\-t'n 7. IT... UT» A
It
A REPORT
Becokd Commissioners
CITY OF BOSTON,
CONTAINING THE
BOSTON RECORDS FROM 1729 TO 1742.
BOSTON:
ROCKWELL AND CHURCHILL, CITY PRINTERS,
No. 39 ARCH STREET.
1 - 8 5 .
[Document <><> — 1885.]
CITY OF I ; 1 BOSTON.
A REPORT
RECORD COMMISSIONERS.
This volume, being the Twelfth Report of the Record
Commissioners, is the fourth volume devoted to the Records
of the Town. It covers the period from the Town Meeting
of March 10, 1728-29, through the lasl meeting in 1742.
Between pages 63 and 64 will be found the copy of a
Plan of certain Fortifications projected in A.I). 1733, as
drawn in the original volume.
Preparations have been made to continue the publication
o!' these Records, and the public iuteresl in them shows no
sign of abatement .
The Thirteenth Report, now in press, contain- a continua-
tion of the Selectmen's Records. The Tenth Report is still
uncompleted.
William II. Whitmore,
William S. Appleton,
Record Commissioners.
City Hall, Boston, April, I
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS.
Anno Domini : 1 728 —
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston duly Qualified being Regulerly Assembled in a
Publick Town Meeting at the Town Souse in Boston On Monday
the Tenth day of March : 1728 :
After Prayer By the Rev d M r Sam" Checkley, Elisha Cooke Esq'
is Chosen Moderator for This Meeting.
Sundry Laws Against Imorallity &c Read.
Sundry Petitions and Motions Read — Viz'
About Paving in Comon Street
About Paving in Sudbury Street
About A Schoolmaster :it Rumny Marsh
About the Eligll Way in SuiTier Street
Thomas Fitches Present of Armes to the town
m' Peter Plins Petition.
About Paving in Bennet Street.
About Laying out A High way in the Coiiion.
The Constables .Memorial.
A motion About the Representatives.
m r Nathan Willims About an Usher
YVillians iV Rowe, Petition
M Sam" \\ aldos Petition
Sam 1 Checkley Ksq r Chose Town Clerk & Sworn.
Voted to Chus Assessors distinct from Selectmen
Voted to ( huse Seven Selectmen.
mess'" John Baker ^i
Jona" Waldo
Timothy Prout
Oxenbride Thatcher ► Chose Selectmen
David Farnum
John Hunt
Jona" Williams
Joseph Wads worth Esq 1 * ( Ihosen Town Treasu r for the year Ensuing
1 to ( Ihuse 16 : ( !onstables
Voted to Chuse : 7: Overseers of the Poor
Daniel Oliver 1 "|
Timothy Clark (■ Esq™ |
John Ruck )
mess' -lames Gouch )> Chose Overseers of the Poor
Sam Greenvs 1
Jeffry Bedgood
Jona" Jackson
City Document Xo. $£>.
Votes for a County Treasurer, were 147 Votes were Sealed up by
Constable Salte 1 and Ordered Him to Deliver to the Clerk of the
Peace of the County
Voted that the Meeting be adjoined untill three of the Clock.
[8.]
John Greenlief
Sworn >
Robert Watts -
Sworn
Edward Tothill
Pay'd
Robert Harris
Paid
George Hannahs
Paid
Thomas Cording -
Paid
Isaac White -
Paid
Joseph Leasonby -
Nathan" Emms
Sworn
Paid
- Chosen Constables
John Lee
Sworn
John Merrett -
Pay'd
Zecha' Hubbard
Paid
Moses ( J-reenlief
Paid
Ma the w Adams
Paid
Nicholas Belknap -
Excused
Joseph Dodge
Excused ,
Upon The Petition of Rumny Marsh for Alowance for A School-
master there —
Voted to ad Twenty Pounds to what they formerly Alowed to
m r Thomas Chever for the year Ensuing Provided that the inhab-
itants there procure A sutable Person to the Satisfaction of the
Selectmen
Officers Chosen for Rumny Marsh Viz 1
John Laith for Constable & Sworn
Jacob Chamberlin a Sealer of Leath 1
Isaac Lewis - - & Thomas Pratt Ju n Fence Viewers.
Daniel Wats - - Sworn
Sam" Pratt : Sworn
The Selectmen having Comunicated to the Town A Letter from
the Hon"' Thomas Fitch Esq' Dated the first Instant Signifying,
That He did Present to the Town Two Hundred and fifteen Fire-
locks with Bayonets fitted to them, to be for the use of the Town
of Boston forever
The Town with great unanimity proceed to vote their Thanks
for So Valuable and Generous A Present And agreeable to the
Desireof the 1 >oner likewise Voted That they will keep the Same or
the like Number of Good Lire Locks with Bayonets Fitted to them
from time to time in Good Order and Fitt for Service for the Nec-
essary Defence of this Town. And Voted That the Hon' 1, Elisha
Cook Adam Winthrop Esq" and ni r John Laker, be A Comittee
in behalf of the Town To Waite upon the Honourable I o
Thomas Fitch, with their Thanks and a Coppy of the Votes Afore
Said —
Then the Meeting Adjorned untill tomorrow-Morning at Eight
of the Clock —
Boston T< w \ Re< i »rds, 1 728.
The Town Mitt According to their Attornment
[3.]
Jona 11 Loring
E
xcused
- imuel White
Sworn
Joshua ( 'hever
E
xcused
Caleb Lyman
Sworn
Samuel Adams
V
xcused
Jonas ( 'lark
Sworn
Daniel Loring
Sworn
Jacob Royall
Paid
Joseph Russell
Swi Til
Nathan 11 Barber
Sworn
John ( iallender
Excnsd
John Gouch
Pay'd
John Ki
1 \
(1
W Price: a Trooper : Exxcud
John Marshall Ditto Excusd
Mark Day Excused I
Chose Constables.
Francis Wardell
■I'll Rix
"William Eustis
Icabod Ro<
Thomas Foster
Barth Sutten
James Barnet
"William Jepson
Thomas Townsend
Robert Williams :
James I >awson —
James Peniman
Sworn")
Sworn |
Sworn [-Fence Viewers.
I
Sworn
Sworn
Sworn")
Sworn j
Sworn J- Sealers of Leather.
Sworn
Sworn
William I
William Young
Sam" Wardell
Edward Moberly : Sworn [■
Joshua Thornton Sworn
John Adams :
Edward Richards
Edward Emerson Sworn"
Sam 1 Baylie Jun. Sworn
Thomas Simpkins Sworn
David Mason
Joseph Poiimerv
Andrew Eliot paid
Sam Gardner Rei
Will" 1 Torry Sworn
W m Greenlief Sworn
Benja Demmon Sworn
Samuel Torrv Jun 1 Sworn (*
Bridges Read orn J
Vie\i Shingles Measurs
of Hoard ».v Timber .v.
c ' ' . ■ Clerks of Market.
• Hogrevea.
City Document No. QQ.
[4.]
Walter Goodridge
John Wolland
Jeram* Beknap
Nathan" Gooding
Edward Dnrant
Sam" Kand
Thomas Moffatt
Joseph Turell
Joseph Hasley
David Melvell
Matbew Adams
William Salter
Benja" Emmans
Andrew Tyler
Benja" Pollard
W™ Cunningham
Thomas Mitchel
Ralph Smith
Joseph Williams
Joseph Rix
Jona" Getchell -
Knight Leveret -
William Warner
Ebenezer Hough
John Winslow
Chosen Scavengers.
Sworn "'i
Sworn
Excus'd
Excus'd
Pay'd \- Constables
Pay'd |
Sworn j
Pay'd |
Sworn J
Voted That the Selectmen and Such as they Shall desire to Ac
Company them be the Inspectors of the Schools for the year
Ensuring —
Voted That Co" Thomas Pitch, Co" Adam Winthrop ; Co"
Edward Hutchinson Nathan" Green Esq™ & m r Jacob Wendell or
any three of them be A Coiiiittee to Auditt the Treasurers Accounts
foi the year Ensuing —
Voted That Joseph Wadsworth Esq r Town Treasurer be Alowed
& Paid out of the Town Treasury the Sum of One Hundred Pounds
for His Service in the Said Office for the year Last past
Post Meridiem
In answar to the Petition for Paving in Cohiou Street &c
Voted a Grant of the Petition, Provided the Abutters do their
part as usual.
( >n the Motion of ni r Nathan 11 Williams for Another Usher or
Assistant in the School —
Voted That there be .Mowed the Sum of Eighty Pounds for
another Usher of the Said School, when A Sutable Person is Pro-
vided to the Satisfaction of the Selectmen as usual — The Money
to be paid as usual frbm His being Intraduced —
In Answer To the Petition of in r Peter Blin —
Voted that there beau Adttian to the Sallary of m r Peter Blin
for the year Ensuing The Sum of Twenty Pounds —
In Answar to the Petition for Laying out a Highway in the
Common —
Boston T< >wn Records, 1728. . r >
Voted That the Selectmen View the Place and Repor to the
Meeting what they think is hest to be <l<>n —
In Answar to A Proposal to Consider the Marsh in the Common
Voted that the Selectmen be desired to View the plac<
Report to (ho Next Meeting what they think advisable therein
Voted That the Selectmen be Surveyers of the Highways for the
year Ensuing —
[5.] On the Petition about the Way in Summer Street
■ 1 That tin- Selectmen be desired to View the Said S
and the Circomstances of it and make Report to the next meeting
what may he I" -' to l"' don thereon
On the Petition for Paving in Sudbury Streel & Cold lane —
tition be granted on Usual Conditions —
John Billings paid )
Charles Ilenlv Sworn I . ^ . , .
hose Constables.
Benj i Mason Sworn |
Josi p!i Scott pay J
In answar to The Constables Petition
Voted That the Assessors be [mpowred to make Reasonable
Abatement to the first day of June next —
On the Petition about Paving in Bennet Str<
Voted That the Selectmen View the Place and that they act
therein what they Judge best:
( )n in r Sam" Waldos Petition about Land at the Dock
Voted That that be left with the Selectmen to Consider it &
Report to the next Meeting their thoughts thereon
< >n VV llollowells Petition About Milk Street Read and Dismist
Then the Meeting Adjornd till to Morrow Half an hour after
two : in the After noon —
Benja Neal - - Sworn"]
Sam 1 Oakes - - Sworn \ ^ . , ,
r P , . > Constables
1 lii 'inas Armstrong Sworn
John Holyoke Excus'd
Voted That the Selectmen for the time being further taki
for the Repairing the Mill Bi ording to the Agreement with
the Mill Owners
Voted That the Several Constables for the year Ensuing be
Alowed the Sum of three pence upon the Pounds for Colli
the Rates, They paying in to the Several Tj -. the One halfe
of the sum- ( omitted to them to Collect by the first day of 1 ■ -
ruary Next, and Coin pleat the whole by the first day of June next
after.
mess" Sam" Adams vv i
.loua' Loring [
Chosen Selectmen iu the Room of
nr John Baker & Jon" Waldo who Refused
m r Edward Procter Sworn ) ,
r ..... , . , • Assessars —
m r John lyler Excus d J
Nathan' Greenwood : :Sworfi Constable
m r W m Tyler Chose Vssessai & Paid
6 City Document No. 66*.
Voted That the Sum of Three Hundred pounds out of the
money to be Raised be Improved for Paving
Voted A Granl of tour Thousand Seven Hundred Pounds To be
Raised on the Inhabitants and Estates within this Town, for Re-
leif of the Poor, Defraying the Charges of the watch. Paving &
Other Necessary Charges arising within and for the Town the
Year Ensuing
Sundry Proposals Read Viz'
Whether it might be for the Towns Intrest to make a well
at the Town Dock — Voted the Cosideratiou to the Next Meet-
ing
[6.] What may be don about Repairing the Wharf near the
North Battery Improved by Sain 11 ('lark
Voted That it be left for further Consideratian to the Next
Meeting, And that the Selectmen in the Mean time be Desired to
Enquire into and take the Proposals of any that Shall Appear &
Offer and Report the Same to the Town :
On messu" ('olman & Williams Petition about Paving in Cold
Lane —
Voted That the Petition be Granted —
Upon a Motion made That the Town would take into Considera-
tion the Extraordinary Circumstances of their present Representa-
tives : After mature Deliberation thereon
For asmuch as the Last Sessions of the General Court was
Continued to an unusual length Viz* from the 24 th of July last to
the "20"' of Decern 1 Following. And from the 31 th of Octo r Last was
held at Salem, Which Necessarily Exposed the Said Representa-
tives to unusual Charge as well as great Fatigue and Hardship:
And Whereas the Said Members have Behaved as Very Loyal
Subjects to Our most Orations Sovarine King George the Second,
And Stedfastly Adhered to the Rights and Priviledges of tl>%.
People of this Province, And haue bin hitherto Extraordinarily
Prevented any Allowances
Therfore Voted That the Town Treasurer Pay to Each of the
Representatives Their Respective allowances as Stated by Law
And the Further Sum of One Hundred & Twenty Pounds to be
Equally Divided between them —
At a Meeting of the Freeholders & Other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston Duly Qualified being Regulerly Assembled in a
Publick Town meeting at the Town House Tuesday May the G th
17l"J —
After Prayer by the Rev' 1 m r Thomas Prince Elisha Cooke Esq'
Chose Moderator for this Meeting
Sundry Petitions Read Viz'
About a place for the Graiuery
About ur Peleg Wiswalls Sallary
About m' Edward Mills Sallary
in' Sam" ( hikes Petition
m r Jera Condys Petition
Selectmens Report of Sundry things left to them
Voted to Chuse 4 Representatives
Bos i' >k 1 1 '\'. v - Rec< »rds, i v_ -
The Number of Voters were - - 192
Elisha Cookr Esq'
in r Thomas dishing - 190 . .,
r i- i , , , ' I osc Represi
in Ezek Lew is - 190 |
m r Sam" Welles - \84
Anno 1 729
[7.] Voted To Chuse a Couiittec to Prepare Instrui
the Representatives for their Acting al ral Court al their
Approching Session, And to La}' them befor the Me*
A [term »on —
Voted: Thai John Alford Esq' mes II- iry Dering <& Natli"
Cunnigham be the Said Committee —
On the Petition of Sundry Inhabitants aboul the Situatian of
the ' rrainery
Voted That m r Moderator & the Selectmen I"- Joyned with the
the Cotiiittee appointed for Building the Grainery, Be d<
View the Place, And make Return of their Opinion thereof to the
Meeting after Dinner this Day —
m r .lolm Jem Excus'd > .-., .
m r I homas .Moll at Excus |
Edward Maycomb - Sworn )
John Spoon er - -Sworn • Clerks of the M
Nathan ( 'obbit - Sworn )
Pos1 Meridiem.
Voted That the Grainery be Erected and Set up Rainj
the Line of the Burying place on the Coniou fronting Eastward,
The Said Building to be nol Less then forty feet distanl (Yon ,
ier of the Brick wall of the Burring place —
m r James Pemberton - Pay ) .
m James \\ atson - Swoi n \
In as much as the Gramer School al the N it 1 i End of tin
of which m r Peleg Wiswall is the M much Increaced in
Number of the Schollers, and that n I - alowud to as*i*i him
in his School :
Voted Thai there bean Additian of Forty Pounds to
m' Wiswalls Salary —
- ,m Oakes Petition Read .v Dismist —
In An-war to ni r Edward Mills His Petit ian.
I i'liat there be an Addition of Twenty Pom
m' Edward Mills Sallary —
Upon A Motion made bv Kl isl Esq' That th< 1
I. in' n the ["owns Land in the Occupation of m r Nal
Williams and His Land on the East Side in School *-
waul of due Care become Crucked, intrenching both upon the '
and the Others Land, That therfore they would Direct and Im-
pwer the Selectmen to Rectifie that Inn
and Equitable — And Further That they would be pleased to Ac-
comodate him with about two feet of the Fr<
8 City Document No. (?6.
in r Williams on Such Terms as the Selectmen Shall Agree for with
the Said in r Cooke —
load ami Voted That it be left with the Selectmen to Act therein
as they Judge Meet —
[8. J On the Pet it ion of mMeraih Condy for Addition to his Salary
Noted that the Consideration of Said Petition be Referred for
further Consideration to the Next Town Meeting, and That in the
mean time Nathan" Green John Alford Esq" & m r Thomas Gushing
Jun r are desired to Inspect the Several Wrighting Schools within
this Town at Such time as they Shall think Advisable for the year
Currant, And that they do in an Espesial Manor Vizit m r Condys
1 and Report to the Town at their Meeting the Ability and
Industry of the Said m r Condy and the Proficiency of the Schollers
under His Tuition —
The Comittee this day chosen & Appointed to Prepare Instruc-
tions for the Representatives, for their Acting at the General
Court at their Approching Session And to Lay before the Meeting
in the afternoon — Return as Follows : Viz'
To Elisha Cooke Esq' Mess" Thomas Gushing, Ezekiel Lewis &
Samuel Welles : —
< rentlemen —
Your known Loyalty to His Present Majesty King George, and
Sincear Atachment to the Successian in the Illustrious House of
Hannover. Your Hearty Love to this Your native Country, Your
Singuler Value for the Liberty & Propperty of this People, your
Chearfull and Unamous Concurrance to promote our Best Jntrist,
And void' Approved Integrity in those Publick Stations wherein
you haue bin Employed, Haue fixed the Eyes of this Town on and
Determined their Choice of you as Propper Persons to Represent
them in the Next General Assembly \\ herin they Expect That
you behaue your Selves with your Wonted Zeal and Courage in
Prossecuting those good Designes which may tend to the Peace &
wellfair of these His Majestys Good Subjects, and Secure those
Rights and Priviledges which by the Royal Charter we haue a Just
claim to, and as Englishmen do of Right appertain to us. And agit-
able there unto we Recomend unto you in an Especial Manner —
That you Endeavor to Maintain all our Civil Rights A. Propertys
againsl any Incrochments upon them
That you Continue to Pay a due Regard to His Excellency Our
Governor, and that you Endeavor that He may have an Honoura-
ble Support, But we desire at the Same time That you use your
utmost Endeavor That the Honourable House of Representatives
may not be by any means Prevailed upon or brought into the Fix-
ing a Certain Sallary for any Certain time, But that they may
Improve their usual freedom in granting their Money from time to
time, as they Shall Judg the Province to be able, and in Such a
manner as they Shall think most for lie Benefit and advantage
therof, And if your Pay Should be diverted you may Depend on
all the Justice Imaginable from this Town whom you Represent: —
John Alford )
Henry I H, king V Comittee
Nath" Cdningham )
Boston Town Records, 1729. I
[9.] The Foregoing Return of the Coiiiitte was I nded
Read Sundry times and
\ oted Approved.
The Repor! of the Selectmen upon Several Votes of the Town
at their Meeting the 10 th of March 1728: were Read & Considred
Viz'
The Selectmen haue Viewed the Marsh at the Bottom o!
( lomon, and not finding any Material use thai can be made of il
the present, and Considering the Presenl Circomstnnces of the
Town Are of Opinion it is best to ly in the Condition il now is.
load and the Report Accepted —
Also Having Viewed Summer Street, We find it in a very bad
Condition Since the Stoping of the Antient Water cource, And That
then- is no way to help it but by Paving —
Upon Condition the Abutters on Said Street as has I
tomed — It will be Convenient for the Town to Paue the Midle
part, And do as much as can be conveniently don this Sinner
Read and Voted Accordingly —
As to the Proposals About Bennet Street — It is thought Con-
venient to be Paved it' the Town thinke it Convenient to B
Money for the Doing it at this Meeting.
Read, and Refer'd for further Consideration to the Next March
Meeting
On the Petition of m r Samuel Waldo —
We think it not proper for the Town to Dispose of Such aj :e
of Land under their present Circomstances
Read and the Report Accepted —
As to the Repair of the Wharf at the North Lattery —
It is thought Convenient — That m r Sam" Clark be Ordered to
Clear the Wharf And that the Town let it to Some Person that
may Offer to Repair it And keep it in Repair for A term of \
as the Selectmen shall think Advisable
Read and Voted to be left with the Selectmen —
As for the Petition for Laying out a Highway in the Common —
We haue Viewed the Place, And in Favor of the Petitioners do
think it Convenient to Measure off Thirty foot from in' Colsons
Corner post, towards the School House and So A Straight Line
to m r Sheafs, And there Sett oil' Thirty foot, for Said Way of the
Towns Land. Provided the Petitioners make the Wa\ - t on
their Side.
load vv. Voted Rejected —
Voted That a Survey'd Plan be taken by Some Skillfull Sur-
veyor or Surveyrs of the Lands of this Town belonging to the
Town. In Order for the Same to heputtupon the Towns Records,
to Prevent I ncroachments on the Towns I nt 1 ■
The Selectmen to take ( are that this work be effected —
Voted That the Sum of Three 1 iundred Pounds be Raised on the
Inhabitants and Estates within this Town for Defraying the Towns
Charge and more Espetialy Paving —
[10.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabil
of the Town of Boston duly Qualified being Regulerly Assembled
[0 City Document No. (5(5.
n a Pul diek Town Meeting at the Town House Wednesday — June
he 1 1 tli 1729 —
m r Jonathan Waldo Chosen Moderator for this Meeting:
m r Jacob Sheaf was Chose Assessor for the year Ensuing
Whereas m r Thomas Cushing, Nathan 11 Green Esq 1 " and rn r
Ezekiel Lewis, were on May the 8th 1727: —
Impoured and Directed to Prossecute in the Law all Such Per-
sons as Shall be found Trespassers upon the Towns Laud Claimed
by the LateEliak" Hutchinson Esq* Deeeaced.
Voted That the Said m r Thomas Cushing, Nathan" Green Esq r
and m r Ezek 11 Lewis, Be further Desired & Impoured — to Pros-
secute the Same in the Law to Effect —
Voted To Reconsider, The Vote of the Sixth of may last past
about placing the Grainery —
Voted That the Grainery be placed, According to the First
Projection of the Committee appointed for Building the Grainery
where the foundation is already Lay'd.
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston duly Qualified being Regulerly Assembled in A
Publick Town Meeting at the Town House iu Boston on Monday
the Second Day of February: 1729 —
After prayer by the Rev: m r John Webb:
Elisha Cooke "Esq 1 was Chose Moderator for this Meeting
The Questian was Put
Whether it be in the Power of the Town by Law to Raise Money
to be Transmitted To the Agents of the House of Representatives
in Great Britain as Pointed to in the Warrant:
Voted in the Negatiue :
Voters in the Negatiue - - 161
Voters in the Afermatiue - 91
The Question being Put whether there Should be any further
Votes at this time put about this Matter Voted in the Afermatiue.
Voters for - - 164
Voters against it - 121
The Question being Put whether The Town will by A Vote
i;« comend a Voluntary Collection or Contribution of Money to be
Remitted to Francis Wilks & Jonathan Belcher Esq" to Enable
them to Appear at the Court of Great Britain Agents in Behalf of
the Honourable the House of Representatiue of this Province —
Voted in the Afermatiue, And that the Selectmen or Such as
they shall appoint be Desired & Impowred to Transact in that
tir.
[11.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants
of the Town of Bostou duly Qualified being regulerly Assembled
in A Publick Town Meeting at the Town House on Monday March
the 9 th 1729 —
After Prayer l>\ the Rev a in r Thomas Foxcroft —
Elisha Cooke Esq' is Chosen Moderator for this Meeting —
B< is i" > Towv Records, 1 i
11
Sundry Laws Against rmorality ^<- Read
Sundry Petitions and Motions, Read Viz*
Aboul Paving in Fish Si reel
\ iul Paving in King Street
To < oustables Petition
in r Jeremiah Condys Motion
( heckley Esq' Chose Town Clerk & Sworn
Voted to Chus< Selectmen distinct from Assessors.
Timothy Proul Refused
Oxenbridge Thatcher
David Farnum
John Hunt
Jona Williams
Jona" Loring -
Samuel Adams
Refused
Refused f- Chose Selectmen
Refused
Joseph Wadsworth E Town I r for the year
Ensuing
Daniel Oliver, Esq*
Timothy Clarke Esq'
mess r Samuel Greenwood
Jeffery Bedgood
Joua 11 Jackson
Jacob Wendall Esq'
Jona" Waldo - Refused J
[■ Chose Overseers of the Poor
Voted that the Consideration of Inoculation be debated in the
afternoon
Voted that the Meeting be Adjoined to three of the Clock in the
afternoon —
Post Meridiem,
ed to ( 'liuse but eight Constables for the year Ensueing
Voted For a County Treasurer were 162 votes which were
Sealed up by Constable Russell, and by Him were Delivered to the
Clerke of the Peace then in the Meeting —
Voted That the Several Constables to be Chosen for the year
Ensuing Shall be Alowed and Paid to them the Sum of three
pence on the Pound for Collecting the Pates or Taxes that Shall
imitted to them to Collect They paying in to the Several
Treasurars the One halfe of the Sums (Omitted to them by the
iir>t day of February Next and Compleat the whole by the first
day of « I une Next Following
Voted That the Assessors be [mpowred to make Reasonable
Abatement untill the tii-i day of June Next < om
John Frizel
John Panel Jun*
Samuel Miller -
Thomas Simkins
Joseph Pix
Jeremiah Alii n -
Benja Thwing -
Sam" Kneeland -
- payd
Kxells'd
Excus'd
Excus'd
- Pad
Excus'd
- Paid
I s Jis'd t
3en Const
12
City Document No. 66.
[12.] John Ruck Esq r Chose overseer of the Poore
mess" Samuel White ")
Joshua Chever , ^ Chose Sel.
John Column Refused
Andrew Tyler
John Wendall
- Payd^|
Isaac Dupee -
- Paid
James Beighton
paid
Thomas Hill -
paid
John Franklin
- Sworn
Thomas Ruck
- Paid
Benjam" Swain
- Paid
George Campbel -
- paid 4
Chose Constables
Voted That mess" Andrew Tyler, John Colman & Henry Dering
be a Comittee to Consider of & Provide Something Relating to
Scavengers Petition and lay it before the Town for their Consid-
eration at the Next Meeting
Voted to Chuse Seven Assessors for the year Ensueing
messu" Jonas Clarke
Caleb Lyman -
Jacob Shcaff -
Daniel Loring
James Watson
John Stamford
Thomas Lee -
- } Chose Assessors
J
Then the Meeting Adjorned till to Morro morning Eight of the
Clock Tuesday March the 10 th
Joshua Dodge - - Sworn ^
James Dawson - - Sworn j
Thomas Townsend - Sworn
Silence Allin - - Sworn
Thomas Inches - - Sworn
Sealers of Leather
Samuel Wardel
Francis Wardel
Beuja" Russell
John Endicott
Joshua Thornton
Hopestil Foster
John Adams
Sworn ^
Sworn
Sworn
► Fence Viewers
Sworn
Edward Richards
Edward Moberly
John Adams
Joshua Thornton
Joseph White
William Young
William Pain
John Endicot
Sworn
1
Vewers of Shingles Measurers
of Boards and Timber &c —
Boston Town Records, 1729.
13
Barth Green - - Sworn
John Blore Sworn
John I lolyoke - - Sworn
Jona n Willis
^Vill" 1 Custis Sworn
Jona" Williams Jun Sworn
Abijah Adams Sworn
ph Rainger Sworn
1 erka of the Marke*
> Chose Scavengers
[13.] Charles Gyles
Samuel J
William Thwing
John Wolland
Jeram* Belknap
Benja" Bridge
John Bru
Henry < ribbs
Joseph Scott
Cord Wing
John Endicott
Isaac 1 >astorn
James Cary
John Buttolph
Silence Allin
Thomas Mostatt _
Voted That Joseph Wadsworth Esq' Town Treasurer be
alowed and Paid out of the Treasury the Sum of One Hundred
Pounds for his Service in that office in the year past —
Voted Thomas Hutchinson Esq r m r Ezek" Lewis m r W m Downs
m r Tho" Cushing and m r Henry Dering or any three of them be a
Comitte to Audit the Treasurars Acco"s. for the year Ensuei
1 That the Selectmen be Sirveyers of the High waves for
the year Ensueing
Voted That the Selectmen take Care to provide a Master for the
North Writing School, and make a Return of their doings therein
to the next Town Meeting —
Voted That there be Alowed and paid out of the Treasury the
Sum of Forty Pounds towards Paying A Schoolmaster at Rumny
Marsh for the year Ensueing he being A Sutable Person and at-
tending it —
William Coy. Sworn ^
Daniel 1'ecker
Caleb Ray
Thomas Wheeler Jun Sworn j
V Chose Hogg reves
Francis Wells -
John Merrit
Icabod Roj
John Fisher
Oliver Lucas -
Thomas Flagg -
Excused
Sworn
Excused
paid [
Excused I
Sworn J
Chose Constables
14 City Document No. 66.
Voted That the Selectmen and Such as they Shall desire to
A company them be a CoiTiitte to Visit the Publick Schools and
that they direct m r Peter Blin to a more Constant & diligent appli-
cation to discharge the Trust Comitted to him
Officers Chosen for Rumny Marsh Viz'
John Leathe : Constable
Isaac Lewis Sworu '> Fence Vewars
Jacob Hacey
Nathan" Tuttle
William Pain
Jacob Chamberlin - - Sealer of Leather
William Webber - - Sworn")
Samuel Henchman - - l^U C hose Constables
John Osband - - Exeus d f
John Deal - Excus'd J
Voted That the Meeting be Adjoraed until three of the Clock
after Noon —
[14.] On the Petition for Paving in King Street
Voted That a Sum not Exceeding Two Hundred Pounds be
Alowed and Paid out of the Treasury to be Applyed for and
towards the Raising the Pavement lying before m r Cooks Build-
ings in King Street that so the wast water may go over into the
Bason. The Several Abutters paying their proportion as usual,
The Money to be paid out of the Treasury by the Tax to be made
in the year 1731 :
Voted That Bennet Street, together with an Alley lying on Said
Street leading into Prince Street be paved. Provided the Several
Abutters on Bennet Street pay two thirds of the whole Charge.
On the Petition for Paving in Fish Street.
Voted The Abutters paying the usual part The Town will do
the Kemander —
John Gridley - - Sworn ~\
Jabez Hunt - - Sworn > Chose Constable
John Kneeland Jun - Excused )
Voted That Elisha Cooke, Tim Clarke, Nathaniel Green John
Ruck and Jacob Wendal Esq" lie a CoiTiitte to Consider of the
Petition of the Overseers of the Poore, and Make Return to the
Next May Meeting what they think best to be don about it —
m' Benjamin Fitch is Chosen A Selectman.
Upon Reading a Petition of Sundry of the Inhabitants and Free
holders of the Town Dated the 24 th of February past Adresed to
the Selectmen To Insert a Clause in their Next Warrant for Call-
ing a Town Meeting — That the Town Might Consult proper
Methods for preventing the Spreading the Small Pox by inocula-
tion —
Since the Date of which Petition a Considerable Number of the
Inhabitants within a few days past haue bin Inoculated, and
Sundry Others are preparing therefore, In Consideration whereof
the Town came into the Following Vote —
Boston Town Records, 1729. 15
That it be Earnestly Recomended to the Inhabitants & Freehol-
ders and in an Espesial Manner to Masters of Families. Thai all
Proper care betaken That Such Persons as Shall for the Future
be Inoculated for the Small l'<>x do I mediately keep in their
Houses First giving notice to the Neighbourhood of Such their
Designs, Ami thai during the Opperation of the Distemper all
proper Methods be taken to prevent it's Spreading, And thai they
would not Come or walke abroad in the Streets Lanes or Ai
within the Town untill their Incisions are well ( 'lensed and Healed :
Further That the Practitioners in Phisick would give to the Select-
men or to the Town < lerk the Number of Persons by them Inocu-
lated once a week at le.-i-t, with an Impartial Accounl of the
< Operation on their Several Patients in the ( 'ource of their Inocula-
tion —
Voted That the Selectmen be A Committe to Audil the Ace
of the Grainery, And make A Return thereof to tin- Next May
Meeting
Voted also That the Selectmen Examine the Accounts of the
Committe for Buildiug the New Grainery & Make Return to May
Meeting
John Taylor sworn ) , ,, ., , , ,
... . •. .. , ,, ,, , . , - ( hose ( onsta
Ebenez' C lough Rope Maker paid j
mess™ Jona n Williams, Peter Thomas, & Josiah P.yles: Chosen
A Comitte to manage the Grain for the year Ensuing
William Coffin — & Excused ( hose Constable
Then The Meeting Adjornd until to Moring, Nine of the
Clock —
[15.] Wednesday March the 11th
Voted That the Comitte appointed to IV I in the
Law the affair of the Towns of the House and Land at the Dock
formerly Claimed by Eliakin Hutchinson Esq' Deceaced, Haue the
Sum of Thirty Pounds put into their Hands to Carry it on, They
to be Accountable to the Town for it —
William Leek - - paid — : Constable
d That the Consideration of Raising Money be Continued
to the Next General Meeting —
Barth Green Jun Excused: Chose Constable
Benja Langdon - - paid : ( hos< I : able
bua Gill- - - Excused : ( 'hos able
Robert Headwin - - Excused: (hose Constable
Richard Salter ... ( h ose ( 'ousl
and he Appealed to the Sessions -
L'Forl - - : Sworn : Chose Const
Voted That the Selectmen be desired to waite upon the Honour-
able Thomas Fitch Esq' with the Thanks of the Town for his
free Lone of So much Money to the Town for the PurcL
wheat for the Tow - - l
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of the
16 City Document No. 66.
Town of Boston Duly Qualified being Regulerly Assembled in A
Publick Town Meeting at the Town House in Boston on Tuesday
May the 12 th 1730:
After Prayer By the Rev a m r Sam" Checkley
Elisha Cooke Esq' is Chose Moderator for this Meeting
Sundry Petitions and Motions Read Viz'
Abijah Adams about a Ropewalk
Constables Petition
Old Constables Petition
A motion about Cord Wood
The Return of Sundry Committees
Voted to Chuse four Representatives
The Number of Voters were — 530
Votes.
Elisha Cook Esq*
: 405
m r Thomas dishing
: 403
m r Ezek u Lewis
— 410
m r Samuel Welles
: 387
were Chosen Representatives
d the Meeting be Adjorned till four of the Clock afternoon
Post Meridiem.
Cap* John Osborn was Chosen A Selectman
m r Richard Buckley. Chose An Assessor
m r Benjamin Clougli Chose a Clerk of the Market
m r Abijah Adams Petition about a Rope walk was Read andDis-
misl
The Present Constables Petition Read and Voted a Continuance
for Consideration to the Next March Meeting
On the Petition of the Late Constables Read and Voted That it
be So far Granted That- if the Said Constables pay in to the Sev-
eral Treasurors three Quarters of the whole Sums ('omitted to them
by the first day of June Next That then they Shall be Alowed
Anno Domini : 1 730
[10.] One Month longer for the paying in the Remaing
Quarter and be Entitled to the three pence on the Pound for Col-
lecting And the Assessors power for abatments be Continued for
the Said time.
( )n the Report of the Comittee about the Petition of the Over-
- of the Poor which was as Follows
Committee having Viewed the Several Buildings at the
Alraes House are of Opinion. That the most Sntable place for an
Additional Building as Proposed will be :it the North East End of
the House of Correction, To Extend thirty feet in Length the
idth & Height of the House, To Conform to the Old Building,
which will A ford Six Rooms on the Lower flore & Six in t lie
Chan
Elisha Cooke by Order & in behalf of the Comittee
Voted Accepted and Continued the Consideration of it to the
.i March Meeting —
Bo8Ti >n Town Records, 1 730. 17
Upon the Report of the Couiitte of the Petition of tin s
gera
Voted That the Carters Shall haue Eighteen pence P' Lood for
Carrying away the Dirt, And Thai the Scavengers liane power to
order a bellmau or Some Piopper Person to warn tin i
to Rake up their Dirt, And that that Shall be aa Effectual as it'
don by themselves, And That the Fines on the < arters foi N
of Carryiug away the Dirt be Augmented to Twenty Shilling
And That the Selectmen be Desired to prepare A Draft to lay
before the Next meeting in order to haue it past by the k
Voted That the Vote of the Town of the 2o lh of June 1728.
upon the Report of the CoIIiittee about the Out Wharfs of May
11"' L728 be and is Renew, and Ordered Thai it be Coihil
the Representatives of this Town to Lay it before the General
Court and That they be Desired to Endeavor to Procure an Act
Accordingly
On the Reporl of the Couiitte for Examining the Ac<
Building the New Grainery wherin the Ballance was in favour of
the Coihictee four Hundred Eighty Seven pounds three Shillings
& S ine pence —
\ oted Thai the Report be Accepted. And that thi ira of
four Hundred Eighty Seven pounds three Shillings iv Nine pence
be paid to the Said < ouiittee oul of the Town Treasury —
Voted Thai it be Refer'd to the Selectmen to * onsider ol
maybe Sutable to Alowe the Coihittee for their Care in Building
the New Grainery, The Comittee for Buiyng of (.rain. And m r
.lona" Williams for taking < are of the Grainery since the
of m r Galpin, And make Return to the Town at their Next
meeting
The Meeting Adjorned til Tuseday May the 19 th at four of the
Clock I'.M
Tuesday May the 19 th IT:'."
Voted A ( rrant of fiueThousand & five Huudred Pounds be I
on the Inhabitants & Estates within this Town for Releif of the
Poor, I defraying the (hare- of the Wat eh. Paving and Other Neces-
sary Charges arising within & lor the Town the year Ensu
[IT.] At a Meting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants
of the Town of Boston Duly Qualified being Regulerly As-
ia A Publick Town Meeting at the Town House in Boston on
Wednesday January the 20 u ' 1730 :
After Prayer By the Rev nl m r Joshua Gee.
Elisha Cooke Esq' i< Chosen Moderator tor this Meeting
Vote 1 To Chuse four Representative
The Number of Voters \\> n 17 1
Elisha < ooke Esq' vo - 465
in r Thomas ( lushing - - 1" 1
m r Ezekiel Lewis - - - 170
nfSam Welles -
were Chosen Representatives
T*
City Document No. 66.
At A Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of The
Town of Boston duly Qualified being Regulerly Assembled in A
Publick Town Meeting at the Town House Monday the Eighth
Day of March: L 730 : —
After Prayers by the Rev d m r Sam" Cheekley.
Elisha Cook Esq' was (hose Moderator for this Meeting
Sundry Laws against [morallities &c Read —
Sundry Petitions Read & Motions Made: (Viz')
About Paving in Salem Street
About Paving in And Near Cross Street
About Taving Near Sudbury Street
About Paving near Ann Street Leading to the Wharf
About A new Lane from Queen Street —
Armstrongs Peetion for Alowance
The Constables Petition for Further Alowance
North & South Schools about Schooll Masters
Sam 11 Cheekley Ksq r Chose Town Clerk & Sworn
Voted To Clmse Assessors distinct from Selectmen
Voted to Cbnse Seven Selectmen
ruessu" Jonathan Loriug "|
Sam" Adams
Benja Fitch
Sam 11 White
Joshua Chever
Andrew Tyler
JohnOsborn
)■ Chosen Selectmen
Joseph Wadsworth Esq' Chose Town Treasurer
V r oted to Chuse Sixteen Constables
Voted to Chuse Seven Overseers of the Poor —
[18.] Daniel Oliver Esq r ")
Timothy Clark Fsq r
John Ruck — Fs(j r
Jacob Wendall Esq'
in r Jeffry Bedgood
m r .Jona" Jacks. m
m r Sam" Greenwood
)■ Chose Overseers of the Poor
Fence Viewars
Then the Meeting Adjorned untill Three of the Clock after-
noon
Officers for Rumny Marsh (hose Viz'
Daniel Watts: Constable
John Floyd )
Sam'' Tut tic )
Robert Weite ) ,, t,
Nathan Sergent } Ho Ȥ Reves
Nathan Chever — Scaler of Leather
Silence Allin
Thomas Inches
Nathan" Hodgden )■ Sealers of Leathe'
Joshua Dodge
James Pcnnyman
Boston Tows Kkcords 1730.
19
Joseph IJix
Francia VVardell
John Homer
Thomas Foster
Joseph Russell
John Adams
Hopestill Fos
John Indicott
Edward Moberly
Edward Richards
I h White
Joshua Thornton
William Eustus
William Pain
James Pecker
Thomas Person
Icabod Rogers
John Melecau Jun'
W ' Darin- ton
Solamon Kneland Jun r
Samuel Wardell
John Allin Cord wainer
1
e Viewers
i Surveyors of Board &
1 cv Viewers of Shingles —
> Clerks of the Market
► Scavangers —
[10.] George Skinner
Edward Marion
Robert Pattishall
James C'aiy
John Buttolph
Henry I low el
John Helier
W Thyng
Henry Gibbs
John W'olland
l!enja" Brid \
Tho' Br<
W" Fierfield
Cord Wing
ard Hubbard
John Bennel Hatter
Voted That the Selectmen be the Surveyors of the Highwayes
- for A County I, Brought in 220 Votes Numbred
and Sealed up Constable Jabez Hunt to be delivered to the Clerk
of the Peace for the Sessions.
is for the County Treasurer Brought in: 149 Votes Num-
bred & Sealed up by Constable Jabez Hunt to be delivered to the
Clerk of the Peace for the Sessions
messu" donas Clark
Caleb Lyman
1 >aniel Coring
James Wat -.in J- Chose
in Stanford
Peter Thomas
Will 1 " Parkman
20
City Document No. 66.
> Chose Constables
Excused Elijah Collings
payd — Alford Butler
payd — Charles Giles —
Sworn — Jeramiah Hall
Sworn — John Spooner
Sworn — Jona n Williams Jun r
Sworn — Edward Vail
Sworn Nathan" Cobbet
Paul — Benja Clark
paid — Andrew Oliver
Sworn — Edward Langdon
paid — Jeram a Allin
Sworn — William Hall
Sworn James Dawson
Voted That this Meeting be Adjorned to tomorning at Eight of
the Clock —
John Mortimore "")
David Mason nx TJ
117-1 1- rw > Chose Hoggreves
William Olive j OD
Dudson Killcop j
Voted That the Selectmen & Such as they Shal desire to
Accompany them be a Comitte to Vizit the Eree Shooles for the
year Ensueing
[20.] Voted That Joseph Wads worth Esq r Town Treasurer
be Alowed and paid <nit of the Town Treasury the Sum of One
Hundred Pounds for His Service in that Otliee the year Last past
Voted That the Assessor for the year last past be Impowred to
make Reasonable Abatements untill the first day of June Next —
Voted That the Constables for the year next Ensueing haue
three pence on tin: found Alowed them, for Collecting the Rates.,
Provided they Pay it to the Several Treasurers One half of the
Sums (omitted to them to Collect by the first day of Feb r Next
And Compleat the Whole by the first day of June next Follow-
ing —
Mess" John Jeff lies, Cornelius Waldo, Ilabijah Savage Esq™,
Edward Bromfield .Inn' & m r John Hunt or any three of them be a
Comitte to Audit the Treasurers Acco"s for the year Ensueing. — ■
1
I
Benja Russell
Robert Jarvis
Benja Procter
Sam" Parkman
Isaac Casno
John Pinkny
John [Iolyoke
James Day
Zech" Johonet
Thomas Clough j
Voted Thai the Petitions for Paving Viz 1
For Salem Street
lor Part of CrOSS Street &C
For that Leading to Wentworths Wharf
For Sudbery Street
Excused
Sworn
Sworn
Sworn
Excused
paid
payd
Sworn
paid
Sworn
> Chose Constables
Y Chose Constables
Boston Town Records, 1730-31. 21
Should be Continued for Consideratian unto the Genera] Mi t-
ing in March Next —
Armstrongs Petition for Alowance Read & Disraisl
The Constables Petition for further Alowance of May the 12 th
and I >ismis1
The Constables Petitian for further Alowance Tor Collecting
Rat o Read & Dismist —
r~l.l Excused Medlecot Cooke ),.. , . ,,
L J . . . Lhosc Constabli
I av iJeramiah ( ireen i
pay John ( toinpton i , , . , ,
, i i 'i- } CIio-m' ( onstab
bxcusd John 1 raj le \
ed That the Consideration of Raising money be Continued
to tin- Next General Meeting for Chusing Represeutal
Upon the Afair of A School master for the North Writing School
rding to the Town Vote directing them
The Selectmen now Report That they haue rndeavored to find
a meet person for the Said School and Return in r .John Procter as
a meet Person for that place
Voted the Said Report accepted And that the Selectmen Intra
duce him into the Said place Accordingly —
The Selectmen also then Recomended m r Sam" Allin as a fitt
person to be the master of t lie South W riting School
The Report was Voted Accepted And That II • the Said Samuel
Allin be Master of the said School Accordingly
Sworn — Jeramiah Wheelwright ;
Sworn — Joseph Pomroy - - < hose « onstables
pay — John Kneland Jun T - )
About The Votes and Petition Relating to A New Way from
en Street to School Street
\ ed That the A fair be left with the Selectmen to view it and
Consider of it And make Return of Their Thoughts about it to the
to the Next General Meeting for Chusing Representatives
Voted That m r Jonathan Williams be Alowed and paid out of
the Town Treasury the Sum of Seventy Pounds p r Annum for His
Service in Managing the Grainery Since the Death of m r Galpin
Voted Furthe' That m* Jonathan Williams haue Further more
paid Him Ten Pounds more P r Annum which makes Eighty Pounds
1" Annum from m r Galpins Death —
I That the Selectmen be Desired and Itnpowred of Keep-
ing the Swing Bridge in Repair at the ('hare- of the Town untill
the d'owu Secanse to < (rder it < otherwise —
Voted That the Consideration of the Other Matters in the War-
rant Refered to be Continued to the Next General down Mei
for ( busing Representatives —
Anno Domini : 1 731
: 22.] At a Meeting <>f the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants
of the Town of Boston duly qualified being Regnlerly Assembled
in A Pnblick d'owu Meeting at the Town House Wednesday May
the fifth : 1731 —
After Prayer By the Revd m r Joseph Sewall
Elisha I -•• Moderator for this Meeting
22 City Document No. 66.
Sundry Petitions wore Read & Motions made Viz'
m r John Wheelwright About Pavement
m r Peleg Wiswalls Memorial
m r Jeramiah Gridleys
Sundry Inhabitants about a way
Constables Petition
A Motion was made That Such Persons as Shall be Chose to
Represent them may Have I nst ructions given them —
Noted to Ciiuse 4 : Representatives
Number of Voters were . . . 450
Elisha Cook Esq 1 Votes . 391^
m r Thomas dishing - - 442 I
m r Ezekiel Lewis - - 402 j
m r Samuel Welles - - 3G6 J
were Chosen Representatives
On the Petition of M r Peleg Wiswal
Voted That there be Added to His Sallary the Sum of Fifty
Pounds for the year Currant:
On the Petition of m r Jeramiah Gridley
Voted That an Addition of Twenty Pounds be added to His
Salary for the year Currant.
Voted A Grant of Six Thousand Pounds be Raised on the In-
habitants And Estates within this Town for Releif of the Poo r ,
defraying the Charge of the Watches, Paving, and Other Neces-
sary Charges ariseing within and for the Said Town for the year
Ensueing.
Voted To Cause a Cohlittee to draw up Instruction for the Rep-
resentatives of this Town now Chosen, To present to the Town for
their Consideration at the Adjornment.
Voted That, m r Edward Bromfield, m r Nathan" Cunningham,
Hugh Hall Esq r , m r Sam" White, m r Samuel Adams, m r Oxenbridg.
Thatche' m r Thomas Cushing Jun' & Co" Habijah Savage Esq r be
the Said ( 'oiTiiitee :
Voted That this Meeting be Adjorned to three of the Clock
after noon : & being met
John Flower was Chose Clerk of the Market for the year Esning
[23.] On the Petition of the Constables for the year last past
for further time to be alowed them for paying in their Kates
Voted Thai it be So for granted, That if the Said Constables
pay in to the Several Treasurars, Three quarters of the whole
Sums Comitted to them to Collect by the first day of June next,
That then they be alowed untill the first day of August to pay in
the Remaining quarter part. And Shall then be alowed three
pence on the pound for Collecting the Same, And The Assessors
Power for Abatements be continued to the Said Time —
Voted Thai the Selectmen be desired, and Impowred to Enquire
into the Incrochments on the North Side of the bong Wharf,
And also of the At'air of m r Brattle Olive' near the South Batry,
and make Report to the Town at the Adjormcnt of this Meeting.
On the Petition of ni r John Wheelwright for Alowance of of His
• r Paving in King Street :
Boston Town Records, 1731. 23
Voted Thai his Ace," be Alowed and That the Sum of Two
Hundred and Eighteen Pounds 6ve Shillings & Seven penci
paid i" the Said John Wheelwrighl out of the Money, to be Raised
for the pics. ait year, In full discharge for the Said Paving —
On the Memorial of Sundry Inhabitants about a way near Love
Street
Voted That the Selectmen do Enquire into the Premisses, and
Repoii whether in their Opinion, it may Ik- for the Benifit of the
Town to haue a High way there, and Treat with the owners for
that purpose, And make Report to the Town the Next Adjornmeut
of this Meeting —
The Town being now Advised That the time by Law for bringing
forward an Action of Reveiw for the Recovery <>\' Poss< ssion of A
Warehouse clamed by the 1 [eirs of Klin" Hutchinson Esq 1 >ec< aced ;
will Expire August Next. —
Voted That m r Thomas Cushing, Nath" Green Esq' iV m' Ezek 11
Lewis The Comitte to whome that afair was betrusted, be Desired
to bring forward Such Writt of Reveiw, and That they Endeavor
there may be no failure in duly & Seasonably Prosecuting that
Action to Effect in the Law :
Voted That Joseph Wadsworth Esq' Town Treasu' be d<
and is hereby rmpowred To bring Writts of Trespass iV Ejectment
againsl Such Persons who are in Possession of the Old Shops or
Buildings, near the Town Dock-. And Prossecute to Effect Such
Actions against Such as Shall Refuse to Surrender to the Town
."such buildings & Land on which they Stand —
Voted That this Meeting be Adjoined to Tuesday the Eighteenth
day of May Currant at three of the Clock after noon
[24.] Tuesday May the 18 th 1731.
A I oinittee having bin Appointed On Wednesday May the fifth
Currant to draw up Instructions, for the Representatives of the
Town then Chosen. To present to the Towu for their Consideration
at the Adjornmeut.
Pursuant to the aboue vote the Comitte haue drawn the Fol-
lowing Instructions, which they Apprehend may be propper for
the Town to give to the Gentlemen Chosen to Represent them in
the Next General Assembly (Viz 1 )
To the Hono'" Elisha Cooke Esq 1 m r Thomas Cushing m r Ezek"
Lewis and m r Sam 11 Welles :
Gentlemen; Under a Full Aprehention of your Loyalty and
Dutyfull Regard to His Present Majesty Kit . Your
Firm Attachment to the Succession in the Illustrotis House of
Hanover Your Penetration to Discover, and Integrity to Pu
the Publick Intrest of this Province, We haueagain ( hoseu you to
Represent us in the Nexl General Assembly, And what we Expect
from you is That in this Important Trust you Steadily, and with
opper Zeal and ( 'ourage Pursue those things that may Conduce
to the Honour of Hi> Majestys Goverment here; and the weal
of this People which we Apraheiid inseperaMe : And in A l'ertie-
uler manner we earnestly recommend to you
That you use your utmost Endeavor That the Great Privil
24 City Document No. 6G.
we Enjoy by the English Constitution & the Royal Charter, May
be preserved from all Encrochments, And so handed Down to
Succeeding Assemblys —
That you Continue to Express Such A Dutyfull Regard to His
Majestys Governo', as Shall become the Representatives of A
Loyal People, And That you use your Intrest That He haue an
Hono ble Support Sutable to the Dignity of His Station and the
Present Circomstances of this Province —
In as much as we are Aprehensive That the Fixing the Gover™
Sallery may [ntradue Consequences full of Distress, and Perplexity,
we Confide in, And Rely upon you to Exert your Utmost power
and Influence To prevent the Passing any Bill —
In the Honourable House of Representatives, Relating to His
Support which may Setle the Salary for any Limited time or that
may Prevent: Obstruct or any way Impeade future Assemblys
from Acting in that A fair with the Same freedom former Assemblys
haue Enjoyed —
OxENBRIDG TlIATCHEIi
Sam"- Adams
Thomas Cushing Juu r
Habija Savage
Edward Bromield Jun b
KaTHAN ll CUNINGIIAM
[25.] This Report was Read Sundry times Debated & Ac-
cepted And also Voted That these Instructions he Reeomended to
the Representatives of this Town at the Session and Sessions
during this Court —
On the Petition of Sundry Persons for laying out a new way
from Queen Street to School Street, And was left to the Selectmen
the Eighth of March last to Veiw & Consider of it, And make
Return of their Thoughts About it the Next General Meeting to
Chuse Representatives.
Having Veiwed The Land Petition for: We are of Opinion That
not withstanding the Petitioners at their Own Charge, are willing
to make the Necessary Alterations ; yet it is not for t lie Intrest of
the Town to Lay out Said Passage way, for that their Advantage
therein will noway Countervail their Loss in the Land, nor their
Constant Charg that will unavoidable Acue to the Town thereby.
Jona n Loring In behalf of the Cohiittee
on May the 5 th 1731 —
Voted this Report Accepted —
Vt a Meeting of The Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of The
Town of Boston duly Qualified being Regulerly Assembled in A
Publick Town Meeting at the Town House Monday May :'»l th 1731
Alter Prayer by the Rev 1 mf Thomas Prince
Elisha Cooke Esq' was Chose Moderator fortius Meeting
Number of Voters were - 2!>7 :
Votes.
m r Oxenbridg Thatcher & - - 192 »
m r Thomas dishing Jun r - - 20-4)
Bos roN Town Records, 1 r.'.l .
were Chosen for Representative in the Room and Stead of
Thomas dishing & Ezek" Lewis Esq" who on the At
Election were Chosen Councellar or Assistants for this l*ro>
\- : Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston duly Qualified being Reguily Assembled in A
Publiek Town Meeting :it the Town House Monday August tht.>
Second : 1 7.". 1 :
in 1 Jonathan Will in ins was Chosen Moderator for this Meeting —
The Report of the Selectmen Appointed to Consider of A way
near Love Street, Make their Report as Follows, Viz' Pursuant to
the Vote -' Llie [own on May the 5 th last past. — ■ We haue \
I Street, And are of Opinion that it is for the Intrest of the
Town as well as for the Accomodation of A 1
Thai Said Street be carryed through to Salem Street, Bui (hiding
a Difficulty in treating with the l\£(>.j Gentlemen concerned, we
desire tint ( if they think litt ) The Inhabitants of the Town, would
I I .Thai the Gentlemen Justices belonging to this Town and
the disintrested Selectmen may lay out the Said Street, so as may
besl Accomodate the Town and the Owners of the Land
-n June the 30 th 1731. Benj \ i
S wr ' White
Joshua Chi ver
Andrew I'yler
This Report was Sundry times Read & Voted Accepted.
A 'on the Affair of m r Brattle Oliver near the South Batry,
The Selectmen Reported as Follows Yi/.'
We are of Opinion That the Wharf Latly Rebuilt by m r Brattle
Oliver, upon the Southerly End of the Out Wharf or Barricado
titli Sconce or Battry (So called) of Right belongs to the
i of Boston, being as we apprehend the Same which was Sub-
scribed for and Built b\ the Late Honou b1 ' Governor Leveret in the
year I the use of Said S this Town and on their
behalf, And inasmuch as the Said Out Wharfs Continue in a very
Ruino And there is no present prospect of A Speedy
Repair, which we look on to be Contrary to the true Intent of the
Antient Grant of the Flatts before the Town, to the I
that were then Undertakers, And also very much to the Dan
the 1'own. We are further of Opinion that it would be Ad
for the Town to take into Consideration the Reports of the Coiiiit-
tee Appointed Anno: L72H -To Inspect the KueuoiiH Condition
of the Said Out Wharfs And the Honou ble the Repi
this Town as then be again Desired to Lay the Same fore the
'■ for their Con fermation, And in then Hurt
the Town who by the Hono ble Governor Levi ' Sub-
scribed for Seventy fine feet in Said Undertaking Appo V Co-
mitte to Ind avor a meeting of the Proprietors of Sai ' Wharf in
Order to Know their Several parts or Shn S ir and
Built, And in Special that the part belonging to the Town may be
made Certain and so Rendered Benefitial. Which Report was
R : &
Vol I and That the Report of the ' a the
20 City Document No. 66.
year 1728 To Inspect the Ruenous Condition of the Out Wharfs
be Revived and Cohiitted to the Representatives of this Town
and that they be Desired to [ndeavor A Confermation thereof
Also about the Incrochrnents of the North Side of the Long
Wharf Comitted to the Selectmen to Enquire into
['47.] They make their Report as follows Viz'
We haue also Viewed the Long Wharf, find that there are
Several Aditions made on the north Side thereof Viz' By m r Selby,
n: r Pitson, rn r Gerrish & Co" Minot, for which in our Opinion,
They haue no Authority in the Grant of the Flatts made by the
Town lo the Proprietors of the Long Wharf aforesaid, In as much
as the Said Proprietors haue before Built Out the full width As-
signed them by the Town for that Service —
Jonathan Torino
Boston July the 30 th 1731 Samuel Adams
Benja n Fitch
Sam ,l White
Joshua Chever
Andrew Tylor
"Which Report was also Read and Voted and also Voted That A
Cotnittee he Chosen to Inquire into the Said Incrochrnents and
Prossecute them in the Law to Effect
Voted That mess" Thomas Brooks, George Craddock, & Edward
Pell he the Said Committee
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston Duly Qualified being Regulerly Assembled in A
Puhlick Town Meeting at the Town House in Boston On Tuesday
September the 14 th 17:51 :
After Prayer by the Rev' m r John Webb.
Habijah Savage Esq r was Chose to be Moderator for this
Meeting
Proposed to Consider About Reparing m r Nathaniel Williams
His Kitchen &c —
In Answer to the Earnest Desire of the Honourable House of
Representatives —
Voted an I ntire Satisfaction in the Town in the late Conduct of
their Representatives in Endeavoring to preseruo their Valuable
Priviledges, And Pray their further Endeavors therein —
Voted. That the Afairof Repairing of the Wharff leading to the
North Battrey. be left with the Selectmen to do therein as they
Judge best —
[28.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitant
of the Town of Boston duly Qualified being Regurly Assembled in
A Publick Town Meeting at the Town House in Boston Monday
He Thirteen! day of March ^r 1731 =
After Prayer By the Rev' m r Peter Thatcher
Flislii Cooke Ks.| r is (hose Moderator for this Meeting
Iry Laws againsl Imorality &c Read
Sundry Petitions and Motions Read— Viz'
r,<>-h »\ T< »\vn Rkcords, L731.
27
of Richard Whiterage
of Rumny Marsh
Of Smiii Watts
of Elisabeth Smith
of the Sextons
About < in 'i'ii Lane
of The Truckmen
of ni r John Procter
The Selectmens Report Aboue Love Street
For l';i\ ing in Winter Str<
A motion of Constables for Alowance
Sam" Checkley Esq 1 < hosen Town Clerk, was Sworn to the
faithful! Discharge of His Office By Elisha Cook .1 Peace
Voted to Chuse Assessors distinct from Selectmen
Voted To ( huse 7 : Selectmen
-'.'lectmen
mess" Sam" Adams ..."
Sam" White
J< ishua ( 'heever -
Benju Fitch -
Andrew T\ ler ...
Edward BromSeld
William Downe -
Joseph Wadsworth Esq' Chosen Town Treasurer & Sworn
i to Chuse 16: Constables within the Town —
Rumny Marsh Officers Chosen Viz —
Sam" Pratt : - - jtable Sworn
Sam: Tuttle : X Jacob Chamberlin : Fence Vewers
Thomas Eustis : & Benja Wheteraare : Hog i
Nathan Cheever Sealed of Leather —
[29.] Dudson Killcop:
John Smith Jun T
( i-eorge Sherror
Daved Mason
Benja' Russel
John ( )rsborn
Thomas Hancock
John Henderson
John ( lorser
Walker
James Houden
Benja" Fanuel
Sain" Hayley
Alexan' Foresyth -
On the Petition of Rumny Marsh —
Voted That there be An Alowance to A Sutable Schooln
for the Present year Twenty pounds Adition to the Salary which
Makes Sixty pounds —
On the Petition of m r John Procter
■ I That there be an Adition made of Sixty pounds to Hia
Salary for the year Curnant
pay^
pay
Sworn
pay
Sworn
Excus'd
pay
pay > Chi i -tallies
Sworn
pay
pay
pay
pay
pay j
28
City Document No. GQ.
Hopestil Foster
Sworn "
Charles Collin
pay
Richard Billings -
pay
Joseph Grant
pay
Increase Blake
pay
Cap' John Steel
Excused
► Chosen Constables
John Little
• Excused
Christopher Kil bey
pay
Jacob Hurd
pay
Edraond Quinsy
pay
Ebenezer Storer
P a )' J
Voted to Chuse Seven Overseers
of the Poor
Tim Clark Esq r ^
John Ruck Esq r
m r John Hunt
jn r Sam* 1 Greenwood }■ Chosen Overseers of the Poor
ni r Jona" Jackson
m r Jeffry Bedgood
m r Henry Dering
Voted to Chuse Seven Assessors —
The Selectmen Made A Motion to the Town to Chuse Tything-
men.
[30.] mess" Caleb Lyman Excused
James Watson
Jomis Clark
Daniel Loring
Jacol) Sheaf
Richard Buckley
John Stamford
Peter Thomas
J> Chosen Assessors.
Voted That the Selectmen be Desired to Vizit the Publick
Schools taking with them Such as they Desire to Accompany
them and make Returns of their Doings to the Town at their
Meeting —
Josiah ( arter
Joshua Dodge
Benja" Babbage
Nathan 11 Hodgden -
■i- I aches
Sworn ^|
Sworn j
Sworn j- Chosen Sealers of Leather
Sworn j
Sworn J
Francis Wardel
John Endicot
Joseph Rix
James Barnet
.John Pearce
Moses Ay res
Roger Stainer
> Chosen Fence Viewers
Boston" Town Records, 1731
29
Jacob Davia
Sam Hood Jun'
Joshua Townsend
James ( 'ollings
'1 bomas Jones
Robert Tompson
Nathan" Ayres
Sam Jacksoa
Sampson Salter
Sam : Kneeland
Caleb Parker
Nathan" Thwing
E scu
pay
Sworn
pay
pay
Sworn •
Sworn
Excused
Sworn
S
pay
used
Vi ted for the County Treasurer were L73 Votes, Numbred By
i able James Dawson Sealed up and Delivered to Him to be
delivered to the Clerk of the Sessions
About the Petition of Sundry Inhabitants for Enlarging the
Street in Green Lane The Petioners Paying th< I
Voted A< ding to the Petition the Petitioners Paying the
Charges.
On the Petition of Sain" Watts: was Read & Dismist
Richard Whiterage Petion was Read iV Dismist —
[31.] On A .Motion of Several Sextons —
Voted That James Williams be Directed to Apply him Self to
uen, And they be Desired to State to Him the Prizes for
Digiug Graves and Opening Toombs &c in the Two Southern
Buryiug Places —
On the Petition of the Truckmen and Others
\ ted That the Selectmen be Desired to Consider that Petition
and make Report what may best be don about it at the Next
meeting —
Jacob Holyoke - payl
Robert Williams - Ex< used
Robert Jenkins - Excusd ^-Chosen Constables
Thomas Lee .fun r - pay
Elijah Collings - pay
i the Memoriah ol Several Inhabitants About the way in
Love Stre
The Selectmen being Appoiuted to Vew the Said Place and
make a Report, Which They Reported to this Meetiug \n 1 was
Dated the Eighth of March Currant: Which Report was Read
Several times and I >ebated.
Voted The Return of the Selectmen Accepted —
W illiam Eusl Sworn )
W'" Rydoubt - Sworn I
Eluarh Scotl - Excus'd , ,
. . .. , . , ( hosen ( onstables
Iluah Mackdamel : Sworn j
r Brittin Sworn |
Nicholas Salisbery - Sworn J
Voted That Joseph Wadsworth Esq 1 " Town Treasurer be Alowed
and paid the LV>wn Treasury the Sum of One Hundred
poum rvice in that office the year last past —
30
City Document No. 6G.
Sworn I
Sworn I
Sworn J
Sworn ]
Sworn
Sworn
Chosen Measurers
of Boards Timber &c
Chosen Hogg reeves
Mathew Burnet
John Damer
Sara 11 Collings -
Alexan 1 Parkman
James Bradford
Beuja Walcot :
Sam" Jackson
V Chose Clerks of the Market
"William Bain Sworn"]
Edward Moberly Sworn I
Francis More Sworn |
Will"' Parkrnan
Joshua Thornton
Isaac White
John Leech -
Ephraim Copeland
Thomas VVardel
William Owen -
Thornton Barret
Voted That mes™ Joshua Winslow, Nathan 11 Cunningham. George
Crodock John Jeffries & Will'" Tyler or Any three of them be A
Comittee to Audit the Treas 1 Acco" for the yea.- Eusueing —
[33.] Theopilus Lilly : Paid )
Sworn
Sworn
Sworn
Sworn
paid
Sworn
Sworn __
Joua" Farnum
Nathan" Garner
John Taylor
Henry Gibbs
John Welland
Edward Emerson
John Hill
Joseph Webb
Nathan' 1 Barber
Will'" Dorentou
Voted A Grant of Five Thousands Bouuds on the Inhabitants
and Estates within this Town, For Releif of the Boor, Defraying
large of the Watches, Paving, Ami Other Necessary Charges
arisiug within and for the Said Town for the year Eusueing —
On the Bctition of Sundry Inhabiteuts for Paving in Salem
Street.
Voted According t<, t|, ( > Petition, And that the Selectmen be
Impowred to Act Accordingly, The Abutters doing their part as
Usually —
On the Petition of Sundry Inhabitants About paving near Cross
I —
Voted According to the Petition And That it be left with the
'men to Act therein as they find Reasonable
On the Petition of Sundry Inhabitants for Paving in Winter
■
Voted That the Selectmen Take Care that the Towns Bart of
Winter Street be Repaired at the Cost and Charges of the Town,
The Several Abutters paying their proportionable part of the
Street as is ^ccustomary —
The work to be Erected when there Shall be Money. Raised for
>- Chosen Scavengers
Boston Town Records, 1731-1732. 31
Paving over and Aboue the Sum of Two Hundred Pounds Already
i :it this Meeting for thai purpose —
[#£•5.] Voted riial the Selectmen he Desired and [mpowred to
tak Effectual care thai the Highways within the Town of Boston,
more Espetially those in the District of Rurany Marsh be keep in
good and Sufficient Repair
William Tony - Excusd ")
Joseph Raiuger - Excusd wi I i Constal
Andrew Frizwell - Sworn )
■ I That the Assessors for the year lasl pasl be rmpowred
to make Reasonable Abatemenl nut ill the first day of June next.
Voted That the Constables for the year next Ensuing haue three
pence on the Pound alowed them foi Collecting the Rates — Pro-
vided they pay it to the Several Treasurors One half of the Sums
itted to them to ( 'ollect by the first day of February next, aud
Compleal the whole by the first day of June next Following
Voted That the Affair of the Old Shops on the Dock be Con-
tinued for Consideration unto the Next meeting.
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitant of the
Town of Boston Duly Qulified being Regulerly Assembled in \
Publick Town Meeting at the Town House in Boston Wednesday
May the Tenth 1732 —
Alter Prayr by the Rev' mr Welsted.
Sam ■ Welles Esq' was Chosen Moderator for this Meeting —
Several Petitions were Read Viz'
Of Sam Sewall Esq'
one About the North Writing Scholl
of Dor" Zabdiel Bo\ lston
Of Richard Whittraa<
( >f John Lovel :
Voted to Chuse : 1 Repr< sentatives
Number of Voters were -
Samuel Welles Esq' 537 1 ...
, , i • t - - . * hosen
m r 1 homas ( usbing dun - - 554 ■ ,,
, | , •• , . . „ 01 Kepresental n es
liamjah Savage Esq' - - 332 i '
1 The Meeting Adjorue to four A Clock after Noon — the
Met
Number of Voters were
Esq' — 34 G : Chosen A Representative
Voted To Chuse A Comittee to Draw up Instructions for the
Representatives of this Town Now Chosen To pesent to the 'I •
for their Consideration at the Adjornment of this Meeting —
Anno Domini 1 732 : May 10 th
34. Voted rhat the Instructions Should be upon the Fol-
lowing I lead- Viz 1
it The G >vernors Support According to His M
struetions —
And About the Method for Supplying the Treas n \ id also
About the LFn appropriated Lands of the ony of
Massac] of New Plimouth and of the Province M p —
32 City Document Xo. 66.
Voted That there be Fine Persons Chosen to bo of the Said
Comittee.
\ oted That m r Nathaniel Cunningham m r Samuel Waldo Henry
Dering Esq' in' Edward Bromfield & m r Thomas Brooks be the
Said ( Committee
Voted Thai the Comittee Appointed to Prossecute the Trcsse-
passers on the north side of the Long Wharf Suffer Themselves to
he Nou Sntcd in the Several Actions already Comensed
Jacob Griggs: Sworn: Chose A Constable
Joseph Snelling - paid \ r ,, , e , , .» , ,
, ' ,. o i Clerks of the Market
rlona" Faro urn- Sworn J
On the Petition of the Constables for the year last past for
further time to be Alowed them for paying in their Kates
Voted That it be So far Granted That it' the Said Constables
pay in to the Several Treasurers Three Quarters of the Whole
Sums Committed to them to Collect by the First day of June Next,
That then they be Alowed until] the first day of August to pay .in
the Remaining Quarter part, And Shall then be Alowed three pence
on the pound for Collecting the Same And The Assessors Power
for Abatement be Continued to the Same time —
Voted That This Meeting be Adjoined To Wednesday the
Si venteenth day of -May Currant at four of the Clock Afternoon —
May the 17 th 1732
The Committee Chosen and Appointed May the 10 th to draw up
Instructions for the Representatives Presented a Draft of of them
upon the Several I lends Directed to —
Which were as Follows Viz'
[35.] At A Publick Town Meeting at Boston upon Wedne lay
the 10 th Day of May 1732 —
m' Nathan 11 Cunningham, Henry Deering Esq r m r Samuel Waldo,
m r Edward Bromfield and m r Thomas Brooks —
Were Chosen A Committe To Prepare Instructions for the
Representatives, And Lay them before the Town for their Apro-
n at the Adjorment May the 17 th Currant —
Presented as follows Viz 1
'l\i Elisha Cooke Esq' Samuel Welles Esq 1 Habijah Savage Esq'
vV m ! Thomas ( lushing dun.
( rentlemen
We the free holders and other Inhabitants of
the Town of Boston duly qualified and Regulerly Assembled. In
Confidi nee of your Integrity, Wisdom and Courage, Nave Chosen
to Represenl us in the Great and General Court of this
Province for the year Insuing. And altho we do not in the Le lsI
i your Faithfullness to the True Intresl of this Province in
1 ■ m rail as well as to the Trade and Business of this Town in Per-
ticuler, Yet Esteeming it our Duty in this unhappy Juncture (where
in Our l.aws. Liberties, & Properties are in the Greatest Danger)
icstly to Requesl of you to Exert all your Powers in ( Conjunction
with the other worthy Members of the Honourable House of Rep-
To Guard against and Defend us from all Incroach-
iip ins whatsoever. That may be attempted against our natural
Bost< >\ Tom n i v i ci »rds, 1 i 32.
Rights or Charter Priviled \ I thnl our minds may be alw
Present in your Thoughts. We would more Perticuleily Recommend
to \ <>u.
i That you use your utmost Endeavor, That His Excellency
our Governour Have an Honourable Support Sulable to the I)
nity of His Si at ion and the Cireomstances of this Province. And
in as much as we arc apreheusive thai the fixing a Salary on the
Governour may Produce fatal Consequences, we confide in
Rely upon you to Exert your utmost power and Influence to p ro-
ve nl the Passing any Bill in the Honourable House of Ri presenta-
tives Relating to lli> Support which may Setle the Salary for any
Limitted Time or that may Prevent Obstruct or any ways [mp
Future Asseinblys from acting with the Same freedom former
assemblys have Euio\ ed.
We Earnestly Recommend to you the Care of the Treas
And that you use your utmost Endeavor That it he Supplyod witb
Such Sufficient Sums of Money as is necessary to answar the Gi
Charge of the Province both Past and Future, and we depend upon
you That it be Don after such a manner as is C'onsisiant [3C]
with the Safety of this Province, and the Preservation of our Ri<
and Priviledges ; And in as much as the Charter gives the Gt
and General Court full power to Support the Government Here by
Enacting Such Laws and Ordinances as they in their Great Wisdom
Shall Judge host Adapted to Subserve the true [ntrest of II 3
Majestys Good Subjects of this Province A Complyance with His
Majesties Instructions would Enevitably Clash with the Power of
making Laws, and Deprive this People of one nost valuable
Priviledges Held and Enjoyed by the Charter.
We therefore Enjoy n you to Oppose any Bill for the Supply of
the Treasury That may be Brought forward in the Honourable
House of Representatives, That may in the Least Boar upon Our
Natural Rights and ( harter Priviledges — which we aprehend :
giving in to the King's Instructions would Certainly do
Whereas Then; has bin Granted away in time Past Vast
Tracts of Land for the Setling new Town ships in Answar to
Prayer of Divers Petition, That Haue bin Prefered, and t<
Influenced by Perticuler Persons, who by their Art and Cunning
haue Gained, to them selves Great Advantages thereby with
being at little or no Charge in forwarding and Setling Th
Tow nships W hereby Great Hurt and Damage has bin don the Prov-
ince. Wee therefore in an Especiall manner Recomend to you.
That you use your utmost Endeavors That the unappropria
Lands Lying within the Late ( 'olony of the Massachusetts. New Mi-
llionth and Province of Main be Divided to and Among the Several
Townswithin this Province, In the Most Just and Equal Pro]
The Court may agree upon And Subjected to Such reins,
ment as Shall be ordered. The Giving and Granting away the Pub-
lick Lands in the way and Method Lately Endeavored after being
only to Seme Some Perticuler Persons, And give others on opportu-
nity to Enrich them Selves by Indirect means, we therefor I
in Charge to you. That you use your utmost Influence Thai
Lands be disposed of To Perticuler Persons But to the £
34 City Document No. 60.
Towns in Equal Proportion Throughout this Province. Those three
articles are what we haue Thought Propperto Recommend to you,
And is in Order to Prevent any Sugestions that may be Insinuated,
That in acting on any of those Heads, you do not act agreeable
to the mind of your Principals or to Prevent any adjornments or
Prorogations to Consult your Principalis as Has bin Don heretofore.
[37.] Nathan 1 * 1 - Cunningham.
Sam 1 - 1 - Waldo
Henry Deking
Thomas Brooks
At the Adjorment of the Meeting, May 17 th 1732, The Comittee
Presented the Foregoing Instructions.
They were Read Sundry times were Debated and Voted ac-
cepted to be the Instructions for the Representatives.
In answar to the Petition of the Heirs of the Hon 1 - 16 Sam" Sewall
Decece d
Voted, That Joseph Wadsworth Esq 1 " Treasurer for the Town of
Boston or the Treasurer for the time being be Impowred & Direct-
ed to Execute a Deed of Release of the Towus Right to an Annu-
ity of line pound and four Shillings Charged on a sertain Pasture
in Boston, Called Elme Pasture, To the Heirs of the Late Hou ble
Sain 1 Sewal Esq. Dece d upon their Paying the Sum of One Hun-
dred Pounds in Province Bills or Currant money, Which Sum is
Hereby Appropriated and Sett apart for ever to be let to Intrest
by the Said Treasurer for the use and Benifit of the School Situ-
ate at the uper end of Bond Street in the Souther end of Boston,
for which End the Said Annuity was given by the Said Honourable
Samuel Sewall Ksq r
In answar to the Petition of Richard Whittrage.
Voted That the Sum of Twenty Pounds P r Annum from this Day
be alowed and Paved Out of the Treasury to the Said Richard
Whittrage during His natural life, to be payed Quarterly.
In answar to the Petition of m r Johu Procter about the north
writing School.
Noted. That the Selectmen be a Comitte to vew the Place and
Consider the Petition and make Report to the next meeting what
had best he don about it.
In answar to The Petition of m r Zabdiel Boylston.
Voted. That the Petition and acco" be Left with the Selectmen
to make Enquiry into that afair and make Report to the Town at
their Nexl meeting.
In answar to the Petition of m r John Lovell.
Voted. That the Consideration of it be Continued to the Next
Meeting to be Debated.
In Answar to the Petition of the Truckmen and others
which was ('oi7iitt<'d to the Select men to Consider of and make
Report which is. We haue Considered the within Petition and are
of Opinion That the Town Law in that Case already made is a
i and wholsom Law and think it ought to be put in Execution.
Sumuel Adams, Benja. Fitch, Samuel White, Andrew Tyler,
William Downe, Select men.
Boston Town Rj i ords, I 7
Read and Voted — Accepted.
Voted. Thai mess™ William Tyler, Edward Duranl iV .!
Marion be a Coraitte to Receive any proposals any may make
[38.] for Demolishing or Hireing ou( the old Buildings Be-
longing to the Town of Boston in \)>«-k Square, And to Report
To the Town what Proposals Shall be made to them at the nexl
! ting, And Thai Every One may be apprized of this Afair The
< ohlitte are Directed to advertise in the weekly Prints.
The Return of the Select mens Report about S
Whereas The Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of the Town
of Boston at their Annual Meeting on the 13 th day of March 1731.
Did by their Vote Direct James Williams to Apply Himself to
Select men of Said Town in order to Regulate the Prices of Digiug
Graves and opeing Toombs in the Two South Burying Places,
which he has accordingly Don. And They Have Stated the Prices
for the Several Burying places in this Town as Follows \i/. ! .
Digging Graves tor White Persons man or woman Ten
Shillings.
For Persona from Six to Twelve of age. Seven Shillings.
For Children Caryed by Hand live Shillings
For Digging a Grave for a Negro Man or woman Seven
Shillings and Six pence.
Ditto from Six to Twelve years of age Six Shillings.
For Children four Shillings
For Opening t lie New or Wall Toombs Fourteen Shillings
For Opening the Old Toombs or those that Stand in the
midst of the Burying Places sixteen Shilling
Boston, May the 'J' :h 1732
' Samuel Adams
Benj* Fi i' ii
. . . Samdel White
ectmeD " Andrew Tyler
William Dowse
Edward Bromfield
Samuel Avis Chose a Clerk of the market. Sworn
[.'{J).] At a Meeting of the Free holders and Other Inhabitants
of the Town of Boston Duly Qualified being Regulerly assembled in
a Publick Town Meeting at the Town House Tuesday Jun 27 — 17.; 2
7ii r George Crodock is Chosen moderator for this meeting.
In answar to the Petition of m r .John Procter and others abouth
the North Writing Scholl.
The Select men being appointed May the 1 7' h To be a ( 'ommittee
To Vew the Place and Consider the Petition and make Report to
the Next Meeting what had best to be don about it.
Now make their Report which was
Boston dune the 20 th 1732
Pursuant to a Vote of the Town at their meeting in May I
Having Considred the Petition of Sundry Inhabil he north
part of the Town for Enlarging the North writing School. We
areof Opinion That it will very much Serve that part of the Town,
36 City Document No. 66.
That Said School House be Eularged and an Usher m r John
Procter the present master.
• Sam' 1 - Adams
l)F.\.i A Fitch
Joshua Cheever
Andrew Tyler
W M Downe &
Edward Bromfield
The Report was Read and Voted Accepted.
Voted That the Select men be Impowred and Directed to Act in
.hut A fair.
On the Petition and acco" of Doe r Boylston Comitted to the
Select men to Consider and Report, make Report as follows viz'.
Also upon the Petition and acco" of Docf Zabdiel Boyls'on being
for Nedisons and atendance on John Sirnms a Poor man of the
Town. Upon Conferance had with the Overseers of the Poor who
[ncoraged Said Boylston in Said Servise. We are of Opinion He
Reserves Thirty Pounds in full Discharge of His Acco".
Sam il Adams
Benja m Fitch
Joshua Cheever
Andrew Tylor
William downe &
Edward Bromfield
The Report was Read and Voted, accepted.
Voted. That the Sum of Thirty pounds be paid by the Town
Treasuror to Docf. Zobdiel Bo % ylston in full of His account.
[4().] Voted That m r Edward Mills School master haue an
tant being in a Bad State of Health.
Voted. That the Select men be Empowred and Directed to Seek
out and agree with a Sutable Person to assist m r Edward Mills untill
the Town meeting in March next.
Voted. That mess" Joseph Marion. Edward Durant and The-
opilus Lilly be a Comitte to Receive any Proposals any may make
for Demolishin or Hireing out the Old Buildings, Belonging to the
Town in Dock Square and to Report to the Town what Proposalls
Shall be made to them at the Next meeting. And That Every
one may be apprized of this Afair. The Comittee are Directed to
advertise it in the weekly Prints —
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitans of the
Town of Boston Duly Qualified being Regnlerly Assembled in a
Publick Town Meeting Fryday July 28 th 1732.
Joseph Wadsworth Esq r . wasChoseo Moderatorfor this meeting.
The Petition of m r .John Lovell was Read.
In Answar to the Petition of m r John Lovell.
Voted That an Adition of Twenty Rounds to the Salary of m r
John Lovell for the Presenl year as one of the Ushers of the South
( rramer School be made to Him.
The ( oniiHee appointed June the 27 th . 17:32. To Receive any Pro-
ds any may make about the Old Buildings in Dock Square. &c.
Boston Town Records, 17.12. 37
The Committee make their Report viz'.
Pursuant to the Said Vote, The Comitte therein named hane
Advertised in the Publick Prints, The Times and Place of their
meetings, And Strictly given their Attendance & hane Received
Proposals by way of Subscriptions from Mess" Gihb, Boylston,
Noyce and Others, for Demolishing the Said Buildings as is P -
ticulerly Sett fourth in their Proposals and Subscriptions here with
Exhibitted. Also proposals from m r Josiah Krauklin for the De-
molishing and Erecting others as by the Proposals here with
I' ted will appear and we do accordingly make this cur Report
on, | 41 . ] The Premices for the Towns Consideration thereon
Dated in Boston this 28 th day of July Anno Dour 1732
Joseph Makjon
Edward Dlj
Theop l . Lillie.
Voted. That the Reporl of the Committee Relating to the Old
Decayed Buildings on Dock Squar with the Proposals of mess™
Gibbs, Boylston, Noyce, and others, with m r Frauklins Pro]
be ( Continued until! the nexl march Meeting of this Town and That
Joseph Marion. Edward Durant, Theop 8 Lidie, William
Stoddard and Jeffry Bedgood be a Committee in the mean time to
tak into Consideration the said Proposals together with such other
proposals as may be layed before them in Order to Report to
je Town at the >aid meeting in march next what in their Opinion
may Conduce most to the best Benifit and advantage of this Town,
and what the Town ought to do therein.
At a meeting of the Free holders and Other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston Duly Qualified being Regulerly Assembled in a
Publick Town Meeting at the Town House, monday, march the
Twelfth L732
After Prayer by the Rev' Doc r . Benjamin Colman.
Elisha Cooke Esq r . was ('hose moderator fortius meeting.
Sundrys Laws against Imoraiiiy &c. Read.
Sundry Petitions Head i^ motion made viz'.
A Petition for Paving in Orange Street.
John ( lhambers Petition
Watchmens Petition
Sam". Bots Petition
Zecha". Hicks Petition
A motion of the Overseers of the Poor.
A Proposal of Sundry about a market.
1 < >r Paving in winter Street .
about a water-Course in water Street.
Jonathan Williams about the Grainery.
about water Engine-men
about an office for the Town-Clerk
The Constables Petition
[4-ti. J Samuel Cheekley Chose Town Clerk and Sworn.
\ >tes for a County Treasurer, Numbred and Sealed up in the
prence of Joshua Townsend Constable to be delivered by Him to
the Clerk of the Sessions. The voti -
38
City Document No. 66.
J> Chosen Select men.
Voted to Chuse assessors Distinct from the Select men.
Voted tO Chuse Seven Selectmen.
Mess™ Edward Bromfield Jun r "
William Downe
Jonathan Armitage
Refused Thomas Lee
David Colton
John Jeffries
Joshua Winslow
Joseph Wadsworth Esq r Chose Town Treasurer, and Sworn.
Officers for Rumny Marsh Chosen Viz'
Jacob Chamberlin — Constable — Sworn
Samuel Tuttle | T , Tr .
> Pence Viewers
Thomas Pratt
Nathan Cheever —
Sworn John Hasy
Sworn Isaac Lewis J
un r j
Sealer of Leather.
Hogreves
Voted.
Treasury
That there be alowed and Payed out of the Town
the Sum of Sixty Pounds for the year Currant To a Suta-
ble Person for a School master at Runiny Marsh to the Satisfac-
tion of the Select men He giving his atendance for whole year to
be paid Quarterly.
Voted. To Chuse seven Overseers of the Poor.
John Ruck Esq' ")
m r Jonathan Jackson
m r Jeffry Bedgood
m r Samuel Greenwood )■ Overseers of the Poor.
Henry Uerng Esq r
m r John Hunt
m r John Hill J
mess" Jonas Clark
James Watson
Daniel Loring
Richard Buckley }■ Assessors
Jacob Sheaf
Peter Thomas
Mathew Adams
Voted to Chuse Twelve Constables
[43.] Voted. Thai this meeting be adjorned to To-morow
morning, Eight of the Clock.
Excused .John Clark Chandler"
pay Peter wroe
pay Nathan" Fletcher
pay Martin Brimmer
Sworn Mathew Barnard
pay John Osborn \
pay Samuel Grant
Appeald John Little
pay John Smith, Bruer
Sworn Edward Brazier J
Chose Constables.
Boston Town Records, 1732.
Sealers of Leather
-Clerksof the Market
Sworn James I >awson ~)
Sworn John Allin
.Sworn ThnmaS Inch. >
Sworn J< »siah ( 'arter
Sworn Joshua Dodge J
Sworn John Endicot ]
Sworn Hopestill Foster
Sworn Benja 11 Russell
Sworn Roger Stainer \- Fence Viewers
Joseph Kicks
Sain 1 Coniball
William Eustis
sworn Stephen < ! reenleafe "]
Sworn Micael Homer
Sworn Nicholas Lash
Sworn - William Mower
Sworn - David Colson .Inn r
Sworn - Thomas warde
Sworn - Alford Butler
Sworn - -John Waters
Joseph Dyar
John Taylor
jr .Monk
William Young
Joseph ( lerrard
Charles Collin
Benja" Pollard
Ricbard Billings
>.'athan ;; ( Gardner
James Cary
Henry ( libbs
Richard I lubbard
.John Potwine
Benja 11 Bridg
John Fitcb
Isaac Dupee
Sworn - Edwanl Moberly "j
Sworn - Josepb Lowden
Sworn - Edward Richards !
Sworn - William Paine (
Sworn - Edward I '
Sworn - Francis Mi >re J
Sworn — John Crosby ^
.John Clear
John Hendei
Jona". Neale.
11.] Voted. That the Select men and Such as they Shall
Desire to accompany them be Inspectors of the Schools for the
year Insueing.
Nathan Salenstal K>'i r Chose a Selectman in the Room of
Thomas Lee. who Refused.
Scavengers
Viewers of Shingles,
Boards, &c.
} Hogrcvcs
40 City Document No. 66.
Whether a Market under Proper Regulations would be of Servia
ami Benefit to the Town.
Voted in the affermative.
Voted. To Chuse a Comittee to Project a Schem for Regulating
a Markett and to lay it before the Town at their Next General
Meeting & Col 1 Thomas Fitch Esq r Thomas Hutchinson Esq'
Jacob Wendal Esq r m r Nathan 11 Cunningham, John Column Esq*
m r George Cradock and Thomas Palmer Esq r be the Said Co-
mittee.
Whereas there are Several Old Houses at Dock Square belonging
to the Town which are in a Rueuous Condition and not worth
Reparing.
Voted That they be forthwith Demolished, To prevent hurt and
Damage to Persons Passing by the Same, And That the Select
men be Directed and Impowred forthwith to Effect the Same in
the Pest manner they can for the Servis of the Town.
Inasmuch as m r Henry Gibbs has very Lately Incroched on the
Towns Land on Dock Square by Erecting frames thereon
Therefore Ordered That the Select men take Effectual Care
That the Said frames he Demolished.
On the Petition of m r Zeck a Dicks assistant to m r Procter.
Voted. That there lie alowed to m r Zeeh a Hicks at the Rate of
One Hundred Pounds P r Annum as assistant to m r Procter to be
Paid Him Quarterly.
Voted That it be Celt with the Select men to Reward Such of
the watchmen as Shall lie found faithf ull in their trust not Exceed
ten Shillings P r month.
Voted. That there he alowed and Payed to John Chambers the
Sum of Six pounds for His Pinging the Bell at the South
meeting House at one of the Clock for the year Insueing.
Voted. That the Select men Prefer a Petition To the Great and
General Court on behalf of the Town To bring forward an action
of Review of an Action Coineuced by mess" Thomas Cushing,
Ezekiel Lewis and Nathan" Green Esq r a Comitte against Thomas
Palmer Esq' for Possession of a Sertaine Tenement on Dock Square
the time LiiTiitted by Law for a Review being Expired notwithstand-
ing.
Voted, this .Meeting be adjorned to three of the Clock after-
noon.
[45.] Excusd Moses Ayres
Excusd Joseph Shead
Excusd [cabod Rogers
pay Ephraim Copeland
Sworn William Oven
Sworn William Torry , Chose Constables
pay Peter Stone
Sworn John Peirce
Excused George Tilly
Sworn .lames Bennit
Voted. That a Sutable office he provided in the Town House to
R ei ive the Records and Papers belonging to the Town.
Voted That m' Samuel Loss His Petition be left with the
Boston T< >v» n Rec< >kds, 1 « 32. 1 1
■t men to Enquire about it and make Report tfav
Q g .
Or the Petition of tbe Water Engineinen.
\ i ted. That the Petition be Granted and That, tin
f rorn al other offices of the Towns Choise of them.
On the Petition about Water Street.
Voted. That it be lefl with the Select men to Enquire into that
afair, and make Report to the Town at their May meeting.
Voted. That m r Sam" Holyoke be established as master of tbe
School lately kept by in r Edward Mil s Deceaced.
Voted That m r >;ini ,i Holyoke haue paid Him One Hundred &
Twenty pounds l ,r annum and haue the use of the House ni r Mills
lived in llis Salary to Coiiience from the Death of M r Mills.
Voted. That the Report of the Comittee about the Treasurers
accepted and That he Be discharged accordingly.
Voted. That Joseph Wadsworth Esq Town rreasurer be alowed
& payed Out of the Town Treasury One Hundred Pounds for 1 lis
Sen is in that office for the year past
Voted. To ( liuse a Coiiutte to Audit and Examine tl I
urei - for tbe year Insuing, And to take ( are that the Several
Drafts made by the Select men and Overseers of the Poor, be
agreeable to the Laws of the Province, and also to Rep< rt the
Ballancc Remaing in the Treasurers Hand — and
\ ted. That John Alford Esq' Jacob Wendell Es i r Thomas
Fitch Esq r , Hugh Hall Ksif and m T Nathan" Cunningham or any
three of t hem he the Committee.
I. a ('.rant of Que Thousand three Hundred pounds To be
Ri iscd on the Inhabitants and Estates within this Town, for
R.deif of the Poor, Defraying the Charges of the watches, Paving
and otln >sary Charges Arising within and for the said
Town for the yen- Insuing.
Sworn I'> 1 1 i ; i ' v ~|
pay alexander Hunt
pav John Job ! , ., , , ,
i- ' i -i i 1 1 t M hose ( onstn
Excused I bomas Stoddard j
pay Francis Warden
William Fearfield !
On the Petition of m r Jona" W illiams Vo
[4(».J Voted. That the Sum of Twenty Six pounds be
Alowed to the Said Jonathan Williams being for So much Stolen out
of the < irainei \ To be ( barged by Ilim in His next yi mpt.
Voted, this meeting be adjorned to to-morrow Morning n
the ( lock.
On the Petition of Sundry Inhabitant about Paving in Orange
Street Read. Debated and Voted it be Dismist.
On ra r Jonathan William- Petition for Alowance.
\ Refer'd to the Select men to Consider of and Re-
poi t to the Tow u at May meeting.
Swi >rn. - ( reorgc Heard ^
Swoi n - I lenry Pidgion
Sworn - Roger 1 la
Sworn - Agusten Ha} le
pay - John Pirn
42 City Document Xo. bb.
Voted. To Chuse :i Comitte of three persons to be Impowied
for Laying oul the Money appropriated for Purchasing Grain for
the use of the Town for the year Insueing.
Voted. That (apt Henry Dering, m r Nathan" Cunningham and
m r Peter Thomas be the Said CoTnittee
Voted. That the Selectmen be Desired to Regulate the Price
of Grain Sold at the Grainery for the year Insueing.
pay - John Trnyle - Chose Constable
Sworn - Benja" Williams - Chose Constable
Voted. That no new Lease of House or Land, belongin to the
Town be given or Granted by the Select men until Publick Notice
be given at least Twelve months, before the Expiration of the
former Lease, And That they Do not finish any New Lease in
More then Six months before the Expiration of the former.
On the Return of the Report of the Comitte Chosen July the
28 th 1732, To Consider the State of the Old Buildings at Dock
Squair &c. The Report was Read and
Voted, Thankes to the Cohlittee for their Care and pains taken
therein.
[47.] At a meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitant
of the Town of Boston Duly Qualified being Regurly assembled in
a Publick Town meeting at the Town House Wednesday May the
ninth 1733.
After Prayer by the Reve? rn r William Cooper.
Klisha Cooke Esq r was Chose 1 moderator for this meeting.
Sundry Petitions Read and Motions made.
for Paving in Merchants Row
m r John (loughs Petition
Isaac Peirce His Petition
m r John Procters Petition
m r Sam" Watts, His Petition
The Constables Petition
A motion about Erecting Mash Potts
About a Common Shore for the Toombs
Voted, to Chuse 1 Representatives
Number of Voters were - Gnu
Klisha Cook Esq r 54 1
Sam" Welles Esq r .".'.Ml
m r Thomas Cushing jun r 5 1 1
Chosen Representatives
Voted. That the meeting Adjorn to Three of the Clock after-
noon.
Met and the Voters were 554
m' Oxenbridge Thatcher with 296 votes was Chosen
Voted. To giue Instruction to the Representatives now Chosen.
Voted Thai the Instructions to the Representatives the year Past
May the 17 th 1732 Be the Instructions to the Representatives now
ii And Such Others as are here Inserted.
( rentlemen
We the tree holders and other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston Duly Qualified and Liegulerly assembled &e.
Bostoh Tow* Records, Pi 43
In Confidence of your [ntegrity wisdom and ' haue
Chosen you to Represent us in the Great and General Court of
this Province for the }'ear Insueing, And althO we do nol in ihe
Least Question your faithfullness to the true Intrest of I
vince in General, as well as lo the Trade and ISusyess of this
Town in Perticuler, yel I eming it our Duty in tins unhappy
Juncture (wherein our Laws Liberty s and Proppertics are in
Greatesl Danger.) Earnestly to Request of you to Exerl all your
Powers in Conjunction with the Other members of the llonoui
II. Representatives to gard against and Defend us from all
[ncroachmeuts whatsoever that may be attempted against our
Natural Rights or Charter Priviledges, And that our miuds ma_.
alu:i\ s Present in your thoughts.
[48.] We would more Perticulerly Recommend to you.
I . That you use your utmost Endeavor That Ili> Excelency
our Governor may haue an Honor' v Support Sutable to the
Dignity of Hi- Station and the Circomstances of this Province.
And Inasmuch as we are apprahensive that the fixing a Sallary on
the Governor may Produce fatal Consequences, We Confide in
and Rely upon you to Exert your utmost Power & Influence, To
prevent the Passing any Bill in the House of Representatives, Re--
lating to His Support which may Settle the Salary for any Limited
time, or that may Prevent Obstruct or any ways Impead future
mblys from Acting with the Same freedom former assembly's
Haue Enjoyed you are to Oppose any Bill for XI i - Excelency
Support unless in the Same Bill Provision be made for the
Payment of all Publick Debts of the Province.
We Earnestly Recohlend to you, The Care of the Treasury.
and that you use your utmost ludeavor, That it be Supplyed with
Such Sufficient Sums of mom y to answar the
t Charge of the Province both Past and future, And we
depeud upon you That you Oppose the Passing any Hill for the
Supply of the Treasury for the Payment of any Acco" of ( barge
or 1 of Publick money, unless there be a Clause Inserted,
That the whole General Court haue the Inspection of the ai
before Payment, And we Depend upon you That it be Don after
Such a manner as ' asistaut with the Safty of this Province
and the Preservation of our Rights and Privileges. And ii
much as the Charter Gives the Great and G< ourt full
power to Support the Government here by Enacting Sui
and Ordinances as they in their Great wisdom shall be best
adapted to Subserve the true Intrest of Uis Majestys '.",.,1
Subjects of this Province. A < oroplyance with His Majes
1 structions would Inevitably (lash with the Power of mak
Laws, and Deprive this People of i f the most valuable
Priviledges held & Enjoyed by the Charter.
\V< Therfore Injoyne you To oppose any Bill for the Supply
of tl I isur, that maybe brought forward in the Honours
Hous< of Representatives That may in the ; our
natural Rights and Charter Priviledges which we appraheud the
giving in to thi K gs Instructions would setaiuly do.
o Whereas there has bin Granted away in time past
44 Ciiy Document No. GQ.
Tracts of Land for the Setling new Townships in Answar to the
Prayer of Divers Petitions that haue )>iii Prefered and too Often
Influences by Perticuler Persons who by their Art and Cunning
banc gained to themselves Great Advantage therby without
being without Little or no Charge in forwarding & Setling those
Town-hips. Where by Great Hurt and Damage lias bin don the
Province.
We Therfore in an Espetial manner Recomend to von, That
von use your utmost Endeavor That the unapropriated Lands
Lying within the Late Colony of the Massachusetts New Plimouth
and Province of Main be [49.] divided to and among the
several Towns within This Province in the most Just and Equal
Proportion the Court may agree upon, And Subjected to Such
Terms of Settlement as Shall be Ordered.
The giving & Granting away the Publick Lands in the way and
Method lately Endeavored after being only to Serve Some Perticuler
Persons and give Others an Oppertunity to Inriteh them Selves by
Indirect means. We therfore give it in Charge to yon That you
use your utmost Influence, That no Lands be Disposed of to
Perticuler Persons But to the Several Towns in Equal Proportion
throughout this Province. These three Articles are what we
thought Propper to Recomend to you, And is in Order to Prevent
any Suggestions that may be Intimated, that in Acting on any of
these Heads you do not Act Agreeable to the mind of your prin-
cipals, or to Prevent any adjornments or Prorogations to Consult
your Principals as has bin done Heretofore.
The foregoing Instructions were Lead and Voted to be the
Instructions to the Representatives now Chosen.
The Report of the Coinittee about a market was Lead.
Voted. That this meeting be adjoined to fry day next at Eight
of the Clock in the fore noon And then mett May the 11 th
()n the Petition about Paving in Merchant Row.
Voted. That it be left with the Select men to Comply with the
Petition Provided the abutters do their Part as is usual.
On the Petition about a Market.
Noted That there be three places assigned for a market.
Voted. That in the Vacent place at or near the Town Dock be
one of the Places.
Voted. That the Open place near the old North meeting House
be anol her place for a market.
Voted. That the Third place be at or near the Great Tree at the
South end near m r Eliots House.
And the Co itte with the Select men were Desired to take the
Proposals and make Such additions or alterations as they Shall
bc ncedfull in Older to haue them Printed to be debated at the
adjornment .
I. That in the Afair of the market. Rumny Marsh be
Excepted.
John (loughs Petition was Head and Granted viz That there be
three pence on the Pound alowed Him for Collecting the Rates
ted to His Sone.
rce His Petition was Read and Voted That Six pounds
Boston Town Records, 1733. 15
In' alowed and 1 *:i i< 1 Him for Ringing the Bell at the old north
meeting [louse al one of the ( lock for this year.
in Sam" Walts Read & Refeivd to the adjormeut.
ni r John Procters Petition Read and Continued to the adjorn'nent.
m r Joseph Marions Proposals Read.
| ."><). | Voted Thai this Meeting be adjoined to May II
day al Nine of the Clock, in the forenoon. And thru mett.
On the Petition about the water course in Water Street.
Voted. Thai the Select men be Directed and Impowred I
the mosl Propper and Speedy method for Removing the Obstruc-
tion Refered to in the Petition and t<» make a Computation of the
Charge of Carrying the water aboue ground and Enquire of the
abutters what part of the Charge they are willing to be
R< porl the Same at the nexl Town Meeting.
On the Petition of m r Jonathan Williams Referred to the Select-
men.
\ ed. That the Reporl of the Selectmen be accepted. And that
the Sn;n of Sixteen Pounds be paid Him in full that Service
nr Sau. Boss Ili^ Petition Relating to the Towns Land under
His Improuement with the Select men Report thereon, was Read
and Accepted, which was That they Had veiwed the Land and are
of Opinion That it will not be for the Intrest of the Town
the Same.
m r Joseph Marions Proposals were Read viz*
The first article. That a Coraittee be Raised by the Town to
Enquire into and take ( 'ognizance of all the Towns Rights in Land,
and on the Tresposes thereon. And thai a Plann thereof
by a Surveyor, And that the Same be made of Records in the Town
Clerks office, with the annual Pent or Income the Same at Present
yeilds. That So the Town-, may be made Certain of their !
and Income Voted.
On the Second. Voted That the Selectmen or Such Co
I tes as the Town from time to time appoint to Employ Laborers,
artificers or workmen in the Service of the Town, or in Purchasing
Grain for the Town to Agree with Such Persons as thc\ Shal
Employ ordeal with to pay them in money as has bin the Custom
Here to fore.
On the Third Article. Voted. That upon Reading an\ I
Remonstrance or Report, The time of Beading the Same, and what
the Town Shall l>e pleased to Vote thereon whether it be Dismist
or Otherwise.
On the fourth Article. Voted. That as many disputes and Great
Inconvenience hau ariscd. Touching the votes of the Town for
want of Drawing the Votes, and Reading the Same before the
Meet ing is o\ er,
Thai for the future, all votes made and Past by the Town, be
Comitted to writing, while the Town meeting is in being, and Lead
to the Town. That truth and Certaut.y thereof may be made I
before the meeting is up.
On the fifth Article. Voted That the Selectmen be directed and
Impowred to make application to the General Court at their next
as tor leave to bring forward a writ of Review in Order to
4(5 City Document No. (jG.
the Recovering Possesion of Land and warehouse on the Dock now
in the Possession of Thomas Palmer Esq 1 in Behalf of the Heirs
of Eliakiu I [utchinson Esq r .
On the Sixth Article, was Read & Rejected.
[51.] The Proposals for Regulating a Market in this Town,
and the Cornittes & Select men Report thereon being Read and
Debated, It was Put to Vote whether the Town would haue a
market or not, and That the Same be Determined by a written
Vote.
Voted in the affermative.
The Town accordingly Proceeded to bring in their Votes. And
upon Counting the Same It appeared (hero 3» 4 yeas and 339 nays.
Then the meeting was Adjoined until four of the Clock in the
afternoon.
The Town being met. The Proposals of the Comitte and the
Selecl men for Regulating a Market were Read Seperatly and
Voted as follows.
That there he three market Places viz'
Oie- in the Vacant place at Or near the Town Dock.
One at the Open Space before and about the old north meeting
House and One at or near the Great Tree at the South end Near
m r Idiots House.
And That whosoever shall or Expose to Sale, or That Buy any
flesh Poultry Eggs, Mutter. Meal. Chees. Frute. Hearbs, Rootes
or Other Provisions in any Other Place or Places within the Said
Town Precinct or Liberty thereof then the Publick places aloresaid.
(Except Such Provisions as are hereafter Excepted), Upon the
Information of the Clerk of the market, or other proof thereof
made. Shall he lined in Proportion to the offence not Exceeding
twenty Shillings, as Shall l>e Judged by the Justice before whom
the ( 'ause Shall Come.
Thai every day in the week Except the Lords Day be a
market, day, And that a Hell be Rung of the opening of the market.
which Shall he at the Rising of the Sun thro the whole year, and
if any Person or Persons Shall Sell or put to open Sale in the
Said Several markets any manner of Provisions or other Com-
modities or Shall buy any of them before the Ringing of the
Market Bell, such Offender or Offenders being thereof Con-
vict Shall forfeit and Pay a line of Twenty Shillinus for
I ery Such Offence Ami if any Prison or Persons Shall Pre-
sume, to Buy or Cheapen. Any flesh, Fowles, Putter. Eggs,
meal, Herbs, Frute. Rut other Provisions, or victuals.
Coming to the Market Either by the Land or water, or make any
Previous Contract, with any Seller, or Huy the Same in any other
Place, then in one of the Said markets. Shall forfeit and Pay for
each and Every Such Offence being thereof Convict the Sum of
Twenty Shillin
1 hat all Smts of Fish brought by water, may be Sold at the
wharfs & Places usually Improved for' that Purpose. But all Fish
Caught in the Rivers, Ponds and Brooks and brought by Land.
Shall be brought into & Sold in the market.
Boston Town Records, it:'..".. it
That if any Person or Persons bringing any Sort of Pro-
visions out of tli<' Country into the Town of Boston for Sale
Either by Land or water, after the Setting up of the Said market,
shall Sell offer or pu1 to Sale : 1 1 1 \ of ihe Same in any Prii
House ware house Inn, Ale House, Tavern, Lane, Alloy. St reel or
other place or places whatsoever, within the Said Town, Preein
or Libertys thereof, then in the .Market places, or Some of them,
Every Person so Carrying, or offering to put to Sale, or to liny
any Provisions, shall forfeit Twent\ Shillings for every Such
Offence. Provided always that no Clause or Expression herein
Contained shall Extend, [ntend or be Judged to Restrain
abridge any Butchers from Selling their Meat in theii H nor
[52. ] such wh<> [mport by Sea any Grain, Meal or Pish Salted
up in Barrels from Selling the Same on Board their Vessels, Nor to
the Seller of Swine, brought into the Town alive, nor ( Iraiu broughl
by Land, nor Aples, Enions, nor turnops by the Bushel, or greater
quantities, nor milk nor Sider, as hath heretofore bin the Custome,
But it shall and may be Lawfull for the Inhabitants of the Town
and others to purchase the aboue Mentioned Provisions in the
usual method as formerly. But all other Provision- brought in by
Land or water to Sold in the Market.
5' r That if any Person or Persons Shall Engross any Sort of
Provisions or victuals which is in the market to Retale there again,
Espesially Such as are known to be Hucksters, Butchers or other
people. Geting their Living by Such Provisions or victuals as they
would so Engross, Every Such Engrosser shall forfeit Twenty
Shillings for every Such offence.
G That no Retailer. Hucksters, or Persons to Sell again,
buy any flesh, fish, fowles, Eggs, Butter, Cheese, or any other
of Provisions Saleable in the Market, untill after twelve of the
(lock at Noon on pain of paying a fine of Twenty Shillings.
7 1 hat if any Person or Persons Shall Presume to Expose to
Sale in the Said market.-, or Either of them unholsom or Stale
victuals, Blown meat, Leprous, or measly Swine, tie She or they
So offending Shall forfeit and pay in Proporl ion to the Offence.
That no Cart or team be alowed to Stand near the Entrance
of the noarkel or Places but Shall Imediatly Depart upon
order of the Clerk of the market to the Driver So to do under the
! ty of line Shillings for Refusal or Neglect thereof.
Ilia: the Informr, who shall Sue for and Recover any
fines fortitures Sum and Sums of Money arising from th< Bre
of any of those orders shall be Entitled lo Receive oul
Treasury One half of the Sum So Received
l'- v That Propper Persons be appointed to keep < [ e an the
Marki ts, and to be under tue Direction of the Clerk of the
in there so doing.
I 1 That there be a Clerk of the Market now Chosen foi
Markel Place by the Town. And hereafter at their annual
in March, who Shall be Impowred to Supervise the Said Mai
1 to take Effectual Care to prevent and Suppress all fr:
abuses and Disorders that may arise therein. And Shall ( ■
ml and be in the market during the market time, A\
48 City Document No. 6(5.
haue and Receive Such Salary for their Service as Shall be voted
them by the Town.
12 ly That if any Person or Persons be found Trespassing
against any of the Rules and order before mentioned. The
Clerks of the Market arc hereby Required and Directed to Prosse-
cute Such Offenders. or Trespassers before [53.] Justice of the
Peace, In order to His or their being Prosecuted against and
Punished as is before Provided.
Voted. That Cap' James Watson be Clerk of the Market for
the vacant place al or near the Town Dock or wharf.
Voted. That Cap' John Steel be Clerk of the Market for the Open
Space before and about the old north Meeting-House.
Voted That m r Francis Wiloughby be a Clerk of the Market for
the Space at or near the Great tree at the South end by m r
Eliots.
Voted. That John Colraan Esqr Joeob Wendal Esq r m r Nathan 11
Cunningham, ni r Daniel Goff, with the three Clerks of the market
now Chosen be a Committee, to make a Computation of the Cost
and Charges of Erecting the Several markets, and to Receive any
motion from the Inhabitants of Ilireing or Leasing any of the Said
places, Proposed to Erect a market iu And make Report to the
Town at their next meeting.
m r John Procter Petition for an addition to His Salary at the
North writing School.
Read and Voted That the Sum of Thirty Pounds P r Annum be
added to His Salary to begin from this Day.
m r Sam" Watts Petition for Remitting Twenty Pounds due for
the Hire of the Ferry.
Voted. That the Same be Remitted.
Voted. That the Select men be Desired to Effect the Erecting
of an Office in the Town House for the Town Clerk to Lodg the
Town Hooks & papers in.
The Request of Sundry Persons belonging to the District of
Rumny Marsh, for an addition to their Schoolmasters Salary, Con-
tinued to the next meeting.
Voted. That the Committee to be Chosen for Enquiring into
the Towns Rights be Continued to the Next Town meetin.
The motion Respecting a Drain for the Toombs in the South
Buryiug Place, Petered to the Next Meeting. The meeting Dis-
mist.
At a Meeting of the Free holders and other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston Duly Qualified being Regurly Assembler! in a
Publick Town Meeting at the Town House on Tuesday June the
Twenty Sixth 1733 —
Elisha Cooke Es<j r Chose moderator for this meeting.
A motion made by m r Joseph Marion aboul Everill Lease.
A motion made u, Chose A Comitte to Treal with m r Palmer and
m r Gibbs Relating to their Chimes in Dock Squir.
Aboul the Report of the Committe about a .Market.
The Report whs Read and the Question whether it Should be
Determined by a Written Vote. Voted in the affermative.
Boston Town Records, IT;;:;. i'i
The Town accordingly Proceded to bring in their Vot<
upon Counting the Same ther apeared to be 805 Voters.
\ eas 390 and I !•"» nays
[54.] Voted The Coihittees Report nol being accepted, that
they Proceed no further upon the Consideration thereof at this
Meeting, But Refer it to the next General Meting in March ne:
Voted, ill is meeting be adjorned to fiue of the Clock after u i
& Being met
()n the Report of the Select men aboul the Water Com
Water street.
The Report was Read which was
Pursuant to the vote of the Town at their meeting the ninth of
May Last. Relating to the obstruction in water Street, we have
viewed the Same and are of Opinion That the mosl Effectual way
to Remove it would be by Carrying the water into the Dock by m r
Alfords warehouse. The charg of which will amount to aboul four
Hundred rounds.
We haue also Inquired of the abbuttars and find they are willing
to pay Two Hundred Pounds thereof. Boston, June 18"' 1733
William Down, Edward Bromfield Jun r Jona" Armitage, l>avid
Colson, John Jeffries, Joshua Winslow, Nathan Saltonstall —
Select men.
id not Accepted.
Voted. To ( huse a Cohlitte to take Effectual Care to open the
antient natural water-course in water Str<
Voted. That a Comitte l»e Chosen of flue Persons for Said
work.
m r Andrew Tyler, Samuel Wellis Esq' m r Nathan' Cunningham,
Cap' James Goold, and m r Joseph Marion, lie the Committee.
Voted. That the Cohlktec Raised Some time Since to Cot
the State of the Old Buildings in Dock Squair be Desired and
Directed to proceed to take the Deposition of Persons In Pet
nam Rei Memoriam Relating to the Towns Rights in the Dock.
Whereas James Oglethorp Esq r who i-* Spec. lily Expected hear,
hath at Sundry times m the Parlamenl of Great Britain Expressed
a hearty care and Concern for the Good of the Provinces & Colo-
nys on this Continent and a Special manner moved Several thin--,
in Support of the true Intrest of this Government and the Estab-
lishing the Trade and Business thereof
Voted. That the Representatives of this Town, a Considerable
Branch or member of this Province, together with the Select men
when that I [onourable Gentle man Shall a rive here, do in the nn
and behalf of this Town Return Him their Thanks, and let Him
know how kindly they take II - < 1 ( Mlice. and That his free and
generous Actions shall haue a lasting Remembrance ami hid Him
a 1 [earty welcome here.
[55.] Voted. To Chuse a Committee of line Persons to
Enquire into all the Rights in Lands.
m r Joseph Marion. m r John Stamford, .John Colman Esq' m r
William Stoddard and m r Jeffry Bedgood. Voted to he the Com-
mittee
Voted. That ten pounds l ,r Annum be added to the Salary of
50 City Document No. 66.
in r Belcher Hancock School master at Rumny marsh, to begin the
Twenty first day of march last past.
about the motion for the Drain from the Toombs in the South
Burj'ing Place.
Voted, to be Refered to the next Town meeting and in the
mean time the Select men make a Computation of the Charg of
Carrying the water into the Common Shore.
At a meeting of the Free holders and Other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston duly Qualified being- Regulerly Assembled in a
l'ublick Town meeting at the Town House Wednesday August the
first 1733.
Elisha Cooke Esq 1- was Chosen moderator fortius meeting
upon a motion made
That whenever the Town be warned for a Towns meeting By
order of the Select men That the Constables haue Printed tickets
provided for them to warn the Inhabitant by. Voted in the afferraa-
tive. unanimously.
m r nathaniel Cunningham made a motion. That the Town would
alow Som thing toward the Charge of a Private watch in the Town
at the Dock. Left for Consideration.
The Petition of John Metcalf of Dedham Joshua Mors of Med-
field and others for Erecting a new County out of the Countys of
Suffolk and Midlesex
Voted. That they will Chuse a Committee of flue Persons to take
that Affair into Consideration, and Prepare Reasons to Lay before
the General Court why the Prayer Should not be granted. And lay
them before the Town at the adjorment of this meeting.
Voted. That Edward Hutchinson. Anthony Stoddard, Thomas
fitch, Samuel Sewall, juu r , and Jacob Wendell Esq 13 be the Said
Committee.
Voted. That this meeting be adjorned to Fryday August the
tenth Currant at hue of the Clock afternoon.
The Town being met August the Tenth According the adjornment.
The Comitte made their Report which is as follows viz'.
We the Subscribers being appointed a Comittee by the Town
of Boston at their meeting on the first Instant, to prepare Some
Reasons, to be Offred to the Town in order to be laved before the
General Court, why the Petition of John Metcalfe of DedhamEsq*
Joshua Morse of Medfield and others, for Erecting a new County
out of the Countys of Suffolk & Midlesex should not be granted,
having and Considered that afair.
Humbly Offer our Reasons againsl the Same.
[56,] 1. That there haue bin line of the most Remote Towns
belonging to this County, vi/. 1 Mendon, Woodstock. Sutton, Oxford
& Uxbridge lately taken off from this County, towards Erecting
another, by which means the County is so Reduced, that the In-
habitants of even the mosl Remote Towns remaining in this
County haue not far to travel to their County Town, whereas in
England, their Countys are vast ly mor populous, and many of them
of much Larger extent. And greal Number.- of the People in divers
Df the County- are at a greater distance from their Sheir Town that
Bl 18TON T< iwx Recohds, 1' 51
any of the People in the Couuty of Suffolk are, and ycl they haue
Contentedly Remained So ever Since tin- Reign of King Alfred, and
if ii had liin found iuconvenienl or detrimental to the peopli
live in those large Countys, undoubtedly from that time to this,
they would haue moved to the Parliament for Releif & endeavors
would haue hin us'd To Lesson them, which we never heard of.
■_'. That there is only the Town of Dedham of the Several Towns
desiring to be Set off that send- any Petty Jurors to the < ourt of
Common Pleas or General Sessions of the Peace, And Some of
them Seud no petty Jurors to the Superior Court nor ( Irand Jurors
to either Court which manifests that their Attendance &c. on the
Courts can't be so buthensome as they would Insinuate especially
considering there has lately bin made a Considerable augmentation
of the Jurors Fees by the Legislature
'■'•. That in Case the Towns Petitioud for Should be taken Off ,
from the County of Suffolk, yet it will be no case to them in Such
wherein the Plantifs dwell in Said County, for they must
then give their attendance at the Several Courts, as they now do.
•1. That there being frequently Causes depending between His
rood Subjects in Boston, and the adjacent Towns, con-
serning titles of Land and other matters, and many gentlemen in
cuntry Towns being very well Qualified, may be very s .t-
vesable as Jurors in Such Cases &c of which having had long
Experience, we can not Esteem it Reasonable that this County
Should be Debarr'd any further of the good Services of its Country
neighbours within the County nor to act so disagreeable to the long
Experienced, well Regulated and Established practice in the South
part of < treat Britain So to I.e.- -on the County.
.">. That to Multiply Countys is not for the Publick good, for
instead of easing them that Petition to be Set off it will Increase
their Charges for they must I mi id a « 'ourt House and A Prison iVc.
and must, of themselves furnish Jurors, for the Superior and
Inferior Courts and Geue Sessions of the Peace, and if they
Should be Set Off it will tend much to multiply Law Sutes among
them, and other mischifs and Inconveniences would Increase,
besides the Multiplying of Countys may prove Injurious to the
Publick, by the Governments, at Home being induced [57.] to
think we are bigger and more Considerable then we icalv a
we have Eleven County's in this Province already, whereas in Eng-
land, they haue but Forty County's, although they they are Com-
puted to be Fifty times bigger then this Province.
To Conclude if the prayer of the Petition should be granted, it
would be a bad president, for with the Same Semblance of \:
other County's may Seek to be divided, and by this .Method, the
Province would be Subdived into petty Countys, whereby the
Charges and inconveniences of the People, would be vastly iu-
1. Wherefore humbly hope our Fathers in the Government,
will Se just cause to Continue the ('.unity of Suffolk as it now is,
and to dismiss Said Petition which to us Seems unreasonable
All which is humbly Submitted by Tiio 8 Fitch
Edward IIutciun'son
Boston August 10 th IV Amii"\, Stoddakd
Ja< i m Wi xdell
52 City Document No. 66.
Which Return was Several times Read and Debated, Then read
Article by Article and Severally Voted in the Affermative to be
Accepted.
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston duly qualified and Regurly Assembled in A
Publick Town Meeting at the Town House Fryday Septem r the
Twenty first : 1 7;!.'i
After prayer by the Rev' m r William Cooper
Edward Hutchinson Esq r was Chose Moderator for this Meeting
by tin' majoritor of Voters :
A .Motion made by m r Joseph Marion about chusing Colectors
of Taxes
A Motion of the Selectmen Relating a Graiuery at the North-
end.
The Question was Putt: Whether or no the Representatives of
this Town in the Affair of the Supply of the Treasury be left to
use their best Judgment ami Diseression notwithstanding the In-
struction given them in May Last
Voted That it Should he desided by a Written vote, And that
they that were for it Should write yea. And they against it Nay.
The Voters were 240: The yeas were 15:3, Nays were <S7 :
On A Motion Made by m r Nathaniel Cunningham august the
first
That the Town would alow Something toward the Charge of A
watch at the Dock called the Merchants Watch which has hitherto
hin Supported by A Number of Merchants.
Voted that Fifty Pounds P r Annum be alow'd and paid out of
the Town Treasury toward the Support of Said Watch, Provided
it l>e Regulated as the Law directs, And the Merchants Continu-
ing to hear the Remaing part of the Charge
[58.] Voted That the Selectmen be desired to make applica-
tion to the General Court That the Town may haue Liberty for
the year Currant to Chuse Collectors of the Taxes notwithstanding
the time Limited by the Law Relating to the Choice of Such
Officers l>e Elapced.
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston duly qualified and Regurly Assembled in a Pub-
lick Town Meeting at the Town House On Tuesday October the
Sixteenth : 17:;:; —
Edward Hutchinson Esq' Chose Moderator for this Meeting
A Motion Made by the Town Treasurer About taking Road
[sland Bills of the New Emition might he Considred
Voted to Chuse three Collectors for the Town of Boston, One
of which Shall be lor the District of Rinnuy Marsh
Voted to Alow the Collectors Nine pence on the Found for Col-
lecting the Taxes Provided they giue Sullicient Security to the
tction of the Selectmen
V'-ted to ( huse the Collectors by Written Votes, And that they
Lioseu by the .Major part of the Voters:
voters were 120
Boston Town Re< ords, 1 733. 53
('.•ill' Daniel Goff was Clioseu l>\ 121 votes >v m' Nathan Gard-
ner was ( bosen by 111 vot
Voted to Chuse the Collector for Rumny Marsb by A Handy
vote
m r Jacob Chamberlain, now Constable was C'bosei i or for
the District of Rumny Marsh and to haue the Same Alowam
Collecting as the Other Collectors, lie giving the like Secui ity
inery al the North End
1 That A House he Erected on the Towns Land at the
Northend of Boston for a graiuery or Meal [louse, Not to 1
the Cost of One Hundred I'ouuds —
A: a Meeting of the Freeholders and other [nhabitant of the
Town of Boston Duly Qualified and Regulerly Assembled in A
Publick Town Meeting at the Town Mouse Wednesday 0<
the Thirty first. 1733
Sam" Welles Esq' Chose Moderator for this Meeting
Voted to Proceed to Chuse Collectors.
I To Chuse three persons for Colta r the Town of
B stou Seperate from the District of Rumny Marsh
Voted That the Town will not Come to any further Consideration
of the Alowance to the Collectors, But that the Alowance be nine
pence on the Pound, Agreeable to the Vote of the Sixteenth
[nstant, The Collectors giving Sufficient Security to the Satis-
faction of the Selectmen
Voted To Chuse Collectors by A Written vote and that they
be Chose who haue the highest votes —Nathan" Barber, John
Staniford, Jacob Sheaf, were chosen collectors by the Highest
Votes.
Voted That the Town Treasurer be Directed to Refuse any of
the Road Island Bills of the New Emition in Publick payment —
Voted that the meeting be Dismist —
[59.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants
of the Town of Boston Duly Qualified and Regurly Assembled in
a Publick Town Meeting At the Town House on Wednesday Nov'
the Twenty first 1 733 —
John Jeffries Esq' ( bosen Moderator for this Meeting
Voted To Chuse another Collector in the Room of John Stam-
ford
Daniel Pecker was Chosen Collector
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitant of the
Town of Boston duly Qualified and Regulerly Assembled in A
Publick Town Meeting at the Town House Frvday the first : 17.'io
Elisha Cooke Esq' w;i> Choseu Moderator for this Meeting
Upon the Afair of the Overseers of the Poor —
\ ■ ted Thai it be Refered to the Town Meeting in March Next
and That the < Overseers of the Poor be Desired to giue their Opin-
ion therein to the Town
Voted To Chuse A ( ommittee of Five Persons To ( 'onsider the
Memorial of Henery Gibbs About the Out Wharfs, And Re|
5 1 City Document No. GG.
the Town at their Meeting in March next: what is Proper to be
dou therein.
Mess" .Joseph Marion
Jeffry Bedgood
Robert Kami
Sam" Adams Esq'
William Stoddard
were Chosen to be the
Said Committee —
At a .Alert in of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of the
Town Duly Qualified and Regurly Assembled in A Publick Town
meeting at the Town House Fryday February the 22"' 1733.
The Hono ble Thomas Fitch Esq r was Chose Moderator for this
Meetiug
Voted Xemine Contradicente
Thai the Hono ble Thomas Fitch Fsq r , with the Selectmen be de-
sired Forthwith To Represent the Decaying Circomstances of the
Fortifications of this Town, To the Cap 1 General, And Desire He
would please to Lav the Same before the General Court, In Order
to Obtain A Sutable Alowance to put the Town into a Proper
Posture of Defence It being the Key of the Province —
[GO.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants
of the Town of Boston duly Qualified, being Regularly Assembled
al a Public Town Meetiug, at the Town House, Monday, March
the 1 L ' IT:;:'..
Alter Prayer, by the IW. Mr. Thomas Foxcroft.
The lion 1 ' 1 '' Elisha Cooke Esq r was Chosen Moderator for this
Meeting.
Noted, That this Meeting be adjourned to the Public Meetiug
House in Brattle Street ; The Town making good all damage that
Shall be done it by reason of the Meeting being there.
Samuel Oerrish was Chosen Town Clerk, and Sworn by E.
Cooke Moderator.
Sundry Laws against Immorality &C. Read.
Sundry Petitions Lead, and Motions made. Viz'
Benjamin Fisher.
Peter Briton.
The Engine Men.
William Rand.
Belcher 1 [ancock.
Bartholomew Sutton.
Proposals for lessening the Charge of the Town.
Memorial of Henry Gibbs.
Reporl of the Committee ab' the Towns Rights.
Reporl of the Committee ab 1 the Out Wharves.
A Motiou mad.' by Jonathan Williams relating to the Trees in
the ( oninion.
The said William's Motion relating to Town Bulls.
tier Motiou of said Williams relating to the Marishes in the
Common.
Boston Town Records, 1"
A Motion of the Select Men. for the Town to come into
Methods to prevent frauds in the weight of Hay.
[<»!.] 'J'li" Select Men Inform'd the Town, thai the R< v 1 BJ .
Williams intends shortly to leave the Souib Grammar .School.
A Motion of Mr. Josepb .Marion's That the Town would
tion the General Court, for leave to bring forward a Writ of
Review against Thomas Pa rner Esq' for possession of a Wan
on the 1 >ock.
A Motion of Elisha Cooke K-ip relating to the Fines of the
Militia; That the Town would give Instructions to their Represen-
tatives, concerning that affair.
\ oted, That this Meeting be Adjourned to Three of the <
Afternoon.
And being Assembled accordingly.
Voted, To choose Overseers of the Poor, distinct from the
Select .Men.
Voted, To Choose \ 3, distinct from thi Men.
Voted, To Choose Seven Select .Men.
The Ho,, ■ John Jeffries Esq'
Mr. Edward Bromfield Jun'
Capt. William Downe.
( 'apt. Jonathan Armitage.
Mr. David Colson.
Mr. Joshua Winslow.
( !apt. Alexander Forsyth.
Were Chosen Select Men. for the Year ensuing.
Voted, To Choose Nine Overseers of the Poor.
[63.] John Ruck Esq'
Jacob Wendell Esq'
I [enry Dering Esq'
Mr. Jonathan Jackson.
( apt . Samuel Greenwood.
Mr. John Hunt.
Capt. Jeffery Bedgood
Mr. John Hill.
William Tyler Esq'.
Were Chosen Overseers of the Poor.
Voted, That the Affair of the Market ; and of the Fortifications
come under Consideration, Tomorrow at 10 of the Clock in the
Forenoon.
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned, until Tomorrow Morn-
ing, at 8. Of the Clock.
And being Assembled,
Officers for Rumney Marsh, were Chosen, Viz'
Mi ss Joseph Whittemore ----- Constable. Sworn
Hugb Floyd I ,, ...
. .-. , I'ellee \ iewi
Stephen Kent )
Ji >hn Tewksbery I ,,
Daniel lutthil t
John Hasey - - ... ither
5G
City Document No. 66.
> Were Chosen Sealers of Leather.
Mess™ James Dawson.
John Allen
Thomas Inches.
Josiah Carter.
Joshua Dodge.
Votes for County Treasurer were number'd and Sealed up by
William Torrey Constable, by him to be kept and returned unto the
Clerk of the Sessions.
[63.] Mess" Joseph Russell. "|
Hopestil Foster.
Benjamin Russel.
Roger Stainer.
Joseph Rix - Excus'd
Samuel Cunnabel
William Eustis.
Mess" Richard True -
Jonathan Neal -
Joseph Bradford
John Staniford -
Thomas Boucher
Rowland Houghton -
Thomas Hill
William Thomas
>Were Chosen Fence Viewers.
Paid.
Sworn.
Excus'd.
Excus'd.
Paid.
Paid.
Paid.
Were Chosen
* Clerks of the Market.
Mess" John Fitch.
David Cutler.
David Mason.
Hopestil Foster.
John Taylor.
John Wheelright.
William Dowues.
Benjamin Edwards.
Nathanael Belknap.
Benjamin Bronsdon.
Nathaniel Gardner.
John Carnes.
Joseph Turell.
Philip Bongarden.
Mess™ Thomas Trott - Sworn.
Ezekiel Carver - - Sworn.
John Little - - Paid.
John Simpson - - Sworn.
[64.] Mess" Samuel Clark, Jun r
Edward Moberly.
Edward Richards -
William Paine.
Francis More.
John Endicot.
Were Chosen Scavengers.
Were Chosen Ilogreves.
Sworn. ")
Sworn.
Were Chosen
Viewers of
| Shingles, &c.
Voted, To Choose Collectors, to gather the Taxes for the Year
ensuing.
Voted. To Choose Twelve Constables, for the Year ensuing.
Boston Ton n Re< ords, 1 733.
57
Paid.
—
Paid.
Excus'd.
Excus'd.
Sworn.
Were (
Paid.
□stables.
Paid.
Paid.
Paid.
Paid.
MeSS" .Tallies Pitl
William Keneday
l'\ am Blower -
( it( >rge Lincham
Ball hazar Bayard
John Steel
Thomas < lunter
William Bullinch
Henry Lirabrey
Thomas Oxnard
Voted, To Choose a Committee to think of, and assign, Three
suitable Places for Erecting .Markets, the Cost and Charge thereof,
and how to be defrayed; and make Report at the adjournment
of this Meeting.
The Town accordingly proceeded to bring in their Votes in
Writing, and on numbering them 'twas found, there were 916
\ Of which ."'17 were Yeas, and 399 Nays.
Voted, To proceed to the Choice of the Said Commit!
Voted, That the Number of this Committee be Five.
[65.] Voted, That the Hon 1 " Thomas Fitch Esq'
Edward Hutchinson Esq'
Thomas Palmer Esq' and
Jacob Wendell Esq' with
Mr. Nathanael Cunningham,
be the Committee.
Voted, That the Committee aforesaid make their Report on
Wednesday next the 20th, instant at Three of the Cock i
mei [diem
Voted, That the Consideration of the Affair of the Fortifications
be adjourned, until Four of the (lock this Afternoon.
I. That this Meeting be Adjourned to Three of the Cluck
after 1 1
iled accordingly.
The lloir' Joseph Wadsworth V,*'\ r was unanimously CI
Town Treasurer, for the year ensuing.
I, To Choose a Committee of Seven Persons, to View, and
report their Opinion of the most Convenient Places in this Town,
for Fortifications.
.lames Bowdoin I
Thomas Fitch Ks<| r
Mr. Thomas Lee.
Ji seph Wadsworth I -
Weudell Esq'
( 'apt. .h ihn 1 lenderson, and
Edward I [utchinson I
Were ace, inlingly t h< »sen to 1"
Voted, T rhomas 1 hirell be I >esircd to mei
and consult with the aforsaid Committee, upon the said Affair:
And that the Committee, be [66.] Desired to make their
Report, if possible, To-Morrow al Four of the I Afternoon.
\ I. To 1 ii
58 City Document No. 66.
Mess" Jonas Clark.
Richard Buckley.
James Watson.
Daniel Loring.
Peter Thomas.
Mathew Adams, and
Jacob Holyoke - - - - Excus'd
Were Chosen Assessors, for the Year Ensuing.
Upon the Petition of Belcher Hancock,
Voted, That the Sum of Ten rounds be added to the Salary
of the Schoolmaster in Rumny Marsh.
Voted, th:it this Meeting be Adjourned until Tomorrow Morning,
at Eight of the Clock.
Being accordingly Assembled.
Mess" Stephen Greenleaf ------ Sworn.
Nathanael Thwing -- Sworn.
Thomas Stoddard -------- Sworn.
Abijah Adams Sworn.
John Colman Jun r and ------- Paid.
Joseph Snelling -- Sworn.
Were Chosen Constables.
A Motion was made by the Select Men for the Choice of Tything
Men.
Upon the Petition of the Engine Men,
Voted, That they may be Excused from all Town Offices, for
the Year tan rant.
[(>T.] Upon a Report of the Committee appointed to Consider
the Memorial of Henry Gibbs, about the Out-Wharves,
Voted, That the same be Accepted.
The Memorial of Henry Gibbs, which was read at the Opening
of this Meeting, Read again, and Dismist.
Upon the Petition of Benjamin Fisher,
Voted, That it be refered to the Select Men, to Consider the
Subject Matter thereof, and make Report thereon, at the Next
Town Meeting.
Bartholomew Sutton's Petition, was Read, and debated, and
Voted. That it be Dismist
Upon a Motion made by Mr. Jonathan Williams, relating to the
Trees planted in the Common.
Voted, That the l.ow of Trees already Planted in the Com-
mon, be taken care of by the Select Men from time to time; And
that another Row of Trees be Planted there, at a suitable dis-
tance.
1. That a Row of Posts, with a Rail on the top of them be
set up. and continued thro' the Common from the Burying Place to
< ol c Pitch's fence: Leaving Openings at the several Streets and
ban
And. in Order to prevent further waste of the Trees in the
Common,
Voted, That there be allow'd and paid out of the Treasury, a
Reward of forty Shillings to any Person that shall inform against,
and convict any Person or Persons |_68.] of Cutting down or
Boston To\n s Re< ords, 1 i
despoiling any of the Trees already planted in the Common, or
thai may be hereafter planted ihere. Also,
Voted, Thai the same Reward be given to those Who
convict any person or persons of breaking any of the Posts and
Rails thai shall he put up in the Common as afon said.
I I :i Motion of Mr. Jonathan Williams relating to the Marish
at ilif bottom of the Common,
Voted, That Capt. Nathanael Cunningham
Mi ss James Allen, and
Roberl Rand —
be a Committee to make an Estimate of the Cost and Charge of
the Effectual Securing the same, And Report the same at the
adjournment of this Meeting the 20th, instant.
At a Motion of the Select Men, \\/.' That Three Shilli
II ad on the Cows going on the Common is not Suflicienl
maintain the Bulls.
Voted, That Two Shillings p head be added for the s.nme pin
Mess" Peter Oliver Paid.
Adam Winthrop Jun r Paid.
Thomas Hutchinson Jun r Paid.
John Davenport Paid.
Habijah Savage Juu r - Excus'd.
Simeon Stoddard, and. Paid.
William Williams Paid.
Were < In >sen ( Constables.
[6i>.] Capt. Daniel Pecker Sworn.
Mess™ Jaeob Sheafe, and Refus'd.
Nathanael Barber Sworn.
Wen ' hosen to be Collectors of the Taxes for the Year ensuing,
d, That Nine pence upon the Pound be allow'd :■
Collectors, for Gathering tl , They giving Sufh'i - irity
to tin ion of the Select Men.
Upon the Petition of Mr. William Rand.
d, That the Select .Men be directed and impower'd to
Release and Quit Claim to the said William Band and his In
the Fee of the Land he lateh purchased of Isaac Gamberto, Upon
hi> paying the Sum of Six Pounds to the Town Treasurer. Which
Laud was Subjected to pay Four Shillings p Annum to the Town,
as :i Quit pent, forever.
Voted, That the Thanks of this Town be Presented to Capt.
'1 Durell for His Advice and Assistance aforded to the
Committee, in the affair of the Fortificatl
Mess™ Samuel Jackson ------- Sworn.
Benjamin Wolcot Sworn.
Christopher Marshal ------- Sworn.
"William Ware Excus'd.
son, and - Swi th.
John West - Sworn.
Were Chosen Constables.
The Rev. Mr. Nathanael Williams having inform'd the Select
Men, That he intends in a short time to resign hi- the
South Grammar School.
60 City Document Xo. 66.
[70.] Voted, Thai the Selecl Men be desired to inquire into
the Qualifications of a suitable Person, or Pet-sons. Who may take
the Charge of the Said School, And Report to the Town at their
lH-xi Meeting.
\ oted, That this Meeting be Adjourned to Three of the Clock,
Afternoon.
Being Assembled,
Mr Joseph Bradford was Chosen Constable. Sworn.
Mr. John Baker was Chosen Clerk of the Market Sworn.
The Report of a Committee appointed to inquire into the Town's
Rights, Read again, Accepted &,
Voted, That the Thanks of the Town be returned to the said
Committee, for their Service in that Affair.
The Committee of seven Persons appointed the 12th instant, to
view and report tlieir Opinion of the most convenient places in this
Town for Fortifications, Reported, as follows, Viz'
That it is very proper to have Six (inns with a Breast work
plac'd at the Southerly Part of the Old South Battery to prevent
landing Men in Boats and small Vessels.
That the Easterly End of the Lone; Wharf is the best place to
build a Battery on. most effectually to annoy the Enemy, and to
defend the Town, and it would be proper to have Twenty Guns
placed there, At present the Wharf being but about 112 feet in
length in the East Front, it will allow as it is now of no more than
<s, or It) ( inns.
[71.] Wherefore the Committee Judge it would be best to
lengthen it both Southward and Northward to about 120 feet more,
and to add 15 or 20 feet more inward to the depth thereof, and in
the mean time to plant as many Guns as it will allow.
Thai it would do well to have Six (dins plac'd on Clark's
"Wharf, both to meet the Ships coming up, and to rake any Ship
that may attempt to board the Battery at the End of the Long
Wharf; but as that is not the Towns property, if Guns were
signed for it, they may be fixed, when the Town sees meet
and necessary.
That upon Viewing and Examining the North Battery and its
Circumstances, the Front being much Worm eaten and decayed,
and settled loo low down, It appears necessary to build without the
Front thereof a piece of Wharf of 15 feet deep, and the same to
he continued, round the Northerly End where the new addition
must he 35 feel, and all well tyed to strengthen the Old Wharf, All
which is I InmUy Submitted by,
Thomas Fitch.
Boston Mar. 13. 1733. Edward Hutchinson.
Joseph Wadsworth.
Jacob Wendell.
James Bowdoin.
Thomas Lee.
John Henderson.
Voted, That there be an addition of Eight Persons to the Com-
Boston T< >w\ Re< • >rds, 1 • 61
mittee appointed yesterday, on the Affair of Fortification. And
thai they be,
( 'apl . Jonathan Armitage.
Dr. William I >ouglas.
Col. Estis Hatch.
Mess" W illiam Stoddard.
John ( Iheckley.
.1. »hu Smibei t .
Samuel ^ • les Esq' and
Capt. Edward Pell.
Ar.d that the}* Report on Fryday next, al Thr< f the Clock,
Aften i).
72. \ r oted, Thai th ; s Meeting be Adjourned, until Fi
rhree of the (luck. Aftei noon.
Fryday, Mar. 15.
The Town being Assembled according to Adjourm!
Voted, T a Committee, to lay out the Money appropri-
ated for Purchasing Grain, for Use of the Town, the Yeai ensu-
ing. And That.
I Ii'iirv Dering Esq 1
Capt. Nathanael Cunningham, and
Mr. Peter Thomas,
be the said ( 'omm
Voted, That I Committee, do give Orders to Mr. Jona-
than Williams, What Quantity of Grain each Family shall receive
out of the Granary at our time, according to the Seasons of the
Year, aud Circumstances of the Town.
\ I. Thai Mr. John Staniford be Excused from being a
Clerk of the Market.
Voted, That Mr. John Clear be a Clerk of the Market in the
room of Mr. Stauiford Sworn.
Vol I, I Select Men be Surveyors of the Highwa;
1. That the Select .Men be directed and impower'
ecute in the Law. Mr. Henry Gibbs, in Order to recover the Right
of the Town in that piece of I. and on Dock Square, formerly ■ ailed
- Wharf.
\. I'hat the Select Men be Directed to renew a Petition to
the Great and General Court on behalf of the Town, for lcavi
bring forward a Writ of [73. Review against the M
Pali in Order to recover possession of a Certain Tenement
on Dock Square in the present Occupation of William Pain &
oth<
1. That John Simpson 1 ne of the Fence- Vi
of Joseph Rixwho was Excused, as being One of the Engine Men.
Upon the Petition of Peter Briton.
Voted, Thai the Said Pel i
d, That the Assessors be directed to take the I
from the said Peter Rriton, in orcl over the ' ' ling
Rates still due to the Town according to the Said Hills.
A Motion being made concerning a Town Right on Windmill
poinl . I [aimed by Mr. Joseph Mari<
62 City Document No. 66.
Voted, That Mess" Natbanael Cunningham,
James Allen, and
Robert Rand,
be a Committee to inquire into the same, and Report to the Town
as soon as may be.
The Report of the Committee for Fortifications, is as follows,
Viz 1
The Committee appointed the 12 th & 13 th Instant, to Consider of
what is necessary to be done to. put the Town into a State of De-
fence are humbly of Opinion.
That it will he proper to add to ihe front for the whole length
of the North Battery a piece of Wharf of Fifteen feet Breadth,
and to add Thirty five feet to the North Eastern End &
That there be Six Onus prepared for Clarks Wharf.
[7-4.] To be transported and used there in case of au attack
That the most Proper place for building a Fortress of the
greatest Strength, will be upon the flats on the Eastern Side of
Fort point Channel, where a Wharf of, Sixty feet breadth may
be built of Three hundred feet in length, with a breast work, and
from Fort Hill a Line of Communication may be made, for Supply
men and Stores, with Safety.
That all the Guns belonging to the Town be immediately
mounted and fitted for use, and as many placed on the End of the
long Wharf, as it will recieve, where a hrest work should be forth-
with raised. Tno. Fitch, in the
Mar. 15. 1733. name of the Commitee.
Upon the Report of the Committee for Fortification,
Voted, That the same be Accepted.
Voted, That the Committee Cor Fortification be desired to draw
a plan of the Fortifications propos'd, Consider of the Charge, and
Report the same on Wednesday the 20 th instant, That so the Town
may the better Judge what Money will be necessary to be raised
in order to Effect the same
Voted, That there be a Committee Chosen to take Effectual Care
to prepare Carriages, and all utensils necessary for eompleatly
Mounting the Cannon belonging to the Town, and
Voted, That Jacob Wendell Esq 1
James Bowdoin Fsqf
Col ' Estis Hatch
Mess" Isaac White, and
John Checkley, be the Committee.
[75.] Voted, To add Two Persons to the Committee for
Mounting the Cannon, Viz' Mess" Tl as Lee, and
Samuel Clark.
Voted. That this Meeting he Adjourned, to the Town House,
until Wednesday next the 2U l " instant at nine of the Clock A.M.
March, 20. The Town met according to Adjournm' and
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned to the Public Meeting
House in Church Green, to meet there in half an Hour.
Voted, That the Town will make good the Damage that may be
doue by reason of the Meeting, and make clean the House.
Boston Town Records, 1733.
Where being Assembled,
The Select Men informed the Town, That they had iutrocl
Mr. Nathanael Oliver, as an Usher in the South Grammar Scl i
in tli<' Room of Mr. Jeremiah Gridley.
Voted, Thai it be left with the Select Men to Agree with Mi ss '
Jonathan boring and Jonathan Jackson, in the best manner they
can, in Order to Obtain from them n . s i\ foot High Way from
Salem Street to Love Street .
Committee for Fortifications, Pursuant to a Vote of the
Town the L5th. instant, Presented a Plan of the Fortifications pro-
pos'd, and a Computation of the Charge. Which is as follows.
Viz 1
The Computation of the ( !os1 of the
se\ eral Fort ifieations propos'd
for the Defence of the Town of Boston.
[70.] The Addition to the North Battery is propos'd to I"- 15
feet in the Front, and 35 feel al the North Fast, and by ( ompu-
tation will take 325 Tons of
Square Pine timber, at 20/ p Ton - - - -
Stone for the same will Cost, about- - - - 350
Workmanship for the same - - 200
The Breast Work for the same 340
.325
£1:
GO
L5.
The Breast Work, for the Mounting Eight Gut
the End of Boston Pier, aboul )
The Platform for the (Jims, and over the Stairs |
for Men to Stand on, about J .140
The Wharf on the Flats at the Eastward End of ")
Fort Point Channel lor the Planting of 20 Guns,
propos'd to be 300 feet long, and 60 feet broad, and '
by Computation will take about IGOO Ions
Square Tine Timber at 20/ p Ton
Stone for the same, about -1800
Workmanship, about ----------- i
The Breast work for 20 Guns, and Platform for
the same, about ------ - -
The Wharf propos'd from the OM South ")
Battery to the Fortification on the Flats,
Cor a Line of Communication, i- propos'd
to be 20 feet wide leaviug the Channel
Open, will be 378 feel long, and by
Computation will take about 700. Tons
of Timber, at 20/. p T m - - - - J
Stone for the Same about -----
W i it kmanship thereof
The Breast Work on each Side of Said"]
Line, is propos'd to be I & \ feet high, '
and 1".' Inches thick, and will take
90 Tons of Timber -----
Workmanship for the bame, about
700
400 - - - -
250 - - - -
.'.•n - - .
100
1."
64 City Document No. 6G.
The Carriages for 50 Guns, with Iron work &c.
We Compute will Cost about £20. Each
1000. —
Carried over - - - - £8505.
[77.] Brought over - - - - £8505
The Communication over the Channel, We propose")
to be by Two Large Scows haled by hawsors, all >- - 200
which We suppose may Cost about- - - . -)
£8705
We further propose the Planting of Four Guns on the head of the
Wharf, on the West Side of the Line of Communication, to Cover
the Men, transporting over the Channel, and Scouring both sides
of the Line.
In behalf of the Committee Tuo. Fitch.
A Plan of the Fortifications propos'd, which ought now to have
follow'd, is (for greater convenience of room) placed in the next
Page.
Voted. That the Town will now come into the Consideration, of
ways and means of raising Money for Effecting the Fortifications
propos'd to lie erected for the Defence of the Town.
Voted, That what Money shall be required, from time to time
to carry on. and perfect the Fortifications, shall be liaised by a
Tax on the Inhabitants.
Voted, That the Sum of Ten Thousand Pounds, to be Raised by
a Tax as aforesaid be appropriated to the Use of Fortifying the
Town.
Voted, That the Sum of Ten Thousand Pounds, be Raised by a
Tax on Polls & Estates, for Effecting the Fortifications for the
security and defence of the Town.
Voted, That (apt. Edward Pell Ik; one of the Committee for
.Mounting the Cannon belonging to the Town, in the Room of Mr.
Thomas Lee, who was excused from that service.
[7.S.] A Plan of Fortifications proposed.
[71).] Voted. That this Meeting be Adjourned to Three of the
Clock p. M.
Being Assembled,
The Committee appointed to think of. and assign Three suitable
Places for Erecting Markets, &c. Presented their Report, which
\\ as Read, As follow s. Viz'
Committee appointed the 12 Mar. 17:5. >. to think of and
assign Three Suitable places for erecting Markets having the
several places hereafter mentioned, Are of Opinion
1. That the Vacant Space call'd Phots" Wharf, with Mr.
Jonathan Willis's Land fronting next the Street over against Mr.
T1m>- Downe's, or a peicc of Land near it about 90 fee! square on
the Northerly Side of the High Way leading to Mr Daniel Lori
I rontingon the main Street, belonging to the Rev. Mr. J.icoh Eliot,
would either of them suit well for a Market a! (he South
End, if could lie Obtained on reasonable terms. If no'. The
Space in the Common hetween Mr. Jacob Sheaf's house' & the
- — '
a
:
>
-
'
.
!
.
Boston Town Records, 1733. 65.
School House, has b 'en by some recommended, and would
Roomly accomodations for A Market.
2. Thai the Open Space on the Town Dock or Wharf is a
able Place for a Market in the Middle of the Town.
;;. Thai the Open Space before and about the OM North
Meeting House is a Suitable Place for :i Market for the North End
of the Town.
The Computation made by Mess" Young and Russcl of the
Cost of tlic buildings, Wc approve of, but .-is we now think of an
Addition to the Mouse for the South Market, and of laying
Shingle Ballast before the same as well as the other, I
may probably be about Six hundred and Forty Pouuds.
The Expeuce to be defrayed, either by Leasing the Ground to
the Undertakers to build the [louses for a Term o 1
[SO.] They making good preparation for the Con venii a
the Market's, and the Town to allow them for the buildings what
they shall be valued to be worth at the Expiration of the Term ; Or
Else, to 1"' defrayed at the Charge of the Town by a T:ix.
All which is humbly Submitted by, Tno. Fitch.
Tim. Palmer.
Ja< * ib Wendeli .
Nath. Cunningham.
After considerable Debate thereon,
\ Question was put, as follows, Viz*
Whether ii be the mind of the Town to determine by a Written
Vote, to Accept the Report of the Commitl erniug Mar-
kets] So far as respects the Two places mentioned possitively
therein? And
It l'ass'd in the Affirmative.
The Number of Voters were 719. of which 538 wi r< 't • as, and
181 Nays
The Report was accordingly accepted, so far as it res
Open Space on the Town Dock; and the Open space before and
about the Old North Meeting [louse.
Voted. To Accept the Report of the Committee for Mai
respecting a peice <>\' Land, at the Smith End of Boston, Belonging
to Mr. .Ion a than Willis : Which Land he the said Willis is to I.
to the Town, for the Annual Rent of Ten Round.-., as p Agreei
with the said Willis.
Which Agreement written, and Signed by said Willis in pre
of the Meeting, is as follows. Viz 1
Bostou March 20, 17:
At :i Town Meeting regularlj- Assembled by Adjourum'
Meeting House in ( Ihureh < Ireen,
81. The Report of the Committee relating to the M
being read, in which they recommend a pcice of Land at the v
End of the d'own belonging to Mr. Jonathan Willis n - tor
a Market Place at that end of the Town ; Mr. Willis
with on the affair, who Obliged himself to Execute Sufficieu I I.
■on demand for said Land, for the Term of Ten Years, Tor the <
sideration of Ten Pounds p Annum.
Jonathan Willis.
66 City Document No. 66.
Voted, That the Select Men be directed & impower'd take proper
L< ases of the said Land from the said Willis accordingly.
In Order to accommodate the Three Markets, It was.
Voted, That Seven Hundred Pounds be put into the Hands of
the Committee for Markets, to enable them to Effect the several
Buildings necessary, as by them Reported.
Voted, That the Thanks of the Town be presented to Jacob
Wendell Esq r for his generous Offer of Fifty Pounds, towards
Erecting Markets.
Voted, That the Three Clerks of the Markets viz' Capt. James
Watson, Mr. Francis Willoughby and Capt. John Steel, be added
to the Committee for Markets, to see the Buildings of the Market
Effected.
Voted, That in the Proposals for Regulating Markets iu this
Town. Recorded in the Town's Book, N° 3. in the 14 th line, after
the Word W/iosoeoer, he added, being an Inhabitant of this Town.
Voted. That the motion relating to Methods for preventing
Frauds iu the weight of Hay be referr'd over to the next General
Town Meeting.
[82.] Mr. Joseph Marion preseuted the Depositions of of
Henry Dering Esq 1 " Mess rs Timothy Prout & John Baker, Which
were Read.
Voted, That the Committee for Fortitications, and for Preparing
Carriages for Mounting the Cannon belonging to the Town, Wait
on His Excellency the Governour, to acquaint Him, How far the
Town have proceeded in the Affair of Fortifications, in Order to
Obtain his Approbation, and to Report at the next Meeting.
His Excellency's Approbation was accordingly Signified in
Writing, as follows, Viz'
I have considered of this Application to Me, from the Town of
Boston.
And by Vertue of the Power vested in me by the Royal Charter
(as ilis Majesty's Oovern r of this Province) To Erect Forts, and
to Fortify any place or place within the Said Province etc.
I do hereby signify my Approbation of, and Consent to the
building of Fortifications in the said Town of Boston in manner as
is proposed in the Votes aforewritten.
Boston Mar. 25, 1 7."> 1. J. Belcher.
Voted, That the Committee for the Market be Impower'd to
treat with Mr. Theophilus Lillie, or any other Person, for some
Other piece of Land adjoining to .Air. Willis's, for the further
Accomodation of the Market at the South End of Boston, if nec-
essary.
Voted, That, this Meeting be Adjourned, until Tuesday next, at
Nino of the Clock A.M. At the Town House
Anno. 1 7.". 1 .
[83.] Tuesday, March, 26 th
The Town Assembled according to Adjournment.
Pursuant to .Mr. Jonathan Willis's Agreement with the Town
of Boston as enter'd the -_'u r: ' instant, and to a Vote of the Town
thereon Hie same Lay, Empowering the Selecl .Men to take propi r
Boston Town Re< i >rds, 1 7:'. 1 . 67
1 - of Mr. Willis's Land, assigned for a ! — the
same was accordingly peifonu'd, and is as follows Viz'.
This Indenture made the Twenty Fifth day of March in the
seventh year of the Ueign of Our Soveraign Lord King (Jeoige 1 1 1< *
Second Anuoq Domini One Thousand seven hundred and Thirty
four, Between Jonathan Willis of Boston in the County of Suffolk
Trader and Mary his Wife of the One pan. And Mess" John
Jeffries Esq' Edward Bromlield .Iun r William Dowue. Jonathan
Armitage, David Colson, Joshua Winslow and Alexander 1
all of Boston afores d and Sclecl Men of the said Town on the other
pari Wituesseth, Thai the said Jonathan and Mary Willis for and
under the Rents and Covenants hereafti r mentioned hath de
leased, set, and to farm letteu, and by these presents Doth <i
lease, sel and to farm let unto the Said Select Men iV their Suc-
- for the Use of the Said Town. All that certain Peice or
Parcel of Land situate lying and being at the South End of the
Said Town butted and hounded as follows, viz' Westerly on < >range
Street so called, there Measuring Fifty nine feet more oi
Northerly on Beach Street so called, there Mcasuri \ four
I'eel more or less; Easterly on Land in the possession of The«>philu9
Lillie, there measuring One Hundred ec Twenty seven f<
inches, and Southerly on other Flats of the said Willis, there
measuring Sixty eight feel six inches, then bounded Westerly on
Land <>f Samuel Welles Esq' Where it measures Seventy One
and Southerly on land of the said Welles there Measuring Fifty
t'( et six inches, or however otherwise bounded or reputed to
be bounded, Together with the (84.) Profits, privileges and appur-
tenances thereto belonging To have and to hold the said demised
Land with the Appurtenances unto the said John Jeffries Esq 1
Edward Bromlield Jun r William Dowue, Jonathan Armitage, David
I i. Joshua Winslow and Alexander Forsyth Select Men as
aforesaid and their Successors in the said Office and Trust for the
Use of the said Town of Boston for and during the full end and
term of Ten years. Yielding and paying Ten Founds p Annum foi
the Lent thereof, in manner as hereafter mentioned.
And the said John Jeffries, Edward Broinfield Jun r William
Downe, Jonathan Armitage, David Colson, Joshua W nslow and
nder Forsyth Qualified as aforesaid Do Covenant for them-
selves their heirs Executors Administrators and Sin n that
Trusl for, and on behalf of the said Town of Boston, to and with
the said Jonathan Willis and Mary his Wife their heirs, Execut™
and Administrators to pay or cji paid unto tin
Jonathan and Mary Willis their heirs. Executors or Admin
respectively tor the Lent of the said Demised land and pn
the Mini of Ten Pounds p Annum in good Bil I on the
Province of the Massachusetts Lay. or current Mone> ol New
England on every Twenty fifth day of March yearly and
from hence next Successively following until the !• IT
5 • be run oMt and ended, and slso to pay all Bates and i
which shall be levied or assessed on the said Demised premisses
during the Said term, and at the end th quiet
isiou thereof to the Lessors their heirs or \ gus. A
68 City Document No. 66.
Said Jonathan Willis and Mary his Wife Do hereby Covenant and
promise for themselves their heirs. Executors and Administrators
to and with the said Select men and their Successors, That if they
the Said Select -Men their Successors or assigns shall pay the
said Yearly Rent as the same shall become due, [85. J The said
Town shall have, hold and enjoy the said demised Land and
Premisses until the said time be expired But if default be made
in any of the said payments Thirty days after the same shall be-
come due. Then it shall and may be lawful for the said Lessors
their heirs &c, to reenter into the said Land and the Lessees to
Eject from their possession thereof, any thing before written to
the ( cntra iy notwithstanding.
And further the said Parties to these presents Do Agree that
Mr. Richard Crowninshield shall improve part of the said demised
premisses vi/. 1 Eighteen foot of Land fronting the aforesaid street,
and measuring in depth Thirty six foot leased to him by the said
Willis for Five years from the 28th June, 17."<2. until the said
Crowniushield's lease be ended unless the Said Town hire it of him.
In Witness whereof the said Parties to these presents have here-
unto Interchangeably put their hands and Seals the day and year
first herein before written.
Signed Sealed & Deliver'd Jonathan Willis. (Seal.)
in presence of us Mary Willis. (Seal )
William Salter.
jEneas Salter
Whereas I have this Day Leas'd out a peice of Land at the
South End of the Town of Boston, to the Select Men, for the use
of the said Town, in which is included a peice of Land, Let by me
to Richard Crowninshield the 2<S th June, 1732 for Five Years, I
hereby Oblige myself, on demand to make over the said Lease
with all the profits & privileges thereto belonging, to the said Select
Men for the use of the Town aforesaid.
Boston March, 2,'). 1734.
Jonathan AVillis.
[SO.] We Whose Names are Underwritten Do hereby Oblige
Our Selves, to put the whole Ground which the Town have Hired
of Mr. Jonathan AVillis into a proper posture to Erect Buildings
thereon for the Accomodation of a Market, Except the Flats, that
lye to the Southward of a Fine drawn directly a Cross from Sam-
uel Welles Fs(| r 's Land to the Wharf Call'd Mr. Lillie's from a
Point Thirty four feet Southward of Said Welles's North East
(onicr, And to keep the same in good Repair, for the Space of
Ten years next coming, to the Approbation of the Select Men for
the time being, at our own costs and charge, As Witness our
Hands this Twenty Sixth Day of March, 1731.
Samuel Welles.
Tho 8 Downe,
Henry Gibbon.
John Eliot.
Boston Town Records, 1 13 I. 69
\ 1, That the Affair now in debate respecting the Mar-
ket Place ;ii the South End, shall be determined by a I laud-
vote
V< ed, That the Town do Acquiesce, aud arc Satisfied in the
Place assigned lor a Market at the Soutb End, With the Addition
of Mr. Welles's hand, and the Obligation which the said Samuel
Welles Esq Mess™ Thomas 1 >owne, I lenry Gibbon and John Eliot
Enter'd into lo put the said Land into a proper posture I
Buildings thereon for Accomodation of a Market, and to keep the
1 Repair for the Space of Ten years yet to come at
their own Cost and Charge to the Approbation of the Select .Men
for the time being.
\ 1. That the Thanks of the Town be presented [87.] To
S: iel Welles Esq' M — Thomas Downe, Heury Gibbon and
John Eliot, for their free, and voluntary offer, to put the Ground
now hired of Mr. Jon" Willis, into a proper posture, to Erect
Buildings thereon, for the Accommodation of a Market; an 1 of
keeping the same in good Repair, for the space of Ten years next
coming — And becoming Obliged to perform the same, as enter'd
this day.
\ i 'ed, That this Meeting he Adjourned to Four of the (loek.
p.m.
Being accordingly Assembled.
The Scheme of a Market being prepared, was then Read a*
follows. Viz'
At a Meeting of the Freeholders. i\. other Inhaluta
the Town of Boston, duly Qualified, being regularly Assem-
bled in a Pnblick Town Meeting, by adjournment, at the
Town-House, Tuesday .March 26, 1734.
Whereas the Inhabitants of this Towu labour under many hard-
ships and difficulties for want of an Open Public Market under
g 1 regulation, where every One may res >r1 1 convenient
Places within the Town to buy and sell several Sorts of Provi-
sions.
For Remedy thereof.
It is Voted and ( Ordered.
That Three Places be, and hereby are. at present Assigued for
the aforesaid Market ; And that they may be made tit and commo-
dious for the reception of such, as from time to time may bring
their commodities there for Sale [88.] That the sum of Seven
Hundred Pounds be allow'd and pay'd out of the Town Treasury
to Thomas Fitch. Edward Hutchinson, Thomas Palmer. Jacob
Wendell Esq™ Mess" Nathanael Cunningham, James Watson,
Francis Willoughby and John Steel to enable them to effect the
buildings and other necessaries at the three several pi ned
for that use. And that a lvi if Land, bounded Easterly on
Land in possession of Theophilus Lillie, there mcasm
Hundred twenty seven feet : Southerly on the fiats of .Ion Willis,
there measuring Sixty eight feet, six inches; Then hounded West-
erly on Land of Samuel Welles Esq there measuring Seventy '
feel : And Southerly on Land of Said Welles, there measuring
Fifty eight feet, six inches; Fronting on the main Street, leading
70 City Document No. 6i\
to Roxbury, known by the Name of Orange Street, over against
the Mouse and Land of Thomas Downe, there measuring Seventy
feet, is pitch 'd upon for One of the Places. That the Town's
Ground or open space on the Town Dock or Wharf, commonly
call'd Dock square, be another place, And that the open space
before and about the Old North Meeting- House is lix'd upon and
determined for the Third place, Where the Market is to be kept
and cairied on.
Thai Capt. James Watson be, and hereby is constituted and
appointed, One of the Clerks of the Market to Attend at the
vacaul place on the Town Dock; Mr. Francis Willoughby another
of the ( lcrks of the Market; to be and attend at Mr. Willis's
Land ; And ('apt John Steel is chosen and appointed the other
Clerk of the Market, at the open space before and about the Old
North Meeting House, Who are to be and remain in their Office as
Clerks of the Market until the annual Meeting of the Freeholders
and Inhabitants in March next, and until others are chosen and
Appointed in their room and to have and receive such Salary for
their Service as shall be then Voted them by the Town; [81).]
"Who are to give their Constant Attendance at the Opening of the
Market, and there abide during the continuation thereof, and
take effectual care that the Several Rules, Orders and Directions
for the Regulating and more orderly carrying on the Market be
duly observed and kept.
Ordered,
That no Person, being an Inhabitant of this Town, shall sell, or
expose to sale, or shall buy any Flesh, Poultry, Eggs, Butter,
Meal, Cheese, Fruit, Herbs, Roots, or other provisions in any
other place or places within the said Town, Precinct or Liberty
thereof than the Public places aforesaid. Except such provisions
as arc hereafter excepted, On penalty of being lined in proportion
to the Offence, not Exceeding Twenty Shillings, as shall be
Judged by the Justice before whom the cause shall come, Upon the
Information of the Clerk of the Market, or any other person, due
proof thereof being made.
That Every Day in the Week, except the Lord's Day. or other
Days set apart by this Government for Religious Service, be a
Market Day, and that a Bell be daily rung at the Opening of the
Market, which shall be at the rising of the Sun thro' the whole
Year, And if any person or persons, Inhabitants as aforesaid,
shall sell, or put to open sale, in the said several Markets, or
either of them, any manner of Provisions or other Commodities or
shall buy any of them before the ringing of the Market Pell, Such
Offender or Offenders being thereof convicl shall forfeit and pay a
Fine of Twenty Shillings for every such Offence. And if any
such person or persons shall presume to cheapen or buy any flesh,
Fowle. Butter, Eggs, Meal, Herbs, Fruit, Loots, or other pro-
visions or Victuals, or make any previous contract with any Seller,
or buy the same in any other place than in one of the said Markets
shall forfeit and pay, for each and every such Offence, being
thereof convict, the sum of Twenty Shillings.
[1)0. j That all sort- of Fish brought by Water, may be sold
Boston Town Reci >rds, 1734. 7 L
at the Wharves and places usually improved for that purpi
But all Fish caughl in Rivers, Ponds, and Brooks, shall
broughl into and sold in the Market; Frost-fish and Sm<
excepted.
That it' any such person or persons as aforesaid shall put to
sale, utter or sell any such provisions in any private House, Ware-
house, Inn. Alehouse, Tavern, Alley. Lane, strict, or other p
or places whatsoever, within the Said Town. Precinct, or Liberty
thereof, than in the Market places, < >r, some < >ne of then), Every
person so carrying, or offering to put to sale, or to buy any pro-
visions shall forfeit Twenty Shillings for every such Offeuce :
Provided always. That no clause or expression herein contained,
shall extend, intend, or be judged to restrain or abridge any
Butchers from Selling Meat as heretofore, nor such Who import
by Sea any Grain, Meat or Fish Salted in Barrels from Selling
the same on board their Vessels on in their dwelling Houses, or
storehouses. Nor Such as bring ( • rain by land, or Appl s, Onions,
or Turnips by the bushel or greater quantities, or Milk, or Cider
as hath heretofore been the custom. And it shall and may be lawful
for the Inhabitants of this Town and others to the above men-
tioned provisions in the usual method, as formerly : But all other
provisions brought iu by Land or Water shall be sold in the
Market
That if any Retailer, Huckster or other person to sell ■
shall buy any Flesh, Fish, Fowle, Eggs. Butter, Cheese, or any
other sort of provisions saleable in the Market, in Order to Retail
the same, until after Twelve of the Clock at noon, he shall forfeit
the sum of Twenty Shillings for each offence.
That if any person or persons shall presume to [01.] Expose
to sale in the said Markets, or either of them, any unwholesome
or stale victuals, blown meat, leprous or measly swine, he she or
they so offendiug shall forfeit and pay in proportion to the Offence,
not exceeding Twenty Shillii
That no ( art or Team be allow'd to stand near the Entrance of
the Market place or places, hut shall immediately depart upon
Older of the Clerk of the Market to the Owner or drivei
to do, under the penalty of Five Shillings for refusal or neglect
thereof.
That proper persons be appointed to keep clean the M
to be under the direction of the Clerk of the Market iu
doing, and shall be paid out of the Town Treasury by Ordei
the Select Men.
That the Clerks of the Market are hereby required and dii
to prosecute any person or persons trespassing against any of the
Rules or Orders before mentioned; And that the said ( lerks of
the Market; or any other persons who shall sue for and recover
any Fines, Forfeitures, Sum or Sums of Money, arising from
the breach of any of these orders, shall be intitled to receive
the value of One half of the Sum - 1 iwn
Treasury.
Provided always. Nothing herein contained be intended, meant
or construed to abridge the Inhabitants of tl Rumm v
72 City Document No. OG.
Marsh from buying or selling any provisions as usual in said
District.
Provided always, and it is the true intent and meaning of the
above written. That the Market shall be opened, or commence on
Monday the Twentieth day of May, next ensuing ; Public Notice
thereof being given, Ten days before the said time.
Voted, That the Scheme of a Market, as it has been now Read,
Be Established,
[92.] Voted, That the Scheme of a Market as now Read, lie
prepared and presented to the Court of General Sessions of the
Peace for the County of Suffolk, for their approbation.
Voted, That, the Select Men be desired to Attend accordingly,
on the Court of General Sessions, in Order to Obtain their appro-
bation of the same.
Samuel Welles Esq 1 " having Leased a certain Peice or parcel 01
Land. To the Select Men of Boston, for the better Accommo
dating a Public Market place for the Use and benefit of the
Inhabitants of said Town — They have Order'd the same to be
here Recorded.
This Indenture made the Twenty Sixth Day of March Anno
Domini One Thousand Seven hundred and Thirty four, And in the,
seventh Year of the Reign of Our Soveraign Lord George the
Second by the Grace of God of Greal Britain France and Ireland
King Defender of the Faith, &c. Between Samuel Welles of Boston
in the County of Suffolk and Province of the Massachusetts Bay
in New England Fsq r On the One part, And John Jeffries &
Joshua Winslow Esq" William Downe Gent. Edward Bromfield
.Inn' Jonathan Armitage and Alexander Forsyth Merchants &
David Collson Leather dresser All of Boston aforesaid and Select
Men of the said Town of the Other part. Witnesseth That the -aid
Samuel Welles for the Consideration hereafter mentioned Hath
Demised Granted Set and to Farm Letten, And by these presents
Doth Demise' Grant Set and to Farm Let unto the said John
Jeffries Joshua Winslow William Downe Edward Bromfield Jona-
than Armitage Alexander Forsyth & David Collson Select Men as
Aforesaid for the Use hereafter mentioned. All that his the said
Samuel Wclles's certain Peice or Parcel of Land Situate lying and
being at the Southerly part of Boston afores d being Butted and
Bounded ;is followeth Viz 1 Westerly at t-he Front- on Orange
Sired there measuring Twelve Feet Northerly on the Land of
Jonathan Willis there measuring [93.] Fifty nine feet. Easterly on
the said Willis's Land there measuring Twelve feet, and Southerly
on the S d Wclles's Land there measuring Fifty nine feet. Or
however Otherwise butted and bounded, or reputed to be
butted and bounded, with the Privileges and Appurtenan-
ces thereto belonging (Saving always and Reserving unto the
said Samuel Welles his Heirs and Assigns the liberty of putting
down Posts in the Ground <>n the Northerly part of his House
next adjoyning to the Demised Land about one foot distance there
from to save Carts from hurting the same) To Have and to Hold
the said Demised and Letten piece or parcel of Land and Premisses
with the Appurtenances (Saving & Reserving as aforesaid) Unto
Boston Town Records, l; 73
th< said John Jeffries Joshua Winslow William Downc Edward
Bromfield Jonathan Armitage Alexander Forsyth and David
Collson Seleei Men as aforesaid & iheir Su - in the said
Office from t lie Day of the Date bcreol for and during tin
Mini Term of Ten 1'ears now next Ensuing & fully to l»e complcat
ami Ended. Upon this Condition Nevertln
Demised peice of L:md be Improved & Employed during the
whole Term of this Lease for the better Accomodating a I'ublic
Markel Place for the Use and benefil of the Inhabitants of the
said Town of Boston and to and for no Other Use intent or purpi
Whatsoever; Bui if the said Peice of Land shall n proved
for the I said, then the same to Revert to the Lessor, and
iu thai ( asc it shall and ma} be lawful to and for the said Samuel
Welles his Heirs Execut™ Admini us into the said
Demised Premisses with the Appurtenances to Re Enh and the
sain.' to have again Repossess and Enjoy as in his and th
and former Estate, this Indenture or any thing therein < d to
the contrary thereof in any wise notwithstanding. Yeilding. Rendering
and Paying therefore yearly and every year unto the " uuel
Wei Heirs Execut" Administ" or Assigns upon e
Twenty sixth day of .March during the Term I One Pepper
i ii (if the same be demanded) in full for the Rent
Premises. .And the said John Jeffries Joshua Winslow William
Downc Edward Bromfield Johnathan Armitage Alexander Forsyt
and David Collson Select-Men as aforesaid for themselves and
their Successors in the said Office Do Covenant and Agree to and
with i Samuel Welles his Heirs Exeeut" A and
Assigns Well and truly to pay the Rent aforesaid as the same
shall become due if it be demanded ; And in case the said Demised
Land shall no) be [1)4.] Improved for tb lid that
then it shall be Lawful for I »r to Muter into have and
poss ime in Manner as aforesaid any thing 1" fore wi
to i 1 y Notwithstanding. And further, TL
determination of thi said
I ssors in the said Office shall and will p(
and quietly Surrender and deliver up the 1' of the
said demised peice of Land and Premisses with the Appurte-
nances unto the said Samuel Welle- his Heirs i Ad-
min Assigns without Waste Stroy or Demolishmcnt
( K\ tlties Excepted ) And the -
Welles for himself his Heirs I and Admini- I oth
i nil and \gree to and with tl
Joshua Winslow William Downc Edw id Promt! ban
der Forsyth and David t ollson Seleei Mi
heir Successors in the Said ( flic
of the said Town of Boston Thai day | .■ all
and v. In fi iir men! ion< d on
performed. Shall and may Lawfu K . Peaceably
hold i
during the Term of this Lease without tl
hindrance of him the said Samuel '■ or
Persons claiming or to claim In from or under him.
74 City Document No. 66.
In Witness whereof the aforesaid Fartys have hereunto Inter-
changeably Set their Hands and Seals the Day and year afore-
writ Len.
Samuel Welles and a Seal.
Signed Sealed,
and Delivered in
presence of —
Richard Hubbard,
John Savel.
[95.] Voted, To Choose a Committee, separate from the"
Selecl Men, to inquire into the State of the End of the Long
Wharf, in Order to Plant (inns thereon.
Voted, That the Committee aforesaid, consist of Five Fersons.
Voted, That Mess" Briant Parott,
Thomas Lee,
John Walker,
Isaac White, and
Jeffeiy Bedgood.
be the Committee.
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned until Fryday next a
Nine of the Clock, A. M.
Fryday, March, 29 th
The Town being Assembled.
The Committee appointed the 26th. Instant to inquire into the
State of the End of the Long Wharf, presented a Report, which
was Read, as follows, viz'.
Pursuant to a Vote of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of
the Town of Boston duly qualified and regularly Assembled by
Adjournment at the Town Mouse in Boston, upon Tuesday Mar.
26, 1734. Appointing us a Committee, separate from the Select
Men, to inquire into the State of the Long Wharf, in Order to
plant (inns thereon.
We have this day been upon, viewed it survey 'd the End of the
Long Wharf, and find the same to be much decay'd and worm
eaten, and by the wash of the Sea the small wood laid in the
Wharf is carried away leaving great Cavities [t)<>.] Therein, and
the Foundation greatly weakned, Which in our opinion was not
at first faithfully laid, and performed.
And in our opinion it is not in a condition of repair for the
planting a Line of Guns thereon, nor can it in the present state
thereof be useful or serviceable to the Town for the same. And
further. We find the end of the said Long Wharf incumbred with
a Crane House thereon, which ought to he free, for the Service of
the Town conformable to the Original Contract, between the Pro-
prietors of the Long Wharf and the Town of Boston.
Dated at Boston the 28th. day of Mar. Anno Dom. 1731. And
humbly Submitted, by,
Briakt Parrott,
Thomas Lee,
John Walker, } Committee.
Isaac White,
Jeff. Bedgood,
Bost< >\ Inn s Recori s, L734. 7.">
Voted, Thai the said Report be Accepted.
m which The Hou bl ° Thomas Rich Esq' on Account of llim-
Belt and Associates, Proprietors of the Long Wharf, John <
Esq Jacob Wendell Esq & James Bowdoiu Esq' in behalf of
themselves, did promise the Town, That the end of the Long
Wharf should speedily be put iuto a proper posture and condition
nit ( in i is upon, accord ng to their Original Contrai
Voted, That the additional Row of Trees which is to be pi;
in the Common, be set to the Eastward of those already planted
Voted, That the several Writing Masters in the Town, do pre-
sent, at the nexl General Town Meeting. [1)7.] Some of their
own performances in Writing, for the Town's inspection.
in a Motion for Reconsidering a Vote of the Town the 15th.
Instant, Fixing the Fortification on the Last Side of Fort-point
I mel.
A Question was put, Viz 1 .
Whether the Town will Reconsider their Vote for fixing the
Fortification on the Last side of Fort-point Channel. It pass'd
in the negative.
Voted, To proceed to the I Seven Persons, as a Com-
mittee to Effect the Fortifications propos'd to be Erected in this
Town.
1. To defer the Choice of the said Committee "till the
■ noon.
1. That Mr. William Kami be a Collector of the Taxes for
the Vr;ir ensuing, in the room of Mr. Jacob Sheafe, Who declined
that si r\ ;
Upon a Motion of Mr. Jacob Holyoke, & Cor Reasous given.
Voted, That Mr. Jacob Holyoke be Excused from Serving as
an Assessor for this year.
I. That the Plan of the Circular Line be removed from the
Town Treasurer's into the Town Clerk's Office.
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned until Three of the
Clock, p. m.
And being again Assembled.
The Following Persons were Chosen a Coin'"' to Effect the For-
tifications, according to a Vote [98.] Pass'd in the Morning.
viz'.
The Hon 1 " Elisln I sq r .
Edward Hutchinson 1
Edward Winslow Esq'.
Capl . Jeffery Bedgood.
M( ss™. John ( beckley.
White, and,
Ebenezer Thornton.
1, That the Town will Meet on W nine
of the (lock. A. M. in Order to Receive the Report ol
now chosen, respecting the Materials, and M
ing the Fortifications.
Voted, That the following Petition be signed by tli S; Men,
76 City Document Xo. 66.
and Presented to the Groat and General Court at their next Ses-
sion, viz'.
To His Excellency Jonathan Belcher Esq r .
Captain General and Governour in Chief,
the lion'"' The Council, & House of Rep-
resentatives, in General Court Assem-
bled, Apr. 10. 1734.
The Representation and Petition of the Town of Boston.
Humbly Sheweth.
That the Said Town is in a very defenceless condition, That
the prospect of War makes it exceeding necessary, Some consid-
erable Works should be raised for its Security; [1)9.] That this
is very much for the Safety and Welfare of the Province iu gen-
eral, as this Town is the Key of it, and will !>e most likely to be
expos'd to danger in ease any design be formed against the Coun-
try. And as the Trade and Business of this Town Labours under
great Difficulties, and their Circumstances are very declining by
reason whereof so great a Charge would be almost insupportable,
It would be a high Obligation upon them, if this Great and Gen-
eral Court iu their Wisdom and Goodness would make a Grant of a
Sum of Money for that purpose, but if this should not be thought
convenient — It is most Humbly Requested, That the Sum of Ten
Thousand Pounds be lent by the Government, to be paid, in some
future years, and in such Annual proportion, by the Town of Bos-
ton, as by the Wisdom of the Court, shall be Judg'd most proper.
Said Town having made a Computation and found that this Sum
is nee. ssary to put it into a defensible State.
Noted. That Mr. William Salter be One of the Assessors for the
year ensuing, in the room of Mr. Jacob Ilolyoke, who was excused
from that service.
Voted, That the Gentlemen who shall be Chosen to Visit the
Schools from time to time, do Report to the Town, the Circum-
stances in which they shall find the said Schools.
Voted, That Mr. William Salter be excused from Serving the
Town as an Assessor this year, for Reasons by him given.
Voted. That this .Meeting be Adjourned until Wednesday next,
at Nine of the Clock. A. M.
[100.] Wednesday. April. 3d.
The Town being Assembled, according to Adjournm*.
The Committee for Effecting the Fortifications presented their
Report respecting the Materials, and Method of Building, Which
was Read. Viz'.
Pursuant to the Vote and Desire of the Town, of the 29th of
March last . The ( 'oumiittee taking with them Several of the Masons
& Carpenters of the Town. Who. after Viewing (he place assigned
for Erecting the North Battery, have Computed the Cost and
Charge of Building the Foundation Five feet in heighth, with
Stone and Wood.
If with Stone. The Front Wall to be Fight feet thick, with an
inner Wall of Three feet, A Space of Four feet between the Walls,
Boston Tows Records, 1734. 77
Which Work will demaud the Sum of One Thousand and Eighteen
pounds.
[f i lone with Timber, defended againsl the Worms, Sis Hundred,
Forty Seven pound-.
The Difference between Wood and Stone is Three Hundred,
s,.\ rut v ( >nc pounds.
Upon Searching the Bottom or Flats where the South Battery is
to be Built, the Ground is so loose that a Pole was run down in
several plans. Ten feet at least. Bui that about Two Hundred
feel Easterly from the South Battery, or Sconce, Founda-
tion, and not nearer, on any of the Flats thereabouts, Either on
the Easl or West Side of Fort-point Channel for Stone.
By < hder of the ( tommitti
Boston Apr. 3. 17.">l. Elisha Cooke.
[101.] After Debate thereon,
A Question was put, as follows. Viz 1 .
Whether the Town will Reconsider the Vote, passed the 15th
March last. Affixing the Fortification on the East Side of Fort-
point Channel ?
It pass'd in the Affirmative.
After which the following Question was put, Viz 1 .
Whether Von will have an Alteration of the Place fixed upon,
by the Vote of the loth, of March last, for the South Battery?
It pass'd in the Affirmative.
Voted, That the Town will now come to a determination of a
Place, Whereon to Erect a Fortification at the South part of the
Town.
Immediately after which. Upon a Motion made, and S
by many.
The following Vote was put. Viz'.
Whether the Town would adjourn this Meeting to Frydny next,
in Order then to come to a Determination of a Place for I
a Fortification at the South End of the Town?
A I landv Vote being tried Twice, and remaining Doubtful, it was
afterwards decided by Poll.
I Number of Voters, were, 17.".. Of whom 89 were for a
present or immediate Determination, and 86 were for defering it
until Fr\ day next.
[lO'i.] Upon which. The Following Question was put. viz'.
w ithcr the Place for Erecting the South Battery shall be. Two
Hundred feet East from the Sconce long milt there. Or the
South Battery so called? And —
It pass'd in the Affirmative.
Voted, That the Market shall be Opened, Or, Coraincm
Monday, the Twentieth day of May. next ensuing: Publ i
thereof being given Ten days before the said Time
Voted, That this M Adjourned to Four of the
k p. m.
Being again Assembl
Voti i . isider the Vote for fixing the add
Tre< planted in the Common) on ti
air. ad) - planted.
78 City Document No. h'6.
And Upon Consideration had
Voted, That the additional Row of Trees to be planted in
the Common, shall he, On the West side of those already
planted there, from the Burying place to Mr. Sheafe's And
at such distance from the other Row, as the Select Men shall
think fit.
Voted, That the Foundation of the North & South Fortifications
shall be hud with Stone — as projected in the Report of the Com-
mittee, made this Day.
[103.] Voted. That the H eighth of the Stone Work to be laid
for a Foundation of the Fortifications, be left to the discretion of
the Committee for Building them.
Voted, To Reconsider the Vote of a Petition to the General
Court, as Enter'd on Fiyday the 29th. of March last.
It being Considered accordingly.
Voted, That Application be made to the Great and General
Court, at their next Sessions, for a Grant of Ten Thousand
Pounds, to Enable the Town to Effect the Fortifications propos'd
to be Erected for their Defence, to be repaid by the said Town in
such Annual proportions as the Court shall order and direct.
Voted, To leave the Draught of an Address to the General
Court, with the Hon ble Elisha Cooke Esq r Moderaf and tbe Select
Men.
Voted, That the Select Men be Desired & Impower'd lo Borrow
Money, fur a present Supply, for the Speedy carrying on the said
Work of Fortifications, upon the Credit of this Town's Grant of
Ten Thousand Pounds for that service, the 20th, of March last.
Upon a Motion, and at the Desire of the Select Men.
Voted, To Reconsider the foregoing Vote.
Which being accordingly done.
Voted That the Hon ble Joseph Wadsworth Esq 1 the Town Treas-
urer he Desired and Impower'd to Borrow Money (upon the Credit
■ I' this Town's Grant of Ten Thousand Pounds, on the "20th. of
March last, appropriated to the use of Fortifying tin; Town) for a
present Supply, and the [104.] Speedy carrying on the Said
Work.
Voted. That the Sum of One Hundred and Twenty five Pounds
he Allow'd and paid out of the Town Treasury to the Hon ble Joseph
Wadsworth Esq 1 ' for Ilis Service in that Office the Year past.
Voted, That the Select Men be desired to Visit the several
Public Schools in this Town, taking with them Such Gentlemen
as They shall think proper.
Mess 1 ' 5 Daniel Ballard Jun r
Andrew Sigourney, and
John Potwine,
Were Chosen Clerks of the Market, in the Room of Mess™ True,
Boucher and Hill.
The Hon John Osborne Esq 1 "
Richard Bill Esq-
William Tyler Esq r
Hugh Hall Esq'' and
Mr. Nathanael Cunningham.
Boston Town Records, 1734.
•«i
Were Chosen and Appointed to Audit the Town Treasurer's
Accounts.
Mr. Thomas Cushing Jun r was Chosen One of the Auditors of
the Town Treasurer's Accounts, in the room of William 'Tyler Esq'
"Who was excused from that Service for Reasons by Him given.
Voted, That the Thanks of the Town lie Presented to the Hon-
ourable Elisha Cooke Esq 1 ' for the great Pains lie has taken, as
Moderator of this Meeting.
Then the Meeting was dismist.
[105.] The Copy of an Address presented by the Select-Men,
To the Greal and General Court, agreeable to a Vote of the Town.
the Third of April, 1734. Viz 1
To His Excellency Jonathan Belcher Esq r Captain General
and Goveruour iu Chief, The lion 1 '" the Council, and House
of Representatives, in General Courl Assembled, April, 10.
1734.
The Representation and Petition of the Town of Boston.
Humbly Shewed]
That the prospect of War in Europe makes it exceeding
necessary that this Town In' put into a proper posture <^\' D<
and Offence, And inasmuch as the Eortifying the same will greatly
tend to the Safety, Peace & Welfare of the whole Province, And
! War break out. and any design be formed against this
Country, in great probability. Boston will be first attack
obliged to sustain the strongest Efforts of an Enemy.
therefore mosl Humbly Requested, That Your Excellency,
and Honours, would Grant a Sum of Money for that purpose.
if at this present Juncture, the situation of the Public
Affairs consider'd, die Great and General Court should not think
it adviseable so' to ( )rder ;
It is then Earnestly Desired, That the Court would be pleas'd to
Grant the Sum of Ten Thousand Pounds, in
out of the Province Tre: be paid into the Treasury of th •
Town of Boston, to Enable them to Effect such necessary V
And Subject the Town by an Act or Law to Repay said Sum into
the Public Treasury, iu some future Years, in such Ann
portion as by the Wisdom of the Court shall [106.] Be -1 I
reasonable; For that the Town of Boston, could the} i
but dust and Reasonable to engage iu this Business at th
Cost and Charge, Yet they art' iii no measure capable, to 1'.
greal a sum of Money, and subject themselves to the pa
thereof in so short a time, as the carrying an end such an Affair
will require.
By ( >rder of the [nhabitants of the Town of Boston* regularly
Assembled in a Public Town Meeting, April, 3d 1734.
John Jeffries,
Edward Bromfield,
William Dowxe,
Jonathan Armitage, - Select-Men.
David Collson,
Joshua Winslow,
Alexander forsyth,
80 City Document Xo. 66.
[107.1 At :i Meeting of the Freeholders, and other Inhabi-
tants of the Town of Boston duly Qualified, and Warned accord-
ing to Law, being regularly Assembled in a Public Town Meeting,
at the Town House, on Wednesday April, 24th. 1 7-". 1 .
Voted, That the Honourable Thomas Fitch Esq' be the Moderator
of the present Meeting.
Peter Briton's Petition. Read.
The Select Men informing the Town that They had presented
to the Court of General Sessions of the Peace, a Scheme forget-
ting up, and regulating Public Markets, according to a Vote of the
lasl Meeting; and that they had attended the Court, and Observed
that Exceptions were taken to some parts of the said Scheme, by
some of the Members of said Court, tho' nothing had been passed
by the Court thereon :
Wherefore the Town Enter'd into the further Consideration of
the Affair of a Market.
And after some Debate,
A Scheme for set tine- U p, and Regulating of Markets in this
Town, was prepar'd, and Read.
And is as follows, Viz 1
Whereas, The Inhabitants of this Town Labour under many
hardships and difficulties for want of an Open public Market un-
der good regulation, Where [10S.] Every One may resort at
Stated Convenient places within the Town to buy and sell several
sorts of Provisions.
For Remedy thereof,
It is Voted, and Ordered.
That Three places be, and hereby are at present assigned for
the aforesaid Market, and that they may be made fit and commo-
dious for the reception of Such as from time to time may bring
their commodities th 're for Sale, That the Sum of Seven Hundred
Pounds be allow'd & paid out of the Town Treasury to Thomas
Fitch, Edward Hutchinson. Thomas Palmer. Jacob Wendell Esq™
Mess" Xathanael Cunningham, dames Watson. Francis Wil-
loughby and John Steel, to enable them to Effect the Buildings,
and other necessarys at the Three several places assigned for that
use. And that a peice of Land bounded Easterly on Land in pos-
-ion of Theophilus Lillie, there measuring One Hundred Twenty
seven feet ; Southerly on the Flats of Jonathan Willis, there
measuring Sixty eight feet, Six inches ; then bounded Westerly
on Land of Samuel Welles Esq' there measuring Seventy One
feet; And Southerly on Land of Said Welles, there Measuring
Fifty eight feet, six inches ; Fronting on the Main Street leading
to Roxbury known by the name of Orange Street, over against
the House and Land of Thomas Downe there measuring seventy
feet; [s pitch'd upon for One of the places — That the Town's
Ground or open space on the Town Dock or Wharf commonly
called Dock Square, be another placi — And that the Open Space
before and about the Old North Meeting House is fixed upon and
determined for the Third place, Where the .Market is to be kept
and carried on.
[101).] That Capt James Watson be, and hereby is Consti-
Boston Town Recouds, 1734. 81
tti t *<1 and Appointed < me of the Clerks of the Market, to
at the vacant place ou the Town Dock, Mr. Frauds Willougbbv
another of the Clerks of the Market, to be and attend al Mr.
Willis's Laud; and Cipt. John Steel is Chosen and Appointed
the other Clerk of the Market, at the open space before and about
the old North Meetiug House ; Who arc to be and remain in their
Office as Clerks of the Market, until the Annual Meeting of the
Freeholders, and Inhabitants in March next, aud until Others are
Chosen, and Appointed in their Room, and to have and n
Such Salary for their Service as shall be then Voted tlu-m by the
Tow n ; Who are to give their constant attendance, at the Opening
of the Market. And there abide during the Coutiuuatiou tin
And take effectual (arc that the several Rules, Orders, and
Directions for the regulatiug and more orderly carryiug on the
Market, be duly observed and kept.
Ordered.
That Every Day in the Week Except the Lord's ]);i\
Days set apart by this Government for Religious Service, be a
Market Day, and that a Bell be daily ruug at the Opening of the
Market, which shall be at at the rising of the Sun. thro' the whole
year, from which hour 'till the hour one post meridiem shall forever
here after be deemed and held Market Hours. And if any Person
or Persons, l>eiug Inhabitants of this Town, Shall, from and after
the time of the first Opening the Market. Sell, or put to Opeu
Sale, in the said several Markets, or Either of them, any manner
of provisions or other eatable Commodities, Or, shall buy any of
them before the Ringing of the Market-bell, Such Offender or
Offenders being thereof convict, shall forfeit and pay a Fine of
Ten Shillings. [HO.] For every such Offeuce ; And if any such
Person or Persons shall presume to cheapen, or buy an) !
Fowles, Butter, Eggs, or other provisions (excepting such Provi-
sion and particulars as hereafter arc declared to be alwaj
cepted) Or. make any previous Contract touching the same with
any Seller, Or buy the same in any other place than in One of
the Markets, shall forfeit and pay for every such Offence, being
thereof duly convicted, the sum of Ten Shillings.
Provided always, any thing to the Contrary notwithstanding,
That Every Butcher being an Inhabitant of Boston, may lawfully
sell his meat as practised heretofore, And all Grain, Flower, Mut-
ter in Firkins. Pork, Beef. Cheese. Meat or Fish salted in Barrels
imported by Sea into tins Town, may be sold mid exposed for Sale
as heretofore usually practised, any thiug before to the contrary
notwithstanding.
That all sons ><( Fish brought by Water, may be sold at the
Wharves, and places usually improved for that purpose as here-
tofore, any By-Law to the Contrary notwithstanding. But all Fish
caught in Rivers, Ponds and Brooks, shall be brought into, am
in one or more of the said Markets, Frost-fish and Smelts
Provided also. That Grain, Meal, Apples, Ouions, Turnips
all sorts of Roots, Fruit and Herbs, brought into the Town by
Land carriage, may be sold and exposed to Sale as formerly prac-
tised, any thing herein to the contrary notwithstanding.
84 City Document No. 66.
Voted, That the Select Men be desired and directed to prepare
the Draught of a Petition, to be Presented to the Great and Gen-
eral Court. [115.] At their next Sessions, For a Grant of the Sum
of Ten Thousand Pounds, to Enable the Town to Erect Fortifi-
cations for their defence and safety.
Upon the Petition of Sundry Inhabitants of this Town for
Widening Common Street, and part of Frog Lane.
Voted, To Chuse a Committee to Treat with the Abutters, and
make Report thereon, at the Adjournment of this Meeting, Or, at
the next Town Meeting.
Voted, That Nathan a el Green Esq r .
Mr. Joseph Marion, &
Samuel Adams Esq r .
be a Committee for the Ends aforesaid.
Upon the Petition of Dr. Steuartand I. Cowel for Removing the
Gun House in the Common.
Voted, That the Select Men be desired, and directed to Remove
the said Gun House to such Place, and at such distance, as they
shall think proper and convenient, at the Charge of the Petitioners.
Upon the Petition of Mr. William Parkman and Others for
Liberty to Lay down Ways for accomodation of a Ferry.
Voted, To Chuse a Committee to Consider the subject Matter,
of the said Petition, and Report What they think proper for the
Town to do thereon.
Voted, That Mr. Thomas Lee,
Anthony Stoddard Esq r &
Mr. John Staniford,
be a Committee for the End aforesaid.
[116.] Upon Benjamin Fisher's Petition for Liberty to Erect
a Wind mill on Forthill, Refer'd to the Select Men at the Meeting
in March last, to consider thereof and Report thereon. They made
Report thereon accordingly, as follows, Viz'
May. 3 d . 1734.
We have maturely considered the Subject of the above Petition,
and are of Opinion, that it be dismist.
John Jeffries.
Edward Brom field Jun b
William Downe.
Jonathan Armitage.
David Colson.
Alexander Forsyth.
Which being Read.
Voted, That the Said Report be Accepted.
Upon the Petition of Thomas Moulin & Others Sextons, for
Liberty to Dig in the Burying Grounds.
Voted, To leave the same to the Select Men, to Order and Direct
what they may think proper to be done in that affair.
Upon ihe Petition of Matthias Cowdery and Others Watchmen,
for Addition to their Allowance.
Voted. That it be referr'd to the Select Men, to consider the Sub- •
ject M alter of the Said Petition, and Report thereon at the Adjourn-
ment of this Meeting, or at the next Meeting.
ma
Boston Town Records, 1734. 85
The Hon bl ° Elisha Cooke Esq r made a Motion with respect to
the Encroachments on the Rights of the Town.
[117.] Mess rs Timothy Barron.
Nathanael Wheeler.
Seth Foster, and
Caleb Rea.
Were Chosen to serve as Clerks of the Market for the Year En-
suing - .
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned, until Fryday, the 17th.
Instant, at 3 of the Clock, p. m.
Fryday, May, 17th.
The Town being Assembled according to Adjournment.
Voted, That this present Meeting be further Adjourned, until
Tuesday next, the 2 1st of May current, at Nine of the Clock in
the Morning.
Tuesday, May, 21st.
The Town l>eing according Assembled.
The Committee appointed the 8th. instant, to consider the sub-
ject matter of the Petition of William Parkman, and others, for
Liberty to lay down Ways for Accommodation of a Ferry, made
Report thereon as follows, Viz*
We the Subscribers having reed the aforewritten Vote of the
Town of Boston, have been upon and viewed the several Places
that were recommended to the Town for a Ferry Way to be made
down to the Sea for the more Easy Passing Winisimet Ferry, and
have considered the Subject Matter of the Petition now Lying
before the Town.
And are humbly of Opinion, That the Town Slip of Land at
the lower End of North Street is must convenient to be improved,
as a Landing Place in passing Winisimet [118.] Ferry so culled,
and that the said Town Slip of L:iud, l>e only improved su a
Landing place on this Side the Ferry, and not otherwise cinam-
ber'd, Provided the Petitioners, at their own cost and Charge,
make and Lay Sufficient Ways for the said Ferry to the Satisfac-
tion of the Select Men.
Dated at Boston May 21st. 1734.
Anthony Stoddard.
Thomas Lee.
John Staniford.
Upon which a Question was put. Viz*.
Quest. Whether the Town will Accept the Report of the said
Committee?
It pass'd in the Negative.
Quest. Whether You will grant the Prayer of the said Peti-
tion ?
It pass'd in the Negative.
Upon the Petition of Mr John Procter, for some further addi-
tion to his Salary, being Bead.
A Question was put as follows, Viz
Quest. Whether or no, You are Willing to Raise the Stipends,
84 City Document No. 6Q.
Voted, That the Select Men be desired and directed to prepare
the Draught of a Petition, to be Presented to the Great and (ien-
eral Court. [115.] At their next Sessions, For a Grant of the Sinn
of Ten Thousand Founds, to Enable the Town to Erect Fortifi-
cations for their defence and safety.
Upou the Petition of Sundry Inhabitants of this Town for
Widening Common Street, and part of Frog Lane.
Voted, To l huse a Committee to Treat with the Abutters, and
make Report thereon, at the Adjournment of this Meeting, Or, at
the next Town Meeting.
Voted, That Nathanael Green Esq'.
Mr. Joseph Marion, &
Samuel Adams Esq r .
be a Committee for the Ends aforesaid.
Upon the Petition of Dr. Steuartaud I. Cowel for Removing the
Gun House in the Common.
Voted, That the Select Men be desired, and directed to Remove
the said Gun House to such Place, and at such distance, as they
shall think proper and convenient, at the Charge of the Petitioners.
Upon the Petition of Mr. William Parkman and Others for
Liberty to Lay down Ways for accomodation of a Ferry.
Voted, To Chuse a Committee to Consider the subject Matter,
of the said Petition, and Report AVhat they think proper for the
Town to do thereon.
Voted, That Mr. Thomas Lee,
Anthony Stoddard Esq r &
Mr. John Stauiford,
be a Committee for the End aforesaid.
[116.] Upon Benjamin Fisher's Petition for Liberty to Erect
a Wind mill on Forthill, Refer'd to the Select Men at the Meeting
in March last, to consider thereof and Report thereon. They made
Report thereon accordingly, as follows, Viz'
May. 3 d . 1734.
We have maturely considered the Subject of the above Petition,
and are of Opinion, that it be dismist.
John Jeffries.
Edward Bromfield Jun b
William Downe.
Jonathan Armitage.
David Colson.
Alexander Forsyth.
Which being Read.
Voted, That the Said Report be Accepted.
Upon the Petition of Thomas Moulin & Others Sextons, for
Liberty to Dig in the Burying Grounds.
Voted, To leave the same to the Select Men, to Order and Direct
what they may think proper to he done in that affair.
Upon the Petition of .Matthias Cowdery and Others Watchmen,
for Addition to their Allowance.
Voted. That it lie referr'd to the Select Men, to consider the Sub- ■
jecl M at ter of the Said Petition, and Report thereon at the Adjourn-
ment of this Meeting, or at the next Meeting.
Boston Town Re< ords, 1 7;; l.
The Hon b1 ' Elisha Cooke Esq r made n Motion with respect to
the Encroachments on the Rights <>!' the Town.
[117. J Mess Timothy Barron.
Natlumael Wheeler.
Fost< i . and
Caleb Ri
Were Chosen t<> serve as ( lerks of the Market for the Year En-
suing.
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned, until Fr} - day, the 17th.
nit . at ;; of the ( lock, \>. in.
Fryday, May. 17th.
The Town being Assembled according to Adjournment.
Voted, That this presenl Meeting be further Adjourned, until
Tuesday next, the 21st of Ma\ current, at Nine of the Clock in
the Morning.
Tuesday. May, '21st.
The Town being according Assembled.
The ( oMiinittee appointed the Nth. instant, to consider the sub-
ject matter of the Petition of William Parkman, and others, for
Liberty to lay down Ways for Accommodation of a Ferry, made
Report thereon as follows. Viz'
We the Subscribers having reed the aforewritteu Vote of the
Town of Boston, have been upou ami viewed the several Pla
that were recommended to the Town for a Ferry Way to lie m
down to the Sea for the more Fa>\ Passing Winisimet Ferry, and
have considered the Subject Matter of the Petition now l.\
before the Town.
And are humbly of Opinion, That the Town slip of Fund at
the lower End of North street is most convenient to lie improved,
as a Landing Place in passing Winisimet [118.] Ferry so called,
and that the said Town Slip of Find, lie only improved sii a
Landing place on this Side the Ferry, and not otherwise cinam-
ber'd, Provided tin- Petitioners, at their own cost and '
make and Fay Sufficient Ways for the .-aid Ferry to the Satisl
tion of the Select .Men.
Dated at Boston May 21st. 17:'. I.
A \ i in i\ v S loin. uu>.
TlIOM VS I.I I .
John S i ami om..
Upon which a Question was put. Yi/.*.
st. Whether the Town will Accept the Report of iF
Committee ?
It pass'd in the Negative.
C'uest. Whether You will grant the Prayer of the said Peti-
tion ?
1 1 pass'd in tin- Negat ive.
Upon the Petition of Mr .John Procter, for some further addi-
tion to his Salary, being Read.
A Question was put as follows. Viz
Quest. Whether or no. You are Willing to Raise the Stipends,
86 City Document No. 6(3.
Pay or Salaiys of Your Writing Schoolmasters, for the Year Cur-
rent?
It Pass'd in the Negative.
Upon the Petition of Daniel Pecker &c. Collect" of the Taxes
for the Year 1733.
Voted, That the Prayer of the said Petition be Granted. And
the Assessors have accordingly Liberty Granted them to sit 'till
the latter end of July next, in Order to make such abatements on
[111).] The said Taxes, as to them shall seem just & reason-
able.
Voted, That Mr. John Stamford be One of the Assessors for
the Year ensuing.
Voted, That the Town will now Proceed to the Choice of a Mas-
ter of the South Grammar School by Written Votes.
Mr. John Lovel was accordingl}' Unanimously Chosen Master
of the South Grammar School in this Town, to Succeed the Rev.
Mr. Nathan ael Williams.
Voted. That the Stipend, Pay or Salary, with the Emoluments
of the said School, now belonging to the Rev. Mr. Williams, the
present Master thereof, Shall be and belong to the said Mr. Lovel,
for the Year Current, Or 'till further Older: the same to Com-
mence, On his being Introduced to the said Mastership.
Voted, A Grant of Six Thousand Seven Hundred Pounds,
to be Raised on Polls and Estates within the Town, for the Relief
of the Poor, defraying the Charge of the Watches, and other
necessary Kxpences, arising within and tor the Said Town, the
Year ensuing.
Voted, That the Town will take into their further Considera-
tion the Petition of Peter Briton.
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned to Three of the Clock
afternoon.
The Town being Assembled.
Voted, That the Committee for Effecting the Fortifications of
this Town, be Directed, That when They have Obtained, Or, may
be furnished with Money for the present carrying on the Same,
by private Loan, [120.] They do apply the same in the first place,
for, and towards Laying the Foundation of the North Battery.
The Select Men, in pursuance of a Vote of this Town the 8th.
Instant, Having prepared an Address, to the Great and General
Court, the same was Read.
Voted, That the Select Men be further desired, and directed, to
Sign the Said Address, and Present the same to the Great and
General Court, at the next Sessions
Upon a Motion made, at the Opening of this Meeting, by Mr.
Joseph Marion, for giving Instructions to the Representatives of
the Town. After Debate thereon,
The following Question was put, Viz 1
Quest. Whether You do Give it as an Instruction to the Repre-
sentatives of this Town. That they shall, to the utmost of their
power and Skill, Oppose all Motions or Endeavours, for the Set-
tling A Salary on the Governour for the time being?
Boston Town Records, 1734. 87
It Pass'd in the Afflraalive Unanimously.
A further Motion being made to Give Instructions to the Rep-
resentatives, respecting the Fines of the Militia
The Following Question was put, Viz'
Quest. Whether You will give any Instructions to Your Repre-
sentatives, respecting the fines of the Militia?
[121.] It Pass'd in the' Affirmative.
Voted, To Give it as an Instruction to the Representatives of
this Town, To Oppose any Bill or Bills that may be brought
forward in the Great and General Court, for Raising the Fines of
the Militia, Unless, in the said Bill there be a Proviso That the
Officer, Or, Officers, to whom the fines of Delinquents are paid.
Shall be Accountable therefor, to the Treasurers of the several
Towns, from time to time.
Then the Meeting was Dismist.
The Copy of an Address Presented to the Great & General
Court, by the Select men of the Town of Boston, pursuant to
Votes of the said Town the 8 th & 21 st of May 17o4 — Viz 1
To Mis Excellency Jonathan Belcher Esq r Capt a General
and Govern 1 in Chief; The Honourable the Council, and House
of Representatives, in General Court Assembled, May 29 th
1734.
The Representation, and Address of the Town of Boston. —
Humbly Sheweth —
That the prospect of War in Europe, renders it highly Necessary,
That this Town be put into a proper posture of Defence, and
Offence; Forasmuch as (should there be a Rupture, and any
Design form'd and Executed against this Country) Boston would,
in great probability, be first Attacked, and Obliged to Sustain the
strongest Efforts of the Enemy : And whereas the Fortifying the
same, will greatly promote His Majesty's Honour and Dignity
here, much tend to the Safely, Peace, and Welfare of Pis Good
Subjects throughout this Province, And also be for the security
(1122.) Of the very valuable Effects constantly Lodg'd in this
Place, on Account of His Majesty's good Subjects in Great Brit-
ain.
!t is therefore most Humbly Requested, That Your Excell cy &
Hon" would, out of your Great Goodness Grant a Sum of
Money for that Purpose.
But if the General Court should not think proper so to Order. — ■
It is then humbly and earnestly intreated.
That yo r . Excell cy & Hon™ would be pleased to Grant the Sum
of Ten Thousand Pounds, in Public Bills of Credit out of the
Province Treasury, to We paid into the Treasury of this Town to
Enable them to Effect such necessary Works, and subject the
Town by an Act or Law to repay said Sum into the Public
Treasury in some future Years, in such annual proportion, as by
the Wisdom of the Court shall l>e judged most reasonable. —
May it please Yo r . Excellency and Honours —
We cannot but humbly Apprehend, that by Yo r . favourable
Regard to this Petition of the Town of Boston, they might be put
88 City Document No. $G.
nto such a state of Defence, as might much better secure, Not
only their own Peace and Welfare, but that of all other the In-
habitants of this His Majesty's Province or Territory.
And therefore, could it be thought just & reasonable for the
Town to Engage in this Affair at their own Cost and Charge, Yet
they are at this Juncture under great Necessity to make this
Humble Application to Yo r . Excellency and Honours for aid and
relief on this Important Occasion — Since the Trade of the Town
(their only support) is under such great decay, and consequently
the Inhabitants under such Impoverishing Circumstances, That it
is impracticable for them by a Present Tax, to raise so large a
Sum, as is absolutely necessary, to Accomplish this great Affair
of the Fortifications.
John Jeffries.
Edward Bhomfield.
William Dovvnk.
Jonathan Armitage. )■ Select Men.
David Collson.
Joshua Wins low.
Alexander Forsyth.
[123.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders, and Other Inhab-
itants of the Town of Boston, Duly Qualified, and warned as the
Law directs being Regularly Assembled in a Public Town Meetiug,
at the Town House, On Tuesday, June, 2o th 1734.
Voted, That the Hon ble Elisha Cooke Esq r be Moderator of the
Present Meeting.
Sundry Petitions were Read, Viz 1
Of sundry Inhabitants, respecting the Town Butchers selling
their Meat in the Publiek Markets.
Of Mr. William Parkman and Others for Liberty to lay down
Ways at the End of North street for Accommodation of the
Ferry.
Mr. Treasurer Wadsworth made a Motion, That the Town
would take into Consideration, the Raising of Ten Thousand
Pounds for Effecting Fortifications, Which was Voted at a Meeting,
on the 20 th of March last past.
The Report of a Committee appointed t he 8 th of May last on the
Affair of Widening Common Street, and Frog Lane — Lead.
The Petition of Sundry Inhabitants, That the Town would come
into some proper Measures to prevent the Town Butchers from
Selling their Meat in the Publiek Markets — Bead and debated
on.
Voted, To Proceed to the Choice of a. Committee to Consider
the subjeel Matter of the said Petition, And what They think
proper lor the Town to do in that Affair; and Report the same at
the Adjournment of this .Meeting.
Voted That the Select, Men be the said Committee.
[l*i4.J Upon the Report of a Committee appointed to Con-
sider the Petition of Sundry Inhabitants, for Widening Commou
Street, and [tart of Frog Lane.
The following Questions was put, Viz'
Boston Town Records, 17.il.
i. Whether the Town would take into further Cons
tion the affair of Widening < ommon Street, and Frog Lam
Ii Pass'd in the Negal \\ e.
The Petition of Mr. William Parkraan and Others for Liberty to
l.i \ down and maintain Good and Sufficient Ways, for Accommoda-
tion of ilf Kerry, at the End of North street, Read again, ■
lows, \
Boston, June 1 7. 1 7.". 1 .
To the [nhabitauts of tin- Town of Boston
Whereas at the last Town Meeting, Our Petition for Liberty to lay
down Ways at the lower end of North Street was not Granted.
\\ . whose Names are here unto Subscribed with Others, Desire
Liberty to Lav down, and Maintain for Twenty or Thirty years.
G and Sufficient Ways. I'm- the Landing of Passengers from
Winisiraet, at the Towns Slip a* the lower End of North Street, 1 i
the Satisfaction of the Select Men, during said Term.
Wiii.i \m Packman.
ELIAS P \1;km an.
'I'm 'M\s STODD \i:i>.
John Gri i soi gh.
JOHN B \KI.K jllll r .
Newman < ini.i s< >i gh.
1 '_M.] Voted That the Prayer of this Petition be Granted.
And, That the Petitioners William Parkman, and his A
accordingly have Liberty to Lay down the said Ways, at the Towns
Slip, at the h>wer End of North Street, for the Landing of Pas-
sengers from Winisimet : Provided — They make them Good and
Sufficient, And Maintain them for the full Term of Thirty Years
nexl coming, to the Satisfaction of the Select Men of the Town of
Time being,
The 11m. I'homas Fitch, and Ji b Wendell Esq™ with sundry
Other Pro] >f the Long Wharf. Presented a Memorial or
Petition to the Select Men. Desiring it might be inserted in the
Warrant for calling the nexl Town Meeting. In Order to ' i
Leave of the I'owu, to make out an Addition of Ten, Twi
Fourteen feel to the said Wharf to make the sam< litable
and - 1 for the planting A Line of < -mis then
I I Memoi ial. or Petition being Lead
The Following Question was put, Viz'
Whether the Town would take the said Petition into
i i ration ':
It Pass'd in the Negative.
I a a Motion made by the Mon bl ° Elisha Cooke 1 -
enter'd the -' of May 1734. Respecti - the Encroachments
on the Rights of the l?own -The Town now came into
at ion of I lie said Mi ition, and
i That Mi 3S . Joseph Mai ion
[136.] Join
William Stoddard
Jeffery Bedgood &
P.rvant Parott
90 City Document No. (56.
be a Committee to Prosecute in the Law, all Such Persons as have
made Encroachments on the Town's Rights.
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned to Fryday next, at Five
of the Clock, p. m.
Fryday, June 28 th . 1734.
Tin 1 Town being; Assembled according; to Adjournment.
The Select Men, who were appointed a Committee, the 2o . in-
stant, to Consider the Subject Matter of the Petition of Sundry
Inhabitants, Praying the Town to come into some proper Measures
to prevent the Town Butchers from Selling their Meat in the
Public Markets; And to Think what may be proper for the Town
to do thereon, Having accordingly prepared a Vote respecting the
same, They presented it to the Town for their Consideration, u\
Order to its being made a By-Law. Which is as follows, Viz 1
Whereas it is found by Experience, That the Public Markets
lately Established in the Town of Boston (which were chiefly
designed for the Accommodation of the Country People) areverj'
much incumber'd by the Butchers dwelling within the said Town,
bringing their Meat there to Sell.
[127. i For Remedy thereof.
It is Voted and Ordered. That no Butcher, being an Inhabitant
of the Town of Boston, Shall, either by himself or his Servant, or
any other Person employed by him bring any sort of Provisions
into any of the said Places assigned for the Markets, there to Sell,
or Expose Tie same to Sale.
And if any Butcher either by himself, his Servant or any other
Person, as aforesaid, from and after the Eighth day of duly next,
Shall presume to bring any Sort of Provisions into any of the said
Markets, and sell, or expose the same to Sale (here, Or within the
bounds & limits thereof, And be duly convicted of the same. He
or She so Offending shall forfeit, ami pav the Sum of Twenty Shil-
lings for every such Offence : Any By-Law of this Town to (he
Conti ary Notwithstanding.
The which Vote, as now enter'd, being Read —
Voted — That the same be accepted, confirmed and Established.
Voted — That the Select Men be desired to present the said Vote
or By-Law (to prevent the Town Butchers from Selling their Meat
in the Public Markets) to the Court of General Sessions of the
Peace, for the County of Suffolk, at their next Sessions for
Approbation.
'I'hc Select Men further Reported, as follows, Viz'
The Select Men are of Opinio:;, That upon Application made by
the Butchers, it may be adviseable for the Town to build Stalls for
them, at a suitable [l.'iS.] Distance from the several Market
places. They paying a. reasonable Monthly Rent for the same. And
to be under the Regulation of whom the Town shall think lit. to
Appoint.
Which being Read ; The Question was put, as follow,;, Viz'
Quest. Whether the Town do Accept of the Report of the
Select Men, relating to the building stalls for the Town Butchers,
upon Application made therefor?
Boston Town Records, 1 CM . 01
Voted — Tn the Affirmative.
Voted — That the Select Men for the time being, he d
Appointed to lake the said Affair under their (arc and Regula-
tion.
ii a Motion made by Mr. Treas' Wadsworth at the Opening
of this Meeting, relating to a Vote of this Town, pass'd the 20'!'
March last, for the Raising Ten Thousand pounds for Fortiflca-
tions
Voted — ■ That the said Motion be incerted in the next Warrants
for a Town Meeting That so the same may properly come
under consideration. And in the mean time, the S en are
di ed Not to deliver the Assessors, the said Vote, lor Raising
Ten Thousaud pounds for Fortifications, until that Affair ha- been
( 'onsidered Accordingly.
Whereas, Mess" David Melvil and Matthias Cowdery have been
employ'd as Assistants to the [1'ii).] Clerk of the Mai\
s [uare.
1. That the said Persons, or any Otl . M in
• until the next Town Meeting; An i tha
Warrants, in Order, for the Town then to ( < .' that
Affair.
lisha Cooke Esq r made a Motion, n
tlr Ttumas Cushing, For an Explana
j'd. and cnter'd on Tuesday May, : I 17.11.
Which Vote was Read, and is as follows. Viz'
1. To give it as an Instruction to the Represi tatives of
this Town. To Oppose any Hill or Hills that may Ij hi for-
ward in the Great and General Court Cor raising the '
Militia. Unless in the said Bill there he a P
to whom the tines of Delinquents arc pa he ac-
countable therefor to 1
in which the following Question was put. \'\z l
Quest. Whether You do not apprehend. That it wa
intent and meaning of this Town, at their said
fore recited Vote, That Yo r . Representati tenuously
i o( the Fines of tli n — — But .if
kely to pass for that End Then they should Endeavour,
That a clause or paragraph should be brought into mum Bill, to
Oblige the Captain-, or Ulcers rec< , to be
accountable to the Town Treasurers of the Several Towns?
Voted — In the Allirm:
Then the Mei
[130.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders, and other Inhabi-
tants of the Town of Boston, duly Qualified, and war,
Law directs, being regularly Assembled in a public Town Meeting,
at the Town House, on Wednesday, .Inly Ml. 1 7."> I .
Voted — That the Hon b,e Thomas Fitch Esq r be the Moderator
of the present Meeting.
A Memorial of Thomas Palmer Esq r and Mr. lie
Read
A List of Encroa on Town Rights — Lead.
92 City Document Xo. 66.
Mr. Joseph Marion made a Motion, Viz' That the Original
Reports of Committees respecting Encroachments on Town Rights
might be publickly Read, before the Meeting be Dismist.
Upon a Motion of Mr. Treasurer VVadsworth Uespecting the
Vote of this Town, the iM)" 1 of March, last, for Raising the Sum of
Ten Thousand pounds, for Erecting Fortifications, Which said
Motion was under Consideration at the last Town Meeting, And
referred to this present Meeting.
The said Vote for Raising the sum of Ten Thousand Pounds for
Fortification, as euter'd the 20 th March, l7;!o. was Read.
Upon which the following Question being put, Viz'.
Quest. Whether it be the mind of the Town to Reconsider the
said Vote for Raising Ten Thousand Pounds for Fortifications?
Voted in the Affirmative.
[131.] Quest. Whether it be the mind of the Town, That the
Vote for Raising Ten Thousand pounds for Fortifications pass'd
and enter'd the 20 th of March last, be Reversed?
Voted in the Affirmative.
The Committee appointed the 15 th of March last to prepare
Carriages for Mounting the Cannon belonging to the Town. Pre-
senting the Acounts of their Disbursements, the following Ques-
tion was put, Viz'.
Quest. Whether it be Your mind, That the Select Men, be a
Committee to Audit and Examin the said Accounts, And upon
their finding them right and just, that they take the usual method for
payment, Viz 1 . By drawing on the Town Treasurer for the same?
Voted, In the Negative
Voted, That the Select Men be a Committee to receive and ex-
amin the Accounts of Disbursements by the Committee appointed
the 15"' of March last, to prepare Carriages for Mounting t lie Can-
non. And that they Report their Opinion thereon, at the next
Town Meeting; That so, suitable provision may be made for their
payment .
Whereas, a Committee was appointed the 25 th of June last, to
prosecute in the Law. all such Persons as have made Encroach-
ments on the Towns Rights— And they have desired, That par-
ticular Instructions may be given them relating to that affair.
Voted, That the giving Instructions to said Committee, ap-
pointed to prosecute those that Encroach, upon the Rights [1»>*£.]
Of the Town, be deferr'd to the next Town Meeting. And in
the mean time, the Select Men are directed to prepare Instructions
for the said Committee accordingly, and to lay them before the
Town, at their next Meeting for consideration.
ii the Memorial of the Hon ble Thomas Palmer Esq' and Mr.
Henry < Jibbs, Read again.
Voted Thai the said Memorial be dismist. For that the Town
are of Opinion, the Lauds or Wharves mentioned therein, belong
to the Town already.
Whereas, The Affair of an Assistant to the Clerk of the Market
on Dock Square was referr'd to the Consideration of this Meet-
I'lie same was debated — A\n\ the Following Question was
put, Viz'.
I >< »s n >\ T< >\\ n Records, 1 « o l . 93
Quest. Whether it be Your Mind to allow any Assistant to the
( llei k of t he Markel , on I >ock Squsi
Voted, In i he N ■ ■_■ itivc.
Then the Meeting was Dismist.
L33. \' a Meeting of the Freehohlers and other Inhabi-
tants of th^ Town of Boston, duly Qualified, and Warned as the
Law directs, being regularly Assembled in ti Public Town Meeting,
ni the Town House, On Wednesday, Aug. 28"' 1734.
Voted, To Chuse a Moderator for this Meeting by written \
The Votes being accordingly Collected and sorted, it appeared,
Thai the Hon ble Elisha i sq 1 was * bosen Moderator, by a
Majority of the V< >tes.
The Select Men being Appointed the .">L' of July last, a Com-
mittee to Receive and Examin the Accounts of a Committee
Chosen the 15' of March last, t<> prepare Carriages for mounting
the Cannon belonging to the Town — Reported, — That they bad
accordingly Examin'd the said Accounts — And arc of Opinion,
That the Sum of Six hundred and Sixty nine rounds. Twelve
Shillings and Ten pence, is justly due and Owing from the Town
of Boston to the said ( !ommittee.
In Consideration of the Expences of the Committee for pre-
paring Carriages for the Greal Guns, amounting to the sum of Six
Hundred and Sixty Nine pounds, Twelve Shillings and Ten pence
As also the Committee for Effecting the Fortifications, their
Expences for a Boal Load of Stones, and other Charges, amount-
ing to about Forty five pounds.
1. That the sum of Seven Hundred <X Fourteen pounds
Twelve Shillings and Ten pence, be liaised on Lolls and Estates,
within the Town of Boston for Defraying the Charg men-
t ioned.
! Mi 1 . | Upon a Motion made (and seconded) to Consider of
further carrying on the necessary Fortifications of the Town — -
The following Questiou was put. Viz'
Quest. Whether the Town will come into the further Considera-
tion of the Affair of Fortifications at this present Meeting?
Voted in the Negative.
Voted, That the Select Men be desired and impowrcd to take
the (arc of, and Secure the Carriages of the Cannon ; together
with the other Stores of War. belonging to the Town, in such
Way and manner, as to them may seem best.
The Select Men being Directed to prepare Instructions for the
Committee appointed to prosecute in the Law. such as have made
Encroachments on the Towns Rights, Reported, That they have
not had time to prepare the same.
Voted, That \ffair be referr'd to the next Town Meet-
Aud the Select Men are Earnestly desired, and directed, in
the mean time to prepare the said Instructions, and to lay them
before the Town, i aid Meeting, for their I ration
Ai ordingly.
Voted, To Chuse a Committee, to Enquire into the Complaints
of Sundry Inhabitants of the Town of Boston, relal 1 1 i_:h
94 City Document No. 66.
Way or streel at the Southend, leading round Windmill Point,
being stopl up.
Voted, That Mr. Samuel Gardner,
[ 1 .*>«">.] Joseph Wadsworth Esq* and
Timothy Clark Esq'
be the Committee for the Ends aforesaid And that They
make a Reporl to the Town at their next Meeting, What They
think proper to be done thereon.
Then the Meeting was dismist.
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston, duly Qualified, and Warned as the Law directs,
being regularly Assembled in a Public Town Meeting, at the
Town House, on Fryday, December, 27 th 1734.
Voted, To Chuse a Moderator by a Handy vote.
Voted, That the Hon" !e Elisha Cooke Esq r be the Moderator of
the Present Meeting. Who Accepted that Service upon
Condition, that He might withdraw, if the Public Affairs should
require his attendance in the General Court, now sitting.
The Petition of sundry Inhabitants, presented to the Select
Men, relating to the Demands, made in the Law, by -James Ever-
ills 1 Ieirs — Read.
Mr. Samuel Gibson's Petition — Read.
The Affairs of the General Court requiring the present Attend-
ance of the Moderator, He accordingly withdrew — Whereupon
the Town proceeded to the Choice of Another.
Voted, That ('apt. Xathanael Cunningham be Moderator of this
Meeting Iii the Room of the Hon ble Elisha. Cooke Esq 1 "
Upon the Petition of sundry Inhabitants relating to [!«:>(>.]
The Demands made in the Law, by -lames Everill's heirs.
Voted, To Chuse a Committee, to make diligent and strict
search into the Public Records of the County & Town, That so,
what relates to the Demands made in the Law by James Everill's
Heirs, may fully and fairly appear, Agreeable to a Petition of
Sundry Inhabitants presented to the Select Men.
Voted — That the said ( 'ommittee consist of five Persons.
Voted, That William Stoddard Es,j r
Mess" Benjamin Emmons,
•Joseph Marion,
Timothy Prout, and
.John Walker,
be a Committee for the Ends aforesaid.
Voted, Thai the Select Men be directed in the Name of the
Town of Boston, To Petition the General Court, that the Process
in several Cases, depending between this Town, and Mr. Everill's
Heirs may be staid, that so. they may have proper Time to
prepare for their defence.
Then the Meeting was Dismist.
[137.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders of the Town of
Boston, at the Town House, upon Thursday the 16 th of January,
1734— By Virtue of a Warrant under the Hands and Seal of
Bt >ston T< >\\ n Reo >rds, 1734. 95
William Dudley anil Anthony Stoddaul Esq"Twoof HisMaje I
Justices of the Peace for the County of Suffolk Quorum Unus ; In
Order t<> the Choice of a Person to be Register of Deeds and Con-
veyances of Land in the Baid County in the Room of John Hallau-
tine Esq Deceased —Being Lawfully Warned and regularly
A ssembled.
The Freeholders present, Voted To Chuse a Moderator for the
present Meeting, by written Votes.
The Votes being accordingly Collected, it appeared Thai Elisha
Cooke Esq' was Chosen Moderator by a Majority of Votes.
Then the Freeholders proceeded to bring in their Votes for a
i: dster of Deeds and Conveyances of Land in the Count} ol
Suffolk Which Votes being Collected, were Sealed up in the
presence of the Meeting by Abijah Adams One of the Constables
ihe said Town of Boston, to be by him Kept, iV returned by
him to the Aforesaid William Dudley and Anthony Stoddard Esq'
Pursuant to the Directions in their said Warrant.
Then i he Meeting was dismist.
[138.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabi-
tants of the Town of Boston, duly Qualified, and Warned as the
Law directs being Regularly Assembled, in Public Town Meet-
ing, at the Town House, Upou Monday .March 10th. 1734.
After Prayer, by the Reverend Mr. Joshua G
\ oted, That Elisha Cooke Esq. be the Moderator of the Presenl
Me< ting.
Sundry Laws Lead
Sundry Petitions, and Proposals Lead and Motions made, Viz'
The Petition of sundry Inhabitants relating to the Markets.
Proposals to prevent the growing Charges of the Town.
The Petition of sundry Inhabitants of Rumney Marsh.
Petitions - - For Paving part of School Street.
- - Orange Street.
- - - - - - - - - - - NorthStreel & Lynn Street.
- - - - n Lane.
- - - Prince St reel .
- - - - - - - - For Ringing the South Bell.
- - - - Of Mr. Samuel Gibson, to Augment his Salary.
- - - - Of Mr. Samuel Holyoke - - - Ditto.
- - - - Of Mi-. Zech r Hicks - - - - Ditto.
- - - - ()\ Mr. Sendall Williams - - - Ditto.
- - - - Of the Companys belonging to the Water En
- ... Of Mr. Samuel Clark.
- - - - of Mr. William Rand.
- - - Of Mrs. Abihail Chamberlain.
Samuel Checkley Esq" (County Treasurer) Ins Letter.
List of Encroachments on Town Rights
Mr. Joseph Marion's Prop<
Mr. Marion made a. Motion relating to the keeping the Streets
clean.
Mr. Jonathan Williams made a Motion relating to hist
Granary, And his Allowance therefor, And also at the North End.
96 City Document No. (>b\
[139.] Mr. Jonathan Williams made a Motion also relating
to the Cow-Commonages.
The Select Men made a Motion relating to the Porters on the
Town Dock ; It being the Desire of Several Merchants that the
^aid Porters might be brought under some proper Regulation.
Samuel Gerrish was Chosen Town Clerk for the Year ensuing,
and Sworn.
Voted, To Chuse Seven Select Men. Accordingly,
John Jeffries Esq r .
Joshua Winslow Esq r .
Mr. Edward Bromfeild.
Capt. William Downe.
Capt. Jonathan Armitage.
Mr. David Collson, and
Capt. Alexander Forsyth.
Were Chosen Select Men, for the Year ensuing.
Voted, To Chuse Nine Overseers of the Poor. And
Jacob Wendell Esq r .
John Ruck Esq r .
Henry Dering Esq r .
William Tyler Esq r .
Mr. John Huut.
Capt. Samuel Greenwood.
Capt. Jeffery Bedgood.
Capt. John Hill, and
Mr. Thomas Hubbard.
Were accordingby Chosen Overseers of the Poor, for y e Year
Ensuing.
Voted, Thai Joseph Wadsworth Esq r be the Town Treasurer for
the Year Ensuing.
Voted, To Adjourn this Meeting 'till Three of the Clock Afternoon.
The Town being again Assembled.
Voted, To Chuse Seven Assessors. Accordingly.
[~140.] Mess rs Jonas Clark.
James Watson.
Daniel Loring.
Peter Thomas.
Richard Buckley.
John Staniford, and
Joshua Blanchard.
Were Chosen Assessors, for the Year Ensuing.
Voted, To Chuse Collectors of the Taxes, distinct from the
Constables.
Voted, To Chuse Three Collectors. Accordingly.
( !apt. Daniel Pecker,
Mr. William Rand, and
Capt. Nathanael Barber,
Were Chosen, to be Collectors of the Rates and Taxes for the
year ensuing.
Voted, that Mr. John Brentnal be the Collector of the Rates and
Taxes within the District of Rumney Marsh, for the year ensuing.
Boston Town I Jk cords, 1734. 97
Voted, That Mr. John Breutnal be the Constable, for Ruinney
Marsh, the 5Teai Ens Who was Accordingly Sworn.
Voted, To Chuse a Surveyor of Hemp and Flax, by a Hand
Vote, Accordingly'.
Voted, Thai Mr. I Gridley be Surveyor of Hemp and Flax
within this Town, the year ensuing And Sworn.
Voted. To Chuse Twelve Constabli >rdingly
M< sa . John ( 'olls< »n,
Benjamin Fitch,
ter ( 'hardon,
John < ! -h
Thomas Simpkins Sworn.
Samuel Green Sworn.
Joshua Henshaw Jun r . - -----
Edmund Negus, Sworn.
Samuel Cravat h -------- Sworn.
[141.] Edward Jackson
Natbanael Gardner - ------
Jeremiah ( rreen --------
Were Chosen Constables for the ensuing year.
Voted, That Mess Elisha Tuttle, and
Benjamin Floyd,
be Fence Viewers in the District of Rumney Marsh.
Voted, That Mess . Robert Levenston, and
Nathanael Tuttle,
hf Hogreves for Rumney Marsh.
\ oted, That Mr. Thomas Pratt, be Surveyor of the High Ways
in Rumney Marsh.
Vot d. That Mr. John Hasey, be the Sealer of Leather in the
District of Rumney Marsh for the year ensuing.
Vol ;d, That the Affairs of the Mai ( of County
Treasurer; And the Proposals to prevent the growing Charges of
the Town, be brought under Consideration Tomorrow Morning, at
Nine of the (lock And in the same Order as they staad now
entred.
1. That the Select Men, or some or them, be desired to
wait on the Committee of tbe < > 1< 1 South Meeting Hou>e, And
Desire thai the Town may Meet therein Tomorrow Morning, if
there should be Occasion for it. And if tiny should Refuse the
same. Then that they take some prudenl care that the Meeting
may be held in One or Other of the Places of Publick Worship
within the Town.
The Petition of a number of the Inhabitants of the Distri
Rumney Marsh, Read again, And
Upon the Motion, and at the Instance of Samuel Wal - Esq r .
Mr. Jacob Hasey and Others, Principal Su s to the said
Petition. it v.
Voted, To < huse a Committee to take the said Petition under
Consideration, Who are to Reporl 11'*. To tbe Town at their
Annual Meeting in March next, Whal they think proper for the
Town to do in the Affair.
Voted, That the.said Committee consist of Five Persons.
98 City Document No. 66.
Voted that Mr. Robert Rand
Samuel Adams Esq r .
William Stoddard Esq r .
Mr. Timothy Trout, and
Mr. Joseph .Marion,
be a Committee for the End aforesaid.
Upon the Petition of .Mrs. Abihail Chamberlain "Widow of Jacob
Chamberlain, the late Constable for Rumney Marsh, Deceased
Which was Read again.
Voted, To allow Six .Months from this time, for the said Mrs.
Abihail Chamberlain to Accompt with the Town Treasurer
And that the Assessors also be allowed to make such Abatements
as they shall judge proper, Agreeable to the Prayer of the
Petitioner.
Voted, To Adjourn this Meeting Until Tomorrow Morning at
Nine of the ( lock.
Tuesday March 11 th The Town being Assembled,
Voted, To Adjourn this Meeting to the Meeting House of the
Old North Church.
Voted, That whatever damage may happen to the Pews or Seats
in the said House by reason or means of the Town's Meeting there,
shall be Repaired at the Town's Charge.
The Town being Assembled accordingly.
The Petition of Sundry Inhabitants relating to the Markets
(Desiring that the Houses Erected for the same may be appropri-
ated to some other Use) was Read.
And after Debate thereon,
A Motion was made and Seconded, Viz'.
That the Mind of the Town might be known, Viz'.
Whether They would now proceed to Act upon the said Petition?
And, in Order thereto,
[l-lo.j A previous Question was put, Viz'.
Quest. Whether it should be by written Votes?
Voted*, In the Affirmative.
i Accordingly, Those who were for proceeding to Act upon the
said Petition, were directed to Wnte Y<<t, and those Who were
not for Acting upon it were directed to Write Ndy.~]
The Votes being Collected, It Appeared that the Voters were,
in Number 652.
< >f Which Number 275 were Yea.
And ;)77 Nay.
According to < >rder, The Town proceeded to bring in their Votes
for the Choice of A County Treasurer.
Which Votes being Collected were Sealed up in the Presence of
the Meeting by Capt. George Gibbs, One of the Constables of the
Town of Boston, to be by Him kept, and Returned by him to the
Court of General Sessions of the Pence to be held for the County
of Suffolk, As the Law direct-,.
Mess™. Bartholomew Green- ------- Sworn.
Samuel Goffe, Jun r Sworn.
Alexander Parkman
Capt. George Gibbs ------- Sworn.
Boston Town Records, L734. 99
Capt. Peter Kenwood.
Mr. John Tyng Excus'd.
M r. John Allen
Mr. Joseph Goldthwail ------ Swim.
Were Chosen Constables for the Year ensuing.
Voted, Thai the further Consideration of the Affairs relating to
the Market, Thai i- to say, The Pay or Allowance to be made to
the Clerks of the Markel for their Attendance andservice tin
past; And the Accounts of the Committee for Buildiug the
Markets, be Adjourned 'till Tomorrow Morning, Al IVn of the
( lock.
1 1-1. | Voted, To Adjourn this Meeting to the Town Hi
1 1 1 Meet at Three of the Clock, Afternoon.
The Town being Met,
The Proposals of sundry Inhabitants, in Order to prevent the
growing Charges of the Town — Read —
A .Motion was made and Seconded, And Accordingly
Voted, That the Consideration of the said Proposal- be deferred
'till Tomorrow at Three of the (lock Afternoon — And that
the "f the Poor be desired to he present a'
time.
Mess . John Legg --------- Sworn.
Joseph Grouard ------- Sworn.
William Beer Sworn.
John Wood - Refused.
Samuel Procter -------- Sworn.
Thomas (lark Sworn.
Benjamin Babbidge Sworn.
Joseph Cowel Sworn.
Were < !hosen ( 'Inks of tin- .Mai k
Mi — . Samuel May Sworn.
William Young - Sworn.
James Dawson Sworn.
Nathauael Hodgdon Sworn.
Joshua Dodge Sworn.
Were < Ihosen Sealers of Leather.
M< - M es - - - Sworn.
1; t Stainer -- Sworn.
Beujamiu Russell
John Endicot - - Sworn.
Matthew Barnard Sworn.
John Adams
William More Sworn.
W. -re Chosen Fence Viewers.
Mess™. Edward Moberly Sworn.
Thomas Foster -
ward Richards ------- Sworn.
[145.] William Paine -------- Sworn.
Samuel Clark jun r ------- Sworn.
Francis More Sworn.
Were Chosen Viev - lingl* s, Measurers of Boards, >
100 City Document No. 66.
Mess". John Smibert -. - - Excused, ^j
Thomas Palmer Jun r - Constables
Joseph Calef - - - Sworn. (in margin)
Francis Smith - - - J
Voted, That Mr. .John Tyng be Excused from serving in the
Office of a Constable (to which he was Choseu this da}-) for Rea-
sons by him given.
Mess™ John Fitch,
Joseph Jackson,
George Skinner,
Barret Dyre,
Andrew Tyler, ---------- Excused.
William Coffin,
Ezekiel Carver,
George Monk
John Welland,
John Taylor,
Nathanael Gardner.
Nathanael Greenwood,
John Holyoke,
Thomas Hill,
Thomas Boucher.
Were Chosen Scavengers.
Mess". Gayer Coffin Sworn.
Nathanael March --------- Sworn.
Samuel Gray ----- Sworn.
James Hill ----------- Sworn.
Were Chosen Hogreves.
The Petition of Mr. William Wheeler and Others, Masters of
the Water Engines in the Town, Desiring the Town would Ex-
cuse them from Serving in any Other Offices for the Year ensu-
ing. Read.
Voted, That the Prayer of the Petitioners be Granted
[14(>.] Tin; Petition of several Inhabitants, for Paving at the
lower end of Prince Street, near Charlestown Ferry,
bead :i^':iiii
Voted —That inasmuch as there are several other Petitions
Presented to the Town for Paving in several Streets That They
lie nil now Read, That so the Town may better Consider of them,
in Order to Pass upon them.
And upon a Motion made and Seconded.
Voted, To Chuse a Committee, To Compute the Charges of
Paving in the several Streets propos'd, and to View & Consider
what Places may stand in most need thereof And to make a
Report thereon to the Town at their next General 'Town-Meeting.
Voted, 'That the said Committee Consist of Five Persons.
Yoted-That Timothy Clark Ksq r .
William Tyler Esq r .
Mess" John Walker,
'Timothy Prout, and
[saae White
be a Committee lor the Ends aforesaid.
Boston T< «\\ n Rec< >rds, L734. L01
Upon the Petition of Mr. William Rand, relating to the Release
of a certain Annual Quil Renl of Four Shillings to the Town,
from Lands he lately purchased of Peter Gamberto, Administrat'
on the Estate of [saac Gamberto Deceased. I pon his paying
the sum of Sis Pounds to the Town Treasurer, as entred in the
Records of the Animal Meeting in March last. Which Petil
being Read.
Voted, That the Prayer of the Petitioner be < Granted.
Upon, Mr. Samuel Clark's Petiti for an abatement of his
Renl of the North Battery Wharf &c. As sel forth in his Pe-
tition Which was Read,
[147.] Voted, That the Sum of Fifteen Pounds be Allow'd
and |>ai.| out of the Town Treasury to the said Mr. Clark, in
Consideration of his Loss and Daina I forth in his Petition.
Upon the Petition of Mr. Samuel Gibson, Usher of the South
Grammar School, Which was Read again.
d, That the sum of Twenty Pounds be Added to Mr.
Gibson's Salary (Which will make his whole Salary to be One
Hundred Pounds) the same to Commence from the time of his
Kutring into the service of the said School.
The Petition of Mr. Zech. Hicks, Read again.
1. That the sum of Twenty Pounds be allow'd & paid to
the said Mr. Hicks, in Consideration of His House Reut, aud in
Addition to his Salary for this Year.
The Petition of Mr. Samuel Holyoke, Master of the Wi
School iii Queen Street, Read Again.
Voted, That the sum of Thirty Pounds be Added to Mr. Holy-
oke's Salary for the year ensuing.
Upon Mr. Sendall Williams's Petition for Addition to his Salary
Which war, Head again, and Debated.
Voted, That the Consideration of the said Petition be li
the Select Men Who a iv lV-ilvd to RepOll to the TOWU what
they think may be proper for them to do thereon at their next
Town Meeting.
The Petition of Sundry Inhabitants of the Southerly part of the
Town, Desiring That the South Bell may be Rung at the Hours
of Five, Nine, vv One of the (lock, at the Towns ( bat
Read Again After Some Debate thereon
The following Question was put, \
Quest. Whether it be Your Mind. That the South Bell should
be Rung, as desired in the said Petition, and at the Charge of the
Tow n ?
Voted, In the Affirmative.
Voted, To adjourn this Meetiug 'till Nine of the (lock Tomorrow
Morning.
MS.] Wednesday Mar. 12 I • Town being \ --■ nbled.
That Mr. John Smibert be Excused from S
3table for reasons by him given.
Mess' . Thomas Tyler &
Thomas Savage
Were Chosen Constables.
102 City Document No. 66.
Voted, That the Select Men be Surveyors of the High Ways,
the Year ensuing.
Upon the Motion of Mr. Jonathan Williams relating to his Care
of the ( rranary &c.
Voted, That Twenty Pounds be Allow'd and Paid to the said
Mr. Williams in Addition to his Salary (in Consideration of Ex-
traordinary Services) for the Year past.
Mess" Samuel Bleigh & ------- Excus'd
James Dolbeare
Were Chosen Constables.
The Moderator propos'd to the Town, to proceed to the Choice
of Tything-Men.
Voted, That the Sum of One Hundred Pounds be allow'd and
paid to Capt. James Watson, in Consideration of his Inspecting
the .Market in Dock Square, from the time of His being Chosen
Clerk of the said Market, Until this Day.
Voted, That the Sum of Fifty Pounds be Allow'd and paid to
Capt. John Steel, in Consideration of his Inspecting the North
Market, from the Time of his beiug Chosen Clerk of the said
Market, until this Day.
Voted, That the Sum of One Hundred Pounds be Allow'd and
paid to Mr. Francis Willoughby. [149.] In Consideration of
hi> Inspecting the South Market, from the time of his being
Chosen Clerk of the said Market, until this Day.
Voted, To proceed to the Choice of a Clerk of the Market at
the vacant place on the Town Dock, by a Hand Vote.
Voted, That Capt. James Watson be Clerk of the Market, in
Dock Square.
Voted, To proceed to the Choice of a Clerk of the Market at
the Southerly End of the Town, by a hand Vote.
Voted, That .Mr. Francis Willoughby be Clerk of the Market,
at the South End of the Town.
Voted, To proceed to the Choice of a Clerk of the Market at
the Northerly End of the Town, l>v a Hand Vote.
Voted, That Mi'. John Foster be Clerk of the Market at the
Open Space before and about the Old North .Meeting House.
Voted, Thai there shall be allow'd and paid after the Rate of Five
Pounds p Annum to each of the Three Sextons, For Ringing the
Bells at the time for Opening the Markets.
Noted. That the Three Hells he still Hung as usual at the time
of ( Ipeniug the Market, the year Ensuing.
Voted, That the Several Accounts for Building the Market
Houses, now Exhibited by the Committee lor Erecting them, be
Received by the .select Men. ami that They Order Payment of the
Ballance. remaining due by the said Accounts. Out ("if the Town
Tie.isury.
Voted, Thai the Thanks of the Town he Returned [150.] To
Hie Hon 1 ' Thomas Fitch Esq r . and Others, the Committee for
Erecting Markets, for their great Care in Effecting the same.
Mr. Joseph Marion's Proposals Ottered to tin' Town for their
( ousideration, were Read ag".
Voted, That the Select Men he desired to take Mr. Joseph
!'.• -ion Town Records, L734. 103
Marion's Proposals into their Consideration, and Report to the
To. vii at their nexl Meeting What, they think, may lie proper for
them to do thereon.
\ Motion of the Select Men made at the Opening of this Meet-
ing, relating to the Regulation of the Porters on the Town I
heing made again, and Considered.
Voted, To Cluise a Committee to take into Consideration the
sai'l Motion, And that the) make Report to the Town, at the Ad-
journment of this Meeting, What they Think is proper to be 'lour
thereon.
Voted, That the said Committee Consist of Five Persons.
Voted, That Jacob Wendell 1.-
Mr. -John Walker
S muel Sewall Esq r .
Richard Bill Esq . and
Mr. < George ( !radd<
be the said Commit I
Mess". Kliakhn lluteliinsou &
John Milliken Sworn.
Were ( 'hi iseu t onsta bli
Mr. Stephen Kent of the District of Rumney Marsh is CI
Haward, or Field Driver the Year ensuing.
[151.] M - S in ; lorrey (Fil. Job.) - Sworn.
Thomas Parker ... Excus'd.
Were ( 'hosen ( 'onstablcs.
Voted, To Adjourn this Meeting 'till Three of the (lock After-
i
The Town being Assembled.
Mr. John Rushton, was Chosen Constable - - Sworn.
Mess™. Samuel Gardner. Joseph Wadswortu Esq r . and Timothy
Clark Esq r . A Committee Appointed to Enquire into the Encroach-
ment on the Higb Way round Wind Mill Point. Presented a Report.
Which was Rea 1. and is as follows. Viz'
We find Recorded, A Way laid out Fifty fool wide from Hull's
Corner to Windmill point And the Flats Granted belo\) on Con-
dition thf Proprietors maintain s d . Way the full breadth. We tin 1
said Breadth narrows in several places by Buildings thereon. We
find another Way of Fifty foot wide laid out on the I', ch, from
the High Way between Deacon Alliu's and Abel Porter's, now
leading down to Mr. Hill's Wharf to meet the Other way al v
mill point but on what part of said Beech, said way
out is altogether Uncertain. We find some part of said Beech in-
cumber'd by Wharting and Buildings and the other part !
on by tiic Sea and washt away.
We therefore Propose, A Committee be Impowered, to I
with the Abutters on the Way laid out on the Beach, In Order to
lav oul a Way above the Beech, tho' not so wide as 1
which may better accommodate the Town with a smaller <
and less damage to the Abutters than to have the Way Ovi
Beech as Originally laid out. And Also Cause the Encroachments
on the Easterly Side of the Way to be removed, that so the street
104 City Document No. GO.
may have its full breadth of Fifty foot, And Report their doings
thereon to the Town for their Approbation.
Samuel Gardner.
Boston March the Joseph Wadsworth.
12 th 1734/5 Tim Clarke.
[153.] Voted, That the said Report be Accepted.
Voted, That the said Committee — Together with Mr. Jacob
Parker, and Capt. Benjamin Pollard be a Committee to lay Out
the High Way round Wind-Mill Point, According to the said
Report.
According to Order, The Representation, and Proposals of a
Number of Gentlemen Offered to the Consideration of the Inhab-
itants. As what they Apprehend will very much tend to prevent
the growing Charges of the Town, And be also a likely means of
Suppressing Vice and Immorality amongst Us, Read again.
And after Debate had thereon.
Voted, To Chuse a Committee to prepare a Scheme, or some
Proposals Agreeable to the said Representation &c. to be laid
before this Town for their Consideration — That so, the same,
if Approved of, may be presented to the Great and General Court
at their next Session, In Order to Obtain An Act, to Augment the
Number of Over-seers of the Poor within this Town, And to
Encrease their Power, That the good ends mentioned in the said
Proposals may more Effectually be Attained.
Voted, That the Committee Consist of Five Persons.
Voted, That Samuel Welles Esq r .
Ezekiel Lewis Esq r .
Edward Hutchinson Esq r .
Capt. Samuel Greenwood, and
Samuel Adams Ksq r .
lie the said Committee Who are desired to make their
Report at the Adjournment of this Meeting.
The Select Men presented a Report of the Visitation of the
Public; Schools within the Town — Which was Read.
[153. | Voted, To Refer the Consideration of Raising Money
(to defray the necessary Charges of the year ensuing) to the next
< ieneral Town Meeting.
Voted, To Adjourn this Meeting to Thursday the 20 th of March,
current, At .'! of the Clock, afternoon.
Thursday, Mar 20 th The Town being Assembled.
Samuel Welles Esq r from the Committee Appointed the 12 th
instant. On the Proposals for Preventing the growing Charges of
tbe Town &c. Presented a Report which was Read To-
gether with the Draught of An Address to the General Court
I'or the Town's Consideration
After Debate thereon
Voted, To Chuse Two Persons to be added to the former Com-
niitte. — Who are Desired to Receive the Papers again. And to
Prepare a Scheme, or Draught of Pules and Orders for the Gov-
erment of the Workhouse propos'd ; And to Kndeav r . to Obtain a
Subscription towards Electing the said Work-House, and defray-
Boston Towh Records, l i L05
mg the Charges thereof And that They Report thereon at
the next Town Meeting.
Voted, that Elisha Cooke Esq 1 * and
Jacob Wendell I
be added to the < iommittee aforesaid.
Voted, that the said Committee be also Desired to project :i
Model of the Work House propos'd to be Erected, And to make
an Estimate of the Charge thereof, And lay them before the Town
at the same Time.
Jacob Wendell Ks<j r . from the Committee appointed the 1:2 th in-
stant, to whom was referral the Consideration of Proposals for the
better Regulation of the Porters on the Town Dock. &c. Pre-
sented their Report Which being Read.
Voted, That the same »ted.
Voted, Thai the Select Men be Desired to bring forward the
Affair, So as to Obtain An Act of the General Court, tor [154.]
The Regulation of the Porters as aforesaid, Agreeable to the said
Report.
Voted, Thai the sum of One Hundred and Fifty Pounds be
allow'd and paid out of the Town Treasury to Joseph Wadsuorth
Esq r . the Town Treasurer for his good Service in that Office the
Year past.
Voted, That Isaac Lewis of Rumney Marsh be Haward or
Driver, the year ensuing in the Room of Stephen Kent. Who is
Excused from that Sen
\ oted, That John Cravath be One of the Clerks of the Market,
in the Room of John Wood, who refus ve in that Office.
Who was accordingly Sworn.
Voted, That Nine pence upon the Pound be allowed and paid,
to the Collectors of Rates and Taxes, for the year Ensuing; They
giving Sufficienl Security to the Satisfaction of the Select .Men.
Voted, That, Samuel Sewall Esq r .
Mess™. < !iail«> Apthorp,
( reorge ( Iraddoek,
thaniel ( 'unningham, and
Joseph .Marion.
be a Committee to Audit the Town Treasurer Accompts for the
Year Current Who are to sec thai the se\ era! I draughts upon
the Town Treasurer are Agreeable to Law, Or the Town V<
the Meeting was 1 >ismist.
At a Me. ting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of the
Town <<\ Boston, duly Qualified iV Lawfully Warned, being regu-
larly Assembled in Public Town Meeting, at the Town Hou
Upon Tuesday the L 8t . April. 1 ■
Voted, Thai Elisha Cooke Esq r be Moderator of [155.] The
Present Meeting.
d. That the Select Men of the Town for the Time beinf,
be Empowered to Defend for the Town in all Actions brought
against them by [chahod Paddock >v Others, And now depending
in the Inferior Court of Common Pleas in Boston, And to pur-
sue the same to final judgment and execution.
Then the Meeting \\ as I hsmist.
10G City Document No. 6ti.
At a Meeting of the Freeholders, and Other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston, duly Qualified, and Warned according to Law,
being regularly Assembled in Public Town Meeting, at the Town
House, Upon Wednesday May, 7 th . 1735.
After Prayer by the Reverend Mr. Mather,
Sundry Laws were Read.
The Select Men inform'd the Town as follows, Viz'.
That by the Laws of this Province, the Power of Regulating this
Meeting for the Choice of Representatives is vested in the Select-
Men Yet if the Town think it best to Chuse a Moderator,
The Select Men Consent to it, Saving to themselves the Right of
giving directions for the more regular and orderly carrying on the
Affairs of said Meeting, Which by the laws they are cloathed
with.
Upon which The Question was put, Whether the Town would
now proceed to the Choice of a Moderator?
Voted in the Affirmative.
The Votes for a Moderator being Collected, it appeared, That
Elisha Cooke Esq r . was Chosen Moderator of the present Meeting,
by a Majority of Votes.
Several Petitions were Read, and Motions made
[156.] Viz'. A Petition of Sundry Inhabitants, for a Floor at
the South Market Place Read.
Mr. -John Procter's Petition, for Addition to his
Salary Read.
The Select Men made a Motion respecting the
High Way in Rumney Marsh, leading thro'
Capt. Oliver's Farm ; Which They Repre-
sented, might be more conveniently removed,
a little to the left hand going to Lynn, the
Bottom being better for a High Road.
Voted, To Proceed to the Choice of Four Representatives.
Mr. Thomas Cushing desiring liberty to speak, It was voted,
Thai he should have liberty so to do.
The Votes for Four Representatives being Collected, the Number
of Voters were found to be 517.
And upon Sorting them, it appear'd that the following Gentlemen
were duly Elected, by a Major part of the Voters Viz 1 .
Elisha Cooke Ks<i r Numl/ of Votes 373.
Mr. Oxenbridge Thacher -- 303.
.All'. Thoin.'is ( 'ushing .Iun r . -------- 464.
Mr. Timothy Prout 328.
Voted, To Adjourn this Meeting, 'till Three of the Clock,
Afternoon.
The Town being Assembled
Samuel Welles Esq r from the Committee appointed the 12th and
20th of March last, On the Proposals to prevent the growing
Charges of the Town. Signified to the Town, That the Committee
were not prepared to make their Report on that Affair. Where-
fore,
Voted, That the said Affair be referr'd to the next Town
Boston Tow n Re< ords, L735. L07
Meeting; And the Committee are desired [157.] I" make their
Report at the said Meeting.
A Petition of sundry [nhabitants of the Southerly pari of
Boston, Shewing the inconvenience which attends the South
Market, for want of a Floor to the Markcl House Read,
And Accordingly.
Voted. — That the Market Mouse at the South End of tin-
Town be Floored, the better to accommodate the Said Market and
-•■ thai frequent the same
The Petition of Capt. Daniel Pecker, &c. Collectors of the
Ta ses \\ ithin the Town of Boston, for the year 1 7:'> I Read,
Voted, That the Prayer of the Petitioners be Granted. And
the Assessors are accordingly allowed to sit 'till the latter End of
.Inly next, in Order to make such Abatements on the Rates and
Taxes, as to them may seem just and reasonable.
Timothy Clark Esq r . from the Committer Appointed at the
Meeting in March last. On the Petitions for Paving in several
Streets, Who were to View the Places, and Compute the Charge
Presented their Report. Which Being Read.
Voted, That the Sum of Three Hundred Pounds be Raised and
Improved, in Paving, as the Select Men shall direct and Order; in
Repairing the High Way on Boston Neck. And at Rumney Marsh.
The Select Men. to whom was referr'd the Consideration of Mr.
Marion^ Proposals, As Entred the loth March last Made Report,
Which, together with the said Proposals, were Read And
are as F< 'How -. Viz'.
To the Freeholders and other [nhabitants of the Town of
Boston, in Town Meeting regularly Assembled, March the
loth. 1734.
The Subscriber Exhibits the following Proposals for the
Towns ( 'onsideral ion. ■/. Viz'.
[158.] Imp r . That all Deeds, Leases, Releases, and Instru-
ments in Writing made and Executed by the Select Men of the
said Town in their said Capacity or the Town Treasurer in his
said Capacity he Registred by the Town Clerk in a Book of
»rds to be specially kept lor that purpose By which
Mi his. a few Hours may discover a Hundred years Transaction-.
When much time may he spent in Searching for Papers on File
Which Files are liable to be Mislay'd, or lost, Of
which this Town has a Memorable [nstance in the loss "f a Paper
of the greatest concern to the Town
2. That the Hooks and Files of Papers relating to the down
Treasurers < mice, be kept in the Town House in Boston, and not
in a Private Hon <■.
.">. That the Town Clerk be directed to wail on Mrs. Trout
Relict Widow of Mr. Joseph Prout formerly down Clerk of this
Town, And Demand and \i I her all such Files and Pap
that are now in her Custody of Right Appertaining to the Town.
4. Thai as the Release of Mr. Blackston the Firsi Proprietor
of the Town of Boston, made by him to the said town is now on
File in the Town Clerk's Office, as also the Indian Deeds to the
Selecl Men That the Said Release and Deeds be Registred
108 City Document No. G6.
by the Town Clerk in his said Office, That so the Town may
have Recourse to the same when tliere may be Occasion
therefor
5. That the Several Reports of Committees and Proposals
for sonic time past laid before this Town be Collected and Head to
tlie Town in their present Meeting, That so the Town may know
what has been done thereon, And how far further they may
Judge meet to proceed therein.
(!. That as a Certain Lease from this Town [159.] To Mr.
Henry Hill Distiller late Deceased, is now on File in the Town
Clerks Office, Wherein the Town Leased to Mr. Hill the Land
on which Hill's Still House and Wharf (so called) now stands
with the Land adjoyning thereto (near Wind Mill point) for a
small Quit Kent, Which Lease is long siuce Expired and as yet is
uncancell'd That therefore the said Lease he produced and
Read in this present Meeting, That so this Matter may Appear in
a true light, That the Town Right may not be stifled, Nor the
Town stript of its just due.
7. That as about Eight years since the Charge for the Support
and Maintenance of the Poor of the Town amounted only to the
Sum of Eight Hundred pounds p Annum, And the Expence is now
Arisen to the Sum of Twenty five Hundred pounds p Annum
It is therefore Proposed, That the Gentlemen the Overseers of the
Poor lay before the Town this Present Meeting an Accompt of the
Charge on the Public Poor maintained in the Almes House, And
an Accompt of the Expence on the Private Poor Supported out of
the Almes House Separate and distinct for the year past.
8. That there be a Committee specially Appointed to make
strict Enquiry into the Ability and Learning of the Masters of the
Free Writing Schools within this Town, and what Proficiency the
Children under their Care have made, or are like to attain in
Reading, Writing and Arithmetick For as the want of Able and
Accurate Masters in the Initiating Youth in the Rudiments of
Learning will prove fatal and prevent the true design of Education
t It is therefore hoped that as this Town has appeared Gen-
erous in the Encouraging Learning and good Literature, it will
ever be Supply'd with School Masters Equal to such an Excellent
Employment, And that they may be duly and honourably Encour-
aged. All which is Submitted
p Jos. Marion.
[100.] Upon the Proposals of Mr. Jos. Marion Offer'd to
tin- Town at the Town Meeting in March past, which was referr'd
to the Select Men to Report what they thought proper to lie done
thereon They having maturely Considered the same, are of
Opinion, As follows.
1. That the first Article be complied with.
2. That the Second Article be complied with. Except the Rook
in which the Treasurer keeps the Town's Accounts, Which
We think neces>arv should be left with the Treasurer.
3. That the Third Article was perform'd y e last Fall.
•1. That the Fourth Article be complied with.
Boston T< >wn Re< i »rds, 1 735.
109
5. That the Fifth Article was complied with, :it the I
Meet ing in March In «
6. That We bave made stricl Inquiry into the Lan 1 referr'd to
in the Sixth Article, And are of Opinion, that Mr. Mill's
Title is clear.
7. Thai the Seventh Article be complied with.
On the Eighth Article, We Report, That the Town has
always been in the practice of Appointing a Committee
for that Sen
Boston Apr. 7. 1 John Jeffries ")
Joshua Wixslow.
William Downe.
Kdward Bromfield.
Jos \ i ii \n Armi rAGE Men.
A I exaxder Forsi III
David Collson.
Upon Consideration of the Sixth Article in Said Proposals, and
some Debate ensuing thereupon, It was
\ ted Thai the Select .Mm be desired, to take the Affair of Mr.
Hill's Lease, contained in the sixth Article of the said Proposals
under [101.' Further Consideration; And that They Examin,
Whether the Land now in the Possession of Mr. Mill, as to bounds
&c. be the Land Granted to Henry Allen the 25th. 11th M IG63.
As Entred with the Records of Boston, Lib 2. Fol° 1 I & 1(5.
\ i'd, That the tteport of the Select Men Upon Mr. Ma
Proposals, be Accepted Excepting the sixth Article which
is recommits d to them Cor further ( 'onsideration thereon, i
The G >f a Committee appointed the 10 th Mar. last, to lay
out the High Way round Wind Mill point Read -And
thereupon.
V 1. That the Affair of the High Way round Windmill point
be referr'd for further Consideration to the next Town Meeting
And in the mean time the Select .Men are desired to View
the same. And that They Endeavour to Agree with the Abu
on the said Way, In Order to have the same laid out. so as may
best Accommodate the Inhabitants And that They Report
thereon, at the i ext Town Meeting.
Upon the Petition of Mr. John Procter, Master of the Free Writing
School at the North End : Pra\ ing for an Addition to his Salary foi
1, isons therein given. Head again, And In Considi ation
of the said Mr. Procter's extraordinary Ability, (are. and Dili-
gence in bringing forward the Youth under his Tuition, in the Arts
of Writing, Arithmetic!* &c. the excellent economy of his School,
And the Govt rnmeut thereof. As well as the Great Number of his
Scholars.
Voted, That the Sum of Fifty Pounds be added to his S
this Year : To Commence the Thirteenth of June next • i
The Select Men made a Mot iting to Frauds in Cording
of Wood, Whereby the Inhabitants are greatly [162.
And of which there are frequent C'omplai
v the Select Men be Desired strictly to Enquire into
this Affair; And Report at the next Town Meeting, their Opinion
110 City Document No. 66.
thereon. And what Method may be taken to prevent the same, in
Time to come.
Jacob Wendell Esq r . made a Motion, which was Seconded, Re-
specting the Waste-Lands of the Province, Viz'. That the Rep-
resentatives of Boston might have Instructions to Use their best
Endeavours to Obtain from the Great and General Court, A Grant
of some of the Said Lands to the Town of Boston.
Voted, To Chuse a Committee to whom this Affair may be
Referr'd.
Voted, That the Committee Consist of Three Persons.
Voted, That Samuel Welles Esq r .
Jacob Wendell Esq r . and
Mr. Andrew Tyler
be the said Committee; Who are Desired to take this Affair into
Consideration, And make Report to the Town at their next Meet-
ing:. What Method may be best taken, in Order to Obtain Such a
Grant,
The Select Men Infbrm'd the Town, That within the Space of
Fourteen Months last past —More than Nine Hundred and
Fifty Births and Deaths within this Town, have not been Registred
in the Town Clerk's Office, as the Law directs Which
Neglect of the Inhabitants, .may prove to be ill consequence to
their Posterity, in time to come.
[163.] Voted, A Grant of Seven Thousand Eight Hundred
Pounds, to be Raised by a Tax on Bolls and Estates within the
Town of Boston, for Relief of the Poor, and defraying Other nec-
essary Charges, arising within, and for the said Town the Year
Ensuing.
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned, to Wednesday the 21 st
Currant, at Three of the Clock Afternoon.
The Town being Assembled.
The Select Men Reported on the Petition of Mr. Sendal Wil-
liams ; Which was Read
Voted, That the said Report be Accepted
Samuel Welles Esq r . from the Committee, to whom was Re-
ferr'd, the Consideration of the Motion for a Petition to the
General Court, for a Grant of Land to the Town of Boston
Reported thereon, Which was Read, As follows Viz'.
The Committee, to whom was referr'd the Consideration
of the Motion for a Petition to the General Assembly,
for a Grant of Laud to the Town of Boston &c. Report
as follows. Viz'.
That they have prepared, and now humbly Present to the Town,
for their Consideration, the; form of a Petition, to be preferred to
the Great and General Court or Assembly, at their Session the
28th. Current, The Committee have also obtained Copys of the
Grant, Survey and Return of One Thousand Acres of Land for
the Free School of Boston which arc also herewith laid before the
Town. Jacob Wendell
Samuel Welles
Andulw Tyler
Boston Town Records, V< ill
[164.] Ami also Presented the Draught of a Petition to the
General Courl for the Towns ( !onsideral ion Which was Read.
Voted, Thai this Report be Accepted, And also, Thai th(
tion therewith Exhibited, Which has been Considered and Ap-
proved, be Accordingly Presented to the ( rreat and General ( •
or Assembly, al their Session the 28 Curr'. in Order to Obtain a
Granl of Land to the Town of Boston, for the Ends se1 forth and
Expressed in said lvi ition.
Vote, l. That the Selecl Men be Desired, and Directed in behalf
of the Town of Boston, to Si-_ r ii the Said Petition, and Preset
to tin' Greal and General Court, at the Session of said Conn
currant.
Samuel Welles Esq r . in the Name of the Committee, to whom
was Referr'd the Consideration of Proposals to Prevent the grow-
ing Charges of the Town, Presented their Report, together with
the Draught of a Petition to the General Court for the Towns
Consideration, &c. Which were Read And the Report is
a> follows, Viz'.
The Committee to whom was Referr'd the Consideration of
the Proposals for lessening the growing Charge of the
Town &c. Report as follows, Viz'.
That there be a Work Hous ie convenient Place
which the Town shall Agree upon Of the form and Dimen-
sions contained in a Draught, or proposals for it herewith
■ d : Which House, the Committee find by the Judgmeui of
able Workmen, will Cost upwards of Two Thousaud Seven Hun-
dred Pounds : And are of Opinion, that the ( 'barge of the [105. J
Furniture and Stock necessary, Will amount to near Eight Hun-
dred Pounds more, in the whol Three Thousand Eive Hun-
dred Pounds. For defraying of which Charge they hi ' ned
Subscriptions from Charitable and well disposed Persons, for a
considerable sum; towards defraying the Charge The
Committee further Propose, That the Great and General Assem-
bly be Address'd, at their Sessions the 2<^th. instant, in the form
of a Petition, herewith laid before the Town. All which is humbly
Submitted, By S on el \\ eli i 3,
May 20. in the name and by Order of
1 73o. the Conn rittee.
Voted, That the Report <<( the Said Committee be v
And also. That the Petition therewith Exhibited, Which
has been considered and Approved, be Signed by the Select M i n.
in behalf of the Town And that the;, id, and D
to Present the said Petition to the Great and General Court, at
their Session the 2<S' . of May. ( lurrant, in Order to Obtain <
An \ct agreeable to the Desire of the 'Town, sel forth therein.
Voted, That the S Men be Desired to Visit tli
Public Schools in this Town, taking with them
scompany them, A tall think proper.
! nform'd the Town. 'That the ( )■
the Poor had. for some time past, taken Care to Provide Preach
ing at the Aims-House, on the Lord's Day.
Then the Meeting was Dismist.
112 City Document No. 66.
[160.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabi-
tants of the Town of Boston duly Qualified and Warned according
to Law, being regularly Assembled in Publick Town Meeting at
the Town House. L " i »< »u Tuesday, Aug. 5. L735.
Voted, That the Hon ble Elisha Cooke Esq 1 , be the Moderator of
the Present Meeting.
Who being Inform'd of the Choice Return'd, That He
could not Serve the Town at this tune.
The Town then proceeded And,
Voted, That Mr Thomas Cushing, Jun r . be tne Moderator of
this Meeting, in the Room of Elisha Cooke Esq r .
A Petition of Sundry Inhabitants Abutters on Sea Street,
Read.
A Petition of .John Bowles, Thomas Tilestone and Seven Others,
Representatives of several Towns within the County of Suffolk
preferr'd to the Great and General Court Praying, That Bos-
ton may be a County by itself, And the Country Towns in
the County of Suffolk a County by themselves — Read.
Upon a Motion made and Seconded — Viz 1 . That the Town
would now proceed to the Choice of Jurors The Question
was Accordingly propos'd to the Town, And
V 'led, In the Negative.
Voted, To Chuse a Committee to Draw up an Answer to the
Petition of -John Bowles, Thomas Tilestone, and Others, Represen-
tatives of several of the Towns in the County of Suffolk, for mak-
ing Boston a County by itself And to set forth therein the
best Reasons and Arguments they can against the same.
Voted, That the said Committee consist of Five Persons.
[167.] Voted, That John Read Esq r .
Mr. Joseph Marion.
William Stoddard Esq r .
John Fayerweather Ksq r . and
Robert Auchmuty Esq r .
be this Committee. Who are Desired to make their Report, at
the .Adjournment of this Meeting.
die Report of the Select Men, relating to the High Way leading
Round Wind-Mill Point— Read. Which is as follows, Viz 4 .
Pnrsuanl to a Vote of the Inhabitants of Boston in Town Meeting
the 7 th . of May last past, desiring I's to View the High Way
round Wind-Mill Point, And to agree with the Abutters on
said Way. So as to have it laid out in the Best manner for ac-
commodating the Inhabitants.
We have accordingly attended that Service, And treated with
Mess" Joseph Marion and William Wheeler jun r (the Abutters)
And have mutually Agreed to Offer to the Town as follows, Vi/.'.
That iii lieu of the Old Way. the Way be now laid out at the
bottom of South-Street, Seven feel and half from the South Past
Corner of said Wheeler's House. So as to run Nine feet to the
Southward of Wheeler's rough-casl House unto the Divisional Line
between Mr. Marion and Mr. Wheeler, And then to run on a
Sloping line along to the Eastward Corner of the House formerly
James Townsend's now enjoyed by Mr. Joseph Marion Carrying
B< >st( » T< >\v\ Rec< »rds, 1 735. 1 13
all Ihe way the breadth of Thirty five feet. So Lhc High
W :i \ leading to Bull's Wharf: The which Way, Mess M irii n
Wheeler have Agreed to make a convenient High Way as
for the Use of the Town, and to keep and maintain it in good
Repair, Opeu, Free, and Unincumber'd, al their own proper*
and charge forever. All which is Submitted by.
Boston, .I-iiin .lii i i:ii -. Jon ' Armitagi . )
Aug. Will m Downe. David Collson. Men.
I7;i."». Edw. Bromfield. Alex* Forsyth j
1<>S.] Voted, Thai the said Report be Accepted.
And,
At the [nstauce and Desire of Mess" Joseph Marion and Will-
iam Wheeler jun r . being Present, This Minute is Eutred, Viz'. J
They Consent to, Promise, and Oblige themselves their Heirs aud
Assigns, to perform their part According to the Report of the
Select Men, uow Accepted.
Voted, That this Minute be Entred in the Records of 1'-
rdiugly.
The Report of the Select Men, relating to the Affair of Mr.
Hill's Lease Read. And is as follows. Viz 1 .
Pursuant to the above Vote, We have taken the Affair of Mr.
Hill's Lease under further ( Consideration, And are still of Opin
Thai Mr. Hill's Title is clear; It being, as We apprehend, Part of
tin' Laud formerly in the Possession of Mr. William Teft, And by
the Heirs of the said Teft rcc >ver'd out of the Towns Hands by a
Judgment of the Superior Court in .May, 1705.
We arc also of Opinion, Thai the Land now in the Possi
of Mr. Hill, is the Land Leased to Henry Allen, referr'd to in said
far as We are capable of Judging
Boston, John Jeffries. Jon a Armitage ) s i ,
Aug- 5. Will,* Downe David Collson ',.
,-..- i-i. t < Men.
lido. Low Bromfield. Alex* r orsyth j
Voted, That the .said Report be Accepted.
The Report of the Select .Men, relating to Frauds in Cordii
\Y( »od Read
And is as follows. Viz 1
Pursuant to the Above Vote, We have * onsidered the same.
And are of Opinion, That if Two pence p Cord be allowed to the
| 1 < »i>. ] Sealers, and they be Obliged to Attend their Duly, si
View and Seal each Range of Wood, as it is Corded, Or as the
s take it off the Wharf, it will be a Means of Preventing the
Injuries Complained of
Boston, John Jeffries. Jon' Armitage. "1 s , i
July 23. Will" Dov Alex" Forsyth. ' '
'i -. - i n ix [Men.
l/3o. Edw. Bromfield. David Collson. i
The Question being put, Viz'. Whether this Report should lie
Accepted ?
Voted, In the Negat :
Upon a Motion of the Overseers of the Poor, for Providing
Preaching at the Alms I [ouse.
Voted, To ( a Committee to wait upon the Reverned the
114 City Document No. 6c.
Ministers of the Town, And to Desire They would take their Turns in
Preaching the Gospel to the Poor in the Alms House.
Voted, That Jacob Wendell Esq r .
John Ruck Esq'.
Henry Dering Esq r .
"William Tyler Esq r .
John Hunt Esq 1 ".
Capt. Samuel Greenwood.
Capt. Jeffery Bedgood, and
Mr. Thomas Hubbard,
Overseers of the Poor, together w th Samuel Welles Esq 1 ".
be the Said Committee.
Voted, That the Overseers of the Poor be desired to Continue
the Reverend Mr. John Adams in Preaching to the Poor in the
Alms House, Until the mind of the Ministers of the Town On this
Affair be Reported to the Town by the said Committee at the
Adjournment of this Meeting.
The Town proceeded to Consider, What might be proper for
them further to do towards setting up a Work House And,
The Act of the Great and General Court or Assembly For
Employing and Providing for the Poor of the Town of Boston
being Read.
[170.] Voted, That the further Consideration of this Affair
be deferr'd, until the Adjournment of this Meeting. And
The Gentlemen the Committee are Desired in the mean time to
make what Progress They can in Obtaining Subscriptions for
Erecting a Work House And That They Report thereon to
the Town at the Adjournment of this Meeting.
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned to Fryday the 15 th of
August Current, At Three of the Clock, afternoon.
August, 15 th . 173").
The Town being Assembled according to Adjournment.
Mr. Joseph Marion from the Committee Appointed to Draw up
an Answer to the Petition of John Bowles, Thomas Tilestone, and
Others. As Entred the 5th. of August instant, Presented the same
Which being Read,
Voted, That a Number of Gentlemen be Chosen and Added to
this Committee, And That they take this Affair under furthei
Consideration, And anew Draught the Answer to the Said Petition,
and lay the same before the Town, for their Consideration.
Voted, That the Number be three.
Voted, That Mess" Nathanael Cunningham.
Thomas Gushing, Jun r . <fc
Samuel Welles Esq 1 ".
be accordingly Added to the former Committee.
The Town entring upon the Consideration of some passages in
I )raught presented by the Committee, and after debate thereon.
T171.J The following Questions were put. Viz 1 .
Quest. 1. Whether it be the mind of the Town That the Com-
mittee, in new draughting the Answer to said Petition, be Silent,
Jurys giving Special Verdicts?
B< iston T< >\\ \ Re< ords, 1 735. 1 1 •"
Voted, In the Affirmative.
Quest. 2. Whether it he the raind of the Town, Thai tin
Committee in their new Draught Should insert any 1 1 1 i 1 1 <_r that ma>
have a Tendency towards Raising the Salarys, or Fees of tl
that are in the Administration of Justice?
Vote I, In the Negative.
Jacob Wendell Esq' from the Committee appointed to wail upon
the Reverend the Ministers of the Town. As Entrcd the .">th
instant, Reported, That They had Accordingly Attended that
Service And also laid before the Town, A Letter to the
Committee, Signed, Benjamin Col man. In the Name of the Asso-
ciated Pastors. Which was Read. And is as follows, Viz'.
Bostou, August, 14. 1 7.').">.
To the Honourable the Committee, chosen l>y the Town, at
their Meeting on the Filth of this Month, to Desire the
Ministers of the Town to take their Turns in Preaching
"the Gospel to the Poor in the Aims-House,
otlemen
The Ministers of the Town have this Day Considered
of iln- Towns Desire, and hold Themselves Obliged, wherein they
are able [17'i.i To Minister unto the Poor of the Town in
General, and to the poor People in the Aims-House in particular,
as well as unto Those of their respective Flocks. And altho' We
should have been Well pleased, if the Town had seen good to have
Continued the Worthy and Reverend Mr. Adams in the Service of
House; being a Person in Our Esteem excellently Spirited
to have Served the Poor there with ali Humility of mind. And to
have naturally cared lor their Souls; Ye) We submit to the 1'!,
ure of the Town Signified to us in their late Vote, So far as may
Consist witli our other Pastoral Duties to the Flocks to which we
stand related.
\Y< think it proper at the same Time to remind the Freeholders
and other Inhabitants of the Town.
That alter our best Cares and Endeavours in Times past to
Preach in our Turns to the Poor in the Aims-House, We have
seldom been Able to go thro' Our courses : And now. Sun.
Your Ministers are more Advanced in Years. And others labouring
under Bodily Infirmities, And three of Our Number are alone in
i . Pastoral Offices, And therefore cannot so well Uudertaki
Serve in their Tunis, as i^ Desired :
Nevertheless, the most that can be Expected of Us, I"nder
disabling Circumstances, Will. We trust, lie willingly
rendered by [ < (by the Help of God) if the Town should
not be perswaded to Think, As We do, Thai the Concerns
of the precious Souls of these poor People would be better
Serv'd by the Ministry of some Suitable Person Statedly
Em ploy 'd among them.
\Ve do Ourselves the Honour [173.] Humbly to Subscribe, As
in Duty hound.
Your Servants for Jesus sake.
Ill VIAMIN ( '• 'I.MAN
In the Name of the A
116 City Document No. GG.
Upon the Affair of Erecting a Work House and after some
Debate thereon.
Voted, Thai the further Consideration thereof be referr'd to the
Nexl Town Meeting, And in Order thereto, That it be incerted iu
the Warrant for Culling the same, Aud the Committee are
Desired in the mean time, to go forward with the Subscriptions
therefor.
Then the Meeting was dismist.
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston, duly Qualified and Warned according to Law,
being regularly Assembled in Public Town Meeting, at the Town
House, upon Monday, December, 1st. 17.">.">.
Voted, That the Hon ble Elisha Cooke Esq r be the Moderator of
the present Meeting.
The Select Men made the following Motion, Viz' That Application
be made to the Great and General Court, in Order to Obtain an
Abatement of the heavy Tax which is laid upon the Town of
Boston.
Voted Unanimously, That the Select Men be desired to Prepare
something relating to the Motion by them now made, and lay it.
before the Town at the next Town Meeting, for their Considera-
tion, and [174.] That the said Motion be Inserted in the Warrant
for Calling' said Meeting.
The Report of a Committee appointed the 5th and loth of
August last past, to Draw up an Answer to the Petition of John
Bowles, Tho s . Tileston and Others, For making Boston a County
by it self, heing Presented, and Read as follows, Viz'.
") To His Excellency Jonathan Belcher Esq 1- . Cap-
Province of | tain General & Governour in Chief, The IIon ble .
theMassachu- }-the Council and Hon ble . House of Representatives
setts Bay Sc. j in General Court Assembled at Boston the VJ [h
J Nov. 17:;:..
The Answer of the Inhabitants of the Town of Boston to the
Petition of several Representatives in and of the County of Suf-
folk for dividing the County of Suffolk and making Boston a
County by it self, with their Reasons against it.
The Inhabitants of the Town of Boston are Humbly of Opinion,
That it's most Advantageous both for them and also for the Rest
of the Towns of that County to he held in One County still, upon
Several Accompts.
I. For the Ends of Friendship, Trade, and Business. Forthese
Common and Usual Assemblys of the ( !ourts in Boston, < fives Men
decent ( ipportunitys for Friendly Society and Matters of Trade and
Business, and certainly Unites us more in Our Affection, and
promotes our Mutual Interest and Wealth.
II. For the Ends of Justice, and Law Because [175.]
1 '. The more we are United, the more Uniform and steady will
the Rules of Justice in Our Courts be. For all men do not
Apprehend things alike, Different Courts will have different
Apprehensions in particular Cases, and that will Naturally breed
different Rules of Justice upon particular Circumstances, and this
Boston Town Re< ords, 1 7:;:.. 1 17
tends to Render Justice unsettled and precarious in the several
Places, When as if these several Courts were United, most
probably the Truth would prevail, and the Rules of Justice
more steady, and this plainly appears in the strong and Steady
Administration of Justice iu the Supream Courts of the Iv
21y. The more We are United, the more Our Judges, by the
Recorupence now allowed them, will be Enabled to Study the Law
Ami furnish tbemselves still further with Power agreeable to their
Place and Duty. Their Business aud Office rcqui ady
Application N<>1 only to the immediate administration of Jus
in the .several Sessions of < >ur Courts — ■ But to the Books <>t'
the Law. to Instinct their minds ami form their Judgments, That
their Administrations of Justice may he the more couformabli
the Universal Reason of all .Mankind. Now the higher our
• inties are, the more Contracted will the Business he. the 1
and Profits of the Judges he shared among the fewer. And the
more Business dispateh'd in less time ami that continued without
interruption and wasteful vacaucys interposed.
As to the Reasons for Dividing the County. We Humbly
Conceive them to be of no weight.
For I nstance,
l 9t The ( barge, they say. is great in the long Attendance of Wit-
n< — - and Jurors, Especially at the Superiour Court. But the
Remedy is Easy and plain. Namely. That there he four Terms of
the Superiour Court in a Year, which is now come to be of abso-
lute Necessity, and will be found a vast advantage to Common
Justice and [17(>.] Right, and if need be the Justices of thai
( ourt upon a Motion can set the hays of Tryal for such Actions
as specially need it. at the beginning of the Court and put up the
Actions (very day for Tryal that day. And by this means tin-
tendance of Witnesses and Jurors, will be Eased Sufficiently for
many years, And it is hut to Order more Jurys to Attend the
Court at several times. As is constantly done by the b< st
Ordered Courts of the Nation. And they may Attend as short a
Time as shall be desired, tho' the Courts be ever so loi
21y. The Business of Boston, they say, is very different from
that of the Country, whereby Cases may be determined wrong foi
want of Understanding, particularly of Charter-partys and other
Affairs of Trad'-.
Bui this semis to be a very indigested Reason, For All these
Actions arc Transitory and may be laid iu any County: And
therefor,- by Dividing the County, 111 designing Men shall have an
Advantage to Carry their Actions into the dark, when they please,
And by a special Provision and Establishment of Law.
Wherefore, We are Humbly of Opinion It will always
besl Serve the Intentions of Justice to have Jurys composed of
Men of Probity, and good Understanding, Capable to receive, and
digest the Arguments of the several Councils, And particuhu '
servatio s of the .Indues upon the whole. And withal Severally
Acquainted with the several Affairs that may come before ihcm,
That they may Assist and Aid One another, in every Matter to bo
Tryed by them.
118 City Document No. 66.
Wherefore, Upon the whole the Inhabitants of Boston are
Humbly of Opinion, That it is not for the Wealth, and
Welfare of the People to have [177.] This County divided
And therefore Pray it may not.
Humbly Presented to the Town by Us of
the Committee for that Purpose.
John Read.
Jos. Marion.
W M Stoddard
John Fayerweatukr
Samuel Welles.
Nath l . Cunningham
Thomas Gushing Jun*.
Voted, That the said Report be Accepted And That the
Select Men be Desired to Present the Same, when fairly trans-
cribed, To the Great and General Court, As the Reasons of the
Town of Boston against Dividing the County of Suffolk.
A Petition of Sundry Inhabitants of the Northerly part of the
Town, Praying, that a floor may be laid in the Market place there,
for Reasons mentioned in Said Petition, Read.
Voted. That the Prayer of the Petitioners be Granted, And That
the Select Men be Desired to take care to have the same Effected,
at the Charge of the Town.
Then the Meeting was Dismist.
[178.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants
of the Town of Boston, duly qualified and warned according to
Law, being regularly Assembled in Public Town-Meeting, at the
Town-House, on Monday, Dec. 29. 1735.
Voted, That the Hon 1 ' 16 Elisha Cooke Esq r . be Moderator of the
present Meeting.
The Select-Men (Agreeable to a Vote of the Inhabitants the
first instant) laid before the Town, the Heads of a Petition, which
They thought might be proper to be Presented to the General
Court, to move them to make an Abatement Of the heavy Tax
laid on the Town this present year.
Voted, To Chuse a Committee to draw up a Memorial or Peti-
tion to the Great and General Court, for an Abatement of the Tax
laid on the Town this Year And lay the same before the
Town at the Adjournment of this Meeting, for their Consideration.
Voted, That the Number of this Committee be Five. Ac-
cordingly
Voted, That Capt. Nathanael Cunningham,
Mr. Andrew Tyler
Mr. John Walker
('.apt. John Steel, and
Mr. Nathanael Balston
be the Committee for the Knds aforesaid.
Voted. That the Select, Men and Assessors be, and hereby are
Desired to Assisl the said Committee in the Affair.
Upon a Motion made and Seconded relating to Reviewing the
Actions respecting the Town Dock.
Boston Town Records, 1 1T.J
L79.J Voted, Thai the Affair of bringing forward a Review
in the < ases relating to the Town Dock, be Referr'd to the I
sideration of the Inhabitants at their Annual Town-Meeting in
March next.
The Petition of Several of the Inhabitants, presented to the
Select .Men Praying, That the state of the long Wharf may be
duly Examined into, and Enquiry made, Whether or no, the
of the Inhabitants of this Towu re la tine- to the same, has not been
notoriously Violated, And that some Methods may be pursu'd to
prevent the like Impositions for the Future. Read.
A Question was accordingly pul t> the Town Viz'. Whether
The}' would proceed to the ( boice of a Committee for the End set
forth in the said Petition ?
Voted, In the Affirmal ive.
\ ited, That the Number of the Committee be Five.
Voted, That Edward Hutchinson Es
( 'apt. John Steel
M r. Thomas ( Pushing Jun r .
(apt. Nathauael Cunningham, and
William (lark Esq r .
be a Committee for the Ends aforesaid.
Voted, That the said Committee Report to the Town on this
Affair, at their Annual Meeting, in March next.
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned to Thursday next, at
of the Clock, after Noon.
The Town being Assembled
Capt. Nathauael Cunningham from the Committee appointed
the '_".»'• of Dee. last past, to Draw up A Memorial, or Petition to
the General Court, relating to the heavy Tax laid on the Town.
Presented the same, Which was Read And is as follows.
Viz'.
[ISO.] To His Excellency Jonathan Belcher Esq' Captain
neral and Governour in Chief The Honourable the
Council and the Hou b ' 1 louse of R »f I lis
Majesty's Province of the Massachusetts Day in New
England, in General Court Assembled, the first day of
January 1735.
The Petition of His Majesty's Liege Subjects, the Inhab-
itants of the Town of Boston.
Humbly Sheweth,
That Whereas the very heavy and almost insup-
portable Province Tax which has Keen laid upon the Inhabitants
of said Town of Boston for some years past, have bee
and burdensom, that They have not been able, without the
Utmost difficulty to discharge the same.
Wherefore Your Petitioners most Humbly beg leave to lay
Your Excellency and Honours the deplorable
said Town. And in Order to expose the miserable Circumstances
thereof to Your Excellency and Honours View, they beg leave to
Observe
J. The Great decay of Our Trade in General Which is very
120 City Document No. 66.
obvious from the great Declension of the priucip.il and most
valuable branches thereof for many years past, which branches
made this Town appear with a different face to what it docs at
present, Ami as the Encouragement of these Branches were our
great advantage, So We really find by unhappy experience, the
Discouragement of them to be very Distressing, And WeApprehend
will he more so, Unless Your Excellency and Honours shall be
Able, in Your great Wisdom to find out some Relief to make up
to Us the deplorable loss.
[181.] We would now beg leave to Observe upon the
Branches of Our Trade, refer'd to
1. Our Distillery, which was for many Years a most flourishing
Trade in the Town, And maintain'd not only abundance of People,
but likewise abundance of Vessels in carrying off large quantities
of Our Country Produce and in lieu thereof making Returns in
Molasses, and that in Our own Vessels, at moderate prices, by
which means We were enabled to Export very large quantities of
Rum to almost all parts of British America, more especially to
Newfoundland, Which gave Us opportunity to make large Remit-
tances to London, which help'd us in a great .Measure to discharge
great part of the Debt Owing from this Province to Ballance their
Trade to that City &c, Not only so, but all our Naval Stores from
North Carolina, and Cargoes of Rice ami other Merchandizes
from South Carolina, as well as most of Our Grain, Flour, and
many other Commodities from Other places We receiv'd in lieu of,
or exchange for Rum of Our Own Distilling: But the Act of
Parliament laving such Duties upon Foreign Molasses imported
into His Majesty's Plantations, Hath put it out of the power of
Our Trade to import any Mollasscs upon such terms, which has
been the means of lessening the Distillery of this Town at least
One half, So that Whereas this Town and Province before the
Act might reasonably have been allow'd to gain many Thousand
Pounds p Annum by the Distillery, They do not now more than
maintain themselves.
2. Our Cod Fishery, which for many Years past have Employ'd
abundance of Men and Vessels, and enabled the Town to carry
on a very great Trade, by supplying all sorts of neeessarys for
carrying on catching and curing and exporting the same, is
become so heavy an Article, both in Europe and West Indies, the
price being so very low, Occasional by the French, who not only
catch vast, quantities, but cure it much better than Wc do, And
the cheapness of their Labour and Materials for catching and
Curing the same, Enable them to undersell us at most of the
Markets in Europe, by which means the Fish here docs not bear
a price Sufficient to discharge the Cost in catching and curing,
And at [ltt'i.J Present remains under such discouragement, that
it's much to he feared that- there will not be-, the Year ensuing,
near Two Thirds, of the Fishery kept up, as has been carried on
for many Years past And as this Valuable Trade lessens,
the Trade of Boston must necesarily lessen in proportion.
'■'.. Our whole Trade to the West Indies and back to this Port
is reduced to so low an Ebb, and that without any visible pros-
Boston 'I ov\ s Re< ords, 17 121
of it's ever flowing again, that it labours under I
discouragement, For it's generally Allow'd, thai Our whole Trade
thither and directly bach to Boston upon an
discharge the firsl Outsets, And nothing Baves tli I I from
uttei Ruin, hut Freights from thence to I Ion, and thai -
t<> be depended upon. Ami even that is so small an Ad\
thai it';- much to lie feared the Generous Adventurers will soon he
Obliged to lay aside their Trade and Navigation and
part, before their whole [nteresl be utterly lost, I they
can Receive such Publick Encouragement, as will induce tlicrn to
continue the same.
■1. The Trade to I. on. Ion. tho' it's Our Duty to ( out il Ml
in Our Power toward the Wealth and Grandeur of Our Mother
Country. Yet what We receive* chcifly from thenc in a
tpose our Inhabitants to censure and extraor-
dinary Taxes, for the abundance of European Gi
hither, from the Nature of Our Trade exposes the Inhabit
appear in extravagant Garbs, Who would gladly avoid the same,
were they to receive Money in lieu of their Labour, Manufacture
and Trades: But inasmuch ns they cannot be paid hut by Notes
to Shops which cannot be avoided, tho' allow'd to perni-
cious, And altho' very great quantities of extravagant, un
sary Europ m Goods are imported yet they 'thing
toward the Support of the Publick Charges: Hut the mosl part
thereof are Owued by Merchants in London [l.S.'J. 1 Mid con-
signed to their own Factors here, and no ndvant
them, hut by the Ship-builders and a feu mien. W
We Apprehend this Town is Taxi d as tho' said Go< ids were Owned
immediate Possessors, hut in Truth all We
the Commissions, and very often much less, after the I;
made Our Trades-Men of all denomination-, (Exc Ship-
builders, and that only this present year) having ver\
ploymeut, and yet very heavily Taxed and are under the i
lagomcnts, the want of Money without which no Country
can possihly si carce and hardly to be Obtain'
is not One half sufficient to carry <>n the Trad< Prov-
We [Iumblv Apprehend, Unless Your I
Honours afford us Relief, and out some mean- to I
I which We are not able to pay. And Encour?
in- L"iadi ol is 1 'n e, ince, We have gi eal Re;
few- years will reduce this Town to the - and
misery.
II. We would further beg leave, Huml in a par-
ticular Manner the many in-' which this Town
to Publick Charges, ami altho' several of them are not i
Provincial, vet they are so many I'eat a- renders
able to pay the whole.
1. 'I lie Maintenance of the Poor of the Town : -
and growing ( harge. For Whereas in tie Y>
1720, the ( barge was hut Nine Hundred Forty four I'
Year, it amounted in the Year 17:'. I. to Tv\ t
Pound r the Pooi of the Ah.
122 City Document Xo. 66.
Supported at the Publick Charge. There was then Eighty Eight
Persons in the Almshouse, and but One Third part of them Town
born Children, So that Two Thirds of the Charge is One Thousand
Three Hundred Seventy Nine rounds, Thirteen Shillings, and
Four pence for Poor Persons who are crept in amongst Us. And
which We doubt not, Your Excellency and Honours will have
[184.] Due Consideration of, And that the Burden may. As We
apprehend it ought to be proportionally born by the Province.
And We would further Observe that the Additional Number of the
Town Inhabitants is chiefly Owing to the resort of all sorts of
poor People, which instead of Adding to the wealth of the Town,
serve only as a Burden and continual Charge, and which is as
frequently complain'd of by the Inhabitants, but without having it
in their Power to repell or prevent the growing Evil. For We Ap-
prehend it cannot be concluded against Boston, that they ought to
be Assessed according to the additional Numbers of her Inhabi-
tants, Unless their Additional Number brought with them an
equivalent proportion, of Wealth to support the Charge, which is
evident they do not, by the Encrease of the Numbers abated their
Kates annually, And it is Observable that many Inhabitants of
good Circumstances are gone out from Us, And many indigent
Poor have fill'd the vacancy, and encreas'd our Polls.
2. The Watch of the Town of Boston is a very great Charge
Amounting to no less than Twelve Hundred Pounds p
Annum, Which great Charge is not only very Serviceable to the
Town, but likewise to the Province, by reason this Watch is a
very great Security to all Merchandize imported belonging to
many other Persons at Home and in Foreign parts, as well as all
the Produce brought from the Country, and belonging to the In-
habitants thereof, as well as all Vessels continually Trading hither
from Other Ports.
."». The Support of the Ministry of the Town, by a moderate
Computation amounts to Fight Thousand Pounds p. Annum.
•1 The Other Charges of the Town above what has been already
Noted is. Four Thousand Six Hundred and Thirty Pounds p.
Annum, Besides Our Proportion of the County Charge this year is
One Thousand Six Hundred Eighty Two Pounds, [185.] Nine-
teen Shillings and Two pence, the whole amounting to the
Sum of
■ >. The Impost w:h Originally designed for to maintain the
Province Galley, and altho' (hat Cause was removed many Years
past. Yet the Effect still remains, which is a very great Burden to
the Mercantile part of the Province, but more especially to the
Town of Boston, considering the additional Tax of Fourteen
Hundred Pounds this Year. It is frequently Objected that altho'
Merchants originally pay an Impost, Yet they are fully repaid by
the Consumer. Altho' that Argument may possibly Subsist
as to the pari of such Goods as are consumed here. Yet We
humbly Apprehend there is no Argument for Retaining the Im-
posl upon such Goods as are re-exported, and which is a very
great Burden upon the Importer, For, all such Goods in Loudon
imported, upon which there is a Duty, there is a Drawback, pro-
B< iston T< >w N Records, 1 ? ] 23
vidcd Such Goods are re-exported in a limited time, Bui h
there is no provision made, Unless ihe I ! e not landed, and
exported iu the si ora, which is :i very great hardship upon
the Importers 3on a very great part of such G Is an
exported by the ( Original Imp* -. And
W< cannot but hope We shall meet with such R I : ' A- the
Nature and Justice of this Observation calls for.
(i. Tin' Bounty upon Hemp and Flax will, As We Apprehend,
Amount to a very large sum Annually, And Altho' it will be a
G Go 'i lo the whole Province, yet very far from being any
immediate Advantage to the Town of Boston For as it is
raised in the Couutrv, So ihey may Manufacture it ihere it' they
please, nay carry it into any other Government, and still
the Bounty, When at the same time Boston pays le t ■ our
m of the Province Tax in times - stli
part which i.-, like to be a very heavj Article, but more Especially
inasmuch as the same is to be paid in Money by a Tax upon her
Inhabitants, Whereas they cannot possibly conceive how they can
obtain the money to pay it with. For the unhappy situation of
Our Affair-, especially in respect of Money, fills every Ones mind
with the fears ofven terrible eonsequem
[ISO.] Wherefore, We Humbly Apprehend, That We cannot
sibly set the present d Circumstam abi-
tants of tlii> Town in a clearer Light than by Acquainting Your
Excellency and Honours of the Report made to a Committee ap-
pointed by the Town, by the Collectors of the Publick Rates aud
Taxes. Which Stands thus,
17 5. Capt. Daniel Pecker to Collect, Six Thousand Six Hun-
dred Pounds ; to pay in One Half by the 10 th of January current.
Or liable to an Execution. And yet has not been able to Collect
more than Two Hundred an Ten rounds. There remains
due Six Thousand Three Hundred and Ninety Founds.
Mr. Nathauael Barber to Collect, Two Thousand Six Iluudred
Pounds; to pay in One half l>\ ier-
liable to an Executiou, ha- not been able to Coll* -
One Hundred and Eighty Founds There remains due. Two
Thousand Four Hundred and Twenty Foe
Dr. William Rand t< • - ven Thousand and sixteen
nds ; and to pay < Ine Half by the l() ,h Jauuary, or liable to an
Execution, lias not been able to < ollect more than the sum of,
Five Hundred and Twenty Six I There due,
Six Thousand Four Hundred and Niui tj Pouni -
And the aforesaid Collectors say. the general Complaint is by
the Inhabitants, that they are Over Taxed very much, in
Province Tax, in proporti< I -. and hav< n t Mi ney
Neither know they where to get it. and the Collectors further Add.
That they have no pros ti e to Colle* 'tive
Sum- allotted to 1 lem Unless they distrain upou md
( els of the Inhabitants.
Wherefore Your Petitii uera Humbly Fray V. , and
Honours would b< I 'heir distressed <
into Your most Wi.se and ; Consider! id male Fs
124 City Document No. 66.
Such Abatements upon the Taxes laid Upon Us the Year past, and
Reduce future Taxes to such moderate [187.] Sums, as that it
may be in the Power of Your Petitioners cheaiTully to pay. And as
in Your Great Wisdom You shall adjudge most just and equal.
And Your Petitioners, as in Duty bound, Shall Ever Pray. &c.
Natii'- Cunningham.
John Walkek.
Boston, Jan. 1. 1735. Andukw Tyler.
Nati-ianael Balston.
John Steel.
Voted, That this Memorial, or Petition be Accepted.
Voted, That the Town Clerk be, and hereby is directed — For,
and in behalf of the Town of Boston, to Sign the said Petition,
when fairly Transcribed, And Present the same to the Great and
General Court.
Voted. That the Thanks of this Town be Given to the Gentle-
men the Committee, for their great Pains in Draughting the Peti-
tion, now by them presented.
Then the Meeting was Dismist.
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston duly Qualified, and Warned according to Law,
being regularly Assembled in Public Town Meeting, at the Town
House, on Tuesday, February, 3d. 173").
The Warrants for Calling a Town Meeting being Read.
The Honourable Elisha Cooke Esq r was Chosen Moderator.
A Grant of the Great and General Court to the Town of Boston,
of Three Tracts of Land, each of the Contents of Six Miles Square,
for Town Ships Read, Which is as follows, Viz'.
[188.] At a Great and General Court or Assembly for IBs
Majesty's Province of the Massachusetts Bay in
New England begun and held at Boston, upon
Wednesday the Twenty eighth of May. 1735, and
continued by several Adjournments to Wednesday
the Nineteenth Day of November following.
The following Vote (on the Petition of the Town of Boston)
passed both Houses, and consented to by the Governour: Viz', on
the •_''.r ■ of December, 1735
Voted. That there be and hereby is Granted to the Town of
Boston, Three Tracts of Land each of the Contents of Six Miles
Square, ami to be laid out in some Suitable Place or Places in the
Unappropriated Lauds of this Province, for Townships, by a Sur-
veyor and Chainmen on Oath, and to Return Plats thereof to this
Court \'i^r confirmation within Twelve Months. Provided the Town
of Boston d«> within Five years from the 'Confirmation of [he sev-
eral Plats Settle on each of said Towns Sixty Families of Ilis
Majesty's good Subjects Inhabiting this Province, and in as regular
and defensible a Manner as the Lands will admit of, Each of Said
Sixty Eamilys to build and finish a Dwelling House on his Home
Lot, of tin' following dimensions, Viz'. Eighteen feel Square and
Seven feel Stud at the least. That Each of the said Settlers within
said Terra bring to, fit for Improvement Five Acres of said Home
Boston Town Records, L735. 125
Lot, either by Plowing, or to Mowing, by Stocking the same well
with English Grass, and Fence the same well in, and actually live
on the spot, And also Build and finish a Suitable and convenient
House for the Publick Worship of God, ami Settle a learned ortho-
dox Minister in Kadi of said Towns, and provide for their honour-
able ami comfortable Support, and also lay nut Three [180.]
House Lots in Each of said Town's, each of which to Draw a sixty
third part of said Town, in all future Divisions, One to be for the
first Settled Minister, One for the Ministry, and One for the School ;
And in Order that the Conditions of this Granl ma\ the more
Effectually be complyed with, Ordered, Thai Elisha Cooke Esq.
Mr. Oxenbridge Thacher, Mi'. Thomas Gushing Jun r and Mr.
Timothy Prout, with such as the Honourable Hoard shall appoint,
lie a Committee fully Authorized to Admit Settlers, And to take
of each Settler a Bond, in the Sum of Twenty five Pounds for the
Performance of the Conditions so far as relates to their respective
Lots, which Loud Shall be made Payable to the Provinci I
urer; And in case any of the Lots in any One of the Town ships
hereby Granted, shall not I »* - settled in time and Manner as is
above provided, then such Lot with the Rights belonging thereto,
shall Revert to, and be at the Disposition of the Government.
Voted by the Honourable Council, That John Jeffries, Jacob
Wendell, and Samuel Welles Esq™, be Joyned to the Committee
of the Honourable House foi admitting Settlers, &c.
A True ( opy.
Examined
p Thad. M \-o\. I )('[)'. Sccr y .
Voted. To proceed to the Choice of a Committee, to Inspect,
Survey and l'lat Three Tracts of Land, agreeable to the said ( irant
suitable for Town-ships and with what speed they conveniently
may or can. and that They make Report thereof to the Town as
soon as may be.
Voted, That the Number of the Committee he Three.
Voted, Thai Mr. Gershom Keyes
Mr. John ( Iheckley and
Capt. Roberl Temple
be a Committee for the Ends aforesaid.
[190.] And. Whereas, at the Motion of the Representat
of this Town, the Select Men did Seasonably Employ John Jo
ofHopkinston Esq. and .Mr. Samuel Chandler of Concord, to look
out for sonic Tracts of Land, suitable for the Settlement of Three
Townships.
1. That tin 1 Committee lie. and hereby are Desired, to
Enquire of those Gentlemen, how far they have proceeded in that
Affair, and to Advise with them, or Others, in their further pro-
ceeding.
Then the Meeting was dismist.
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitac
Boston, duly Qualified and warned According to Law. regularly
Assembled in Public Town Meeting, at the Town House, On
Monday March the V". 17:'.."».
126 City Document No. 66.
Prayer being made by the Reverend Mather Byles
And
The Warrants for Calling the Town Meeting Read The In-
habitants proceeded to the Choice of A Moderator. Accord-
ingly The Votes being Collected, It Appeared That The Hon bIe Elisha
Cooke Esq r . was Chosen Moderator of the Meeting, Unanimously.
Sundry Laws, Read
Sundry Petitions, Proposals &c. Read
and Sundry Motions Made.
The Petitions of John Walley Esq & Samuel Salter.
Of Mr. John Lovel.
Of Mrs. Mary Sharrow.
Of Mrs. Abihail Chamberlain.
Of Sundry Inhabitants, Viz 1 .
For a Fish Market.
For Paving Green Lane.
[191.] Of Sundry Inhabitants for Paving Orange Street.
For Paving Beer Lane.
Of the Towns Watch Men.
Of the Masters of the Water Engines.
Report of the Select Men, of Visitation of the Schools.
Of the Registring Births and Deaths, from the Min-
utes of the late Town Clerk And also
Of the present great Neglect of the Inhabitants in
Registring Births and Deaths.
Report of the Committee on Rumney Marsh Petition
Mr. Joseph Marion's Proposal.
Mr. Jonathan William's Motions, Relating to his Care of
the Granary And for the better Regulation of
the Cows, on the Common.
The Moderator made a Motion, Relating to the Marsh at the
bottom of the Common, near Fox Hill, That the Com-
mittee appointed thereon in Mar. 1733, might be Re-
vived
Mr. Marion made A Motion, for Addressing the General
Court for Liberty to bring forward A Writ of Review
in the Case between the Town of Boston, and Thomas
Palmer Esq r .
Capt. Nathanael Cunningham, made a Motion, That the
Petition lately Presented to the General Court, for A
batement of the Tax on this Town, might be Read.
The Town proceeded to the Choice of Officers.
Samuel Gerrish was Chosen Town Clerk for the Year Ensuing,
and Sworn.
Voted. To Chuse Seven Select Men.
The Votes being collected and sorted, it Appeared that,
The Hon 1 " . John Jeffries Esq r> |
Joshua Winslow Esq r .
('apt. William Downe
('apt. Jonathan Armitage, {'Select Men.
Mr. David Collson
('apt . Alexander Forsyth,
Capt. John Eastwick
Were Chosen Select Men, for the Year Ensuing.
1!.»-| (1 \ Tom n Re( ords, 1 735.
127
[192.] The I Ion 1 '' Joseph Wadsworth Esq r . was ( hosen
Town Treasurer, for the Year Ensuing, and Sworn.
Voted, Thai the Overseers of the Poor be Desired to Attend
this Meeting in the Afternoon, to give Their Opinion with resj
to Dividing the Town into Twelve Wards.
\ oted, That this Meeting be Adjourned 'till Three of the Clock,
Afternoon.
Aftei noon. Being Assembled.
Joshua Winslow Esq r . and Capt. William Downe Excusing
themselves from Serving as Selecl Men, Ihe Year Ensuing,
Voted. To proceed to the Choice of Two Select .Men in their
Room.
The Votes being Collected and Sorted, it Appear'd Thai
( 'apt. ( 'aleb Lyman, and ) . , . , r
Mi < i ' i cl Men.
r. Jonas ( larke, j
were Chosen Selecl Men. for the Year Ensuing.
Jacob Wendell Esq r . in the Name of the < Overseers of the P
Reported to the Town. That 'twas Their ((pinion. It would be
much for the Service of the said Town that it be divided into
Twelve Wards, and Proposed the Military Division of the Town.
to their Consideration.
Voted, Thai the Gentlemen, the Overseers of the Poor be a
Committee to project a Division of the Town into Twelve Wards,
and to make their Report thereof Tomorrow, in Order to the Town's
proceeding thereon.
Voted, To Chuse Seven \- Accordingly
Mess™. Daniel Loring "}
James Watson.
John Staniford
Richard Buckley
[103.] Deter Thomas
Joshua Blanchard and
dames ( iold
Were Chosen Assessors, f^r the Year Eusuing.
Voted, 'That the Selecl Men be Surveyors of the High Ways,
the Year Ensuing.
Voted, That Mr. Stephen Kent, be the Constable for the District
of Rumney Marsh, the Year Ensuing.
Voted, That Mess". Elisha Tuttle and) .. ...
Samuel Pratl [ Fence Viewers -
be Fence Viewers for Rumney Marsh.
Voted, 'That Mr. John Hasey, be Sealer of Leather for Rumney
Marsh.
Voted. 'That Mess" Charles Bill and
Samuel Maxwell
be Elogreves, for Rumney Marsh.
Voted, 'That Mr John Laithe, be Haward, or Field Driver, for
Rumney Marsh.
Voted, 'That Mr. Stephen Kent, he Collector of Taxes in Rum-
m \ Marsh, the Year Ensuing.
Voted, That Mr. John Brintnal, be Surveyor of Hemp and Flax,
within this Town, the Year Ensuing.
;•
J- Hogi
128
City Document No. 66.
' Constables.
Voted, To Chuse Twelve Constables, distinct from Collectors.
Voted, That Mess". Thomas Paine - - Pay
John Hammock- -Pay
Christopher Kilby
Jun r . p d . 1731
Malachi Halter - - Sworn
John Phillips - - Pay
John Maylem - - Pay
[194.] Edward Tyng - - Appeal
John Wakefield - - Excus'd
Elias Dupee - - - Pay
John Webster - - Pay
Edward Bulkley- - Sworn
be Constables for the Year Ensuing.
Voted, To Adjourn this Meeting 'till Tomorrow Morning, at
Nine of the Clock.
>
Clerks of y e
Market.
Were Chosen to be
Sealers of Leather.
The Town being Assembled.
Mess". Samuel Marshall
Adam Winthrop Jun r .
John Flowers
Samuel Gibbins
James Barnard
Joseph Turell
Thomas Greenough
Richard Salter - -
Clerks of the Market, the Year Ensuing.
Mess". Samuel May
Robert Williams
James Dawson
William Young
Joshua Dodge
Nathanael Ilodgdon
Were Chosen Sealers of Leather, the year Ensueing.
Mess" Francis Warden
Joseph Russell
William More
Bartholomew Sutton
Roger Stainer
John Endicot
Joseph White
Were Chosen Fence Viewers, the year Pmsuing.
[195.] Mess". Edward Moberly
William Paine
Edward Richards
Thomas Foster
Joshua Thornton
Matthew Barnard
Were Chosen Viewers of Shingles, Meas r
Upon the Petition of Mr. .lames Read and Others, Masters of
tin' Water Engines in the Town, in behalf of themselves and the
Companies belonging to them, Praying they may be Excused
> Fence Viewers
Viewers of Shingles &c.
of Boards &c.
Boston Town Records, 1735.
L29
from serving in Other Offices, the ;
Read.
Ensuing, a> usual,
Scavengers.
Voted, That the Prayer of the Petitioners be Granted.
Mi - . Richard True ~]
Ezekiel ( !arver , ,
ur-ii \ r HO£
William loung °
William Hunt J
Were Chosen Hogreves, for the year Ensuing.
M( -- . William Willi,
A< «eph ( !owel
I'm njamin Salisbury
Harrison < '• ray
John Taj lor
Thomas Boucher
"William Kami
Jacob I lolyoke
Daniel Peck
Henry Gibbs
Skinner Russell
John Bennet
Thomas Jackson
( reorge Monk
Nathanael ( Gardner
Were Chosen Scavengers, for the Year Ensuing.
[196.] Voted, Thai Mr. Richard — Carter Cowel be Haward,
or Field Driver, the year Ensuin
The Select Men proposed to the Town, to proceed to the Choice
of Tythiug .Men, if they saw meet.
Mess . James Jeffs - Pay ")
John Boylston Pay
Thomas Phillips Sworn ! , , ,
i i , • II i, >■ Constables.
John ( aswall ------ Pay
Henry Price ------ Sworn
Samuel Went worth Jun r . - - Sworn
Were ( hosen Constables for the year Ensuing.
Voted, That the Select Men be, and hereby an I 1 - red, to
Visit the several Publ ~~ Is in the Town. Taking with them
Such Gentlemen to Accompany them as they shall think proper.
And that They Reporl to the Town what Condition They
find them in.
Upon the Petition of John Walley Esq r . and Samuel Salter,
Praying the Town to Rcinburse to them the Sum of Thirti
Pound, Sixteen Shillings, One penny, disbursed by them in
the year 172:!. for Paving in Wat ; forth in
Petition ;
d, That the Prayer of the Petitioners be Granted,
d, That the Town will proceed to the Choice of a County
Treasurer, al Five of the Clock \ -Noon; As also A Register
of Deeds for the County of Suffolk; And to Considei of Raising
Money to Defray the Charges of the Town the year Ensuii
The Report of the < !ommitt< e on Rumney Marsh Petition
Read.
130 City Document No. »><>.
[197.] Upon the Petition of Mary Sharrow, iu behalf of Her
Husband George Sharrow, One of the Constables of Boston, and a
Collector of Rates and Taxes in the year 17.'!2. Who being fallen
in Arrears with the Treasurers has Absented himself, for more
than Two years last past, Praying, That her said Husband may be
permitted to return Home and with Freedom follow his Business
as formerly Proposing (thereupon) to Pay in to the Town
Treasury Thirty Pounds (at the least) Every Year until the whole
of his Debt be Paid and Discharged.
In Answer to said Petition ;
Voted, That upon Mr. Sharrow's Return Home, to Bos-
ton, The Town will not Pursue him in the Law, for the
Arrears due from him to the Town, Upon his Paying the
Sum of Thirty Pounds p Annum, until the whole of his said
Debt be Paid.
A Memorial of Samuel Gerrish, Town Clerk. Presented to the
Select Men ; Setting forth, That According to Their Order, He
had Registred, Four Thousand Three Hundred and Forty five,
Births and Deaths, from the Minutes kept by Samuel Checkley
Esq r . the late Town Clerk, Viz' from the Year 1721 to the year
lT.'i.'l, inclusive, Which said Memorial the Select Men laid before
the Town, in Order for au Allowance to be made for said Service
And The following Question being put, Viz 1 . Whether the
Town would Allow a certain Sum to Samuel Gerrish iu Considera-
tion of his Registring the Births and Deaths Entred in Col Check-
lev's Minutes?
Voted, In the Affirmative.
Voted, That the Sum of Thirty Pounds be allow'd and Paid out
of the Town Treasury, to Samuel Gerrish, in Consideration of his
Registring the Births and Deaths above mentioned.
Mr. John Lovel's Petition, Read, and withdrawn.
[108.] A Memorial of Sundry Inhabitants relating to a strip
of Land at the Southerly End of Cross Street, Desiring the same
might be left in Common and un-encumber'd, as being commodi-
ous and well Situated for a Fish-Market Read, And The
following Question being put, Viz'
Whether the Town would Grant the Prayer of the Petitioners?
Voted, Iu the Negative.
The Petition of Abihail Chamberlain — Widow of 'Jacob Cham-
berlain, late Constable of Rumney Marsh, Deceas'd. Read And
in Answer thereto
Voted, That Six Months be further Allow'd the Petitioner
Abihail Chamberlain to make up I In- Account with the Town
Treasurer And the Assessors are hereby also Empower'd to
make such Abatements as they shaliJudge proper.
The Petition of Matthias Cowdrey, Abia Holbrook &c. in
behalf of themselves and < Mhers. Watchmen Praying for an
Addition to their pay and wages, for reasons mentioned.
Read And the Following Question being put. Viz' Whether
the Town make an Addition to the Pay or Salaries of the Watch-
men, According to their Petition?
Voted, Jn the Negative.
Boston I <>w s Records, 1 ?35. 131
Upon Complainl Thai the Watch at the Fortification,
and Occasions an Unnecessary Charge to the Town,
\ Question was pul . Viz'
!'.>*.>.] Whether the Town would Continue the said Watch?
ted, In the Negatix e.
Mr. Joseph Marion's Proposal Read.
Voted, 1" Adjourn this Meeting 'till the After-Noon, at Three
of the (lock.
Afternoon, being Assembled.
Mi. John Perrj was I boscn One of the Clerks of the Market,
in the Room of Mr Adam Wiuthrop Jun r who was Excused.
Tin Petitions of Sundry [nhabitants for Paving in Several
Streets, Viz 1 Orauge Street, Green Lane and Beer Lane, Read.
Whereas the Consideration of Bi orward Writs of Review
In the Cases between I rn of Boston and Jai rill's
Heirs, relating Town Dock, was Referrcil to this Meeting
And a Consideration Accordingly had
Voted, That it In' left with the Selecl Men of the Town, for
the Time being, To bring forward Writs of Review in ons
relating to the Town D resaid, Whensoever The) shall
think fit. YTet so seasonably withal, as to prevent the danger <>f
beiug foreclosed by any Error which may possibly happen in I
said Writs.
Mr. Marion's Motion for Addressing the General Court, for
Liberty to bring forward a Writ of Review, in tl
Cow u and Thomas PalmcrEsq r .- Being red,
[200.] Voted, That the Select Men be, and hereby are De-
ri and Directed to Prefer a Petition to the Great and General
Court, for Liberty to bring forward a Writ of Review of an Action
between the Town of Bi n, and Thomas Palmer Esq' for I
certain Tenement or Ware House, Situate On the
Town Dock, and now in the Occupation of William Owen and
others.
Mess™ Thomas Ilawden - - Pay. "]
Benjamiu < !< ildthwail , Sw
Thomas ( 'lark - Sworn . . , ,
James < iibson - - - Sworn |
John Ludgate - - - Sworn j
n Tucker - - - Excuse! J
Wen Chosei a 1 the Year Eusuin
Jac< »b Wendell Esq' in the name of the Over- :
A Committee Appointed As Entred Yesterday, Having Projected
a Division of the Town into Twelve Wards, Presented the same;
Which was Read And is as folio .
Pursuant to a Vote of the Town of the s
iug the i s of the Poor to Divide the Town into
Ive Wards, They have accordingly Attended thai Ser-
vice And arc of Opinion That the following Division
will besl serve the same And Propose to begin with —
.\ . l. From Charlestown Forry on both sides ol I
to ( • icr, and the Westerly Side of Salem Stn i ising
132 City Document No. 66.
Over and taking in the Westerly side of Henchman's Lane to the
Water side, and round the Beech to the Ferry Place again.
[201.] From the lower end of Henchman's Lane up the South
side thereof, Crossing over to Elder Baker's Corner down Salem
Street as, far as the Reverend Doctor Cutler's, and thence down
Love Street and Foster Lane the North sides into Ship Street, in-
cluding both sides thereof, As far as Henchman's Lane, to which
Bumney Marsh is annex'd.
3. From the North East Corner of Love Street, riming up the
South Side of it thro', by the Reverend Doctor Cutler's and down
Salem Street to Peirce's Corner and up Prince Street on the North
side, Crossing over thro' Bell Alley as far as Mr. Mountforts
Corner, and so to the Dolphin Tavern, thence taking Fish street
on both sides as far as Foster Lane, including the south side of
said Lane.
4. From the North East Corner of Prince Street, running down
the south side as Boucher's Corner, and then on both sides of the
Way to the Mill bridge, and from thence on the West side of
Middle Street to Prince Street, taking in the Square from Cox's
Corner down the North side of Wood-Lane thro' Bell Alley to
Capt. Wadsworth's.
5. From the North East Corner of Wood Lane on the South
side into Middle street, running on the North side to the Mill
Bridge, and then beginning aCByles's Corner in Anne Street on
both sides the Way including the Dock and thro' Fish Street on
both sides the Way, as far as the Red Lion Wharf.
6. From the Mill Bridge on both sides of Hanover Street to
Bradford's Corner, Crossing Over to Cold Lane and thence run-
ning to Jacksons Still House, Returning thro' Kneelaud's Lane
into Sudbury Street taking in the Easterly side as far as the
Orange Tree and then running down Hanover street on the West-
erly side as far as Bradford's Corner and thence on the North side
of Wing's Lane into Union Street on both sides to the Mill-
Creek.
[203.] 7. From Barton's point, thro' Leverett's Street and
Green Lane and Cambridge Street on both sides, taking in the
Southerly Side of Hawkins's Lane and round into Sudbury Street
the Westerly Side, Crossing into Southack's Court, and thence
Crossing the Hill to the Water side.
■S. From the South East Corner of Wing's Lane running upon
the Southerly side of it, and so on the Easterly Side of Hanover
Street and then running down on the Northerly side of Queen and
King streel on the Long Wharf, and thro' Merchant's Row to Mr.
Jackson (the Brasiers) shop, taking in Dock Square.
!). From Mr. Bowdoin's Corner in Treamount Street, taking in
the Westerly Side of Beacon Street down to the bottom of the
Common, then taking the North side of School and Milk street, as
far as Horn Lane, thro' Water street to Oliver's Dock, running
thro' Mackarel Lane, and then including the South sides of King
and Queen Streets.
in. From Mr. Secretary Willard's running down on the North
side of Rawson's Lane crossing over to Penniman's Corner running
B( >st< >\ T( >v n I v i « okds, 1 735. 1 33
down on the Northerly side of Summer streel as far as Cow Lane,
and so over the Hill as far as the northerly Side of Mr. llubbi.
Land, and then round bj Llallowell's Shipyard to Milk sti
thence running on the Southerly ^i< !»'. including the South Meeting
House Square, and then taking in the South side of School Stn
11. Prom the South Corner of Rawsou's Lane down the Com-
mon, :is far as Wesl street, thence running down the North
i>f Pond Streel and Blind Line into Summer Street, thro' Barton's
Rope Walk i Mr. Hubbard's theuce [203.] Up the Hill
and then down Cow Lane, theSouth K:ist side into Summer Stri
and then the Southerly side of Summer Street, thence Crossing
over and taking the Westerly side of Marlborough Street as far as
Rawsons' Lane, including the South side of said Lane.
12. From the School House in the Common down the £
side of Pond Lane as far as the Bull Wharf including the whole
to the Southward.
All which is Humbly Submitted, by
^ i .ur 1 lumble Servants.
.1 VI i »b Wendi ll.
W II I i am Tyi 1 K.
• ll FFERY I'.l.l D.
J« ihn Hill.
»n 9 Mar. 1 735. Tm >mas i 1i bb \ki>.
Voted, That the Report of the said Committee be Accepted
And that the Town of Boston be, and hereby is Divided
into Twelve Ward- or] >istricts according to the said Report ; And
that it so remain and continue. Until the Town shall see Causi
alter the same.
Voted, T<> Adjourn this Meeting till Tomorrow at Nine of the
Clock in the Morning.
The Town being Assembled.
Mr. Richard Barnard, was Chosen One of the Clerks of the
Market, for the Year Ensuing.
Voted, That Twenty Pounds be Allow'd to Mr. Jonathan
Williams Out of the Granan T Stock, in Addition to bis Salary,
For his Care of the Towns Granary, the Year past.
204.] Mr. Jonathan Williams's .Motion relating to the better
Regulation of the Cows, going on Boston Common, Came under
Consideration,
d. That the Select Men lie. and hereby are Desired to pro-
ject some Draught lor Regulating the Cows, going upon the
Common in Boston, And Present the same to the Town at their
next General Meeting for < onsideration.
Mess". William Phillips - - - Sworn ")
Harbottle Dorr ... - Sworn Constables.
Ralph Ilait ------ Sworn )
were Chosen Constables, for the Year ensuing.
The Select Men having Reported to the Town at this present
Meeting, the Notorious Neglect of the Inhabitants, in Registring
Births aud Death-. According to a Law of this Province in that
< ase l'i - >\ led : It i.~. Therefore,
134 City Document No. 66.
Voted, That the Town Clerk be, and hereby is Ordered and
Directed to take Care that the Law for Registring Births and
Deaths be duly Observ'd in this Town; And That lie Posecuter
in the Law Such Persons as Shall or Do neglect the same.
The Town Proceeded to the Choice of Collectors of the Rates
and Taxes The Votes being sorted It Appear'd, That
Capt. Daniel Pecker ~\
Mr. William Rand [■ Collectors.
Mr. Nathanael Barber )
Were Accordingly Chosen Collectors for the Year Ensuing.
[205.] Voted, That Nine pence upon the Pound be allow'd
and Paid out of the Town Treasury to the Collectors of Rates and
Taxes, for the Year Ensuing, They giving Sufficient Security, to
the Satisfaction of the Select-Men, for the faithful Discharge of
their Trust.
The Affairs of the Markets coming Under Consideration, relat-
ing to the Continuance of Clerks for the Year Ensuing — And the
Allowance for their Service the Year past &c. Upon which the
following Questions were' propos'd. Viz 1 .
Quest. Whether the Town would Continue a Clerk for the
North Market, the Year Ensuing?
Voted, In the Negative.
Quest. Whether the Town would Continue a Clerk for the
Middle Market, the Year Ensuing?
Voted, In the Negative.
Quest. Whether the Town would Continue a Clerk for the
South Market, the Year Ensuing?
Voted, In the Negative.
Voted, That the Ringing of Bells at the Opening of the Mar-
kets, be Discontinued.
Voted, That the Sum of Five Pounds be Allowed and Paid to
Each of the Three Sextons, for Ringing the Market Bells the Year
past.
Voted, That the Sum of One Hundred Pounds be allow'd and
Paid to Mr. .John Foster, the Clerk of the North Market, for his
Service the year past .
Voted, That" the Sum of One Hundred Pounds be [206.]
Allow'd ami Paid to Capt. James Watson the Clerk ot the Middle
Market, for his Service the Year past.
Voted, riiat the Sum of One Hundred Pounds be Allow'd and
Paid to Mr. Francis Willoughby, the Clerk of the South Market,
for his Service the Vein- past.
The Town proceeded to the Choice of Twelve Overseers of the
Poor The Votes being Collected and Sorted. It Appeared
That the following Gentlemen wen: Chosen to that Office. Viz'.
Jacob Wendell Fsq r .
John Puck Esq r .
Henry Dering Fsq r .
William Tyler Esq/.
.John Hunt Esq r .
('apt. Samuel Greenwood.
Capt. Jeffery Bedgood.
Boston T<>\\ n Records, 1 135. 135
Capt. John Hill.
Mr. Tliomaa 1 [ubbard.
Capt. I >aniel Heuchinan.
( !apl . Joshua ( 1 1 ■ • • ■ v er.
.Mr. Edward Bromlield.
Mr. John Checkley Proposing, That the Affair of the M
Pass'd upon in the Morning, tnigbl be Reconsidered, And the
M on being Secoudcd, A Question was put, y .
Quest. Whether the Town would have I ting to the
Markets, pasl in the Morning, Recousidered ?
Which Vote being Cballeuged, and a Poll demanded, It was
propos'd
[207.] Whether That Affair should be Decided by a Poll?
d. In the Affirmative.
Accordinuly, The Voters being Separated and Numbred, It
Appear'd ami was Declared, That the
vi , x \ For Reconsidering 1
>» iiiiihi-r o! \ oters. ■ x ,,
I Nol Reconsidering I.
Voted, That the Affair be Adjourned 'till Four of the '
aoou, this I >ay.
Voted, l'li.it this Meeting be Adjourned 'till half an Hour after
Three of the C lock, Afternoon.
Afternoon, Being Assembled.
Voted, That The Report of the Committee for Auditing tin'
Town Treasurer's Accounts for the Year past, be Accepted; And
thi' Treasurer accordingly discharged.
Voted, That Job Lew is Es | .
Mr. Hugh Vans,
Edward Hutchinson Eg
na Wiuslow Esq r . and
i .•■••' g« ( raddock Esq r .
be a < lommittee to Audit the Town Treasurers Accounts, the Year
Ensuing.
Voted, That the Sum of I udred and Fifty Pounds be
Allow'd and Paid Out of the Town Treasury to Joseph Wadsworth
Esq . rown Treasurer, for his Service in that Office the Year past.
I hi' Time Appointed, According to Order for Re :ousidcriug the
Votes past in the Morning, respecting the Market- being
Come A Motion was made and Seconded, Viz'. That the
mind of the Town might be known. Whether They would
i; der th • Affaii - 08. Respecting the I re< Ma
Separate and Singly, or, Altogether -Accordingly The
Votes being Collected, Sorted and Numbred It Appeared,
That the Number
.... ... . I together, were, 473.
hor Reconsidei in' tin- Votes ...
i Single - - were, 128.
After Debate It was pul to the Vote Viz' -
Whether it be the Mind of the Town to Continue to Chuse
Three ( Jlerks of the Markets for the Year Ensuing Accord-
ing!}', L'hose for ( outinuing them were dii >'■ i.
And those who were for Discontinuing them,
136 City Document No. 66.
And Upon Collecting, Sorting and Numbering the Votes, It
Appear'd there were, 676.
Voters Of which Number were, 278.
Yea. —and 398, Nay.
The Town proceeded to bring in their written Votes for a
County Treasurer (for Suffolk) which being Collected were Ac-
cording to Law, Sealed Up by Constable Thomas Clark by
Him to be kept and return'd unto the next Quarter Sessions to be
held for said County.
Voted, To Adjourn this Meeting 'till Tomorrow, at Three of the
Clock, Afternoon.
The Town being Assembled.
The several Petitions for Paving Read Aud a Ques-
tion put, Viz 1 .
Whether it be the mind of the Town, to Raise any Money, to be
disposed of, or laid out in New Paving, the Year Ensuing?
Voted, In the Negative.
[20!).] Upon a Motion made ai>d Seconded.
Voted, To Chuse a Committee of Five Persons To take under
Consideration, and to Project Some Method for the better and
more Effectual Watching the Town of Boston ; and whereby also
the Inhabitants may be Eased of considerable part of the Charge
and Expence They are now at, in Maintaining and supporting the.
Watch — And that they be desired to make Report thereof,
at the next General Town Meeting.
Voted, That Capt. Samuel Greenwood.
Mr. Jacob Parker. — —
John Fayerweather Esq r .
Mr. Thomas Lee — and
Mr. John Darrel
be a Committee for the Ends aforesaid
Voted, That the Raising of Money to Defray the Charges of the
Ensuing Year, be Referr'd to the next General Town Meeting.
A List of the Twelve Wards or Districts, iuto whicli the Town
is now Divided, with a Proposal for their respective Assignment,
Each one to the care of a particular Overseer, being presented,
was Head As follows, Viz 1 .
Number, One John Ruck Esq r .
Two Capt. Samuel Greenwood.
Three Capt. Joshua Cheever.
Four William Tyler Ksq r .
Five Capt. Daniel Henchman.
Six Mr. Thomas Hubbard.
Seven Capt. Jeffery Bedgood.
Eight Henry Dering Ksq r .
Nine John Hunt Esq r .
Ten - Jacob Wendell Esq'.
Eleven Mr. Edward Bromfield.
Twelve Capt. John Hill.
[210.] The foregoing Sehenie or Disposition of Wards being
Approved
Boston Town Records, L73G. L37
Voted, Thai the same be Accepted ; Add Thai the aaid par-
ticular Wards be, and hereby are Assigned to the more Especial
Oversight, Authority and Care of Each of the said Oversi
■ Accordingly
The Freeholders proceeded to bring in Their Votes, for A
Register of Deeds and Conveyances of Land within the County of
Suffolk Which being Collected, were, according to Law
led up, 1>> < onatable Thomas Clark, by him to be kept and
Returned unto the next Quarter Sessions to be held for said
( 'mint y.
1, That the Other Affairs, not as yel Passed On, At this
Meeting, be Referr'd, for Consideration, At the next General
Town Meeting.
Then the Meeting was Dismist.
At a Mooting of the Freeholders, and other Inhabitants of
Boston, duly Qualified, and Warned as the Law directs, regularly
Assembled in Public Town Meeting, at the Town House, upon
Wednesday the 28 th . April. Anno Domini, 17.lt',.
Prayer being made l>v the Reverend Peter Thatcher,
And
The Warrants for Calling the Meeting Read
The Hon ble John Jeffries Esq 1 " as Moderator [211.] Of the
Select Men. ami in Their Name. Informed the Town, As follows.
Viz 1
By the Laws of this Province, The Tower of Regulating this
Meeting, for the Choice of Representatives, is wholly vested in
the Select .Men
But, as there are Other Affairs of the Town to he Transacted,
which will require the Choice of a Moderator If the Town
shall think it best, At the Opening of the Meeting to Chuse One
We Consenl to ii ; Saving to ourselves the Right ^>\' giving
Directions for the Regular and orderly Carrying on the Affairs
said Meeting, Which by Law We are possessed of.
Accordingly, A Question, was put to the Town, Viz'. Whether
They would Now proceed to the Choice of A Moderator?
\ i 'icd. Iii the Affirmative.
The Town then Proceeded to the Choice of A Moderator, by
written Votes; Which being Collected, It Appeared, That,
The Hon'" Elishn Cooke Esq r . was Chosen Moderator, by a great
Majority.
A Motion being made and seconded, It was Proposed to the
Town. Viz' Whether They would proceed to the Choice of Four
Representath
Voted, In the Affirmative.
The Votes being Collected, and Number'd, The Voters were
found to he, 266.
The Number of V ing Brst declared by the Select Men,
They proceeded to sorting the Votes, By which it Appeared,
That tlie following Gentlemen were duly Elected, Viz 1 .
The lion 1 Elishn I I 3q r . '- - Numb' ol \
Mr. Oxenbridse Thacher ----- 200
138 City Document No. 66.
Mr. Thomas Cushing JurT. 248
Mr. Timothy Prout 249
[212.] The Select Men having Declared the Choice of the
Representatives
The Moderator took His Place, And the Town proceeded to the
Other Business of the Meeting.
Sundry Petitions, Read
and Motions, made. Viz 1 .
The IIon ble Elisha Cooke Esq r made a Motion (which was
Seconded) Viz'. That In Consideration of the great Diffi-
culties the Town of Boston labours under, on many Ac-
counts, the said Town would Give Instructions to their
Representatives.
Mr. John Lovel's Petition --------- Read.
A Petition of sundry Inhabitants, Proprietors of Lands
abutting on Sea-Street. Head.
Collectors of Taxes, their Petition. Read.
A Petition of Mr. John Lovel, Master of the South Grammar
School, (Shewing that the Salary allow'd him by the Town, is not
sufficient to defray the Necessary Charges of A Family; Praying
for an Addition thereto Read —
And the Question being put, Whether An Addition should be
made to Mr. Lovel's Salary, in Answer to his Petition?
It pass'd in the Affirmative.
Voted, That the Sum of Sixty Pounds, p Annum be Added to the
Salary of Mr. John Lovel, to Commence from the Eighth of April,
currant.
The Motion made by the Hon bIe Elisha Cooke Esq r . at the Open-
ing of this Meeting, For Instructions to be Given to the Rep-
resentatives, came under Consideration, And after some Debate,
thereon.
[213.] Voted, To Chuse a Committee of Five Persons, to
Prepare Instructions for the Representatives.
Voted, That Capt. Nathanael Cunningham,
Mr. Hugh Vans.
Mr. Samuel Waldo,
Mr. Cornelius Waldo, and
Mr. James Pierpoint,
be a Committee for the End aforesaid Who arc Desired to
Prepare Instructions accordingly, And lay them before the Town,
at the Adjournment of this Present Meeting, for their Consider-
ation.
The Committee Appointed the 11 March last, To Consider of,
and projeel some .Method for the better and more Effectual Watch-
ing the Town of Boston, Presented Their Report Which
was Read And is as follows. Viz'.
The Committee to whom was Referred, (at the Annual Meeting in
March last) the Consideration of some Method for the better
and more Effectual Watching the Town of Boston, and the
Easing the Inhabitants of Considerable part of the Charge in
maintaining the same &c — Report as follows,
That We have taken into Consideration, the various methods of
li'iMns Town Records, I7.lt;. L39
Watching herefore known and practis'd in the Town, .- • i > • 1 are of
Opinion, Thai the Method of Maintaining a Watch by a Tax on
the Inhabitants and Residents of the Town, is 1
Justice, and besl Calculated for the Ease and Bafety thereof , if
under a due ami propei Regulation.
And tor that Purpose, We would Propo
1. That there I lv Four Watch-Houses maintained at the
Charge of the Town; Viz 1 . The Watch House al [214. The
s.»uth End, near Mr. Eliot's; The Watch House at the Town
House ; The Watch House al the Dockhead; And One to the North-
ward of the .Mil! ivhich We propose should stand at the
South Easl Corner of Bennct-Street (on the I. and of .lames Bow-
doin Esq 1- . Who is very willing to gratify the Town in that respect,
the Town only paying him some small Acknowlegement lor the
same: Hut if the 'Town should disapprove thereof, then We pro-
pose, that the Watch he kept at the House near the Old North
Meeting House, a- heretofore ; and that the Town he at no further
Charge towards the Support of any other Watch House. And to
Prevenl anj disadvantage that may Arise from discontinuing the
other Watch Iloti-es. it is propos'd, That the South Watch (in
their Rounds) inspect that District which belong'd to the Watch
at tl That the Watch at. the Town-House insp<
tin Long Wharf — — That the Watch at the Dock-Head inspect
the Dock, with the Streets and Lanes to the Southward of the
Mill-Creek, formerly under the Care of the North Watch
And that the North Watch take the inspection of all that part of
the Town to the Northward of the Mill-Creek, to be divided into
Two Wards, to be Visited by the Watch-men in turns.
2. That there be Four Sober, able bodied Persons appointed
for Each Watch House. And that One of the most discreel of their
Number, be Apppinted to take the Charge of the Watch. Who,
as a Badge of his Office shall he Obliged to Carry a Quarter
Pike, Ami the Others to carry a Staff with a Hill, as the Law
direc
That there lie Written Orders and Directions, given by the
Select Men of the Town, to the Watch Men. to be hllllg Up in
I h Watch House, describing their Wards, with their Duty,
Lower, &c. ■
215. \ nd for the more effectual Answering the designed
Ends, it is proposed
(1) That the several Watchmen be at their respective Watch-
Houses by Ten O'clock, and to continue there in the morning till
broad 1 )ay-Light .
(2.) That immediately after Ten O'Clock, there he. (at least
Three Times every Week) Two persons sent out from Each Watch
House to Walk the Streets, Lanes &c. in Order to take up all
Negro and Mulatto Servants, that shall he unseasonably Absent
from their M amilies, without giving a sufficient reason
therefor.
(3.) That at Twelve O'Clock Two Persons from Each Watch-
House set out to Walk the Rounds (which may he varied as shall
lie judged proper) in ami about the Inhabited streets Lam s, and
140 City Document No. bb\
Wharfs within their several Wards: And that within half an hoar
after their coming in, the Other Two shall go out, and so by turns,
till the Dawn of the Day, and that they be Obliged to Attend this
duty, in rainy and stormy, as well as lair weather. And further,
That during the whole Night, One or Other of the Watch-men
shall stand at the Watch-House Door, to Examin All Passers-by,
And if they cannot give a good Account of themselves, to secure
them as the Law directs.
4. That there be Oue Capable Person appointed as an Inspec-
tor of the several Watch Houses, Who shall be Obliged to Visit
each Watch House, at least Three Times every Week, And keep A
written Memorandum of All Deficiencies, Which he shall lay
before the Select Men, every Month before the Watch-Men are
paid off, that so in case of any Neglect, A proper sum may be de-
ducted out of the Delinquents Wages, Or he be dismist. As the
Select Men shall think proper. And inasmuch as Several Orders
of Officers within the Town, do frequently Walk in the Night,
and among other things, Visit the Watch Houses, We would hope
the Inspection of the Watch would hereby be Sufficiently provided
for.
[216] (5.) That inasmuch as by this method the Watch-
Mens Work will be considerably increased, It is Proposed, That
Each Mans Wages be raised to Fifty Pounds p Annum, And that
the Inspector be paid the same Sum, Which We would hope,
would be a sufficient Encouragement to Industry and Faithfulness
in the Discharge of their respective Duties.
Now, upon this Method We would beg leave to Observe, That
inasmuch as hereby the Watch Men would be Obliged to Walk
their Rounds in Stormy and Rainy Weather, And the Latter part
of the Night, which Ordinarily now they do not after Two O'Clock
The Town would be much better Watch'd than now it is;
And besides, there would be an Abatement of the Expeuce About
Three Hundred and Eighty Pounds p Annum.
Which will Appear from the following Calculation, Viz t .
16 Watchmen, at £50 p Annum, £800 "
1 Inspector
Candles 10 s p Month for the
1 Watch Houses - - -
Coals £1 p year for Each House
50
u
a
-
-
24
<;
a
-
-
- - 1(5
it
it
■
-
£890
_
£1268
((
-3 "
-
4
£178
«t
-3 »
-
t
Which Sum being deducted from
the Charge of the hist year will leave
which the Town will save in its Annual Expences ;
All which is Humbly Submitted to the Consideration of the
Town • —
By the Subscribers,
Samuel G k e en wood
John Fa yerweatii er
April, 26. 1736. Thomas Lee
Jacob Parker
John Darrell
Boston Town Records, 1 ' 111
[217.] Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned, 'till 4
O'clock Afternoon.
\: ernoon, The Town being Assembled.
Mess . Benjamin Mason, "]
Benjamin Williams,
Newman Greenough, > Clerks of the Market.
John Welch, and
Joseph Sherburne J
wore Chosen Clerks of the Market for the year ensuing.
Mr. Charles Gyles, was chosen to serve as one of
the year ensuing.
TheSelect Men, having prepared a By-Law, for the Regulal ing the
(dw- going on the Common, and for Providing Bulls to go with them,
Presi nted the same. Read which is as follows, Viz'.
Al a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of
the Town of Boston, duly Qualified, and Warned as the
Law directs, convened in Publick Town Mi it the
. the 28lh. day of April, Anno Domini.
Whereas the Town Law, or Order already made, for regulating
»ws going on the Common, And for the better Providing of
Bulls to go with them., has by Experience been found insufficient
for defraying the Charge
For the more Effectual Providing for the same
Voted and Ordered
That Whosoever shall keep any cow, or Cows, going al large
within the Neck of Boston, shall Pay into the 11
Person or Persons, As the Select Men Shall from Time to Time
Appoint to receive [218.] The same, the Sum of Eleven Shillings
mm for Each Cow, to be Employ'd as follows, Viz 1 S s
Shillings and Six pence thereof towards Providing of, and k
Four Hulls to go at large on the Common, from the first of April.
to the first of November; And Two or more from the f
r. to the first of April following. As the Select Men shall
Older from Year to Year; Three shillings and six pence' more
f, for Paying the Cow keeper, And the remaining
Shilling for Paying the Person that shall be Appoiuted by the
Select Men to Receive said Money, and give forth a Certificate to
the Owner of Each Cow, shewing that they have Paid tl
I ii ( !ow, And if any Person or Pei
I ows which they shall keel) m their Pastil
Enclos I do not suffer them to go at large on the ( ommon,
Shall Pay only Six Shillings and Six pence towards the Bulls.
And if any Cow. or Cow- shall be found going on the Common
said, Whose Owner has not paid the
Eleven Shillings, and Obtained a Certificate of their
Such Owner Shall forfeit and pay the sum of !
Shillings, being thereof Convicted, before any ol His
Justices of the Peace within the County of Suffolk ; the same to
be Recovered by the Person impowered by the Select M
gather the Money and to be Employed for and towards the
defraying the ( harjje aforesaid.
142 City Document No. Go*.
The foregoing By-Law or Order, being Considered, : nd Ap-
proved
Voted, That the Same be Accepted ; And that the Select Men
be, and hereby are Desired to Present it to the Court of General
Sessions of the Peace, next to be llolden for the County of Suf-
folk, for their Approbation.
[219.] Upon a Motion made by the Select Men, Shewing
that the House wherein the Bulls are kept, adjoining to the South
Burying Peace, is insufficient for that Use ; And Desiring the
Town would give direction for removing the said Bull-House, and
to Joyn the same to the Gun-House in the Common : Or that they
would make such other Provision for them, As to them should
seem most convenient.
Voted, That the Select Men, be Desired to make Enquiry into
the State and Circumstauces of the said Gun-House in the
Common, And make Report thereof, to the Town, at the Ad-
journment of this Meeting.
The Petition of Mess". Daniel Pecker, Nathauael Barber and
"William Rand, Collectors of Taxes within the Town of Boston
for the Year 1735, Praying that the Assessors may be allow'd
and impower'd to Set On Abatements, 'till the latter end of July
next.
Voted, That the Prayer of the Petitioners be Granted.
The Petition of Sundry Inhabitants and Proprietors of Lands
abutting on Sea-Street Read.
Voted, That the Select Men be, and hereby are Desired to View
the Said Street; Consider the Prayer of the Petitioners, And to
Report, at the Adjournment of this Meeting, What they think
may be proper for the Town to do thereon
The Report of the Committee for the Watch, as Entred in the
Fore Noon Read again, And after Debate thereon
Voted, That the said Report be Accepted
Voted, A Grant of Seven Thousand Six [220.] Hundred
Pounds, to be Raised by a Tax on Polls, and Estates, within the
Town of Boston, for Relief of the Poor, and defraying Other
Necessary Charges, arising withiu and for the said Town, the
Year Ensuing
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned to Fryday the 21". of
May next, At Three O'Clock Afternoon.
Fryday, May, 21. 1736.
The Town being Assembled, according to Adjournment.
A Report of the Seleet Men, on a Petition of the Inhabitants,
Abutters on Sea-Street Read As follows. Viz'.
Pursuant to a Vote of the Town as above We the Sub-
scribers have accordingly Attended that service ; Have Viewed
the Street mentioned in the Petition referr'd to ; Considered the
Prayer of the Petitioners; And Report thereon as follows, Viz'.
That the ancient High Way. which was to be maintained in good
Repair of Fifty feet in Breadth, be now reduced to the Breadth
of Thirty five feet, Which We apprehend will well Accomodate
the Inhabitants, and Sufficiently Answer all the Ends of A Street
]'„ iston T< >w\ Records, LI 143
And Therefore, thai the said. Street be fixed and establi
by tin- Town to be Thirty-five feet in breadth ; And thai the
be maintained and kepi in good Repair, Open free and Unincura-
bred, at the proper Cosl and Charge of the Proprietors and
Abutters on said Street, for the Use of the Town of B
forever. All which is Humbly Submitted By, John Jell
Jon*. Arraitage, Alex*. Forsyth, John Eastwicke, Jonas Cla
Selecl Men Boston May, 19. 1736.
[221.] Voted, Thai this Reporl be Accepted.
The Select .Men being Desired to make Enquiry into tb
the < .mi House, and bo Report thereon, As Entred Apr. 28
rted.
That They had According to the Desire of the Town, made En-
quiry into the Male and Circumstances of tip' (inn House in the
Common, and considered thereof: And that They find it was Built
by Order of , and at the Cosl and Charge of the Town of Bos
in the year 1712, in Order to House some Field Carriages, which
are now in it. Thai They are of Opinion That the said
Gun House with some Repairs, may well serve to hold the
Carriages still, and also for Keeping the Bulls, with May sufficient
for them.
Voted, That this Report be Accepted.
Capt. Cunuingham from the Committee Chosen and A ppo
the 28" . April, last, to Prepare Instructions for the Representa-
tives, Presented the same to the Town for their Consideral
-Which were Read And,
I ii a Motion made and Seconded, Viz*.
That in coi sideration of the Importance of the Instructions to
the Representatives, Now presented by the Committee as
And the Smallncss of the Number of Inhabitants now \-- ed.
The following Question was put, Viz 1 . Whether it be the mind of
the Town. That this Meeting Shall be Adjourned to Monday Next
at Five O'Cloek Afternoon — And That the Select Men be des
ike Care Thai the Inhabitants be duly Notified of the -aid Ad-
journment, in Such Manner as They shall think be
Voted, In the Affirmative.
Mr. Cushing from the Committee Appointed Dec. 29. 173o. To
Examiu into the State of the Long Wharf &c. Pi
their Report. Which was Read as follows. Viz'.
[22*4.] The Committee Appointed the 29th Dec. la
Examin into the State of the Long Wharf, and make due Enqn
Whether or no. the Right of the Inhabitants of this Town relating
to the same has qo1 been Violated, And to make Repi
Have Attended that Service And upon a thorough Perusal
and mature Consideration of the Grant of the Flats, man
Proprietors of the Long Wharf, together with the < - s &
Engagements which said Proprietors made with the Town in that
\ dr We find
That in the Year 1 Tb 1 . It was Covenanted and A ween
the Town, And the Original Undertakers or Prop!;, the
1. ag Wharf, in Manner following Viz'. That the Proprietors
should have full Liberty to Erecl & Build a (• 1 and Sufficient
144 City Document No. 66.
Wharf, of the breadth of King Street, from the End of said Street
as it then was on a direct Line to low Water Mark, And the Waste
Ground or Flats of that wedth and length were Accordingly
Granted and Released to them, without Prejudice to former
Grants. ■
In Consideration whereof, the Undertakers or Proprietors were
Obliged at their Own Cost anil Charge to Erect, Build, Maintain
and keep in good Repair, Said Wharf, Always leaving the breadth
of Thirty feet On one side of the said Wharf, Unincumber'd for
an Open and free High Way forever to the Use of the Town and
Others ; And that the End of the said Wharf Should be free for the
service of the Town, when they should see Reason to Plant Guns
thereon for their Defence. •
It was also Covenanted and Agreed, That no Wharf beyond the
Circular Line Should be permitted or Suffered to Join or be for-
ever built nearer than Sixty feet of the Waste or Flats then
Granted.
These, We Apprehend the Essential Parts of the Grant on the
Town's part, And also of the Covenant on the part of the Propri-
etors.
[S23.] As to the Performance of Conditions. We would Ob-
serve That We can't discover but that the Town have punc-
tually Performed all that has been ever Promised and Engaged in
their behalf to the said Proprietors, Nor can We find that Ever the
Proprietors have been disturbed or disrested, hut that they have
allways been in the quiet and peaceable Possession and Improve-
ment of all that was ever Granted them ; But as to Performance
on the Proprietors part We find.
1. That the Thirty feet left as an High Way on the Southerly
Side of said Wharf has not commonly been, neither at this time is
so free and Unincumbered as it reasonably ought to be for an High
Way for the Inhabitants and Others, pursuant to the Original
Contract; And what seems very Extraordinary is, that Notwith-
standing it was expressly Stipulated, that it should remain forever
As an Open and free High Way without any reservation peculiar
to the Proprietors, Yet they constantly demand and Exact Wharf-
idge for all Goods landed there from on board Foreign Vessels,
tbo' they belong to our own Inhabitants, Which We Apprehend to
be a Violation of the Contract and a manifest Infraction upon the
Right of the Inhabitants.
•1. That the End of the Wharf is not free according to Con-
tract, but incumbered with a Crane House Erected there, neither
is that part of the Wharf in any tolerable Condition suitable for
Planting a Line of Guns, as it ought ever to be.
3. We iind that several Proprietors of the Long Wharf have
made Encroachments on the North side of said Wharf, where
Platforms, and also a Wharf are built, and additions made to their
Houses beyond the Circular Line, which is an Evident Violation of
the forementioned Covenant made between the Town and Propri-
etors.
Upon the Whole, We are humbly of Opinion, That the Select
Men for the time beinjj be desired to take care That the said
BoST( »N [\ >M \ RBI ORDS, 1 '• 1 13
Thirty feel High Way on the Long Wharf be kepi 22 I.
cumbred in such manner as il oughl to be, and thai it be kepi iu
Uepair ;ii the ( Charge of the Proprietors of said Wharf.
Ami Furthermore, We Apprehend it very needful, thai
Rigbl of the Inhabitants as to u free Wharfage of their Goods be
speedily Asserted and Defended, At the Charge of the Town.
All uhirh is Humbly Submitted
I .l>W '. I 111' 111 \-
Wii.i.iam Clark
THOM ^9 CUSHING JuU r .
Boston May, 21. 1736. John Steel
Voted, Thai this Report be Accepted: And Thai i - I Meu
be, and hereby are Desired and Empowered to ind Defend
the Righl of the Inhabitants, as sel forth in the said Report, and
iu every respeel prosecute this Affair agreeable tb 1 "
Mess". Jonathan Dwight
Zechariah Fil
i e r ks o M
hhphalet Parker }
Thomas Townsend J
Were Chosen to servo, as Clerks of the Market the Year Cut
Mr. Joseph Calef, is Chosen Hogreve, for the Year Current.
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned to Monday next
•J ) . instant, .-it 5 0'( lock in the Afternoon.
Mondav May, 24 th . 1736.
The Town being Assembled.
[225.] The Reporl of A Committee, to Prepare Instrui
for the Representatives, laid before the Town for Consideration,
Al their Adjournment the 21". instant Read again; and is
as fol
\ a Publick Town Meeting al Boston, upon Wednesday,
the 28 th . April. 17
Messieurs Nathanael Cunningham, Hugh Samuel
Waldo. Cornelius W:il<l<>. and James Peirpoint Wi re
Chosen a Committee to Prepare Instructions for the R
seutatives, and lay them before the Town for their Appro-
bation at the Adjournment upon Fryday the 2 1st. May
next Ensuing,
Presented as follows, Viz'.
To the Honourable Elisha Cooke E-<| r . Messieurs
lu; her, Thomas Cushiug, and Timothy Prout.
Gentlemen
We the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the I
of Boston duly Qualified and Regularly Assembled — I
manifest Our greal Esteem aud Regard for you, in a more pi
liar Manner than We have done, by Chusing You
as Our Agents and Representatives in th< G eral
Court of this Province for the Year Ensuing.
And Whereas this Province i.i General (as well as
particular) Labours under the . Hardships, Difficulties and
Distresses upon many Accounts, without any signal Pros
Relief.
146 City Document No. 66.
And Altho' We do not in the least Question Your Faithfulness
to the true [nterest of this Province iu general as well as the Trade
and Business of this Town in particular Yet Esteeming it
Our Duty [236.] In this unhappy Juncture, Wherein (As We
Apprehend) Our Laws, Liberties and Properties are in Danger,
Earnestly to Request of You To Exert all Your Powers, in
Conjunction with the Other Worthy Members of the Honourable
House of Representatives, to Guard Against, and Defend Us from.
All Encroachments that may be Attempted Against Our Natural
Rights, Or Charter Privileges. And, That it may not be
Objected to You by any Persons whatsoever, that You do not Act
agreeable to the Mind of Your Principals, upon several Important
Heads, We wou'd iu a more Especial Manner Earnestly Recom-
mend to You.
1 st . That Inasmuch as We Apprehend Our Selves grievously
Oppress'd by a very large and disproportionate part of the Pro-
vince Tax laid upon Us from Time to Time for several
Years past, Compared with the Proportions paid by the Other
Towns within this Province We Therefore Earnestly Rec-
ommend to you, the most diligent Search, and strict Enquiry, into
the Rules by which such Proportions have been Ascertained That
by Comparing the Province Tax paid by Gentlemen of Estate in
the Couutrey Towns, with Other Gentlemen of like Estate in the
Town of Boston; there may be such Regulations as that Every
Town may pay such a proportion as to Justice and Equity Apper-
tains.
2 ly . Whereas the King's Instruction to the Governour of this
Province
Viz'.
The XVIth. Instruction Directs and Enjoins the Governour,
Not to Assent to any Act Whereby Bills of Credit may be
st nick or Issued in Lieu of Money, for above the Sum of Thirty
Thousand Pounds p Annum, And [&J37.] That no more than
Thirty Thousand Pounds of such Bills be ever Current at One
and the same time.
The XYIlIth. Instruction Directs, That Whereas several Bills
of Credit to a Considerable Value are standing out upon the foot
of certain Acts heretofore Passed for that purpose, Whereby par-
ticular Funds are Provided for Calling in and Sinking them. The
Governor is thereby Directed to Call in all such the said Bills
According to the Periods and Provisions of the respective Acts by
which they were Issued.
And Whereas We Apprehend the Distressing Circumstances of
this Province in many Respects (And for a more particular Ac-
count thereof. We refer You to the Memorial preferr'd by Us to
the Great and General Court of this Province, at their Session
in January last) Renders the Complying with the said Instruction
altogether Impracticable, if not Impossible,
We therefore Injoin You to Use Your Utmost Power and Influ-
ence to prevent the Passing of any Act in the General Assembly
for the Raising any Sums of Money by a Tax upon the Inhabi-
tants of the Province, Unless such Act, put the Payment of said
Boston Tows Re< ords, 1 736. l 17
I • upon such Years as may (Consistenl with a rational u
bility) ( iapacitate and Enable them to discharge the same.
Whereas, Large Sums <>f Money have been Granted for
I M Service by former Asserahlys, And notwithstanding
such Grants have been Guarded with particular Appropriations,
) uch Cautious have not been Attended with their Expected or
Desirei ~~ — : Bui We have great reason in Believe, that
Hums so Appropriated have been Misapplied, Which Benders the
Property of His Majestys good Subjects of this Province very
rious, and exposed to Numberless inconveniences. For
Bemedying whereof, We Earnesuy Recommend to You A strict.
Inquiry into the state of the Treasury ; And thai Yon would Use
all proper means to Acquaint [228.] Yourselves with whal
Misapplications have Keen made of the Public Moneys in
Time past. And Guard Against any such Impositions for the
Future.
All which is Humbly Submitted By
Your most. Humble Servants,
To the Inhabitants Nath. Cunningham
of the Town of Boston Hugh \
at their Adjournment Cornel'. Waldo
this 21. May, 1736. James Peirpoint
■ 1, That this Rcporl be Accepted: And that the same he
given As the Instructions of the Town of Boston to their Repre-
seutal
Then the Meeting was Dismiss'd.
Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of Bos-
ton duly Qualified, and Warned as the Law directs, regularly As-
sembled in Publick Town Meeting, at the Town Hoi
Saturday, June, 5 th . 173G.
The Warrants f<>r Calling the M ing Read — The Town
proceeded to the Choice of a Moderator.
('apt. Nathanael Cunningham was Chosen Moderator of this
Meeting.
Mr. Thomas Hancock's Petition, Read.
Mr. Thomas Chub's Petition- - Read.
Mess™. Gcrshom Keyes and John Checkley [229.] Two of
the Committee Appointed to Inspect, Survey and Pla1 Three
i 3 of Land. Agreeable to a Grant of the Greal and General
Court to the Town of Bo3ton, As Entred the Third of Feb. last
Presented their Report; As likewise the Plans of Three
Townships by them Accordingly Survey 'd and Platted
Which being Bead is as follows Viz'.
Wc the Subscribers, following the Directions of the Town, to
Advise with Mess™. Jot thers in Surveying and Plating
Three Townships, for the Town of Boston, have accordingly In-
1. Slirvey'd and Platted Three Townships. Agl
Three Plats laid before the Town, dune the 5 th . 11
Gershom Ketes
John Ciieckley
d, That this Report be Accepted And that the
Plans of Three Townships now laid before the Town be 1 h
148 City Document No. 66.
to the Representatives of Boston, by them to be Presented to the
Great and General Court now Sitting, for Confirmation.
Upon a Motion, or Petition of Sundry Inhabitants in Order to
preserve the North Battery Wharf from being Carried away by
Storms ;
Voted to Chuse a Committee of Three Persons, to View and
Consider the State and Circumstances of the North Battery Wharf,
And to make Report thereof to the Town at their next Public
Town Meeting.
Accordingly.
Capt. Jeffery Bedgood.
Mr. John Walker &
Mr. Thomas Lee
Were Chosen a Committee for the Ends aforesaid
Upon the Petition of Mr. Thomas Hancock for Liberty to Raise
and Level some part of Beacon [230.] Street, Especially before
his Own Land abutting thereon, for Reasons therein Mentioned.
Read.
Voted, That the Select Men be Desired to View the Street
mentioned in Mr. Hancock's Petition, Consider the Prayer of the
Petitioner, And Report to the Town, at their next Meeting
What they think may be proper to be done thereon.
Upon a Motion made and Seconded, For Reconsidering A Vote
pass'd at this Meeting relating to the North Battery Wharf
And thereupon a Reconsideration being had
Voted, That the said Committee be, and hereby are Desired, to
make Their Report to the Town on that Affair, at the Adjourn-
ment of this Meeting.
Upon a Motion made, and Seconded, For Reconsidering A Vote
pass'd at this Meeting, relating to A Petition of Mr. Thomas
Hancock And thereupon a Reconsideration being had
Voted, That the Select Men be, and hereby are Desired to
make their Report to the Town on that Affair, at the Adjourn-
ment of this Meeting.
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned to Fryday, June 11 th .
current, at Four O'Clock, afternoon.
Friday June, 11 th , 1736.
The Town being Assembled.-
[2ol.] The Select Men, to whom was refer'd the Considera-
tion of Mr. Hancock's Petition, Reported thereon as follows,
Viz 1 .
Pursuant to a Vote of the Town, the 5 th . instant, We, the Sub-
scribers have Attended the Service desired of Us ; Have Viewed
Beacon Street, mentioned in the Petition of Mr. Thomas Hancock ;
Considered the Prayer thereof, together with His Proposals, And
Report thereon, as follows. Viz'.
That it is Our Opinion, It may be proper and convenient for the
Town to Grant Liberty to the said Mr. Hancock to Level the
Ground before his Land abutting on Beacon-Street aforesaid. And
to Gravel the same the Breadth of Thirty feet; Upon Condition,
Boston Town Records, 1736. 119
Thai he the said Hancock, al his own pro] and Cha
from time i<> time forever, I ><> well and sufficiently Secure the
same and prevent the Gravel from Washing down upon the Com-
mon, and spoiling the Herbage thereof.
All which is Submitted
'■
J( »n a Armitage
David ( !ou son
Boston June Au \ i: . Forsyth
11- L736. John Eastwicke f Select Men.
Caleb Lyman
Jonas < larke. J
Voted, That this Report )>e Accepted.
Mr. John Walker from the Committee Appointed (tb<
instant ) to View and Consider the state and Circumstances of the
North Battery Wharf Reported thereon Which being
Read, is as follows. Viz'.
According to the Vote of the Town. We the Committee
Appointed, Have taken a Survey of the North Battery Wharf,
And find the South East Side [232.] To he almost Washed away
to the Foundation, And also the North East Head to be Wash'd
awaj to the Foundation, the North West Side, and the South V A
Side to be in preth g 1 Repair, only wanting of good Cap-Sills,
and if not speedily Repaired will Wash away, and may be of great
Damage to the Navigation passing that way.
Jeff. Bedgood.
John Walker.
Boston June the 10"'. 1736. Thomas Lee
Voted, That this Affair be re-committed to the Committee before
Chosen and Appointed thereon, And that they he, and hereby are
Desired to make an Estimate of the Cost and Charge which will he
necessary for the Town to beat, in order to prevent the North
Battery Wharf being Carried away by Storms.
Voted, That the said Committee be Desired to Report to the
Town on this Affair, at the next 1'uUiek Town Meeting; And that
the Select-Men be Desired, so to Order it. that the said Meeting
may be at the same dime when the Town shall Meet for the ( h
of Jurors for the Superior Court in August next.
Then the Meeting was Dismist.
Al a Meeting of the Freeholders, and Other Inhabitants of
Boston, duly Qualified, and warned as the Law directs, regularly
Assembled in Publics Town Meeting, at the Town House, On
Fryday the 23. of July. 1736.
The Warrants for Calling the Meeting, being Read, The Town
proceeded to the Choice of a Moderator Accordingly.
The Hon ble . Elisha I -<[ : . was Chosen Moderator of this
Meeting.
[ \i.'J.*>.] A plan of Two Townships, laid out in part Satis-
faction of a Grant of Several Townships made to the Town of
Boston, by the Great and General Court, Anno. 1735, Endu
as follows Viz'.
150 City Document No. 66.
" Tn the House of Representatives, June, 12 th . 1736.
" Read and Ordered, That the within Plat, Containing Two of
" the Townships Granted by the General Court, Anno 1735. to the
" Town of Boston, Called Number One, and Number Two, as within
"Mentioned, be and hereby is Accepted, And the Lauds therein
"Contained Delineated and Described, Aie accordingly Confirmed
" to the Freeholders and Inhabitants of the Town of Boston ami
" their Assigns respectively forever, They Complying with the Con-
"ditiousof the Grant. Provided That Neither of the Townships
"contain no more than the Quantity of Six Miles Square of Land,
" and neither of them interfere with any former Grant. Sent up
" for Concurrence J. Quincy Spk r In Council June 15 th . 173G.
" Read and Concurred Simon Frost Dep 1 Secr y . Consented to, J.
"Belcher. July 22, 1736. A true Copy, Exam d . p Simon Frost
"Dep* Secr y .
was Presented to the Town and Read And,
Upon a Motion made and Seconded
Voted, That the further Consideration of the Affairs relating to
the Two Townships aforesaid, be Refer'd to the Annual Meeting
of the Inhabitants in March next.
Capt. JefFeiy Bedgood from the Committee Appointed the 11 th of
June last past, To View the North-Battery Wharf; To make an
Estimate of the Costs and Charge which will he necessary for the
Town to be at, in order to prevent the said Wharf from being
Carried away by Storms Presented Their Report
Which was Read, And is as follows, Viz'.
According to the Vote of the Town, The Committee appointed
to View the North-Battery Wharf We Have advised with
John Adams House Carpenter, the best way to preserve what there
is, and also to make it it strong and substantial for to Plant a Bat-
tery of Caunon, is to Add to the South East Side Ten foot, To be
Built of Square Pitch Pine Timber, which length is 1 70 foot, and the
North East End is 44 foot in length [234.] And the nearest Com-
putation that We can make is, to have it Compleated as it should
be, It will cost at least Oue Thousand Pounds.
John Walker
Boston July. 23. 1736 Jeff. Bedgood.
Thomas Lee
After Debate thereon
Voted, That the further Consideration of this Affair be Refer'd
to the Annual Meeting in March next: And that in the mean
time The Committee be, and hereby are Desired to take the
same under their further Consideration; And that they make
Enquiry, in Order to Know What sum the said Wharf will Lett
for p Annum, when it shall be so Repaired, And that The}' Report
thereon, at the said Meeting.
Voted, That the Select Men be, and hereby are Desired to take
care, forthwith, to prevent the Damage which may Ensue or happen
to any Vessel or Vessells, by the stones which lie at the North
East Point of the North-Battery Wharf; by setting up a Beacon,
or in such other way and manner as to them may seem most con-
venient.
Boston Town Records, 17 151
The Town proceeded to the Choice of an r, and the
Votes being Collected and Sorted, it appeared That, Mr. II .
Vans was < hoseri lo serve in thai Office the Year Current.
Mr. John Miller (Distiller) was ( bosen to serv< of the
;s of the Market the Year ( urranl and Sworn
Mr. Vans appearing, Prav'd the Town t'> Excuse him from Serv-
5 an \ ■! for thisYear foi i. mioued.
[2'.>~>.] Voted, That Mr. \ ordingly Excused.
Mr. Andrew Eliot was Chosen to serve the Town, as an
fur tli.' Year Current. -Sworn
A Letter Directed to the Select Men of Boston, Signed VV ra .
Dudley County Treasurer, Relating to the Detici feral
late Constables, with respect to the County fax, committed
them to collect Head
\ ted, A Granl of Two Hundred Pounds (in Addition to a
Granl made the 2Sth. April, last past) to be Raised by :i Tax on
Polls and Estates, within the Town of Boston, to make good
the Deficiency of Defraying the Town's Charges, which may arise
or happen, in the Year current.
Then the Meeting was Dismiss'd.
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of
Boston, duly Qualified, and lawfully Warned, Assembled in
Public Town Meeting, at the Town House, On Monday, March
14th. Anno Domini, 1 736.
Prayer being made by the Rev. Joseph Sewall, D.D.
The Warrants for Calliug the Meeting, were load
The Town proceeding to the Choice of a Moderator for the
Present Meeting, and the Votes being Collected, it appeared, That
The Honourable Elisha Cooke Esquire, was Chosen, Unanimously.
Samuel Gerrish was < hosen Town-Clerk, and Sworn,
■y Laws Read.
Sundry Petitions and Proposals, Read.
Viz'.
Of Samuel Adams Esquire and Others, Abutters on Barton's
Rope Walk, For the Towns help in the Purchase thereof, I
Street.
Of Mr. Edward Procter and Others for Paving Wood-Lam
[236.] Of Doctor Hugh Kennedy and Others, foi Paving
L< '\ e Stn
Of Mr. .John Blake and Others, for Paving On * et.
Of Mr. Samuel Turell and Others, for Paving Beer-La
Of Mr. Belcher Hancock, School Master at Rumney Marsh, for
Addition to his Salary.
Off apt. James Gooch Juu r . and Others for Paving Green Lane.
Of Mr. John Staniford and Others, about Wei<. Hay,
brought to Market.
of Mr. Janus Read and Others, Masters of the Water En
to be Excused from ( >ther ( )ili<
Of Mr. Samuel Gibson, Usher of the South Graiiiar School, for
Addition to his Salary.
152
City Document No. GQ.
Mr. Rowland Houghton's Proposals relating to the Sweeping of
Chimnies. ■ —
The Town proceeded to the Choice of Officers, And
Voted, To Chuse Seven Select Men for the Year ensuing, distinct
from the Assessors, Accordingly,
The Votes being Collected and sorted, it Appear'd, That,
The Hon. John Jeffries Esquire, ")
Capt. Jonathan Armitage,
Mr. David Collsou,
Capt. Alexander Forsyth, }■ Select-Men
Capt. Caleb Lyman,
Mr. Jonas Clarke, and
Mr. Thomas Hutchinson Jun r .
"Were Chosen Select Men.
Voted, To Chuse Twelve Overseers of the Poor, for the Year
ensuing.
The Votes being accordingly Collected and sorted, it Appear'd,
That,
The Hon. Jacob Wendell Esquire "\
John Ruck Esquire,
[237. J Henry Dering Esquire
William Tyler Esquire
John Hunt Esquire
Samuel Greenwood Esquire Overseers of
Capt. Jeffery Bedgood 1- the Poor
Capt. John Hill
Mr. Thomas Hubbard
Capt. Daniel Henchman
Capt. Joshua Cheever
Mr. Edward Bromfield
Were Chosen Overseers of the Poor
Voted, That the Town would proceed to the Choice of County
Treasurer, and Assessors, Tomorrow at Eleven O'Clock, And then
also take into further Consideration the Affair of Erecting a Work
House.
Voted, To proceed to the Choice of Twelve Constables.
Voted, To Chuse Collectorsof Taxesdistinct from the Constables.
Accordingly the Votes for Twelve Constables being collected
and sorted, it Appeared, That,
Mess". Joseph Blake
John Gardner
Josiah Quincy -
Joshua Pitman -
Samuel Welhered
Edward Emerson
Henry Welsteed - - ■
Samuel Marshall - -
John Jones - - -
John Jones (Batcheler)
Thomas Parker - - -
( hristopher Minot - -
Were Chosen Constables.
. i
> Constables -
One of the Govern 1 "
Pay
Pay
Excus'd
P^xcus'd
Pay
Pay
Pay
Pay
Pay
Life Guard
Pay.
Boston Town Records, 1736.
153
Vote i, That this Meeting b \ • irned, to Three O'Clock after-
noi mi.
\ 238. ' Afternoon, The Town being Assembl
The Select Men having Audited Mr. Jonathan Williams's Ac-
count of Ihe Granaries, Their Report thereon, as I a Mr.
Williams's Book, was Read, Vccepted, and thereupon.
I, I'lint the Sum of Twenty Pounds be, and here is al
to M Jonathan Williams, out ol inary Stock in Additiou
to his Salary, as 0\ the said < rranary, for the Yeai
And i ; Sura of One Hundred Poun Is be allowed hira for his
C'niv of the Granary, for the Year ensui
V d. That Mr. Williams be Directed to Deliver to No P
more than Half a Bushel, of Grain or Meal, of th<
one Time.
Voted. That Mr. Isaac Gridley, be Surveyor of Hemp and Flax,
within this Town, the Year ensuing. Sworn.
A Listof Persons in Nomination for several Offices in the District
of Rumncy Marsh, for the year ensuing, Presented, Accordingly,
I, That Mr. Benjamin Whittmon ■■ for the
District of Rumney Marsh, the Year ensuing. Swo
Vol I, i lal Mess™. Samw I Floyd and
I >aniel Tuttle, be F< oc< Viewi
Vot< rhat Mr. John Hasey, he Sealer of Leather.
I, That Mess™. Joseph Hasey and
Samuel I lasey, be Hogre\ ■
Mr Nathauael Tuttle It Haward or Field-driver,
within the District of Rumney Marsh, the year ensuing.
M< ss John Simpson -") Pay
Joseph I - - - - Pay
aid Clarke - Pay
than Dwight \ Constables - - - - Pay
i Clark and - Sv
3no - -
Were ( In ■-■ 11 ( 'onstabli
[215'.).] The Report of a Committee appointed to Audit the
Town Treasurers Accounts, the year past, A- i u the
Treas irer's W d, Accepted, and
surer he d I accordii
The Hon. John Jeffries Esquire made a Motion i the
\ i ior, and after
had I icreon,
\ of the P ' within this Town, for the
Time 1 • :ing. I >o, from time to tin
year, i Accounts have been Audited by a I
that purpose a| [>ointed, Lodge the same in the Towi
The ' the Visitation of the 1 '
the yea: ; ad
Voted, Thai - VI a he, and hereby ai
th( P within this Town, Desiring Sucl oen to
Accompany them in the said Visitation, as they shall thi
154
City Document No. 66.
And that They Report to the Town what Condition they
find them in.
The Petition of Mr. James Read and Others, Masters of the
Fire Engines, Praying to be Exempted from serving the Town in
Other Offices for the year ensuing, Read. And
Voted, That the Prayer of the Petitioners be Granted ; And that
they, with the other Persons belongiug to their several Company's
be, and hereby are Exempted from serving the Town in other
OHiees, for the ensuing Year.
Upon Reading several Petitions for Paving, Viz 1
Orange Street
Wood Lane
Love Street
Green Lane, and
Beer Lane,
Voted, To Chuse a Committee, to take the several Petitions
above mentioned, under tlieir consideration, That they View the
Places, Compute the Charge, and Report thereon as soon as may be.
[240.] Voted, That the Select Men be, and hereby are Desired,
as a Committee to take into Consideration the above Petitions,
make an Estimate of the Charge, and report thereon Accordingly.
The Petition of Mr. Belcher Hancock, School Master at Eumny
Marsh, Praying for an Addition to his Salary, for Reasons men-
tioned, Read, And the Question put, Viz'.
Whether the Prayer of the Petitioner should be Granted?
Voted, in the Negative, and that the Petition be Accordingly
Dismist.
Mr. Samuel Gibson's Petition for an Addition to his Salary,
As Usher of the South Grammar School in this Town, for Reasons
therein mentioned, Read,
Voted, That the Sum of Twenty five Pounds p Annum be, and
herein- is Added to Mr. Samuel Gibson's Salary in Answer to his
Petition,
Mess". Stephen Minot Jun\ - -
Abraham How - - - -
James llenshaw - -
Josiah Torrey - -
John Blowers - -
William Hickling
Edward Drinker - -
Obadiah Cookson -
Jonathan Foster - -
Were Chosen Constables.
Mess". William Parkman 1
Moses Kay res -
Francis Wardall
Elijah Vinal - -
Harrison ( Iray -
John Avery -
Edward Brasier
Thomas Johnson
"Were Chosen Clerks of the Market.
)- Constables
Clerks of the Market.
Pay
Pay
Sworn
Pay
Sworn
Sworn
S wo in
Pay
Excus'd
Excus'd
Sworn
Sworn
Sworn
Pay
Pay
Excus'd
Pay
stables,
Swoi 11
Paid in 17
Sworn
Boston Town Records, L73G. 155
Voted, Thai this Meetiug be Adjourned 'till to Morrow at Nino
O'C'lock in the Morning.
[241.] Tuesday March, loth.
The Town being Assembled, according to Adjournment,
Mess™. ( lamaliel Wallis - - - ^ Pay
Philip Audebert - - - One of the Life ' •
Josias Byles Jun r . - - ' , . , , Sworn
Nathanael Holmes
James 1 lawding - -
Nathanael Hasey - -
Were ( hosen * !< mstal ■
The Report of a Committee on the Affair of the North Battery
"Wharf Read, and is as follows.
According to the former Report, Were the North Battery Wharf
in repair, as is therein set forth, We are Informed, there are Pcr-
that will Give One Hundred Pounds p year, and upwai
and if there should be Occasion, will Ik- ready to clear ihe wharf
fit for the Service it used to be applied to,
John Walker
Thomas Lee
.!ii r Bedgood
d, That this Affair be Referr'd for futher Consideration, 'till
the next G< neral rown Meeting, that in the mean time, any of the
Inhabitants may have Opportunity (if they see Caus< i to Repair
i3 Select Men. and lay before them their Proposals, or Terms,
On which they will Undertake to Repair, Or Lease the so rl \V1
that the -:mie may be Accordingly Reported a: I Meeting
The Petition of Samuel Adams Esquin . ndry otb
habitants, Abutters on Barton's Rope Walk, Read.
\ ■!. That the Consideration of this Petition lie referr'd to the
next General Town Meeting; And that in the mean time. I
Men he. and hereby are Desired to take the der-
ation, Enquire into the Affair. And Report their Opinion, What
may be proper for ihe Town to do thereon at the said .'
[242.] A Memorial of Mi'. Rowland Houghton, ■ ontaining
sol;, sals for Preventing the dauger of Fire by ( liirau
R :.
\ ed, That the Consideration of the said Proposals hi I:
to the next General Towu Meeting That so in the nn
time Any Person <>r Persons may Treat with the Select Men aliout
the Terms, upon which they will undertake the same. \ De-
i to Receive such proposals (if any be offered) and to Re]
thereon, at the said M
A Petition of Sundry Inhabitants, That a pi' might
be Erected for the Weighing of Hay. brought to Market, Read,
Debated, and thereupo
, liat no Person whatsoever being an Inhabitant, oi
ideut within the Town of Boston, Presume to Buy an \ ll&\ brought
to Market from and after the Tenth day of Jum ling,
without weighing the same. Upon the Pi
for every breach of this Order; And that a By-Law ; ■ the
same be prepared, and presented to the Court of
156 City Document No. GG.
of the Peace, next to be holclen at Boston, for the County of Suf-
folk, for their Approbation.
Voted, That the Select Men be Desired to Receive such Pro-
posals of Methods for Weighing of Hay, as shall or may be laid
before them, and that they be Desired to Report then on at the
Adjournment of this Meeting, if any be, Or at the next General
Town .Meeting.
According to Order, as Entred Yesterday, The Town proceeded
to bring in their written Votes for County Treasurer, Which being;
Collected, were according to Law Sealed up by Constable .John
Clark, by him to be kept, and return'd unto the next Quarter
Sessions to be held for the County of Suffolk.
Voted. To Proceed to the Choice of Seven Assessors.
The Votes being Accordingly Collected and Sorted, it Appear'd,
That,
[243.] Mess". Daniel Loring^j
John Stan i ford
Richard Buckley
Peter Thomas J- Assessors.
Joshua Blanchard
Andrew Eliot, and
William Thomas
Were Chosen Assessors for the year ensuing.
According to Order, the Affair of Erecting a Work House came
under Consideration, And after some Debate thereon,
Voted. To proceed to the Choice of a Committee, to View, and
Report their Opinion of the most proper and convenient Place for
Erecting a Work House And also to prepare and lay before
the Town. Upon an adjournment of this Meeting, intended the
'2\) th instant, A Plan or Model of the same, for their Considera-
tion.
Voted, That the Gentlemen, the Overseers of the Poor, together
with the former Committee, appointed the Pith. March, 17o4. be
the Committee for the ends and purposes above mentioned.
Upon a Motion made and seconded by many, Viz'. That the
Town would by a Vote manifest their Approbation of the Proposals
for Erecting a Work House, according to the Report of the Com-
mittee.
The Question was accordingly put, viz 1 . Whether the Town did
Approve' thereof ?
Voted, In the Affirmative, by a vast Majority.
Voted, That this- Meeting be Adjourned to the Afternoon at
Three U'Cloek.
Afternoon, The Town being Assembled.
Mess™. Joseph Kneeland - -^ - Sworn
Thomas Pearson - - ' , . - - Pay
., ,, > Constables J
benjamin Bourn - - J - -
James Bradford - - J ------ Excus'd.
Were Chosen Constables.
['•3 1. J Mr. Thomas Boucher, was Chosen a Clerk of the
Market. And upon a motion made ------ Excus'd.
in Town Records, 173G.
157
Mr. Roberl Breck was Chosen Clerk of t, in the room
of Mr. Boucher, and Su orn.
Voted, That the Select Men be Surveyors of the High Ways,
for t lie Year ensuing.
Upon :i Motion made, The following Question was put, Viz 1 .
Whether the Town would proceed to the Choice of Tything Men?
Voted, in t he N\ u r :it ive.
Mess . Samuel May - - - ^
Nat hanael 1 lodgdon - j
John Allen - - - - (
Robert W illiains - - (
3 ol Leather.
Sworn
Sworn
Sworn
Sworn
Survey" of Shingles &c.
I
Sworn
Sworn
Sworn
Sworn
William Young - - j - - v
James Dawson - - J Sworn
Were Chosen Sealers of Leather.
Mess™. Caleb Kay ----'| Sworn
Thomas Foster
John Peirce
John Endicut 1 ence-Vie*
Joseph Uussell
James Barnard - Sworn
Joseph White
Were < liosen Kence-Viewers.
Mess '. Edward Moberly - - ^
John Adams
Matthew Barnard
Kdward Richards-
William Paine
Joshua Thornton J
Were Chosen Surveyors and Measurers of Boards, Plank, Timber,
and Shine
[245.] Mess™. Thomas Boucher
1 v-ivid Jeffries
Ji ishua Townsend
John Welch
John Taylor
Nathanael Thayer
Nathanael < lardner
Anthony Sigourney Scavengers.
John Bennet
John Lambert
Richard Salter
Wigglesworth Sw ■
lIi Carter
Joseph W'ehli
I '.. njamin Edwards
Were I - for the Year ensuing.
\ o i 1 1. That No Money be henceforward drawn out of the I
Treasury, for I he Payment of any Scavenger or other Persi
rting of Street Dirt, Provided the same be Carried fo
of this town.
And upon a Motion made,
Voted, That the Select Men be and hereby are Impowered to
lo8 City Document No. 66.
Trout with any Person or Persons Who may Offer Proposals for
the Carrying away the Street Dirt, without Charge to the Town,
And They are Desired to Report thereon, as soon as may be.
Mess™. Joseph Calef
Thornton Barret
f Hogreves. , .
Ezeklel Carver - - | ... - Sworn
Simon Howard - - J ------- Sworn
Mr. Richard-Carter Cowel, was Chosen Ilaward.
A Motion being made, That the Town would now proceed to
the Consideration of what may be proper for them to do respect-
ing the Three Tracts of Land, Granted by the Great and General
Court, the 29th. December, 1735. to the town of Boston.
And after debate thereon.
|_24(>.] Voted, That the Select Men be and hereby are Desired
and Jmpowred to Receive the Proposals, that may lie made by
any Person or Persons, respecting either the Settling the said
Townships, Or the Disposing of them ; And that They Report
thereon at the next General Town Meeting.
Mess". Bartholomew Gedney ~)
Robert Skinner - - > Constables. (Rxcus'd
Joseph Lewis ---) Excus'd
Were Chosen Constables.
Mess". Thomas Morris ) „ , tl Excus'd
t u in r Constables t>
John Furney - j Pay
Were Chosen Constables.
Voted, That the Sum of One Hundred and Fifty Pounds be
allow'd and Paid to the Hon. Joseph Wadsworth Esquire Town
Treasurer, for his Service in that Office the year past.
The Hon. Joseph Wadsworth Esquire, was Chosen Town-
Treasurer, for the Year Ensuing.
Capt. William Downe ")
Mr. James Allen
Mr. Thomas Green [» Auditors.
Mr. Andrew Oliver and
Major Samuel Sewall
Were Chosen Auditors of the Town-Treasurer's Accounts the
Year ensuing. Who are Desired to see that the Draughts made
upon the Treasury, by the Select Men, and Overseers of the Poor,
lie agreeable to Law, and the Town Votes and Orders.
Capt. Daniel Pecker ~)
Mr. William Rand [-Collectors.
Mr. Nathanael Barber )
Were Chosen Collectors of Rates and Taxes, within the Town of
Boston, the Year ensuing.
Mr. Benjamin Whittmorc, was Chosen Collector of Rates and
Taxes within the District of Rumney Marsh the Year ensuing
[247.] Mess". Gershom Keyes ~\ ... - Excus'd.
John Waldo - - [-Constables- -Sworn.
Jonathan Farnum ) - - . - - Sworn.
Were Chosen Constables.
A Motion being made and seconded, That the Town would now
proceed to Consider of some means, whereby the Inhabitants
B( >ston T< >\\ s Re< ' »rds, 1 737. 1.31)
might be better and more effectually provided with Wood, and
some Debate had thereon,
d, To Cli of V\\ e Persons to Pr<
Metliod for the End aforesaid.
i. That, The Hon. Elisha Cooke Esquire
The 1 1' hi. Edward 1 lutchinson Esqu
Mr. Thomas Hubbard
Major Samuel Sewall, and
' . Daniel II' nebman,
be the Committee, Who arc Desired to Report to the Town there-
on, as -""ii .'i- conveniently they can.
Mr. Samuel Ridgaway, was Chosen Constable. Sworn.
1 Fpon a Motion made and seconded,
d, To make an Addition to the Number of Sui
Shingles, Measurers of Boards, Timber &c. Accordingly,
Mess™. Joseph White » e c,,. , - -Sworn.
. i ci ■!■■ • Surve 1 Shingles, &c
Joseph skilhii \ - - Sm
Were Chosen Surveyors and Measur loards, Shingh
in Addition to the number already Chosen.
Mr. Gammon Stevens, was i a one of the Clerks of the
Markel -------- Pay.
i. That this Meeting be Adjourned to I
of March. Currant, At Three 0'( lock in the Afternoon.
2 18.] Tuesday, March, 29 th . 1707.
The Town being Assembled, according to Adjournment.
Mess" William Greenleaf - ) «-., , ,. ,, ... - Pav
.John 1 ucker - - - j ...
Were Chosen Clerks of the Market.
According to Order of the Town the 15 th . instant The Dral
By-Law was presented for Consideration, relating to the W<
of I lay. bro't to Market Read, and after some Debate tli
Voted, That this Affair be further referr'd to tli.
of the Select Men; Who are Desired to Report al the uexi
oral Town Meeting, what They think may be proper fo
to do thereon.
The Honourable Samuel Welles Esq r . from I I Vp-
poiuted to View, and Report their Opinion of the most propi
1 onvenient Place for Erecting a Work House, I
Report, As fi illi >ws Viz'.
The Committee to whom was referr'd (he Considcrati
a pare and model for the Work House \
teil in the Town of Bi »sti m, R
1. That the most convenient Pla \
at the south Western End of t : I
wel, To begiu at the upper or North western <
and Extend Eastward by and Adjoyning to said B
Shed on the South eastern side of it. and Wall
of the Burying Yard.
2. A-^ to the M' »del <>( the Hous<
That it be One Hundred and forty feet ' W
Sixteen feet high, from the lower Floor <>( I II
160 City Document No. 66.
or Garret floor, To be Built of Brick, to be upon a line and face
to the South West, the Chimnies all on the North Eastern or
[249. ] Backside, A Common Hall of Thirty two feet long, Five
other Rooms, All these below; Nine Chambers, the Roof pitch'd,
Elevated Forty live degrees; A Cellar Eight feet deep under the
whole. A Well, A Convenient Separate House for Washing, Brew-
ing, and Baking ; And a House of Office.
And to Accommodate the Work House, and make the Appear-
ance or Prospect the better. The Committee also Propose, That
the Granary be remov'd, if the Town shall Order it at a Meeting
for that purpose warned, from it's present standing to the South
eastern Coiner of the Burying Place, The Front or Eastern Side
of the Granary to lie set on a line with the Eastern Wall of the
Burying Yard, A Fence to be Carried from the Southeastern Cor-
ner of the Granary in the line of the Front of the Granary, South
Westerly Twelve feet, then to turn upon right Angles North West-
erly and go upon that Point till it intersect or meet a line or Fence
upon right Angles to be drawn or Erected from the upper or North
Western Corner of Bridewel aforesaid, this Spot of Land, being
about Seventy Seven feet and an half wide, And three Hundred and
Twenty Eight feet long, will be necessary for Yard Room and
Other Accommodations for the Work House.
The Committee would also Inform the Town, That They have
consulted able Work men and others as to the Cost of removing
the Granary and Building a Cellar, And find it maybe Effected
for Two Hundred and Seventy two Pounds and the Use of the
Cellar (which is to be built under the whole) for Sixteen Years.
In the Name and by Order of the Committee
Samuel Welles.
Which being Read Three several Times,
Voted, That the said Report be Accepted.
Voted, That the Select Men be, and hereby are desired to Issue
forth their Warrants, for Convening the Freeholders [250.] And
other Inhabitants, in Public Town Meeting, On Tuesday the Fifth
of April next, at Nine of the Clock in the Morning, In Order to
take under Consideration the Removal of the Granary; And also,
what may then be tho't proper for them to do towards the Erect-
ing and Settling a Work House, According to the Report of the
Committee, Now Read and Accepted.
Upon a Motion made respecting the Three Townships, as Entred
tin- 15 th . Currant,
Voted. That the Select Men be desired and impowered, Not
only to receive the Proposals that maybe made by Others ; but
also to draw up a Scheme of such Proposals as they shall think
proper, Hither, for bringing forward the Settlement of the said
Townships, Or, the Disposing of them, As they shall Judge most
Advantageous, And lay the same before the Town for theiv Con-
sideration, at the n,.\-t General Town-Meeting.
Voted, That the Select Men be. desired to Insert in the next
Warrant for Calling a Town Meeting. The Choice or Appointment
of a suitable Person to take the Care and Oversight of the Gran-
ary. :n the Room of .Mr. Jonathan Williams lately deceas'd.
Bosti >N T< W N R.EO >RDS, 1 i 37. 1 G]
Mess™. John Mortimer ) ,., . e ,. ..
,,., . . ( lerka <>f the Market - -
M ilam Alcock - j Sworn
Were Chosen ( lerks of the .Market for the year ensuing.
Then the Meeting wag Dismist.
251.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabi-
tants of Boston, duly Qualified, and lawfully Warned, Assembled
in Public Town Meeting, at the Town House, On Tuesday, April,
oth. A nno 1 >omiui, 1 737.
Prayer being made by the Reverend Mr. Thomas Prince; The
Warrants for Calling the Meeting were Read, and the Town pro-
ceeded to the Choice <>t' a Moderator.
\ oted, Thai the Honourable ELisha Cooke Esquire be the Mod-
erator of this Meeting.
A Petition of Sundry Inhabitants, to the Select Men relat-
ing to the Appropriating the Markets to some other Use, Rend.
A Petition of Mary Green Tor Repair of Damages, by her Re-
ceived, Read.
Voted, That this Meeting be adjourned for One Quartei ■
Hour, and then to .Meet upon the lower Floor of the Town-Hoi
Where being Assembled,
A Motion was made and seconded, to proceed to the Choi
an Overseer of the Granary, in the Room of Mr. Jonathan Wil-
liams Deceased And in Order thereto a Question was put,
Viz'. Whether the Town would make the Choice by Written Vo
or by a I land Vote?
Voted, To Chuse an Overseer of the Granary by Written \
Voted. That this Meeting be further Adjourned for the -
of Half an Hour, then to meet in the Reverend Mr. < In
ag House, on Church Green, Summer Street.
And. That all Charges arising for Repair of any damage which
may happen to be done to the Seats or Pews in said Meeting
House, by reason of the Towns Meeting there be defrayed out of
the Ton Treasury.
252.] The Town being Assembled according to Adj
ment, at the Publick Meeting-House, on Church Green
The Votes for an Overseer of the Granary being Collected and
ed, it appeared, That the Number of Voters, were— 412.
And That Mr. Francis Willoughby was Chosen by a majorit
the Voters, Viz 1 268 Votes.
Voted, That Mr. Francis Willoughby Chosen Over-Seer of the
< 1 1 a nary. Give Security, to the Satisfaction of the Select Men. for
his faithful Discharge of the said Trust, before he Enter upoi
said Employment .
The Town proceeded to Consider what might be Propei
them to do, relating to the Removal of* the Granary; A
Erecting, and Settling a Work Hous
The Affair being accordingly Debated, the follov
were previously drawn up, Read several times, and \
Whereas the Commit tee appointed the Fourteenth of March 1 7:>G,
to Consider What might be proper for the Town to])... with
spect to Building a Work House Sec. Have Report d, fhal it is
162 City Document No. 66.
proper to have One Erected; Assigned a place therefor; And it
being also Repi'esented to the Town, That a Number of Gentle-
men have Subscribed liberally for promoting this good Purpose
■ Therefore
Voted, That the said Report be Accepted ; And That a "Work
House be accordingly Erected, the Subscribers Paying their re-
spective Subscriptions, into the Hands of a Committee to be
( hosen and Appointed for Building the same.
And to Accommodate the Work House, and make the Appear-
ance or Prospect the better.
Wiled, That the Granary be removed fromit's present Staudinj;,
lo the Southeastern Corner of the Burying Place, Agreeable to the
said Report.
( i.lo.j Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned to Three
0'( lock this Afternoon,
Afternoon the Town being Assembled.
The Petition of Mary Green, Read,
And inasmuch as the subject Matter thereof does not lye before
the Twvvn.
Voted, That the Petition be Dismiss'd.
it being Moved, That the Town would proceed to the Choice of
:; Committee tor Building the Work House, it was accordingly.
I. I hat the Number of the Committee be Seven.
Voted, That the said Committee be Chosen by a Hand- Vote.
Voted, That.
'I he Hon. Elisha Cooke Esquire
The Hon. Jacob Wendell Esquire
( ait. Daniel Henchman
Ma jor Samuel Sewall
The [Ion. Edward Hutchinson Esquire
Mr. Andrew Oliver, and
dames Bowdoin Esquire
be a Committee for the Ends and purposes aforesaid.
The Select Men to whom was Referr'd the Consideration of the
Adair relating to Weighing of Hay, Presented their Report,
As follows. Viz 4 .
Pursuant to a Vote of the Town as above, We the Sub-
bers, having Considered the Affair referr'd to Us,
Report thereon, as follows, Viz'.
Thai a > soon as conveniently may be, there be Erected, within
and near the Fortification, An Engine, Suitable for the Weighing
of Il:i\ ; And We think it most just and equal that the Cost and
( barge thereof [254.] Be bom by a Subscription from such Per-
sons as are principally concern'd in buying of Hay, and Others
who shall voluntarily Subscribe for the same.
That from and after the day of
(Provided the said Eng ne be then Erected) All Carts and other
iages of Hay, as they come into Town, shall be weighed, and
a daily with the weigh' of the Cart and Hay be then tix'd upon it,
and that ihe Cart or Carriage upon its Return be Tared, and the
weigh! t hereof marked on it .
That a suitable Person lie Appointed by the Town, to take Care
Boston T< -u n Ri ci »rds, 1 737. 163
that the said Engine be kepi in good Repair, and to see the Weight
of all Hay thus broughl to Market, and to Tall}' tbe Bame, and
mark tlie Carriages on their Return, jaid.
That there be allow'd to the said Person for every load ol II.
sveigh'd to be paid by the Person who i>uy9 the same
Or in his absence al the Time of Weighing, then
to be paid by the Importer, Who shall be reimbursed by the
Buyer.
That, after the said day of and the Erecting the
Engine, If any Person or Persous vvhai soever belonging to the T
of Boston, shall Buy any Hay thus broughl to Market, without the
same be first Weigh'd, as above, He or they shall forfeit and pay
the sum of Twenty Shillings for every Load or Parcel so bought.
All which is Humbly Submitted &c.
JoN'ATIl \N ARMI1 \'.l. I
Alexander Eorsi i n
Apr. 1 , 1 7:17 ( ai.i i; Lyman Men.
• I. »\ \> ( i.akki:
Thomas Hutchinson Jun r . J
Which Report being Lead
[255.] Voted, That the Consideration of this Affair be
referr'd to the next General Town Meeting in .May, Tl lu-
habitants, in the mean time, if they see cause, may repair to the
Select Men. and make known to them, their Proposals for under-
taking the Erecting such an Engine Agreeable to the Repot
the Select Men.
The S< ect Men Presented their Report relating to the Three
Tow nships, As f< Alow s, Viz'.
We the Subscribers being Desired to draw up
Proposals, cither for the bringing forward the Settlement
of the Three Tracts of Land, lately Granted by the
Great and General Couit, to the Town of Boston, Or for
>osing of the same, Having maturely Considered the
Affair, Are Humbly Of Opinion.
That, there are bul Two v lering the pr<
cumstances of the Town) Whereby the said Grant may be Im-
proved to advanta i
First, By Granting a Part of the said Lands to any snital 1
sufficient Person, or Number of Persons, Who shall I mi-
lder Mich Penalty, and in such Manner as shall be agi
on to bring forward the Settlement Line, within the I
limited by the General Court, aud agreeable to the conditions ol
their said Grant to the Town The Residue of I
I ds to continue and remain to be hereafter disposed of by the
Town, at such Time and in such Manner, as thev shall Determine.
Or,
y >udly. By Sale of the said ( rrant, to such Person or Pet
shall bid the highest Price for the same; And which We
Humbly Apprehend (under our pn I ircumstances) will
found most Advanti • the Town.
;'J.~><).] And the better to accomplish the same, We think it
convenient, T ' ummittee be I and Impowered. to
164 City Document No. 66.
Treat with Such Persons as may Appear, either to Settle, or
Purchase the said Grant; And that it be Publickly Advertised in
the News Papers, or otherwise. As the Town shall judge best.
All which is Submitted &c.
Jonathan Armitage ")
Alexander Korsytii
Apr. 1, 1737. Caleb Lyman ^Select Men.
Jonas Clarke
ThoxMas Hutchinson Jun r .
Which Report was Read, Debated and thereupon,
Voted, That this Affair be Referr'd to the Select Men, Who
are Desired, Accordiug to their Report, to Advertise the same in
the Public News Papers ; And that they receive, and make Pro-
posals, Either for the Settling, or Sale of the said Tracts of Land,
And Report thereon at the General Town Meeting in May next.
According to Order, The Town came into the Consideration of
the Desire of Sundry Inhabitants, that the Markets may be Ap-
propriated to some other Use And the Petition presented
to the Select Men refering to the same, Read — And a
Debate ensuing,
The following Question was put, and to be Decided by A Hand
Vote, Viz*.
Quest. Whether it be the mind of the Town That the Consider-
ation of this Affair be referr'd to A General Town Meeting to be
Call'd in May next?
Voted, in the Negative.
[257.] Upon a Motion thereupon made and seconded The
following Question was put, Viz'.
Quest. Whether the present Markets at the South and North
End of the Town, shall be Appropriated to some other Use?
Voted, in the Affirmative.
Voted, To Chuse a Committee to take under Consideration,
What Other Uses the said Market places may be put to, so as
may best serve the Interest of the Town, And to Report thereon,
at the General Town Meeting in May next.
Voted, That the Select Men be a Committee for the Ends
aforesaid; Who are desired and impowered to Consider the said
Affair, And Report thereon accordingly.
Then the Meeting was Dismist.
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of Boston,
duly Qualified and lawfully Warned, Assembled in Public Town
Meeting at the Town-House, Upon Tuesday the 3 d May, Anno
Domini, 1737.
Prayer being made by the Reverend Mr. John Webb, The
Warrants for Calling the Meeting were Read Then
The Honourable John Jeffries Esq 1- . Moderator of the Select-Men,
On their behalf and in their name, inform'd the Town (as usual)
That the Laws of this Province Ordain, That the Select Men of
each Towu respectively, or tin: major part of them lie present at
the Meeting for Choice of Representatives, to ui\*e Direction for
the regular and orderly carrying on of the same
Bosti ra Tom n Records, 1 737. 165
Yet since there are Other Affairs to be Transacted afterwards
which will require the Choice of a Moderator; If the I
think it best to ( Ihuse < hie now, for that Knd, the Select Mei
Bent to it, Always L - rviug to themselves, According to Law, the
Right of [258. Moderating, until the El I
atives, as aforesa 'I be ended Accordingly.
The following Question was put, Viz 1 Whether the Town would
Now proceed to the choice of a Moderator for tl U
the Meeting after the Choice of Represeutativi
Voted In the Aflirmat ive. And,
The Votes for a Moderator being Collected, It Appear'd,
That the Honourable Elisha < ook< Esq' was Chosen Luaui-
mously.
' The Sheriff's Precept,- ------- Read.
Sundrys Laws --- -- Lead.
Upon a Motiou made It was proposed to the Town to proceed to
the Choice of Representatives. And accordingly.
Voted To proceed to the Choice of Four Representatives.
The Votes being Collected, the Number of Voters were found
to be ------ 24U
The Votes being Sorted, It Appeared the Three following
tie men, were Chosen, Viz 1 .
No. ; \
The lion. Elisha Cooke Esquire ----- 21 G
Mr. Thomas Cushiug .luu r . 219
Mr. Timothy Piout - - - -127
The Town then proceeded to bring in their Votes for ' Ine Rep-
ative, Which being Collected, the Number of Voters were
found to be --------------- 221
And being sorted, It Appeared, there was no Choice made.
I p.. 11 a Motion made, the following Question was put Viz 1
Whether the Town would immediately proceed to the Cho
One Representative.
V< >tcd. In the Affirmative
[259.] The Votes being Collected, the Number of V
were found to be 179,
And being Sorted It Appear'd the following Gentleman was
Chosen, Viz 1
Mr. Thomas Hutchinson Jun r . I3i.
T. ■ I boic of the Representatives being al an End, I
Men declared the same. And the .Moderator Assumed His I 1
Petitions and Motions, Viz'.
The Hon. Elisha Cooke Esq r . from the Committee for En
the Work House, made a Motion g the l'L
Granary, and the Foundation of the Work House. &c.
The Hon. Elisha Cooke Esq r . also Propos'd to the Town t
sider of some Means for the better Improvement 1
Marsh near Fox-hill.
The Hon. John Jeffrii 3 I M g the
Lease of Winuisimet Ferry.
Mr. Peleg Wiswall's Petition, for Raising bis Salary -
Mr. Zech. 1L it ion, foi i Salary • •
166 City Document No. 6G.
A Petition of sundry Inhabitants for reviving the Merchants
Watch Read.
A Petition of Sundry Inhabitants for laying a Drain from the
South Burying Place, to Winter Street Read.
Mr. William Torrey made a Motion, to Consider of some Effect-
ual Means to prevent frauds in Cording Wood.
Voted That this Meeting be Adjourn'd to Four O'Clock, in the
Afternoon.
Afternoon, The Town being Assembled.
A Petition of the Hon. John Osborne Esq r . James Bowdoin Esq 1-
and others, Praying the Town would please to revive their former
Vote for an Allowance of Fifty Pounds p Annum, towards the
Support and Maintenance of the Merchants Watch (so call'd)
Upon the Town Dock for such time as the Merchants shall continue
to bear the remaining part of the Charge, Or Until the Town shall
see Cause Otherwise to Order and Direct : The said Watch to be
under the Direction, [260.] And Regulation of the Select Men for
the Time being, as the Law directs, For Reasons in the said Peti-
tion mentioned, Read
After some Debate thereon, The Question was put, Viz'.
Whether the Prayer of the Petitioners should be Granted?
Voted, In the Affirmative.
Upon the Motion made in the Morning, respecting the Founda-
tion and Wall of the Work House, and Debate thereon ; Several
Workmen present, were Desired to View and Consider the Circum-
stances of the Place designed, And to Report thereon this After-
noon.
Who accordingly having view'd the Place and consider' d the
Circumstances thereof, Informed the Town, That according to
their Judgment, the Wall of the Work House might be built close
to the Brick Wall of the Burying place, without any inconvenience,
And that the Cellar under the some may be made Secure from
Stench ^c, without any considerable Charge.
Some Debate arising respecting the Eves dropings of the Work
House to be Erected
Voted, That the Committee for Erecting the Work House be,
and hereby are Desired to Consider of this Atfair, and Report to
the Town tomorrow, What they shall think best for the Town to
do. :is to placing the foundation and wall of the Work House, so
as to accommodate the said Building, and preserve Peace.
Upon a Motion made with respect to placing the Granary.
Voted. That the Granary be fixed and set at the distance of
Twelve feet from the Wall of the Burying place.
Voted, That Five feet be added to the Work House, in length,
for the better Accommodation of the same, with convenient Entrys
and Stains.
A Petition of Sundry Inhabitants for a Drain to [261.] Be
Laid from the Tombs in the South Burying place into the Common
Shore, which inns thro' Winter Street and Summer Street to the
Bull Wharf so called, for Reasons therein mentioned, Read.
Voted. That the Select Men be and hereby are desired to take
Boston Town Records, 1737. 167
the said Petition under Consideration. Enquire into the Circum-
stances of tliai A Hair, And Repoit to (be Town at their Next
M i ting, What they think proper to he done thereon.
A Pel tion of M Pel eg WUwall, Master of the North Grammar
: u .-in Addil ion to ho made to y, foi
i -ih rein niei.i loned. Read
Voted, Thai the I 'ray cr of this Petition he Granted, And that
the Sura of Eighty 1'ouuds p Annum be and hereby is added to
dary of Mr. Peleg Wiswall, for his further Encouragement.
and Support in the said Employment The same to
menee from the Time of his last Quarterly payment. Viz 1 , the
2 •*) 1 1 1 . of February |
The Petition of Daniel Pecker, Nathanael Barber, and William
Rand, Collectors of the Taxes ivc. for the Year I73G P
that the As -vn may be allow'd to set upon A
. until the last Day of August next foi Ri sons men-
tioned Read
Voted, That the Prayer of the Petitioners be Granted.
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned 'till Tomorrow Morn-
ing, at Nine O'Clock.
Wednesday, May. 4th.
The Town being Assembled, according to Adjournment.
ct Men, having taken a List of the Nanus of the In-
habitants, liable by Law, and qualified to serve on the Petit Jury,
I. iid the same before the Town for Approbation; Agreabl
J aw of this Province in that ('use made and provided
said List being distinctly Head over, was Approved accord ii
2G2.] The Committee for Erecting the Work [1
ding to the 1 )esire of t lie Town, i I
the phue and consider'd the affair referr'd lo them.
Reported, That in their Opinion it will be best that the \\
the said Work House be set Two feet, at the least, Off, from the
Wall of the Burying Place.
Voted, That the Wall of the Work House be accordingly -
the distance of Two feet, at the least from the Wall of
iug Place ; Agreeable to the Report of the Commit!
I pon the Motion made at the 1 j of the M
Hon. John Jeflfi ies Esq r . i ■ I I) I. ■•■- ■ ■ '
Ferry, which expired the first of March last
same on a New Lease had been Advertised according
Praying the Town would give direction in the Affair -
Voted, That 1 I Men be I >csi: ed and Impowen d
the said Perry continue in the hands of the!
Yeai current, if i he} see ci
out the same for a Term of ;
According to the Vote and Order of the '. ■ Vnnnal
Meeting the P-'th. of March. 1732.
Upon a Motion made and seconded by m
Question was propos'd, Viz 1 .
Whether it should be left to the (
Work House, aecoidiii"
168 City Document No. 66.
Alterations, with respect to making of Stairs, Closets or Windows,
s<> as may to them seem necessaiy, or convenient for the accommo-
dation of the said Building?
Voted In the Affirmative.
The Report of the Select Men, on the Petition of Samuel Adams
i£sq r . and Others, relating to Bartons Rope Walk, Presented, and
Read Viz'.
[203.] Pursuant to a Vote of the Town as above, We the
Subscribers have Attended the Service Desired of Us; Consider'd
the Prayer of the Petitioners ; View'd the Place, and Enquired
irto the Circumstances of it; And are Humbly of Opinion, It is
r )t Necessary for the Town to act any thing thereon, And there-
fore that the Petition be Dismist.
All which is Humbly Submitted, &c.
John Jeffries
Jonathan Armitage
April. 28. 1737. Alexander Forsyth I , , , r
1 n t > Select Men.
Caleb Lyman
Jonas Clarke
Thomas Hutchinson Jdn. J
Voted, That this Report be Accepted, and that the Petition be
accordingly dismist.
The Reports of the Select Men on the several Petitions for
Paving, were Read, and are as follows Viz'.
Pursuant to the Vote and Desire of the Town, at their Annual
Meeting the 14th. of March, last
We the Subscribers have Attended the Service Desired of us;
Taken the Petitions for Paving referr'd to, under Consideration ;
View'd and Measured the several Streets; Computed the Charge
of Paving them ; and Report thereon, as follows,
First, On the Petition for Paving Wood Lane, &c.
Having View'd and Measured the said Lane, We find it
measures about 395 Yards, the Paving whereof will cost, £73 "
16 " 3. And We humbly Apprehend, It may be Adviseable that
the said Lane be Paved anew, The Town beating One Third part
of the Charge, Provided the Abutters beat the Cost and Charge
of the Remaining Two Thirds, and keep the same in repair from
time to time : And further It is our Opinion That the Petitioners
have Liberty at their own Charge to Build an Open Wharf a Cross
the Town Slip, to lye Open for the Use of the Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston, about, Eighty or an Hundred feet below the High
Way, As the Town shall direct.
[**(>!. ) Secondly, On the Petition for Paving Beer Lane.
Having View'd the Said Lane, &c. We find it Measures about
504 Yards, and that the Cost of Paving the same, will amount to
upwards of £100. And Whereas We find the said Lane lyes
upon a good Descent, and that the Passing therein is more Corn-
mod ion-, than many other of the Town We ai\> therefore of
Opinion, it. may not be adviseable for the Town to be at Charges
in Paving the same, for the present.
Thirdly, On the Petition for Paving Love Street.
Having View'd the said Street &c. We find it Measures abouf
Boston Town Records, L737.
1<>9
630 Yards, And that the ( 'ost of Pa\ ing the same will amount to
upwards of £149. But, inasmuch as the said Lane is little Im-
proved in Comparison with others in the Town, We arc < If
Opinion the Paving thereof maybe dcferr'd forlhe present.
Fourthly, On the Petition for Paving Green I.-
Having View'd ihe said Lane, &e. We find M about
2600 Yards, the Paving whereof will cost at the least £050. And
Whereas, ii does not Appeartous, that the Abutters then have
fully determined to Pave their Respective parts or proportion
thereof; And the Boundarys of the Land of some of th<
Abutters, rendering the said Street or Kane irregular— ■ — We
arc cf Opinion, That in Consideration of the Premisses, together
with the heavy ( barge it will be to the Inhabitants, It may be
adviseable to defer the Pavement of the said Lane for the pi
Men.
Fifthly, On the Petition for Paving part of Orange Street.
Having taken the said Petition under Consideration, [2G5.
View'd the Said Street, and finding the Southerly half thereof to
be very much out of Repair; We are of Opinion, It may be \d-
viseable for the Town to Expend Three
viseable for the Town to Expend Three Hundred and Fifty Pounds
in Paving the same: Which Sum, We find by Computation, will
pay the Towns part of Paving, 1600 Yards thereof Upon
this Condition, That some sufficient Person or Persona shall Appear
to Engage for and in behalf of the Proprietors and Abut i
the sa < Street, hearing their proportionable part of Paving the
same.
All which is Humbly Submitted, &c. —
John Jeffi
Jonathan Armitage
Alexander Forsyth
April, 29, 1737. Caleb Lyman
Jonas Clarke
Thom \s 1 Iutchinson Jun r . ,
The Reports above, being severally Read an i lered, The
I cded to pass upon Each of them respectively
follows, Viz'.
\ i the Report of the ^ lect Men upon the 1'
Paving W 1 Lane, &c. be Accepted.
Voted, Thai the Report of the Select Men upon the Petition for
Paving Reel' Lane, be Accepted.
V id, That the Report of : Men upon the Petition for
Paving Love street .1 i ed.
\ o 1, 'l'h it the Report of the Select Men upon the Pet I on for
Paving G n Lane, be not Accepted. And.
I | ■ \| tion mi by Capt. James Gooch jun r . as follows
Viz'. That he the said Gooch would Engage on behalf ol
and Proprietors of Rand in said Lane, to Advance and Ray the
whole Sura, which tl I Upon
Conditi >n rhat I ie Town Repay to the Undertakers, within '1
Years [266.] Their proportionable part thei
In t .ration of 1 P —
170 City Document No. GG.
Voted, That Green Lane be accordingly Paved, The Abutters
and Proprietors of Land in said Lane Advanceing the Money, and
defraying the whole Charge thereof, for the Present ; And that the
Town Repay their proportionable part of said Charge, within Three
Years next after the Work shall be compleated ; Viz'. One Third
part thereof, in the Year 1738 ; One Third more, in the Year 1739 ;
and the remaining Third part, in the Year 1740. Upon this
further Condition also, That the said Street or Lane be first reduced
& put into a regular form, And upon no other Conditions what-
soever.
Voted, That the Report of the Select Men, upon the Petition for
Paving Orange Street, be Accepted. And that the said Street be
Paved agreeable to the said Report Upon this Condition
Nevertheless That the original Grantees of the Beech, Flats
and Meadow Ground On Each side of said Street, Or their Succes-
sors the present Owners or Proprietors thereof, Do well and faith-
fully Secure the said High Wa}' from being Damnified by the
Tides, continuing the same of the full breadth of Forty Eight feet,
And Perform all and singular their Engagements Mentioned in
their Grant, As the same is Entred in the Records of Boston,
March the 8th. 1707/8. Lib. 2. Fol. 291. And that the Other
Proprietors or Abutters on said Street bear their proportionable
part of the Charge of Paving the same, according to Custom.
A petition of Mr. Zachariah Hicks, Usher of the North Writing
School ; Praying for some Addition to his Salary, for Reasons
mentioned Read,
Voted, That the Sum of Thirty Pounds p Annum be, and hereby
is Added to the Salary of Mr. Zachariah Hicks, for his further
Encouragement, and Suport in the Said Employment, The
same to Commence from the Time of his next Quarterly Payment,.
Viz', the 28th. of May Currant.
[207.] Upon Information and Complaint of frequent and No-
torious Abuses in the Measure and Sale of Cord Wood within this
Town, In Consideration thereof,
Voted, That it be recommended to the Select Men, Who are
hereby Earnestly Desired to take Effectual Care to prevent such
Abuses for the future, by endeavouring that the Laws already in
that Case provided be duly put in execution.
The Report of the Select Men to whom was rcferr'd the Consid-
eration of the Desire of sundry Inhabitants, That the Markets
mighl be Appropriated to some other uses As Entred the 5th.
April last past, Read, As follows, Viz'.
Pursuant to the Vote and Desire of the Town, as above, We the
Subscribers have attended that Service, And Accordingly
Report, as follows,
First, as to the South Market,
That Whereas Improving the said Market by turning it into
Shops, may be most for the Interest of the Town, We are of Opin-
ion It may be Adviseable for the Town to let it out, during the
Time of their Lease therein, to such Person or Persons as may
Appear to Hire it for that End.
Secondly, As to the North Market
IJnSTUN TuWN Re< I >RDS, 1 . 37. 1 71
We Apprehend it can'l conveniently bo [rapn
in tin' Place where ; ' inds, than by turning it into
Shops; Bui Inasmuch as thai would greatly incommode, and
might prove, on several Accounts Inconvenient, Not
Neighbourhood, but also to One of the Public Meet 2 II i sea for
the Worship of God, which stands very near to t, We can't think
it adviseable to do it but rather, that the said Building . Re-
moved to some more convenient Place, and Converted
Other Use as the Town shall think fit.
All which is Humbly Submitted &c.
. .,, John Jei i ries Cali b Lym \n > , .
Aim-. 29. , . , select
' .,_ Jonathan Armitage Jonas ( larke .,
1 « . i « . , , . ... . . . . I Men.
A l.l SANDER 1 ORSYTH L HOMAS HUTCHINSON Jlin'. )
[268.] Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned 'till Three
•ck in the Afternoon.
Afternoon, The Town being; Assembled.
The Report of the Select Men, On Petition for Appropriating
the Markets to sonic Other Uses
I again And,
Upon the Desire of Mr. John Stnniford, that the By-Law re-
specting setting up the Markets might be read, il
done Whereupon the ■ : niford proceeded to cast \
indecent Reflections upon the Si •■■ Men, (as he had also done in
the Forenoon) On Account of their Report, As Agreeing with the
. who had pullM down the Market on the Dock For
which he was Reprimanded by the Moderator But con-
tinuing His Reproachful Speeches, not only against th den,
but the Town in general; The Moderator again Commanded him to
keep silence as to that matter, and not to hinder the I' Busi-
ness, Or he would punish him for his Offence as the Law din
withal telling him that his Reflections wer and
abusivt The said Stamford told the Moderator That he only
was of that Opinion, and insisted upon it, that what he had -
true, and it was his Right to speak, the Town having not
Ordered otherwise.
Upon which the Moderator propos'd as follow-.
You. that are of the mind that Mr. S times
very indecently and injuriously Reflected on tin S
not only on them, but on the who I I that
the Moderator Command him to keep Sileno no mor<
that matter. And upon his refusal the Law he put in I.
against him, And he be sent out of the Meeting by the H
Const
pleas'd to manifest it.
Vi i u the Affirmative,
fsegativi
held up, but by Mr. Staniford only.
Afterward the Moderator of the
Select Men. which being Considered.
[269.] Voted, That the Report of the Select M
the South Market, be so fur Accepted, As, t; .
172 City Document No. 66.
Men be and hereby are Impowred to Transact such Agreement as
they have propos'd ; Or that they be and hereby are Impowred to
Agree with any Person or Persons, who shall or may Appear to
Purchase the said South Market, in the best way and manner they
can, for v' advantage and Interest of the Town. And
On the Other part of the said Select Mens Report, respecting
the North Market
Voted, That the Select Men be, and hereby are Desired and
Impowred to take down the North Market House And that
the Materials thereof be removed to lie Erected for the Accommo-
dation of the Work House.
The Honourable Elisha Cooke Esquire from the Committee
Appointed the 15 March last, to project some Method for the
better and more effectual providing the Town with Wood, Presented
their Report, Which being Read,
Voted, That the said Committee be and hereby are Desired to
take that Affair under further Consideration, until the next General
Town Meeting, And that they Report thereon then, or as soon as
conveniently they can.
A Proposal in Writing made and presented to the Select Men
for the Purchase of One of the Tracts of Land lately Granted by
the Great and General Court to the Town of Boston, Signed by
William Moore, and Three others, in behalf of themselves and
Forty or Fifty others their Associates, Read
Voted, That the Select Men be, and hereby are Desired and
Impovyered to Dispose of the Three Tracts of Land lately Granted
to the Town of Boston, by Public Auction upon Thursday the 30th.
of June next Giving Public Notice in the News Papers, of the Time,
Place, and Conditions of the Said Sale.
Mr. John Checkley, in behalf of himself and Mr. Gershora Keyes
Prays the Town would please to take under Consideration, their
great Labour, and expence of Time in Surveying and Platting
three Tracts of [270.] Land Granted by the Great and General
Court to the Town of Boston, And that they would make them
such Allowance therefor, as to their Wisdom and Goodness shall
seem .Meet.
Voted, That the Sum of Sixty Pounds be Allow'd and Paid, to
Mr. John Checkley, in full for his Time and Trouble in Surveying
the Three Townships as above mentioned.
Voted, That the Sum of Forty Pounds be Allow'd and Paid, to
Mr. (iei shorn Keyes, in full for his Time and Trouble in Surveying
the Three Townships as above mentioned.
Mr. John Checkley Informing, That in a Payment made him by
Mr. Treasurer Wadsworth, He Receiv'd a Bill of Five Pounds
which proves to be Counterfeit and Praying the Town would
Relieve him therein in such way and manner as to them shall
seem meet. The Town Treasurer also Affirming That according to
the best of his Knowlege he receiv'd the said Counterfeit Bill of
One of the Collectors on the Town's Account.
Voted, That the Sum of Five Pounds be allow'd and paid out of
the Town Treasury to Mr. John Checkley, in full, for the said
Counterfeit Five pound Bill, paid him as above.
Bi >st< » r< >w s Reci >rds, I . 37. 1 73
Voted, A Grant o rhousand Six Hundred I' <]s, 'I'd bo
Raised bj a Tax upon Polls and Estates within the Town of B
for Relief of the Poor, and defray ing other necessary ' aris-
ing within and for the said Town the Veai
Upon a M ition made and seconded, —
Voted, Thai the Report of tin Men on the Petitio
sundiy Inhabitants for Paving Wood Lane &c. be Reconsidered so
far as relates to the building an Open Wharf Across the Towns
Slip at the lower End of the said Lane.
[271.] Voted, I at the Consideration of the said Repi
far as it respects the building an Open Wharf A cross the Towns
Slip at ilif lower end of Wood Lane, be continued over to the next
( ieneral Town Meeting.
Upon a Motion made by the Hon. Elisha Cooke Esquire, at the
beginning of this Meeting, That tin- Town would Consider of some
Means for the better security and Improvement of the broken
M sh near Fox Hill.
Voted, That Capt. Nathanael Cunningham,
Mr. James Allen, and
Mr. Robert Rand,
Who were a Committee formerly chosen and appointed on this
Affair be, and hereby are Desired to take this motion under Con-
ration And Report to the Town at their next General Meeting,
What they think may be best for them to do foi
better Improvement of the said Marsh.
Then the Meeting was dismist.
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of Bos-
ton, duly Qualified, and lawfully Warned. Assembled in Pu
Town Meeting, at the Town House, Upon Saturday dune, 11th.
1737.
The Warrants for Calling the Meeting being load
The Hon. Elisha Cooke Esquire was Chosen Moderator.
A Petition of Sundry Inhabitants Paving pi
Orange Street. ........ Read.
M . Joseph Marion addressed the ."Moderator, to this 1
That, He had no Objection to make to the Regularity of the Towns
being thus Assembled But that it was his Opinion the .Meet-
ing was not well Timed, for such Reasons as he then Mentioned ;
\ rl therefore Pray'd the Meeting might be Adjourned to another
Day.
[272.] U i Motion being Seconded, tho' for oth< R asons
then also mentioned. It was Accordingly.
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned to Monday Next, the
13th. of June current, \' E ghl 0'( lock in the Morning.
Monday, dune 13th. 1 737.
The Town being Assembled according to Adjournment.
A Petition of Sundry Inhabitai I P l?own to
insider a Vote pass'd by thi M
last, for Paving part of S 5 the
Conditions As they are Entred, Fol. 266. And that they would
174 City Document No. 66.
Please to Order the said Pavement to be made, upon such other
Conditions as might more Cheerfully be comply'd withal.
Upon which a Debate ensu'd, And the Question being put, Viz*.
"Whether the Prayer of the Petition Should be Granted?
Voted, In the negative.
The Town then proceeded to take under Consideration Their
Vote pass'd the Fourth of May last, relating to the Sale of the
Three Tracts of Land, which were lately Granted by the Great and
General Court, to the Town of Boston: And After long Debate
thereon,
Voted, That the Select Men be, and hereby are Desired, At the
Opening of the said Sale, the 30 th . instant, to Declare Publickly,
That Neither They, nor any or either of them, Nor any other
Person whatsoever, are Authorised or Impowered by the Town
of Boston to Bid any Sum or Sums of Money for the Said Tracts
of Land then to be sold: But if any of them do or shall Bid, it
will be on their Acco ts . in their Private Capacity, and not other-
wise.
Then the Meeting was Dismist.
[273.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabit-
ants of Boston, duly qualified, and lawfully warned, Assembled in
Public Town Meeting, at the Town House, upon Wednesday,
Sept. 21st. 1737.
Prayer being made by the Rev. Mr. William Cooper,
A Precept under the Hand and Seal of the Honourable John
Quincy Esquire, Speaker of the Honourable House of Represent-
atives, Directed to the Select Men, Requiring them to Assemble
the Freeholders and other Inhabitants, to Elect and Depute (if
they see cause) A Person to serve for and Represent them in the
present Great and General Court or Assembly, In the Room of
the Honourable Elisha Cooke Esquire, Deceased; Together with
the Warrants for Calling the Meeting. — Read.
The Laws respecting the Power of the Select Men, to Give Di-
rections for the Regular and Orderly Carrying on the Meetings for
the Choice of Representatives, Read.
Whereas there are several Affairs to be brought under Consider-
ation at this Meeting which will require the Presence of a Moder-
ator, Upon a Motion made and Seconded, The following Question
was put, Viz 4 .
Quest. Whether the Town would now proceed to the Choice
of a Moderator for the Regulation of the Meeting, after the Election
of a Representative shall be Ended?
Voted, In the Affirmative.
The Votes lor a Moderator being accordingly Collected It
Appealed, That tin; Honourable Edward Hutchinson Esquire was
Chosen, by a great Majority.
Upon a Motion made, The following Question was put, Viz'.
Whether the Town would proceed to Elect and Depute, A Person
to serve for and Represent them in the Great and General Court or
Assembly, in the Room of the Hon. Elisha Cooke Esq r . Deceased?
Voted, in the Affirmative.
Boston T< hv\ Reci >rds, 1 < 37. 1 . 5
■ \J«T.] The Votes for One Representative b V
Collected the Number of Voters were found to be Three Hundred
and Sixty ; And upon Sorting the Votes : appeared there was no
choice made.
Then the Inhabitants proceeded a second time to bring in I
Votes for One Representative; Which being Collected, the Num-
ber of Voters were found to be Three Hundred and Fifty Flight:
And the Votes being Sorted, il appear'd, Chal Mr. John \\ •
wright was Chosen b\ i ie Major pari of said Electors; Viz. One
1 lundred and Ninety V<
Which Kiectioi] being Declared by the Selecl Men,
The Moderator Assura'd his Place, and the Town procee
the other Business before them.
Petil ions and Motions. Viz 1 .
Petition of sundry Inhabitants, directed to the Selecl
Men. respecting the Charge of this Town in Pay of
the Represental i ......
Proposals of Nathanael Wardal Jun r . for Erecting an
I ! in 1 for Weighing of Hay ..... Read.
Petition of Samuel Kneeland ..... Read.
Pel ition of Solomon Ivneeland .....
eel Mens Repo of the Sale of the Three Town-
ships . . . . . . . . Read.
Mr. Jacob Parker mad'' a Motion for Liberty to D ;
: Md al 1 o\ hill, for the Towns service in
Building t he W i n k I louse.
Mr. .Jonathan Williams made a Motion for a Consideration, re-
une Counterfeit Bills which were taken by his late Father,
for Meal in theGranary, on the Town's Account.
. Edward Hutchinson One of the Committee to pro
Method for providing the Town with Wood, Inform'd, That they
were not prepared to Report on that Affair.
275.] A Petition of Sundry Inhabitants respecting the
Charge of this Town, in the Pay of the Representatives. . .Read.
and after some Debate thereon
\ ted. To Chuse a Commi Draw up An Address to the
Greal and General Court, for Relief, respecting, the extraordinary
Charge of the Town of Boston (in Comparison with the i
Town-. if the Province) in the Pay of the Members of the Honour-
able I louse of Representatb
Voted That the Number of this Committee I i I
Voted, That John Read Esquire
Major Samuel Sewall
Mr. Hugh Vaus
Capt. Nathanael Cunningham and
Samuel \Y I quir<
■ ■ mm mi t tee for Ends aforesaid, Who are D - ed to prepare the
same and lav it before the Town for their Cons il the
intended Adj. mrnmenl of I x I ■ ing.
Whereas the Committee appointed the lath, of March
to View, and Report their Opinion of the most proper and i
nient Place for Erecting a Workhouse, in their Report tin
17b City Document No. 60.
made to the Town, and Accepted Did propose the Remov-
ing the Granary from the Place where it then stood, to the South
Eastern Corner of the Burying place, and reported the Opinion of
Able Workmen (with whom they consulted) as to the Cost of Re-
moving it, and of Building A Cellar under the same As by the said
Report on Record may Appear At the same time the Hon-
ourable Samuel Welles Esquire Informed the Town that Mr. Thomas
Hubbard was willing to undertake the same upon the Condition
Mentioned in said Report Who being present at that time,
also signified his Acceptance thereof according to the Terms pro-
posed Yet Notwithstanding, there was no Vote then passed
Impowering the Select Men to Execute Instruments for Leasing
the said Cellar to him, As the Circumstances of the Case did
require,
Wherefore,
[276.] Voted, That the Select Men be, and hereby arc di-
rected and Empowered to Execute a Lease of the said Cellar to
Mr. Thomas Hubbard for the Space and Term of Sixteen Years
According to former Agreement made with the said Hub-
bard by the Gentlemen the Committee aforesaid Any former
Votes or Orders respecting the Power of the Select Men in Leasing
out the Towns Lands, &c. Notwithstanding.
Upon a Motion made by Mr. Jacob Parker at the Opening of
this Meeting, and now Seconded by many,
Voted, That the Committee for Erecting the Workhouse be and
herein- are permitted to carry away from Fox hill Thirty Loads of
Sand, and no more, to be Improved in Building the said Work-
house.
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourn'd to Fryday next the 23d.
Currant, at Three O'Clock, After Noon.
Fryday, Sept. 23. The Town being Assembled according to
Adjournment.
Mr. Nathanael Wardell's Proposals for Erecting An Engine for
Weighing of Hay, Read, As follows Viz 1 .
To the Gentlemen the Select Men of Boston
The Representation and Proposal of Nathanael Warded Jun r .
Humbly Sheweth.
That the Subscriber has Obtain'd of several Gentlemen, An En-
couraging Subscription towards Defraying the Charge of Erecting
an Engine for the Weighing of Hay ; Agreeable to Your Report to
the Town at a Public Meeting the Fifth of April last past; And
accordingly.
Proposes for Consideration, as follows, Viz'.
Thai he is ready and Willing to Undertake the Erecting with all
ilile Sliced, within and near the Fortification, [277.] An
Engine for the Weighing of Hay, brought into this Town to Mar-
ket, without any Charge to the Town; And to attend constantly
on that Service, And to give Such Security As shall be required,
for his faithful Performance of that trust.
Provided, a By-Law may be made and confirmed, Wherein - to
Oblige all Persons whatsoever belonging to this Town, When they
shall Buy Hay Brought to Market in Carts or other Land Carriages,
Boston ["own Records, 1717. 177
to Cause the same to be We gh'd I
Buyer to Pa} therefor, after I I p Hundred
weight, Ami thai the Profits and Perquisites of the said Engine be
( Granted to him fur the Term of Seven ^
me shall be so Ereetc i and fil tei i foi
All which is llumlily Submitted by,
itlemen,
- 1 Humble Servant
Boston, Sept. 11. 17 Nathaniel Warded
The foregoing Proposals b dder'd
d, That the Seh cl Men be, and hereby are Desired to take
Mr. Wardell's Proposals undei Pliat Ihey prep
the Draft of a By-Law relating to Weighing of \\ >. bn
Market in Carts, or other Land ! s, ami lay the sam
tin' Town at their nexl General Town-Meeting foi msidera-
tion, and further Acting thereon.
John Read Esquire from the Committee Appointed the Twenty
first Currant to Draw up an address to tin leral
(unit, for Relief, respecting the extraordinary ( Charge of the Town
of Boston, in the Pay of t he Members of the I i
Representatives, Reported, That They had Drafti - to
the General Courl According to the Direction of the Town
Which He Read in his place, and then Presented it to the Mo
ator Which being R tin with Amendments
Voted, That the same be Accepted. And is as follows, Viz 1 .
Province of I
Bay, 12 r, L737.
To His Excellency Jonathan Belcher Esquire 278.] Captain
iral and Governour iu Chief, the Honourable the Council, and
House of Representatives in General Court Assembled.
The Humble Petition of the Inhabitants of the Town of Boston. —
Whereas there is an Order made in the G ; General
I it on the Nineteenth of August last for jusl and good reasons
to raise the Allowances of the Members of the Honourable the
Council and Ho ise ol Representatives to be paid out of the Public
isury : to which there is a clause added, that the B lis so paid
out of the Treasury Shall be drawn in again with tl
vincial 1 )cbts by Taxes.
Now therefore We mosl Humbly Pray this last Clause may he
alter'd So as plainly to oblige even Town to pay their r< -
Representatives what shall become due to them by thai
And for Reasons, We would Humbly S
That Otherwise As 1 ■ ["own Now stands with One
Hundred and Eighty Pounds of every Thousand of laid
upon One Hundred and 1 and
may send bul Four Representatives to the General Court w
the' resl of the downs may send Our and the m< I
We -had be i Ibliged to pay uol only ( hir on n R< pres but
all the Representatives of two or thn i I Now
Whether this be Equitable or not, We humbly Submit to the
Judgment of this Honourabli
Moreover the Public Daws of the Province, from the fn is
178 City Document No. GQ.
of the first General Court in the Province, by the Act of the
Fourth of William and Mary, Chapter Nineteenth, have Obliged
the Several Towns, to pay (heir respective Representatives for
their Travel and Attendance [279.] At the General Court: And
the uninterrupted Practice hath been according to that Law ever
since to this day. Now We are humbly of Opinion, that there
can be no more forcible Reason urged, than public Laws, and
constant Practice, with Universal Consent, from the beginning.
And Lastly, this present General Court, Since last May, in
affirmance of the same Reason and Justice as this Province hath
always acknowleged and followed, did with their common Consent,
by a public Law Enact, That a Tax should be raised upon the
several Towns for the Payment of what their respective Represen-
tatives should receive for their Travel and Attendance upon the
General Court from the beginning of the Session of this Court in
May last unto the end of the several Sessions thereof till May
next.
We are sensible that the Charge We complain of is but small
as to the quantum, but Our Case is, We have Two Thousand Nine
Hundred and Eighty two People Taxed in our Books, out of whose
Rates is abated this Year, Eight Hundred Fifty Nine Pounds,
Nineteen Shillings and Five pence most of it whole Rates of poor
People not able to pay, Two Hundred and Twenty People more in
Our Tax books, whom Our Assessors thought not Rateable for
their Poverty, besides many Hundreds more for the same
Reason not Entered in those Books at all, Our Town-charges to
the Poor this Year amounts to about Four Thousand Pounds,
besides all the Contributions of Our Churches and Societys, and
Charity of particular Persons, Our other Town Charges above Four
Thousand Pounds more, besides the Maintenance of Our Ministers,
Province and County Tax. By this means, and as We humbly
Apprehend for the extraordinary portion of the Province charge
laid upon Us by the Great and General Court Our Rates run so
high that several of Our considerable Men pay from One to Three
Hundred Pounds Tax in a Year, many that have but a House to
live in and Health to follow their Callings are Rated higher than
Country Gentlemen that can buy out Twenty such, And this Town
that is of so great importance to the Landed as well as Trading
Interest of the province is in very pressing difficulties that seem to
threaten its ruin. [280.] So that if we should not Pray for
Relief in this Case, wherein We are burthened in our humble
Opinion contrary to plain Reason, Law, and perpetual Practiced
We might Justly fear our charges whom time to time be increase:
'till it would be impossible for us to discharge them.
Wherefore We humbly Pray for redress in the Premisses, And
Your Excellency's and Honour's Most Humble Petitioners, As in
Duty Bound, Shall ever pray.
John Read
Hugh Vans
Nath l . Cunningham.
Samuel Watts.
Voted, That the Select Men be, and hereby are Desired aud
Boston Tow \ Rec< >rds, 1 7.'., .
Directed to cause thi be transcribed, And thai they
sign the same, and Prescnl it to the G I General Court, at
their nexl Sittii S i isbury the Twelfth of October i ■
The Select Men Presented then Report
Townships by public Auction, V 01 ling to Order of the Town at
a Meeting the Third of May l; d, • follows,
Viz 1 .
Pursuant to the Vote above, We have attended th . and
have accordingly Sold the Three Townships, As follows, Yi/.'.
To John Read Esquire, the Township Number One, for One
Thousand and Twenty Pounds, Who has Paid 1 ■ -■ II indred and
Forty Pounds, and given his Bonds for the Pay men I of I
dred and Fort} Pounds the Thirtieth of December next, and tin'
remaining Sum of Three Hundred and Forty Pounds the Thirtieth
of dune next (wil hi >ul [nten
Sale.
[281.] To ColonelJoseph Heath, the Township Numbei I
for One Thousand Three Hundred and Twenty Pounds, Who has
Paid Four Hundred and Forty Pounds, and given bis Bonds to pay
the like Sum of Four Hundred and Forty Pounds On the Thirtieth
of December next. And the remaining Sum of Four Hundred and
Forty Pounds on the Thirtieth of dune next Ensuing, without
Interest.
The Township not as yet laid out, to the 1' olonel
Jacob Wendell, for the Sum of Thirteen Hundred and Twenty
Pounds, for which, the Deed is not as yel given, but will be in a
few days.
So thai the Money already I : by the Select Men is -
Hundred and Eighty Pounds, which \\
Town shall direct.
John Jefi rii - ■;
Jon a . Armitage
David Collson
Boston Sept. 21. 1737. Alex a Forsyth MeQ
Jonas Clarke
Thomas Hi n qinson, Jun*. J
Voted, That this Report be Accepted. And upoi
made
Voted. To Chuse a Committee to Consider what may be p
for the Town to do with the Money, which th S i a have
already received, and what is further to be Paid for the said I
ships, at the P< o - mentioned in their Pep
Voted, That the Select Men be a Committee for thai P
Who are hereby Desired to Report thereon, : -t General
Town Meeting.
Upon the Petiti f Solomon Kneeland, Pra;
would give him < >ne Year further for I
ation by the Town Treasurer, for a | 282. , I ■
Town from his Son Samuel Kneeland, for whom he
Hoping to scharge the said Debt, with I
same (which he is willing to Allow & pay) in I
if the Towu should ■ to indulge him herein.
180 City Document No. 6G.
Voted, That the Town Treasurer be, and hereby is Impowered
to Release to the said Solomon Kneeland the Land taken in Exe-
cution for the Debl of his Son Samuel Kneeland as above;
Upon Condition, That he pay the principal Sum due to the Town,
with lawful Interest and Charges, within the Space of One Year
next ensuing.
Upon the Petition of Samuel Kneeland, Pra}'ing the Town would
allow him some further Time (as his other Creditors are willing to
do) for the Payment of his Debt due to the Town Treasurer;
Offering to give such Security for the said payment as shall be
required In answer whereto.
Voted, That this Affair be reffered to the Select Men ; Who are
Desired, and hereby Impowered to do therein As they shall Judge
most for the Interest of the Town : And that They give Directions
to the Town Treasurer accordingly.
Then the Meeting was dismist. — —
At the Desire of the Gentlemen the Committee for Erecting a
Work-House in the Town of Boston, and by Order of the Select
Men, the following Instrument of Subscription is here Recorded.
Boston. May 25. 1735.
Whereas the Town of Boston propose to Erect a Workhouse
wherein to Employ the [283.] Tile and indigent belonging to the
Town, Which We apprehend a very charitable Undertaking, and
like to conduce much to the Public Interest, and good Order
thereof (Such Houses having been found very Beneficial in other
Countrys) Which House with the necessary Furniture, and some
Stock for the Poor to be Employed by, will probably Cost about
Three Thousand Five Hundred Pounds; Wherefore to Encourage
this Laudable Enterprize, We whose Names are hereunto Sub-
scribed, Promise to pay the several Sums which We have annext to
Our respective Names to any Person or Persons appointed by said
Town to receive the same, if the Town shall proceed in this Build-
£ 8 d
John Puck. Fifty Pounds . . . . ,, .50 ,, ,,
Jacob Wendell, One Hundred Pounds. . ,, 100 ,, ,,
Henry Deling, One Hundred Pounds )
in Boards, at Market Price . . j
Jonathan Jackson, One Hundred Pounds)
in Nailes at Money Price . . )
William Tyler, One Hundred Pounds in)
Nailes at Money Price ... J
James Townsend, Thirty Pounds . . ,, .30
Jacob Royal, . . . . . . ,, .50
Henry Atkins ......,, .30
John Hunt, One Hundred Pounds . . ,, 100
John Hill, Twenty live Pounds . . ,, .25
Thomas Hubbard, One Hundred Pounds . ,, 100
Thomas Hill, Twenty five Pounds . . ,, .25
Benjamin Hallowell Jun r . Thirty Pounds . ,, ..">(>
James Bowdoin, One Hundred Pounds. . ,, 100
100
100
100
Bost< >n Town Records, 1 i 37
181
o and Walker, Eight}* P Is
John Fa}'erweather, Fifty Pounds
Thomas Hancock, One Hundred Pounds)
in Goods .-it ( 'ash price . . . )
Thomas Gushing Jun r . Fifty Pounds .
William 1 >owne, Fifty Pounds
Edward BromQeld, Fifty Poum I
Caleb Lyman, Thirty Pounds
Daniel Henchman, Twenty five Pounds
I • nezer Storer .....
[284.] William Y r oung, cordwainer.
Joseph ( !alef .....
Nathanael Hayward ....
Jonathan Foster .....
William Salter, to pay in Goods
William Collin
Benjamin ( llarke. ....
Joshua Cheever .....
.John Barret, in Goods Fifteen Pounds.
Richard Checkley ....
Peter Oliver
John Phillips, to pay in ( roods
John and Jonathan Simpson, to be paid in
Nailes at ready Money price, or 1'
ions ......
Joseph Sherburn, to be paid in Goods at J
Money price . . j
Caleb I>\ man Jun' .
Samuel Granl , to be Paid in ( roods a! I
price, Twenty Pounds . . . )
"William Owen, Fifteen Pounds, in Goods
Samuel Bridgham, Ten Pounds .
John ( rerrish ......
John Wheelwright, in Timber at Market |
price. Fifty Pounds I
Joseph Webb ......
( rershom Fla£ .
Samuel Sewall ......
Edward Marion, T< n Pounds to be paid in I
Smiths Wan )
"William Warner, Ten Pounds
Edward Procter, < ! Is
Peter Thomas ......
Joseph Procter, Ten Pounds to be paid!
in ( Joods ..... j
Josiah Langdon ......
Henry Pigeon ......
Hopestill Foster ......
John Jeffi ies ......
Jonathan . \ r 1 1 1 i t : i l: « .
[285.] David Collson . . . .
Alexander FoiSyth .
.50
loo
.50
.50
.30
.25
3
2
3
1
.10
.10
.50
.15
.25
.80
.15
5
20
15
in
3
5
30
10
10
5
10
15
Pt
15
in
182
City Document No. 66.
Jonas Clarke, Thirty Pounds
Joshua Blanchard
Andrew Oliver .
Francis Wells .
Thomas Hutchinson Jun r . .
Benjamin Col man
Joseph Sewall
John Webb
Eliakim Hutchinson .
Jonathan Williams Jun r .
Joseph Hubbart in Iron Work
Edward Hutchinson .
Josiah Willard .
John Welch
John and Richard Billings .
Robert Watt
William Maccarty
Nathanael Barber
Jacob Hurd
Jeremiah Belknap
Peter Kenwood .
John Wendell .
Edmund Quincy
John Erving
Cord Cordis
Samuel Welles, Thirty Pounds
Abiel Walley, in Goods
Oxenbridge Thacher .
Timothy Front .
Jonathan Williams
John Steel ....
Andrew Eliot
Daniel Loring .
Daniel Pecker .
William Rand .
Gershom Keyes .
Edward Tyng
Edward Gray
[286.] James Davenport
Francis Warden
Thomas Hawding
Thomas Foster, Six Pounds
John Draper, Five Pounds .
William Cooper, Twenty Pounds
Richard Bill
John Traill, Thirty Pounds
John Richardson
John Spooner
Andrew Lane
John Knight
Francis Borland, Fifty Pounds
James Pemberton, Fifty Pounds
• >J
30 „
55
20 „
• JJ
50 „
55
20 „
55
30 „
>J
25 „
• 55
5?
25 „
25 „
• 55
30 „
55
15 „
20 „
55
• 55
30 „
55
25 „
5f
15 „
55
20 „
55
20 „
55
15 „
55
5„
55
5„
• 55
10 „
• 55
25 „
55
30 „
55
20 „
55
50 „
55
10 „
■ 55
30 „
55
30 „
55
25 „
55
30 „
55
15 „
55
20 „
55
55
10 „
55
5„
55
10 „
55
10 „
55
15 „
55
15 „
55
10 „
55
0„
55
5„
55
6„
55
° 55
55
20 „
55
50 „
55
30 ,,
55
90 „
55
30 ..
55
10 „
55
25 „
55
50 „
55
50 „
Boston Town Re< ords, 1 737. I S3
John ( rooch, Fifty Pounds . . . ... 50 ..
Thomas Greene, Twenty five Pounds . . ., 25 ..
John Smiberl . . . . . . 1 5 . ,
I i an >mbe . . . . ... 30 ,.
J oli ii Dolbeare ........ 25 ..
- 1 ■ - i 1 1 1 Goldlhwait, in Masons work . . ,, 15 ..
Thomas Foxcroft . . . . ... 10 ,,
Eunice Willard . . . . . . 5 ,, ,,
Peter Thacher . . . . . ... 15 ,,
Petei Faneuil, One Hundred Pounds. . .. LOU ..
Joshua i ' . . . . . 20 .,
287.] At a Meeting of th Fre< old litants
of the Town of Boston, duly qualified and warned according to
Law, Assembled in Publick Town Meeting, al the Town I'
Upon Monday the 13th. M irch, 1 737.
Prayer being made by the Rev. Mr. William Cooper —
The Warrants for calling the Meeting Read
The Town then proceeded to the Choice of n Mo lerator and the
ed and sorted, it appeared, That Mr. Thomas
Gushing Junior, \\ n by a Majority ol \
Sundry Laws Read.
Sundry Petitions and Reports Read, and
Motions made.
Viz'. Petitions and Propi isn
Of the Inhabitants of Rumney Marsh.
Of Mr. John Lovoll, for addition to his
- iary.
Of Mr. Henry Howell &c. Masters of the
Engines.
Of 3Ir. William Haislup, about Sweeping of
Chimnies.
Of Samuel Kneeland, a Prisoner for Debt.
Reports of the Select Men.
Of the Visitation of the Publick S. I
Of the Sale of a Township, to tl>e Hon. < ■.
Wendell.
I: ?pecting the Drain from I lie T >n
R( 3pecting Winnisimet Ferry.
Mi ttions mad'.
By Mr. Joseph Marion. a< folio ^
That Whereas there is on file in the I
Clerk's Office the Report of a Committee
of Thirty < me I ' n and ap-
pointed the 27th. of Dec. 1 70S, in Which
lie apprehends there are several things
proposed, I hat may sen e the b si I
of this Town — Therefore I Town
Report
that it may be produced and Read in the
present Meeting. — A.nd also, Dial a
Commit'' l Consider,
184
City Document No. 66.
what may be clone [288.] For the
Relief of the Town in its present difficult
Circumstances.
B}' Mr. Joshua Dodge, respecting tbe Street
Dirt, that so it might not be carried away
into the Country, but that the Town may
have the benefit of it.
The Town then proceeded to the Choice of Officers &c.
Samuel Gerrish was Chosen Town Clerk for the Year ensuing,
and sworn by Samuel Sewall Esq r .
Voted, To proceed to the Choice of Seven Select Men.
The Votes for Seven Select Men being accordingly Collected, it
appear'd, the following Gentlemen were Unanimously Chosen to
that Office for the Year ensuing.
Viz'. The Hon. John Jeffries, Esq r . ")
Capt. Jonathan Armitage.
Mr. David Collison.
Capt. Alexander Forsyth. J> Select-Men.
Capt. Caleb Lyman.
Mr. Jonas Clarke.
Mr. Thomas Hutchinson Jun r .
Voted, That the Thanks of this Town be presented to the Gentle-
men the Select Men, for their great Care and Pains in transacting
the prudential Affairs of the Town — Particularly in the Causes
still depending in the Law, between the Town and the Heirs of
Mr James Everill Intreating them patiently to persevee in
that matter.
The Hon. Joseph Wads worth Esq r . was Unanimously Chosen
Town Treasurer, for the Year ensuing.
Voted, To proceed to bring in the Votes for A County Treasurer,
this Afternoon, at Five O'Clock.
[289.] Voted, That the Collectors of Taxes for the year
ensuing be chosen distinct from the Constables.
Voted, To proceed to the Choice of Twelve Overseers of the
Poor for the Year ensuing. Accordingly. The Votes being
Collected, it Appeared, That the following Gentlemen were Chosen
into that Office.
Viz 1 .
The Hon. Jacob Wendell Esq r .
John Puck Esq 1 ".
Henry Dciing Esq r .
William Tyler Esq r .
Samuel Greenwood Esq r .
Capt. Jeffry Bedgood
Capt. John Hill
Mr. Thomas Hubbard
Capt. Daniel Henchman
Capt. Joshua Cheever
Mr. Edward Bromfield
Capt. William Downe
Voted, That this Meeting be adjourned till the Afternoon, At
Three O'Clock.
Overseers of
the Poor.
Bost< >- l'<»\\ \ Records, 1 737.
L85
\ temoon, The Town being Assembled.
The Select Men having Audited Mr. Francis Willougbby's
Account of the Granarys lor the 1'ear pasl ; Their Report tli
as Entred in Mr. Willoughb Read, And Accepted;
By which it Appears, Thai the Ballance in the Towns favour, now
remaining in Mr. Willougbby's Hands, in Money and < riain, is Four-
teen Hundred Twenty Two pound-. Eighl Shillings and Six pence.
Voted, That the Sum of One Hundred Pounds be, and hereby is
Allowed out of the Granary Stock, to Mr. Francis Willoughby,
for his Care of the Towns Granarys the Tear past. Endii
Third of March, < intent.
[290.] Voted, That the Sum of One Hundred Pounds be
allow'd, out of the Granary Stock, to Mr. Francis Willoughby, for
lar\ as Overseer of the Granarys for the Year ensuing, to
End the Third day of March, next.
The following Gentlemen were Chosen to the Offic<
stables, for the ensuing Year.
Viz 1 .
Alexander Chamberlain "^ . . Paid
Aaron Hoardrnan .
Mess'
John Smith Jun*
Matthias ( lussens
John Barker
Edward Winter
.lames ( Iriffin
Richard Mai tyn
John Averj
John Symmes
James Bradford
Thomas Tyler
Sworn.
Paid his Fine in 1732.
is'd for this year.
Sworn
•nstables
Sworn.
Paid.
Paid.
Paid.
Excusd for this vear.
Pa'id.
Paid his fine in 1 735.
A Lisl of Sundry Persons in Nomination for several Oili i
the District of Rumne}" Marsh, tor the ^ suing, was
sented, And the following Persons were( hosen into the several
Offices mentioned, for the Year ensuing. Accordingly. Viz*.
Constable. Sworn.
wers
Mr. Samuel Floyd
Mr. John Flovcl \
Mr Edward Tuttle )'
Mr. John I lasey
Mr Samuel Tuttle Jun\ | TT
Mr. John Tutl j ao *
^vu ither.
1 [award.
Mr. Elisha Tuttle
Voted, To proceed to the Cho 5 >rs for the
Year Ensuing. Accordingly The ^ ' ted, It appear'd
the following [291.] Geutlcmen wen Chosen to that Office,
Viz 4 .
Mess™. Daniel Loring ")
Daniel Loring
John Staniford
Richard Buckley.
Peter Thoi
Joshua Blanchard
Andrew Eliot
William Thomas
A— essors.
.
Paid.
Paid.
Con-
Paid liis Fine in 1734
stables
Paid.
.
Paid.
Paid.
186 City Document No. 66.
According to Order, as Entred in the Forenoon.
The Town proceeded to bring in their Votes for a County Treas-
urer, Which being Collected were Sealed up by Mr. Edward Winter
Constable, by him to be kept and return'd unto the next Quarter
Sessions to be held for the County of Suffolk, According to Law.
The following Gentlemen were Chosen to the Office of Constables,
for the Year Ensuing. Viz 4 .
Mess rs . John Osborne Jun r . ")
Jacob Wendell Jun r .
Simeon Stoddard .
Joseph Green
-lames Boutineau
Nathanael Loring Jun r J
The Petition of Mr. Henry Howell and Others, Masters of the
Fire Engines, in behalf of themselves and their respective Com-
panys Praying They may be Excused from Serving in other Town
Offices the year ensuing As usual Accordingly, A Question
was put, Whether the Prayer of the Petitioners should be Granted.
Voted, in the Affirmative.
A Report of the Select-Men, respecting the Township Sold to the
Hon. Col. Wendell being Presented, was Read, and is as follows,
Viz 1 .
To the Inhabitants of Boston, in Town-Meeting Assembled, the
13. March, 1737.
[293.] Agreeable to the Report of the Select Men made the
Twenty first of September last, relating to the Sale of the Three
Townships We have this Da)- Executed a Deed to the Hon.
Jacob Wendell Esq 1 , for the Township not as yet laid out ; And
have taken Bonds from Him for Thirteen Hundred and Twenty
Pounds, being the Sum the said Township was Sold for.
John Jeffries
Jonathan Armitage
David Collson
Alexander Forsyth J- Select Men.
Caleb Lyman
Jonas Clakke
Thomas Hutchinson jun f
Voted, That this Report be Accepted.
Voted, To Chuse Eight Clerks of the Market for the Tear En-
suing, Accordingly,
The following Persons were Chosen to that Office,
Viz'.
Mess™. Jabez Hunt . ") .... Sworn
Richard Salter .... Excus'd.
Thomas Tyler .... Paid
Joseph Gale . ^, , „., ,» , . Sworn
T , ui i > Clerks of the Market ,-. . ,
.InsfMi i S KM'hiini ' Mini
Joseph Sherburn
Samuel Henchman
Thomas Savage
Edward Brazier
Paid
Paid.
Sworn.
The following 1 Tsons were Chosen to the Office of Sealers of
Leather, for the Year Ensuing.
Viz'.
Boston Town Records, L737.
L87
Mess . Samuel May
Joseph Starr
"William 5Toung
James Daw -
John AHiu .
Roberl Williams
- Scalers of Leather
Sworn
Sworn
Sworn
Sworn
Hogreves.
Sworn
[293.] The following Persons were Chosen II ir the
year ensuing. Viz'.
Mess . Edward Emerson
John Cornish
a phen Rogi ° Sworn.
Joseph Calef J Excus'd
Voted, Thai this .Meeting be Adjourned till Tomorrow Morning,
At Nine O'Clock.
Tuesday, March, 14th.
The Town being Assembled, According to Adjournment.
The Select Men Reported Their Examination of Mr. Jonathan
Williams's Account of the Granary, after the Death of his l
from the 10th. March, 1736, to the 22nd. July, 1737. Ac
that he had paid the Ballance of the same, being Twelve Hun-
dred and Seven Pounds, Sis shillings and Two pence, in lull
discharge thereof. As Entred in Mr. Williams's Book.
Voted, That the Report on Mr. Williams's Accounl of the
Granary, be Accepted.
The Report of the Select Men. of their Visitation of the Publick
Schools, being presented, was Read, as follows. Viz'.
Pursuant to a Vote of the Town of Boston, at their Annual
Meeting in March last past, Desiring the Select Men to Visit the
several Publick Schools in the Town, Accompanied bj .
Gentlemen as they should think proper, and to Report thereon.
They accordingly Report, That on the 28th. of June, last, they
Attended that Service — Accompanied by,
The Hon. Edward Hutchinson Esquire.
The Hon. Richard Bill Esquire.
John Read Esquire.
[294.] The Rev. Mr. Xathanael Williams.
The Rev. Mr. Thomas Prince.
The Rev. Mr. John Webb.
The Rev. Mr. Samuel Checklev.
The Rev. Mr. William Welsteed.
The Rev. Mr. J' »shua < ree, and
Mr. Thomas Cushing, Junior.
And found the said Schools undi I' nidation.
John Jefi ries. ")
Jona i ii w Armi rAGE.
David CoLLSON.
Boston, Mar. Alexander Forsyth. Men
9 th , L737. Caleb I.vm w
Jonas < i ujke
J'lloM \s HuTCHINSl » illlT.
Voted, That the S\^ '- 1 Men be and hen i to Visit
1< S * City Document No. 66.
the Publick Schools within this Town the Year ensuing, And that
they Desire such Gentlemen to Accompany them, As the}- shall
think proper. And that they Report to the Town the Condition
the find them in.
A Report of the Select Men relating to the Drain from the
Tombs in the South Burying Place, was presented, and Read, As
follows, Viz'.
The Select Men upon Enquiry into the Circumstances of the
Affair above mentioned, found that by the Removal of the Granary
according to the Towns Order, the Course of the said Drain was
Stopp'd and the Tombs thereby fill'd with Water, And great
Complaint made thereof by the Proprietors, — We therfore Judg'd
it absolutely Necessary to Cause a New Drain to be made, which
goes on the North side of the Granary, And which We Apprehend
Answers the End propos'd to the Town — And Fifty feet thereof
being carried [295.] On by the Committee for the Work House,
the whole Work has created as little Charge to the Town, as maybe.
John Jeffries.
John Armitage
David Coelson
Mar. G, 1737. Alexander Forsyth [> Select Men.
Caleb Lyman
Jonas Clarke
Thomas Hutchinson Jun r .
Voted, That this Report be Accepted.
A Memorial of Mr. William Haislup, Representing the Diffi-
culties this Town is at present under, with respect to the Sweeping
ofChimnies; And Offering some proposals for Undertaking that
Business, for a Term of Years, upon Certain Condition Read.
And after some Debate thereon.
Voted, That the Consideration of this Affair be referred to the
Select Men, And that they be Desired to Treat with Mr. Haislup,
or any other Person, on the Subject Matter of these Proposals
And Provided He, or any Other Person or Persons shall
Appear to Undertake the Business of Chimney-Sweeping, that then
They the Select Men be, and hereby are desired, to prepare a By-
Law, Or Orders Relating thereto, and lay the same before the
Town at, their next General Town-Meeting — For Approbation.
The Select Mens Report of the present state of Winisimet Ferry
Read, as follows. Viz'.
Pursuant to a Vote of this Town as above The Select
Men have given Publick Notice of Leasing out the Ferry between
the Town and Winnisimet, for a Term of Years; But there has
been no Oilers made as yet, to take a Lease of it, Under its
present Circumstances.
[£9G.] John Jeffries "")
.Jonathan Armitage
David Com. son
Alexander Forsyth }- Select Men.
( ai.ii; Lyman
Jonas Clarke
Thomas Hutchinson Jun r . I
Boston Mai
13th
Mar. I
17."» 7. i
Boston Town Records, 17.; 7.
189
\ C That the Select Men be, and hereb} Are Desin
lnipowei-*.1 to Lease Out Winnisimet Ferr)* for a Term of \
Or from Y"ear to Year, in the best Manner the)' can, for the advan-
tage <>i i lie Town.
The Petition "I Mr. John Lovell, Master of the South Grammar
School, Praying for an Addition to his Salary, for Reasons Men-
tioncd Read.
\ ;d, Thai the Sum of Forty Pounds p Annum be Added to the
Salary of Mr. John Lovell for his further Encouragement and
Support as Master of the South ( irammar Scl 1. in Answer to his
Petition, To Commence from the next Quarterly Payment Viz . the
8th. of April next.
A Petition of Samuel Kneeland, a Prisoner in His M
Goal, for a Debt due to the Town Praying the Town to for-
give hint the said Debt, Or, to Allow him Thr<
pay it in. Read.
\ ed, That, this Petition be refer'd to the Select Men ; W
hereby Desired and Impowered to do therein, as they shall j i
mosl for the Interest of the Town.
The following Persons were Chosen to the Office of C
for the Year ensuing. Viz 1 .
[297.] Mess™. NathanaelVal
Thomas Newman
Francis Beteilhe
John Salmon
Albert Dennie
Joseph How
William Bowdoin
The following Persons were Chosen Scavengers, for the
ensuingr.
1
-tables
'
Paid.
Paid.
Excus'd.
Paid.
Excus'd.
is'd.
Paid.
Viz'.
Mess r
John Taylor
David Jeffries
Benjamin Emmons
nezer Storer
Jeremiah Belknap
Nathanael Gardner
Joshua 1 >odge
George Skinner )■ Scavengers.
.John Charnock
Francis Warden
Thomas Boucher
( Jeorge Monk
Jonathan Lot
John Lambert
John Bennet
The following Persons were chosen Clerks of the M
the year ensuing.
Viz 1 .
Mi ss™. Walt " ) * ' Sworn -
Henry Gibb . V Clerks of the Market
John Smith (Brewer) ) . . Sworn.
190 City Document No. 66.
Upon a Motion made, It was Proposed to the Town Whether
the}' would proceed to the Choice of Tything-Men ? It pass'd
in the Negative.
Mr. Joseph Gronard was Chosen One of the Ilogreves in the
Room of Mr. Calef who is Excus'd.
[398.] The following Persons were Chosen to the Office of
Fence-Viewers, for the Year ensuing. Viz'.
Mess". Joseph Russell, . 8 worn
John Indicot • . Sworn
Hopestil Foster . Sworn
Caleb Raj' . . Sworn }> Fence-Viewers.
Benjamin Russell Sworn
John Pierce
Thomas Jones
The following Persons were Chosen Surveyors and Measurers of
Boards, Plank, Timber, Shingles &c. Viz 1 .
Mess". Edward Moberly ~| .... Sworn.
Edward Richards j .... Sworn.
William Pain ! T7 -. , r,,. , D Sworn.
, r ,,, 1} , > Viewers of Shingles &c. ,,
Matthew Barnard [ ° Sworn.
Joseph White j ....
Joseph Rix J .... Sworn.
Voted, To proceed to the Choice of Three Viewers and Cullers
of Slaves Accordingly the following Persons were Chosen
to that Office — Viz 1 .
Mess". Robert Breck . "J
John Helyer Sworn y Cullers of Staves.
Edward Potter )
Voted, That the Select Men be Surveyors of High Ways, for the
Year ensuing.
Voted, That Mr. Isaac Gridley be Surveyor of Hemp, for the
Year ensuing.
Voted, That Mr. Richard-Carter Cowel be Haward or Field-
driver the Year ensuing.
A Petition of Sundry of the Inhabitants of the District of Rum-
ney-Marsh, in the Township [399.] Of Boston, Praying to be
Set Off from this Town, in Order to their being Incorporated into
a Separate Township, Read.
Voted, That this Affair be Reler'd to the next General Town-
Meeting And that in the mean Time, A Committee of Five
Gentlemen be specially Chosen and Appointed* to Consider What
may be proper for the Town to do thereon And Report their
Opinion at the said Meeting. Accordingly.
Voted That Mr. Thomas dishing Jun r .
Samuel Adams Esq r .
Mr. Andrew Tyler
Mr. Robert Rand
Mr. Jacob Parker
Be a Committee for the Ends aforesaid.
Mess". Joseph Gerrish ~]
Isaac Winslow 1 ^ . . Paid.
John Green (MercrA) p onsla ^es p . iid
John Simpson (Brazier) J ... Paid.
Were Chosen Constables for the year ensuing.
Bosti Records, L737.
191
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjou
Afternoon.
moon, The Town being Assembled.
The following Persons wi I I for the V
ensuing.
Viz*. Mss" John Jenkins
John Flowers
John Pulling
John I [arris
Nicholas I
John Blackader
Benjamin Babbidgc
Thomas Val< ntine
Harrison ( irav
Sworn
S
Sworn
S orn
Paid ( < lonstal
us'd
Sworn
Sworn
• •
[300.] Whereas, at a Public Town .M
1733. It was Voted, "That a Row of Posts witli a Rail <
"of them be sel up and continued thro' i union fro
"Burying Place to Col°. Fitch's fence, leaving Openings ;
■ ral Streets and Lanes." And it being n<
and complained of, That the Common is much h
herbage spoiled, by means of Carts &c. pas
it Wherefore, In Order to prevent
Damage, for the future.
1. That there he but One Entrance or 1' ssagi I ■ I
Coaches & •. Out of Common Street, into the Com:
Field, to be left Open near the Granary, to go up al
Work House to Beacon Street And thn
Inlets afore mentioned be closed up with Posts and R
i
1. To proceed to the Choice of Tb
within this Town, Exclusive of the Collect . imney M:i
Accordingl}', Tiie Votes being bro't in and Sorted, il A
That the following Gentlemen were Chosen <
for the year ensuing. Viz'.
Capt. Daniel Pecker j
Mr. Nathanael Barbei
Mr. Jacob Sin-ate \
cl That Mr. Samuel Floyd R
Taxes within the District of Rumnc^ Marsh the ye r ensi
Voted, That Nine pence upon the Pound be and :
Allowed to the Several i I
Boston for the Year ensuing
Sureties, for the faithful
isfaction of tin Hen.
[301.] Upon the Motion of M R IB
the Slip at the lower end of Wood Lane,
Voted, I
I ircumstances of the said Slip —
Neighbourhood relating to the Fillin
Report their ( )pinion What I
thereon, at the next General Town Meeting.
Mess™ Moses Eayres . ) ^ , ,-. Sworn.
T .,.'', > Constables D . -,
James Mmot . | Paul.
192 City Document No. 66.
Voted, That The Hon. Edward Hutchinson Esq T .
Mr. Andrew Tyler
Capt. Daniel Henchman
be a Committee for the Ends aforesaid.
}
W ere Chosen Constables for the Year Ensuing.
Voted, That the Town Treasurer's Accounts, together with the
Allowance for his Service in that Office the year past, And the
Choice of a Committee to Audit the Treasurers Accounts the
Year ensuing, be Referr'd for Consideration at the next General
Town Meeting.
Voted, That the Raising of Money for Relief of the Poor, and
Defraying Other Necessary Charges, the year ensuing be Referr'd
to the next General Town Meeting.
A List of Persons Qualified to serve On the Petit Jury being
presented by the Select Men, Was Read, and Approved.
Mr. John Otis, was Chosen Constable for the year ensuing.
Upon the Motion of Mr. Joseph Marion, made at the Opening of
this Meeting
Voted. That the Town Clerk be, and hereby is directed [303.]
To search for the Report referr'd to by Mr. Marion, and produce
the same at the next General Town Meeting, in Order to its being
Read in the Audience of the Inhabitants.
Upon a Motion made and Seconded.
Voted, That the Thanks of this Town be Presented to Mr.
Thomas Gushing jun r . the Moderator, for his great Pains in Reg-
ulating, and Dispatching the Business of this Meeting.
Then the Meeting was Dismiss'd.
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of Boston,
duly qualified, and lawfully warned, in public Town Meeting
Assembled, at the Town House, Upon Wednesday, May, 10th.
Anno Domini, 1738.
Prayer was made, b} r the Reverend Mr. Samuel Checkley.
Then,
The Warrants for Calling the Meeting were Read.
The Sheriff's Precept, Read —
Sundry Laws — Head —
The Select Men propos'd to the Inhabitants, to proceed to the
Choice of a Person, or Persons to serve for, and Represent them
in a Great and General Court, or Assembly, to be held the 31st.
of May current, at Boston aforesaid.
Voted, to proceed to the Choice of Four Representatives
The Votes for Pour Representatives [303.] Being accordingly
Collected, the Number of Voters were found to be . . 481
The Votes being Sorted, It Appear'd, the Four Gentlemen
following were duly Elected by a Majority of the Votes, Viz*.
No. of Votes.
Mr. Thomas Cashing Jun r 468.
Mr. Thomas Hutchinson Jun r . .... 359.
John Read Esq' 289.
Major Samuel Sewall . , , 295.
Boston Town Records, LI 11)3
I Choice of Representatives being Ended, Thi § M
declared the same And the Town proceeded to Lin '
of :i Moderator.
The Votes for a Mo being brought in, [I Appea • : . I
Mr. Thomas Cushing Jun r . was Chosen Unanimously.
A Motion was made by Mr. Jonathan Williams an 1 v
That the Town would please >ns to
their Representatives.
Mr. Nathanael Wardel Jun r . made a Motion, \ I
Town would please to revive their Vol i or ( )rder, respecting
his proposals for Undertaking to Ereel an Engine fu
Weighing of Hay, and Attending upon thai Business
As Entred the 23d. of Sept. last past.
Several Petitions being Presented The Reading of
was defer'd 'till Afternoon.
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned to Three O'Clock, Al
noon.
Afternoon. The Town being Assembled according to Adjourn-
ment.
[.*501.] Several Petitions were Read, Viz'.
Of Mr. -John Itooton.
( >f Mr. Samuel Bi
( )f .Air. Samuel Ilolyoke.
Of Mr. John Procter.
Of Capt. Daniel Pecker and Others )
( lollectors for the Year. 1 I'M \
Mr. Thomas Hutchinson Jun r . in the Name and Behalf of Mr.
Peleg Wiswal, Master of the North Grammar School That
Town would please to allow him an Usher in the ool
At least for some part of the Year, when the School is ;
numerous.
Several Reports were Read, Viz'.
The Select Mens Report of a Bill to be pass'd into a B;
For making Effectual Provision Cor the Regular and Season
Sweeping of ( 'himnies.
Report of a Committee On the Petition of the rnhabitai
Rumney Marsh.
Report of a Committee respecting the Towns-Slip, at the I
end of Wood-Lane.
Upon a Motion made by Mess™. Daniel Loring and Ai
Eliot, Viz'. That the Town would plea-- I i Excuse them
Serving in t of Assi Year ensuing li
Chosen to thai Service in March last,
Voted Thai Mess" Daniel Loring and Andrew I. . and
hereby are Excused Accordingly.
Mes P
William Sail
were Chosen Assessors, for the Year ensuing.
["305.1 Mess™. Jonathan Read I , . S
\\ illiam .Moie \ . Swi
were Chosen Constables for the Y
194 City Document No. QG.
Mess". Harvey Thomas. Sworn ")
Joseph Savell f Viewers & Cullers
Samuel Green. Sworn ( of Staves
Samuel (Jooding J
were Chosen Viewers and Cullers of Staves.
Voted, That Mr. Richard Salter be, and hereb} 7 is Excused
from Serving as Clerk of the Market, the year ensuing.
Mess". Ezekiel Needham Sworn ~\
Joseph Ilalsey Jun r . Sworn V Clerks of Market.
John Compton Sworn )
were Chosen Clerks of the Market, the year ensuing.
Mr. Ebenezer Wallis, was Chosen A Sealer of Leather.
Mess" Dndson Kilcup . . . Excus'd ) rT
n ., 1T L j? , , >• Hogreves.
David Mason . . . Excus d j °
were Chosen Hogreves for the year ensuing.
Mess". John Scollay . . . Sworn ) TT
t aii or Hogreves
James Alexander . . Sworn J °
were Chosen Hogreves for the year ensuing.
Mr. Cushing from the Committee Appointed the 13 th . of March
last, to Consider the Petition of Sundry Inhabitants of the District
of Rumney Marsh Praying to be sett Off from this Town, in
Order to their being Incorporated into a Separate and distinct
Township Presented their Report Which was Read,
And is as follows, Viz'.
The Committee Appointed to Consider of the foregoing Petition,
have Attended that Service And having had a Conference
with Sundry of the Principal Petitioners, have heard all they had to
Offer in Support [306.] Of said Petition And afier mature
Deliberation had thereon, The Committee are of Opinion
That as to any inconvenience which either does now, or may
hereafter Attend the Petitioners with respect to the Support of
their present Minister, Or in Settling and Supporting any others
in time to come, It may fully be redressed by their being made a
Precinct, when the}' shall Petition for that purpose and it be
Judg'd reasonable.
As to any difficulties the Petitioners Apprehend they are now
under, with respect to the School, the due apportioning the Taxis,
and their High Ways — The Committee are of Opinion — That the
Town may give relief (as they think needful) in a more reasonable
Manner than by Voting them Off a distinct Township.
And We are therefore, on the whole, Of Opinion that this Pe-
tition be dismiss'd.
All which is humbly Submitted.
P
Thomas Cushing Jun s .
Samuel Adams,
May, 8th, 1738. Andrew Tyler
Robert Hand,
Jacob Parker
After some Debate —
Voted, That this Report be Accepted — And That the Petition
bo accordingly Dismiss'd.
BoST< -N Tm\v\ Re( i >RDS, 1 ? 195
Report of a Committee appointed the II March, 17
Audi) the Town Treasurers Accounts, Cor the year past, \-
Entred in the Treasun epted and
\ d, That the Treasurer be discharged Accordingly.
I, A Grant of Eight Thousand - •"■ I "> . Hundred
Pounds, to be liaised by a Tax upon Polls and Est ites, within
the Town of Boston ; for Reliel and Defraying other
necessary Charges, Arising within and for said Town, the year
ensuing.
Upon a Motion made and seconded, respecting the I
Treasurers Allowance The following (Question was put,
Viz'. Whether any larger Allowance should be made to the Town
Treasurer, than what has been formerly made him?
ed in the Affirmative.
■1. That the Sum of One Hundred and Eighty Pounds be,
and hereby is Allowed, to be paid to the Honourable -b -
Wadsworth Esquire, Town Treasurer, for his y in that
■e the \ ear past.
I following Gentlemen were Chosen Auditors of the Town
Treasurers Accounts for the year ensuing. Viz'.
The lion. Edward Hutchinson Esquire.
The Hon. Ezekiel Lewis Esquire.
The Hon. Anthony Stoddard Esquire.
Mr. John Arbuthnot
Hugh I Iall Esquire.
Upon the Petition of Mr. John Hooton, Praying — that the
W ste Water which runs from Fishstrcet upon Gallop's Wharf, so
called, maybe caused to run into the Slip at the lower End
Wood Lane, for Reasons in said Petition mentioned ;
d, That the Select Men be, and hereby are Desired to
< onsider the Subject Matter of this Petition, and [mpowercd to
in that Affair, according to their Discretion.
The M >tion (which was made, at the Opening this Meeting
giving Instructions to the Representatives beii i under
» ,-i leration, After sonic Debate thereon,
[J3DS.] Voted, To Chuse a Committee to Draw up Instruc-
tion- accordingly, Upon the following Heads, Viz'. Concerning the
Trade of this Province, and the Paper Currency; The Extraor-
dinary Proportion of the Public Taxes, they apprehend this Town
pays; And also relating to the Dividing the County of Suffolk.
\ l that the Committee be desired to lay the same before
Town — for their Consideration, At the (intended) Adjournment
of this Meeting.
Voted, That the Number of this Coramil
Voted, That Capt. Nathanael Cunningham,
Mr. I lugh V
Mr. Peter Thomas
Mr. .lames Allen,
Mr. Edward Bromfield
be a Committee for the Ends aforesaid.
Voted, '1 'hat this Meeting be Adjourned to Wednesday next, the
17th. Current. At Three O'Clock Aft >n.
196 City Document No. 66.
Wednesday, May, 17th. The Town being Assembled,
The Select Mens Report of the Draught of A Bill to be Pass'd
into a By-Law, for making Effectual Provision for the regular and
seasonable Sweeping of Chimnies Read, as follows Viz'.
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston, duly Qualified, and Warned as the Law
directs, in Town Meeting Assembled, the Tenth of May,
1738.
For the Making Effectual Provision for the regular and season-
able Sweeping the Chimnies of this Town
[309.] It is Voted and Ordered.
That the Select Men of the Town, for the Time being, be hereby
Directed and Impowered, from time to time, to Appoint One or
more Sutable Persons to be Sweepers of Chimnies within this
Town, Who shall give Security, to the Satisfaction of the Select
Men, for their good Behaviour in said Office, And Whose Wages
for their Work and service shall not exceed the rates hereafter
mentioned.
Viz'.
For Each Chimny of Five Stories high, Three Shillings.
Of Four Stories high, Two Shillings and Six pence.
Of Three Stories high, Two Shillings.
All other Common Chimnvs, Twenty pence.
And all Kitchen Chimnvs that are above the Tops of the
House they belong to, in proportion to the heighth of the
House, at the Rates above.
And If any Person whomsoever Who is not so Appointed, as
aforesaid, Shall presume, either by himself or servant, to under-
take the Sweeping of any Chimny in this Town, Except such
Chimny or Chimnies as are under his or their own Improvement,
Shall Forfeit and Pay the sum of Twenty Shillings for every such
Offence.
And it is further Ordered.
That every Person or Persons so appointed by the Select Men,
to be Undertakers of Chimny-Sweeping, Shall be Obliged within
Forty eight Hours (After Notice given them in writing) either by
themselves, or some other Person (to be Approved by the Select
Men) duly to Attend the Sweeping of such Chimny, On Penalty
of Forfeiting the Sum of Twenty Shillings, for every such neglect.
And it is further Ordered.
That upon Complaint made to any of the Select Men, either by
the Chimny Sweepers, Or by any Other of the Inhabitants of this
Town, Against any Person or Persons neglecting to have their
Imimnvs Swept, being foul, that in every such case, the Select
Men, or any two of them, are hereby Impowered to Inspect and
View the. said Chimny or Chimin's complained against, as afore-
said ; And if they judge the [310.] Said Chimnies. or any of
them unsafe, to make or keep Fire therein, by reason of their being
foul, and want of Sweeping, and Signify the same to the Person or
Persons then in Possession of the Tenement to which such Chimny
doth belong, That then, and in every such Case, the Occupier of
Boston Town Records, 1738. 197
every such House or Teueraenl shall forfeit and pay the sum of
Five Shillings for every Day in which Fire shall be kept in such
Chimin . until the same shall be sufficiently Swept.
And it is furl her Ordered.
Thai if any Chimny shall take Fire, ami blaze out at the lop,
tlnu' foulness or for want of Sweeping, the Occupier of the II nisc
shall forfeit and pay the sum of Twenty Shillings In 1* — ;
it shall liappen within Thirty Days After said Cliimii have,
been swept; And then. Ami in such Case, the Person who last
Bwepl the same, shall forfeit ami pay the aforesaid Fine of Twenty
Shillings; Provided, the said Fire shall lie Occasioned thro' foul-
ness, or his delect in Sweeping.
This Order to continue and be in Force, for the Space of Three
Years, And no longer.
The foregoing Order having been Read several times
Voted That the same be Accepted : And that the Select .Men he
Desired to present it toy . Courtof General Sessions of the Peace,
next to he holden at Boston lor the County of Suffolk, for their
Approbation.
The Petition of Capt. Daniel Pecker and Other- I rs of
Taxes, for the Year, 17.">7, Praying that the Assessors may he al-
lowed io set upon Abatements until the last Day of Septem
next, for Reasons mentioned. Read.
\ ted. That the Prayer of the Petitioner- be Granted.
[oil. | A Petition of Mr. Samuel Bass, Praying that the
Town would please to Impower their Select Men. to make Sale of
a Peice of Land, belonging to the Town, which is in his Occupa-
tion, and adjoins to his Own Land, in Water Street. Ami to Exe-
cute a good Deed in the Law for the same, to him, tor a valuable
Consideration Read.
Voted, That the Select Men lie. and herdy arc Desired to < "ii-
sider the Subject Matter of this Petition, And that they Report
their Opinion thereon, at the next General Town Meeting.
Capt. Nathanael Cunningham, from the Commit!
die LOth. instant, to Draw up Instructions for the Representatives,
Presented a Draught which they had accordingly Prepared
And laid the same before the Town for their Consideration.
Which are as follows, Viz'.
To Messieurs Thomas Cushing Juu r .
Thomas Hutchinson Jun r . John load, and
Samuel Sewall, Esquires,
crentlemen,
We the Freeholders, and Other Inhabitants of the Town of
Boston, duly qualified and regularly Assembled, Having < li sen
You for Our Representatives, to Appear for I
and General Court of this Province, for the year ensuing ;
And Whereas, This Province in general. a-< well as I I wn in
particular, labour under the greatesl hard-hip- difficulties and
tresses upon many Accounts, And which are daih gr >wing and
increasing upon l*s, without any signal prospi f;
And Although in the General You are Intrusted
Powers And We cannot but Hope, that You will consult the
108 City Document No. G6.
t tene> al Good of the Province as well as the Particular Advantage
of this Town
[31*i.] Yet, Esteeming it Our Duty in this unhappy Juncture
of Affairs, to Request of You, to Exert All Your Powers in Con-
junction with the other Worthy Members of the Honourable House
of Representatives, to Guard against, and Defend Us from All En-
croachments that may be Attempted against Our Natural Rights,
and Charter Privileges And that it may not be Objected to
You by any Person whatever, that You do not Act agreeable to the
Mind of Your Principals, upon several importants Heads,
We would in a more especial manner earnestly Recommend to
You
I. Our Trade, Which labours under Utmost Discouragements
by the extremity of low Markets abroad, Our Neighbouring Gov-
ernments, Especially Rhode Island, who are daily Rivalling of us,
in Our Trade and Medium or Paper Currency, And the liberty they
have of Importing the Surplussage of all their Commodities, Foreign
and Domestick into this Province for Sale at such Easy rates, And
Our Excessive Taxes. Add to them Our Impost to be Paid in
Silver and Gold, And the many frauds practiced in the Quality,
Weight, and Measure of almost all Commodities, either Consumed
amongst Us, Or bought up for Foreign Markets. These altogether
are such Burthens as are insupportable, And if not rectified, will iu-
danger the Trade of the whole Province ; For it is evident beyond
Contradiction, That if Rhode Island can make what Paper Bills
they please. And Our Hands are tyed, so that We can make none
And yet Our Necessities should Oblige Us to take theirs,
And part with valuable Commodities, Nay, even Our Lands for
them — If we continue to be heavily Taxed, whilst they are free
from Taxes, What Advantages are there which they will not have over
this Province? They may Purchase it all in a few years, if they go
on, and increase in proportion to what they have done in Seven years
past. And therefore. In Order [313.] To increase Our Trade,
We Apprehend, it will be absolutely Necessary to have a Sufficient
Medium, under good Regulations and reject theirs, And to lessen
Our Taxes, especially Our Impost. And a further Encouragement
to Our Trade will be, to Enact that a Draw-back be allowed upon
all Foreign Goods imported, upon which there is a Duty paid,
Upon their being re-exported, As is highly reasonable, And the
well known Practice of Our Mother Country.
II. And Whereas We Apprehend ( hirselves grievously Oppressed
by a very huge and disproportionate part of the Province Tax laid
upon Us for Several Years past, compared with the proportion paid
by Other Towns within this Province, and however the proportion
may have been heretofore thought reasonable Yet, as all
things are liable to mutation, so the Circumstances of this Town of
late years are exceedingly Altered, by reason Several Maritime
Towns within this Province are continually Rivalling of Us, And
have actually Stripped Us of several Valuable Branches of Trade,
which must necessarily render Us less able to pay Our wonted Tax.
Whilst they are more able, and ought to pay much larger, than
they have heretofore done. And Although We have often Com-
Boston Town Records, 1" 199
plained Yet hitherto have had little or no redress, An
the Scarcity of Bills ol Credit, and the Decay of Our Trade and
lessening Our Navigation increases upon Us, So Our I ught
to be reduced in proportion.
And therefore, We Earnestly Desire You to Scrutinize into the
Circumstances, Trade, and Taxes of the Several Towns within this
Province, And so Endeavour thai Our proportion of the Public
Province Tax may be reduced According to Our Circumstances At
this Da}', compared with Other Towns.
111. Our Bills of Public Credit, which arc of tin- Utmost Con-
cern to the General Interest of this Province, As well as the Trad-
ing Towns in particular — And as the distressing Circumstan
of this Province 314,] Arc increasing upon Us in proportion to
their being called in and destroyed, without sutable Provision
being made for somewhat to pass as a .Medium in lieu thereof,
the Consequence must be terrible, if not fatal to this Province.
And therefore, We stongly In join You not to consent to any fur-
ther Supply of the Treasury for any growing Charge of the Prov-
ince Unless the Funds for discharging the same be put on sut:
Years after Seventeen Hundred and Forty One. And as tin I
are Exceeding high already, And that We may not be left a prey
to the arbitrary will of every Officer, who may Occasionally have
A Demand upon Us in relation to his Fees, We would therefore
Recommend to You that You Use Your Utmost Endeavour that
the Fees of the Officers may be fixed and ascertained to prevent,
Oppression, Uncertainty, and Disputes, which will necessarily
Arise, Unless some good law be made to prevent the same. — And
that no greater Fines be laid upon the Militia, unless the same be
appropriated towards defraying the Charge and Expence of such
Town to which they belong, According to the Design of Acts
already made for that purpose.
We likewise [njoin You to Oppose the foreclosing the Delibera-
tions of future Assemblies between this, and Seventeen Hundred
and Forty One, relating to the Bills of Public Credit of the Old
lenor; but that they may he left free Lo Act when the Years shall
come, According as they shall judge most Advisable i • ifety
of the Province.
And inasmuch as past Assemblies have interrupted the Opera-
tion of the Province Hills of the Old Tenor, and have not suffered
them to pass according to the true intent of their Emission, but
have made Hills of a New Tenor to Exchange the Old Bi Is, So that
the very Nature of them are intirely alter'd, which will inevitably
Cause the utmost perplexity in the Affairs of the Province
[315.] Therefore. We likewise Enjoin Yon to Use Your ut-
most Power and Influence to Obtain An Act for striking off so
many Bills of the Old Tenor, as will re-exchange all the Bills of
the New Tenor already exchanged for the Old, That thereby
said Old Bills may Operate according to their Funds, and as shall
be most consistent with the safety of this Province.
And. that the growing Charge of this Province added I
Funds already laid for calling in all Out irrencyby Seven-
teen Hundred and Fort)' One, may lie set in a true light to
200 City Document No. GG.
shew the impractibility if not the impossibility of its being done,
without causing the Utmost Confusion, if not Destruction of this
Province :
We herewith present You with the following Account
1738. Fund for Calling in this present
Year, the Sum of .
The Representatives Pay, for the
Current Year ....
£ Part of the Other Charge of the
Current Year.
1739. Fund for Calling in that Year .
The Representatives Paj r for 1738
£ Part of the Province Charge on )
the year 1738 . j
£ Part of the Charge of the Current )
Year
£ s
d
47875 ,,
n
4000 „
n
10000 ,,
n
.61875 ,,
38025 „
4000 ,,
10000
13333
6.5338 „
10000
13333
1740. Fund for Calling in that Year . 46525
The Representatives Pay for 1738 . 4000
£ Part of the Province Charge the }
Year 1738 . . . . j
£ Part of the Province Charge the j
Year 1739 . . . . }
£ the Province Charge for that Cur- ) 9nn An
rent Year . . . ) "
[316.] 1741. Fund for Calling in .
The Representatives Pay, for 1738
£ Part of the Province Charge the
year 1738 ....
& Part of Ditto, 1739 .
i the Province Charge of 1740 .
The Whole Charge of the Province
the Current Year
So that according to the projected Scheme, this Province must
bring into the Treasury Every Bill of this Province by Seventeen
Hundred and Forty One, Which Amounts to the Sum of Three Hun-
dred and Sixty Thousand, Nine Hundred and Forty Nine, Pounds
Or Otherwise Three Hundred and Sixty Thousand, Nine
Hundred and Forty Nine Ounces of Silver, Saving what small
Matter may be paid into the Treasury in Hemp and Flax.
.93858 „
11
£52525 „
4000 ,,
11
j- 10000 ,,
11
13333 „
20000 ,,
11
11
I 40000 ,,
11
£139858 ,,
11
Boston Town Records, 1738. 201
Thus stand- the Stair and View of Our Affaii
Wherefore, We [njoin You to Use V ■ Utmost Powers, That
the Funds he laid in Paper Bills of the < >ld Tenor, and not in Bills
of the New Tenor redeemable in silver and Gold, Which cannot
possibly be Obtained by the Inhabitants of'this Provin
And as the lessening of the Excise will increase the Publick
Taxes, So, We Injoin Von to make a due Inquiry into the Method
etting the same out to Farm, And Whether there lias nol been
indirect methods Used therein; And thai the Same be Rectified
and Regulated according to the True Intent and Meaning of the
Act Especially in relation to the Excise of the County of
Suffolk.
[.'517.] And, Whereas We Apprehend there will be An
Attempt made for t he Division of this County — We would Ear-
nestly Desire You to Oppose the same; — And for R< 3, We
Refer Yon to the Answer of the Town of Boston, relating to that
Affair, Exhibited to the ( Ireat and ( reneral Court , at their Session,
the 19 th . Nov. 1735.
All which is Humbly Submitted
By,
Your most Humble Servants,
Naui'. Cunningham.
Hugh Vans.
I'i .1 1.1; Thom \-.
.1 \ '. A 1.1 1 \.
The foregoing Instructions having been several Times distinctly
Read. And I >e iated,
\ 1 I, That they be Accepted And that An Attested Copy
of the same be, by the Town Clerk deliver'd to Each of the Gen-
tlemen the Representatives of the Town of Boston, As the In-
structions id Town.
I '•! a Motion made and Seconded by many.
e rhanks of this Town be given to the Gentlemen
the < e for Instructions, for their pains taken in draft
the - ime.
A Petition of Mr. John Procter, Master of the North Wi
Praying that his Salary might be Advanced, I
Reasons therein mentioned
Ri I And the Question being put, Viz'. Whether the Town
will at this time make any Addition to the Salary of Mr. John
Procter i
\ '1. in 1 he Affirmative.
[318.] Voted, That the Sum of Forty Pounds p Annum be
Ad Sal :' Mr. John Proet< the
last Quarterly payrrn nt, Viz t . the 13th. of March last past.
A Petition of Mr. Samuel Holyoke, M 3ter of the. Writing
School in Queen Street Praying for such Additi
arv. As the Town shall judge proper, for Reasons □
Read.
And the Question being put, Viz'. Whether the Town would
make any Addition to Mr. Holyoke's Salary?
Voted, In the Affirmative.
202 City Document No. 66.
Voted, That the Sum of Fifty Pounds p Annum be Added to
the Salary of Mr. Samuel Holyoke, to Commence from the last
Quarterly payment. Viz', the 25th. of March last past.
A Motion made by Mr. Hutchinson, at the Opening this Meeting,
in the Name and Behalf of Mr. Peleg Wiswall, Master of the
North Grammar School, Praying for the Allowance of An
Usher in the said School, at least for some part of the year,
when the School is most numerous being taken into
Consideration,
Voted, That the Affair of placing An Usher in the North
Grammar School, in Answer to the Motion of Mr. Hutchinson,
above mentioned, be Refer'd to the Select Men ; who are hereby
Desired and Impowered to Act therein as they shall judge most
for the benefit and advantage of the said School.
The Committee Appointed the 14th of March last, Upon the
Motion of Mr. Richard Buckley, to Consider the Circumstances of
the Towns Slip, at the lower end of Wood Lane, &c. Presented
[311).] Their Report, Which was Read, And is as follows, Viz 1 .
Pursuant to the Vote, and Desire of the Town of
Boston, at their Annual Meeting the 13th of March,
last past
We the Subscribers have Attended the Service — Desired of
Us Have view'd the Towns Slip, or Dock at the lower end ol
Wood-lane Have also Discoursed with the Neighbours re-
specting the filling up the same, Who we find do approve thereof;
And therefore Report As follows, Viz'.
That We Apprehend it may be convenient for the Town to
allow the Abutters on the said Slip to Wharf across the same,
about Two Hundred and Thirty feet from Fish street, And to fill
up the Slip — Provided, The}' lay down and maintain a Sufficient
Common Shore, to the End of the said Wharf, in Order to carry
off the Water (from those Cellars) that now does or may run into said
Slip And further, That the said Abutters maintain a conven-
ient Passage or Gutter for conveying the Water from the St net to the
End of the said Wharf — to be performed to the satisfaction of the
Select Men.
All which is Humbly Submitted, &c. — ■
By
Edward Hutchinson.
Boston May 8 th . 1738. Andrew Tyler
Dan l . Henchman
Voted, That this Report be Accepted.
Mr. Joseph Ingraham was Chosen One of the Viewers and cul-
lers of Staves, for the year Ensuing.
Upon the Motion of Mr. Nathanael Warded Jun r . at the Open-
ing this Meeting, Praying the Town would please to revive their
Vote, or Order respecting his Proposals for Undertaking to Erect
an Engine for Weighing of Hay &c. [3&0»] Entred the 23 d . Sept.
last past.
Voted, That the Consideration of Mr. Wardell's '.lotion be
refer'd to the next General Town Meeting.
Voted, That the Thanks of this Town be given to Mr. Cushing.
Boston Town Recouds, LI
the Moderator, for his greal Pains in Regulatin .
to tll( Busilll 98 Ol til VJ :i_ r .
Then tin- Meeting was Disraiss'd
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston, duly Qualified, and Warned Law,
in Public Town-Meeting Assembled al I I U i Tues-
day the Twenty first of November, Anno Domini, i .
The Warrants for Calling the Meeting Head.
Mr. Thomas dishing Jun r . was Chosen Moderator.
Petitions and Motions. Viz'.
\ Petition of Sundry Inhabitants of Rumney Marsh ■
Read.
I S lecl Men made a Motion for Petitioning
for Liberty to bring forward, - ipencur Court in I
Action of Review, against the Heirs of Jam II, for reversing
a Judgment Obtain'd in Said Court against the Town, for 1';
Parcel of Land, and Shop thereon, now in the Possession of John
and Richard Billings.
Mr. Nathanael Wardell Jun r . made a .Motion for reviving a
Voir of the _ Town, pass'd the 23. Sept. 17o7. upon Ins Pn
Exhibited, relating to I ling of Haw
[321.] A Petition of Saiidn of the Inhabit an
I ol Rumney-Marsh, within the Township of Boa iented
to the Great and General Court, to be Set off and Erected A dis-
tinct and Separate Township, with the Order of ( L'reon,
Read.
And after Some Debate thereon.
Voted, To Chuse a Committee to take the said I under
Consideration, to Draw up an Answer to the sam» lay it
before the Town, for their approbation, in Order to its being pre-
1 to the General Court at their next Sitting,
ed, That the Com' I nsist of Five Persons.
\ oted, That. Mess". Hugh Vans.
Joseph Marion
James Allen
Edward Bromfield
Nathanael ( 'unninghara
Be a Committee for the Ends aforesaid.
Voted, That the Committee be Desired to Ri Town.
On Monday next the Twenty Seventh Instant, at
ater Noon to which Time it is proposed leeting
should be Adjourned, to receive the same.
n the Motion of th : Men, for P
Court, for Liberty to bring forward, at the Supi >urt in
B , An Action of R( jainst the Heirs of Jame* Everill,
for reversing a Judgment Obtain'd in said Con,'
for Part of a Parcel of Land and Shop thereon, m Pos-
n of John and Richard Billii
Voted. That the Select-Men of the Town for I • i
directed in behalf of the Town; Humbly to P
eral Court for leave to bring forward at the S urt iu
204 City Document No. 66.
Boston. An Action of Review against the Heirs of James Everell,
for the Reversing a Judgment Obtain'd at the said Superiour Court
against the Town for part of a Parcel of Land, and Shop thereon,
now in the Possession of John and [322.] Richard Billings, the
Time by Law for bringing forward said Action being elapsed, not-
withstanding. And the said Select Men are Impowered to
pursue the said Review to Effect.
A Motion of Mr. Nathanael Warded Jun r . made at the
Public Town Meeting the 10th. of May last past, That the Town
would please to revive their Vote, pass'd the 23d Sept. 1737. re-
specting his Proposals for Erecting an Engine for Weighing of Hay,
brought to Market in Carts &c. being Referr'd to the Con-
sideration of the Town at this Meeting
The Town accordingly proceeded to Consider the same and after
some Debate thereon
Voted, That the Select-Men be, and hereby are Desired to pre-
pare the Draft of a By-Law relating to Weighing of Hay brought
to Market in Carts, and other Land Carriage, and lay the same
before the Town, at the Adjournment of this Meeting, for their
Consideration.
Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned to Monday next the
Twenty Seventh of November Currant, at Three O'Clock, After
Noon.
Monday, November, 27th. 1738.
The Town being Assembled according to Adjournment.
The Select Men Presented the Draft of a By-Law for Weighing
of Hay Read.
Which is as follows, Viz 1 .
Whereas, the Inhabitants of the Town of Boston labour under
difficulties and hardships in respect of the weight of Hay brought
to Market, by reason whereof Disputes often arise between the
Buyer and Seller And it beiug propos'd, As a Remedy
therefor to Erect [328.] An Engine at the Entrance into the
Town convenient for Weighing of Hay
It is therefore ordered,
That from and after the first Day of March next ensuing, Pro-
vided the said Engine be then Erected, All Carts, and other Car-
riages of Hay as they come into Town, shall be Weighed, and a
Tally with the Weight of the Cart and Hay be then fix'd upon it,
and that the Cart or Carriage upon its return be Tared, and the
Weight thereof mark'd on it.
That a Suitable Person be appointed by the Town for such Term
of Time as they shall think convenient, to take care that the said
Engine be kept in good Repair, and to see the Weight of all Hay
thus brought to Market, and to Tally the same, and mark the car-
riages on their return as aforesaid. And that the said Person shall
be under Oath to do Justice between Buyer and Seller, and shall
attend from Sun-rising to Sun-setting, and shall make an Entry of
all the Hay he weighs.
That there be allowed to the said Person for every Load of Hay
so weigh'd, Four pence for each Hundred of Hay so weigh'd, to be
Boston Town Records, 1 205
paid by the Person who buys the Bame : Or in case of bis absence
at tli" Time of Weighing, then to be paid by the [mpo
shall be reimbursed by the Buyer.
That after the said firsl Day of March, and tl
Engine, If any Person Inhabitant of the Town of Boston aforesaid,
shall Buy any Nay thus broughl to Market, without the same be
Grst weigh'd as above. He or they shall forfeit and pay the Sum of
Twenty Shillings for every load or parcel so bought.
Mr. Marion made a motion, that Mr. Nathanael WardelPs name
might be mentioned in the preamble of the By-Law for Weighing
of Hay he being the Person that pro - I ine.
Accordingly
The Quesl ion being put,
-I in the Negative.
[324,] The foregoing Order or By-Law, having been I.
three several times
Voted, That the same be Accepted, And that the S< led Men be,
and hereby are directed to Present it to the Court of General S( s-
sions of the Peace next to be holden at Boston, for their Appro-
bation.
Mr. Hugh Vans from the Committee appointed the 21st. instant,
to draw up an Answer to the Petition of Sundry Inhabitants of
Rumney-Marsh — Presented the same Which was Bead
and is as follows.
Pursuant to the Vote of the Town, the 21st. of November
instant, The Committee appointed to draw up an Answ<
a Petition of some of the Inhabitants of Rumney Marsh
which they have prefer'd to the General Court, Praying that
they may b otf, as a Separate Township Have
Attended that Service, and Accordingly have Drafted and
Signed, an
Answer, which they now Present to the Town, Viz'.
Province of the \
Massachusetts Bay j
To II - Excellency Jonathan Belcher Esquire Captain
General and Governour in Chief, the Honourable the
Council, and Honourable House of Representatives of said
Province, in General Court assembled at Boston, the Thir-
tieth of November 1 't
The Answer of the Inhabitants of the Town <>( Boston, to
Petition of a small number [.'{'-£;">.] Of the Inhabitants of the
District, Number Thirteen — commonly called Rumney Marsh,
part of said Town, to this Honourable Court Praying that
they may be set off as adistinct Township, for a S i ;
Contained in said Petition.
The Town of Boston, Humbly Sheweth,
That Some of the Inhabitants of the District of Rumney Marsh
did on the Thi rty first of January, One Thousand Seven hundred
and Thirty lour. Prefer a Petition, and on the thirteenth of March.
Thousand Seven Hundred an i I Si ven prefer one other
Petition to the Town of Boston, in order to obtain from 1 own
Several Advantages, and also ti off as a distinct Township.
206 City Document No. 66.
Iu regard to Said Petitions, the Town appointed two Several
Coa?mittees to hear the Petitioners, Consider of, and Report what
they thought adviseable for the Town to do thereon. Which
Service they accordingly performed The Copy of which
Petitions with the Reports thereon, We humbly beg leave to lay
before this Honourable Court.
And We may Justly Observe, and sa} r ,
That in Answer to all their Petitions and Complaints heretofore
made, where there has been the least colour, the Town have
readily pointed out proper Remedies, and stand ready to afford
them.
And the Petitioners having been Conscious that the Town are
ready to do so, have betaken themselves to this slender Plea, of
Passing Winnisimet Ferry ; Which We apprehend they would
never have done, were there not some Secret Springs of their
Actions, which we cannot Account for, notwithstanding all their
dutifal and affectionate Regard to their Mother Town, so fully
express'd in their present Petition.
But, Inasmuch as they think it most for their Service to lay so
great Stress upon That Single, tho' [326.] Small inconvenience,
We think it incumbent upon us to Observe, That there has ever
been given them, so little interruption in that matter, as that
Neither they nor their predecessors have ever heretofore thought
it sufficient cause of Complaint to the Town, nor can they Say,
that One year in Ten (Communibus Annis) for the Time past,
they have been prevented in giving their Attendance at Town-
Meetings: Nor can it be reasonably Supposed that for the future
they will be otherwise interrupted by that means, which they make
no difficulty of in daily exposing themselves to, in the common
affairs of Life But should they. Yet their coming by Penny-
Ferry will be attended with very little charge and trouble.
We would now humbly beg leave to lay before Your Excellency
and Honours the unreasonableness of the Prayer of said Petition,
I. In Respect to the Inhabitants of that District.
It ought reasonably to be Supposed, that When any Petition is
prefer'd to this Honourable Court for such a Separation as is
desired by the Petitioners, that it is the Mind of the Principal
number of the Inhabitants, Or to remove some Grand Inconvenien 
