 333,  464 

Barrett,  Amos,  empowered  to  convey  the  real  estate  mentioned        .  467 

Samuel,  resolve  on  petition  of 408 

Bartlet,  Simeon,  relating  to 463 


Index.  587 

Page 
Basa,  Nathaniel,  and  John  Look,  treasurer  directed  to  pay  wages 

to 100 

Bassett,  Benjamin,  member  of  committee,  appointed  ....  97 

Nathl.,  member  of  committee,  appointed 97 

Bateman,  Eleazer,  and  others,  resolve  on  petition  of .        .         .        .  451 

Battis,  John,  and  family,  relating  to 431 

Battiss,  John,  relating  to 253 

Beach,  John,  resolve  on  petition  of 398 

Thomas,  relating  to 398 

Beale,  Benjamin,  Jr.,  set  off  from  town  of  Dorchester  and  annexed 

to  town  of  Quincy 320 

Joseph,  set  off  from  town  of  Dorchester  and  annexed  to  town 

of  Quincy 320 

Beals,  Jonathan,  to  show  cause 524 

Thomas,  relating  to 285,  464,  477 

Beaman,  Ezra,  resolve  on  petition  of 219 

Bedford,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor     .         .         .  251 

Beef  and  pork,  relating  to  assize  of  barrels  of 271 

Belcher,  Sarson  and  John  Langdon,  resolve  on  petition  of         .         .  423 

Belchertown,  town  of,  fine  remitted 466 

Belcore,  Le  Burr  de,  relating  to '       .  532 

Belknap,   Rev.   Jeremy,  chaplain  of  the  general  court,  allowance 

to 534 

Bennet,  Peter,  relating  to     .        . 485 

Bennett,  Jonathan,  relating  to 18 

Nathaniel,  relating  to 18 

Bentrough,  William,  relating  to 142 

Berkshire  county,  tax  granted 138,  467 

time  and  place  of  holding  courts  of  common  pleas  and  gen- 
eral sessions  of  the  peace  in,  determined      ....  277 
Berkshire  and  Hampshire  counties,  designated  as  a  congressional 

district 118 

Berlin,  district  of,  Peter  Larkin  and  family  annexed  to      .        .         .  23 

Berlin,  town  of,  fine  remitted 194 

Berwick  academy,  established 78 

township  of  land  granted  to  trustees  of 475 

Berwick,  town  of,  order  on  petition  for  division  of    .        .        .         .  393 

Bethleham,  district  of,  to  show  cause 452 

Beverly  cotton  manufactory,  lottery  tickets  granted  to  proprietors  of  207 

Beverly,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor      .        .         .  488 

Bicknell,  Jacob,  relating  to 345 

Luke,  relating  to 345 

Bigelow,  Daniel,  member  of  committee,  appointed    .        .         .       439,  468 
Billings,  John,  set  off  from  town  of  Dorchester  and  annexed  to 

town  of  Quincy 320 

Wm.,  resolve  on  petition  of 417 

Bills  of  cost  in  criminal  causes,  relative  to  payment  of     .         .       339,  493 

Bisbe,  Gamaliel,  resolve  on  petition  of 213 


588  Index. 

Page 

Bishop,  Nathauiel,  resolve  on  petition  of 474 

Natliel.,  member  of  committee,  appointed        ....  418 

Natlil.,  and  otliers,  resolve  on  petition  of         ....  465 

Blake,  Amariah,  relating  to 502 

Joseph,  account  allowed 252 

Capt.  Joseph,  relating  to 392 

Thankfull,  resolve  on  petition  of 392 

Blanchard,  Hezekiah,  account  allowed 431 

John,  resolve  on  petition  of 183,  195 

Samuel,  I'elating  to 183 

William,  relating  to 285 

Blandford,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor         .        .  253 

Blauey,  Mary,  account  allowed 256 

Blood,  Hannah,  grant  to Ill 

Board  of  war,  books  of  the  late,  to  be  turned  over  to  John  Dem- 

ing 453 

Bollan,  William,  relating  to 233 

Bolton,  town  of,  flue  remitted 194 

Bolton,  James,  relating  to 59 

Peter,  relating  to 59 

Thomas,  relating  to 61 

William,  relating  to 61 

Boltwood,  Samuel,  permitted  to  pay  fine  in  consolidated  notes          .  218 

Samuel,  resolve  in  favor  of,  extended 417 

Bond,  Abigail,  allowance  to 132 

Boothbay,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor .         .        .  256 
Bordwell,  Abigail  and  Ebenezer,  resolve  on  petition  of      .        .        .110 

Enoch,  relating  to 110 

Borland,  John,  account  allowed 431 

Boston,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor     257,  434,  435,  528 

treasurer  to  borrow  money  to  pay,  for  support  of  poor      .  133 

Boswoi'th,  Caleb,  allowance  to 184 

Bott,  James,  resolve  on  petition  of 127 

Bouker,  Jothara,  and  Silas  Cutler,  resolve  on  petition  of  .         .        .  395 
Boundary  line,  between   Massachusetts  and   Connecticut,  commis- 
sioners for  ascertaining,  appointed 64 

between  Massachusetts  and  Rhode  Island,  commissioners  for 

ascertaining,  appointed 66 

between  towns  of  Brookfleld  and  New  Braintree,  established  261 
between  towns  of  Brookfleld  and  New  Braintree,  re-estab- 
lished         343 

between  towns  of  Med  way  and  Sherljurn,  established     .        .  326 

Bounty,  on  duck,  hemp  and  twine,  appropriation  for  paying,  made  .  238 

on  duck,  sail  cloth  and  twine,  continued 483 

on  hemp,  continued •      .        .        .  437 

Bowdoin,  Elizabeth,  relating  to 565 

James,  relating  to 565 

Bowman,  Jonathan,  relating  to 31,  211 


Index.  589 

Page 
Boxborough,  district  of,  order  on  petition  for  tract  of  land  to  be 

annexed  to 501 

Boxborougli,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor    253,  433,  488 

Boyd,  John,  may  be  licensed  as  a  retailer  of  spirituous  liquors         .  152 

Boyle,  John,  account  allowed 486,  488 

Boyntou,  Joseph,  relating  to 152 

Bradbury,  Theophilus,  relating  to 296 

Braddish,  David,  relating  to 62 

Bradley,  Moses,  resolve  on  petition  of 201 

Bradstreet,  Samuel,  resolve  on  petition  of 478 

Bragdon,  Joseph,  and  others,  grant  to 501 

Josiah,  relating  to :  485 

Brailsford,  Norton,  account  allowed 250 

Braintree,  town  of,  north  precinct  of,  incorporated  as  town  of 

Quincy 319 

Brand,  James,  relating  to 252 

Brastow,  Thomas,  account  allowed 255 

Breck,  Mr.,  member  of  committee,  appointed 187 

Robert,  relating  to 302 

Breed,  Philadelphia,  relating  to 251 

Brewer,  Charlottee,  relating  to 249 

John,  account  allowed 251 

John,  and  Simeon  Fowler,  authorized  to  supply  the  widow  Pial, 

an  Indian  woman,  with  clothing  and  food      ....  445 
John,  and  Simeon  Fowler,  settlers  under,  in  town  of  Orring- 

ton,  quieted 193 

Brick,  Mehitable,  relating  to 465 

Bridge,  Ebenezer,   authorized  to  execute  deed  of  the  estate  men- 
tioned         495 

Edmond,  relating  to 238 

Edmund,  account  allowed 527 

Edmund,  relating  to 31 

Edmund,  resolve  on  petition  of 403 

Bridge,  Charles  river,  proprietors  of,  continued  as  a  corporation  for 

a  term  of  years 364 

West  Boston,  proprietors  of,  incorporated       ....  361 

Bridgewater,  town  of,  alewife  fishery  in,  regulated    ....  67 

to  show  cause 449 

Bridgham,  John,  empowered  to  prosecute  suit  in  the  name  of  the 

Commonwealth 230 

John,  and  John  Glover,  agents  for  towns  of  Bakerstown  and 

Shepardsfleld,  appointed 121 

John,  and  John  Glover,  resolve  on  petition  of .         .         .         .  505 

Briggs,  Ezra,  resolve  on  petition  of 177 

Dr.  Richard,  account  allowed 256 

Bright,  William,  relating  to 532 

Brimfleld,  town  of,  order  on  petition  of  Samuel  and  Joseph  Tidd  to 

be  annexed  to 123 


590  Index. 

Page 

Brimmer,  Herman,  resolve  on  petition  of 224 

Martin,  relating  to 333 

Brinley,  Edward,  resolve  on  petition  of 412 

Bristol  county,  accounts  of  treasurer  allowed  and  tax  granted          .  444 
part  of  act  for  preservation  of  shad  and  alewives  in  Ten  and 

Three  Mile  rivers  in,  repealed 23 

preservation  of  alewives  in  Acquesnet  river  in          ...  14 
preservation  of  oysters  in  harljors  and  rivers  of  certain  towns 

in 9 

Bristol  county,  Dukes  County  and  Nantucket  county,  designated  as 

a  congressional  district 118 

Broadstreat,  Dudley,  relating  to 431 

Brookfleld,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor         .        .  253 
boundary  line  between  town  of  New  Braintree  and,  established  261 
boundary  line  between  town  of  New  Braintree  and,  re-estab- 
lished         343 

doings  of  town  officers  confirmed 151 

Brooks,  Eleazar,  discharged  of  the  sura  mentioned    ....  213 

Samuel,  account  allowed 252 

William,  relating  to 31 

Broome,  Samuel,  relating  to 136 

Brow,  Simon,  relating  to 433 

Brown,  Benjamin,  treasurer  to  issue  note  to 122 

Capt.  Daniel,  member  of  committee,  appointed        .         .        .  418 

Daniel,  and  others,  resolve  on  petition  of         ...         .  498 

David,  account  allowed 431 

David,  and  others,  resolve  on  petition  of 208 

Henry  Young,  relating  to 294 

John,  relating  to 474 

Joseph,  treasurer  to  issue  notes  to 187 

Mary,  set  off  from  town  of  Framingham  and  annexed  to  town 

of  Marlborough 27 

Moses,  relating  to 315 

Philemon,  and  Micah  Goodenow,  resolve  on  petition  of  .        .  458 

Samuel,  account  allowed 255 

Samuel,  relating  to 239 

Samuel,  treasurer  to  issue  note  to 480 

Brownfleld,  plantation  of,  discharged  of  certain  taxes       .        .        .  465 
treasurer  directed  to  discharge,  from  payment  of  the  sum 

mentioned 424 

Bruce,  Phineas,  relating  to 335 

Stephen,  treasurer  to  issue  note  to 471 

Brunswick,  town  of,  fine  remitted 127 

town  clerk  of,  not  to  be  prosecuted 180 

Buck,  Ebenezer,  taxes  due  from,  abated 609 

Buckland,  town  of,  grant  of  land  to 481 

Buckman,  John,  relating  to 335 

Buckstown,  plantation  of,  to  show  cause    .        .        .        .        .        .  454 


Index.  591 

Page 

Bulfinch,  Charles,  relating  to 333 

Jeremiah,  account  allowed 435 

Bulkley,  Nicholas,  relating  to 276 

Bullard,  Adam,  oath,  as  collector,  to  be  administered  to    .        .         .  198 

Bullock,  William,  relating  to 121,418 

Burden,  Sarah,  relating  to 432 

Burges,  Deborah,  resolve  on  petition  of 396 

Jonathan,  relating  to 396 

Burghardt,  Andrew,  relating  to 275 

Garrit,  relating  to 275 

Hendrick,  relating  to 275 

Hugo,  relating  to 138,  249 

John,  allowance  to 138 

John,  relating  to 276 

John,  2d,  relating  to 276 

John,  3d,  relating  to 275 

Lambert,  relating  to 275 

Peter,  relating  to 276 

Burnham,  Obadiah,  relating  to 485 

Josiah,  relating  to 485 

Burnham  Rock,  Samuel  Henshaw  appointed  a  committee  to  sell       .  469 

Burton,  Maj.  Benjamin,  relating  to 116 

Peggy,  relating  to 254 

"William,  relating  to 60 

Bush,  Zachariah,  allowance  to 184 

Butler,  Alford,  relating  to 62 

William,  account  allowed 489 

Buttrick,  Amos,  permitted  to  give  up  pension 523 

Buzzard's  bay,  and  Barnstable  bay,  committee  to  enquire  into  practi- 
cability of  cutting  a  canal  between,  to  make  further  investi- 
gations      383 

governor  to  appoint  suitable  persons  to  enquire  into  the  prac- 
ticability of  cutting  a  canal  between 248 

relative  to  canal  between 530 

c. 

Cabot,  George,  governor  requested  to  grant  credentials  to        .         .  129 

Cace,  Mary,  relating  to 434 

Cahoon,  Benjamin,  relating  to 275 

Caldwell,  Anna,  relating  to 453 

James,  relating  to 453 

John,  to  show  cause 453 

Calef,  Samuel,  treasurer  to  pay 513 

Cambden,  plantation  of,  tax  abated 109 

Cambden,  town  of,  incorporated 24 

Cambridge,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor        .         .  528 

to  show  cause 411 


592  Index. 

Page 

Campbell,  Alexander,  relating  to 335 

Canal,  between  Barnstable  bay  and  Buzzard's  bay,  committee  to  en- 
quire into  practicability  of  cutting,  to  make  further  investi- 
gations       383 

between  Barnstable  bay  and  Buzzard's  bay,  governor  to  ap- 
point suitable  persons  to  enquire  into  the  practicability  of 

cutting 248 

between  Barnstable  bay  and  Buzzard's  bay,  resolve  on  report 

of  committee  concerning 530 

Massachusetts,  proprietors  of,  incorporated     ....  347 
New  Meadow%  proprietors  of,  incorporated       ....  264 
Canals  and  locks  on  Connecticut  river,   proprietors  of,   incorpo- 
rated          302 

Cape  Elizabeth,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor  .       142,  527 

Carel,  Betty,  relating  to 527 

Carlisle,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor      .         .        .  489 

Carnes,  John,  allowance  to  ; 139,  237 

Carpenter,  Thomas,  resolve  on  petition  of 121 

Carr,  Benjamin,  treasurer  to  issue  note  to 234 

James,  relating  to 31 

John,  relating  to 234 

Carrel,  Betty,  relating  to 142 

Carsley,  John,  relating  to 61 

John,  Jr.,  relating  to 61 

Carter,  Capt.  Ephraim,  manager  of  lottery  appointed        .         .        .  108 

Nathaniel,  relating  to 315 

Nathaniel,  and  others,  order  on  petition  of       ...         .  409 
Carver,  town  of,  assessors  of  town  of  Plympton  to  assess  tax  on 

Plymptou  and 150 

incorporated 5 

Cary,  Samuel,  resolve  on  petition  of 115 

Case,  John,  relating  to 254 

Casseter,  Charles,  relating  to 205 

Castle  island,  establishment  for  garrison  at 515 

governor  and  council  to  appoint  a  surgeon  to  the  garrison 

at 136 

pay  of  chaplain  to  the  garrison  at,  established         .         .        .165 
proposals  to  supply  garrison  and  convicts  at,  with  rations 

and  clothing,  accepted 243,  539 

resolve  on  petition  of  garrison  at 524 

treasurer  to  borrow  money  to  pay  garrison  at  .        .        126,  128,  227 

Gate,  Benjamin,  relating  to .  61 

Catlin,  Seth,  brigade  major,  account  allowed 525 

Seth,  and  others,  resolve  on  petition  of 465 

Cavalry,  a  major  to  be  added  to  the  regiment  of,  in  the  seventh 

division  of  militia 402 

two  additional  troops  of,  to  be  raised  in  the  seventh  division 

of  militia 395 


Index.  593 

Page 
Certificates  of  secretary  or  treasurer  of  the  United  States,  or  any 

State,  made  evidence  in  certain  cases  of  forgery  .        .        .  360 

Cesar,  Rachel,  relating  to 143,  252 

Chace,  Nathaniel,  relating  to 484 

Chadbourn,  Benjn.,  and  others,  account  discharged  ....  163 

Humphry,  3d,  relating  to 470 

Chadbourne,  Benjamin,  relating  to 78 

Chadburn,  Benjamin,  member  of  committee  appointed       .         .        .  539 

Jonathan  C,  and  others,  order  on  petition  of  .        .        .        .  393 

Chamberlain,  Aaron,  and  others,  resolve  on  petition  of      .        .        .  456 

Benjamin,  relating  to 61 

Chapequiddick,  island  of,  addition  to  act  setting  ofi"  certain  lands  in, 

to  patentees  and  purchasers 11 

Chapin,  Merrick,  relating  to 507 

Chaplain,  of  the  general  court,  allowance  to       ...         .       227,  534 

to  the  garrison  at  Castle  island,  pay  established       .        .         .  165 

Chappaquiddick  Indians,  grants  to  guardians  of         ....  213 

Charlemont,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor       .         .  529 

oi'der  on  petition  of 429 

treasurer  directed  to  stay  execution  against      ....  398 
Charles  river  bridge,  proprietors  of,  continued  as  a  corporation  for 

a  term  of  years 364 

Charlestown,  town  of,  clause  in  act  limiting  operation  of  lottery 

granted  to,  repealed 20 

Chase,  E.,  and  Abel  Allyne,  resolve  on  petition  of      ...        .  443 

Mercy,  and  children,  relating  to 488 

Thomas,  relating  to 443 

Chatham,  town  of,  tax  abated 161 

Chelmsford,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor       .         .  256 

proprietors  of  bridge  between  town  of  Dracut  and,  incor- 
porated      284 

Chelsea,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor     .        .       251,  487 

Chesley,  Joseph,  relating  to 60 

Chester,  town  of,  tax  abated 509 

Chesterfield,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor       142,  254,  432 

Chickeriug,  Daniel  and  Abigail,  relating  to 575 

Child,  David,  authorized  to  execute  deed 199 

Chilmark,  town  of,  fine  remitted 194 

Choate,  Stephen,  member  of  committee,  appointed    ....  468 

Church,  Episcopal,  in  town  of  Portland,  incorporated        ...  61 

Church,  David,  relating  to 328 

John,  relating  to 275 

John,  Jr.,  relating  to 275 

Josiah,  relating  to 275 

Citizens,  act  in  addition  to  act  defining  legal  settlement  and  habi- 

tancy  of 70,  327 

Civil  list 91,  377 

treasurer  directed  to  pay 424 


594  Index. 

Page 

Civil  list,  treasurer  to  borrow  money  to  pay       .        .        .        128,  148,  226 
Claims  against  the  Commonwealth,  act  limiting  time  within  which 

they  shall  be  exhibited,  suspended          ....       139,  147 
Claims  for  relief  growing  out  of  forged  orders  and  lost  notes,  rela- 
tive to 395 

Clap,  Stephen,  resolve  on  petition  of 413 

Clapp,  Supply,  account  allowed 249 

Clark,  Enos,  set  off  from  town  of  South  Hadley  and  annexed  to  town 

of  Granby 328 

Israel,  set  off  from  town  of   South  Hadley  and  annexed  to 

town  of  Granby 328 

Job,  commissary  general  to  deliver  a  firearm  to        .        .         .       406 
Joseph,  member  of  committee,  appointed  ....       426 

Jotham,  set  off  from  town  of  South  Hadley  and  annexed  to 

town  of  Granby 328 

Noah,  set  off  from  town  of  South  Hadley  and  annexed  to  town 

of  Granby 328 

Thomas,  account  allowed 529 

Thos.,  member  of  committee,  appointed 479 

(iJlarke,  Rev.  John,  relating  to 25 

Thomas,  member  of  committee,  appointed       ....       405 

Cleever,  Nathaniel,  relating  to 485 

Clement,  Jeremiah,  relating  to 61 

Clerk,  of  the  house  of  representatives,  allowance  to  .         137,  227,  421,  534 
of  the  senate,  allowance  to         ...         .         137,  227,  421,  534 

Clough,  Ebenezer,  relating  to 492 

ThankfuU,  relating  to 493 

Cobb,  Andrew,  relating  to 60 

David,  account  allowed 434,  526 

David,  commissioner,  appointed 66 

David,  member  of  committee,  appointed  ....       179,  221 

David,  relating  to 347,  526 

David,  speaker  of  the  house  of  representatives,  allowance  to     105, 

148,  210,  413,  500 

Ebenezer,  relating  to 61 

Ephraim,  relating  to 203 

Margaret,  empowered  to  sell  real  estate  mentioned  .         .        .      203 

Saml.,  relating  to 416 

William,  allowance  to 416 

Coburn,  Daniel,  relating  to 285 

Moses  B.,  relating  to 285 

Peter,  Jr.,  relating  to 285 

Cockrain,  James,  member  of  committee,  appointed     ....       426 

Cockran,  John,  account  allowed 529 

Cod  and  whale  fisheries,  information  concerning,  to  be  furnished 

the  secretary  of  state 146 

committee   appointed   to   collect  and    transmit    information 
relative  to 137 


Index. 


595 


Page 

Codman,  John,  relating  to 333 

Coffin,  Jeremiah,  relating  to 62 

Nathaniel,  relating  to 62 

Peleg,  account  allowed 250 

Peleg,  member  of  committee,  appointed  ....  137,  146 
Peleg,  and  Thomas  Davis,  to  examine  accounts  of  treasurer   .      536 

Dr.  Wm.,  account  allowed 253 

Coit,  Isaac,  allowance  to 226 

Colby,  Esther,  relating  to 463 

Stephen,  relating  to 463 

Coleman,  James,  relating  to 254,  528 

Colesworthy,  Samuel,  account  allowed •.      434 

Samuel,  Jr.,  account  allowed 144,256 

Collectors  of  excise,  compti'oUer  general  to  lay  accounts  of,  before 

the  general  court 147 

continued  in  office 427 

Collins,  Ezra,  member  of  committee,  appointed  ....      514 

Colrain,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor       .        .       255,  488 

Colt,  Benjamin,  relating  to 183,  466 

Comings,  Jacob,  execution  against,  stayed 134 

Commissary  general,  allowance  to 130 

grant  to 133 

to  deliver  a  firearm  to  Job  Clark 406 

to  deliver  books  and  papers  to  Nathan  Dane  .  .  .  .170 
to  receive  arms  from  the  town  of  Uxbridge  ....  176 
Commissary  of  pensioners,  to  place  William  Scott  on  the  pension  roll  233 
Committee  on  accounts,  allowance  to  .  .  .  .  138,  236,  422,  509 
authorized  to  allow  account  of  county  of  Cumberland  .  .  460 
authorized  to  examine  accounts  of  John  Tracy,  Seth  Catlin 

and  Ezra  Smith .       465 

authorized  to  make  allowance  to  clerks  in  the  treasury  office  .  223 
authorized  to  pass  on  account  of  Justus  Dwight  .  .  .  486 
empowered  to  make  allowance  to  Justin  Ely     ....      384 

report  of,  roll  No.  18,  accepted 141 

report  of,  roll  No.  19,  accepted 249 

report  of,  roll  No.  20,  accepted 430 

report  of,  roll  No.  21,  accepted 486 

report  of,  roll  No.  22,  accepted 525 

to  examine  accounts  of  Jacob  Kittredge 480 

to  examine  accounts  of  John  Lowell  and  Theophilus  Parsons      532 

to  examine  accounts  of  John  Smith 484 

to  examine  accounts  of  town  of  Uxbridge  .  .  .  .176 
to  pass  upon  accounts  of  town  of  Washington         .         .        .       178 

to  settle  with  Lazarus  Goodwin 228 

Committee  to  exchange  continental  for  state  securities,  discharged       109 
Committee  for  methodizing  public  accounts,  to  certify  balance  due 

Abigail  Allen 188 

to  certify  balance  due  Joshua  Eaton 383 


596  Index. 

Page 
Committee  for  methodizing  public  accounts,  to  certifj'  balance  due 

estate  of  James  Pecker 201 

to  certify  balance  due  estate  of  Maj.  Gen.  John  Thomas         .  394 

to  certify  balance  due  estate  of  Capt.  Joseph  Blake         .         .  392 

to  certify  pay  due  heirs  of  Ephraim  Keen 209 

to  certify  pay  due  Matthew  Pease 484 

to  certify  pay  due  Jonathan  Purges 396 

to  certify  pay  due  Thomas  Beach 398 

to  certify  wages  due  James  Tibbet 415 

Committee  for  the  sale  of  absentees'  estates  in  the  county  of  Worces- 
ter, directed  to  make  sale 157 

Committee  for  the  sale  of  eastern  lands,  directions  to        .        .        .  508 

discharged  from  the  sum  mentioned 229 

empowered  to  sell  Deer  island  and  Sheep  island       .        .         .  217 

resolve  on  representation  of 171 

to  lay  out  tract  of  land  for  proprietors  of  Warner    .        .         .  464 
to  pay  the  proprietors  for  a  certaiu  tract  of  laud  in  township 

of  Orrington 198 

Committee  for  the  sale  of  eastern  lands  in  the  counties  of  Cumber- 
land or  Lincoln,  to  lay  out  laud  for  certain  inhabitants  of 

the  town  of  Falmouth 225 

Committee  for  the  sale  of  unappropriated  lands  in  county  of  Lincoln, 

to  confirm  lands  to  proprietors  of  Groton      ....  180 
Committee  for  settling  with  the  army,  to  certify  balance  due  Boston 

Allen 219 

to  certify  sum  due  Dudley  Tyler 212 

Committee  for  stating  and  methodizing  accounts,  to   certify  the 

amount  due  Charles  Casseter 205 

Committee  on  unappropriated  land  in  county  of  Lincoln  to  convey 

lands  to  certain  purchasers  from  the  proprietors  of  Groton  451 
Committee    to   settle  with  Messrs.    Gorham   and  Phelps,  allowed 

further  time 211 

continued  in  commission 238 

Commonwealth,  act  limiting  time  within  which  claims  against,  shall 

be  exhibited,  suspended. 139,147 

act  providing  for  the  security  of  the  treasury  of      .         .        .  355 
manner  in  which  inquests  of  office  shall  be  taken  to  revest  real 

estate  in 272 

method  of  enquiring  into  the  rateable  estates  within,  estab- 
lished         309 

office  of  comptroller  general  of,  abolished        ....  277 
Comptroller  general,  directed  to  lay  accounts  of  collectors  of  excise, 

before  the  general  court 147 

office  of,  abolished 277 

treasurer  to  call  on  the  late,  to  settle  his  accounts   .         .        .  446 

Conant,  Silas,  resolve  on  petition  of 482 

Silas,  resolve  on  petition  of,  repealed 535 

Concord,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor  143,  252,  254,  487,  489 


Index.  597 

Page 
Concord,  town  of,  relative  to  making,  shire  town  of  county  of 

Middlesex 538 

Congregational  Parish  in  Easton,  incorporated  .         .        .        .        .  290 
Congregational  Societ^^  First,  in  the  town  of  Taunton,  incorporated  63 
Congregational  Society  of  Orange,  act  incorporating,  repealed          .  80 
Congregational   Society,    Protestant,  in   Great    Barriugton,   incor- 
porated      275 

Congress,  address  of  general  court  to,  relative  to  state  debt     .         .  519 

representatives  to,  election  of 117 

Congressional  districts,  established 117 

Connecticut,  commissioners  appointed  to  ascertain  the  boundary 

line  between  Massachusetts  and 64 

Connecticut  river,  fisheries  in,  regulated 58 

governor  requested  to  write  governors  of  New  Hampshire  and 

Vermont,  concerning  preservation  of  fish  in          .         .         .  393 

law  for  regulating  the  fishery  in,  suspended     ....  96 
proprietors  of  bridge  over,  between  towns  of  Montague  and 

Greenfield,  incorporated 329 

proprietors  of  locks  and  canals  on,  incorporated      .        .         .  302 
Samuel  Henshaw  appointed  a  committee  to   sell   Burnham 

rock  in 469 

Continental  army,  relative  to  allowance  to  regimental  paymasters  of  533 
Convicts  and  garrison  at  Castle  island,   proposals   for  supplying 

with  rations  and  clothing,  accepted       ....       243,  539 

Conway,  town  of,  fine  remitted 121 

further  time  allowed  for  payment  of  taxes       ....  192 

Julius  AUis  and  family  annexed  to 264 

Cony,  Daniel,  allowance  to 229 

Daniel,  relating  to 31 

Daniel,  to  issue  warrant 33,  280,  284 

Cook,  Amos,  and  others,  resolve  on  petition  of 99 

Thomas,  collector  of  impost  and  excise,  to  settle  his  account 

with  treasurer .104 

Coombs,  William,  relating  to       .         .        .        .      •  .         .         .         .  315 

William  and  others,  treasurer  to  borrow  money  to  pay    .         .  149 

Cooper,  John,  account  allowed 432 

John,  relating  to 335 

John,  resolve  on  petition  of 426 

Moses,  taxes  due  from,  abated 509 

Samuel,  member  of  committee  to  contract  for  printing   .       103,394 

Samuel,  relating  to 390 

Samuel,  clerk  of  the  Senate,  allowance  to        .         137,  227,  421,  534 

Copp,  Samuel,  account  allowed 255,488 

Cops,  John,  and  others,  resolve  on  petition  of 451 

Corner,  James,  relating  to 487 

Corniel,  John,  relating  to 507 

Coroners,  doings  of,  confirmed 242 

Corry,  James,  relating  to 6 


598  Index. 

Page 
Costs,  in  criminal  prosecutions,  payment  of  ...  .  339,  493 
Cottle,  Shubael,  member  of  committee  appointed        ....        97 

Cotton,  Adam,  relating  to 18 

Ebenezer,  relating  to 60 

Samuel,  relating  to 285 

Cotton  manufactory,  Beverly,  lottery  tickets  granted  to  proprietors  of      207 
Cotton  manufacture,  buildings,  etc.,  used  in,  in  town  of  Worcester, 

exempted  from  taxation 481 

Councillors,  list  of 91,  377 

Counties  of  Bristol,  Dukes  County  and  Nantucket,  designated  as  a 

congressional  district 118 

of  Cumber' cind  or  Lincoln,  committee  for  the  sale  of  eastern 
lands  in,  to  lay  out  land  for  certain  inhabitants  of  the  town 

of  Falmouth 225 

of  Hampshire  and  Berkshire,  designated  as  a  congressional 

district 118 

of  Lincoln,  Hancock  and  Washington,  supreme  judicial  court 

to  be  holden  for 270 

of  Plymouth  and  Barnstable  designated  as  a  congressional 

district 118 

of  York,   Cumberland,   Lincoln,   Washington   and   Hancock 

designated  as  a  congressional  district 118 

County  of    Barnstable,   accounts    of    treasurer   allowed    and    tax 

granted    171,  441 

preservation  of  oysters  in  harbors  and  rivers  of  town  of  Yar- 
mouth in 9 

County  of  Berkshire,  tax  granted 138,  467 

time  and  place  of  holding  courts  of  common  pleas  and  general 

sessions  of  the  peace  in,  determined 277 

County  of  Bristol,  accounts  of  treasurer  allowed  and  tax  granted     .       444 
part  of  act  for  preservation  of  shad  and  alewives  in  Ten  and 

Three  Mile  rivers  in,  repealed 23 

preservation  of  alewives  in  Acqnesnet  river  in         ...         14 
preservation  of  oysters  in  harbors  and  rivers  of  certain  towns  in  9 

County  of  Cumberland,  account  allowed 487 

accounts  of  treasurer  allowed  and  tax  granted  .         .       206,494 

committee  on  accounts  authorized  to  allow  account  of    .         .       460 
message  of  governor,  relative  to   adjournment   of  supreme 

judicial  court  in 574 

place  of  holding  courts  of  common  pleas  and  general  sessions 

of  the  peace  in,  changed 262 

supreme  judicial  court  in,  adjourned         ....       389,  517 
County  of  Dukes  County,  excused  from  building  and  maintaining 

more  than  one  goal 96 

preservation  of  oysters  in  harbors  and  rivers  of  town  of  Ed- 

gartown  in 9 

time  and  place  for  hearing  appeals  from  judge  of  probate  for, 

appointed 270 


Index.  599 

Page 
County  of  Essex,  accounts  of  treasurer  allowed  and  tax  granted       160,  517 

designated  as  a  congressional  district 118 

time  of  holding  supreme  judicial  court  in,  changed  ...  5 
County   of  Hatnpshire,   accounts    of    treasurer    allowed    and    tax 

granted    174,  444 

sheriff  of,  granted  further  time  in  which  to  make  payment     .  439 

sheriff  of,  to  be  credited  with  the  sum  mentioned     .        .        .  458 

County  of  Hancock,  message  of  governor  relative  to          .        .        .  551 

notary  public  for,  constituted 112 

order  on  petition  to  change  line  between  county  of  Lincoln 

and 130 

part  of,  annexed  to  county  of  Lincoln      .        .         .        .     '    .  29 

tax  granted 418 

time  of  holding  courts  of  general  sessions  of  the  peace  and  of 

common  pleas  in,  changed 70 

County  of  Lincoln,  accounts  of  treasurer  allowed  and  tax  granted    .  195 
order  on  petition  to  change  line  between  county  of  Hancock 

and 130 

part  of  county  of  Hancock  annexed  to 29 

County   of    Middlesex,   accounts    of    treasurer    allowed    and    tax 

gi-anted 162,  461 

designated  as  a  congressional  district 118 

tax  granted 132 

County  of  Nantucket,  preservation  of  oysters  In  harbors  and  rivers 

of  town  of  Sherburn  in 9 

time  and  place  for  hearing  appeals  from  judge  of  probate  for  270 
County    of    Plymouth,    accounts    of   treasurer    allowed    and    tax 

granted    175,  443 

time  of  holding  courts  of  common  pleas  and  general  sessions 

of  the  peace  in,  changed 263 

County  of  Suffolk,  accounts  of  treasurer  allowed  and  tax  granted     .  235 

designated  as  a  congressional  district 118 

order  on  petition  for  division  of 400 

County  of  Washington,  accounts  of  treasurer  allowed  and  tax  granted  419 

message  of  governor  relative  to 551 

notary  public  to  be  appointed  for 393 

time  of  holding  courts  of  genei'al  sessions  of  the  peace  and  of 

common  pleas  in,  changed 70 

County  of    Worcester,   accounts    of    treasurer    allowed    and    tax 

granted    159,  459 

claims  against  late  sheriff  of,  to  be  adjusted     ....  439 
courts  of  common  pleas  and  general  sessions  of  the  peace  in, 

adjourned 478 

designated  as  a  congressional  district 118 

supreme  judicial  court  in,  adjourned 517 

County  of  York,  accounts  of  treasurer  allowed  and  tax  granted        .  399 

supreme  judicial  court  in,  adjourned 517 

tax  granted 444 


600  Index. 

Page 

County  treasurers,  relating  to  allowance  of  accounts  of     .        .        .  211 

Courtis,  Elizabeth,  and  others,  resolve  on  petition  of        ...  98 

William,  relating  to 98 

William,  and  others,  resolve  on  petition  of       ....  98 
Court  of  common  pleas,  no  appeal  to  be  allovfed  from  judgment  of, 

in  certain  cases 326 

Court  of  general  sessions  of  the  peace,  empowered  to  adjourn  to 

open  votes  returned  for  register  of  deeds       ....  272 
Court,  supreme  judicial,  for  counties  of  Worcester,  York  and  Cum- 
berland, adjourned 517 

for  county  of  Cumberland,  adjourned 389 

for  county  of  Cumberland,  message  of  governor  relative  to 

adjournment  of 574 

for  county  of  Essex,  time  of  holding,  changed         ...  5 
resolve  adjourning,  in  three  eastern  counties,  repealed    .         .  401 
to  be  holden  for  counties  of  Lincoln,  Hancock  and  Wash- 
ington        270 

Courts  of  common  pleas  and  general  sessions  of  the  peace,  for  county 

of  Bei-kshire,  time  and  place  of  holding,  determined     .         .  277 

for  county  of  Cumberland,  place  of  holding,  changed  .  .  262 
for  county  of  Plymouth,  time  of  holding,  changed  .  .  .263 
for  counties  of  Hancock  and  Washington,  time  of  holding, 

changed 70 

for  county  of  Worcester,  adjourned 478 

time  of  holding,  within  and  for  the  several  counties,  deter- 
mined         15 

Crafts,  Thomas,  relating  to 174 

Thomas,  Jr.,  assistant  clerk  of  the  house  of  representatives, 

allowance  to 534 

William,  account  allowed 251 

Crague,  Thomas,  relating  to 60 

Cranch,  William,  allowance  to 504 

Crane,  John,  relating  to 335 

Crawford,  John,  treasurer  to  issue  note  to 241 

Criminal  causes,  relative  to  payment  of  bills  of  cost  in      .         .       339,  493 

Crocket,  Ephraim,  relating  to 61 

Jonathan,  relating  to 61 

Pelatiah,  relating  to 61 

Samuel,  Jr.,  relating  to 60 

Crockett,  Daniel,  relating  to 60 

Cronk,  Moses,  relating  to 124 

Crooks,  Dr.  William,  account  allowed 529 

Crosby,  Simon,  relating  to 29 

Cross,  Matthew,  relating  to 253 

Ralph,  and  others,  discharged  of  the  sum  mentioned       .        .  219 

Stephen,  relating  to    . 315 

Croxford,  Jane,  relating  to 488 

Crumett,  John,  resolve  on  pL'tition  of 415 


Index.  601 

Page 

Cud  worth,  Nathaniel,  relating  to 423 

Cumberland  county,  account  allowed 487 

accounts  of  treasurer  allowed  and  tax  granted  .  .  20G,  494 
committee  on  accounts  authorized  to  allow  account  of  .  .  460 
message  of  governor  relative  to  adjournment  of  supreme 

judicial  court  in 574 

place  of  holding  courts  of  common  pleas  and  general  sessions 

of  the  peace  in,  changed 262 

supreme  judicial  court  in,  adjourned         ....       389,  517 
Cumberland  or  Lincoln  counties,  committee  for  the  sale  of  east- 
ern lands  in,  to  lay  out  land  for  certain  inhabitants  of  the 

town  of  Falmouth '.       225 

Cumberland,   Lincoln,  Washington,    Hancock  and  York  counties, 

designated  as  a  congressional  district 118 

Cuming,  John,  relating  to 208 

Cumings,  John,  set  off  from  town  of  Dunstable  and  annexed  to  dis- 
trict of  Tyngsborough 324 

Cummington,  town  of,  tax  apportioned  between  district  of  Plain- 
field  and 388 

Currier,  Ezra  and  Ruth,  resolve  on  petition  of 205 

Nathan,  relating  to 463 

Nathaniel,  relating  to 463 

Curtice,  Houghton  &,  account  allowed 434 

Curtis,  Calvin,  brigade  major,  treasurer  to  pay 457 

Samuel,  account  allowed 143,  488,  489 

Cushing,  Charles,  allowance  to 105,514 

Charles,  to  deliver  certain  papers  to  Silas  Conant    .         .        .       482 

Brig.  Gen.  Joseph,  relating  to 457 

Thomas  C,  account  allowed 251 

Cushman,  Job,  resolve  on  petition  of 158 

Cutler,  Silas,  and  Jotham  Bouker,  resolve  on  petition  of  .        .         .       395 

Cutter,  Mary,  account  allowed     .• 434,487,528 

Josiah,  account  allowed 256 

Cutts,  Edward,  relating  to 78,  333 

D. 

Dalton,  town  of,  tax  abated 124 

Dalton,  Tristam,  relating  to 129,315 

Dana,  Francis,  relating  to 361 

Francis,  allowance  to 479 

Josiah,  and  others,  order  on  petition  of 453 

Dane,  Nathan,  allowance  to 390 

Nathan,  governor  authorized  to  examine  accounts  of       .         .  437 

Nathan,  governor  to  write  to,  relative  to  public  accounts        .  204 

Nathan,  relating  to 429 

Nathan,  resolve  on  representation  of 533 

Nathan,  to  receive  books  and  papers  from  commissary  general  170 


602  IXDEX. 

Page 
Danforth,  Joseph,  set  off  from  town  of  Dunstable  and  annexed  to 

district  of  Tyngsborough 324 

Josiali,  set  off  from  town  of  Dunstable  and  annexed  to  district 

of  Tyngsborough 324 

Josiah,  and  others,  orders  on  petition  of 165 

Daniels,  Joseph,  and  others,  resolve  on  petition  of  .  .  .  .198 
Daphne,  an  African  woman,  resolve  on  petition  of  .  .  .  .  225 
Darling,  Amos,  widow  and  children  of,  set  off  from  town  of  Fram- 

ingham  and  annexed  to  town  of  Marlborough       ...        27 
Jonas,   and  family,  set  off  from  town  of  Framinghara  and 

annexed  to  town  of  Marlborough 27 

Dartmouth,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor        143,  252,  255 
further  time  allowed,  for  collection  of  taxes    ....       166 

tax  abated 502 

to  be  credited  by  the  treasurer  with  the  sum  mentioned  .        .       235 

Davenport,  Lynde  &,  relating  to 507 

Davis,  Amasa,  quartermaster  general,  account  allowed      .        .         .       486 
Amasa,  quartermaster  general,  directed  concerning  casting 

of  cannon 493 

Amasa,  quartermaster  general,  grant  to 428 

Caleb,  relating  to 473 

Caleb,  and  others,  resolve  on  petition  of 210 

Daniel,  to  issue  warrant 62 

Daniel,  and  others,  discharged  of  the  sum  mentioned      .         .       219 
Ebenezer,  empowered  to  convey  the  land  mentioned         .        .       459 

Francis,  relating  to 463 

Mary,  relating  to 432 

Mr. ,  member  of  committee,  appointed 137 

Sally,  relating  to 255,  488 

Samuel,  resolve  on  petition  of 459 

Susanah,  resolve  on  petition  of 401 

Thomas,  account  allowed  . 250,  434 

Thomas,  allowance  to 237,  510 

Thomas,  member  of  committee,  appointed        .         .        146,  179,  221 

Thomas,  relating  to 139 

Thomas,  and  Peleg  Coffin,  to  examine  accounts  of  treasurer  .      536 
William,  relating  to    ......         .  18,  252,  275,  527 

Dawes,  Thomas,  member  of  committee,  appointed    ....       468 

Thos.,  relating  to 473 

Thos.,  to  make  repairs  on  the  state  house         ....       418 

Day,  Luke,  relating  to 251 

Dean,  John,  resolve  on  petition  of 200 

.Josiah,  member  of  committee,  appointed  ....       449 

Dearborn,  Henry,  relating  to 31 

De  Belcore,  Le  Burr,  relating  to 532 

Deblois,  Stephen,  relating  to 62 

Debt,  public,  resolve  concerning 101 

state,  address  of  general  court  relative  to         ....       519 


Index.  603 

Page 
Dedham,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor     .         .        .251 

resolve  on  petition  of  inhabitants  of 135 

Deeds,  relative  to  choice  of  registers  of 272 

Deerfleld,  town  of,  Julius  Allis  and  family  set  off  from      .        .        .  264 

Deer  Isle,  town  of,  to  show  cause 515 

Deering,  Nathaniel,  grant  to 224 

Defaulters,  public,  resolve  respecting 139 

Delano,  Amaziah,  relating  to 18 

Delap,  John,  relating  to 255 

Delatorabe,  Monsr.,  consul  of  France,  relating  to      ....  135 

Delesdinear,  Lewis  F.,  member  of  committee,  appointed  .        .         .  426 

De  L'Etombe,  Monsieur,  consul  of  France,  relating  to      .         .      '  .  552 

Delley,  John,  relating  to 18 

AVilliam,  relating  to 18 

De  Maresquelle,  Lewis,  relating  to 285 

Lewis,  treasurer  to  borrow  money  to  pay         .        .         .       134,  149 

John,  authorized  to  collect  claims  against  the  United  States   .  135 

Deming,  John,  directed  relative  to  account  with  Elnathan  Jones       .  428 

John,  to  certify  balance  due  Juda  Dyer 419 

John,  to  certify  balance  due  Isaac  Houghton    ....  186 

John,  to  certify  balance  due  to  James  Parraeter        .         .         .  411 

John,  to  certify  balance  due  estate  of  John  Stephenson  .         .  199 

'    John,  to  certify  balance  due  estate  of  Daniel  Wheelwright      .  127 
John,  to  certify  balances  due  certain  soldiers  .        .        485,  507,  531 

John,  to  certify  sum  due  heirs  of  John  Farnum        .         .         .  531 

John,  to  certify  sum  due  to  Job  Priest 126 

John,  to  forward  certain  vouchers  to  Nathan  Dane .        .         .  429 

John,  to  make  up  the  wages  of  Nathaniel  Chace       .        .        .  484 

John,  relating  to 486 

Demming,  Elizur,  relating  to 276 

John,  to  certify  balance  due  estate  of  Abraham  Prebble          .  413 

John,  to  receive  the  books  of  the  late  board  of  war        .        .  454 

Demons,  Elijah,  relating  to 114 

Dench,  Gilbert,  account  allowed 256 

Gilbert,  resolve  on  petition  of 226,  453 

Denny,  Thomas,  relating  to 108 

Thomas,  resolve  on  petition  of 108,  445 

De  Poleresky,  John,  naturalized 210 

De  Silva,  George,  relating  to 488 

Devens,  Richard,  commissary  general,  allowance  to  .         .         .        .  130 

Richard,  commissary  general,  grant  to 239 

Richard,  and  others,  treasurer  to  borrow  money  to  pay  .        .  Ill 

Devereux,  Burrill,  account  allowed 527 

De\yey,  Martin,  relating  to 173 

Dexter,  Dr.  Aaron,  account  allowed 142 

Aaron,  relating  to 25,  333 

Benjamin,  relating  to 186 

Benjamin,  Jr,  relating  to 18 


604  Index. 

Page 

Dexter,  David,  and  Aaron  Norton,  resolve  on  petition  of  .         .         .  186 

John,  Jr.,  relating  to 186 

Phillip,  relating  to 186 

Thankfull,  relating  to 186 

Timothy,  relating  to 315 

Dickinson,  David,  and  others,  resolve  on  petition  of         .        .         .491 

Roger,  naturalized 85 

Dighton,  town  of,  fine  remitted 474 

Dimond,  Reuben,  relating  to 463 

District  of  Maine,  relative  to  formation  of  separate  government  in  .  510 
District  or  town,  act  in  addition  to  act  defining  legal  settlement  and 

habitancy  in 7.0,  327 

Districts,  congressional,  established 117 

Districts  : 

Berlin,  Peter  Larkin  and  family  annexed  to      ....  23 

Bethleham,  to  show  cause 452 

Boxborough,  order  on  petition  for  tract  of  land  to  be  annexed 

to 501 

Dover,  act  incorporating,  amended 57 

Leyden,  selectmen  of,  exempted  from  paying  fine     .        .         .  537 
Orange,  resolution  requiring  maintenance  of  bridge  over  river 

Tally  by,  repealed 204 

Orange,  act  incorporating  the  Congregational  Society  of,  re- 
pealed        80 

Plainfleld,  tax  apportioned  between  town  of  Cummiugton  and  388 
Tj'ugsborough,   certain  inhabitants   of  town   of  Dunstable 

annexed  to       . 324 

Divorces,  message  of  governor  relative  to  granting  of,  by  the  gen- 
eral court 575 

Dogs,  act  to  prevent  damage  by 321 

Donnison,  William,  adjutant  general,  account  allowed      .         .       250,  525 

William,  adjutant  general,  treasurer  directed  to  pay  grant  to  107 

Dorchester,  town  of,  certain  inhabitants  set  ofl"  from        .         .        .  319 

Douglas,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor    .        .         .  256 

Douglass,  Asa,  and  others,  resolve  on  petition  of       .         .         .       451,  498 

William,  and  others,  resolve  on  petition  of      ...         .  498 

Dover,  district  of,  act  incorporating,  amended  .         .        .        .         .  57 

Downer,  Eliphlet,  allowance  to,  for  loss  of  surgeon's  instruments    .  206 

Downs,  Hannah,  relating  to 489 

Dracut,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor       .        143,  254,  488 
proprietors  of  bridge  between  town  of  Chelmsford  and,  incor- 
porated      284 

Draper,  William,  relating  to 485 

Drew,  William,  treasurer  to  suspend  final  adjustment  of  account 

with 156 

Drury,  David,  resolve  on  petition  of 468 

Thomas,  treasurer  to  credit,  with  the  sum  mentioned      .         .  468 

Duck,  hemp  and  twine,  appropriation  made  for  paying  bounty  on    .  238 


Index.  605 


Duck,  sail  cloth  and  twine,  bounty  on,  continued       ....  483 

Dudley  Indians,  accounts  of  guardians  of,  allowed    .        .         .       174,  462 

Due  bills,  warrants  and  orders,  resolve  for  the  paynaent  of       .        .  185 

Dugan,  Thomas,  relating  to 468 

Dukes  county,  excused  from  building  and  maintaining  more  than 

one  goal 96 

preservation   of  oysters  in  harbors   and   rivers  of  town  of 

Edgartown  in 9 

time  and  place  for  hearing  appeals  from  judge  of  probate  for, 

appointed         .' 270 

Dukes  county,  Bristol  and  Nantucket  counties  designated  as  a  con- 
gressional district  ■.  118 

Dummer,  Nathaniel,  relating  to 31 

Dunlap,  John,  relating  to 265 

Dunning,  Benjamin,  relating  to 265 

Dunstable,  town  of,  certain  inhabitants  set  oft"  from  ....  324 

to  show  cause 165 

Dupee,  John,  order  on  petition  of 132 

John,  resolve  on  petition  of 191 

Durfee,  Thomas,  relating  to 833 

Thomas,  and  others,  discharged  of  sum  mentioned  .        .        .219 

Dutton,  Samuel,  relating  to 31 

Dwelle,  Lott,  relating  to 213 

Dwight,  Elijah,  member  of  committee,  appointed      .         .        .       418,  498 

Elijah,  relating  to 276 

Elijah,  to  issue  warrant 277 

Jonathan,  relating  to 302 

Josiah,  brigade  major,  account  allowed' 525 

Justus,  account  allowed 143,  431,  488,  527 

Justus,  resolve  on  petition  of 466,  486 

Thomas,  relating  to 302 

Dwinel,  Amos,  empowered  to  prosecute  suit  in  the  name  of  the 

Commonwealth 230 

Dyer,  Anna,  resolve  on  petition  of 419 

Juda,  relating  to 419 


E. 

Eastern  lands,  committee  for  the  sale  of,  directions  to      .        .        .  508 

discharged  from  the  sum  mentioned 229 

empowered  to  sell  Deer  island  and  Sheep  island      .        .         .  217 

resolve  on  representation  of 171 

to  lay  out  tract  of  land  for  proprietors  of  Warner  .  .  .  464 
to  pay  the  proprietors  for  a  certain  tract  of  laud  in  township 

of  Orringtou 198 

in  the  counties  of  Cumberland  or  Lincoln,  to  lay  out  land  for 

certain  inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Falmouth  .        .        .  225 


606  Index. 

Page 

Eastham,  towa  of,  tax  abated 103 

Eastman,  Joseph,  relating  to 463 

William,  relating  to 328 

Easton,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor      .        .         .  433 

Congregational  parish  in,  incorporated 290 

Eaton,  Dr.,  account  allowed 434 

Jabez,  and  others,  resolve  on  petition  of 99 

Job,  and  others,  resolve  on  petition  of 99 

Joshua,  relating  to 383 

Joshua,  wages  of,  to  be  certified 100 

Lot,  and  others,  resolve  on  petition  of 99 

"William,  grant  to 116 

Eddy,  Jonathan,  to  issue  warrant 29 

Edes,  Charlestown,  relating  to 489 

Edes  &  Son,  account  allowed 250 

Edgartown,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor  142,  251,  431,  488 
act  for  prevention  of  damage  to  the  beach  and  meadows  of, 

and  for  the  preservation  of  fisheries  in         ....  58 

fine  remitted 121 

preservation  of  oysters  in 9 

resolve  on  petition  in  behalf  of 96 

Edson,  Polly  carpus,  and  William  Pratt,  order  on  petition  of     .         .  449 

Egleston,  Elijah,  relating  to 275 

Elder,  Charles,  relating  to 60 

Isaac,  relating  to 60 

Joseph,  relating  to 60 

Reuben,  relating  to 61 

Samuel,  relating  to 61 

Eldridge,  Caleb,  and  others,  resolve  on  petition  of     .        .        .         .  451 

James,  account  allowed 250 

Thomas,  and  others,  resolve  on  petition  of       .        .         .        .451 

Eley,  Justin,  account  allowed 431 

Eli,  Noah,  and  others,  resolve  on  petition  of 451 

Eliot,  John,  account  allowed 487 

Elliot,  Jacob,  relating  to 59 

Jacob,  Jr.,  relating  to 59 

Ely,  Justin,  account  allowed 527 

Justin,  member  of  committee,  appointed  ....         96,  414 

Justin,  relating  to 302 

Justin,  resolve  on  petition  of 384 

Emery,    Nathaniel,    and    Jonathan    Greenleaf,    order    on    petition 

of 462 

Episcopal  church  in  town  of  Portland,  incorporated  .         ...  61 

Episcopal  Protestant  Society  in  town  of  Marshfleld,  incorporated    .  7 

Episcopal  Society,  Protestant,  of  Great  Barringtou,  incorporated    .  275 

Erving,  John,  relating  to 408 

Shirley,  relating  to 62 

Eslen,  Peter,  relating  to 276 


Index. 


607 


Essex  county,  accounts  of  treasurer  allowed  and  tax  granted 

designated  as  a  congressional  district 

time  of  holding  supreme  judicial  court  in,  changed 
Essex  Merrimacli  bridge,  proprietors  of,  incorporated 
Estate,  real,  relating  to  executions  on 
Estates,  rateable,  within  the  Commonwealth,  method  of 

into,  established 
Estates  tail,  method  of  barring,  provided 
Estates : 

Alsop,  Richard    . 

Ashley,  Jonathan 

Barnes,  Henry     . 

Blake,  Capt.  Joseph 

Chase,  Thomas  . 

Clough,  Ebenezer 

Cobb,  Ephraim    . 

Colt,  Benjamin   . 

Cooper,  Samuel  . 

Courtis,  William 

Cuming,  John     . 

Dewey,  Martin  . 

Dexter,  Benjamin,  Jr 

Dwelle,  Lott 

Eaton,  Joshua    . 

Farley,  Michael  . 

Fisher,  John 

Foxwell,  Richard 

Geyer,  Frederick  William 

Goldthwait,  Joseph 

Gordon,  William 

Gordon,  William  and  Temperance 

Greeuleaf,  Samuel 

Hall,  Col.  Levi    . 

Harris,  Richard  . 

Hastings,  Jonathan 

Hendrick,  John  . 

Hill,  Joseph 

How,  Nathan 

Hutchins,  Thomas 

Hutchinson,  Eliakim 

Jeuks,  Gideon     . 

Jeykell,  John 

Johnson,  Abner 

Jones,  Mary  Ann 

Kendrick,  David 
Knap,  Isaac 
Lechmere,  Richard 
Leonard,  Noadiah 


Page 

160,  517 

118 

5 

315 

57 

309 
359 

197 
491 
434,  489 
392 
443 
492 
203 

183,  466 
390 
98 
208 
173 
186 
213 
383 
458 
161 
538 
448 
202 
126 
194 
175 
490 
478 
495 
199 
188 
442 

406,  410 
412 
477 
224 
122 
410 
452 
442 
513 
456 


608  Index. 

Page 

Estates  —  Continued. 

Liverraore,  Daniel 401,  496 

Lymau,  Job 430 

McCobb,  James 163 

Mclntire,  John 239 

Merchant,  John 173 

Miuot,  Capt.  John 467 

Mollineux,  "William 407 

Mower,  Timothy 399 

Otis,  Joseph 228,251,461 

Paddock,  Adino 408 

Pecker,  Dr.  James 201 

Pepperrell,  Sir  "William 181 

Prebble,  Abraham 413 

Putnam,  Jonathan 159 

Quincy,  Josiah,  Jr 227 

Kuggles,  Timo 168 

Scott,  Edward 386 

Shaw,  Francis 496 

Shephard,  Alexander 504 

Shepherd,  Alexander,  Jr 158,  492 

Stephenson,  John 199 

Thomas,  Maj.  Gen.  John 394 

Trowlett,  Michael 513 

Tufts,  William 100 

Tyng,  William 417 

Walker,  Adam 157 

Wheelwright,  Daniel 127 

Wheelwright,  Nathaniel 507 

Wilson,  Elijah 475 

Eustis,  Dr.  William,  account  allowed 433 

William,  member  of  committee,  appointed        .        .        .179,  221 

Evans,  Benjamin,  relating  to        .        . 463 

Ezekiel,  relating  to 463 

Evidence,  certificates  of  secretary  or  treasurer  of  the  United  States, 

or  any  state,  admitted  as,  in  certain  cases  of  forgery  .        ,  360 

Excise,  act  to  raise  a  public  revenue  by,  and  to  regulate  the  col- 
lection of,  repealed         .        .         .        .         .         .        .         .  20,  21 

Excise,  collectors  of,  comptroller  general  to  lay  accounts  of,  before 

the  general  court 147 

continued  in  office 427 

Executions  on  real  estate,  relating  to          ...         ...  57 

Executors  and  administrators,  relative  to  time  within  which  claims 

must  l)e  exhibited  to 297 


Index.  609 

F. 

Page 

Fairbanks,  Jabez,  to  show  cause 132,  191 

Fairfield,  Walter,  relating  to 507 

Falmouth,  town  of,  grant  to  certain  inhabitants  of    .        .        .        .  225 

Fanning,  Anna,  relating  to 253 

Farley,  Jabez  and  Robert,  resolve  on  petition'of         ....  458 

Michael,  relating  to 458 

Farnam,  John,  relating  to 276 

Farnum,  John,  relating  to 531 

Farrar,  Joseph,  relating  to 199 

Fellows,  Gustavus,  relating  to 335 

Fessenden,  John,  member  of  committee  appointed     ....  536 

Fessenden,  Rev.  William,  relating  to 9,  294 

Field,  Dr.,  account  allowed 143 

Dr.  Spencer,  account  allowed 488 

File,  William,  relating  to 60 

Filmore,  George,  relating  to 432 

First  Parish,  in  town  of  Mendon,  doings  confirmed    ....  449 

in  town  of  Methuen,  John  Ladd  set  off  from     ....  262 
First  and  Second  Parishes,  in  town  of  Maiden,  dissolved  and  certain 

articles  of  union  between,  confirmed 308 

Fish,  preservation  of,  in  Connecticut  river,  governor  requested  to 
write  the  governors  of  New  Hampshire  and  Vermont,  con- 
cerning      393 

part  of  act  for  preservation  of,  in  Ten  and  Three  Mile  rivers, 

repealed 23 

Fisher,  Hannah,  resolve  on  petition  of 160 

John,  relating  to 160 

Moses  and  Elisha  Richardson,  order  on  petition  of  .        .        .  108 

Nathaniel,  resolve  on  petition  of 418 

Fisheries,  in  creeks  in  town  of  Edgartown,  regulated         ...  58 
whale  and  cod,  committee  appointed  to  collect  and  trans- 
mit information  relative  to 137 

information  concerning,  to   be   furnished    the  secretary    of 

state 146 

Fishery,  alewife,  at  the  mouth  of  Agawam  river,  regulated       .        .  338 

in  Acquesnet  river,  in  town  of  New  Bedford,  regulated  .        .  14 

in  Indian  Head  river,  regulated 299 

in  Mattepoiset  river,  act  further  regulating      ....  28 

in  Neponset  river  and  other  streams,  regulated         ...  81 
in  streams  emptying  into  Merrimack  river,  in  town  of  Andover, 

regulated 365 

in  Taunton  Great  river,  further  regulated         ....  344 

in  town  of  Bridgewater,  regulated 67 

in  town  of  Middleborough,  regulated 280 

town  of  Framingham  empowered  to  regulate,  within  its  own 

limits 337 


610  Index. 

Page 

Fishery  in  Connecticut  river,  law  for  regulating,  suspended      .        .  96 

regulated 58 

risk,  Abner,  relating  to 441 

Asa,  relating  to 456 

Fitch,  Ephraim,  allowance  to 422,  510 

Fitchburg,  town  of,  tax  abated 499 

to  show  cause 158 

Flanders,  Jeremiah,  relating  to 463 

Fletcher,  Josiah,  relating  to 285 

Flint,  Austin,  excused  from  paying  fine 537 

Jackson  &,  relating  to 526 

Fobes,  Joseph,  may  be  licensed  as  a  retailer  of  spirituous  liquors     .  439 

Foog,  Timothy,  relating  to 18 

Timothy,  Jr.,  relating  to 18 

Forbes,  Daniel,  allowance  to 139,  237 

Forbs,  Daniel,  relating  to 477 

Ford,  John,  relating  to 285 

Robert,  relating  to 470 

Forged  orders  and  lost  notes,  relative  to  claims  growing  out  of        .  395 
Forgery,  certificates  of  secretary  or  treasurer  of  the  United  States, 

or  any  state,  made  evidence  in  certain  cases  of     .         .         .  360 

Fosdick,  James,  relating  to 62 

Nathaniel  Fadre,  relating  to 62 

Thomas,  relating  to 62 

Foster,  Abraham,  account  allowed 142 

Dwight,  member  of  committee,  appointed        .        .         .       439,  468 

Dwight,  relating  to 302 

Rev.  Emerson,  relating  to 80 

James,  and  Samuel  Thwing,  allowance  to        ...         .  416 
James,  and  Samuel  Thwing,  directed  relative  to  settling  ac- 
counts of  the  late  Treasurer  Ivers          .         .        .         .         .  440 
James,  and  Samuel  Thwing,  to  continue  the  examination  of  the 

late  Treasurer  Ivers'  accounts 423 

James,  Jr.,  account  allowed 144,256 

John,  relating  to 335 

Joseph,  relating  to 188 

Nathl.,  account  allowed 144,  256 

Samuel,  account  allowed 144,  256 

Samuel,  and  others,  clerks  in  treasurer's  offlce,  pay  estabhshed  113 

Samuel,  and  others,  resolve  on  petition  of        ...         .  223 

Fowle,  Ensign  Joseph,  relating  to .  457 

Fowler,  Samuel,  relating  to 302 

Samuel,  to  issue  warrant 323 

Simeon,  and  John  Brewer,  authorized  to  supply  the  widow 

Pial,  an  Indian  woman,  with  clothing  and  food   .         .        .  445 
Simeon,  and  John  Brewer,  settlers  under,  in  town  of  Orring- 

ton,  quieted 193 

Thomas,  relating  to 463 


Index.  611 

Page 

Foxwell,  Richard,  relating  to 638 

Framingliara,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor     .       254,  526 

empowered  to  regulate  its  fisheries 337 

part  of,  annexed  to  town  of  Marlborough         ....  27 

Francisborough,  plantation  of,  tax  abated '       .  188 

Franck,  Thomas,  relating  to 18 

Frank,  James,  relating  to 18 

Franklin,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor     ,        .         .  252 
order  on  petition  of  Elisha  Richardson  and  Moses  Fisher  to 

be  annexed  to 108 

selectmen  of,  to  provide  for  Alexandei  Reed    ....  218 

Franklin,  William,  relating  to 142 

Frazer,  Thomas,  relating  to 177 

Frazier,  Nathan,  relating  to 448 

Freeman,  Constant,  Jr.,  account  allowed 142,256 

Edmoud,  account  allowed 432 

Jonathan,  relating  to 60 

Nathaniel,  brigade  major,  account  allowed        ....  625 

Nathaniel,  I'elating  to 60 

Samuel,  authorized  to  make  sale  of  the  land  mentioned  .        .  407 

Samuel,  grant  to 224 

Solomon,  account  allowed 487 

Freese,  Andrew,  resolve  on  petition  of 452 

Freetown,  town  of,  fine  remitted 166 

preservation  of  oysters  in 9 

French,  Benjamin,  relating  to 285 

Frie,  Joseph,  relating  to 497 

Frobisher,  Willm.,  resolve  on  petition  of 131 

Frye,  Simon,  relating  to 294 

Simon,  resolve  on  petition  of 422 

Simon,  to  receive  money  for  John  Bolt  Miller ....  182 

Fryeburg,  town  of,  academy  established  in 293 

empowered  to  exchange  ministerial  land 9 

resolve  on  petition  of  selectmen  of 182 

tax  abated 117 

to  be  discharged  from  certain  demands 201 

treasurer  to  suspend  issuing  execution  against         .        .        .  422 

Fuller,  Deborah,  and  others,  resolve  on  petition  of    .        .        .         99,  383 

Moses,  and  others,  order  on  petition  of 400 

William,  and  Susanna  Mclntire,  empowered  to  execute  deed 

of  the  land  mentioned 239 

Fur  trade,  act  for  encouragement  of 262 

Furguson,  Daniel,  relating  to 276 

Furnald,  Pelatiah,  relating  to 62 

Furnass,  John,  relating  to 223 


612  Index. 

G. 

Page 

Galusha,  Kachel,  relating  to 252,  526 

Gammon,  Daniel,  relating  to 61 

Gannet,  Deborah,  allowance  to 446 

Gardner,  Henry,  relating  to 482 

Isaac  Sparhawk,  relating  to       .         .  ....       502 

John,  account  allowed        ...  ....      431 

John,  2d,  account  allowed 529 

Joseph,  relating  to 224 

Palmer,  and  others,  resolve  on  petition  of        ...         .      451 

Kebecca,  relating  to 487 

Garrison  at  Castle  island,  establishment  for 515 

governor  and  council  to  appoint  a  surgeon  to  .         .        .        .       136 

pay  of  chaplain  to,  established 165 

resolve  on  petition  of 524 

treasurer  to  borrow  money  to  pay     ....        126,  128,  227 
Garrison  and  convicts  at  Castle  island,  proposals  for  supplying  with 

rations  and  clothing,  accepted 243,  539 

Gay  Head  Indians,  accounts  of  guardians  of,  allowed        .         .        .       420 

Gay,  James,  relating  to 488 

General  court,  address  of,  in  reply  to  governor's  speech    .        .       168,  386 
address  of,  to  congress,  relative  to  state  debt  ....       519 

continuance  of  matters  referred  to 145 

members  of,  pay  established  .  .  .  105,  148,  209,  412,  500 
members  of,  treasurer  to  borrow  money  to  pay  .  128,  148,  226 
message  of  governor  relative  to  granting  of  divorces  by  .  .  575 
messenger  of,  to  procure  an  assistant  messenger     .        .        .       466 

George,  John,  relating  to 489 

Sarah,  Indian,  relating  to 253 

Georgetown,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor      .       434,  489 

Gerish,  Samuel,  relating  to 230 

Gerrish,  Samuel,  relating  to 505 

Geyer,  Fredrick  William,  resolve  on  petition  of 448 

Gibbs,  Israel,  Jr.,  and  Aaron  King,  resolve  on  petition  of         .         .       173 
Giddings,  James,  set  oflFfrom  town  of  South  Hadley  and  annexed  to 

town  of  Granby 328 

Giffen,  Robert,  relating  to 254 

Gilkey,  James,  relating  to 61 

Gill,  Moses,  and  others,  discharged  of  the  sum  mentioned         .         .       219 

relating  to 333 

Gilman,  Tristram,  authorized  to  sell  the  land  mentioned   .        .         .      440 

Gilpatrick,  Joseph,  relating  to 441 

Gladding,  Carey,  allowance  to 229 

Gloucester,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor         .       253,  529 
Glover,  Ebenezer,  set  oflf  from  town  of  Dorchester  and  annexed  to 

town  of  Quincy 320 

John,  and  John  Bridgham,  agents  for  towns  of  Bakerstown 
and  Shepardsfleld,  appointed 120 


Index.  613 

Page 

Glover,  John,  and  John  Bridgham,  resolve  on  petition  of  .        .        .  505 
Josiah,  set  oflF  from  town  of  Dorchester  and  annexed  to  town 

ofQuincy 320 

Goddard,  Jonathan,  account  allowed 144,  256,  434 

Nathl.,  member  of  committee,  appointed 426 

Godfrey,  George,  and  ApoUos  Leonard,  to  issue  warrant  ...  64 

Gohagen,  Joshua,  relating  to 253 

Gohegau,  Joshua  Patrick,  relating  to 628 

Goldthwait,  Joseph,  relating  to 202 

Goodenow,    Micah,    and    Philemon    Brown,    resolve    on    petition 

of 458 

Goodin,  John,  and  family,  relating  to 487 

Gooding,  James,  relating  to 200 

Goodwin,  Ichabod,  and  others,  order  on  petition  of  .         .        .        .  393 

John,  and  family,  relating  to 251 

Lazarus,  brigade  major,  account  allowed 250 

Lazarus,  resolve  on  petition  of 228 

Lazerus,  brigade  major,  account  allowed .        .        .        .       431,526 

Nathan,  relating  to 463 

Gookins,  Samuel,  account  allowed 255 

Goold,  Elihu,  relating  to 463 

Samuel,  resolve  on  petition  of 104 

Gordon,  William,  relating  to 126 

William  and  Temperence,  relating  to 194 

Gore,  Christopher,  relating  to 333 

Samuel,  account  allowed 249 

Samuel,  treasurer  to  issue  note  to 534 

Gorham,  town  of.  Baptist  Society  in,  incorporated    ....  60 

tax  abated 509 

Gorham,  Nathaniel,  commissioner,  appointed 65 

Nathaniel,  relating  to 179,  212,  222 

Nathaniel,  and  Oliver  Phelps,  committee  to  settle  with,  con- 
tinued in  commission 238 

Nathaniel,  and  Oliver  Phelps,  relating  to 137 

Nathaniel,  and  Oliver  Phelps,  secretary  to  communicate  with, 

relative  to  the  western  lands 179 

Gould,  Kachel,  grant  to Ill 

Robert,  relating  to 496 

William,  relating  to 473 

Gouldsborough,  township  of,  grant  of,  confirmed      ....  496 
Governor,  address  of  general  court  in  reply  to  speech  of,  at  opening 

of  January  session,  1790 168 

address  of  general  court  in  reply  to  speech  of,  in  May  session, 

1791 386 

authorized  to  examine  the  accounts  of  Nathan  Dane       .        .  437 
impowered  to  issue  warrant  for  payment  of  bills  of  cost  in 

criminal  causes 493 

requested  not  to  remove  Edmond  Bridge  from  ofiice        .        .  238 


614  Index. 

Page 
Governor,  requested  to  appoint  suitable  persons  to  enquire  into  practi- 
cability of  cutting  a  canal  between  Barnstable  bay  and  Buz- 
zard's bay 248 

requested  to    appoint    superintendent  of   purchase   of  land 

from  Indians  under  Ogden  agreement 245 

requested  to  grant  credentials  to  senator  and  representatives 

elect .  129 

requested  to  give  orders  to  the  quarter  master  general  rela- 
tive to  ordnance 247 

requested  to  inform  senators  of  instructions  of  legislature  rel- 
ative to  the  public  debt 102 

requested  to  issue  a  new  warrant  to  Calvin  Curtis  .         .         .  457 

requested  to  issue  warrant  in  favor  of  Charles  Casseter          .  205 

requested  to  issue  warrant  in  favor  of  Joseph  Gowen     .         .  202 
I'equested  to  raise  a  light  infantry  company  in  town  of  Ash- 

burnham 425 

requested  to  raise  two  additional  troops  of  cavalry        .         .  395 

requested  to  transmit  papers  relative  to  pensioners  .        .         .  167 
requested  to  transmit  to  the  secretary  of  state,  information 

concerning  whale  and  cod  fisheries 146 

requested  to  transmit  memorial  to  the  president  of  the  United 

States 135 

requested   to  write  congi'ess,  relative   to  allowance  to  pay- 
masters      532 

requested  to  write  governor  of  Connecticut,  relative  to  fishery 

in  Connecticut  river 96 

requested  to  write  governors  of  New  Hampshire  and  Vermont, 

relative  to  preservation  of  fish 393 

requested  to  Avrite  members  of  congress,  relative  to  demands 

against  the  United  States        . 533 

to  transmit  certificates  to  persons  chosen  as  members  of  congress  1 18 

to  write  to  Nathan  Dane  relative  to  public  accounts         .         .  204 

Governor,  message  of,  relative  to  adjournment 564 

relative  to  adjournment  of  the  supreme  judicial  court  in  the 

county  of  Cumberland 573 

relative  to  cannon  belonging  to  the  Commonwealth         .        .  574 
relative  to  counties  of  Hancock  and  Washington     .         .        .551 

relative  to  granting  of  divorces  by  the  general  court       .         .  575 

relative  to  letter  from  the  governor  of  New  Hampshii'e    .         .  575 

relative  to  letter  from  the  governor  of  Rhode  Island        .         .  564 

relative  to  letter  from  the  secretary  of  state     ....  556 

relative  to  memorial  of  the  British  consul        ....  561 

relative  to  memorial  of  Monsieur  De  L'Etombe        .        .         .  552 
relative  to  observance  of  the  anniversary  of  the  Independence 

of  the  United  States 552 

relative  to  a  petition  of  the  overseers  of  the  university  at 

Cambridge 573 

relative  to  Samuel  Hadlock 556 


Index.  615 

Page 
Governor,  message  of,  relative  to  society  for  propagating  the  gospel 

among  the  Indians  and  others 563 

relative  to  supplying  artillery  companies  vpith  field  pieces        .  574 

relative  to  the  state  debt 553 

relative  to  will  of  the  late  James  Bowdoin        ....  565 

Governor,  speech  of,  at  opening  of  May  session,  1790        .        .        .  545 

at  opening  of  September  session,  1790 554 

at  opening  of  January  session,  1790 556 

at  opening  of  May  session,  1791 567 

in  May  session,  1790 547 

in  May  session,  1791 569 

Governor  and  council,  requested  to  examine  into  manufacture  of  pot 

and  pearl  ashes 131 

requested  to  issue  proclamation  for    apprehending   Samuel 

Hadlock 150 

requested  to  issue  warrants  to  creditors  of  Timo.  Ruggles      .  168 
to  appoint  a  surgeon  to  garrison  at  Castle  island      .        .         .136 

Gowen,  Joseph,  grant  to .        .  202 

Grafton  Indians,  guardians  of,  empowered  to  sell  land      .        .        .  101 
Granby,   town  of,   certain   inhabitants  of  town  of   South  Hadley 

annexed  to 32& 

Grant,  Thomas,  relating  to 256 

Granville,  town  of,  town  clerk  of,  not  to  be  prosecuted     .        .        .  223 

Graves,  Jonathan,  relating  to 507 

Graj"^  and  New  Gloucester,  towns  of.  Baptist  Religious  Society  in, 

incorporated 18 

Greaton,  John  Wheelwright,  relating  to 62 

Green,  Dr.  John,  account  allowed 433 

Joshua,  resolve  on  petition  of 126 

Samuel,  relating  to 487 

Thomas,  assistant  clerk  of  the  Senate,  allowance  to         .        .  534 

Warrick,  and  family,  relating  to 528 

Greenfield,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor  .        253,  431,  527 

fine  remitted 194 

proprietors  of  bridge  over  Connecticut  river,  between  town  of 

Montague  and,  incorporated 329 

town  clerk  of,  not  to  be  prosecuted 420 

Greenleaf,  Benjamin,  and  others,  discharged  of  the  sum  mentioned  219 

Jonathan,  and  Nathaniel  Emery,  order  on  petition  of      .         .  462 

Lois,  grant  to 17d 

Samuel,  relating  to 175 

William,  committee  appointed  to  settle  with    ....  468 

William,  relating  to 215,  439 

William,  Jr.,  brigade  major,  account  allowed  ....  432 

Greenway,  Mary,  relating  to 432 

Greenwich,  town  of,  relating  to  North  and  South  Parishes  in  .        .  298 

Gregory,  Eliphalet,  relating  to 276 

Gridley,  Col.  Richard,  allowance  to 397 

Griffin,  Robert,  relating  to 433 


616  Index. 

Page 

Grose,  Samuel,  relating  to 265 

Groton,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor       .        ,       489,  528 

grant  to  purchasers  from  proprietors  of 451 

resolve  on  petition  in  behalf  of  proprietors  of  .        .        .         .  180 

Guardian,  of  Indians  in  county  of  Plymouth,  authorized  to  sell  lands  115 

of  Natick  Indians,  account  allowed 431 

Guardians,  of  Chappaquiddick  Indians,  grant  to         ....  213 

of  Dudley  Indians,  accounts  of,  allowed   ....       174,  462 

of  Gay  Head  Indians,  accounts  of,  allowed       ....  420 

of  Grafton  Indians,  empowered  to  sell  land     ....  101 
of  Natick  Indians,  empowered  to  sell  laud        .        .         .         .112 

Guild,  Benjamin,  relating  to 333 

Samuel,  relating  to 291 

Gunn,  Noble,  relating  to 485 

Gurnet  Head,  light  house  on,  ceded  to  the  United  States  ...  8 

Gurney,  Benoni,  relating  to 345 

John,  relating  to 345 

Nathan,  relating  to 344 

Noah,  relating  to 345 

Silas,  relating  to 344 

H. 

Hadlock,  Samuel,  relative  to 556 

Samuel,  reward  offered  for  apprehension  of     .        .        .        .  150 

Haggens,  John,  relating  to 78 

Hale,  John,  relating  to 78 

Haley,  Peter,  relating  to 432 

Halifax,  town  of,  to  show  cause 449 

Hall,  Benjamin,  Jr.,  resolve  on  petition  of 206 

Ebenezer,  allowance  to 123 

Ebenezer,  relating  to 285 

Fitch,  deputy  adjutant  general,  account  allowed      .         .       431,  526 

Joseph,  Jr.,  appointed  agent  to  prosecute  a  suit       .        .         .  136 

Col.  Levi,  relating  to 490 

Nancy,  relating  to 489 

Noah,  permitted  to  discharge  notes  in  specie    ....  243 

Robert,  relating  to 254 

Sarah,  authorized  to  sell  the  real  estate  mentioned  .        .        .  490 

Hallett,  Barnabas,  relating  to 142 

Enoch,  account  allowed 142 

Hallowell  Academy,  established 30 

township  of  land  granted  to  trustees  of 385 

Ham,  Benjamin,  relating  to 265 

Hamblin,  Ebenezer,  relating  to 60 

Gershom,  relating  to 60 

George,  relating  to 60 

Hamilton,  Col.  Jonathan 78 


Index.  617 

Page 

Hamly,  "William,  relating  to 276 

Hampshire  county,  accounts  of  treasurer  allowed  and  tax  granted   174,  444 

sherifl"  of,  granted  further  time  in  which  to  make  payment       .  439 

sheriff  of,  to  be  credited  with  the  sum  mentioned    .        .        .  458 
Hampshire  and  Berkshire  counties,  designated  as  a  congressional 

district 118 

Hancock  county,  message  of  governor,  relative  to     .         .        .        .551 

notary  public  for,  constituted .  112 

order  on  petition  to  change  line  between  county  of  Lincoln  and  130 

part  of,  annexed  to  county  of  Lincoln 29 

tax  granted 418 

time  of  holding  courts  of  general  sessions  of  the  peace  and 

of  common  pleas  in,  changed 70 

Hancock,  Lincoln  and  Washington  counties,  supreme  judicial  court 

to  be  holden  for 270 

Hancock,  York,  Cumberland,   Lincoln  and    Washington   counties, 

designated  as  a  congressional  district 118 

Hancock,  town  of,  tax  abated 397 

Hancock,  John,  and  wife,  relating  to 148,  254,  488 

Hanover,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor    .        252,  255,  528 

alewife  fishery  in,  regulated 299 

Hanover  and  Pembroke,  towns  of,  owners   of  mills  and  dams  on 

stream  between,  to  show  cause 104 

Hanscum,  Nathan,  relating  to 61 

Hanson,  Ezekiel,  relating  to 59 

Ezra,  relating  to 60 

Ichabod,  relating  to 59 

Ichabod,  Jr.,  relating  to 60 

Samuel,  relating  to 60 

William,  relating  to 60 

Hardwick,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor  .        .         .  142 

Harmon,  Edward,  allowance  to 123 

Harrington,  Isaac,  and  others,  resolve  on  petition  of         .        .        .  246 

Peter,  and  others,  resolve  on  petition  of 498 

Samuel,  relating  to 261,  343 

Solomon,  and  others,  resolve  on  petition  of      ...        .  246 

Harris,  Richard,  relating  to 478 

Harrison,  Samuel,  and  son,  relating  to         .....       142,  432 

Thomas,  relating  to 488 

Hartwell,  Lydia,  resolve  on  petition  of 159 

Sarah,  grant  to Ill 

Harvard  college,  certain  lands  granted  and  confirmed  to  president 

and  fellows  of 128 

Harvard,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor    .        .        .  489 

doings  of,  confirmed 178 

fine  remitted 438 

Haskel,  John,  Jr.,  relating  to 61 

Haskell,  Eliphalet,  relating  to 18 


618  Index. 


Page 

Haskell,  Job,  relating  to 18 

Hastings,  Jonathan,  account  allowed 143,  249,  487 

Jonathan,  resolve  on  petition  of 495 

Walter,  relating  to 495 

Hatch,  Noah,  relating  to 7 

Haverhill,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor  .        .         .  488 

Hawes,  Dr.  Estis,  relating  to 527 

Hawley,  town  of,  incorporated 293 

Hayden,  Jeremiah,  relating  to 18 

Hays,  Elijah,  and  others,  order  on  petition  of 393 

Hay  ward,  Matthew,  relating  to 291 

Haywood,  Ziinri,  relating  to 202 

Heard,  Anthony,  relating  to 255 

Edmund,  manager  of  lottery  appointed 108 

John,  account  allowed 526 

John,  relating  to 527 

Joseph,  and  John  Lane,  resolve  on  petition  of         .        ...  424 

Heath,  town  of,  order  on  petition  of 429 

Heath,  Bartholomew,  relating  to 463 

Hebron,  town  of,  incorporated 332 

Hemenway,  Rev.  Moses,  relating  to 78 

Hemp,  bounty  on,  continued 437 

Hemp,  duck  and  twine,  appropriation  made  for  paying  bounty  on    .  238 

Henderson,  Joseph,  resolve  on  petition  of 420,  502 

Hendrick,  John,  relating  to 199 

Mary,  and  John  Stephenson,  resolve  on  petition  of.         .        .  199 

Henshaw,  Samuel,  account  allowed 527 

Samuel,  member  of  committee,  appointed         .        .         96,  414,  469 

Samuel,  relating  to 302,  473 

Samuel,  resolve  on  petition  of 406 

Hermon,  John,  and  others,  resolve  on  petition  of       ...        .  498 

Herrimon,  Ruth,  resolve  on  petition  of 484 

Herrin,  Robert,  relating  to 18 

Hewett,  Reuben,  and  others,  resolve  on  petition  of    .        .         .        .451 

Hewit,  James,  relating  to 275 

Hicks,  Lemuel,  relating  to 60 

Higgenson,  Stephen,  relating  to 333 

Higgins,  Phillip,  relating  to 265 

Hildreth,  William,  Jr.,  relating  to 285 

Hill,  Caleb,  relating  to 276 

Henry,  relating  to 333 

Jonathan,  and  family,  relating  to 253 

Joseph,  relating  to 188 

Samuel,  relating  to 529 

Samuel,  and  others,  resolve  on  petition  of        .         .        .         .198 

Timothy,  empowered  to  sell  the  real  estate  mentioned     .        .  465 

Tower,  relating  to 157 

Hiller,  Benjamin,  relating  to 186 


Index.  619 

Page 

Hiller,  Moses,  and  Isaac,  relating  to 186 

Hitchborn,  Benjamin,  relating  to 347 

Hixon,  Abigail,  relating  to 390 

Hobart,  John,  relating  to 345 

Hodgdon,  Alexander,  treasurer,  allowance  to     ...         .       130,  415 

Alexander,  treasurer,  resolve  on  petition  of     .        .         .         .  404 
Alexander,  treasurer,  to  call  upon  naval  officers  to  make  speedy 

settlement 402 

Alexr.,  treasurer,  relating  to 536 

Joseph,  relating  to 61 

Hodgit,  Emanuel,  relating  to 276 

Holbrook,  Amos,  account  allowed •  529 

Dr.  Amos,  resolve  on  petition  of 513 

Holden,  Abner,  relating  to 132,  191 

Amos,  grant  to Ill 

Caleb,  grant  to HI 

David,  grant  to HI 

Isaiah,  grant  to HI 

Nehemiah,  grant  to HI 

Dr.  Phineas,  allowance  to 125 

Holliston,  town  of,  fine  remitted 442 

Holmes,  Abraham,  resolve  on  petition  of 97 

Jedediah  and  Ephraim,  permitted  to  satisfy  an  execution  in 

consolidated  securities 396 

Levi,  relating  to 396 

Samuel,  Jr.,  set  ofi"  from  town  of  Stoughtou  and  annexed  to 

town  of  Sharon 301 

Holten,  Samuel,  relating  to 333 

Holyoke,  Dr.,  relating  to 253 

Hooker,  John,  relating  to 302 

Dr.  William,  account  allowed 489 

Hooper,  Stephen,  relating  to 190,  562 

Hopkinton,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor         .       253,  254 

fine  remitted 194 

Hopland  school  district,  in  town  of  Lee,  incorporated       ...  55 

Hosraer,  Joseph,  account  allowed 486 

Joseph,  allowance  to 139,  237,  422,  510 

Joseph,  member  of  committee,  appointed         ....  514 
Joseph,  to  make  provision   for  the  support  of  Daphne,  an 

African  woman 225 

Houcke,  Martin,  relating  to 276 

Houghton,  Isaac,  relating  to 185 

Jesse,  account  allowed 143,  488 

Houghton  &  Curtice,  account  allowed .  434 

Hovey,  Dr.  Ivory,  relating  to 78 

How,  Nathan,  relating  to 442 

Howard,  Elijah,  relating  to 291 

Rev.  Simeon,  relating  to 25 


620  Index. 

Page 

Howard,  William,  relating  to 31 

Zimri,  relating  to 467 

Howell,  Mr.,  and  family,  relating  to 528 

Hoyt,  Barnard,  relating  to 463 

Eastman,  relating  to 463 

Theodore,  relating  to 463 

Hubbard,  John,  member  of  committee,  appointed      ....  498 

John,  resolve  on  petition  of 512 

Hughes,  James,  and  Edward  Jones,  authorized  to  convey  the  estate 

mentioned 410 

Humane  Society,  incorporated 24 

Humble,  Major,  relating  to 256 

Humphrey,  James,  relating  to 18 

John,  relating  to 18 

Humphries,  Oliver,  relating  to 18 

Hunewell,  Roger,  additional  pension  granted  to         ....  230 

Hunnewell,  Richard,  account  allowed 527 

Hunneybrook,  Abigail,  relating  to 433 

Hunt,  Cato,  relating  to 490 

David,  relating  to 18 

Ebenezer,  relating  to 302 

Elijah,  resolve  on  petition  of 106,  241 

Elijah,  to  be  credited  with  a  sum  of  money      ....  389 

Elijah,  treasurer  to  suspend  final  adjustment  of  account  with  155 

John,  and  family,  relating  to 252,  487 

Micah,  relating  to 344 

"William,  and  others,  order  on  petition  of         ....  411 

Hussey,  Obed,  resolve  on  petition  of 100 

Hutauak,  Isaac,  relating  to 528 

Hutchins,  Thomas,  relating  to 406,  410 

Hutchinson,  Eliakim,  relating  to 412 

Israel,  member  of  committee,  appointed 510 

Joseph,  relating  to 59 

Samuel,  relating  to 59 

Stephen,  relating  to 60 

Huxford,  Thomas,  relating  to 276 

Hyde,  Caleb,  relating  to 215,  414,  526,  527 


I. 


Ilsley,  Enoch,  grant  to 

Inches,  Elizabeth,  resolve  on  petition  of     .        . 

Indian  Head  river,  taking  of  alewives  in,  regulated 

Indians,  Chappaquiddick,  grant  to  guardians  of 
Dudley,  guardians  of,  accounts  allowed    . 
Gay  Head,  accounts  of  guardians  of,  allowed 
Grafton,  guardians  of,  empowered  to  sell  land 


.  224 
177 
.  299 
.  213 
174,  462 
.  420 
.   101 


Index.  621 

Page 
Indians,  Natick,  account  of  guardian  of,  allowed       .         .        •        .       -iSl 
Natick,  guardians  of,  empowered  to  sell  land    .        .        .        .112 
governor  requested  to  appoint  superintendent  of  purchase  of 

land  from,  under  Ogden  agreement 245 

in  county  of  Plymouth,  David  Kingman  authorized   to  sell 

lands  of 115 

message  of  governor  relative  to  society  for  propagating  the 

gospel  among 563 

society  for  propagating  the  gospel  among,  grant  to         .        .       190 

Ingersoll,  Thomas,  relating  to 275 

Ingraham,  Duncan,  allowance  to 503 

Inquests  of  office,  manner  of  taking,  prescribed         ....       272 
Ipswich   Hamlet,  parish  of,  order  on  petition  of  the  inhabitants 

of 460 

Ipswich,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor      .        .       258,  529 
buildings,  etc.,  of  woollen  manufactory  in,  exempted  from  tax- 
ation         499 

to  show  cause 460 

Irish,  Isaac,  relating  to 61 

William,  relating  to 18 

Ivers,  Thomas,  relating  to 423,  440,  483 


Jackson,  Francis,  relating  to 18 

Henry,  relating  to 347,  361 

Simon,    authorized    to    execute    deeds    of    the    land    men- 
tioned       158,  492,  504 

Timothy,  brigade  major,  account  allowed        .         .         .       250,  526 

Jackson  &  Flint,  relating  to 526 

Jacob,  Col.  John,  relating  to 457 

Jane,  John,  relating  to 252 

John,  and  wife,  relating  to 487 

Janes,  Jonathan,  account  allowed 487 

Jarvis,  Leonard,  allowance  to 229 

Jefferds,  William,  brigade  major,  account  allowed     .         .        .       249,  526 

Jenkins,  David,  Jr.,  relating  to 344 

Ebenezer,  to  issue  warrant 56 

Jenks,  Gideon,  relating  to 477 

Lucy,  authorized  to  execute  deed  of  the  land  mentioned  .        .       477 

Jennings,  William,  allowance  to 503 

Jepson,  Benjamin,  allowance  to 232 

Jernigan,  William,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor    .        .        .       142 
William,  guardian  Chappaquiddick  Indians,  grant  to       .         .       213 

William,  resolve  on  petition  of 96 

Jernigen,  William,  member  of  committee,  appointed  ...        97 


622  Index. 

Page 

Jewell,  Barns,  relating  to 463 

Joseph,  relating  to 463 

Thomas,  relating  to 463 

Jeykell,  John,  relating  to 224 

Joel,  Patience,  relating  to 143,  252 

Johnson,  Abner,  relating  to 122 

George,  Indian,  and  others,  resolve  on  petition  of  .        .        .  213 

Jacob,  relating  to 275 

Merriam,  and  Samuel  Park,  resolve  on  petition  of    .        .         .  122 

Johnston,  James,  relating  to 527 

Jones,  EdvFard,  and  James  Hughes,  authorized  to  convey  the  estate 

mentioned 410 

Elnathan,  allowance  to 428 

Jabez,  allowance  to 425 

John,  relating  to 497 

John  Coffin,  relating  to .347 

Joseph,  relating  to 463 

Mary,  and  children,  relating  to 431 

Mary  Anne,  relating  to 410 

Mr.,  member  of  committee,  appointed 137 

Nathan,  oath,  as  collector,  to  be  administered  to     .         .         .  198 

Nathan,  and  others,  resolve  on  petition  of        ...         .  496 

Stephen,  relating  to 335 

Jordan,  David,  relating  to 18 

James,  and  others,  order  on  petition  of 515 

Joslin,  John,  may  be  licensed  as  a  retailer  of  spirituous  liquors         .  156 
Justices  of  the  peace  for  county  of  Middlesex,  any  two,  authorized 

to  license  Samuel  Lampson  as  an  innholder  ....  438 
for  county   of  Worcester,   any  two,  authorized    to  license 

Joseph  Fobes  as  a  retailer  of  spirituous  liquors    .        .         .  439 
Justices  of  the  supreme  judicial  court,  relative  to  granting  writs  of 

review  by 278 


K. 

Kanady,  John,  relating  to 432 

John,  and  wife,  relating  to 433 

Keen,  Ebenezer,  resolve  on  petition  of 209 

Ephraim,  relating  to 209 

Keith,  Simeon,  allowance  to 496 

Kelley,  John,  relating  to 529 

Kellock,  Lemuel,  member  of  committee,  appointed   ....  135 

Kendrick,  David,  relating  to 452 

Sarah,  authorized  to  sell  the  land  mentioned    ....  452 

Kenduskee,  plantation  of,  incorporated  as  town  of  Bangor       .         .  28 

Kennedy,  John,  relating  to 142 

John,  and  wife,  relating  to 144,  253,  488 


Index.  623 

Page 
Keut,  John,  relating  to 62 

John,  to  be  released  from  jail 207 

King,  Aaron,  and  Israel  Gibbs,  Jr.,  resolve  on  petition  of         .        .       173 

Bohun,  allowance  to 184 

Kingman,  David,  authoilzed  to  sell  land  of  Indians  in  county  of 

Plymouth 115 

Kingston,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor  .         .       431,488 

Kinsley,  Martin,  allowance  to 168 

Kirkland,  John,  treasui'er  to  issue  note  to 184 

Kittery,  town  of,  to  show  cause 447 

Kittredge,  Jacob,  resolve  ou  petition  of 480 

Dr.  Thomas,  allowance  to 236 

Kittridge,  Job,  relating  to 187 

Lieut.  William,  relating  to 187 

Knap,  Isaac,  relating  to 442 

Nathaniel,  authorized  to  sell  the  land  mentioned       .        .        .      442 

Kneeland,  Benja.,  allowance  to 223 

Knowles,  Charles,  relating  to 533 

Knox,  Heury,  relating  to 347 

William,  relating  to 143 

Kollock,  Lemuel,  account  allowed 250,  433,  526 

Lemuel,  appointed  committee  to  erect  monument     .        .        .114 

Lemuel,  relating  to 435 

Kuhn,  Jacob,  messenger  to  general  court,  account  allowed        .       433,  630 

Jacob,  account  discharged 129 

Jacob,  grant  to 134^  421 

Jacob,  relating  to 253 


L. 

Lace,  Mary,  relating  to 486 

Ladd,  John,  set  oflf  from  First  Parish  and  annexed  to  Second  Parish 

in  town  of  Methuen 262 

Laha,  Samuel,  account  allowed 487 

Samuel,  resolve  on  petition  of  .        .        .        ,        .        ,         .  230 

Capt.  Saml.,  account  allowed 432 

Lake,  Ebenezer,  relating  to 18 

Lalceraan,  AVilliam,  relating  to 61 

Lampsou,  Samuel,  maybe  licensed  as  an  iunholder    ....  438 

Lancaster,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor  .         .         .  489 

Peter  Larkin  and  family  set  off  from,  and  annexed  to  district 

of  Berlin 23 

Lands,  eastern,  committee  for  the  sale  of,  directions  to    .         .        .  508 

discharged  from  the  sum  mentioned 229 

empowered  to  sell  Deer  island  and  Sheep  island       .         .         .217 

resolve  on  representation  of 171 

to  lay  out  tract  of  land  for  proprietors  of  Warner  .        .        .  464 


624  Index. 

Page 
Lands,  eastern,  committee  for  the  sale  of,  to  pay  the  proprietors  for 

a  certain  tract  of  land  in  township  of  Orrington  .        .        .  198 
in   the  counties  of  Cumberland  or  Lincoln,  to  lay  out  land 

for  certain  inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Falmouth  .        .         .  225 
Lands,  unappropriated,  in  county  of  Lincoln,  committee  on,  to  con- 
vey lands   to   certain  purchasers   from  the  proprietors  of 

Groton 451 

committee  for  sale  of,  to   confirm  lands  to  proprietors  of 

Groton 180 

Lands,  western,  relative  to  disposition  of 221 

resolve  on  report  of  committee  appointed  to  sell     .         .         .  416 
two  undivided  third  parts  of,  declared  to  be  the  property  of 

the  Commonwealth 179 

Lands,  wharves  and  other  real  estate  lying  in  common,  addition  to 

act  relating  to  management  of 71 

Lane,  Ebeuezer,  relating  to 302 

John,  relating  to 177 

John,  and  Joseph  Heard,  resolve  on  petition  of        .         .         .  424 

John,  and  others,  resolve  on  petition  of 496 

Lanesborough,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor   .       142,  432 

Langdon,  John,  resolve  on  petition  of 447 

John,  and  Sarson  Belcher,  resolve  on  petition  of      .        .         .  423 

Paul,  relating  to 294 

Laraby,  Ezekiel,  relating  to 485 

Larkin,  Benjamin,  account  allowed 144 

Ebeuezer,  account  allowed 142 

Peter,  and  family,  set  ofi'  from  town  of  Lancaster  and  annexed 

to  district  of  Berlin 23 

Larned,  Simon,  deputy  adjutant  general,  account  allowed          .       255,  525 

Larrabee,  Nathaniel,  relating  to 265 

Lathrop,  Rev.  John,  relating  to 25 

Laughton,  Joseph,  account  allowed 144,  250,  529 

Lawrence,  Benjamin,  treasurer  to  issue  notes  to         ....  97 

Samuel,  relating  to 159 

Samuel,  resolve  on  petition  of 152 

Laws  and  resolves,  to  be  furnished  to  each  plantation        .         .        .  241 

Leach,  Abisha,  relating  to 291 

Learned,  Nancy,  account  allowed 434 

Lebanon,  town  of,  tax  abated 512 

Lechmere,  Richard,  relating  to 513 

Lee,  town  of,  Hopland  school  district  incorporated  in        ...  55 

Lee,  John,  relating  to 487 

Samuel,  relating  to 199 

Leman,  Clement,  relating  to 275 

Leicester  academy  lottery,  additional  managers  of,  appointed   .        .  108 

Leicester,  town  of,  town  clerk  of,  excused  from  paying  fine     .         .  537 

fine  remitted 445 


Index.  625 

Page 

Leicester,  Eliphalet,  resolve  on  petition  of 484 

Leominster,  town  of,  flue  remitted 392 

Leonard,  Apollos,  to  issue  warrant 292 

Apollos,  and  George  Godfrey,  to  issue  warrant        ...  64 

Daniel,  absentee,  relating  to 227 

Jerusha,  authorized  to  sell  the  land  mentioned         .        .         .  456 

Noadiah,  relating  to 456 

Zephaniah,  account  allowed 528 

Zephaniah,  resolve  on  petition  of 485 

L'Etombe,  Monsieur  de,  consul  of  France,  relating  to       .         .        .  552 

Lewis,  Thomas,  relating  to 252 

Lexington,  town  of,  to  show  cause 411 

Leyden,  district  of,  selectmen  of,  exempted  from  paying  fine    .        .  537 

Leyman,  Sam.,  member  of  committee,  appointed        ....  96 

Libbee,  Reuben,  relating  to 61 

Libby,  Andrew,  I'elating  to 

Andrew,  Jr.,  relating  to 

Arthur,  relating  to 

Asa,  relating  to 

Asa,  Jr.,  relating  to 

Benjamin,  relating  to 

Joel,  relating  to 

Moses,  relating  to 

Lieutenant  governor,  allowance  to 129,  4] 

speech  of,  at  opening  of  May  session,  1790       .        ...  54 

speech  of,  at  opening  of  May  session,  1791       ....  567 

Light  house  island,  light  house  on,  ceded  to  the  United  States  .         .  8 

Light  houses,  within  the  Commonwealth,  ceded  to  the  United  States  7 

Light  infantry  company,  to  be  raised  iu  town  of  Ashburnham  .         .  425 

Light,  John  George,  allowance  to 400 

Limington,  town  of,  incorporated 296 

Lincoln  county,  accounts  of  treasurer  allowed  and  tax  granted        .  195 

order  on  petition  to  change  line  between  county  of  Hancock  and  130 

part  of  county  of  Hancock  annexed  to 29 

Lincoln  or  Cumberland  counties,  committee  for  the  sale  of  eastern 
lands  in,  to  lay  out  land  for  certain  inhabitants  of  the  town 

of  Falmouth 225 

Lincoln,  Hancock  and  "Washington  counties,  supreme  judicial  court 

to  be  holden  for 270 

Lincoln,  Washington,  Hancock,  York  and  Cumberland  counties,  des- 
ignated as  a  congressional  district 118 

Lincoln,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor      .        .       252,527 

fine  remitted 121 

Lincoln,  Benjamin,  relating  to 333 

Theodore,  relating  to 335 

Linman,  John,  relating  to 178 

Linmon,  John,  relating  to 264 

Lion,  Isaac,  relating  to 18 


626  Index. 

Page 

Lithgow,  William,  Jr.,  relating  to 31 

Little,  Ephraim,  relating  to 7 

James,  relating  to 7 

Robert,  account  allowed 249,  528 

Thomas,  relating  to 7 

Littleton,  town  of,  fine  remitted 121 

order  on  petition  for  tract  of  land  to  be  set  oflffrom        .        .  501 

Livermore,  Daniel,  relating  to 401,  496 

Ephraim,  resolve  on  petition  of 496 

Locks  and  canals  on  Connecticut  river,  proprietors  of,  incorporated  302 

LoUer,  Daniel,  wages  allowed 99 

Lombard,  John,  relating  to 61 

Longman,  Samuel  James,  name  of  Samuel  Turner  changed  to          .  320 

Longmeadow,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor    .        .  488 

Look,  John,  and  Nathaniel  Basa,  treasurer  directed  to  pay  wages  to  100 

Loomis,  Andrew,  relating  to 275 

Lord,  John,  relating  to 78 

Samuel,  relating  to 60 

Lord's  day,  act  providing  for  the  due  observation  of          .        .        .  351 

Lore,  Simon,  relating  to 60 

Lottery,  Charlestown,  clause  in  act  limiting  operation  of,  repealed  20 

Leicester  academy,  additional  managers  of,  appointed     .        .  108 

state,  additional  allowance  to  managers  of        ...        .  101 

Lovell,  James,  relating  to 215 

Joseph,  and  others,  resolve  on  petition  of         ...        .  198 

Low,  Peter,  relating  to 253 

Lowden,  William,  account  allowed 529 

Lowell,  Eliphalet,  relating  to 463 

John,  relating  to 333,  390 

John,  and  Theophilus  Parsons,  treasurer  to  pay       .         .        .  532 

Lowther,  John,  relating  to 62 

Lucas,  John,  relating  to 429,  476,  483 

John,  resolve  on  petition  of 166,  477 

John,  commissary  of  pensioners,  to  place  William  Scott  on 

the  pension  roll 233 

John,  and  Edward  Tuckerman,  resolve  on  petition  of      .        .  464 

Ludwig,  Jacob,  resolve  on  petition  of 384 

Lunenburg,  town  of,  resolve  on  petition  of  the  proprietors  of .        .  220 

Lyman,  Abigail,  account  allowed 430 

Job,  relating  to 430 

Saml.,  member  of  committee,  appointed  ....       414,  510 

Samuel,  account  allowed 527 

Samuel,  commissioner,  appointed 65 

Samuel,  relating  to 302 

Lynch,  Partrick,  relating  to 434 

Lynde  &  Davenport,  relating  to 607 

Lyns,  John,  relating  to 434 

Lyon,  Rev.  James,  relating  to 335 


Index.  627 

M. 

Page 

Machias,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor    .        .        .  433 

Washington  academy,  established  in 334 

Mack,  Elisha,  relating  to 329 

Mackay,  Mungo,  relating  to 361 

Mackintier,  David,  relating  to 18 

Magee,  John,  relating  to 489 

Maine,  district  of,  relative  to  formation  of  separate  government  in  510 
Maiden,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor     .        .       253,  486 

First  and  Second  Parishes  in,  dissolved  and  certain  articles  of 

agreement  between,  confirmed 308 

Managers  of  state  lottery,  additional  allowance  to     .        .         .        .101 
Mandeville,  John,  set  off  from  town  of  South  Hadley  and  annexed 

to  town  of  Granby 328 

Mann,  Daniel,  relating  to 60 

Jacob,  brigade  major,  account  allowed     ....       433,  526 

Manning,  Caleb,  account  allowed 143 

John,  grant  to 499 

Manufactory,  woollen,  in  town  of  Ipswich,  buildings,  etc.,  exempted 

from  taxation 499 

Manufacture  of  cotton,  buildings,  etc.,  used  in,  in  town  of  Worces- 
ter, exempted  from  taxation 481 

Manufacture  of  nails,  regulated 72 

Maresquelle,  Lewis  de,  relating  to 285 

Lewis  de,  treasurer  to  borrow  money  to  pay    .         .        .       134,  149 

Mark,  Jeremiah,  and  others,  resolve  on  petition  of    .         .        .        .  451 

Marlborough,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor     .        .  434 

part  of  Framingham  annexed  to 27 

Marshal,  Daniel,  relating  to 187 

Marshfield,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor         .       143,  527 

Episcopal  Protestant  Society  in,  incorporated  ....  7 

Marston,  Benjamin,  relating  to 98 

Martin,  John,  and  wife,  relating  to 253 

Jonathan,  relating  to 463 

Mason,  Jonathan,  account  allowed 629 

Jonathan,  member  of  committee,  appointed     ....  405 

Jonathan,  relating  to 25,333 

Jonathan,  Jr.,  relating  to 333 

Massachusetts,  a  stone  monument  to  be  erected  on  the  southerly  line 

of  the  old  colony  of 114 

commissioners  appointed  to  ascertain  the  boundary  line  be- 
tween Rhode  Island  and 66 

commissioners  appointed  to  ascertain  the  boundary  line  be- 
tween Connecticut  and 64 

Humane  society  of  the  Commonwealth  of,  incorporated  .        .  24 

Massachusetts  bank,  further  regulations  for  the  government  of        .  369 

treasurer  authorized  to  deposit  public  monies  in      .        .        .  241 


628  Index. 

Page 
Massachusetts  canal,  proprietors  of,  incorporated  ....  347 
Massachusetts  society  for  promoting  agriculture,  incorporated         .       333 

Mathews,  Jabez,  relating  to 18 

Mattepoiset  river,  act  further  regulating  alewife  fishery  in         .        .        28 
May,  Elisha,  account  allowed 526 

Elisha,  commissioner  appointed 66 

Elisha,  member  of  committee,  appointed 449 

Mayberry,  William,  relating  to 60 

Mayhew,  Matthew,  account  allowed 488 

Matthew,  relating  to 386 

Simon,  Jr.,  and  James  Athearn,  accounts  as  guardians  of  the 
Gay  Head  Indians,  allowed 420 

"William,  guardian  Chappaquiddick  Indians,  grant  to       .        .       213 

Mc Adams,  James,  relating  to 488 

McCarthy,  Daniel,  and  others,  resolve  on  petition  of         .         .        .       451 
McCobb,  James,  relating  to 163 

Mary,  empowered  to  execute  deed  of  the  land  mentioned        .       163 

McCorson,  James,  relating  to 60 

McCouren,  Lemuel,  relating  to 60 

McCowen,  Daniel,  relating  to 143,  252 

McDaniel.  Paul,  relating  to 216 

McDonnell,  Michael,  allowance  to 405 

McDonogh,  Thomas,  British  Consul,  resolve  on  memorial  of    .        .       189 

McDugal,  Daniel,  relatlns  to 255,  488 

McFarland,  Walter,  resolve  on  petition  of 194 

McGlathry,  William,  and  others,  order  on  petition  of        .        .         .130 
Mclntire,  John,  relating  to 239 

Susanna,  and  William  Fuller  empowered  to  execute  deed  of 

the  land  mentioned 239 

Mcintosh,  James,  relating  to 61 

McLane,  Edward,  account  allowed 434 

Hugh,  relating  to 81 

McLean,  Rev.  Alexander,  relating  to 31 

McMullen,  Archibald,  relating  to 249 

Archibald,  and  wife,  relating  to 528 

McNeal,  Joseph,  relating  to 144 

McNeil,  Archibald,  relating  to 174 

William,  relating  to 174 

Medcalf,  Stephen,  allowance  to 422,  510 

Medfleld,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor    .  143,  252,  526, 528 

town  clerk  of,  not  to  be  prosecuted 206 

Medway,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor    .        .       144,  253 

boundary  line  between  town  of  Sherburn  and,  established       .      326 

resolve  on  petition  of  inhabitants  of 220 

west  precinct  in,  to  show  cause 108 

Melhorn,  John,  relating  to 253 

Mellish,  Samuel,  relating  to 420,  502 

Members  of  general  court,  pay  established  .        .         105,  148,  209,  412,  500 

treasurer  to  borrow  money  to  pay     ....        128,  148,  226 


Index.  629 

Page 

Menden,  William,  relating  to 532 

Mendon,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor     .        252,  431,  487 

doings  of  First  Parish  in,  confirmed 449 

resolve  on  petition  of  selectmen  of 117 

Merchant,  Mrs.  Ann,  resolve  on  petition  of 173 

John,  relating  to 1'3 

Meriam,  Ephraim,  account  allowed 530 

Merril,  Abraham,  relating  to 463 

Stephen,  relating  to 463 

Merrill,  Elias,  relating  to 18 

John,  relating  to r  ^^ 

Joseph,  relating  to 18 

Nathan,  relating  to 18 

Merrimack  river,  certain  buoys  at  mouth  of,  ceded  to  the  United 

States       8 

order  on  petition  of  Nathaniel  Carter  and  others,  to  erect  a 

bridge  over 409 

Merrimack  river  bridge,  proprietors  of  Essex,  incorporated      .        .  315 

proprietors  of  the  Middlesex,  incorporated       ....  285 

Message  of  governor,  relative  to  adjournment 564 

relative  to   adjournment  of  the   supreme   judicial  court  in 

the  county  of  Cumberland 573 

relative  to  cannon  belonging  to  the  Commonwealth         .        .  674 
relative  to  counties  of  Hancock  and  Washington      .        .        .551 

relative  to  granting  of  divorces  by  the  general  court        .        .  575 

relative  to  letter  from  governor  of  New  Hampshire          .        .  575 

relative  to  letter  from  the  governor  of  Rhode  Island       .         .  664 

relative  to  letter  from  the  secretary  of  state    ....  556 

relative  to  memorial  of  the  British  consul        ....  561 

relative  to  memorial  of  Monsieur  De  L'Etombe        .        .         .  552 
relative  to  observance  of  the  anniversary  of  the  independence 

of  the  United  States 552 

relative  to  petition  of  overseers  of  the  university  at  Cam- 
bridge        573 

•      relative  to  Samuel  Hadlock 556 

relative  to  society  for  propagating  the  gospel  among  the  In- 
dians and  others 563 

relative  to  supplying  artillery  companies  with  field  pieces        .  574 

relative  to  state  debt 553 

relative  to  will  of  the  late  James  Bowdoin        ....  565 

Messenger  of  the  general  court,  to  procure  an  assistant  messen- 
ger    466 

Metcalf,  Stephen,  allowance  to 139,  237 

Stephen,  memi)er  of  committee,  appointed       ....  479 

Methuen,  town  of,  John  Ladd  annexed  to  Second  Parish  in       .        .  262 

John  Tippet  annexed  to  First  Parish  in 15 

Middleborough,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor         .  527 

alewife  fishery  in,  regulated 280 

to  show  cause 449 


630  Index. 

Page 

Middlesex  county,  accounts  of  treasurer  allowed  and  tax  granted     162,  461 

designated  as  a  congressional  district 118 

tax  granted 132 

Middlesex  Merrimack  river  bridge,  proprietors  of  the,  incorporated  284 

Milford,  town  of,  fine  remitted 391 

Militia,  addition  to  act  regulating 367 

a  major  to  be  added  to  the  regiment  of  cavalry  in  seventh 

division  of 402 

light  infantry  company  to  be  raised  in  seventh  division  of       .  425 
two  additional  troops  of  cavalry  to  be  raised  in  seventh  divi- 
sion of 395 

Miller,  David,  account  allowed 529 

John,  relating  to 488 

John  Bolt,  resolve  on  petition  of 182 

Kobert,  relating  to 182 

Millhorn,  John,  relating  to 255 

Millions,  Robert,  relating  to 60 

Thomas,  relating  to 60 

Mills,  Josiah,  treasurer  to  issue  notes  to 107 

Minot,  George  Richards,  clerk  of  the  house  of  representatives,  al- 
lowance to 137,  227,  421,  534 

George  R.,  member  of  committee  to  contract  for  printing     103,  394 

Capt.  John,  relating  to .        .  467 

Mitchel,  David,  resolve  on  petition  of 196,  460 

Hannah,  relating  to 433 

Mitchell,  Abiel,  relating  to 291 

Mollineux,  William,  relating  to 407 

Molton,  Johnson,  account  allowed 481 

Monies,  public,  treasurer  authorized  to  deposit,  in  the  bank      .         .  241 

Monmouth,  town  of,  incorporated 279 

Montague,  town  of,  proprietors  of  bridge  over  Connecticut  river 

between  town  of  Greenfield  and,  incorporated      .         .        .  329 

Montgomery,  town  of,  part  of,  incorporated  as  town  of  Russell       .  323 

parts  of  towns  of  Norwich  and  Southampton  annexed  to        .  331 
Monument,  to  be  erected  on  the  southerly  line  of  the  old  colony  of 

Massachusetts 114 

Moore,  Augustus,  relating  to 102 

John,  resolve  on  petition  of 467 

Josiah,  relating  to 485 

William,  account  allowed 488 

William,  relating  to 302 

Moorwood,  James,  relating  to 249 

More,  Catherine,  relating  to 527 

John,  resolve  on  petition  of 216 

Morey,  David,  account  allowed 434,  526 

David,  relating  to 404 

Morgan,  George,  allowance  to     .                 406 

George,  warrant  in  favor  of,  to  be  discharged  by  treasurer     .  410 


Index.  631 


Morgan,  Paul,  relating  to 142 

Morrill,  Daniel,  relating  to 463 

Ezekiel,  relating  to 463 

Increase,  relating  to 463 

Dr.  Isaac,  account  allowed 253 

Simeon,  relating  to 463 

Morris  &  Ogden,  relating  to 434 

Morse,  Hosea,  relating  to 18 

John,  relating  to 18 

Levi,  relating  to 18 

Nathan,  relating  to 18 

Morton,  David  Elvil,  relating  to ■-  60 

Ebenezer,  relating  to 60 

James,  relating  to 61 

Motley,  Alexander,  relating  to 62 

Thomas,  relating  to 62 

Mountford,  Samuel,  relating  to 62 

Samuel,  Jr. ,  relating  to 62 

Mount  Washington,  town  of,  selectmen  and  town  clerk  of,  exempted 

from  paying  fine 512 

Mousom  river,  order  on  petition  for  making  a  new  harbor  to  lead  into  513 

Mower,  Timothy,  relating  to 399 

Muckford,  John,  relating  to 59 

Robert,  relating  to 59 

Mudg,  Joseph,  Jr. ,  resolve  on  petition  of 106 

Mun,  Ruben,  resolve  on  petition  of 455 

Munro,  Hepzibah,  and  others,  resolve  on  petition  of.         .         .        .  246 

Thaddeus,  and  others,  resolve  on  petition  of   .         .        .        .  246 

Munroe,  Daniel,  account  allowed 255 

Murray,  Alexander,  resolve  on  petition  of 114 

John,  relating  to 114,  197 

Muzzey,  Amos,  and  others,  resolve  on  petition  of      ...        .  246 


N. 

Nails,  manufacture  of,  regulated 72 

Nantucket  county,  preservation  of  oysters  in  harbors  and  rivers  of 

town  of  Sherburn  in 9 

time  and  place  for  hearing  appeals  from  judge  of  probate  for, 

appointed 270 

Nantucket  county,  Dukes  county  and  Bristol  county,  designated  as 

a  congressional  district 118 

Nash,  David,  relating  to 18 

David,  Jr.,  set  off  from  town  of  South  Hadley  and  annexed 

to  town  of  Granby 328 

Elijah,  relating  to 18 

John,  relating  to 18 


632  Index. 

Page 

Natick  Indians,  account  of  guardian  allowed 431 

guardians  of,  empowered  to  sell  land 112 

Natick,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor       .         .        .  254 
Naturalization  of  foreigners  : 

Atkinson,  Caroline  Frances 85 

Atkinson,  Charles 85 

Atkinson,  Eliza  Storer 85 

Atkinson,  Elizabeth 85 

Atkinson,  George  Hodgson 85 

Atkinson,  John 85 

Atkinson,  John,  Jr 85 

Atkinson,  Mary  Ann 85 

Atkinson,  William 85 

DePoleresky,  John 210 

Dickinson,  Roger 85 

White,  John 85 

Naval  officers,  treasurer  to  call  upon,  to  settle  their  accounts    .         .  446 

treasurer  to  call  upon,  to  make  speedy  settlement    .         .         .  402 

Needham,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor  .        .       251,  528 

resolve  on  petition  of  the  selectmen  of 106 

Neponset  river,  fisheries  in,  regulated 81 

New  Bedford,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor     .       255,  432 

preservation  of  alewives  in  Acquesnet  river  in         ...  14 

New  Braintree,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor  .         .  252 

boundary  line  between  town  of  Brookfleld  and,  established     .  261 

boundary  line  between  town  of  Brookfleld  and,  re-established  343 

Newbury,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor    .         .        .  528 
order  on  petition  of  Nathaniel  Carter  and  others  to  erect  a 

bridge  over  Merrimack  river,  between  town  of  Salisbury  and  409 
proprietors   of  bridge  between  town  of   Salisbury  and,  in- 
corporated         315 

Newburyport,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor    .       143,  529 

resolve  on  petition  of  North  Congregational  Society  in  .         .  382 

Newell,  Jonathan,  treasurer  to  give  note  to 482 

Thomas,  relating  to 108 

Newell,  Maj.  Gen.  Timothy,  resolve  on  petition  of     .        .         .       402,  425 

New  Gloucester,  town  of,  tax  abated 207 

New  Gloucester  and  Gray,  towns  of,  Baptist  Religious  Society  in,  in- 
corporated         18 

New  Hampshire,  message  of  governor  relative  to  letter  from  gov- 
ernor of 575 

New  Hampshire  and   Vermont,  governor  requested  to  write  gov- 
ernors of,  relative  to  preservation  of  fish      ....  393 

New  Marlboro,  town  of,  to  show  cause 452 

New  Meadow  canal,  proprietors  of,  incorporated       ....  264 

Newton,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor     .        .         .  253 

Nichols,  David,  resolve  on  petition  of 116 

John,  relating  to 463 


Index.  633 

Page 

Nichols,  Merrick,  relating  to 432 

Samuel,  relating  to 31 

Noridgwock,   town  of,  order  on  petition  for  certain   land  to  be 

annexed  to 470 

Northampton,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor     .       432,  489 

Northbridge,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor      .        .  488 

North  Congregational  Society  in  Newburyport,  resolve  on  petition  of  382 

Northfleld,  town  of,  fine  remitted 121 

town  clerk  of,  not  to  be  prosecuted 241 

North  Parish,  in  town  of  Greenwich,  relating  to        ...        .  298 

North  precinct  of  town  of  Braintree,  incorporated  as  town  of  Quincy  319 

North  Yarmouth,  town  of,  town  clerk  of,  not  to  be  prosecuted        .  196 
Norton,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor       .        .       254,528 

Norton,  Aaron,  and  David  Dexter,  resolve  on  petition  of  .         .         .  186 

Norwich,  town  of,  part  of,  annexed  to  town  of  Montgomery     .         .  331 

Notary  public,  to  be  appointed  for  county  of  Washington          .        .  393 
for  town  of  Penobscot,  constituted  a  notary  public  for  county 

of  Hancock 112 

Notes,  lost,  and  forged  orders,  resolve  respecting      ....  395 

Nourse,  Francis,  resolve  on  petition  of 196 

Noyes,  Eliab,  relating  to 344 

Joseph,  relating  to 505 

Simon,  relating  to 18 

Dr.  Ward,  allowance  to 236 

Nve,  George,  relating  to 261 


o. 

Oakman,  Samuel,  to  issue  warrant 7 

Oaks,  Thomas,  relating  to 431 

Oar,  William,  relating  to 527 

Obrian,  Ann,  relating  to 433 

John,  relating  to 276 

William,  relating  to 276,  433 

OflScers,  naval,  treasurer  to  call  upon,  to  settle  their  accounts   .        .  446 

treasurer  to  call  upon,  to  make  speedy  settlement    .        .        .  402 

Ogden,  Morris  &,  relating  to 434 

Samuel,  relating  to 245,  416,  435 

Samuel,  western  lands  to  be  conveyed  to 221 

Old  colony  of  Massachusetts,  a  stone  monument  to  be  erected  on 

the  southerly  line  of 114 

Old  mill  pond  meadow  in  Abington,  proprietors  of,  incorporated      .  344 

Olds,  Amos,  relating  to 275 

Orange,  district  of,  act  incorporating  the  Congregational  Society  of, 

repealed 80 

resolution  requiring  maintenance  by,  of  bridge  over  river  Tully, 

repealed 204 


634  Index. 


Orcut,  Stephen,  relating  to 433 

Orcutt,  Moses,  relating  to 276 

Orders,  forged,  and  lost  notes,  resolve  respecting      .         .         .         .395 

Orders,  warrants  and  due  bills,  resolve  for  the  payment  of        .        .  185 

Ordway,  James,  relating  to '^63 

Nehemiah,  relating  to 463 

Nehemiah,  Jr. ,  relating  to 463 

Orne,  Azor,  account  allowed 250 

Azor,  member  of  committee,  appointed    ....        137,146 

Azor,  relating  to 3^3 

Orr,  William,  relating  to 252 

Orringtou,  town  of,  certain  settlers  in,  quieted 193 

proprietors  of  a  certain  lot  of  land  in,  to  be  paid      .         .         .198 

Osbourn,  Jas.,  and  others,  resolve  on  petition  of       ....  451 

Osgood,  Benjamin,  relating  to 463 

James,  relating  to 294 

Ossepee,  plantation  of,  incorporated  as  town  of  Limington       .         .  296 

Ostin,  Isaac,  relating  to 433 

Otis,  Abigail,  authorized  to  make  deed  of  the  land  mentioned   .        .  228 

Abigail,  resolve  on  petition  of 461 

Joseph,  estate  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor    .         .  251 

Joseph,  relating  to 228,  461 

Owen,  Michael,  relating  to 253 

Oxnard,  Edward,  relating  to 62 

Thomas,  relating  to 62 

Oysters,  act  to  prevent  the  destruction  of,  in  certain  harbors  and  rivers  9 


P. 

Paddock,  Adino,  relating  to 408 

Padelford,  Seth,  Justice,  to  grant  Ezra  Briggs  a  new  trial         .         .  177 

Pagan,  Thomas,  relating  to 190,  562 

Page,  David;  relating  to 294 

Robert,  relating  to 31 

Paine,  Mary,  may  be  licensed  as  an  innholder 152 

Thomas,  relating  to 61 

Palmer,  Joseph,  relating  to 212 

Parish,  Congregational,  in  Easton,  incorporated        ....  290 

First,  in  town  of  Mendon,  doings  confirmed     ....  449 

First,  in  town  of  Methuen,  John  Ladd  set  off  from         .         .  262 

of  Ipswich  hamlet,  order  on  petition  of  the  inhabitants  of       .  460 

Second,  in  town  of  Methuen,  John  Tippet  set  ofl"  from    ...  15 

Second,  in  town  of  Sandwich,  proceedings  made  valid     .         .  192 
Parishes,  First  and  Second,  in  town  of  Maiden,  dissolved,  and  certain 

articles  of  union  between,  confirmed 308 

North  and  South,  in  town  of  Greenwich,  relating  to        .         .  298 

Park,  Samuel  and  Merriam  Johnson,  resolve  on  petition  of       .         .  122 


Index.  635 


Parker,  Benjamin,  relating  to 140,  214 

Isaiah,  relating  to 524 

Mary,  resolve  on  petition  of 140,  214 

Oliver,  to  issue  warrant 24 

Eev.  Samuel,  relating  to 25 

Rev.  Samuel,  resolve  on  petition  of 440 

Solomon,  relating  to 202,  467 

Parmeter,  Aaron,  to  be  paid  balance  due  to  James  Parmeter    .         .  412 

James,  relating  to 411 

Parris,  Josiah,  resolve  on  petition  of 492 

Lieut.  Saml. ,  relating  to •.  457 

Parsons,  Ebenezer,  member  of  committee  appointed  .        .         .         .  146 

John,  and  Josiah  Wallace,  resolve  on  petition  of     .         .        .  163 

Medad,  relating  to 275 

Theophilus,  and  John  Lowell,  treasurer  to  pay         .         .        .  532 

Partridge,  Samuel,  account  allowed  heirs  of 257 

Partridgefleld,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor   .       484,  486 

Patch,  Nathan,  resolve  on  petition  of 481 

Patten,  Richard,  relating  to 489 

Pattengill,  Moses,  relating  to 60 

Patterson,  Prince,  account  allowed 249 

Paxton,  town  of,  tax  abated 167 

Paxton,  Charles,  relating  to 507 

Paymasters,  regimental,  of  the  continental  army,  relative  to  allow- 
ance to 632 

Pearce,  David,  allowance  to 498 

Pearl  and  pot  ashes,  relative  to  appointment  of  inspector  of    .         .  131 

relative  to  inspection  of 266 

Pearson,  Dr.  Abiel,  account  allowed 254 

William,  account  allowed 250 

Capt.  William,  member  of  committee,  appointed      .        .        .  146 

Pease,  Matthew,  relating  to 484 

Peck,  Urania,  relating  to 527 

Pecker,  Dr.  James,  relating  to 201 

Ruth,  relating  to 201 

Pejepscut,  relative  to  claims  of  proprietors  of 510 

Pembroke,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor          .       252,  529 

alewife  fishery  in,  regulated 299 

town  clerk  of,  not  to  be  prosecuted 153 

Pembroke  and  Hanover,  towns  of,  owners  of  mills  and  dams  on 

stream  between,  to  show  cause 104 

Penny,  Thomas,  relating  to 18 

Penobscot,  town  of,  notary  public  for,  constituted  a  notary  public 

for  county  of  Hancock 112 

Pensioners,  relating  to  examination  of 167 

invalid,  secretary  authorized  to  give  certificates  to  .        .         .  477 

of  the  Commonwealth,  resolve  for  payment  of         .         .        .  140 

Pepperell,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor  .        .         .  142 


636  Index. 

Page 

Pepperell,  fine  remitted 391 

Pepperrell,  Sir  William,  relating  to      ...        ,         163,  181,  501,  538 

Perre,  Isaac,  relating  to 276 

Perroo,  Joseph,  relating  to 254 

Perry,  Amia,  relating  to 489 

Personal  actions,  act  for  limitation  of,  suspended  in  certain  cases     .  26 

Pervoo,  Joseph,  and  family,  relating  to 487 

Petersham,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor         .         .  433 

Peterson,  John,  relating  to 265 

John,  resolve  on  petition  of 180 

Petitions  for  relief  on  account  of  forged  orders  or  lost  notes,  rela- 
tive to 395 

Pettingill,  Daniel,  relating  to 59 

Phelps,  Dr.  David,  account  allowed 489 

Oliver,  relating  to 179,  212,  222 

Oliver,  and  Nathaniel  Gorham,  committee  to  settle  with,  con- 
tinued in  commission 238 

Oliver,  and  Nathaniel  Gorham,  relating  to        ...         .  137 
Oliver,  and  Nathaniel  Gorham,  secretary  to  communicate  with, 

relative  to  western  lands 179 

Philips,  Robert,  relating  to 431 

Phillips,  Charles,  to  be  paid  wages  as  a  soldier 234 

Robert,  relating  to 488 

Samuel,  account  allowed 434 

Samuel,  allowance  to 229 

Samuel,  member  of  committee,  appointed        .        .         .       179,  221 

Samuel,  president  of  the  senate,  allowance  to    105,  148,  210,  413,  500 

Samuel,  relating  to 211,333 

William,  resolve  on  petition  of 227 

Philmore,  George,  relating  to 254 

Pickard,  Ephraim,  resolve  on  petition  of 470 

Pickering,  Timothy,  relating  to 214 

Pickering's  certificates,  relative  to  loan  of 404 

Picket,  John,  resolve  on  petition  of 511 

Pierce,  Humphrey,  relating  to 463 

Pike,  Rev.  James,  relating  to 78 

Plainfield,  district  of,  tax  apportioned  between  town  of  Cumington  and  388 
Plantations,  to  be  furnished  with  laws  and  resolves   ....  241 
Plantations  and  towns,  certain,  in  counties  of  Hancock  and  Wash- 
ington, excused  from  paying  taxes  until  further  orders        .  523 
Plantations  : 

Brownfield,  discharged  of  certain  taxes 465 

Brownfield,  treasurer  directed  to  discharge,  from  payment  of 

the  sum  mentioned 424 

Buckstown,  to  show  cause 454 

Cambden,  incorporated  as  town  of  Cambden   ....  24 

Cambden,  tax  abated 109 

Francisborough,  tax  abated 188 


Index.  637 

Page 
Plantations —  Concluded. 

Kenduskee,  incorporated  as  town  of  Bangor    ....  28 

No.  7,  tax  abated 509 

No.    7,  in  county  of  Hampshire,   incorporated  as   town  of 

Hawley 293 

No.  22,  in  county  of  Washington,  treasurer  directed  not  to 

send  tax  act  to .        .  240 

Ossepee,  incorporated  as  town  of  Limington   ....  296 

Shepardsfleld,  incorporated  as  town  of  Hebron        .        .         .  332 

Shepardstown,  tax  abated 164 

Wales,  incorporated  as  town  of  Monmouth      ....  279 

Washington,  t:ix  abated 172 

Plumb  island,  light  houses  on,  ceded  to  the  United  States         .         .  8 

Plumer,  Christopher,  relating  to .        .        , 61 

Isaac,  relating  to 61 

Plunket,  Margaret,  relating  to 255 

Plymouth  county,  accounts  of  treasurer  allowed  and  tax  granted     175,  443 
time  of  holding  courts  of  common  pleas  and  general  sessions 

of  the  peace  in,  changed 263 

Plymouth  and  Barnstable  counties,  designated  as  a  congressional 

district 118 

Plymouth,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor  .         .       253,  527 

Plympton,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor  .         .       143,433 

assessors  of,  to  assess  tax  on  towns  of  Plympton  and  Carver  .  150 

part  of,  incorporated  as  town  of  Carver 5 

Pocock,  Thomas,  relating  to 527 

Poleresky,  John  de,  naturalized 210 

Pollard,  Benja.,  relating  to 485 

Jonathan  P.,  relating  to 285 

Pomeroy,  Daniel,  and  others,  resolve  on  petition  of  .        .        .        .  429 

Poor  of  the  Commonwealth,  relative  to  support  of    .        .        .         .  427 

Poor  prisoners  confined  in  goal  for  taxes,  act  for  I'elief  of         .        .  74 

Popkin,  Elizth.,  account  allowed 253 

Pork  and  beef,  relating  to  assize  of  barrels  of 271 

Porter,  Elisha,  relating  to 207 

Elisha,  resolve  on  petition  of 439 

Elisha,  to  be  credited  with  the  sum  mentioned          .        .        .  458 

John,  relating  to 344 

Moses,  and  Amey,  resolve  on  petition  of 466 

Rev.  Nathaniel,  relating  to 294 

Seth,  relating  to 345 

Portland  head,  light  house  on,  ceded  to  the  United  States         .         .  8 

Portland,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor    .        .         .  431 

Episcopal  church  in,  incorporated 61 

Post  roads,  between  towns  of  Boston  and  Worcester,  relative  to 

altering 536 

Pot  and  pearl  ashes,  relative  to  appointment  of  inspector  of     .        .  131 

relative  to  inspection  of 266 


638  Index. 

Page 

Pote,  Jeremiah,  resolve  on  petition  of 200 

Powars,  Edward  E.,  account  allowed 526 

Rev.  Peter,  relating  to 515 

Powers,  Edward  E.,  account  allowed 256 

Pratt,  Jesse,  relating  to 124 

Joseph,  relating  to 254 

Joseph,  and  family,  relating  to 528 

Lydia,  resolve  on  petition  of 185 

Lydia,  treasurer  to  issue  note  to 124 

Phillip,  relating  to 345 

"William,  and  Pollycarpus  Edson,  order  on  petition  of     .        .  449 

Prebble,  Abraham,  relating  to 413 

Edward,  resolve  on  petition  of 413 

Precinct,  North,  of  town  of  Braintree,   incorporated  as   town  of 

Quincy 319 

West,  in  town  of  Medway,  to  show  cause         ....  108 

Prescot,  Benjamin,  relating  to 302 

Prescott,  James,  resolve  on  petition  of 180 

William,  grant  to 535 

President  and  fellows  of  Harvard  college  certain  lands  granted  and 

confirmed  to 128 

President  of  the  United  States,  governor  requested  to  transmit  me- 
morial to 136 

Pressy,  Jonathan,  relating  to 463 

Price,  William,  taxes  due  from,  abated 509 

Priest,  Job,  account  with,  to  be  certified 125 

Prisoners  confined  in  goal  for  taxes,  act  for  the  relief  of  .        .        .  74 

Processes  in  law,  addition  to  act  for  rendering  same  less  expensive  19 

act  for  rendering  same  less  expensive,  continued     .        .         .  371 

Proctor,  Eben,  relating  to 59 

William,  relating  to 60,  255 

Proprietors,  of  Bakerstown,  attorney  general  to  prosecute        .         .  505 
of  bridge  over  Connecticut  river,  between  towns  of  Montague 

and  Greenfield,  incorporated 329 

of  Charles  river  bridge,  continued  as  a  corporation  for  a  term 

of  years 364 

of  Essex  Merrimack  bridge,  incorporated         ....  315 

of  Groton,  grant  to  purchasers  from 451 

of  Pejepscut,  relative  to  claims  of 510 

of  slitting  mill  of  town  of  Taunton,  certain  privileges  granted 

to 289 

of  Tyngstown,  i-e-survey  to  be  made  for 456 

of  the  Beverly  cotton  manufactory,  lottery  tickets  granted  to  207 

of  the  locks  and  canals  on  Connecticut  river,  incorporated      .  302 

of  the  Massachusetts  canal,  incorporated          ....  347 

of  the  Middlesex  Merrimack  river  bridge,  incorporated   .        .  284 

of  the  old  mill  pond  meadow  in  Abingtou,  incorporated  .         .  344 

of  Warner,  formerly  No.  1 ,  resolve  on  petition  of    .         .        .  463 


Index. 


639 


Page 

Proprietors,  of  the  West  Boston  bridge,  incorporated        .        .        .       361 

of  town  of  Lunenburg,  resolve  on  petition  of  .        .        .        .       220 

of  York  river  bridge,  grant  to 501 

Prosecutions,  criminal,  relative  to  payment  of  costs  in  .  .  339,  493 
Protestant  Congregational  Society  in  Great  Barrington,  incorporated  275 
Protestant  Episcopal  Society  of  Great  Barrington,  incorporated       .       275 

Provincetown,  town  of,  tax  abated 469 

Puffer,  Isaac,  may  be  licensed  as  a  taverner 161 

Putnam,  Daniel,  resolve  on  petition  of 499 

Jonathan,  relating  to 159 

Pynchou,  Walker,  relating  to 275 


Q. 

Quartermaster  general,  account  allowed     . 
directed  concerning  casting  of  cannon 
directed  regarding  disposition  of  ordnance 
grant  to 

Quinby,  Daniel,  relating  to 

Quincy,  town  of,  incorporated     .... 

Quincy,  Josiah,  Jr.,  relating  to    .... 


486 
493 
247 
428 
463 
319 
227 


K. 

Ramsdel,  William,  member  of  committee,  appointed  ....       426 

Rand,  Nehemiah,  relating  to 100 

Eathburn,  John,  and  others,  resolve  on  petition  of    .        .        .        .451 
Rawson,  Levi,  permitted  to   pay    sum  mentioned   in   consolidated 

securities 191 

Raymond,  Natlian,  i-elating  to 240 

Rebeccah,  relating  to 240 

Raynes,  Joseph,  relating  to 18 

Read,  Benjamin,  allowance  to 422,  510 

George,  relating  to 254,  487 

John,  allowance  to 229 

John,  member  of  committee,  appointed 135 

Readfield,  town  of,  incorporated 84 

Reading,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor     .         .       254,  487 

resolve  on  petition  of 450 

Real  estate  lying  in  common,  addition  to  act  relating  to  management  of        71 

Reed,  Alexander,  relating  to 218,  252 

Barnabas,  relating  to 345 

Daniel,  relating  to 344 

George,  relating  to 226,  511 

Jacob,  relating  to 345 


640  Index. 

Page 

Reed,  Jacob,  3d,  relating  to 345 

Joel,  account  allowed 526 

William,  relating  to 345 

Rev.  William,  relating  to 290 

Referees,  report  of,  in  certain  cases,  to  be  final 326 

Registers  of  deeds,  relative  to  choice  of 272 

Rehoboth,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor  .         .         .  487 

Representatives,  list  of 92,  378 

Representatives  to  Congress,  election  of 117 

Revenue,  act  for  raising,  repealed 20,  21 

Revenue  laws,  attorney  general  directed  to  prosecute  for  frauds 

against 242 

Reynolds,  Benjamin,  member  of  committee,  appointed      .         .        .  426 
Rhode  Island,  commissioners  appointed  to  ascertain  boundary  line 

between  Massachusetts  and 6G 

message  of  governor  relative  to  letter  from  governor  of          .  564 

Rice,  Alexander,  to  show  cause 447 

Rev.  Asaph,  authorized  to  sell  the  real  estate  mentioned  .         .  492 

Eunice,  grant  to 536 

Jonathan,  relating  to 536 

Thomas,  relating  to 30 

Rich,  Amos,  relating  to 60 

Peter,  relating  to 441 

Richards,  Nathaniel,  relating  to 57 

Richardson,  Abijah,  account  allowed 527 

Asa,  relating  to 285 

Elisha  and  Moses  Fisher,  order  on  petition  of  .         .         .         .108 

Paul,  resolve  on  petition  of 242 

Richmond,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor  .        254,  432,  486 

grant  of  certain  lands  to 474 

Riggs,  Joseph,  Jr.,  relating  to 62 

Ring,  David,  relating  to 463 

Jarvis,  relating  to 463 

Robbards,  Jonathan,  relating  to 60 

Samuel,  relating  to 60 

Roberson,  Jonathan,  and  family,  set  off  from  town  of  Framingham 

and  annexed  to  town  of  Marlborough 27 

Roberts,  Joseph,  Jr.,  order  on  petition  of 454 

Robins,  Daniel,  Jr.,  treasurer  to  issue  note  to 384 

Patiance,  relating  to 431 

Robinson,  Andrew,  relating  to 275 

James,  grant  to 480 

Robison,  Thomas,  relating  to 62 

Roby,  Samuel,  account  allowed 143 

Rochester,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor  .        .       254,  527 

act  further  regulating  alewife  fishery  in  Mattepoiset  river  in  28 

Rogers,  Daniel  Dennison,  resolve  on  petition  of         ....  407 

Joel,  Indian,  and  others,  resolve  on  petition  of         .        .         .  386 


Index.  641 

Page 

Rogers,  Joshua,  relating  to 62 

Roiley,  Timothy,  relating  to 529 

Rollins,  John,  relating  to 78 

Rose,  Lieut.  Reuben,  relating  to 457 

Ross,  Dr.,  account  allowed 265 

James,  relating  to •.         .        60 

Roundey,  Joseph,  relating  to 98 

Rowe,  town  of,  order  on  petition  of 429 

Rowel,  Aaron,  relating  to 463 

Rowell,  Gideon,  relating  to 463 

James,  resolve  on  petition  of 140 

Thomas,  relating  to 463 

Roxbury,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor    .        .        .      488 

resolve  on  petition  of  inhabitants  of 135 

Royalston,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor  .        ,       144 

Royle,  Philip,  relating  to 251,487 

Rudberg,  John,  relating  to 62 

Ruddock,  John,  treasurer  directed  to  pay 236 

Rugg,  Moses,  relating  to 485 

Ruggles,  Joseph,  relating  to 115,  524 

Joseph,  and  Ralph  Smith,  proposals  of,  for  supplying  gar- 
rison and  convicts  at  Castle  island  with  rations  and  cloth- 
ing, accepted 243,  539' 

Timo.,  relating  to 115,168 

Timothy,  resolve  on  petition  of 476- 

Russell,  town  of,  incorporated 323 

Russell,  James,  relating  to 18 

John,  relating  to 9 

Joseph,  Jr.,  resolve  on  petition  of 248 

Nathaniel,  relating  to 18 

Thomas,  relating  to 25,  285,  333 

Thomas,  to  call  a  meeting 26 

Thomas,  and  others,  resolve  on  petition  of       ...        .      390 


s. 

Sail  cloth,  duck  and  twine,  bounty  on,  continued       ....  483 
Salem,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor        .        .       253,529 
Salisbury,  town  of,  order  on  petition  of  Nathaniel  Carter  and  others, 
to  erect  a  bridge  over  Merrimack  river,  between  town  of 

Newbury  and 409 

proprietors  of  bridge  between  town  of  Newbury  and,  incor- 
porated      315 

Salisbury,  Samuel,  relating  to 333 

Sampson,  David,  relating  to 178 

Sandisfleld,  town  of,  to  show  cause 452 

Sandwich,  town  of,  proceedings  of  Second  Parish  in,  made  valid     .  192 


642  Index. 

Page 

Sanely  Point,  light  house  on,  ceded  to  the  United  States    ...  8 
Sanford,    town    of,   treasurer    directed  to    charge,    with    certain 

sums 123 

Sanford,  Thomas,  grant  to 224 

Sargeant,  Nathaniel  Peaslee,  relating  to 604 

Sargent,  Benjamin,  relating  to 463 

Enoch,  relating  to 463 

Peter,  relating  to 463 

Stephen,  relating  to 463 

Sarvash,  Pat,  relating  to 251 

Sassaman,  Mary,  relating  to 254,  527 

Saunders,  Polly,  relating  to 254,  526 

Savage,  Edward,  relating  to 160 

John,  relating  to 160 

Sawyer,  Joel,  relating  to 60 

Joseph,  relating  to 441 

Scammon,  James,  deputy  adjutant  general,  account  allowed     .       250,  525 

Scidmore,  Elias,  relating  to 431 

Scituate,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor      ,        .         .  526 

Scott,  Edward,  relating  to 386 

Freelove,  resolve  on  petition  of 385 

William,  to  be  placed  on  the  pension  roll 283 

Scuddemore,  John,  relating  to 252 

Scudmore,  John,  relating  to 432,  487 

Searle,  George,  relating  to 315 

Sears,  David,  relating  to 333 

Second  and  First  Parishes  in  town  of  Maiden,  dissolved,  and  certain 

articles  of  union  between,  confirmed 308 

Second  Parish  in  town  of  Methuen,  John  Ladd  annexed  to        .         .  262 
Secretary  of  the  Commonwealth,  allowance  to  .        .        .         130,415,504 

authorized  to  give  certificates  to  invalid  pensioners       .        .  477 
directed  to  furnish  attorney  general  with  list  of  delinquent 

towns 105 

directed  to  pay  wages  due  Joseph  Baker 456 

directed  to  publish  resolve  continuing  matters  referred  to  the 

general  court 146 

duties  of,  in  election  of  members  of  congress,  defined     .        .  119 

duty  of,  in  case  of  vacancy  in  office  of  treasurer      .        .        .  357 
to  communicate  to  Messrs.  Gorham  and  Phelps,  action  of  the 

legislature  relative  to  western  lands 179 

to  pay  wages  to  Sampson  Tuttle 157 

Securities,  committee  to  exchange  continental,  for  state,  discharged  109 

Sedgwick,  Theodore,  relating  to 302 

Selden,  Joseph  Dudley  and  wife,  resolve  on  petition  of     .        .        .  183 

Selectmen,  town  of  Brookfleld,  resolve  on  petition  of       .        .        .  151 

town  of  Cummington,  resolve  on  petition  of     .         .         .         .  388 

of  towns  and  districts,  duties  of,  in  election  of  members  of 

congress,  defined 118 


Index.  643 

Page 

Senators,  list  of 91,377 

Senators,  in  congress,  instructed  relative  to  appointment  of  person 

or  persons  to  examine  disabled  officers  and  soldiers      .        .       166 

■  instructed  by  legislature  relative  to  the  public  debt  .         .       102 

Sever,  William,  brigade  major,  account  allowed         .        .         .       250,  525 

Sewall,  David,  member  of  committee,  appointed        ....       539 

David,  relating  to 78 

David,  and  others,  grant  to 501 

David,  and  others,  account  discharged 163 

Dummer,  relating  to 81 

Henry,  deputy  adjutant  general,  account  allowed    .        .       249,  525 

Henry,  relating  to 31 

Samuel,  account  allowed 256 

Sexton.  David,  relating  to 302,329 

David,  to  Issue  warrant 293 

Shad  and  alewives,  part  of  act  for  preservation  of,  in  Ten  and  Three 

Mile  rivers,  repealed 23 

Sharon,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor       .        .        .       489 

Samuel  Holmes,  Jr.,  annexed  to 301 

Shane,  Richard,  relating  to 60 

Shaw,  Francis,  relating  to 496 

Sarah,  and  others,  resolve  on  petition  of 496 

William,  relating  to 143,  252,  487 

Shearman,  William,  Jr.,  relating  to 186 

Shed,  Jonas,  and  others,  resolve  on  petition  of 451 

Sheffence,  John,  relating  to 251 

Shelburne,  town  of,  order  on  petition  of 429 

town  clerk  of,  not  to  be  prosecuted 421 

Shepard,  Levi,  relating  to 302 

Shepardsiield,  plantation  of,  incorporated  as  town  of  Hebron   .        .       332 
Shepardsfleld  and  Bakerstown,  agents  for,  appointed        .         .         .       120 

Shepardstowu,  plantation  of,  tax  abated 164 

Shephard,  Alexander,  relating  to 504 

Shepherd,  Alexander,  Jr.,  relating  to 158,492 

Sherburn,  town  of,  boundary  line  between  town  of  Medway  and, 

established 326 

preservation  of  oysters  in 9 

to  show  cause 220 

Sherman,  Elisha,  Jr.,  relating  to 228 

Shipman,  Mehbl.,  relating  to 432 

Shirley,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor       .        .        .       529 

Shirley,  William,  relating  to 98 

Shirtliff,  Robert  (Deborah  Gaunet),  relating  to 446 

Shott,  Ebenezer,  relating  to 255,  432 

Shrewsbury,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor       .       254,  432 

Sidney,  town  of,  incorporated 283 

Silva,  George  de,  relating  to 488 

Simpson,  Jonathan,  relating  to 285 


644  Index. 

Page 

Simpson,  Joseph,  relating  to 248,  400 

Skidmore,  Elias,  relating  to 256 

Skinner,  Tompson  Joseph,  account  allowed 526 

Slack,  Eliphalet,  resolve  on  petition  of 490 

Slater,  John,  relating  to 402 

Samuel,  treasurer  to  pay 402 

Slocum,  Holder,  resolve  on  petition  of 235 

Small,  George,  relating  to 18 

James,  relating  to 18 

Smalley,  William,  and  others,  resolve  on  petition  of.        .        .        .  469 

Smead,  David,  member  of  committee,  appointed         ....  532 

David,  relating  to 329 

David,  i-esolve  on  petition  of 420 

Smith,  Asahel,  set  ofl'  from  town  of  South  Hadley  and  annexed  to 

town  of  Granby 328 

Benjamin,  account  allowed 251,488 

Benjamin,  member  of  committee,  appointed     ....  97 

Ebenezar,  member  of  committee,  appointed      ....  97 

Ebenezer,  relating  to 276 

Elizabeth,  order  on  petition  of 524 

Ezra,  brigade  major,  account  allowed 526 

Ezra,  relating  to 465 

John,  resolve  on  petition  of 484 

Josiah,  relating  to 18 

Levi,  set  off  from  town  of  South  Hadley  and  annexed  to  town 

of  Granby 328 

Moses,  relating  to 117 

Ralph,  relating  to 524 

Ralph,  and  Joseph  Ruggles,  proposals  of,  for  supplying  gar- 
rison and  convicts  at  Castle  island  with  food  and  clothing, 

accepted 243,  539 

Reuben,  relative  to  account  of 511 

Samuel,  account  allowed 526 

Thomas,  relating  to 524 

William,  relating  to 302 

Snow,  Isaac,  to  issue  warrant 265 

Nicholas,  and  wife,  relating  to 186 

Samuel,  treasurer  to  pay 472 

Somerset,  town  of,  preservation  of  oysters  in 9 

Society,  Baptist,  in  town  of  Gorham,  incorporated    ....  60 
Baptist,  in  town  of  Windham,  incorporated    ....  59 
Baptist  Religious,  in  towns  of  New  Gloucester  and  Gray,  in- 
corporated         18 

Congregational,  of  Orange,  act  incorporating,  repealed  .        .  80 

Episcopal  Protestant,  in  town  of  Marshlleld,  incorporated      .  7 

Episcopal  Protestant,  in  town  of  Portland,  incorporated        .  61 

First  Congregational,  in  town  of  Taunton,  incorporated          .  63 


Index.  645 


Society,  for  propagating  the  gospel  among  the  Indians  and  others, 

grant  to 190 

for  propagating  the  gospel  among  the  Indians  and  others,  mes- 
sage of  governor  relative  to 563 

Humane,  incorporated 24 

Massachusetts,  for  promoting  agriculture,  incorporated          .  333 

Protestant  Congregational,  in  Great  Barrington,  incorporated  275 

Protestant  Episcopal,  of  Great  Barrington,  incorporated        .  275 

Southampton,  tovim  of,  part  of,  annexed  to  town  of  Montgomery     .  331 

Southborough,  town  of,  fine  remitted 103 

Southgate,  Robert,  resolve  on  petition  of 638 

South  Hadley,  town  of,  certain  inhabitants  set  ofl' from     .        .        .  328 

South  Parish,  in  town  of  Greenwich,  relating  to       ...        .  298 
Southwick,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor        .       254,  487 

Spalding,  Thomas,  relating  to 180 

Sparhawk,  Elizabeth,  resolve  on  petition  of 181 

Spaulding,  Jephtha,  relating  to 285 

Joel,  relating  to 285 

Speech  of  governor,  in  May  session,  1790 547 

at  opening  of  May  session,  1790 545 

at  opening  of  September  session,  1790 554 

at  opening  of  January  session,  1790 556 

at  opening  of  May  session,  1791 567 

in  May  session,  1791 569 

Speech  of  lieutenant  governor,  at  opening  of  May  session,  1790        .  546 

at  opening  of  May  session,  1791 567 

Spencer,  town  of,  allowance  to 232 

Spencer,  John,  relating  to   .         .        . 485 

Spicer,  Jabez,  relating  to 485 

Spooner,  Ephraim,  to  issue  warrant 6 

Walter,  account  allowed 526 

"Walter,  commissioner,  appointed 66 

Walter,  member  of  committee,  appointed         ....  179 

Walter,  and  others,  discharged  of  the  sum  mentioned     .        .  219 

Sprague,  Azel,  relating  to 276 

John,  Sherifl',  authorized   to   pay  avails  of  an  execution  to 

Lydia  Hartvvell 160 

Nathaniel,  relating  to 265 

Spring,  Dr.  Marshal,  account  allowed 255 

Sprout,  James,  member  of  committee,  appointed       ....  510 
Staples,  Joseph,  permitted  to  pay  the  sum  mentioned  in  consolidated 

notes 196 

State  debt,  address  of  general  court  relative  to 519 

State  house,  Thos.  Dawes  directed  to  make  repairs  on      .        .        .  418 
State  lottery,  additional  allowance  to  managers  of     .        .        .        .101 

State  poor,  relative  to  support  of 427 

State  tax,  apportioned  and  assessed 33 


646  Index. 

Page 
Stearns,  Isaac,  authorized  to  sell  the  land  mentioned         .        .        .188 

Steel,  John,  relating  to 256 

Stenchfield,  Ephraim,  relating  to 18 

John,  relating  to 18 

Stephenson,  John,  and  Mary  Hendrick,  resolve  on  petition  of  .         .       199 

Sterling,  George,  relating  to 528 

John,  relating  to 252,  255 

Sternes,  Josiah,  member  of  committee,  appointed      ....      536 

Stevens,  Rev.  Benjamin,  relating  to 78 

Jonathan,  relating  to 60 

Nathaniel,  relating  to 60 

Richard,  relating  to 60 

Thomas,  relating  to 463 

Stewart,  John,  relating  to 276 

John,  and  wife,  relating  to 255,  488 

Still,  Benja.,  and  wife,  relating  to 433 

Stillman,  George,  relating  to 336 

Stillman,  Rev.  Samuel,  chaplain  of  the  general  court,  allowance  to  .  227 
Stilwill,  Barnett,  and  others,  resolve  on  petition  of  .  .  .  .  451 
Stockbridge,  town  of,  certain  assessments  abated      .         .        .         .221 

Stone,  Edward,  account  allowed 250 

Francis,  relating  to 261,  343 

Storer,  Ebenezer,  relating  to 533 

Joseph,  and  others,  order  on  petition  of 513 

Storrs,  Roger,  account  allowed 250,  433 

Story,  John,  allowance  to 151 

Stoughton,  town  of,  Samuel  Holmes,  Jr.,  set  off  from       .        .         .      301 

Stow,  Simon,  account  allowed 434 

Stowell,  Reuben,  relating  to 18 

Samuel,  relating  to 18 

Straw,  Israel,  relating  to 463 

Samuel,  relating  to 463 

William,  relating  to 463 

Strong,  Caleb,  relating  to 302 

Simeon,  relating  to 302 

Strout,  Elisha,  relating  to 60 

Sudbury,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor     .        .         .       254 

resolve  on  petition  in  behalf  of 102 

Suffolk  county,  accounts  of  treasurer  allowed  and  tax  granted  .        .       235 

designated  as  a  congressional  district 118 

order  on  petition  for  division  of 400 

Sugar,  brown,  duty  on,  remitted  to  refiners 210 

Sullivan,  James,  relating  to 333,  361 

James,  attorney  general,  relative  to 556 

James,  resolve  on  petition  of 450 

Sumner,  Increase,  allowance  to 479 

Supreme  judicial  court,  for  counties  of  Worcester,  York  and  Cum- 
berland, adjourned 517 


Index.  647 

Page 

Supreme  judicial  court,  for  county  of  Cumberlaud,  adjourned  .        .  38& 

for  county  of  Cumberland,  message  of  governor  relative  to 

adjournment  of 573 

for  county  of  Essex,  time  of  holding,  changed         ...  5. 

resolve  adjourning,  in  three  eastern  counties,  repealed    .        .  401 

to  be  holden  for  counties  of  Lincoln,  Hancock  and  Wash- 
ington        27a 

Survash,  William,  relating  to 142 

Sutton,  John,  treasurer  to  pay 131 

Svpanzey,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor   .         .       431,  487 

preservation  of  oysters  in 9^ 

Sweetser,  Elizabeth,  relating  to '  143 

Richard,  relating  to 18 

Swift,  Dr.  Foster,  account  allowed 143 

Symonds,  Jonathan,  relating  to 178 

T. 

Taft,  Lyman,  relating  to 829 

Tate,  George,  relating  to 62 

Samuel,  relating  to .        .  62 

William,  relating  to 62 

Taunton,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor     .        .        .  251 

certain  privileges  granted  to  proprietors  of  slitting  mill  in      .  289 

First  Congregational  Society  in,  incorporated          ...  63 

Taunton  Great  River,  alewife  fishery  in,  further  regulated        .         .  344 
order  on  petition  of  William  Pratt  and  PoUycarpus  Edson,  to 

erect  a  dam  across 449 

Tax,  on  plantation  of  Cambden,  abated 109 

on  plantation  of  Francisboro ugh,  abated 188 

on  plantation  No.  7,  abated 509 

on  plantation  of  Shepardstown,  abated 164 

on  plantation  of  Washington,  abated 172 

on  town  of  Adams,  abated 509 

on  town  of  Alford,  abated 216 

on  town  of  Chatham,  abated 161 

on  town  of  Chester,  abated 509 

on  town  of  Dalton,  abated 124 

on  town  of  Dartmouth,  abated 502 

on  town  of  Eastham,  abated 103 

on  town  of  Fitchburg,  abated 4ii9 

on  town  of  Fryeburg,  abated 117 

on  town  of  Gorham,  abated 509 

on  town  of  Hancock,  abated 397 

on  town  of  Lebanon,  abated 512 

on  town  of  New  Gloucester,  abated 207 

on  town  of  Paxton,  abated 167 

on  town  of  Provincetown,  abated 469 


648  Index. 

Page 

Tax,  on  town  of  Truro,  remitted 409 

on  town  of  Waldoborough,  abated 422 

on  town  of  Williamstown,  abated 509 

Tax  granted,  county  of  Barnstable 171,  441 

county  of  Berkshire 138,  467 

county  of  Bristol 444 

county  of  Cumberland 206,  494 

county  of  Essex 160,  617 

county  of  Hampshii'e .       174,  444 

county  of  Hancock 418 

county  of  Lincoln 195 

county  of  Middlesex 132,  162,  461 

county  of  Plymouth 175,  443 

county  of  Suffolk 235 

county  of  Washington 419 

county  of  Worcester 159,  459 

county  of  York 399,  444 

Tax,  state,  apportioned  and  assessed 33 

Taxation,  buildings,  etc  ,  used  in  the  manufacture  of  cotton,  in  town 

of  Worcester,  exempted  from 481 

buildings,   etc.,  used  as  woollen  manufactory,   in  town   of 

Ipswich,  exempted  from 499 

Taxes,  act  for  the  relief  of  poor  prisoners  confined  in  goal  for  .  .  74 
certain  towns  excused  from  paying,  until  further  orders  .  523 
due  from  certain  towns  and  individuals,  abated  .  .  .  508 
further  time  allowed  town  of  Conway  for  payment  of  .  .  192 
further  time  allowed  town  of  Dartmouth  for  collection  of  .  166 
in  town  of  Waldoborough,  relative  to  collection  of .  .  .  455 
plantation  of  Brownfleld  discharged,  of  certain        .        .        .       465 

relating  to  the  collection  of 287 

relative  to  balances  due  prior  to  1780 509 

report  to  be  made  of  balances  due  prior  to  1780       .        .        .       405 
treasurer  directed  relative  to  enforcing  the  collection  of  .       424 

Taylor,  Dorothy,  and  child,  relating  to 489 

Elizabeth,  and  daughter,  relating  to 527 

Elizth.,  and  daughters,  relating  to 253 

Samuel,  resolve  on  petition  of 481 

William,  relating  to 485 

Temple,  Sir  John,  relating  to 565 

Jonas,  and  Lillah,  authorized  to  sell  the  land  mentioned .        .       442 

Templeton,  town  of,  fine  remitted 392 

Ten  and  Three  Mile  rivers,  part  of  act  for  preservation  of  shad  and 

alewives  in,  repealed 23 

Thacher,  Josiah,  to  issue  warrant 61,296 

Rev.  Peter,  relating  to 25 

Thacher's  Island,  light  houses  on,  ceded  to  the  United  States    .         .  8 

Thapin,  George,  relating  to 507 

Thatcher,  Josiah,  to  issue  warrant 60 


Index.  649 

Page 

Thaxter,  Joseph,  account  allowed 488 

Thayer,  David,  resolve  on  petition  of 201 

Levi,  relating  to 201 

Samuel  Miller,  brigade  major,  account  allowed        .        142,  255,  526 

Thomas,  Hannah,  resolve  on  petition  of 394 

Hannah,  Indian,  resolve  on  petition  of     .        .        .        .        .  112 

Maj. -Gen.  John,  relating  to 394 

Isaiah,  account  allowed 527 

Joshua,  order  on  petition  of 382 

Waterman,  relating  to 31,  238 

Waterman,  resolve  on  petition  of 403 

Dr.  William,  account  allowed 489 

Thombs,  Charles,  relating  to 60 

George,  relating  to 60 

Samuel,  relating  to 60 

Thompson,  Agnis,  relating  to 148,  431,  488,  527 

James,  relating  to 251,  252,  431,  487 

Mary,  relating  to 256 

Robert,  relating  to 143 

Thomas,  allowance  to 172 

Thorlo,  John,  relating  to 62 

John,  Jr.,  relating  to 62 

Three  and  Ten  Mile  rivers,  part  of  act  for  preservation  of  shad  and 

alewives  in,  repealed 23 

Thurston,  Joseph,  relating  to 343 

William,  relating  to 255 

Thwing,  Nathaniel,  relating  to 31 

Samuel,  and  James  Foster,  allowance  to 416 

Samuel,  and  James  Foster,  directed  relative  to  settling  ac- 
counts of  the  late  Treasurer  Ivers 440 

Samuel,  and  James  Foster,  to  continue  the  examination  of  the 

late  Treasurer  Ivers'  accounts 423 

Tibbet,  James,  relating  to 415 

Tidd,  Samuel,  and  Joseph,  order  on  petition  of 123 

Tileston,  Onesiphorus,  account  allowed 144,  256 

Timson,  Abigail,  relating  to 251 

Charles,  relating  to 251 

Marshal,  relating  to 528 

Tippet,  John,  set  off  from  Second  Parish  and   annexed  to  First 

Parish  in  town  of  Methuen 15 

Tirrell,  Isaac,  relating  to 345 

Titcomb,  Jonathan,  relating  to 150 

Titterton,  John,  relating  to 251 

Tobey,  Saml.,  allowance  to 167 

Toman,  Stephen,  relating  to 255 

Tompson,  Rev.  John,  relating  to 78 

Robert,  relating  to 488 

Tooly,  Densa,  relating  to 254,  486 


650 


Index. 


Page 
Topsfleld,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor  .  .  253,  528 
Topsham,  town  of,  to  be  reimbursed  the  sum  mentioned  .        .         .       234 

Torrey,  Josiah,  relating  to 345 

Stephen,  treasurer  directed  to  pay  wages  to     .         .         .         .113 
William,  and  Joseph  Adams,  resolve  on  petition  of  .         .       449 

Town,  Ebenr.,  relating  to 485 

Town  or  district,  act  in  addition  to  act  defining  legal  settlement  and 

habitancy  in 70,  327 

Town  meetings,  proceedings  of  certain,  made  valid  .         .         .         .327 

Town  officers,  doings  of,  confirmed 112 

Towns  and  plantations,  certain,  in  counties  of  Hancock  and  Wash- 
ington, excused  from  paying  taxes  until  further  orders        .       523 
Towns  : 

Abingtou,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor       .        256,  434,  528 
Abington,  proprietors  of  the  old  mill  pond  meadow  in,  incor- 
porated     345 

Acton,  account  allowed 251 

Acton,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor      .         .         .       144,527 

Adams,  tax  abated .       509 

Alford,  tax  abated 216 

Amherst,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor  .        ,        .       527 

Andover,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor  .        254,  255,  529 

Andover,  alewife  fishery  in  streams  emptying  into  Merrimack 

river  in,  regulated 365 

Ashburnham,  light  infantry  company  to  be  raised  in       .        .       425 

Ashburnham,  to  show  cause 158 

Ashby,  to  show  cause 158 

Ashfleld,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor  ....  433 
Attleborough,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor  .       251,  487 

Bakerstown,  relative  to  boundaries  of 505 

Bakerstown  and  Shepardsfleld,  agents  for,  appointed      .        .       120 

Bangor,  incorporated 28 

Barre,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor  .  .  .  143,  488 
Bedford,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor  ....       251 

Belchertown,  fine  remitted 466 

Berlin,  fine  remitted 194 

Berwick,  academy  in,  established 78 

Berwick,  order  on  petition  for  division  of        ...        .       393 

Beverly,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor 488 

Blandford,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor      .         .        .       253 

Bolton,  fine  remitted 194 

Boothbay,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor  .  .  .  256 
Boston,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor  .  257,  434,  435,  528 
Boston,  treasurer  to  borrow  money  to  pay,  for  support  of  poor  133 
Boxborough,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor  .  253,  433,  488 
Braintree,  north  precinct  of,  incorporated  as  town  of  Quincy  319 
Bridge  water,  alewife  fishery  in,  regulated  ....  67 
Bridgewater,  to  show  cause 449 


I:n^dex.  651 

Page 

Towns  —  Continued. 

Brimfleld,  order  on  petition  of  Samuel  and  Joseph  Tidd  to  be 

annexed  to       .       ' 123 

Brookfield,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor  .  .  .  253 
Brookfleld,  boundary  line   between  town  of  New  Braintree 

and,  established 261 

Brookfleld,  boundary  line  between  town  of  New  Braintree 

and,  re-established 343 

Brookfleld,  doings  of  town  oflficers  confirmed  .         .        .        .151 

Brunswick,  flne  remitted 127 

Brunswick,  town  clerk  of,  not  to  be  prosecuted       .        .        .       180 

Buckland,  grant  of  land  to '.      481 

Cambden,  incorporated 24 

Cambridge,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor      •        .         .      528 

Cambridge,  to  show  cause 411 

Cape  Elizabeth,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor  .  142,  527 
Carlisle,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor  ....  489 
Carver,  assessors  of  town  of  Plympton  to  assess   tax   on 

Plyrapton  and 150 

Carver,  incorporated 5 

Charlemont,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor    •        .        .       529 

Charlemont,  order  on  petition  of 429 

Charlemont,  treasurer  directed  to  stay  execution  against  .  398 
Charlestown,   clause    in   act    limiting    operation    of   lottery 

granted  to,  repealed 20 

Chatham,  tax  abated 161 

Chelmsford,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor    .        .         .       256 
Chelmsford,  proprietors  of  bridge  between  Dracut  and,  in- 
corporated         284 

Chelsea,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor  .        .        .       251,487 

Chester,  tax  abated 509 

Chesterfleld,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor    .        142,  254,  432 

Chilmark,  flne  I'emitted 194 

Colrain,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor  .  .  .  255,  488 
Concord,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor  143,  252,  254,  487,489 
Concord,  relative  to  making,  shire  town  of  county  of  Middlesex      538 

Conway,  fine  remitted 121 

Conway,  further  time  allowed  for  payment  of  taxes  .  .  192 
Conway,  Julius  Allis  and  family  annexed  to  .  .  .  .  264 
Cummington,  tax  apportioned  between  district  of  Plainfield  and      388 

Dal  ton,  tax  abated 124 

Dartmouth,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor  .  143,  252,  255 
Dartmouth,  further  time  allowed,  for  collection  of  taxes        .       166 

Dartmouth,  tax  abated 502 

Dartmouth,  to  be  credited  by  treasurer  with  the  sum  mentioned  235 
Dedhara,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor  .         .         .251 

Dedham,  resolve  on  petition  of  inhabitants  of  .  .  .  135 
Deerfleld,  Julius  Allis  and  family  set  off  from  ....       264 


652 


Index. 


Page 

Towns  —  Continued. 

Deer  Isle,  to  show  cause 515 

Dighton,  fine  remitted        ...'.....  474 

Doixhester,  certain  Inhabitants  set  off  from      ....  319 

Douglas,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor         .        .         .  256 

Dracut,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor   .         .        143,  254,  488 
Dracut,  proprietors  of  bridge  between  town  of  Chelmsford 

and,  incorporated 284 


Dunstable,  certain  inhabitants  set  off  from      .... 

Dunstable,  to  show  cause 

Easthara,  tax  abated 

Easton,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor  .... 
Easton,  Congregational  Parish  in,  incorporated 
Edgartown,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor    142,  251,  431 
Edgartown,  act  for  prevention  of  damage  to  the  beach  and 

meadows  of,  and  for  the  preservation  of  fisheries  in 
Edgartown,  fine  remitted  .... 
Edgartown,  preservation  of  oysters  in 
Edgartown,  resolve  on  petition  in  behalf  of 
Falmouth,  grant  to  certain  inhabitants  of 
Fitchburg,  tax  abated         .... 
Fitchburg,  to  show  cause  .... 
Framingham,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor 
Framlngham,  empowered  to  regulate  its  fisheries    . 
Framingham,  part  of,  annexed  to  town  of  Marlborough 
Franklin,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor 
Franklin,  order  on  petition  of  Elisha  Richardson  and  Moses 

Fisher  to  be  annexed  to 

Franklin,  selectmen  of,  to  provide  for  Alexander  Reed 

Freetown,  fine  remitted 

Freetown,  preservation  of  oysters  in        .         .         . 
Fryeburg,  academy  established  in      . 
Fryeburg,  empowered  to  exchange  ministerial  land 
Fryeburg,  resolve  on  petition  of  selectmen  of 

Fryeburg,  tax  abated 

Fryeburg,  to  be  discharged  from  certain  demands   . 
Fryeburg,  treasurer  to  suspend  issuing  execution  against 
Georgetown,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor 
Gloucester,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor 
Gorham,  Baptist  Society  in,  incorporated 

Gorham,  tax  abated 

Granby,   certain   inhabitants  of  town  of  South  Hadley 

nexed  to 

Granville,  town  clerk  of,  not  to  be  prosecuted 

Gray  and  New  Gloucester,  Baptist  Religious  Society  in 

porated    

Greenfield,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor 
Greenfield,  fine  remitted 


324 
165 
103 
433 
290 
488 


58 

121 

9 

96 
225 
499 
158 
254,  526 
337 

27 
252 

108 
218 
166 
9 
293 


182 

117 

201 

422 

434,  489 

253,  529 

60 

.   509 


253,  431 


18 
527 
194 


Index.  653 

Page 
Towns  —  Continued. 

Greenfield,  proprietors  of  bridge  over  Connecticut  river,  be- 
tween town  of  Montague  and,  incorporated  .  .  .  329 
Greenfield,  town  clerk  of,  not  to  be  prosecuted  .  .  .  420 
Greenwich,  relating  to  North  and  South  Parishes  in  .  .  298 
Groton,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor  .  .  .  489,  528 
Groton,  grant  to  purchasers  from  proprietors  of  .  .  .451 
Groton,  resolve  on  petition  in  behalf  of  proprietors  of  .         .       180 

Halifax,  to  show  cause 449 

Hallo  well,  academy  established  in 30 

Hancock,  tax  abated •       397 

Hanover,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor         .        252,  255,  528 

Hanover,  alewife  fishery  in,  regulated 299 

Hanover  and  Pembroke,  owners  of  mills  and  dams  on  stream 

between,  to  show  cause 104 

Hardwick,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor      .        .        .       142 
Harvard,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor         .        .        .489 

Harvard,  doings  of,  confirmed 178 

Harvard,  fine  remitted 438 

Haverhill,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor       .        .        .488 

Hawley,  incorporated 293 

Heath,  order  on  petition  of 429 

Hebron,  incorporated 332 

HoUiston,  fine  remitted 442 

Hopkinton,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor     .        .       253,  254 

Hopkinton,  fine  remitted 194 

Ipswich,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor  .         .       253,  529 

Ipswich,  buildings,  etc.,  of  woollen  manufactory  in,  exempted 

from  taxation 499 

Ipswich,  to  show  cause 460 

Kingston,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor        .        .       431,  488 

Kittery,  to  show  cause 447 

Lancaster,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor       .         .        .489 
Lancaster,  Peter  Larkin  and  family  set  ofi"  from,  and  annexed 

to  district  of  Berlin 23 

Lanesborough,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor       .        142,  432 

Lebanon,  tax  abated 512 

Lee,  Hopland  school  district  incorporated  in    .        .         .        .        55 

Leicester,  fine  remitted 445 

Leicester,  town  clerk  of,  excused  from  paying  fine  .         .        .537 

Leominster,  fine  remitted 392 

Lexington,  to  show  cause 411 

Limington,  incorporated 296 

Lincoln,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor  .        .        .       252,  527 

Lincoln,  fine  remitted 121 

Littleton,  fine  remitted 121 

Littleton,  order  on  petition  for  tract  of  land  to  be  set  off  from  .       501 
Longmeadow,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor         .         .       488 


654 


Index. 


143 


Towns  —  Continued. 

Lunenburg,  resolve  on  petition  of  proprietors  of 

Machias,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor 

Machias,  Wasliington  academy  established  in  . 

Maiden,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor  . 

Maiden,  First  and  Second  Parishes  in,  dissolved  and  certai 

articles  of  agreement  between,  confirmed 
Marlborough,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor  . 
Marlborough,  part  of  Framingham  annexed  to 
Marshfield,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor 
Marshfleld,  Episcopal  Protestant  Society  in,  incorporated 
Medfield,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor  .        143,  252,  526 
Medfield,  town  clerk  of,  not  to  be  prosecuted   . 
Medway,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor  . 
Medway,  boundary  line  between  town  of  Sherbur 

tablished 

Medway,  resolve  on  petition  of  inhabitants  of . 
Medway,  west  precinct  in,  to  show  cause 
Mendon,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor 
Mendon,  doings  of  First  Parish  in,  confirmed  . 
Mendon,  resolve  on  petition  of  selectmen  of     . 
Methuen,  John  Ladd  annexed  to  Second  Parish  in 
Methuen,  John  Tippet  annexed  to  First  Parish  in 
Middleborough,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor 
Middleborough,  alewife  fishery  in,  regulated    . 
Middleborough,  to  show  cause  .... 

Milford,  fine  remitted 

Monmouth,  incorporated 

Montague,  proprietors  of  bridge  over  Connecticut   river  be 

tween  town  of  Greenfield  and,  incorporated  . 
Montgomery,  part  of,  incorporated  as  town  of  Russell 
Montgomery,  parts  of  towns  of  Norwich  and  Southampton 

annexed  to 

Mount  Washington,  selectmen  and  town  clerk  of,  exempted 

from  paying  fine 

Natick,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor    . 

Needham,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor 

Needham,  resolve  on  petition  of  selectmen  of  . 

New  Bedford,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor  .       255, 

New  Bedford,  preservation  of  alewives  in  Acquesnet  river  in 

New  Braintree,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor 

New  Braintree,  boundary  line  between  town  of  Brookfield  and, 

established 

New  Braintree,  boundary  line  between  town  of  Brookfield  and, 

re-established 

Newbury,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor 
Newbury,  order  on  petition  of  Nathaniel  Carter  and  others  to 
erect   a  bridge   over   Merrimack   river,   between   town  of 
Salisbury  and 


Page 

220 

433 

334 

253,  486 


308 
434 
27 
527 
7 
528 
206 
253 


251, 


329 
323 


512 
254 

528 
106 
432 
14 
252 


343 

528 


Index.  655 

Page 
Towxs  —  Continued. 

Newbury,  proprietors  of  bridge  between  town  of  Salisbury 

and,  incorporated 315 

Newburyport,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor  .  143,  529 
Newburyport,  resolve  on  petition  of  North   Congregational 

Society  in 382 

New  Gloucester,  tax  abated 207 

New  Gloucester  and  Gray,  Baptist  Religious  Society  in,  incor- 
porated     18 

New  Marlboro,  to  show  cause 452 

Newton,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor  ....      253 
Noridgwalk,  order  on   petition  for  certain   land  to   be  an- 
nexed to 470 

Northampton,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor  .  432,  489 
Northbridge,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor  .        .        .      488 

Northfield,  fine  remitted 121 

Northfield,  town  clerk  of,  not  to  be  prosecuted  .  .  .  241 
North  Yarmouth,  town  clerk  of,  not  to  be  prosecuted  .  .  196 
Norton,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor  .  .  .  254,  528 
Norwich,  part  of,  annexed  to  town  of  Montgomery  .        .       331 

Orriugton,  certain  settlers  in,  quieted 193 

Orrington,  proprietors  of  a  certain  lot  of  land  in,   to  be 

paid 198 

Partridgefield,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor         .       434,  486 

Paxton,  tax  abated 167 

Pembroke,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor       .        .       252,  529 

Pembroke,  alewife  fishery  in,  regulated 299 

Pembroke,  town  clerk  of,  not  to  be  prosecuted  .  .  .  153 
Pembroke  and  Hanover,  owners  of  mills  and  dams  on  stream 

between,  to  show  cause 104 

Penobscot,  notary  public  for,  constituted  a  notary  public  for 

county  of  Hancock 112 

Pepperell,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor        .        .        .       142 

Pepperell,  flue  remitted 391 

Petersham,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor  .  .  .  433 
Plymouth,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor  .  .  253,  527 
Plympton,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor  .  .  143,  433 
Plympton,  assessors  of,  to  assess  tax  on  towns  of  Plympton 

and  Carver 150 

Plympton,  part  of,  incorporated  as  town  of  Carver         .        .  5 

Portland,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor  .  .  ,  431 
Portland,  Episcopal  Church  in,  incorporated    .        .        .        .        61 

Provincetown,  tax  abated 469 

Quiucy,  incorporated 319 

Keadfield,  incorporated 84 

Reading,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor  .        .        ,       254,  487 

Reading,  resolve  on  petition  of 450 

Rehoboth,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor  .  .  ,  487 
Richmond,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor      .        254,  432,  486 


656 


Index. 


Towns  —  Continued. 

Richmond,  grant  of  certain  lands  to 

Rochester,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor       .        .       254 
Rochester,  act  further  regulating  alewife  fishery  in  Mattepoi- 

set  river  in 

Rowe,  order  on  petition  of 

Roxbury,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor 

Roxbury,  resolve  on  petition  of  inhabitants  of 

Salem,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor    .         .        .       253 

Salisbury,  order  on  petition  of  Nathaniel  Carter  and  others, 

to  erect  a  bridge  over  Merrimack  river,  between  town  of 

Newbury  and 

Salisbury,  proprietors  of  bridge  between  town  of  Newbury 

and,  incorporated    

Sandisfield,  to  show  cause  .        . 

Sandwich,  proceedings  of  Second  Parish  in,  made  valid 
Sanford,  treasurer  directed  to  charge  with  certain  sums 
Scituate,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor 
Sharon,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor   . 
Sharon,  Samuel  Holmes,  Jr.,  annexed  to  . 
Shelburne,  order  on  petition  of  .         .         . 

Shelburne,  town  clerk  of,  not  to  be  prosecuted 
Shepardsfleld  and  Bakerstown,  agents  for,  appointed 
Sherburn,  boundary  line  between  town  of  Medway  and 

tablished 

Sherburn,  preservation  of  oysters  in 

Sherburn,  to  show  cause 

Shirley,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor  . 
Shrewsbury,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor 

Sidney,  incorporated 

Somerset,  preservation  of  oysters  in 
Southampton,  part  of,  annexed  to  town  of  Montgomery 
Southborough,  fine  remitted      .... 
South  Hadley,  certain  inhabitants  set  off  from 
Southwick,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor 

Spencer,  allowance  to 

Stockbridge,  certain  assessments  abated  . 
Stoughton,  Samuel  Holmes,  Jr.,  set  off  from   . 
Sudbury,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor 
Sudbury,  resolve  on  petition  in  behalf  of 
Swanzey,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor 
Swanzey,  preservation  of  oysters  in  . 
Taunton,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor 
Taunton,  certain  privileges  granted  to  proprietors  of  si 

mill  in 

Taunton,  First  Congregational  Society  in,  incorporated 

Templeton,  fine  remitted 

Topsfleld,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor 


254, 


ttin 


254, 


431, 


Page 


474 
527 


28 
429 


135 
529 


409 

315 
452 
192 
128 
526 
489 


421 

120 

326 
9 
220 
529 
432 


103 
328 
487 
232 
221 
301 
254 
102 
487 


253, 


251 

289 

63 

392 

528 


Index. 


657 


433, 


251, 


Towns  —  Continued. 

Topsham,  to  be  reimbursed  the  sum  mentioned 
Truro,  resolve  on  petition  of  selectmen  of 
Truro,  tax  remitted  to  repair  harbor  in     . 

Turner,  to  show  cause 

Tyngsborough,   order  on  petition  of  Josiah  Danforth  and 

others  to  be  annexed  to 

Tyringham,  to  show  cause 

Uxbridge,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor       .        251, 

Uxbridge,  resolve  on  petition  of 

Uxbridge,  to  return  arms  borrowed  of  the  Commonwealth 

Vassalborough,  fine  remitted 

Vassalborough,  order  on  petition  for  division  of 
Vassalborough,  part  of,  incorporated  as  town  of  Sidney 
Vinalhaven,  resolve  on  petition  of  inhabitants  of    . 
"Waldoborough,  assessors  empowered  with  respect  to  collec- 
tion of  taxes 

Waldoborough,  relative  to  collection  of  taxes  in 

Waldoborough,  tax  abated 

Walpole,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor 

Walpole,  prosecution  against  selectmen  and  town  clerli  of, 

suspended        

Waltham,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor 

Warwicli,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor 

Wasliington,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor  . 

Washington,  accounts  to  be  exhibited 

Westborough,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor         252,  432, 

Western,  order  on  petition  of  Samuel  and  Joseph  Tidd,  to  be 

set  off  from 

Westfleld,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor 
Westfleld,  part  of,  incorporated  as  town  of  Russell 

Westminster,  to  show  cause 

Westport,  fine  remitted 

Westport,  treasurer  to  .add  to  tax  on,  the  sum  mentioned 
West  Springfield,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor 
Wilbraham,  empowered  to  choose  a  collector  of  taxes 
Williamsburgh,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor 
Williamstown,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor        252,  526, 

Williamstown,  tax  abated 

Winchendon,   authorized  to   give   deeds   of  the  lands 

tioned 

Windham,  Baptist  Society  in,  incorporated 
Winslow,  assessment  in,  made  valid 
Winslow,  resolve  making  assessment  in,  valid,  repealed 
Winsor,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor  . 
Winthrop,  part  of,  incorporated  as  town  of  Eeadfield 
Worcester,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor 
Worcester,  authorized  to  sell  the  land  mentioned    . 


Page 

234 
461 


252, 


165 
452 
526 

176 
176 
438 
394 

283 
417 

384 
456 
422 
432 

124 
141 
487 
254 

178 

487 

123 
527 
323 
158 
391 
235 
143 
98 
527 


454 
59 

202 
467 
433 
84 
255 
491 


658  Index. 

Page 

Towns  —  Concluded. 

Worcester,  buildings,  etc.,  used  in  the  manufacture  of  cotton 

in,  exempted  from  taxation 481 

Worcester,  empowered  to  sell  the  land  mentioned    .        .        .  408 

Worthington,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor          .        .  487 

Yarmouth,  preservation  of  oysters  in 9 

York,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor      .        .        .        .489 

Township,  No.  8,  in  county  of  Washington,  land  in,  to  be  laid  out 

for  settlers 426 

of  Gouldsborough,  grant  of,  confirmed 496 

of  Tyngstown,  resurvey  to  be  made  for  proprietors  of    .         .  456 

of  Warner,  formerly  No.  1 ,  resolve  on  petition  of  proprietors  of  463 

Tracey,  John,  deputy  adjutant  general,  account  allowed     .        .         .  525 

Tracy,  John,  discharged  from  the  sum  mentioned      ....  494 

John,  and  others,  resolve  on  petition  of 465 

Treasurer,  allowance  to 130,  415 

committee  appointed  to  examine  accounts  of  .        .         .        .  536 
directed  in  relation  to  payment  of  warrants,  due  bills  and 

orders 185 

directed  not  to  send  tax  act  to  Plantation  No.  22     .         .         .  240 

directed  relative  to  enforcing  the  collection  of  taxes        .         .  424 

directed  relative  to  loaning  Pickering's  certificates  .        .         .  404 
not  to  issue  execution  against  certain  towns  for  collection  of 

taxes 523 

resolve  on  petition  of 404 

to  add  to  the  tax  on  town  of  Westport  the  sum  mentioned      .  235 

to  borrow  money  to  pay  Castle  roll 126 

to  borrow  money  to  pay  the  civil  list         ....       148,  226 

to  borrow  money  to  pay  William  Coombs  and  others       .         .  149 

to  borrow  money  to  pay  Jacob  Kuhn 134 

to  borrow  money  to  pay  Lewis  DeMaresquelle         .         .        134,  149 

to  borrow  money  to  pay  Richard  Devens  and  others        .        .  Ill 
to  borrow  money  to  pay  the  commissary  general      .        .         .133 

to  borrow  money  to  pay  members  of  general  court .        .        .  128 

to  borrow  money  to  pay  town  of  Boston  for  support  of  poor  133 
to  call  on  comptroller  general  and  naval  officers  to  settle  their 

accounts ' 446 

to  call  upon  naval  ofiicers  to  make  speedy  settlement       .        .  402 

to  charge  the  town  of  Sanford  with  certain  sums    .         .        .  123 

to  confer  with  Nathaniel  Appleton  relative  to  state's  notes      .  235 

to  credit  Thomas  Drury  with  the  sum  mentioned     .        .         .  468 

to  credit  Elijah  Hunt  with  a  sum  of  money      ....  389 

to  credit  Elisha  Porter  with  the  sum  mentioned       .        .         .  458 

to  credit  town  of  Dartmouth  with  the  sum  mentioned     .        .  235 

to  credit  town  of  Topsham  with  the  sum  mentioned       .         .  234 

to  deliver  bonds  of  Caleb  Hyde  to  the  attorney  general  .        .  215 

to  deposit  public  monies  in  the  Massachusetts  bank          .         •  241 

to  discharge  Edmund  Bridge  of  the  sum  mentioned         .         .  404 


Index.  659 

Page 

Treasurer,  to  discharge  Eleazar  Brooks  of  the  sum  mentioned  .        .  213 

to  discharge  Noah  Hall  from  certain  notes        ....  243 

to  discharge  John  Tracy  from  the  sum  mentioned    .        .        .  494 

to  discharge  plantation  of  Brownfleld  of  certain  taxes   .         .  465 
to  discharge  plantation  of  Brownfleld  from  payment  of  the 

sum  mentioned 424 

to  discharge  town  of  Fryeburg  from  certain  demands     .        .  201 

to  discharge  wages  of  Charles  Phillips  as  a  soldier  .        .        .  234 

to  discharge  a  warrant  drawn  in  favor  of  George  Morgan      .  410 

to  furnish  plantations  with  laws  and  resolves  ....  241 

to  give  note  to  Jonathan  Newell        .        .        ...        .         .  482 

to  issue  note  to  Benjamin  Brown 122 

to  issue  note  to  Samuel  Brown 480 

to  issue  note  to  Stephen  Bruce 471 

to  issue  note  to  Benjamin  Carr 234 

to  issue  note  to  John  Crawford 241 

to  issue  note  to  Samuel  Gore 534 

to  issue  note  to  John  Kirkland  .        .  * 184 

to  issue  note  to  Lydia  Pratt 124 

to  issue  note  to  Daniel  Eobins,  Jr 384 

to  issue  notes  to  Joseph  Brown 187 

to  issue  notes  to  Benjamin  Lawrence 97 

to  issue  notes  to  Josiah  Mills 107 

to  pay  Abigail  Allen 188- 

to  pay  Samuel  Calef 513 

to  pay  Stephen  Clap 413 

to  pay  Calvin  Curtis 457 

to  pay  John  Lowell  and  Theophilus  Parsons     ....  632 

to  pay  Michael  McDonnell 406 

to  pay  Dr.  Ward  Noyes  and  Dr.  Thomas  Kittredge .        .        .  236 

to  pay  John  Ruddock 236 

to  pay  Samuel  Slater 402 

to  pay  Samuel  Snow 472 

to  pay  John  Sutton 131 

to  pay  Saml.  Tobey 157 

to  pay  Dudley  Tyler 212 

to  pay  Frances  Shirley  Western 233 

to  pay  Ebenezer  Woodward 473 

to  pay  bounty  on  hemp,  duck  and  twine 238 

to  pay  the  civil  list 424 

to  pay  grant  to  William  Donnison 107 

to  pay  wages  due  estate  of  Lott  Dwelle 213 

to  pay  wages  to  Nathaniel  Basa  and  John  Look        .        .         .  100 

to  pay  wages  to  Stephen  Torrey 113 

to  pay  out  copper  cents  at  the  rate  mentioned  ....  106 

to  perform  duties  pertaining  to  office  of  comptroller  general  .  277 

to  postpone  final  settlement  of  accounts  with  Elijah  Hunt      .  106 

to  receive  certain  notes 458 


660 


Index. 


Page 


192 
.       196 

197,  450,  473 


Treasurer,  to  receive  consolidated  notes  in  payment  of  the  sum  men- 
tioned       

to  receive  consolidated  notes  of  Joseph  Staples 

to  receive  consolidated  notes  of  Prince  West  . 

to  receive  consolidated  securities  of  Jedediah  and  Ephraim 
Holmes 

to  receive  indents  of  James  Bott 

to  settle  accounts  with  Loammi  Baldwin  . 

to  settle  with  Joseph  Henderson 

to  stay  execution  against  Jacob  Comings 

to  stay  execution  against  town  of  Charlemont 

to  stay  execution  against  town  of  Waldoborougl 

to  stay  executions  for  certain  taxes  . 

to  subscribe  to  the  loan  proposed  by  congress  . 

to  suspend  final  adjustment  of  account  with  William  Drew 

to  suspend  final  adjustment  of  account  with  Elijah  Hunt 

to  suspend  issuing  execution  against  town  of  Fryeburg  . 
Treasurer  and  receiver  generaT,  relative  to  duties  etc. 
Treasurer's  accounts,  county  of  Barnstable,  allowed 

county  of  Bristol,  allowed 

county  of  Cumberland,  allowed 206 


171, 


396 
127 
240 
502 
134 
398 
423 
509 
214 
156 
155 
422 
355 
441 
444 
494 


county  of  Essex,  allowed 160,  517 

county  of  Hampshire,  allowed 174,  444 

county  of  Lincoln,  allowed 195 

county  of  Middlesex,  allowed 162,  461 

county  of  Plymouth,  allowed 175,  443 

county  of  Sufl'olk,  allowed 235 

county  of  Wasliington,  allowed 419 

county  of  Worcester,  allowed 159,  459 

county  of  York,  allowed 399 

405 
211 
355 
433 
473 


Treasurer's  books,  committee  appointed  to  examine  .    •     . 

Treasurers,  county,  relating  to  allowance  of  accounts  of  . 

Treasury  of  the  Commonwealth,  act  providing  for  the  security  of  . 

Trifle,  Betty,  relating  to 

Troutbeck,  John,  relating  to 

Trowlett,  Michael,  relating  to 513 

True,  Jabez,  relating  to 18 

William,  I'elating  to 18 

Truro,  town  of,  resolve  on  petition  of  selectmen  of  .         .         .        .  461 

tax  remitted  to  repair  harbor  in 409 

Trustees,  of  Berwick  academy,  incorporated 78 

of  Berwick  academy,  township  of  land  granted  to  .        .         .  475 

of  Fryeburg  academy,  incorporated 293 

of  Hallowell  academy,  incorporated 31 

of  Hallowell  academy,  townsliip  of  land  granted  to        .         .  385 

of  Washington  academy,  incorporated 334 

Tryfle,  Betty,  relating  to 176,  251,  526 

Tucker,  Benjamin,  relating  to 463 


Index.  661 

Page 

Tucker,  John,  allowance  to 237,  515 

Joseph,  relating  to 400,  533 

Joseph,  to  show  cause 248 

Capt.  Joseph,  and  others,  grant  to 502 

William,  relating  to 107 

Tuckerman,  Edward,  relating  to 476 

Edward,  and  John  Lucas,  resolve  on  petition  of      •        .        .      464 
Tudor,  William,  agent  of  the  Commonwealth,  appointed  .        .        .181 

Tufts,  Cotton,  account  allowed 528 

Cotton,  member  of  committee,  appointed         ....       405 

Cotton,  relating  to ,333 

John,  relating  to 18 

William,  relating  to 100 

Tupper,  James,  relating  to 211 

Turner,  town  of,  to  show  cause 454 

Turner,  Rev.  Charles,  chaplain  at  Castle  island,  pay  established        .       165 

George,  and  family,  relating  to 526 

Israel,  resolve  on  petition  of 153 

Job,  account  allowed 252 

John  and  wife,  relating  to 143,  252 

Samuel,  allowed  to  take  the  name  of  Samuel  James  Longman      320 

Thomas,  account  allowed 433 

William,  relating  to 320 

Tuttle,  Sampson,  to  be  paid  wages  due  Tower  Hill    ....       156 

Twichel,  Joseph,  account  allowed 431,  529 

Twichell,  Joseph,  allowance  to 447 

Joseph,  relatiug  to 435 

Twine,  duck  and  sail  cloth,  bounty  on,  continued      ....       483 
Twine,  hemp  and  duck,  appropriation  made  for  paying  bounty  on     .       238 

Twombly,  Andrew,  relating  to 60 

Tyler,  Dudley,  resolve  on  petition  of 212 

John  S.,  deputy  adjutant  general,  account  allowed  142,  255,  432,  525 

Joseph,  relating  to 315 

Joseph  and  George,  resolve  on  petition  of        ...        .       217 

Nathan,  relating  to 285 

Nathan,  resolve  on  petition  of 176 

Tyng,  Dudley  Atkins,  relating  to 315 

Col.  John,  relating  to 325 

William,  relating  to 407,  417 

Tyngsborough,  district  of,  certain  inhabitants  of  town  of  Dunstable 

annexed  to 324 

Tyngsborough,  town  of,  order  on  petition  of  Josiah  Dauforth  and 

others  to  be  annexed  to 165 

Tyngstown,  township  of,  resurvey  to  be  made  for  proprietors  of      .      456 

Tyringham,  town  of,  to  show  cause 452 

Tything  men,  duties  and  powers  of 354 


662  Index. 

U. 

Page 
Unappropriated  lands,  in  county  of  Lincoln,  committee  on,  to  con- 
vey lands  to   certain  purchasers   from  the  proprietors  of 

Groton 451 

committee  for  sale   of,  to   confirm   lands   to  proprietors  of 

Groton 180 

United  States,  light  houses  within  the  Commonwealth  ceded  to        .  7 

relating  to  the  preparation  of  accounts  against        .         .         .  170 
University  at  Cambridge,  governor's  message  relative  to  a  petition 

of  the  overseers  of 573 

Upham,  Lydia,  account  allowed 251 

Jabez,  account  allowed 250 

Upton,  Jacob,  and  others,  order  on  petition  of 158 

Joseph,  set  off  from  town  of  Dunstable  and  annexed  to  dis- 
trict of  Tyngsborough 324 

Uxbridge,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor   .        251,433,526 

resolve  on  petition  of 176 

to  return  arms  borrowed  of  the  Commonwealth      .        .        .  176 


Y. 

Van  Ducen,  "William,  relating  to 275 

Van  Dusen,  Abraham,  relating  to 275 

Abraham,  Jr.,  relating  to 276 

Isaac,  relating  to 276 

Isaac,  3d,  relating  to 276 

Isaac,  Jr.,  relating  to 276 

Jacob,  relating  to 275 

Jacob,  2d,  relating  to 275 

John,  relating  to 275 

John,  Jr.,  relating  to 276 

Varnum,  Bradley,  relating  to 285 

J.  B.,  resolve  on  representation  of 483 

James,  relating  to 285 

Jonathan,  relating  to 285 

Joseph  B.,  account  allowed 527 

Joseph  B.,  member  of  committee,  appointed    ....  135 

Joseph  B.,  to  examine  accounts  of  commissary  of  pensioners  428 

Joseph  Bradley,  relating  to 285 

Parker,  relating  to 284 

Vassalborough,  town  of,  fine  remitted 438 

order  on  petition  for  division  of 394 

part  of,  incorporated  as  town  of  Sidney 283 

Vaughan,  Charles,  relating  to 31,  333 

Vaughn,  Jabez,  and  others,  resolve  on  petition  of      ...        .  498 


Index.  663 

Page 
Vermont  and  New  Hampshire,  governor  requested  to  write  gov- 
ernors of,  relative  to  preservation  of  fish      ....  393 

Vickery,  Charity,  allowance  to 453 

Eli,  relating  to 453 

Vinal,  David,  empowex'ed  to  collect  arrearages  of  taxes  in  town  of 

Waldoborough 455 

Vinalhaven,  town  of ,  resolve  on  petition  of  inhabitants  of        .        .  417 

Vose,  Daniel,  account  allowed 529 

Daniel,  resolve  on  petition  of 511 

Thomas,  account  allowed  .    " 253 


w. 

Wainwright,  David,  relating  to 275 

Wait,  John,  relating  to 487 

John,  resolve  on  petition  of 248,  400 

Thomas  B.,  account  allowed 143,432,527 

Waite,  Benjamin,  relating  to 62 

Benjamin,  Jr.,  relating  to 62 

Enoch,  relating  to 60 

Francis,  relating  to 62 

John,  relating  to 62,  460 

Samuel,  relating  to 62 

Stephen,  relating  to 62 

Thomas,  relating  to 62 

William,  relating  to 62 

Walcut,  Thomas,  account  allowed 434 

Walcutt,  Thomas,  allowance  to 237 

Waldoborough,  town  of.  assessors  of,  empowered  with  respect  to 

collection  of  taxes 384 

relative  to  collection  of  taxes  in 455 

tax  abated 422 

Wales,  plantation  of,  incorporated  as  town  of  Monmouth         .        .  279 

Wales,  Ebenr.,  relating  to 473 

Walker,  Adam,  relating  to 157 

Ezekiel,  empowered  to  collect  tax 182 

Joseph,  relating  to 485 

Rlchd.,  relating  to 441 

Thomas,  I'esolve  on  petition  of 102 

William,  resolve  on  petition  of 414 

Wallace,  Joseph,  relating  to 335 

Josiah,  and  John  Parsons,  resolve  on  petition  of     .        .         .  163 

Wallis,  Thomas,  relating  to 528 

Walpole,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor    .        .        .  432 

prosecution  against  selectmen  and  town  clerk  of,  suspended  .  124 

Waltham,  town  of ,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor   .        .         .  141 

Ward,  Hezekiah,  resolve  on  petition  of 167 


664  Index. 

Page 

Ward,  John,  relating  to 60 

Mariana,  relating  to 253 

Samuel,  resolve  on  petition  of 514 

Wm.,  relating  to 132 

Warder,  James,  relating  to 450 

Warner,  formerly  No.  1,  township  of,  resolve  on  petition  of  propri- 
etors of 463 

Warner,  Daniel,  and  others,  order  on  petition  of       ...        .  452 

Jonathan,  relating  to 177 

Phillip,  relating  to      .         .         .■ 487 

Stephen,  resolve  on  petition  of 399 

Warrants,  due  bills  and  orders,  resolve  for  payment  of     .        .         .  185 
Warren,  Benjamin,  brigade  major,  account  allovped  .         .        .       255,  628 

David,  and  others,  resolve  on  petition  of 451 

Ephraim,  resolve  on  petition  of 159 

George,  member  of  committee,  appointed         ....  479 

George,  resolve  on  petition  of 202 

George,  resolve  on  petition  of,  repealed 467 

Henry,  clerk  of  the  house  of  representatives,  allowance  to     .  534 

James,  allowance  to 136 

James,  relating  to 219 

John,  relating  to 18,  25 

Peter,  relating  to 62 

Samuel,  relating  to 61 

Warwick,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor  .         .       251,  487 

Washburn,  Abiezer,  relating  to 97 

Abraham,  resolve  on  petition  of 97 

Ebenezer,  member  of  committee  appointed       ....  449 

Stephen,  relating  to 18 

Washington  academy,  established 334 

Washington  county,  accounts  of  treasurer  allowed  and  tax  granted  419 

message  of  governor  relative  to 551 

notary  public  to  be  appointed  for 393 

time  of  holding  courts  of  general  sessions  of  the  peace  and 

of  common  pleas  in,  changed 70 

Washington,    Hancock,    York,   Cumberland  and  Lincoln   counties, 

designated  as  a  congressional  district 118 

Washington,  Lincoln  and  Hancock  counties,  supreme  judicial  court 

to  be  holden  for 270 

Washington,  plantation  of,  tax  abated 172 

Washington,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor      .        .  254 

accounts  to  be  exhibited 178 

Washington,  General,  relating  to 249 

John,  relating  to 487 

Waters,  Joseph,  relating  to 434 

Watson,  Oliver,  account  allowed 254 

Waymouth,  Timothy,  relating  to 18 

Webb,  David,  relating  to 202,  467 


Index.  665 

Pnge 

Webb,  Edward,  relating  to 61 

Josiah,  relating  to 60 

Webber,  Charles,  order  on  petition  of 394 

Wedgery,  William,  member  of  committee,  appointed         .         .        .      510 

William,  to  issue  warrant 19.  332 

Weeks,  Joseph,  relating  to 18 

Weld,  Ezra,  account  allowed 527 

Ezra  Waldo,  account  allowed 141,252,483 

Weller,  John,  taxes  due  from,  abated 509 

Wells,  Arnold,  allowance  to 531 

John,  relating  to 463 

Natlianiel,  account  allowed 434 

Nathaniel,  allowance  to 229 

Nathaniel,  member  of  committee,  appointed     .        .        .       221,539 

Nathaniel,  relating  to 78,  435,  510 

Nathl.,  and  others,  account  discharged     .....       163 

Welsh,  John,  grant  to 472 

Dr.  Thomas,  account  allowed 528 

Dr.  Thomas,  relating  to 25 

Wendell,  Oliver,  relating  to 361 

Oliver,  and  others,  resolve  on  petition  of  ....       208 

Wentworth,  Thomas  M.,  resolve  on  petition  of 512 

West,  Anah,  relating  to 485 

David,  account  allowed 14^3 

Isaac,  resolve  on  petition  of 504 

Prince,  permitted  to  pay  the  sum  mentioned  in  consolidated 

notes 197,450,473 

Westborough,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor  252,  432,  487 
Western,  town  of,  order  on  petition  of  Samuel  and  Joseph  Tidd,  to 

be  set  off  from 123 

Western  lands,  relative  to  disposition  of 221 

resolve  on  report  of  committee  appointed  to  sell      .        .        .416 
two  undivided  third  parts  of,  declared  to  be  the  property  of 

the  Commonwealth 1"9 

West  Boston  bridge,  proprietors  of,  incorporated      ....      361 

Western,  Frances  Shirley,  grant  to  be  paid  to 233 

Westfield,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor  .        .       252,  527 

part  of,  incorporated  as  town  of  Russell 323 

Westminster,  town  of,  to  show  cause 158 

Westport,  town  of,  fine  remitted 391 

treasurer  to  add  to  tax  on,  the  sum  mentioned         .        .         .       235 
West  Springfield,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor       .       143 

Wetmore,  William,  relating  to •         .361 

Whale  and  cod  fisheries,  committee  appointed  to  collect  and  trans- 
mit information  relative  to 137 

information  concerning,  to   be   furnished   the    secretary   of 

state 146 

Wharff,  Thomas,  relating  to 18 


666  Index. 

Page 
Wharves,  lands  and  other  real  estate  lying  in  common,  addition  to 

act  relating  to  management  of 71 

Wheeler,  Jesse,  account  allowed 253 

Mary,  relating  to 200 

Wheelwright,  Daniel,  relating  to 127 

Dorothy,  resolve  on  petition  of 127 

John,  resolve  on  petition  of 507 

Nathaniel,  relating  to 507 

White,  James,  account  allowed 144,  249,  256,  529 

John,  naturalized 85 

John,  relating  to 7 

Sylvanus,  relating  to 7 

Whiting,  Abraham  K.,  relating  to 276 

Jonathan,  to  issue  warrant 85 

Lewis,  resolve  on  petition  of 198 

Oliver,  Jr.,  relating  to 285 

Samuel,  relating  to 275 

Dr.  William,  account  allowed 249 

William,  relating  to 276 

William,  3d,  relating  to 276 

Whitman,  Dr.  Charles,  account  allowed 488 

Whitmarsh,  Ebenezer,  relating  to 18 

Whitney,  Caleb,  relating  to 532 

Micah,  relating  to 61 

Thomas,  relating  to 507 

Whitwell,  Samuel,  account  allowed 257,434,528 

Wight,  Dr.  Aaron,  account  allowed 142 

Wilbraham,  town  of,  empowered  to  choose  a  collector  of  taxes        .        98 
Wilder,  Abel,  member  of  committee,  appointed  .        .        .         .510 

Wilkins,  John,  relating  to 511,513,529 

Wilks,  George,  relating  to 527 

Williams,  Abraham,  brigade  major,  account  allowed.        .        .         .526 

Elijah,  member  of  committee,  appointed 498 

Hart,  relating  to 61 

John,  relating  to 276,  302 

Joseph,  deputy  adjutant  general,  account  allowed  .        .       250,  525 

Polly,  relating  to 488 

Saml.,  relating  to 441 

Williamsburgh,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor  .         .       527 
Williamstown,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor    252,  526,  528 

tax  abated 509 

Willington,  Jeduthan,  account  allowed 530 

Willis,  Jack,  relating  to 434 

Wilson,  Elijah,  relating  to 475 

Elisha,  and  others,  resolve  on  petition  of 475 

Mary,  relating  to 476 

Peter,  relating  to 476 

William,  relating  to 251 


Index.  667 

Page 
Winchendon,  town  of,  authorized  to  give  deeds  of  the  lands  men- 
tioned        ^Si 

Windham,  town  of.  Baptist  Society  in,  incorporated .        ,        •        .  59 

Windship,  Gersham,  relating  to  •. 60 

John,  relating  to 60 

Joshua,  relating  to 60 

Richard,  relating  to 60 

Winford,  William,  relating  to 632 

Wingate,  Pain,  relating  to 463 

Winship,  Rev.  Josiah,  relating  to 31 

Winslow,  town  of,  assessment  in,  made  valid     ......  202 

resolve  making  assessment  in,  valid,  repealed  ....  467 

Winslow,  Ephraim,  resolve  on  petition  of 162 

William,  relating  to 144 

Winsor,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor      .        .        .433 

Winthrop,  town  of,  part  of,  incorporated  as  town  of  Readfleld        .  84 

Winthrop,  James,  account  allowed 526 

James,  relating  to 489,  526 

Thomas,  relating  to 333 

Wood,  Benuet,  order  on  petition  of 501 

Eliakin,  relating  to 285 

Ephraim,  authorized  to  sell  the  real  estate  mentioned      .        .  208 

Dr.  Joshua,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor    .        .        .  489 

Oliver,  order  on  petition  of 470 

Thomas,  allowance  to 125 

Woodman,  David,  relating  to 18 

Isaiah,  relating  to 18 

John,  relating  to 18 

Joseph,  relating  to 18 

Woods,  Major  James,  relating  to 261 

Samson,  brigade  major,  account  allowed 526 

Woodward,  Ebenezer,  treasurer  to  pay 473 

Woollen  manufactory,  in  town  of  Ipswich,  buildings,  etc.,  exempted 

from  taxation 499 

Worcester  county,  accounts  of  treasurer  allowed  and  tax  granted    159,  459 

claims  against  late  sheriff  of,  to  be  adjusted      ....  439 
courts  of  common  pleas  and  general  sessions  of  the  peace  in, 

adjourned 478 

designated  as  a  congressional  district 118 

supreme  judicial  court  in,  adjourned 517 

Worcester,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor         .        .  255 

authorized  to  sell  the  land  mentioned 491 

buildings,  etc.,  used  in  the  manufacture  of  cotton  in,  exempted 

from  taxation 481 

empowered  to  sell  the  land  mentioned 408 

Worthington,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor      .        .  487 

Worthington,  John,  commissioner,  appointed 65 

John,  relating  to 302 


668  Index. 

Page 

Writs,  original,  time  and  manner  of  endorsing 19 

Writs  of  review,  relative  to  granting 278 

Wyer,  J-ohn,  relating  to 527 

Martha,  and  Eebecca,  accounts  allowed  for  support  of  poor  .  527 

Wyman,  Mary,  relating  to 468 


Y. 

Yancy,  James,  relating  to 423 

Yarmouth,  town  of,  preservation  of  oysters  in 9 

York  (*.'ounty,  accounts  of  treasurer  allowed  and  tax  granted      .        .  399 

supreme  judicial  court  in,  adjourned 517 

tax  granted 444 

York,    Cumberland,  Lincoln,  Washington  and  Hancock  counties, 

designated  as  a  congressional  district 118 

York,  town  of,  account  allowed  for  support  of  poor  ....  489 

York  river  bridge,  grant  to  proprietors  of 501 

Young,  Henry,  relating  to 485 

Younglove,  Jonathan,  relating  to         . 275 

Oliver,  relating  to 275 


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'i  '  C   ^''