Records relating to the early history of Boston ..

A REPORT

RECORD COMMISSIONERS

CITY OF BOSTON,

CONTAINING THE

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1758 TO 1769.

BOSTONIA

CONDITAAD.

'*, 163O

Store itf

BOSTON:
ROCKWELL AND CHURCHILL, CITY PRINTERS,

No. 39 ARCH STREET.
1886.

[DOCUMENT 88—1886.]

CITY OF lUPi BOSTON,

A REPORT

RECORD COMMISSIONERS.

The present, the Sixteenth Report of the Record Commis-
sioners, contains the proceedings of the Town of Boston
i'rom A.D. 1758 through 1769. Of the special topics con-
sidered during that period in town meetings, we may note
the following : Schools, Inns, Faneuil-Hall Market, the Fire
of 1760, Inoculation, Long Wharf, and Beacon Hill. A
project to establish Hancock's Hospital, and another to pre-
pare a list of great benefactors of the town, were approved,
but came to naught. The great feature of these meetings
— one which will make this volume of lasting value — is the
political action of the town during this exciting period, when
its representatives were Otis, Gushing, Hancock, and Adams.
The votes of the town were public matters, whose influence
reached throughout the Colonies. Herein will be seen the
beginnings of the Revolution, and the steps by which our
ancestors arrived at political freedom.

For the Record Commissioners,

WILLIAM H. WHITMORE.

CITY HALL, BOSTON, Dec. 31, 1886.

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS.

[VOL. IV. OF THE ORIGINAL BOOKS.]

[4O8J.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabi-
tants of the Town of Boston legally qualify'd and Warned in
Public Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil-Hall on Monday the
13th. day of March AD 1758.

Prayer was made by the Revd. Mr. Sam1. Checkley Sr.
The Warrant for calling the Meeting. Read.
Sundry Laws. Read.

John Phillips Esqr. was chose Moderator of this Meeting and
took the Oath respecting his paying & receiving Bills of Credit of
the Governments of Connecticut New-Hampshire and Rhode
Island, as required by the Act of the Province.

Ezekiel Goldthwait was Chose Town Clerk for the Year ensuing,
and having taken the Oath required by the Act of the Province,
relating to his paying and receiving Bills of Credit of the other
Governments, took the Oath of Office which were administred by
John Phillips Esqr.

Sundry Petitions. Read.

The Town proceeded to the Choice of seven Selectmen & the
Votes brought in & Sorted, it appeared that,
Samuel Grant Esqr.
Mr. Thomas Hill
Joshua Henshaw Esqr.
Joseph Jackson Esqr.
Mr. Thomas Gushing
Mr. Samuel Hewes
Mr. John Scollay

were unanimously chose, & Samuel Grant Esqr. & Mr. Thomas
Hill desired to be excused; the other Gentlemen [4O9.] Ac-
cepted and took the Oath required by Law, respecting their
receiving and paying Bills of the other Governments.

The Town brought in their Votes for 12 Overseers of the Poor
and being Sorted, it appear'd that,

The Hon°. Andrew Oliver Esqr.
John Phillips Esqr.
Mr. Isaac Walker
Ebenezer Storer Esqr.
Mr. John Barrett
Mr. John Tudor
Mr. Royall Tyler

2 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

Thomas Flucker Esq*.
Mr. William Phillips
James Pitts Esqr.

Mr. Benjamin Dolbeare

Mr. Isaac Smith,
were chose Overseers of the Poor for the Year ensuing.

Upon a Motion made & Seconded Voted that the Choice of
Assessors Constables and Collectors of Taxes be referr'd till the
Afternoon, to be taken into Consideration imediately after the
Choice of a County Treasurer.

Mess™. John Phillips Esqr.

Joseph Jackson Esqr.

Mr. John Scollay

Mr. Royall Tyler

Cap'. Hopestill Foster

John Howe Esqr.

Cap'. Newman Greenough

Cap'. Thomas Savage

Nath1. Wheelwright Esq'.

Mr. Joseph Jackson

Mr. William Cooper

Thomas Flucker Esqr.
were chose Firewards for the Year ensuing.

[4O9-|-.] The Town brought in their Votes for a Town Treas-
urer and upon viewing them, it appeared that Mr. Davd. Jeffries
was unanimously chose to that Office, and having taken the Oath
relating to his paying and receiving Bills of Credit of the other
Governments, was also Sworn to the faithful discharge of his Duty
in that Office.

Mess™. Samuel Austin

William Gray

Cornelius Thayer

Moses Peck

Samuel Dexter

Samuel Downe

John Winslow

Daniel Barker

Daniel Boyer

Thomas Leverett

Daniel Eveleth

Sam1. Hewes Junr

were chose Clerks of the Markett for the Year ensuing.
Mess™. William Nichols

Eobert Ford Sworn

Isaac White

William Pain Sworn

William Welsh Sworn

Obadiah Lowe Sworn

John Grant Sworn

Moses Eayres Sworn

Clement Collins

Andrew Symmes Sworn

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1758.

Isaac Vergoose Sworn

Thomas Bailey Sworn

were chose Surveyors of Boards for the Year ensuing.
Mess". Nathaniel Gardner

Joseph Belknap
were chose Informers of Deer for the Year ensuing.

[41O.] Mr. John Gray

was chose Surveyor of Hemp for the Year ensuing.
Mess™. Obadiah Low Sworn

Nath1. Wales

Onesiphorus Tilestone

Thomas Crafts

Samuel Simpson Sworn

Caleb Ray
were chose Fence Viewers for the Year ensuing.

Mr. Joseph Curtis

was chose Hay ward for the Year ensuing. Sworn.
Mess™. David Cutler

Martin Gay

were chose Assaymasters for the Year ensuing.
Mess™. Joseph Clarke Sworn

Thomas Hase Excus'd

John Child Sworn

James Downing Sworn

Josiah Carter Sworn

John Shepard Sworn

Henry Rhodes

were chose Sealers of Leather for the Year ensuing.
Mess™. Nath1. Bird

Samuel Smith

Thomas Foot

Philip Cooke

were choose Hogreeves for the Year ensuing.
Mess™. Belcher Noyes

Benja. Hammett

Thomas Walley

John Leverett

James Richardson

Isaac Savage

Samuel Phillips

John Forsyth

Daniel Coney

Christ0. Prince

Benja. Harrod

Edward Holliday
were chose Scavingers for the Year ensuing.

[41O£.] Mr. Issac Dupee

was choose Clerk of Faneuil Hall Market for the Year ensf.
Mess™. Samuel Treat

Joseph Dyer

David Spear

Robert Treat

4 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

John Hobbs Sworn

Jona. Gary
Edward Potter
Benjamin Ballard Sworn
Benjamin Barnard
John Hoskius
was chose Cullers of Staves for the Year ensuing.

Thomas Greene Joseph Jackson Esqrs. & Mr. John Scollay were
chose Purchasers of Grain for the Year ensuing, & they are desired
and impower'd to give all needful directions to the Keeper of the
Grainary respecting the Quantities of Grain to be Sold and Setting
the Price thereof from time to time as occasion may require.

The Hon°. Andrew Oliver Esqr. who was this day chose one of
the Overseers of the Poor, informed the Town that his Affairs and
Buisness will be such the ensuing Year, that he cannot faithfully
discharge his Duty in that Office, and therefore prays the Town
will excuse him.

Voted that said Andw. Oliver Esqr. be excus'd according7.

Upon a Motion made & Seconded, it was unanimously Voted
that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby is given to the Hon°.
Andrew Oliver Esqr. for the many good Services he has done the
Town as an Overseer of the Poor for about Seventeen Years past.

Samuel Grant Esqr. & Mr. Thomas Hill who were this day chose
Selectmen, informed the Town that they had Serv'd in that Office
for several Years past, that their Buisness was now such that they
could nut serve [411.] any longer, and pray'd to be excused.
#oted that said Gent", be Excus'd accordingly.

Voted unanimously that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby
is given to Samuel Grant Esqr. & Mr. Thomas Hill for the long
and faithful Services they have done the Town in Serving as
Selectmen for many Years past.

Andrew Oliver junr. Esqr.
Mr. Benjamin Austin,

were chose Selectmen in the Room of Samuel Grant Esqr. & Mr.
Thomas Hill who decline Serving, and they took the Oath required
by Law relating to receiving and paying Bills of Credit of the
other Governments.

Melatiah Bourn Esqr. was chose Overseer of the Poor in the
room of the Honble. Andrew Oliver E.sqr. who is Excus'd.

The Town brought in their Votes for a County Treasurer and
they were Sealed up by Const*. Patten, to be by him kept and re-
turned to the next Court of Quarter Sessions to be held for this
County.

Voted that there be twelve Constables chose for the Year ensu-
ing, distinct from the Collectors of Taxes.

Voted that any Person chose to Serve as a Constable, be ex-
cused upon paying a Fine of Three Pounds.

Voted that the Town will choose Collectors of Taxes for the en-
suing Year, and that there be but two choose.

Voted that six pence on the Pound be and hereby is allow'd to
be pay'd to such Persons as shall be chose Collectors of Taxes the
Year ensuing, for all such Sums as they shall Collect, provided

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1758. 5

they pay into the Town Treasury one half part of the whole Sums
they are obliged to pay him within four Months from the time they
receive the Tax Books from the Assessors, and the other half part
in three Months after; and also pay [41 1£.] into the Province
and County Treasuries one half part of the whole Sums they shall
be obliged to pay them respectively in seven Months from the time
they shall receive the Tax Books from the Assessors as aforesaid,
and the other half in five Months after, and in Case either of said
Collectors shall fail paying in manner aforesaid, the Collector so
failing shall not be entitled to the aforesaid allowance of six pence
on the Pound, but wholly forfeit the same. Provided also that
each of said Collectors give Bond with sufficient Sureties to the
satisfaction of the Selectmen for the faithful discharge of their
Duty in said Office and complying with this Vote.

The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for two Collectors of
Taxes and upon Sorting them it appeared that,

Thomas Greene Esqr. &

John Rowe Esqr.
were chose Collectors of Taxes for the Year ensuing.

Thomas Greene Esqr. declined Serving in the Office of a Col-
lector of Taxes, & having a Commission for a Justice of the Peace,
the Town apprehend he is not obliged to Serve, or pay the Fine.

Upon a Motion made and Seconded Voted that John Rowe Esqr.
be Excus'd from Serving in the Office of a Collector of Taxes.

A Motion was made and Seconded that the Town would re-
consider their Vote pass'd allowing six pence on the Pound only
for Collecting of Taxes, & after a long debate thereon it was
Voted that the further Consideration hereof be referr'd 'till to-
morrow Morning.

Voted that this Meeting be & hereby is Adjourned 'till tomorrow
Morning ten o'Clock.

[412.] Tuesday Morning ten o'Clock the Town Mett accord-
ing to Adjournment.

The Motion made Yesterday that the Town would reconsider
the Vote passed for allowing six pence only on the Pound for Col-
lecting the Taxes, was taken into Consideration, and after a long
debate thereon, Voted that the Town will allow no further Sum
than six pence on the Pound for Collecting the Taxes.

Voted that Thomas Greene Esqr. Mr. Royall Tyler & Mr. Wil-
liam Cooper be and they hereby are appointed a Committee to ex-
amine the Accompts of the Managers of the Boston Lotteries N08.
three four & five, and they are desired to make Report thereon aa
soon as may be.

Mess™. John Patten

Augustus Hail

Nath1. Thayer

Thomas Hubbard

David Bell

Thomas Bell

John Coverley

Eliphalet Parker

James Thomas

6 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

Thomas Gardner

John Cumston

Francis Salmon

were chose Constables for the Year ensuing.
Mess™. Cap*. John Goldthwait

William Fairfield

John Kneeland

Benja. Church

Peter Oliver

Samuel Edwards

Isaac White
were chose Assessors for the Year ensuing.

[412J.] The Selectmen's Report on the Accompt of Mr.
John Fenno Keeper of the Grainary for the Year past as Enter'd
in his Book (and on File in the Town Clerk's Office) Head, and
Voted that the same be accepted, and that Mr. Fenno be account-
able to the Town for 2220 Bushells of Corn, and 130 Bushells of
Rye remaining unsold, amounting to £259 ,, 6 ,,8 and also for the
Sum of £210 ,, 7 ,, 2£ Cash now in his hands, exclusive of the Sum
of £26 ,, 13 ,,4, exclusive of his Salary and Assistance as Charged
in said Accompt, which is hereby allowed him.

The Committee appointed the 14th. of March last to Audit the
Accompts of Mr. Treasurer Jeffries, now Reported that they had
attended that Service, & found the same right Cast and well
Vouch'd, in which he charges himself with sundry Fines Rents
and other Incomes of the Town, as also with the Tax of £.)000,
all which amount (including the Ballance of the old Accompt) to
£6918 " 1-8 — and the said Treasurer discharges himself by sundry
Abatements made the Collectors, by Drafts made by the Select-
men am0, to £2593 ,,8,,3f, and Drafts made by the Overseers
of the Poor, which contain the Charges of the Alms-house and
Work-house amounting to £171 4,, 8,, 3£ which we have in-
spected in a very particular manner, by exam8, every particular
Voucher produced by the Overseers for the amount of that Sum,
and every other Branch of Public Charge, all amounting to
£6749 ,, 8 ,, 11. by which it appears that when all the Taxes Rents
and Incomes of the Town are in, the Ballance will be £168 ,, 12 ,, 9
which the said Treasurer is further to account for, as ajwears^by
the Tryall ballance of said Accompt given in by sd. Committee and
oiTFil£ WTu^TSe^olrriS^Xccom^rbeing Read, Voted that the
same be Accepted.

The Committee appointed the 14th. of March last to Audit the
Accompts of the Overseers of the Poor, Report, that they had
attended that Service, & on Examination of each Particular Bill
for which said Overseers (413.) Drew on the Town Treasurer,
fire of the mind that considerable Saving has been imde to the
Town the Year past, by the Gentlemen Overseers paying for the
Wood Grain and other Articles in ready Money, and find there
is the Sum of £19:5 : 6 due to them for Interest on the Sums
advanc'd to this day, and that so much of their respective Taxes
should be allowed to each of them, as is their due out of their
respective Rates by the Collectors of Taxes, agreeable to the Vote

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1758. 7

of the Town. And said Committee further Report as their
Opinion, that it will be for the Interest of the Town to desire the
Gentlemen that may be chosen as Overseers of the Poor, for the
present Year, be clesir'd to buy all with Money, and that Interest
should be allowed them for advancing the same, and that what
shall be so Advanc'd shall be discounted out of their Taxes or
others for the Year 1758.

Interest due to the Gentlemen the Overseers of the Poor, for
Monies by them advanc'd in the Year past is as follows, viz'.
To Andrew Oliver Esqr £1 ,, 14 ,, 0.

Ebenezer Storer Esqr 4,, 2, ,8.

Mr. Isaac Walker „ 18 ...

Mr. John Barrett 1 „ 18 ...

Mr. John Tudor 1 ,, 10 ...

Thomas Flucker Esqr 2,,11...

Mr. Royall Tyler 1 ,, 4 . . .

Mr. William Phillips ,, 10 ...

James Pitts Esqr 2 ,, 8 ,, 2

Mr. Benja. Dolbeare ,, 15 „ 8

Mr. Isaac Smith 1 ,, 14 ...

£19 ,, 5 „ 6

which Report was Read and Accepted. And Voted that the Over-
seers of the Poor for the Year ensuing, be allow'd interest on all
such Sums as they shall Advance or Borrow for the Support of the
Poor.

The Town took into Consideration the Method of raising Monies
for the payment of Schoolmasters, for the Relief of the Poor, and
the defreying other necessary Charges, and after a very long do-
bate thereon. Voted that the Sum of [413£.] Money that shall
be agreed upon to be raised at this Meeting for the purposes afore-
said, shall, as soon as may be, be apportion'd by the Assessors,
and the Collectors of Taxes shall upon receiving said Assessments
from them, forthwith Collect and pay the same in to the Town
Treasury, & that no more than six pence on the Pound be allow'd
for Collecting of Taxes.

Voted that the Sum of Six Thousand Pounds Lawful money be
rais'd by a Tax upon Polls and Estates within this Town for
Relief of the Poor, and defreying other necessary Charges arising
within the Town the Year ensuing.

Voted that Thomas Greene James Boutineau and John Rowe
Esqrs. Mr. Nicholas Boylstone and Mr. William Cooper, be and
they hereby are appointed a Committee to Audit the Accompts of
Mr. Treasurer Jeffries, and also the Accompts of the Overseers of
the Poor, and the said Committee are dcsir'd & impower'd to In-
spect every particular Accompt of the Monies expended* for the
use of the Alms-house, they are also impowered when they shall
audit said Accompts to allow to said Overseers or such of them as
shall .advance Monies for the Support of the Poor, Interest on all
such Sums from the time advanc'd 'till they shall Audit said
Accompts.

8 CITY DOCUMENT .No. 88.

Voted that the Town proceed to the Choice of four Collectors of
Taxes, the Vote passed this Meeting for choosing only two, not-
withstanding, accordingly the Votes were brought in, and upon
Sorting them it appeared that,

Mess". John Ruddock
James Scutt
Jonathan Payson &
Samuel Adams,
were chose Collectors of Taxes for the Year ensuing.

In margin. [Tythingmen.] Nothing done thereon.

[414.] The Petition of sundry Inhabitants praying that the
Town would pave the lower end of Prince Street loading to
Charlestowu Ferry, for reasons therein mentioned, was Read, and
after a short debate, Voted that said Petition be dismiss'd.

The Petition of the Watchmen of the Town praying for an
Addition to their Wages, for reasons therein mentioned was
Read, Voted that said Petition be dismiss'd.

The Petition of Edward Holliday of Boston Shopkeeper, setting
forth, that Thomas Downe junr. was chose by the Town one of
their Collectors of the Public taxes for the Years 1751, 1752,
1753, 1754 & 1755, that your Petitioner become one of his Bonds-
men for the last mentioned Year, whereby he obliged himself that
the Taxes committed to said Downe to Collect, should be pay'd ia
to the several Treasurers according to the Warrants he received
for that purpose, that said Downe fail'd in his Circumstances,
before he had compleated Collecting and paying in said Taxes, and
the other Bondsmen also failing, the Selectmen of the Town
immediately applied to 3~our Petitioner and informed him that he
must make up the deficiency of said Sum said Downe was to pay,
and for further Security, they Attached your Petitioners House
and Land, and as the outstanding Tax could not be gather'd in,
unless some other Person was appointed, jTour Petitioner was
Advis'd to make Application to the General Court that he might be
Impower'd in the room of said Downe to Collect the same, which
he did, & the General Court thereupon authoriz'd your Petitioner
not only to gather in the Taxes of the Year 1755, but such
as shou'd appear to be unpaid 'the other abovementioned
Years, that your Petr. on Examining said Downe's Tax Books
found there were considerable Sums unpaid in those Years, and he
has for several Months past been endeavouring to get in the same,
and has accordingly received considerable, but there were many
Persons in some of the above Years taxed, so extremely Poor,
that said Downe could not get one farthing of them, nor are they
yet able to pay any part, many others have been dead for some
time and left nothing, the Petitioner [414J.] having tryed
all possible Methods but to no effect, that said Downe before he
fiiil'd intended to have applied to the Town for an Abatement of
Taxes of such Poor, but did not.

The Petitioner therefore prays the Town would now Appoint a
Committee to make enquiry into the Circumstances of such Per-
sons who have not pay'd their Taxes in the afore-mentioned
Years, and he doubts not but they will be Convinc'd they never

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1758. 9

were able to pay them, and that upon their Report the Town will
judge it, to be equitable said Taxes should be Abated, and as the
Petitioner will be almost ruin'd by being unhappily bound for said
Downe, he prays he may be heard by said Committee relating to
such Abatements as he apprehends in Justice ought to be made,
was Read and thereupon Voted that the Assessors be and they
hereby are appointed a Committee to take the same into Consider-
ation, hear the Petitioner and Report to the Town as soon as
may be, what Taxes they shall judge ought in Equity to be
Abated in the several Years therein mentioned.

The Town proceeded to consider what is necessary further to be
done relating to the By-Laws and Orders of the Town & thereupon
Voted that Thomas Greene Esqr. Mr. Oxenbridge Thacher and Mr.
William Story be and they hereby are appointed a Committee to
Collect all the By-Laws & Orders of the Town now in force, and
range them in such manner as they shall think proper, in order to
their being Printed & Report their doings hereon as soon as may be.

Voted that the Assessors be and they hereby are Impower'd to
sit on every Thursday from this day untill the last Thursday of
April next inclusive, and no longer for making an Abatement of
the Taxes of such Persons as they shall judge reasonable, saving
that they have liberty to sit the two last Weeks in November next
to Abate (if they see cause) the Taxes of all such Persons as shall
appear to them to have been out of the Province, and so could not
have made Application to them for an Abatement by said last
Thursday in April.

[415.] Voted that this Meeting be Adjourned to the last
Friday in April next being the 28th. of the Mouth, at ten o'Clock
in the forenoon, and the same is Adjourn'd to that time accord-
ingly.

Friday April 28th. 1758 The Town mett according to Adjournm*.

The Committee appointed to Audit the Accompts of the Man-
agers of Boston Lotteries Nos. 3:4: 5. Reported that they had
Attended that Service, and find the same right, & that the follow-
ing Sums be allow'd them, viz'.

To Samuel Grant Esqr £43, 16,, 8 ....

Mr. Thomas Hill • 42.

Joshua Henshaw Esqr. ... 42
Joseph Jackson Esqr. ... 42

13,,
13,,
13,,

2,,,

Mr. Thomas Cushing .... 43,
Mr. Samuel Hewes .... 43,

Mr. John Scollay 39,

Voted that all Matters and Things mentioned in the Warrant
that remain unfinished be and they hereby are referr'd over to May
Meeting, to be then Acted upon.

Voted unanimously that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby
is given to John Phillips Esqr. Moderator of this Meeting for
Transacting the Buisness thereof.
Then the Meeting was Dismiss'd.

At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhab-
itants of the Town of Boston legally qualifyed and Warned in

10 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

Public Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Tuesday the
sixteenth day of May AD 1758.

Prayer was made by the Reva. Mr. Ebenr. Pemberton.

The Precept & Warrant for calling the Meeting Read.

Sundry Laws Read.

Joshua Henshaw Esqr. one of the Selectmen proposed in their
Names to the Inhabitants Assembled to proceed to the Choice of
one or more Persons to represent them in the Great and General
Court or Assembly to be held at Boston upon Wednesday the
thirty first day of May current, and in order thereto to Consider
and Ascertain the number of Gentlemen to be elected, accordingly
it was Voted to proceed to the Choice of four Representatives, and
then it was declar'd by the Selectmen, that no Votes would be
received after twelve o'Clock, but the Poll then clos'd.

The Votes being Collected the Number of Voters were found to
be 369, & upon Sorting them it appeared that the following Gen-
tlemen were chose viz'.

The lion0. Thomas Hubbard Esqr 300

Mr. John Tyng 234

Thomas Flucker Esqr 291

Benjamin Prat Esqr 309

which was declar'd by the Selectmen.

The Inhabitants proceeded to bring in their Votes for a Moder-
ator, and upon Sorting them it appeared that the lion0. Thomas
Hubbnrd Esqr. was chose, & he having taken the Oath respecting
his receiving & paying Bills of Credit of theGovermts of Counecti-
cutt New Hampshire & Rhode Island as required by the Act of
this Province, took his Seat.

[416.] The Petitions Read.

The Town took into Consideration the Article in the Warr'. viz1,
" what is necessary to be done for the preservation of Beacon
Hill." and thereupon Voted that Thomas Hancock Esqr. Mr. Wil-
liam Cooper and Mr. John A very be and they hereby are appointed
a Committee to repair to said Hill, view the same & Report to the
Town the circumstances thereof, and what they judge necessary to
be done for the better Security of said Hill.

The Petition of the Watchmen of the Town piling that an
Addition may be made to their Wages, was Read, and after a
a short Debate Voted that the Sum of four shillings p Month be
allowed in Addition to their present pay.

The Article in the Warrant viz'. " whether the Town will Im-
power the Selectmen to Sell a small Peice of Land near Fort-hill
adjoining to Mr. Alexander Hunt's Land." was taken into Con-
sideration and thereupon Voted that Josa. Henshaw Esqr. Joseph
Jackson Esqr. Mr. Thomas Gushing Mr. John Scollay, Mr. Samuel
Hewes, Mr. Benjamin Austin and Andrew Oliver junr. Esqr. the
present Selectmen be & they hereby are fully authoriz'd and Im-
power'd to Sell said Land to such Person as will give most for the
same, and in the Name and behalf of the Town to give and
execute a good and legal Deed thereof to the Purchaser.

The Selectmen appointed a Committee the 10th. of May last to
Visit the Schools, now made the following Report Viz'.

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1758. 11

To the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston
in Town Meeting Assembled May 16th. 1758.

Pursuant to the Vote of the Town of Boston at their Meeting the
tenth of May last desiring the Selectmen to Visit the Schools and
Invite such Gentlemen to accompany them as they should think
proper do now Report,

That on the 24th. day of June last they attended that Service
accompanied by the following Gentlemen viz1.

The Hon°. John Osborn Jacob Wendell Stephen Sewall )

Rich*. Bill Andw. Oliver John Erving V Esq".

Robert Hooper )

[416£.] The Gentn. Representatives of the Town,
The Gentn. the Overseers of the Poor,
The Revd. the Ministers of the Town
Mr. Treasurer Gray

Joshua Winslow "]
Richard Dana I „

James Boutineau f
Stephen Greenleaf J
Doctr. William Clarke &
Mr. John Ruddock

and found in the South Grammar School there was 115 Scholars,
in the South Writing School 240 Scholars, in the Writing School
in Queen Street 230 Scholars, in the North Grammar School 36
Scholars, in the North Writing School 220 Scholars, all in very
good Order.

Read and Accepted, and Voted that the Gentlemen the Select-
men, be and they hereby are desired to Visit the Schools this
present Year, and invite such Gentlemen to accompany them as
they shall think proper.

Voted that Thomas Greene and Royall Tyler Esqrs. and Mr.
William Cooper be and they hereby are appointed a Committee to
Audit the Accompts of the Managers of Boston Lottery N°. 6. &
they are des\red to Report thereon, as soon as may be.

Voted that the Selectmen be desired to make a particular Enquiry
into the State of the several Public Schools in Town, and whether
there is any Neglect of Duty in the Masters or Ushers of said
Schools, & Report the same to the Town

The Committee appointed the 13th. of March last on a Petition
of Edward Holliday made Report, which was Read, and Voted
that the Consideration of said Petition and Report, be referr'd
to a future day, to be then Acted upon as the Town shall judge
proper.

[417.] Voted that Mr. Peleg Wiswall be allow'd for his

Salary as Master of the North Grammar School at the Rate of

Eighty Pounds per Annum untill the Town shall otherwise Order.

Voted that the Sum of One hundred and twenty Pounds be

allowed and pay'd unto Mr. John Lovel for his Salar}' as Master

of the South Grammar School, the ensuing Year, to be pay'd him

Quarterly and to Commence at the Expiration of the last Quarter.

Voted that the Sum of One hundred Pounds be allow'd and

pay'd unto Mr. Abia Holbrook for his Salary as Master of the

12 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

South Writing School, the ensuing Year to be pay'd him Quarterly
and to Commence at the Expiration of the last Quarter.

Voted that the Sum of One hundred Pounds be allow'd and
pay'd unto Mr. Zachariah Hicks for his Salary as Master of the
North Writing School, the ensuing Year, to be pay'd him Quar-
terly, & to Commence at the expiration of the last Quarter.

Voted that the Sum of Eighty Pounds be allow'd and pay'd to
Mr. Samuel Holyoke one of the Masters of the Writing School
in Queen Street the ensuing Year to be pay'd him Quarterly,
and to Commence at the Expiration of the last Quarter.

Voted that the Sum of Eighty Pounds be allow'd and pay'd unto
Mr. John Procter one of the Masters of the Writing School in
Queen Street, the ensuing Year, to be pay'd him Quarterly & to
Commence at the Expiration of the last Quarter.

Voted that the Sum of Sixty Pounds be allow'd and pay'd unto
Mr. Nath1. Gardner for his Salary as Usher to the South Grammar
School the ensuing Year, to be pay'd him Quarterly, and to Com-
mence at tin) Expiration of the last Quarter.

[417£.] Voted that the Sum of Fifty Pounds be allou-'d and
pay'd unto Mr. Jolin Vinal for his Salary as Usher of the South
writing School the Year ensuing to be pay'd him Quarterly, and to
commence at the expiration of the last Quarter.

Voted that the Sum of Fifty Pounds be allow'd and pay'd unto
Mr. John Tilestone for his Salary as Usher of the North Writing
School the ensuing Year to be pay'd him Quarterly and to Com-
mence at the Expiration of the last Quarter.

Voted that the Sum of One hundred Pounds be nllow'd and
pay'd unto Mr. David Jeffries for his Services as Treasurer of the
Town the Year past, and for all his Expences in that Office.

Voted that the Sum of Twenty Pounds be allow'd and pay'd
unto Cap*. Isaac Dnpee for his Services as Clerk of Faneuil Hall-
Markett the Year past.

The Committee appointed the 13th. of March last to Collect all
the By-Laws and Orders of the Town now in force, :md Range
them in such manner as they shall think proper in Order to their
being Printed, Report, that they apprehend it will be proper for
Uie By-Laws lately Voted by the Town and pass'd the Sessions,
to be Printed as soon as may be, that with them be Printed a By-
Law made March 14th. 1725 which contains the last Provision
relating to the Dirt in the Streets, before the new By Laws. That
the Title1 of the whole be this ; The By Laws and Orders of the
Town of Boston, — Revis'd 1758. The said By- Law March 14th.
1725 to be first Printed, and then the others to follow in their

Order as Voted by the Town & Confirmed by the Sessions.

which Report being Read and Considered of Voted that the same
be & hereby is accepted. And the Selectmen are desired to cause
such a Number of sd. By-Laws & Orders to be Printed as they
shall judge necessary upon the best Terms they can.

[418.] The Petition of Hugh M°Daniel of Boston praying
the Town will abate him part of the Rent of a House and Land
on the Neck he hired of the Town the 25th. of March 1 752 for
Reasons therein mention'd was Read & thereupon Voted chat

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1758. 13

•

Richard Dana Esqr. Mr. William Story, and Royall Tyler Esqr. be
and they hereby are appointed a Committee to consider of said
Petition view the Premisses, hear the Petitioner, and Report to
the Town what they shall judge reasonable to be done thereupon.
Voted that the Selectmen be and they hereby are desired to
issue a Warrant for a Town Meeting to be on the same day of the
propos'd Adjournment of this Meeting, in Order to know whether
the Town will then desire said Selectmen to appoint a Master for
the North Grammar School, or an Usher or Assistant to the
present Master there. Also whether the Town will make any
further Allowance to the Collectors of Taxes for Collecting them,
than six pence on the Pound Voted in March last.

Voted that this Meeting be and hereby is Adjourned to Monday
the 12th. day of June next at 10 o'Clock in the forenoon.

Monday the l-Jth of June 1758. The Town mett according to
their Adjournment.

The Committee appointed the 16th. of May last, on the Petition
of Hugh M°.Dnniel, Report, that they liad viewed the demised
House and Land mentioned in said Petition heard the Petitioner
thereupon, and lin 1 that said Peice of Land falls short in Measure
about one quarter part of what it is suppos'd in the Lease to con-
tain, & after due Consideration of all Circumstances respecting this
Affair the}' are of Opinion that it is reasonable that the Sum of
Sixteen Pounds of Lawful money be Abated to the Petitioner out
of the Rent of the Premisses for the time past, and that he for the
future pay no more than Thirteen Pounds six shillings and eight
pence Lawful money by the Year for the Rent of the Premisses
during the Residue of his Term therein according to his [418^.]
Lease, which Report being Read, Voted that the same be Accepted,
and that the Treasurer be and hereby is directed to allow to said
Hugh Mc. Daniel the Sum of Sixteen Pounds out of the Ront of
said Premisses for the time past, and that for the future said.
Mc. Daniel pay the Sum of Thirteen Pounds six shillings and eight;
pence only for the Annual Rent of said Premisses during the re-
mainder of the Term mention'd in his Lease.

The Committee appointed the 16th of May last to Audit the
Accompts of the Managers of Boston Lottery N°. 6. Report, that
they had attended that Service, and found said Accompts right
and that the same be allow'd, Voted that said Report be accepted,
and that the follow8. Sums be allowed and pay'd to said Managers
in full of their Accompts Viz*.

To Samuel Grant Esqr £ 14 ,, 17 ,, 0 . .

Mr. Thomas Hill 15 ,, ,, ,, . .

Joshua Ilen^haw Esqr 14 ,, 2 ,, . .

Joseph Jackson Esqr 14 ,, 5 ,, . .

Mr. Thorn:) s Gushing . . . . 14, ,9 ,, . .

Mr. Samuel Hewes 14 ,, 2 ,, . .

Mr. John Scollay 13 ,, 1 ,, . .

The Committee appointed the 13th of March last on the Petition
of Edward Holliday Reported the 16th of May last, that they had
considered of the Subject Matter of said Petition, and what Taxes
ought in Equity to be Abated, & that the several Taxes mentioned

14 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

in a List anuexed to Said Report ought to be Abated, which
Report and List upon a Motion now made was Read over, and a
Debate was had thereupon, and after some time, it was moved and
Voted that said Report be Recommitted, and that said Committee
in Considering what Abatements be made to the Petitioner be and
they hereby are directed to go no further back in making Abate-
ments then since the Year 1754, the said Tho". Downe mentd. in
sd. Petn. having recd. his Premium for Collecting Taxes for that
Year, & said Comee. are desir'd to make Report hereon as soon as
they have clone the same.

[419.] The Committee appointed the 16th. of May last to
consider what is necessary to be done for the preservation of
Beacon Hill, Report that they had viewed said Hill, and that it
appears to them absolutely necessary that speedy Measures should
be taken by the Town to prevent the digging away any further
part of it, in Order for the Preservation of the whole, and as Mr.
Hudson who purcfaas'd a part of said Hill, and is now digging the
same has mentioned a readiness to dispose of his Right therein, on
such Terms as may by Persons chose be judged reasonable, said
Committee further Report as their Opinion that the Gentlemen the
Selectmen be directed and impower'd to purchase for the Town
said Hudsons Interest in said Hill, and in Case of any disagree-
ment concerning it, that they then apply to the General Court for
yr. Interposition, which Report being Read, It was Voted that the
same be Accepted, and that the Selectmen be and they hereby
Authoriz'd and Impowev'd to Purchase of said Hudson his Right
& Interest in said Hill on such Terms as they shall agree ai d in
Case they shall not be able to Effect the same with said Hudson,
said Selectmen are hereby directed to apply to the General Court
for their Interposition and Assistance in Order to Compel said
Hudson to Sell his Right and Interest in said Hill for a reason-
able Consideration.

The Selectmen being desir'd by a Vote pass'd the 16th. of May
last, to make a particular Enquiry into the State of the several
Public Schools in Town, and whether there is any Neglect of duty
in the Masters or Ushers of said Schools, Report that they had
attended that Service, and don't find that there has been any
neglect of Duty in any of the Masters or Ushers of said Schools,
except in the North Writing School where Mr. Zachariah Hicks is
Master, upon which they had sent for Mr. Hicks, and Convers'd
with him concerning the Government of said School, and inform'd
him of some Complaints that were made against his Conduct there,
& in not giving proper Attendance at said School, MT. Hicks
thereupon acknowledged that he had not so constantly attended at
said School for some time past, as heretofore, but that the same
was wholly owing to Indisposition, [419^.] but as he was now
much better in his health, he should give his constant Attendance,
and in every respect faithfully discharge his Duty as Master of
said School: the Selectmen further Report that upon Enquiry
they are of Opinion, that the neglect of Duty complained of was
not for want of Fidelity in Mr. Hicks, but that it was occasion'd
wholly by his Indisposition, and that as he has been a faithful

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1758. 15

Master in said School for many Years past, they doubt not now
he is recovered his Health he will continue so ; Whereupon it was
Unanimously Voted that said Report be and hereby is Accepted.
Then the Meeting was Dismiss'd.

At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston legally qualifyed and warned in Public Town
Meeting Assembled at Faneuil-Hall on Monday the twelfth day
of June AD 1758.

The Warrant for calling the Meeting, Read.

The Honble. Thomas Hubbard Esqr. was chose Moderator of
this Meeting.

The Article in the Warrant viz*, whether the Town will desire
the Selectmen to appoint an Assistant to the Master of the North
Grammar School, or consider what may be further necessary to be
done for the Instruction of the Youth there : was Consider'd of,
and after some Debate thereon. It was Voted that the Selectmen
be and they hereby are desired to appoint an Assistant to the
Master of sd. School, and that the Sum of One hundred and
twenty Pounds be allowed for the Yearly Salary of said Master
and Assistant, and that such a part thereof be paid to the Assist-
ant as the Selectmen shall agree with him f6r.

[42O.] The Article in the Warrant viz'. Whether the Town
will make any further Allowance to the Collectors of Taxes than
the six pence on the Pound Voted in March last. It was Voted
that the Sum of three pence on the Pound be allow'd to the Col-
lectors in Addition to six pence on the pound Voted in March last,
provided they pay into the Town Treasury one half the Sum they
shall be obliged severally to collect by the first of November next,
and the remainder by the first of March following.

James Scutt who was chose one of the Collectors of Taxes in
March last declined serving, whereupon John Grant was chose in
his Room.

The Article in the Warrant, Viz*, To enquire whether the Con-
ditions of the Lease of Deer Island made to Henry Atkins Esqr.
and others have been comply'd with, and for the Town to Act
thereupon as may be thought proper. Was taken into Considera-
tion, and several of the Proprietors of Point Shirley to whom said
Lease w:ts made being present, declar'd that they had not so far
comply ed with the Conditions of the Lease by which they hold
said Island as to send out and employ this last Year such a num-
ber of Vessells or Schooners in the Fishery as they were obliged
by said Lease to do, being prevented only by the present War with
the French, they having had three or four Vessells taken when a
fishing, by the French, but as soon as there was a Peace or Louis-
bourg sho'd be reduced to the Obedience of the Crown of Great
Britain, they intended to carry on the Fishery again at said Point
Shirley, and employ such a Number of Schooners or Vessells as
will make up the Tonage mentioned in said Lease, and hope the
Town (if they now take said Island into their Possession) will then
renew said Lease to them for the Term yet remaining unexpired,
& that they so far as they are concerned in said Lease are willing

16 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

to quit said Island for the present to the Town, without putting
them to any further difficulties about it. Whereupon It was Voted
that the Selectmen as soon as they conveniently can, take posses-
sion of said Island, and [42O£.] Hire out on the best Terms
they can by Lease or otherwise as they shall judge most for the
Interest of the Town.

The Town considered of the Article in the Warrant Viz1.
Whether the Selectmen shall be Impower'd to Lease out the Shops
on the North side of Faueuil-Hall Markett for a longer Term than
Seven Years, and after some Debate thereon, It was Voted that
the Town will not Impower the Selectmen to Lease out said Shops
for any longer term than Seven Years.

Then the Meeting was Dismiss'd.

At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston legally qualified and warned in public Town
Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Monday the twelfth day
of March AD 1759.

Prayer was made by the Rev*. Sam1. Mather.
The Warrant for calling the Meeting Read.
Sundry Laws Read.

John Phillips Esqr. was chose Moderator of the Meeting an<l
took the Oath respecting his paying and receiving Bills of Credit
of the Governm'9. of Connecticut^ New-Hampshire & Rhode Islaud
as required by the Act of the Province.

Ezekiel Goldthwait was unanimously chose Town Clerk for the
Year ensuing & having taken the Oath required by the Act of this
Province relating to his paying and receiving Bills of [421.]
Credit of the other Governments took the Oath of Office which
was Administred to him by John Phillips Esqr.
Sundry Petitions Read.

The Town proceeded to the Choice of Seven Selectmen, and the
Votes being brought in, and Sorted it appeared that,
Joshua Ilenshaw Ksqr.
Joseph Jackson Esqr.
Mr. Thomas Gushing
Mr. Samuel Hewes
Mr. John Soollay
Mr. Benjamin Austin
Andrew Oliver junr. Esqr.

were chose and they thereupon took the Oath required by Law
relating to their receiving and paying Bills of Credit of the neigh-
bouring Governments.

The Town brought in their Votes for 12 Overseers of the Poor,
and being Sorted, it appeared that,

John Phillips Esqr.
Mr. Isaac Walker
Ebenezer Storer Esqr.
Mr. John Barrett
Mr. John Tudor
Royall Tyler Esqr.
Thomas Flucker Esq'.

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1759. 17

Mr. William Phillips

James Pitts Esqr.

Mr. Isaac Smith

Mr. Benja. Dolbeare

Melatiah Bourne Esqr.
were chose for the Year ensuing.

The Votes were brought in for a Town Treasurer upon and
viewing them it appeared that Mr. David Jeffries was chose, and
having taken the Oath [421 £.] Relating to his paying and receiv-
ing Bills of Credit of .the other Governments was also Sworn to the
faithful discharge of his duty in that Office.

Voted that any Person chose into the Office of a Constable for
the ensuing Year be excus'd on his paying a Fine of Four
Pounds.

Voted that twelve Constables be chose seperate from the Collec-
tors of Taxes.

Voted that the Town proceed to the choice of twelve Consta-
bles, and the Votes being brought in and Sorted it appeared
that,

Mess™. John Patten

Francis Salmon

Tho". Barton Simpkins

Eliphalet Parker

Obadiah Low

Edwd. Weld , <

Augustus Hale

James Thomas

Willm. Wait Wallace

John Coverley

Nath1. Thayer &

John Rogers
were chose for the Year ensuing.

The Votes were brought in for twelve Firewards, & upon Sort
ing them it appeared that

John Phillips Esqr.

Joseph Jackson Esqr.

Mr. John Scollay

Royall Tyler Esqr.

Cap'. Hopestill Foster

John Rowe Esqr.

Cap1. Newman Greenough

Thos. Flucker Esqr.

Cap'. Solomon Davis

Mr. WilT. Cooper

Mr. Joseph Jackson

Mr. Sam1. Austin
were chose for the Year ensuing.

Mess™. Cornelius Thayer Sworn

Neal Mclntire Sworn

Thomas Leverett

Daniel Parker Sworn

Benjamin Henderson

18 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

Thomas Downe Sworn

Nathaniel Hurd Sworn

Daniel Henchman Sworn

James Jackson Sworn

Oliver Wiswall Sworn

Samuel Barratt &

Jonathan Amory Sworn

were chose Clerks of the Markett for the Year ensuing.
Mess™. Isaac White

William Pain

William Nichols

William Welch Sworn

Robert Ford Sworn

Caleb Ray

Clement Collins Sworn

Isaac Vergoose Sworn

James Ridgway

Andrew Symraes

Thomas Bayley & Sworn

Moses Eayres Sworn

were chose Surveyors of Boards &ca. for the Year ensuing.
Mess™. Nathaniel Brown

John Lee

Ebenezer Lowell

William Blair Townsend

Afstar Stoddard

Benjamin Harrod

John Forsyth

David Wheeler

Joseph Candish

William Gray

John Colburn &

William Torrey
were chose Scavingers for the Year ensuing.

Mess™. Nathaniel Gardner &

Joseph Belknap

were chose Informers of Deer for the Year ensuing.
[423J.] Mess". Caleb Ray

Nath1. Wales Sworn

Cap1. Joseph Russell
William Moore Sworn

Benjamin Russell &
Benjamin Eustice junr. Sworn
were chose Fence Viewers for the Year ensuing.

Mr. John Gray was chose Surveyor of Hemp for the Year ensu-
ing.

Mr. John Ranstead was chose Hayward for the Year ensuing.

Sworn.
Mess™. David Cutler &

Martin Gray were ohoBe
Assay-masters for the Year ensuing.

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1759. IS

Mess™. Cornelius Thayer
John Allen
Adino Paddock &
James Dawson
were chose Sealers of Leather for the Year ensuing.

Mess". Thomas Bradford Sworn

David Flagg Sworn

Joshua Cornish & Sworn

John McLane
were chose Hogreeves for the Year ensuing.

In margin. Tything-men. Nothing done thereon.
Mess". David Spear
John Haskins
Jona. Jenkins
Paul Baxter
Nathan Spear
Benja. Barnard

Benja. Ballard Sworn

John Hobbs

Jona. Barnard Sworn

John Helyer

were chose Cullers of Staves &ca. the Year ensuing,
[423.] The Selectmen.

The Selectmen's Report on the Acco'. of Mr. John Fenno Keeper
of the Granary for the Year past as Enter'd in his Book (and on
File in the Town Clerk's Office) Read and Voted that the same be
Accepted, and that Mr. Fenno be accountable to the Town for 230
Bushells of Corn, and 90 bushells of Rye, remaining unsold amount-
ing to £48. 2. 8. and also for the Sum of £425. 17. 9f . Cash now
in his hands exclusive of the Sum of £26. 13. 4, for his Salary &
Assistance as charged in said Account, which is hereby allowed
him.

Thomas Greene & Joseph Jackson Esq". and Mr. John Scollay
are chose Purchasers of Grain for the Year ensuing, and they are
desired and impowered to give all needful directions to the Keeper
of the Granary, respecting the Quantities of Grain to be sold,
and setting the price thereof from time to time as occasion shall
require.

The Town brought in their Votes for a County Treasurer, and
they were Sealed up by Constable Rogers, lo be by him kept and
returned to the next Court of General Sessions of the Peace to be
held for this County.

The Town brought in their Votes for a Clerk of Fanueil-Hall
Markett, and upon sorting them it appeared that Mr. Abijah Adams
was chose. Sworn.

The Memorial of Sundry Freeholders & Inhabitants praying
that the Wooden Shops on the North side of Fanueil Hall Market
may be demolished or removed, and tlie Dock fill'd up for the
Reasons therein mentioned, was read and after some Debate thereon,

Voted that said Memorial be Dismissal.

20 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

The Petition of Solomon Kneeland of Boston Leather
dresser setting forth, that several Years ago his Brother was a
Constable in Boston and had some Taxes committed to him to Col-
lect, but as there was some part thereof he failed in paying to the
Town Treasury, the Town brought an Action against the Petitioner's
Father, who was bound for his Brother, and Recovered Judgment
against him for the deficiency, took out Execution thereupon & ex-
tended the same on a strip of land fronting Orange Street at the
Southerly part of the Town, measuring sixteen feet in the front,
which adjoins to other Lands the Petitioner now enjoys as part of
his Father's Estate, that the Petitioner now rents this small Peice of
Land of the Town, but as the same is but of very little Service to
the Town, and as it was part of his Father's Estate, he would pur-
chase said Peice upon such Terms as may be agreed upon, &
therefore pray'd the Town would consider of the Premisses and
Sell him the same for such a Sum of Money as may be judged
reasonable, was Read, and thereupon It was Voted that the
Selectmen be and they hereby are fully Authorized and Im-
powered to Sell (if they see fit) said Peice of Land to said
Solomon Kneeland, for such a Consideration as they shall judge
reasonable, and they are desired to give and execute to him a
legal Deed for the same.

The Article in the Warrant for widening Ann Street and repair-
ing the Pavement there, was taken into Consideration and thereupon
Voted that Royal Tyler & Thomas Greene Esqrs. and Mr. Jonathan
Gushing be and they hereby are appointed a Committee to Consider
whether it will be more convenient to the Town to have said Street
widened, the manner of doing it, [424.] and what is necessary
for the Town to do in order to effect the same, and for repairing the
Pavement there.

The Article in the Warrant that some Method may be taken to
reduce the great Number of Licenced Houses was taken into Con-
sideration, and thereupon Voted that the Selectmen be and they
hereby are desired to use their utmost Endeavours to reduce the
Number of Licenced Houses in Town and take any Method they shall
think necessary and proper to effect the same.

Also Voted that the Selectmen be and they hereby are desired to
give Notice to all such Persons as are Licenced, either as Innholders
or Retailers that if they Sell Rum or any Liquors to Negroes or
Mollatto Servants, after the Second of April next without a written
Order from their 1'espective Master or Mistresses, they will not be
allowed to renew their Licences any more.

Voted that the Sum of Twenty Pounds be Allow'd and paid to
Cap1. Isaac Dupee for his Salary as Clerk of Faneuil-Hall Markett
the Year past.

The Petition of Robert Peirpoint praying that a further Allow-
ance may be made him for carting Stones used in Paveing the Neck,
was read, and thereupon Voted that the Selectmen make such a
further Allowance to said Peirpoint for carting said Stones, as they
shall judge reasonable.

The Committee appointed the 12th. March last, on the Petition
of Edward Holiday for the Abatement of sundry Taxes made Re-

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1759. 21

port that the Taxes of sundry Persons particularly named in said
Report amounting to £24. 4. 10. ought in their Opinion to be
Abated, and after some Debate thereon,

Voted that said Sum of £24. 4. 10. be & hereby is Abated said
Holiday, & that an Allowance of said sum be made him.

[424£.] Also Voted that said Holiday be desired to use his
Endeavours to get in what he can of said Taxes, and if he shall
receive any part thereof, that he be accountable to the Town for
the same.

On a Motion made and Seconded, a Question was put, Whether
the Town will allow nine pence on the pound to the several Gen-
tleman, that lent Monies to the Town ia June last to be deducted
out of their Taxes, besides the nine pence on the pound allowed
the Collectors on the whole Sum Collected by them. Voted in
the Affirmative.

Mess™. William Fairfield
John Kneeland
Peter Oliver
Samuel Edwards
Benjamin Church
Isaac White and
Joseph Bradford
were chose Assessors for the Year ensuing.

Voted that the Sum of nine pence on- the Pound be and hereby
is allowed to such Persons as shall be chose Collectors of Taxes
the Year ensuing for all such Sums as they shall Collect, provided
they pay into the Town Treasury, one half of the whole Sum they
are Obliged to pay him, within four Months from the time they
receive the Tax Books from the Assessors, and the other half part
in three Months after, and also pay into the Province and County
Treasuries one half part of the whole Sums they shall be obliged
to pay them respectively in seven Months from the time they shall
receive the Tax Books from the Assessors as aforesaid, and the
other half in five Months after : And in case either of said Collec-
tors shall fail paying in manner afored. the Collector so failing
shall not be Entitled to the [425.] aforesaid Allowance of nine
pence on the pound but wholly forfeit the same, provided also
that each of said Collectors give Bond with sufficient Sureties to
the satisfaction of the Selectmen, for the faithful discharge of
their Duty in said Office, and complying with this Vote.

Voted that the Town proceed to the choice of four Collectors of
Taxes, and the Votes being brought in & sorted, it appeared that,
Mess". John Ruddock
John Grant
Jona. Payson &
Samuel Adams
were chose for the Year ensuing.

Voted that the Assessors be and they hereby are Impower'd to
Sit on every Thursday from this day, until! the last Thursday
in April next inclusive, & no longer for making an Abatement of
the Taxes of such Persons as they shall judge reasonable, saving
that they have liberty to sit, the two last Weeks in November

22 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

next, to Abate (if they see cause) the Taxes of all sucn Persons
as shall appear to them, to have been out of the Province and so
could not have made Application to them for an Abatement by said
last Thursday in April.

Voted that Mr. bamuel Phillips Savage
Mr. William Story
Joseph Dowse Esqr.
John Rowe Esqr. &
Mr. Thomas Tyler

be and they hereby are appointed a Committee to Audit the
Accompts of Mr. Treasurer Jeffries, and also the Accompts of the
Overseers of the Poor, and the said Committee are appointed and
impowered to inspect every particular Accompt of the Monies
expended for the use of the Alms-house, they are also Impowered
when they shall Audit said Accompts, to allow to said Overseers
or such of them, as shall Advance Monies for the Relief of
[425£-] The Poor, Interest on all such Sums from the time
Advanced, 'till they shall Audit said Accompts.

The State of the Town Treasury, as exhibited by the Town
Treasurer, and on file was Read.

The Article in the Warrant viz*. "In what manner it will be
best to Repair the Granary in the Common." was considered of,
and after some Debate thereon, Voted that the Selectmen be, &
they hereby are desired to Consider of the best way of repairing
said Granary hear the proposals that shall be made by the Honble.
Tho". Hancock E?qr. relating to the same, and then Alter &
Repair said Granary in such manner as they shall think proper.

Voted that such Matters and Things as remain unfinished, be
and hereby are referred over to the General Town Meeting in May
next, to be then Considered of, and Acted upon.

Voted that the Thanks of the Town be & hereby is given to
John Phillips Esqr. the Moderator of this Meeting, for transacting
the Affairs and Buisness thereof.

Then the Meeting was Dismiss'd.

[426. J At a Meeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants
of the Town of Boston legally qualified and Warned in Public
Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Tuesday the fifteenth
day of May A.D. 1759.

Prayer was made by the Revd. Mather Byles.

The Precept & Warrant for calling the Meeting, Read.

Sundry Laws Read.

Joshua Hensliaw Esqr. one of the Selectmen proposed in their
Name to the Inhabitants Assembled to proceed to the Choice of
one or more Persons to represent them in the Great and General
Court or Assembly to be held at Boston upon Wednesday the
thirtieth day of May curr*. in order thereto, to Consider and
Ascertain the number of Gentlemen to be Elected, accordingly It
was Voted to proceed to the Choice of four Representatives, and
then it was declared by the Selectmen, that no Votes would be
received after twelve o'clock but the Poll then closed.

The Votes being Collected, the Number of Voters were found

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1759. 23

to be 469, and upon Sorting them, it appeared that the three fol-
lowing Gentlemen only were chose viz*.

Votes.

The Honble. Thomas Hubbard EsqT 380

Mr. John Tyng & 291

Benjamin Prat Esqr 302.

which being declared, the Inhabitants were directed, to bring in
their Votes for one Representative, which they accordingly did,
and it appeared that there was 343 Votes, and upon Sorting them
there was no Choice, then the Meeting was Adjourn'd to three
o'Clock iu the Afternoon for the Choice of another Representative,
the Selectmen at the same time declaring that the Poll would be
clos'd at four o'Clock, and no Votes received [426£.] After, and
said Meeting is Adjourned to that time accordingly.

Three o'Clock in the Afternoon, the Inhabitants assembled and
brought in their Votes for one Representative, and upon Sorting
them it appeared that no Person was chose, and then the Inhabi-
tants withdrew and brought in then* Vote again, and upon Sorting
them it appeared that

Thomas Flncker Esqr. was chose.

The Inhabitants then brought in their Vote for a Moderator,
and upon Sorting them, it appeared that,

John Phillips Esqr. was chose.

The Article in the Warrant viz*. To determine whether the Town
will remove one of the Shops on the North side of Faneuil-Hall
Market, in order to have a Passage way from thence into Union
Street by Building a Bridge or in any other manner the Town shall
judge best was taken into Consideration and after some Debate
thereon, It was moved and Seconded that a Committee may be
appointed to make Enquiry whether the Town have a right to open
a Passage way as propos'd and erect a Bridge there without preju-
dicing the Abutters, that they Converse with the Abutters concern-
ing it, compute the whole Expence that may attend the effecting
said Bridge Passage way &ca. and Report the same at the pro-
posed Adjournment of this Meeting. And it pass'd in the Affir-
mative, & Voted that the Selectmen be the Committee for those
purposes.

The Petition of Sundry Inhabitants for paving that part of Cross
Street that leads into Back Street was Read, and Voted that the
Selectmen cause said Street to be Pav'd provided the Abutters pay
their proportionable part as [427.] Usual, the same to be pav'd
according to the direction of the Selectmen.

The Article in the Warrant, Whether the Town will make Ap-
plication to the General Court for Relief as to their proportion of
the Public Taxes, was taken into Consideration, and after some
Debate thereon, Voted that Benjamin Prat Thomas Greene Richard
Dana James Boutineau Esq™. Doctr. William Clarke, John Rowe
John Ruddock and Royal Tyler Esq™. Mr. Oxenbridge Thacher,
Mr. Thomas Gushing, Mr. Isaac Walker, Mr. Nathaniel Bethune
Mr. Samuel Adams and Andrew Oliver junr. Esqr. be and they
hereby are appointed a Committee to make such Application to the
General Court from time to tune as they shall judge proper, in

24 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

order to obtain Relief as to the proportion of the Public Taxes,
and in the Name and Behalf of the Town to prefer any Petition or
Petitions to the General Court as said Committee shall think ef-
fectual for those purposes.

The Town took into Consideration that Article in the Warrant
viz*. What method can be taken for Regulating the quantity of
Firewood brought into Town for sale by Land Carriage, and there-
upon Voted that John Rowe Esqr. Cap1. William Tayler Mr.
Robert Auchmuty Mr. Samuel Swift and Mr. William Story be &
they hereby are appointed a Committee to consider what Method
they apprehend best for the Town to take for ascertaining the
Measure & Quantity of Wood bro't to Town by Laud Carriages,
& Report their Opinion to the Town at the propos'd Adjournment
of this Meeting.

Voted that Mess™. William Fairfleld Benjamin Dolbeare &
Thomas Foster be & they hereby are Appointed a Committee to
consider in what manner it will be best to repair, or to raise the
Brick Wall in the South Burial Place on the back of the Work-
house & the Expence of doing the same, & Report their Opinion
thereon at the Adjournment of this Meeting.

[427£«] Voted that the Sum of Seven Thousand Pounds be
rais'd by a Tax upon Polls and Estates within this Town for the
Relief of the Poor, and defreying other necessary Charges, arising
within the Town the Year ensuing.

Voted that the Sum of Sixty Pounds be allowed and paid unto
Mr. Peleg Wiswall for his Salary as Master of the North Grammar
School for the ensuing Year, the same to be paid him quarterly,
and to Commence at the Expiration of the last Quarter.

Voted that the Sum of One hundred and twenty Pounds be
allowed and paid unto Mr. John Lovel for his Salary as Master of
the South Grammar-School the ensuing Year, the same to be paid
him quarterly and to commence at the expiration of the last
Quarter.

Voted that the Sum of One hundred Pounds be allowed and paid
to Mr. Abia Holbrook for his Salary as Master of the Writing
School in the Common the Year ensuing, the same to be paid him
quarterly and to Commence at the expiration of the last Quarter.

Voted that the Sum of One hundred Pounds be allowed and
paid to Mr Zach*. Hicks for his Salary as Master of the North
writing School the ensuing Year, to be paid him quarterly, and to
Commence at the expiration of the last quarter.

Voted that the Sum of Eighty Pounds be allowed and paid unto
Mr. Samuel Holyoke for his Salary as Master of the Writing
School in Queen-Street for the ensuing Year, to be paid him
quarterly, and to Commence at the Expiration of the last
Quarter.

Voted that the Sum of Eighty Pounds be allowed and paid to
Mr. John Procter for his Salary as a Master of the Writing School
in Queen-Street [428.] The ensuing Year, to be paid him quar-
terly and to Commence at the expiration of the last Quarter.

Voted that the Sum of Sixty Pounds be allowed and paid to Mr.
Nathaniel Gardner for his Salary as Usher of the South Grammar-

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1759. 25

School, the ensuing Year, to be paid him quarterly, & to Com-
mence at the expiration of the last Quarter.

Voted that the Sum of Sixty Pounds be allow'd & paid to Mr.
Ephrm. Langdon for his Salary as Usher of the North Grammar
School the ensuing Year, to be paid him Quarterly, & to Com-
mence at the expiration of the last Quarter.

Voted that the Sum of Fifty Pounds be allow'd & paid to Mr.
John Vinal for his Salary as Usher of the Writing School in the
Common the ensuing Year, to be paid him Quarterly, & to Com-
mence at the expiration of the last Quarter.

Voted that the Sum of Fifty Pounds be allow'd & paid to Mr.
John Tileston for his Salary as Usher of the North writing School
the ensuing Year, to be paid him quarterly, and to Commence at
the expiration of the last Quarter.

Voted that the Sum of One hundred Pounds be allow'd and paid
to Mr. David Jeffries for his Services as Treasurer of the Town
the Year past, and for all his Expences in that Office.

The Committee appointed the 14th. March AD 1758. to Audit
the Accompts of Mr. Treasurer Jeffries, now report that they have
attended that Service & find the same right cast and well vouch'd,
in which he charges himself with Sundry Fines, Rents and other
Incomes of the Town, also with the Tax of £6000, all which
amounts (including the ballance of the old Acco'.) to £7817, ,3,,
4,,f . and the said Treasurer discharges himself by sundry Abate-
ments made the Collectors, by Draughts made by the Selectmen
amounting to £2856. ...18. ...9^. and by Draughts made by
the Overseers [429.] of the Poor, which contain the Charges of
the Alms-house and Workhouse amounting to £18 11, ,3,, Of
which we have inspected in a very particular manner by examin-
ing every particular Voucher produced by the Overseers for the
amount of that Sum, and every other branch of Public Charge, all
amounting to £7437,, 3,, 0^ by which it appears that when all
the Taxes Rents and Incomes of the Town are in, the ballance
will be £380,, 0,, 4^ which the said Treasurer is further to
Accompt for, ajs^ajjpjjajrs^Jsy^he^

given in by saitl^Committee and on File. Which Report and
A"c^ompTT5eTn^^e^7^r6^e7rtHafWe "same be, and hereby is Ac-
cepted.

Voted that this Meeting be and hereby is Adjourned to Tuesday
the 12th. of June next, at 9 o'Clock in the forenoon.

June 12th. 1759 — The Town mett according to Adjourn-
ment.

The Selectmen appointed a Committee the sixteenth of May
1758 to Visit the Schools now made the following Report viz*.

To the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Bos-
ton in Town Meeting Assembled May 15th. 1759. —

Pursuant to the Vote of the Town of Boston at their Meeting
the sixteenth of May last desiring the Selectmen to visit the
Schools and invite such Gentlemen to accompany them as they
should think proper, do now Report,

That on the 2«th. day of June last we attended that Service ac-
companied by the following Gentlemen viz'.

26 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

His Excellency Governor Pownall
His Honour Lieu*. Govr. Hutchinson
The Hon°. Jacob Wendell Esqr.

Samuel Wells

Samuel Waldo

Andrew Oliver

Stephen Sewall

John Erving Esq™.

The Gentn. the Represent™, of Boston
The Gentn. the Overseers of the Poor.
The Revd. Dr. Joseph Sewail

Mr. Ebenr Pemberton

Mr. Sam1. Mather

Mr. Andrew Eliot

Mr. Sam1. Cooper

Mr. Treasr. Gray

Joshua Winslow Esqr.

Richard Dana Esqr.

Stephen Greenleaf Esqr.

Samuel Grant Esqr.

Mr. Thomas Hill

Mr. Treasr. Jeffries

Mr. Samuel Adams

Mr. Oxenbridge Thacher &

Mr. William Story

And found in the South Grammar School there was 107 Scholars,
in the South Writing School 230 Scholars, in the Writing School
in Queen street 230 Scholars, in the North Grammar School 35
Scholars, in the North Writing School 224 Scholars, all in very
good Order. Read and Accepted and Voted that the Gentlemen
the Selectmen be and they hereby are desired to visit the Schools
this present Year, and invite such Gentlemen to accompany them
as they shall think proper.

The Committee appointed the 15th of May last to consider what
Method can be taken for regulating the quantity of Firewood brought
into Town for Sale, by Land Carriage, Reported, that they had
duly considered the matters to them Referr'd, and that they are
convinced that the Town has been greatly imposed upon in the
purchase of Wood brought to Market by Land Carriage to the
amount of several hundred pounds lawful money yearly which Im-
position daily increases to the great detriment of the Poor of the
Town, and to prevent which it is their Opinion that application be
made to the General Court that an Act be pass'd prohibiting the
Sale of any Wood brought by Land-Carriage except it be of the
length of four feet as is already provided by Law for Wood
brought by Water, and to be subject to an Admeasurement
by such [431.] Person or Persons as shall be appointed under
Oath by the Town for that purpose. Which being Read,
Voted, that the same be Accepted. Also Voted that John
Rowe Esqr. Mess™. William Tayler Robert Auchmuty Samuel
Swift and William Story be, & they hereby are appointed a
Committee to preferr a Petition to the General Court, praying

BOSTON TOWN EECORDS, 1759. 27

that a Law may be pass'd for the several purposes mentioned
in the aforesaid Report.

The Committee appointed the 15th. of May last to make Enquiry
whether the Town have aright to open a Passage way on the
North side of Faneuil-Hall Market into Union Street, and erect a
Bridge there without prejudice to the Abutters, & to converse with
the Abutters concerning it, & compute the whole Expence that
may attend the effecting said Bridge Passage way &ca. do now
Report, That they have conferr'd with the Abutters who strongly
object to the same and urge that they have an exclusive right to
the Dockage therein, but that they had not time thoroughly to
disease tlie merits of their said Claims, That they had also consid-
ered what would be the Cost of building the proposed Bridge and
find it would be upwards of One hundred Pounds Lawful money
besides the loss of the annual rent of the Shop proposed to be
demolished and therefore they can't think it prudent in the Town
at present to open the Passage-way or erect the Bridge in the
manner proposed, which being Read, Voted that the same be and
hereby is Accepted.

The Committee appointed the 15th. day of May last to consider
in what manner it will be best to repair or to raise the Brick- Wall
in the South Burial place on the back of the Work-house, and the
Expence of doing the same, now Report, that they had considered
the said Affair and find that the proprietors of the Tombs, by their
Grant nre obliged to build and keep in Repair the Brick- Wall at
the head of their Tombs, almost all of which are now very much
out of Repair, that when they have repaired them, the Committee
are of Opinion that if the Town raise the Wall four feet nine
inches higher, one hundred and four feet in length, it will [432.]
Answer the proposed design, the Cost whereof will be about
Thirty five Pounds Lawful money, which being Read and consid-
ered of, Voted that said Report be not accepted. And after some
debate Voted that the Selectmen for the time being be and they
hereby are desired to take such Methods as they shall judge proper
to cause the Proprietors of such Tombs as are out of repair from
time to time to repair the Brick- Walls belonging to the Tombs in
said Burial place according to the Conditions of the Grants made
when liberty was given for erecting said Tombs. .

The Committee appointed the twelfth day of March last to con-
sider the Article in the Warrant for widening Ann-Street and
repairing (he Pavement there, whether it will not be more conven-
ient for the Town to have said Street widened, the manner of
doing it, and what is necessary for the Town to do in order to
effect the same, now Report as their Opinion that it will be most
convenient for the Town the said Street shou'd be widened, and
that the Front of the House belonging to the Heirs of Mr. Jere-
miah Allen be moved back from the Street at the Northerly end
three feet eight inches and that from from thence a line be run
South, part Westerly so as to cut off the front of said house eight
feet at the extreme part of the Southerly end, and that the Select-
men be impowered to draw on the Treasury for a Sum not exceed-
ing forty pounds to him or them who shall effect the same provided

28 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

it be done in such way and manner as they shall approbate, and
that the Town be at no further Charge respecting this removal.
As to paving the said Street the Committee are further of Opinion
that it be left to the discretion of the Selectmen which Report was
Read, and thereupon

[433.] Voted that the same be and hereby is Accepted.

Also voted that the Selectmen for the time being be and they
hereby are directed and impowered to give a Draft on the Town
Treasurer for a sum not exceeding Forty pounds to such Person
or Persons to whom the same shall be due when said Street shall
be widened in the manner mentioned in the Report aforesaid, and
that the Town be at no further Charge respecting the same, and
that the paving said Street be left to the discretion of said Select-
men.

The Article in the Warrant viz* Whether the Town will take at
their risque such Tickets in Boston Lottery N°. seven, as may re-
main unsold on the day that shall be fixed by the Managers for
drawing it." was taken into Consideration, And thereupon Voted
that the Town will take at their risque said Ticketts accordingly.

Voted that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby is given to
the Moderator of this Meeting for transacting the Buisness thereof.

Voted that all Matters & Things that are unfinished at this Meet-
ing be & hereby are referr'd over to the Meeting called this day
by a new Warrant to be then Acted upon.

And then this Meeting was dismiss'd.

At a Meeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston legally qualified & warned in Public Town Meet-
ing Assembled at Faneuil-Hall on Tuesday the Twelfth day of
June AD 1759

The Warrant for calling the Meeting Read.

The Precept for choosing one Representative in the room of the
Honble. Thomas Hubbard Esqr. Read.

[434.] The Freeholders and other Inhabitants pursuant to
said Precept proceeded to the choice of one Representative and
brought in their Votes and upon Sorting and Counting 'em it
appeared that Roy all Tyler Esqr. was chose, which being declared,

The Town chose John Phillips Esqr. for the Moderator of the
Meeting to transact the other Buisness mentioned in the Warrant.

Voted that the Meeting be Adjourned to 3 o'clock in the After-
noon.

June 12th 1759. Three o'Clock P.M. The Town mett.

The Article in the Warrant for considering of some Method to
prevent the Engrossing of Hay brought by Water Carriage was
debated, & Voted that said Article be dismiss'd.

The Article in the Warrant viz*, whether it will not be for the
Interest of the Town to shut up Faneuil-Hall Markett for such a
time as may be thought proper, was considered, and after a con-
siderable Debate thereon, Voted that Faneuil-Hall Markett be
shut up for the space of six Months from this day.

The Article in the Warrant viz*. To determine whether such of
the Inhabitants as do not give in to the Assessors a Valuation of

BOSTON TOWN KECORDS, 1759. 29

their Estates, shall be Abated any part of the Tax Assess'cl 'em,
was taken into Consideration, and thereupon It was Voted, that
the Assessors be & they hereby are directed not to abate any part
of the Tax of such of the Inhabitants, as do not give or send in
to them upon Oath a List or Valuation of their Rateable Estates
within the time said Assessors shall fix for bringing in the same,
except of such of the Inhabitants as were not in the Province
within the time limited by the Notification of the Assessors for
doing it. Also Voted that this Order or Vote shall not be con-
strued to extend [435.] In such manner as to abridge the
power the Assessors have by the standing Law of the Province
for releiving of Poor Persons in their Taxes.

The Article in the Warrant viz1. "Whether the Town will re-
consider their Vote pass'd in May last, for raising the Sum of
Seven Thousand Pounds for clefreying the Expences of the cur-
rent year was Considered of, and after some debate thereon, It
was Voted that only the Sum of Four Thousand five hundred
Pounds he rais'd by a Tax on the Freeholders and other Inhabi-
tants of the Town for defreyiug the Expences of the current year,
the Vote pass'd in May last notwithstanding.

Voted that Five Pounds on the Hundred be and hereby is al-
lowed to such Gentlemen as have or shall lend Money to the
Town, the same to be deducted out of their Tax, and the Col-
lectors are hereby ordered to discount after the rate of five p Cent
to such persons, as shall lend any Sums of Money to the Town,
out of their Tax when they receive the same.

Then the Meeting was Dismiss'd.

At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston legally qualif3Ted and warned in Public Town
Meeting Assembled at Faneuil-Hall on Friday the 27th. of July
AD 1759.

The Warrant for calling the Meeting Read.

John Phillips Esqr. was chose Moderator.

The Town proceeded to Act on the Petition of many Inhabitants
praying that Faueuil-Hall Markett [436.] May be open'd, and
after a Considerable debate thereon, It was moved & seconded,
that a Question be put, viz1. Whether said Markett shall be now
open'd, and that it be determined in the following manner viz',
such of the Inhabitants as are for opening said Markett write Yea,
and such as are not write Nay, and that the Votes be so received,
and said Question being put, it pass'd in the Affirmative, there-
upon the Inhabitants withdrew and brought in their Votes, & upon
Sorting 'em it appeared there were 158 Yeas & 132 Nays, The
Moderator then declared that by Vote Faneuil-Hall Markett is to
be now open'd.

The Town then Voted that Mr. Oxenbridge Thacher John Kud-
dock Esqr. Richard Dana Esqr. Cap1. Nathaniel Greenwood and
Joshua Winslow Esqr. be & they hereby are appointed a Com-
mittee to consider what additional Rules and Orders, to those now
in force may be necessary to be pass'd by the Town for the bettor
regulating Faneuil-Hall Markett, and reducing the exorbitant

30 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

price of Provisions ; and said Committee are desired to make Re-
port of their doings hereon at the intended Adjournment of this
Meeting.

Voted that this Meeting be Adjourned to Friday the third day
of August next at ten o'Clock in the forenoon.

Friday August the 3d. 1759 The Town mett according to Ad-
journment.

The Committee appointed the 27th. of July last to Consider of
further regulations for Faneuil-Hall Markett, Report that they
have attended that service and apprehend the principal cause a
Market can be supposed to be, of the raising the price of Pro-
visions arises from the too long continuance of it, and from the
Markett People's being allowed to stay till one o'Clock and that if
the Market were shut at eleven, it would be an advantage both to
those who usually buy at the Markett, and those who depend on
being supplyed at their own Houses. As the Sellers would sooner
[437.] Take up with the price offered by the one and sooner
disperse to supply the other. But as the shutting the Markett-
house only, wou'd rather increase the Nusances of the People with
their Teams and Horses on the outside of the house, and in off ct
continue the Market there it will be necessary to make it penal for
any to buy out of the Market hours in Dock Square. They have
therefore drawn a Bye- Law to take in these proposals which tlr.-y
herewith present, and as they are new. and therefore shou'd be
tried before they are fixed, the Law is drawn so as to be in force
for four Months only, in which time their useful or contrary effect
may be better determined. Which Report was Read and Accepted,
and the Bye-Law referr'd too in said Report was Read several
times, which is as follows.

For the better Regulation of Faneuil-Hall Markett.

It is Ordered and Voted that from and after the twenty first day
of August current, and from thence for the space of four Months
the Market of Faneuil-Hall shall be daily shut up at eleven o'Clock
in the forenoon, and shall not be open any more that day excepting
on Saturdays in the Afternoon, and on other Afternoons preceed-
ing days set apart by this Government for religious Service. And
that during that space of four Months no Inhabitant of this Town
shall buy any Provisions out of these Markett hours in nny part of
Dock square, as described in these limits following, to wit, be-
ginning at the Swing Bridge running thence to Mr. Henderson
Inches Warehouse, from thence to the Corner house occupied by
Mr. Peter Minot, thence to the Corner house occupied by Mr.
Peace Cazneau, thence to the Dwelling house now improved by
Mess". John & Jonathan Amory, thence to the Dwelling house of
the Hon°. Eliakim Hutchinson Esqr. thence to the [4.38.] Store
improved by Mr. Timothy Newell thence to the Corner of the
Store improved by the Hon°. Thomas Hubbard Esqr. and from
that Corner to the Swing Bridge aforesaid, unless the Buyer be :m
Inhabitant within those Limits. And every Inhabitant of this
Town for each breach of this Law shall forfeit the Sum of five

BOSTON TOWN EECORDS, 1760. 31

shillings, and if such Buyer be a Son under Age or Servant, the
penalty shall be paid by his Parent or Master or Mistress.

And after due Consideration thereof Voted that said Bye-Law
be and hereby is pass'd, and that the Town-Clerk prepare an
Attested Copy of the same & present it to the Court of Sessions
to be held at Boston on Tuesday the 14th. of August instant for
their Approbation and Allowance.

Voted that the Selectmen be desired to appoint one or more
Persons to observe all such as may be guilty of the Breach of said
Law and prosecute them for the same.

Then the Meeting was Dismiss'd.

At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston legally qualified and warned in Public Town
Meeting Assembled at Faneuil-Hall on Monday the tenth day of
March AD 1760.

Prayer was made by the Revd. Mr. Andrew Eliot.

The Warrant for calling the Meeting . . Read.

Sundry Laws Read.

The Honb!e. Thomas Hubbard Esqr. is chose Moderator of this
Meeting, and took the Oath respecting his paying and receiving Bills
of Credit of the [439.] Governments of Connecticut New Hamp-
shire & Rhode Island as required by the Act of the Province.

Ezekiel Goldthwait was unanimously chose Town Clerk for the
Year ensuing, and having taken the Oath rela. to his receiving and
paying Bills of Credit of the other Governments took the Oath of
Office for the faithful discharge of his Duty, which were Admin-
istred to him by John Phillips Esqr.

Sundry Petitions Read.

The Town proceeded to the choice of Seven Selectmen and the
Votes being brought in and Sorted it appeared that
Joshua Henshaw Esqr.
Joseph Jackson Esqr.
Mr. Thomas Gushing
M. Samuel Hewes
Mr. John Scollay
Mr. Benja Austin &
Andrew Oliver junr. Esqr.

were chose, and they took the oath relating to their receiving and
paying in Bills of the other Governments as required by Law.

John Rowe Esqr. made a motion which was Seconded, That as
his Excellency Goveruour Pownall is appointed by His Majesty
Governour of the Province of South Carolina, and his Excellency
will soon leave this Province, that the Mind of the Town may be
known whether they will present an Address to his Excellency to
return him Thanks for the many great and important Services he
has done the Province during his Administration, Thereupon it
was unanimously Voted that an Address be presented to his
Excellency accordingly, and the Selectmen having prepared one,
it was Read, and is in the Words following viz'.

[44O.] To his Excellency Thomas Pownall Esqr. Captain
General Governour and Commander in Chief in and over His

32 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

Majesty's Province of the Massachusetts-Bay in New England,
Vice Admiral of the same.
May it please your Excellency,

We the Freeholders and Inhabitants of the Town of Boston at
our Annual Meeting Assembled beg leave with great respect and
the sincerest good Wishes to Address your Excellency on }-our
intended departure from us.

While we Congratulate your Excellency upon the repeated marks
of our Sovereign's approbation & acceptance, your important
services to His Majesty's Interest, and to this Province, at the
same time permit us to assure you, that the People who enjoy the
fruit of these Services are not insensible of them nor of their
Obligations to your Excellency.

Your unwearied attention to the Security and Welfare of this
whole Community, your tender regard to our Civil & Religious
Rights, the singular Oeconomy which }*ou have preserved in all
Public Expences, and your Zealous Care that the People's Money
should be employed for His Majesty's Real Service, and the
People's benefit, the Patronage you have afforded to our Trade
and Commerce, and the kind concern which you have always ex-
pressed for the Interest of this Metropolis in all it's Branches
demand our Warm & respectful acknowledgments and must leave
in our minds a long and grateful Remembrance of your Adminis-
tration Touch'd with this Retrospect may we be allowed to

sa}' that we cannot but regard with some mixture of regret that
fresh token of the Royal Favour to your Excellency which so
early removes you to another Province.

We ardently wish your Excellency under the Care & Blessing
of Heaven a prosperous Voyage and that your Talents may long
continue to be employed with Honour and Success in the Service
of His Majesty & for the public Good. And thereupon it was
unanimously Voted that the same be accepted, and that the Town
Clerk prepare a fair [441.] Copy of the said Address, and that
the Honble. Thomas Hubbard Esqr. the Moderator of this Meeting,
& the GentQ. the Selectmen be and hereby are appointed a Com-
mittee to wait on his Excellency the Governour, and in the Name
of the Town present said Address to him.

The Town brought in their Votes for Twelve Overseers of the
Poor, and upon Sorting 'em it appeared that,

John Phillips Esqr.

Mr. Isaac Walker

Ebenezer Storer Esqr. Excus'd.

Mr. John Barrat

Mr. John Tudor

Royall Tyler Esqr.

Thomas Flucker Esqr.

Mr. William Phillips

James Pitts Esqr. Excus'd

Mr. Isaac Smith

Mr. Benja Dolbeare

Melatiah Bourn Esqr.
were chose for the Year ensuing.

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1760. 33

The Votes were brought in for a Town Treasurer and upon
reviewing 'era it appeared that Mr. David Jeffries was chose, and
having taken the Oath relating to his paying and receiving Bills of
Credit of the neighbouring Governments took the Oath for the
faithful discharge of his Duty.

Voted that twelve persons be chose as Constables for the Year
ensuing separate from the Collectors of Taxes.

Voted that any Person chose into the Office of a Constable for
the ensuing Year be excus'd from Serving on his paying a Fine of
Four Pounds.

Voted that the Town proceed to the choice of twelve Constables
'muiediately and the Vote being in it [442.] Appeared that
Mess". Augustus Hale .... Sworn
Nath1. Thayer .... Sworn
Francis Salmon .... Sworn
Wm Waite Wallis . . . Sworn

John Rogers Sworn

James Thomas .... Sworn

John Liswell Sworn

Samuel Bradley junr. . . Sworn
Abraham Howard . . . Sworn
Joseph Gendall .... Sworn
Eliphalet Parker . . . Sworn

John Mills Excus'd

The Town brought in their Votes for a Clerk of Faneuil Hall
Market, and upon Sorting 'em it appeared that Abijah Adams was
chose Clerk for the Year ensuing.

Ebenezer Storer and James Pitts Esq™. who are chose Over-
seers of the Poor pray'd the Town will excuse them from any
further attendance in that Office, Voted that they be Excus'd
accordingly, Also Voted that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby
is given to said Ebenezer Storer and James Pitts E)sqrs. for the
good Services they have done the Town as Overseers of the Poor
for some Years past.

The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for two Overseers of
the Poor in the room of Ebenezer Storer and James Pitts Esq".
who are Excus'd and upon sorting 'em it appeared that
Mr. Samuel Dexter &
Mr. Jona. Mason, were chose.

The Article in the Warrant viz1. To know whether the Town
will give Instructions to their Representatives to use their En-
deavours at the next Meeting of the General Court that some
proper person be appointed as an Agent for the Province at the
Court of Great Britain to manage [443.] the many Affairs of
Importance relative to the Province that now are or may be there
depending," was taken into Consideration, and thereupon it was
Voted that Mess". Samuel Adams William Cooper Oxenbridge
Thacher John Phillips Esqr. and Nathaniel Greenwood be and
they hereby are appointed a Committee to consider what is best
for the Town to do thereon, and Report the same to the Town.

The Petition of Sundry Inhabitants that the Assessors may be
impowered to abate the Taxes of such of the Inhabitants as were

34 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

out of the Province, or had not setled their Books, and could not
give in a List of their Rateable Estates to the Assessors within the
time limited by the Vote in June last, provided they make it appear
to said Assessors that they are Over-rated," was Read, and taken
into Consideration & thereupon Voted that said Petition be dis-
missed.

Voted that, John Rowe Esqr. Mr. William Phillips and Melatiah
Bourn Esqr. be and they hereby are appointed a Committee to
examine the Accompts of the Managers of Boston Lotteries Nos.
Seven Eight and Nine, and the}* are desired to make Report thereon
to the Town at the Meeting in May next.

Mess™. Cornelius Thayer . . . Sworn
Nathaniel Parker . . . Sworn
Nathaniel Hurd ....
Daniel Henchman . . . Sworn
Neal MMntire .... Sworn
Thomas Downe .... Sworn
Benja. Henderson . . .
William Bowes .... Sworn
James Jackson ....
Oliver Wiswall .... Sworn
Samuel Barrat & . . . Sworn
Houghton Perkins . . . Sworn
were chose Clerks of the Market for the Year ensuing.
[444.] Mess". William Nichols . . .

William Welch .... Sworn
Isaac Vergoose . . . Sworn
Robert Ford .... Sworn
Andrew Symmes . . . Sworn
Clement Collins . . . Sworn
William Paine ....
Thomas Bailey ....

Caleb Ray

John Lougley .... Sworn
Nathaniel Wales & . .
John Greenough . . . Sworn
were chose Surveyors of Boards for the Year ensuing.
Mess™. Aftar Stoddard

Joseph Webb junr.
George Jeffries
Andrew Hall
Benjamin Edes
John Brown
John Forsyth
Nath1. Thayer
Edward Holiday
Nich°. Gray
Ebenezer Lowell &
Henry Perkins
were chose Scavingers for the Year ensuing.

Mess™. Obadiah Low Sworn

Story Dawea

BOSTON TOWN KECORDS, 1760* 35

Nath1. Wales

William Moore

Onesip8. Tileston &

Caleb Ray
were chose Fence Viewers for the Year ensuing.

Mr. John Gray

was chose Surveyor of Hemp for the Year ensuing.
[445.] Mess™. Nathaniel Gardner &

Joseph Belknap
were chose Informers of Deer for the Year ensuing.

Mr. John Ranstead was chose Hayward for the Year
ensuing.

Voted that this Meeting be Adjourned 'till to Morrow Morning
pine o'Clock in the forenoon.

Tuesday Morning nine o'Clock the Town met according to Ad-
jourment.

John Phillips Esqr.

Joseph Jackson Esqr

John Rowe Esqr.

Mr. John Scollay

Royal Tyler Esqr.

Cap1. Newman Greenough

Cap'. Solomon Davis

Mr. Joseph Jackson

Mr. Samuel Austin

Mr. William Cooper

Cap*. Hopestill Foster

Mr. John Mico Wendell
were chose Firewards for the Year ensuing.

David Greenleafe . . . Sfforn
Mess". William Fairfield

John Kneeland

Samuel Edwards

Benjamin Church

Joseph Bradford

William Torrey &

Jonathan Brown
were chose Assessors for the Year ensuing.

Mess™. Cornelius Thayer Sworn

Robert Hewes Sworn

Adino Paddock &

Jon*. Blake Sworn

were chose Sealers of Leather for the Year ensuing.
[446.] MessrS. John Ranstead

John Gill

John Cooper &

Thomas Palfrey

were chose Hogreeves for the Year ensuing.
Nothing done thereon. In margin. [Tything-Men.]
Mess™. David Spear

Benjamin Barnard Sworn.

Nathan Spear

36 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

Robert Treat
John Askins
Edward Cowell
Samuel Barnard
Joshua Pico
John Hobbs
John Helyer
were chose Cullers of Staves for the Year ensuing.

The Selectmen. In margin. [Surveyors of Highways.]
Voted that the Sum of nine pence on the pound be and hereby
is allowed to such Persons as shall be chose Collectors of Taxes
for the Year ensuing for all such Sums as they shall Collect, pro-
vided they pay into the Town Treasury one half part of the
whole Sum they are obliged to pay him within four Months from
the time they receive the Tax Hooks from the Assessors, and the
other half part in three Months after, and also pay into the Prov-
ince and County Treasuries one half part of the whole Sum they
shall be obliged to pay them respective!}' in Seven Months from
the time they shall receive the Tax Books from the Assessors as
aforesaid, and the other half part in five Months after ; and in
Case either of said Collectors shall fail paying, in the manner as
aforesaid, the Collector so failing shall not be entitled to the
aforesaid Allowance of nine pence on the pound but wholly forfeit
the same, provided [447.] Also that each of said Collectors give
Bond with sufficient Sureties to the satisfaction of the Selectmen
for the faithful discharge of their Duty in said Office, and comply-
ing with this Vote.

Mess13. John Ruddock Esqr.
Mr. John Grant
?.1T. Jonathan Payson
Mr. Samuel Adams,
were chose Collectors of Taxes for the Year ensuing.

The Committee appointed yesterday to consider whether it is
best for the Town to give Instructions to their Representatives to
use their Endeavours at the next Meeting of the General Ccurt
that some proper Person be appointed as an Agent for the Province
at the Court of Great Britain to mtinage the many Affairs of Im-
portance relative to the Province, that now are or may be there
depending, Report,

That inasmuch as the General Assembly have so lately dismissal
their Agent it would be premature for the Town positively to in-
struct their Representatives to use their Endeavours at the next

Meeting of the Court that another may be chosen But as it

is highly probable, that the Court will in their own Wisdom judge
it proper to enter into the Consideration of so important a matter,
the Committee think it expedient that the Town should express
their Mind to their Representatives relative to such a Choice

and accordingly Report the following Draft. To Mr. John

Tyng Thomas Flucker Esqr. Benjamin Prat and Royal TyKr
sqrs.
Gentlemen,

When the Freeholders and Inhabitants of the Town of Boston

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1760. 37

made choice of you to represent them in the General Assembly they
entrusted }'ou with all their Power to Act in the Affairs of Govern-
ment according to your best discretion, and althd. they have no
room to doubt but that you have consulted and will continue to
consult [448.] the general Interest of the Province and of this
Town so considerable a part of it ; yet always reserving to them-
selves the liberty of Communicating their Sentiments to their Re-
presentatives as they shall judge convenient, they take occasion at
this their annual Town Meeting regularly called to instruct you
with regard to an Agency for the Province at the Court of Great
Britain.

When you consider how large a share of the Public Burden is
born by your Constituents you will not wonder, that they are
greatly Concerned that every prudent method may be taken to
make it more light : And while they are sensible of the Importance
of the many Affairs relative to the Province which are or may be
depending at the Court of Great Britain, they would strongly rec-
ommend it as a subject of your Enquiry whether such Affairs may
not be successfully Conducted there with less Expence than in time
past.

Should the General Court in their "Wisdom think proper to enter
into the Consideration of this matter, your Constituents would ex-
press to you their Opinion, That by appointing a Gentleman who re-
sides at or near the City of London the heavy Charge of wholly sup-
porting an Agent sent from this Province would be saved to
the People.

Accordingly you are desired to use your best Endeavours that
some such Gentleman may be chosen whose Integrity and Abilities
are well known there, and who may carry an Influence as well by
his own Character Station and Connections as from the Regard
which may be paid to him as the Representative of a Province

Nor do we suppose it will be difficult to find such a Person,

whose natural Attachments to our Religious as well as Civil Rights,
together with the Qualifications before hinted at may recommend
him to your Confidence and choice. Which Report being Read
and Considered of it is thereupon

Voted that the same be and hereby is accepted, & the Town
Clerk is directed to give a fair Copy thereof to each of the Gentle-
men tlie Representatives of the Town.

[449.] The Town brought in their Votes for a County Treas-
urer, and they were Sealed up by Constable Thomas to be by him
kept and returned to the next General Sessions of the Peace to be
held for this County.

The Selectmen's Report on the Acco*. of Mr. John Fenno
Keeper of the Granary for the Year past as Entered in his Book
(and on File in the Town Clerk's Office) Read and Voted that the
same be Accepted, and that Mr. Fenno be accountable to the
Town for 40 Bushels of Rye & 20 Bushels of Indian Corn remain-
ing unsold am0, to £12,, 5,, 4, and also for the Sum of £478,,
15,, ll£ Cash now in his hands, exclusive of the Sum of £26,,
13,, 4 for his Salary and Assistance, as Charged in his Account
which is hereby allowed him.

38 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

Joseph Jackson Esqr. Mr. John Scollay & Mr. Timothy Newell
are chose Purchasers of Grain for the Year ensuing, and they are
desired and impowered to give all needful directions to the Keeper
of the Granary, respecting the quantities of Grain to be Sold, and
Setting the price thereof from time to time as occasion shall
require.

The Committee appointed the 12th. of March last to Audit the
Accompts of Mr. Treasurer Jeffries now Report That they have
attended that Service, and find the same right cast and well
vouch'd, in which he charges himself with Sundry Fines R-ints and
other Incomes of the Town, as also with the Tax of £4500 all
which amount (including the ballance of the old account) to
£5533,, 7,, 1^. And the said Treasurer discharges himself by
sundry Abatements made the Collectors, by Drafts made by the
Selectmen amounting to £2710,, 3,, 4£. of which he has paid
£2118,, 12,, 9£. and by Drafts made by the Overseers of the Poor
which contain the Charges of the Aims-House and Work-house
am0, to £1971,, 6,, 9 of which he has paid £1460,, 4,, 0^.

[45O.] The said Committee having inspected said Drafts
containing the Charges of the Aims-House and Work-House in a
very particular manner by Examining every Voucher produced by
the Overseers for the amount of their said Drafts and every
other Branch of Public Charge all amounting to £6235,, 16,, 6. as
$> Acco'. of Town Treasury in the said Treasurer's Books, Bal-
lance whereof being £702,, 9,, 4f. is carried to the Debit of now
Account. Which Report & Accompt being Read, Voted that the
same be and hereby is accepted.

Voted that John Rowe Esqr. Mr. Willm Story Mr. Samuel
Waterhouse Mr. Thomas Gray & Mr. Samuel Phillips Savage, be
and hereby are appointed a Committee to audit the Accompts of
Mr. Treasurer Jeffries, and also the Accompts of the Overseers of
the Poor and the Committee are desired and impowred to inspect
every particular Account of the Monies expended for the use of
the Aims-House, they are also impowered when they shall audit
said Accompts to allow to said Overseers or such of them as shall
advance Monies for the Relief of the Poor, Interest on all such
Sums from the time advanced 'till they shall audit sd. Accompts.

The Committee to wait on his Excellency Governour Pownall
with the Address of the Town to him, Report, that they have so
d me and that IMS Excellency was pleas 'd to give the following
Answer Viz*.
Mr. Moderator & Gentlemen,

I receive this kind and very affectionate Address of the Town
in that high Esteem which I have alway held the respectible from
whom it comes, and I desire you to make known my thanks for it.

The Inhabitants of this Capitol zealously regarding the King's
Service and the People's Interest as one and the same thing, and
bearing testimony that these have been united under my Adminis-
tration, do me the most effectual honour, for His Majesty never
[4t51.] thinks his Service so well conducted as when it truly
serves the Interest of his People.

Wherever the King commands my Services there it must be my

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1760. 39

duty and honour to Serve. But tho' my Civil Connections with
this Community determine by my present Destination, yet my At-
tachment to it will ever remain invariable, and my gratitude
towards it will ever be an indispensable Duty, and if ever I shall
be in any Situation wherein I may be useful to the Civil Religious
or Commercial Interests of this Town it will alway be my study
how I can best Serve it, and my happiness to be able to Serve

it. POWNALL.

Voted that the Assessors be and they hereby are impowered to
sit on every Thursday from this time untill the last Thursday of
April next inclusive, & no longer for making an Abatement of the
Taxes of such Persons as they shall judge reasonable, saving that
they have liberty to sit the two last Weeks in Novr. next to abate
(if they see cause) the Taxes of all such Persons as shall appear
to them to have been out of the Province, and so could not have
made Application to them for an Abatement by said last Thursday
in April, and also that they may then abate the Taxes of such
Persons as may have dyed Insolvent or become Bankrupts between
«>aid last Thursday in April and last of November.

Voted that such Gentlemen as shall lend any Monies to the Town
for the use of the Aims-House be and hereby are allowed at and
after the rate of five per Cent for such Sums as they shall lend the
same to be deducted out of their Tax, and the Collectors are hereby
ordered to discount the same out of their Tax when they shall
receive it.

Voted that the Selectmen be and they [452.] are hereby desired
to take every Method in their Power to reduce the great Number
of Licenc'cl Houses, and that when any Licenc'd Persons remove
or die, that they do not Licence them or others in their Room but
when they shall judge it to be of absolute necessity and con-
venience.

The Article in the Warrant viz'. "To determine what is neces-
sary to be further done for widening Ann Street," was considered
of and thereupon Voted that the Selectmen be a Committee to
Treat with the Persons Intrested in the House belonging to the
Estate of Mr. Jeremiah Allen deceased, or the Guardians of such
as are Minors, what they expect to have for so much thereof as is
necessary to be taken down for widening said Street, and also
Consider whether any further Application is necessary to be made
to the General Court for effecting the same, and Report their
doings hereon at the General Town Meeting in May next.

Voted that all Matters and Things that remain unfinished at this
Meeting be and hereby is referr'd over to the General Town Meet-
ing in May next, to be then Considered of and Acted upon.

Voted unanimously that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby
is given to the Honble. Thomas Hubbard Esqr. the Moderator of
this Meeting for transacting the Buisness thereof.

Then the Meeting was Dismiss'd.

[453.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabi-
tants of the Town of Boston legally qualified and warned in Public

40 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

Town Meeting Assembled at Fanueil-Hall on Tuesday the 13th.
day of May AD 1760.

Prayer was made by the Revd. Samuel Checkley jtmp.

The Precept and Warrant for calling the Meeting Read.

Sundry Laws Read.

Joshua Henshaw Esqr. one of the Selectmen propos'd in their
Names to the Inhabitants Assembled to proceed to the choice of
one or more Persons to Represent them in the Great and General
Court or Assembly to be held at Boston upon Wednesday twenty
eight day of May current, and in order thereto to consider and
ascertain the Number of Gentlemen to be Elected, accordingly, it
was Voted to proceed to the Choice of four Representatives, and
then it was declared by the Selectmen that no Votes will be recd.
but such as are unfolded, and that they propose the Poll shall be
clos'd at twelve o'Clock.

The Votes being brought in, the Number of Voters were found
to be 997, and upon Sorting' em it appeared that the four following
Gentlemen were chose viz'.

The Honble. Samuel Welles Esqr. had 604
Thomas Flucker Esq*. . 629
Royal Tyler Esqr. . . 863
John Phillips Esqr. . 928.

The Choice of Representatives being over and declared by the
Selectmen the Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in
their Votes for a [454.] Moderator of this Meeting, in order that
the Town may proceed in transacting the other Affairs mentioned
in the Warrant, accordingly the Inhabitants withdrew and bro't in
their Votes, and upon Sorting 'em it appear'd that John Phillips
Esqr. was chose.

Then Voted that this Meeting be Adjourned to three o'Clock in
the Afternoon.

Three o'Clock P.M. the Inhabitants Assembled.

Voted that Messrs. Oxenbridge Thacher Benja. Kent and James
Otis Esqr. be and they hereby are appointed a Committee to pre-
pare an Answer to the Petition of the Town of Dorchester lately
preferr'd to the General Court, wherein they pray that this Town
may obliged to pay a proportionable part of the Charges they have
been at in rebuilding a Bridge over Naponsit River near Jackson's
Mills, and that said Bridge maybe established as a County Bridge,
and maintained by the County. And said Committee are desired
to Sign said Answer and in the name of the Town give it in to the
General Court at their next Sessions.

Voted unanimously that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby
are given for all Public Donations that have been made for the
Relief of such Persons as suffered by the great Fire that happened
in Town the 20th. of March last, and also for all private Donations
that have been made for the same purpose. And that this Vote
be made known by inserting it in all the Public Prints.

The Town proceeded to consider what Methods are best to be

taken to prevent the Spreading of Fires, and for the more speedy

. extinguishing of 'em, also of securing Goods Merchandizes

&ca, and [455.J thereupon Voted that the Gentlemen the Fire-

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1760. 41

wards of the Town be and hereby are appointed a Committee to
consider of this Affair and Report their Opinion what method is
best for the Town to take for the purposes aforesaid, and Report
the same to the Town.

On the Article in the Warrant viz4. " Whether the Town will
give directions that the Pump in the Well near Dock Square be
Repaired, and how the Expences thereof be paid " Voted that this
Affair be left to the Selectmen to do therein what they may think
proper.

The Article in the Warrant viz'. To consider of the Petition of
sundry Inhabitants " that the Town would apply to the Parliment
of Great Britain for a Grant to be made for the Relief of such In-
habitants as suffered by the great Fire the 20th. of March last, and
also to such of His Majesty's Subjects for further Relief as the
Town may think proper," was proceeded upon, and thereupon Voted
that John Thomlinson and William Bollan of London Esq™. be and
they hereby are appointed Agents for this Town in order to make
Application at Home, in such way and manner as they may think
proper for obtaining Relief for the poor distress'd Sufferers that
were burnt out by the great Fire which happened in Town the 20th.
of March last,

Voted that the Selectmen be a Committee to consider what
directions may be proper to be given to the Town Agents in this
Affair, & prepare a suitable Letter to be sent to the Agents there-
upon, and Report the same at the Adjournment of this Meeting.

Voted that the Selectmen be and hereby are appointed a Com-
mittee to make such Application to any of His Majesty's Subjects
on this Continent or in the West India Islands for further Relief
as they may judge proper.

[456.] Voted that the Gentlemen and Merchants in this
Town be and they hereby are desired to write to their Correspond-
ents abroad, and use their utmost Interest with them to afford
some assistance towards making up the great Loss sustained by
Fire in this Town the 20th of March last.

The Article in the Warrant viz'. " To know the mind of the Town
about clearing and opening the Streets and Lanes that have been
or may be laid out in that part of the Town that has been lately
demolished by Fire, and determine how the Charges arising thereby
may be paid," was taken into Consideration and after a consider-
able Debate thereon, it being moved and seconded the following
Question was put viz'. Whether the new Highway or Street that is
proposed by the Commissioners to be laid out thro' part of Mr.
John Wheatley's House-Lot fronting King Street and to run back
to the South-East near the House Lot of Benja. llallowdl Esqr.
will be for the Interest and Convenience of the Town ? Voted in
the Negative by a great Majority. Also Voted that the Selectmen
be desired to inform the Commissioners of said Vote pnss'd.

The Article in the Warrant viz'. " Whether the Town will make
Application to the General Court that the Taxes of such Inhabi-
tants, as were burnt out, or that sustained Losses by the late Fire
may be Abated, was Considered and thereupon Voted that the
Selectmen be and the}' hereby are appointed a Committee to make

42 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

Application to the General Court for an Abatement of said Taxes
accordingly.

The Article in the Warrant viz'. " Whether the Town will do
any thing towards repairing the South- Battery " was Considered,
and thereupon Voted that the Selectmen be desired to fence in the
Lands of the South Battery, and also Erect a [457.] such a small
Building as they may judge to be necessary for the Convenience of
it and nothing more be at present done there.

The Article in the Warrant viz'. " What Method can be taken for
obtaining Relief as to the number of French Neutrals lately ordered
into Town by the General Court for Subsistance, and in what manner
those of 'em that remain here shall be supported" was Considered
of, but nothing done thereon, as the Town were Informed that each
Town in the Province had their proportion of the French Neutrals
to provide for, by order of the General Court, and that the Over-
seers of this Town, must take the same Care of said French
Neutrals ordered here as of other Poor.

Voted that this Meeting be Adjourned to Friday the 16th. instant,
at nine o'clock in the forenoon.

May 16th. 1760. The Town met at nine o'Clock in the forenoon
according to Adjournment.

Voted that the Sum of Four Thousand five hundred Pounds be
rais'd by a Tax upon Polls and Estates within the Town for Relief
of the Poor, and defreying other necessary Charges within the
To\vn the ensuing Year.

Voted that the Assessors be and they hereby are directed not to
Abate any part of the Tax of such of the Inhabitants as do not
give or send in to them a List or Valuation of their Rateable
Estates within the time said Assessors shall fix for bringing in the
same, except of such of the Inhabitants as were not in the Province
within the time limited by the Notification of the Assessors for
doing it, Also Voted that this Order or Vote shall not be Con-
strued to extend in such a manner as to abridge the Power the
Assessors have by the standing Law of the Province for relieving
of Poor Persons in their Taxes.

[458.] Voted that the Sum of Sixty Pounds be allowed and
paid unto Mr. Peleg W is wall for his Salary as Master of the North
Grammar School for the ensuing Year, the same to be paid him
quarterly, and to Commence at the Expiration of the last
Quarter.

Voted that the Sum of One hundred and twenty Pounds be
allowed and paid unto Mr. John Lovel for his Salary as Master of
the South Grammar-School the ensuing Year the same to be paid
him quarterly, and to Commence at the Expiration of the last
Quarter.

Voted that the Sum of One hundred Pounds be allow'd and paid
unto Mr. Ahia Holbrook for his Salary as Master of the Writing-
School in the Common the ensuing Year, the same to be paid
him quarterly and to Commence at the expiration of the last
Quarter.

Voted that the Sum of One hundred Pounds be allowed and
paid unto Mr. Zachariah Hicks for his Salary as Master of the

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1760. 43

North-Writing School the ensuing Year the same to be paid him
quarterly & to Commence at the Expiration of the last Quarter.

Voted that the Sum of Eighty Pounds be allowed and paid
unto Mr. Samuel Holyoke for his Salary as a Master of the
Writing School in Queen Street the ensuing Year the same to be
paid him quarterly, & to Commence at the Expiration of the last
Quarter.

Voted that the Sum of Eighty Pounds be allowed and paid to
Mr. John Procter for his Salary as a Master of the Writing-School
in Queen-Street the ensuing Year to be paid him quarterly, and to
commence at the Expiration of the last Quarter.

Voted that the Sum of Sixty Pounds be allowed and paid unto
Mr. James Lovel for his Salary as Usher in the South Grammar
School the ensuing Year, to be paid [459.] him quarterly and to
Commence from the time he entered upon that Service.

Voted that the Sum of Sixty Pounds be allowed and paid unto
Mr. Ephraim Langdon for his Salary as Usher in the North Gram-
mar School the ensuing Year, to be paid him Quarterly and to
Commence at the Expiration of the last Quarter.

Voted that the Sum of Fifty Pounds be allowed and paid unto
Mr. John Vinal for his Salary as Usher of the Writing School in
the Common the ensuing Year, to be paid him Quarterly, and to
Commence at the expiration of the last Quarter.

Voted that the Sum of Fifty Pounds be allowed and paid unto
Mr. John Tileston for his Salary as Usher in the North Writing
School the ensuing Year, to be paid him quartrly and to Commence
at the Expiration of the last Quarter.

Voted that the Sum of Twenty Pounds be allowed and paid
unto Mr. Peleg Wiswall Master of the North Grammar School, in
Consideration of his faithful Services of his duty as Master of said
School.

Voted that the Sum of One hundred Pounds be allowed and paid
unto Mr. David Jeffries for his Services as Treasurer of the Town
the Year past, and for all his Expences in that Office.

Voted that the Sum of Twenty Pounds be allowed and paid to
Mr. Abijah Adams for his Salary as Clerk of Faneuil-Hall Market
the Year past.

The Committee appointed the 13th. ins*, to consider what direc-
tions may be proper to be given to John Thomlinson and William
Bollan Esq": Agents for [46O.] the Town and to prepare a
suitable Letter to be sent 'em, now Report a Draft of a Letter for
that purpose which being Read and Amended, Voted that the
same be Accepted, said Letter as amended being in the Words
following viz' :

Boston New England May 16th. 1760.
Gentlemen,

We suppose you are not unacquainted with the great Calamity
that has befallen this Metropolis, in the late Fire the 20th. March
last, which has reduced a great part of the Houses and Estates of
the Town to ruin.

The General Assembly of this Province mov'd with the sight of
such distress have made humble Application to His Majesty on

44 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

behalf of the Sufferers, and have desired his Excellency Governour
Pownall who soon Embarks for England to present their Address
to His Majesty upon this occasion, and to use his good Offices in
obtaining the Relief pray'd for, and in remitting what shall be so
obtained, but tho' the Town think that such an Application to IJis
Majesty comes with much more Advantage from the Governour
and both Houses of Assembly, than it would have done from them-
selves, yet, so extensive is the Damage sustained that they cannot
forbear to entreat the Assistance aud relief of their private Friends
in Great Britain in behalf of the unhappy Sufferers : they have ac-
cordingly Voted that every Gentleman in Town be desired to uso
his Interest with his Correspondents for the purpose aforesaid, and
further we are to acquaint you of the Choice the Town at their
Meeting on the 13th. instant made of you as their Agents to Sollicit
and make application in any way and manner you think proper
upon this occasion, as also to receive any Donations that may be
lodged in your hands in Consequence of a number of Letters wrote
here by the Merchants in general to their several Correspondents
in London and other parts of Great Britain to obtain relief for the
many distress'd Families amongst us some of whom from Affluent
and many from easy Circumstances are by this sore Calamity re-
duced to great straits and indigence, the Monies you may receive
for this charitable purpose you are desired to remit to the [461.]
Selectmen and Overseers of the Poor of the Town of Boston.

Your Characters leave us not the least room to doubt Your
readiness to employ your good Offices upon this occasion we there-
fore think it needless to say any thing to excite your Compassion
being assured your Breasts have a tender feeling for the distress'd
and are warm with every generous and benevolent Sentiment.
We are,

Gentlemen,

In the Name & by order of the Town Your

most Obed1. hum : Servants.
JOHN THOMLINSON &
WILLIAM BOLLAN ESQBS.

Voted that the Selectmen prepare fair Copies of said Letter
Sign 'em in the Name of the Town and forward them to the
Agents as soon as may be.

The Committee appointed the tenth of March last to examine
the Accounts of the Managers of Boston Lotteries Nos. Seven
Eight and Nine, Report that they have attended that Service, and
find them right, and that the said Accompts be allowed viz'.

To Joshua Henshaw Esqr £ 40

Joseph Jackson Esqr 40

Mr. Thomas Gushing 41

Mr. Samuel Hewes 39

Mr. John Scollay 37

16
7
5
6
1

12
14

Mr. Benja. Austin 39

Andw. Oliver junr. Esqr 38

Which Report was Read, & Voted it be Accepted.

The Committee appointed the 13th ins1, to consider what Methods

are best to be taken to prevent the spreading of Fires and for the

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1760. 45

more speedy extinguishing of 'em, also for securing of Goods
Merchandize &ca. in the time of Fire made the following Report viz1.
That for the future the Care and Inspection of the Engines be
left to the Firewards, and that when and so often as they shall be
found to want repair they take effectual Care to see it done, ac-
cording to their best discretion, and [462.] that the Accounts
of Charges arising hereby be laid before the Selectmen for their
Approbation.

That the Fire Hooks be immediately repair'd, and that there be
two Hooks to each Engine and that white Rope be affixed to the

Hooks That there be fifteen fathom of white Rope always

kept in each Engine House for the more eas.y pulling down of

Houses That there be two Axes provided for each Engine

and affixed thereto. The Committee are further of Opinion that
there be two Men added to each Company of Engine Men whose
more immediate Buisness it shall be to take Care of the Ropes and
Axes, and to do such duty therewith as the Fire- Wards shall
direct, those two to be Excus'd from Town duty only. Voted that
the same be Accepted.

The Committee appointed the 15th of May last to Visit the Public
Schools now Report as follows viz*.

To the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston
in Town Meeting Assembled May 13th. 1760.

Pursuant to the Vote of the Town at their Meeting the 15th of
May last desiring the Selectmen to visit the Schools & invite such
Gentlemen to accompany them as they shou'd think proper do now
Report, That on the fourth day of July last we attended that
Service accompanied by the following Gent", viz'.
The Honble Samuel Welles

John Wheelwright &
Thomas Hancock Esq™.
George Cradock Esqr.
John Phillips Esqr.
Foster Hutchinson Esqr.
Ebenezer Storer Esqr.
Thomas Flucker Esqr.
Richard Clarke Esqr.
James Pitts Esqr.
Sam1. Grant Esqr.
James Otis Esqr.
Royal Tyler Esqr.
Belcher Noyes Esqr.
Melatiah Bourn Esq*.
The Revd. Doctr. Sewall
Mr. Byles
Mr. Eliot
Mr. Cooper
Mr. Isaac Walker
Mr. John Tudor
Mr. Wm. Phillips
Mr. Tho8. Hill
Mr. Benja. Dolbeare

46 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

Mr. John Hamock
Mr. Tho8. Tyler
Mr. Oxen Thacher
Mr. David Jeffries
Mr. Alexr. Chamberlain
Mr. Sam1. Swift

[463.] We found in the South Grammar School there were
117 Scholars, in the South Writing School 220 Scholars, in the
Writing School in Queen Street 225 Scholars, in the North
Grammar School 33 Scholars, and in the North Writing School
220 Scholars, all in very good Order.

Voted that said Report be accepted, and the Selectmen are
desired to visit said Schools the ensuing Year as usual, and they
are desired to invite such Gentlemen to accompany them, as they
may think proper.

Mr. Oxenbridge Thacher mov'd that he may be Excused from
being on the Committee appointed to draw an Answer to the
Petition of the Town of Dorchester, relating to Rebuilding Nepon-
sit Bridge.

Voted that Mr. Thacher be Excused accordingly, and that Ben-
jamin Prat !'.sqr. be on said Committee in his Room.

Voted unanimously that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby
is given to John Phillips Esqr. the Moderator of this Meeting for
transacting the Business thereof.
Then the Meeting was Dismiss'd.

[464.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabi-
tants of the Town of Boston legally qualifyed and warned in
publick Town Meeting Assembled at the Town House on Monday
the Ninth Day of March Anjao Dom°. 1761.

Prayer was made by the Revd. Dr. Sewall.

The Warrant for calling the Meeting read.

Sundry Laws enjoyned to be read at this Meeting, were ac-
cordingly read.

John Phillips Esq. was chosen Moderator of this Meeting, and
took the Oath respecting his paying and receiving Bills of Credit
of the Governments of Connecticut New Hampshire & Rhode
Island as required by the Act of the Province ; and the Meeting
adjourned to the Revd. Mr. Cooper's Meeting House.

William Cooper was chosen Town Clerk for the Year ensuing
and having taken the Oath relating to his receiving and paying
Bills of Credit of the other Governments, took the Oath of Office,
for the faithful discharge of his duty, which were administred
him by John Phillips Esq.

Voted unanimously that the thanks of the Town be and hereby
are given to Ezekiel Goldthwait Esq. for his faithfull services
many years past as Town Clerk.

The Town proceeded to the choice of Seven Selectmen, and the
Votes being brought in and sorted it appear'd that

Joshua Henshaw Esq. . . . Excused
Joseph Jackson Esq. . . . Excused
Thomas Cashing Esq.

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1761. 47

[465.] Samuel Hews Esq.
John Scollay Esq.
Benjamin Austin Esq.
Andrew Oliver Junr. Esq. . . Excused

were chosen, and Joshua Henshaw Esq. Joseph Jackson Esq.
and Andrew Oliver Jr. Esq. desired to be excused, the other
Gentlemen accepted, and took the Oath required by Law, re-
specting the irreceiving and paying Bills of the other Governments.
Voted unanimously that the Thanks of the Town, be and hereby
are given unto Andrew Oliver Junr. Esq. for his faithfull service
as Selectman for some Years past.

The Town brought in their Votes for twelve Overseers of the
Poor, and upon sorting them it appear'd that

John Phillips Esq.

Mr. Isaac Walker

Mr. John Barratt

Royall Tyler Esq.

Thomas Flucker Esq.

Mr. William Phillips

Mr. Benjamin Dolbear

Mr. Isaac Smith

Meletiah Bourne Esq.

Mr. Samuel Dexter

Mr. Jonathan Mason

Mr. Henry Bromfield
were chosen for the ensuing year.

Voted that the Petition relative to the Market be taken under
consideration 4 O'Clock P M : and that the choice of County
Treasurer and Register of Deeds &ca. for the County be ime-
diately after.

[466.] Upon a motion made and seconded, it was unani-
mously Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are
given to Mr. John Tudor, for his good services to the Town as
an Overseer of the Poor for some years past.

The Town brought in their Votes for twelve Wardens, and upon
sorting them it appeard that —

Joshua Henshaw Esq.

Royal Tyler Esq.

Joseph Jackson Esq.

Thomas Flucker Esq.

Thomas Gushing Esq.

Johan Scollay Esq.

Melatiah Bourn Esq.

Benjamin Austin Esq.

Mr. John Barrat

Mr. William Phillips

Mr. Samuel Dexter

Mr. Samuel Phillips Savage
were chosen for the Year ensuing.

The Votes were brought in for a Town Treasurer, and upon
sorting them it appeared that Mr. David Jeffries was unanimously
chosen, and having taken the Oath relating to his paying and

48 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

receiving Bills of Credit of the other Governments took the Oath
of Office for the faithful discharge of his duty which were admin-
istred him by John Phillips Esq.

The Town brought in their Votes for twelve Firewards and upon
sorting them it appeared, that

John Phillips Esq.
Joseph Jackson Esq.
John Scollay Esq.
[467.] Royal Tyler Esq.

Cap*. Newman Greenough
Mr. Samuel Austin
Cap'. Solomon Davis
Mr. William Cooper
Mr. John Mico Wendell
Mr. Joseph Jackson
John Rowe Esq.
Mr. Henderson Inches
were chosen for the ensuing Year.

Voted that this Meeting be adjourned to Revd. Dr. Sewalls
Meeting House. 3 O'Clock in the Afternoon.

3 O'Clock Afternoon met according to adjournm*. Upon a
motion made and seconded, the question was put whether Col-
lectors of Taxes shall be chosen seperate from Constables passed
in the affirmative.

Voted, that any Person chosen into the Office of a Constable for
the Year ensuing ma}r be excused from serving on his paying the

Sum of Four Pounds

The clause in the Warrant relating to the repairing Faneuil
Hall Market, purchasing the Lands adjoining, enlarging the
Square around it, and filling up the Dock &°. came under consid-
eration— whereupon after debate the question was put — whether
it be the mind of the Town that Faueuil Hall Market be repair'd

or rebuilt passed in the Negative.

At the same time Voted, that the Selectmen be desir'd to take
such Methods, as may be necessary for the security of the Walls
of Faneuil Hall Market.

[468.] Voted, that the Selectmen be desired to take such
steps as the Law directs for the widening the Street between
Faneuil Hall Market, and Mess™. Bromfiolds, Waterhouses and
Gibbs Stores.

Voted that James Otis Esq. Ezekiel G old th wait and Thomas
Green Esq. Mr. Isaac Smith and Mr. John Avery be a Committee
to confer with the Abuttors upon the Town Dock relative to the

filling it up, and report at the next MajT Meeting.

The Town brought in their Votes fora County Treasurer, which
were received and sealed up by Constable Thomas to be by him
kept, and returu'd to the next Court of the General Session of the
Peace to be held for this County.

The Town brought in their Votes for a County Register which
were received and sealed up by Constable Thomas to be by him
kept & return'd to the next Court of the General Session of the
Peace to be held for this County.

BOSTON Towx RECORDS, 1761. 49

The Petition of a number of Inhabitants for paving Rawsons
Lane was Read, and a motion made and seconded that Twenty five

Founds be allowed for that purpose passed in the negative ;

and then it was Voted that the Petition be dismissed.

The Petition of a number of Inhabitants for paving Bacon
Street, was read and the question then put, whether the prayer of
the petition should be granted — passed in the negative.

Voted, that the choice of Collectors shall come on to Morrow 10
O'clock in the Forenoon.

Voted, that this Meeting be adjourned to meet at the Town
House, to Morrow Morning 9 O'Clock Forenoon.

[469.] 9 O'Clock A.M. Met a«:cording to adjournment
and further adjourned to the Revd. Dr. Bewails Meeting
House.

Voted, that the Town proceed imediately to the choice of twelve
Constables, and the Votes being brought in and sorted it appeared
that

Mess™. Augustus Hale .... Sworn
Nathaniel Thayer . . . ditto
Francis Salmon .... ditto
James Thomas .... ditto
John Rogers .... ditto

Elisha Byles ditto

William Dorrington . . . ditto
Samuel M°.Clure . . . ditto
Eliphalet Parker . . . ditto
Stephen Syms .... ditto

John Weld ditto

John Crompston . . . ditto
were chosen for the ensuing Year .... ditto

The Town brought in their Votes for twelve Clerks of the Market,
and upon sorting them it appeard that
Mess™. Cornelius Thayer
Daniel Parker
Benjamin Henderson
Nathaniel Hurd
Daniel Henchman
Oliver Wiswall
Neale MMntyre
James Jackson
William Bowes
Houghton Perkins
Thomas Fleet

[47O.] John Welch

were chosen Clerks of the Market for the Year ensuing.
Mess™. William Moore
Joseph Russell
Story Dawes
Samuel May
James Barnard
Onesiphorus Tilestone
were chosen Fence Viewers for the Year ensuing.

50 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

Mess™. William Nichols

Isaac Vergose

Kobert Ford

Andrew Syms

Clement Collins

William Paine

Thomas Bayley

Caleb Ray

John Langley

Nathaniel Wales

John Grenough

James Ridgway

were chosen Surveyors of Boards for the Year ensuing.
Mess™. Ebenezer Lowell

Isaac Savage

John Edwards

Jonathan Adams

Benjamin Fitch

William Bowman

Edward Hollyday
[471.] Solomon Kneeland

Benjamin Harrod

Joseph Calf

Samuel Smith

After Stoddard

were chosen Scavengers for the Year ensuing.
Mess™. David Spear

Samuel Barnard

Nathan Spear

Robert Treat

Peter Cotta

Samuel Treat

Jonathan Jenkins

John Haskins

John Hyllier

Joshua Pico

were chosen Cullers of Staves for the Year ensuing.
Mr. John Gray was chose Surveyor of Hemp.
Mess™. Nathaniel Gardner

Joseph Belknap
were chosen informers of Deer for the Year ensuing.

Mr. Thomas Chapman

was chosen Hayward for the Year ensuing, but excused.
Mess™. Martin Gay

David Cutler
were chose Assay Masters for the Year ensuing.

The Selectmen In margin. [Survey™, of High Way]
[472.] Mess". Cornelius Thayer

Robert Hews

Adino Paddock

Jonathan Blake
were chose Sealers of Leather for the Year ensuing.

BOSTON TOWN KECORDS, 1761. 51

Mess™. Clement Collins

Jonathan Jenkins

Cap'. Thomas Stoddard

Leodore Cross
were chose Hogreeves for the Year ensuing.

Upon a Motion made and seconded, that the sense of the Town
should be taken upon the following question viz*. Whether the Se-
lectmen shall be allowed a discretionary power as to the payment
of the Premium to the Town Collectors for the Collecting of Taxes
in Years past, any former Vote to the contrary notwithstanding.

passed in the affirmative

Voted that the Sum of Nine Pence on the Pound be and hereby
is allowed to such Persons as shall be chose Collectors of Taxes
for the Year ensuing, for all such Sums as they shall Collect, pro-
vided they pay into the Town Treasury one half part of the whole
Sum they are obliged to pay him, within four Mounths from the
time they receive the Tax Books from the Assessors, and the
other half part in three Months after, and also pay into the
Province and County Treasuries one half part of the whole sum
they shall be obliged to pay them respectively in seven Months
from the time they shall receive the tax Books from the Assessors
as aforesaid, aud the other half part in five Months after ; and in
case either of said Collectors shall fail paying in the manner
aforesaid ; the Collector so failing shall not be entitled to the
aforesaid allowance of nine Pence on the Pound, but wholly forfeit
the [473.] Same, provided also that each of said Collectors give
Bond with sufficient surties to the satisfaction of the Selectmen
for the faithful discharge of their duty in said Office, and com-
plying with this Vote.

Voted, that the Selectmen shall have a discretionary power as to
the payment of the Collectors Premiums for the ensuing Year, the
above Vote notwithstanding.

The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for Four Collectors of
Taxes, and upon sorting them it appeared that

John Ruddock Esq.

Mr. Jonathan Payson

Mr. John Grant

Mr. Samuel Adams
were chosen into that Office for the Year ensuing.

The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for Seven Assessors and
upon sorting them it appeard that

Mess". William Fairfield

John Kneeland

Samuel Edwards

Benjamin Church

Josi'ph Bradford

William Torrey

Jonathan Brown
were chose into that Office for the Year ensuing.

The Proposals of Dr. Sylvester Gardner for Erecting an Inocu-
lating Hospital were read, and after long debate the question was
put, — Whether there be any Place within the limits of the Town,

52 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

where such an Hospital can be Erected, consistent with the safety
of the Inhabitants. passed in the negative.

[4:74.] Voted, that this Meeting be adjourned to 3 O'Clock
P.M:

3 O'Clock P.M : Met according to Adjournment.

The Selectmen reported on the Account of Mr. John Fenno
Keeper of the Granary for the Year past, which Account as entered
in his Books (and on file in the Town Clerks Office) was read,
whereupon it was Voted, that the same be accepted, and that Mr.
Fenno be accountable to the Town for 1050 Bushels of Corn, and

240 Bushels of Rye remaining unsold amounting to £223 and

also for the sum of £263,, 15,, 2^ Cash now in his hands exclusive
of the sum of twenty six Pounds thirteen shillings and four
Pence for his Salary and Assistance, as charged in his Account,
which is hereby allowed him.

Joseph Jackson Esq. John Scollay Esq. and Mr. Timothy Newell
were chose purchasers of Grain for the Year ensuing, and they are
desired and impower'd to give all needful directions to the Keeper
of the Granary respecting the Quantitys of Grain to be sold,
and affixing the price thereof from time to time as occasion shall
require.

Voted that John Rowe Esq.

Mr. William Story
Cap'. John Leaveret
Mr. William Gray
Cap'. William Tayler

be and they hereby are appointed a Committee to Audit the Ac-
counts of Mr. Treasurer Jeffries and also the Accounts of the Over-
seers of the Poor, and the said Committee are eujoin'd to inspect
every particular Account of the Moneys expended for the use of
the Alms House, they are also impower'd when they shall Audit
said Accompts to allow such of the Overseers as shall advance
Moneys for the relief of the Poor, Interest on such Sums, from the
time so advanced, till they shall have Audited said Account.

[475.] Voted, that the Assessors, be and are hereby directed
& impowerd to set for the abatement of such taxes as they shall
judge reasonable, on every Thursday, till the first Thursday in
April inclusive, and no longer, saving that they be allowed to set
the two last Weeks in November, for the abatement of the taxes
of such Persons as had not an opportunity of applying in the above
limited time by reason of their being out of the Province, at which
time they are also allowed and impower'd to abate the Taxes of
such Persons as may have died Insolvent or become Bankrupts,
between the said last Thursday in April and the last Day of No-
vember.

Voted, that such of the Inhabitants as shall advance Moneys to
the Town for the use of the Alms House, be and hereby are allowed
at and after the Rate of Five p Cent upon such sums as they shall
so advance, and the Collectors are hereby Order'd to discount those
sums together with the allowance thereon out of the said Gentle-
mens respective Taxes.

The Town brought in their Votes for three Selectmen in the

BOSTON TOWN EECORDS, 1761. 53

room of the three Gentlemen who had declined serving, and upon
sorting them it appeard that only
Mess™. Samuel Sewall

Thomas Gray — excused

were chosen, and Mr. Thomas Gray for reasons mentioned were
excused by the Town from serving in that Office.

Voted, unanimously that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby
are given to Joshua Henshaw Esq. and Joseph Jackson Esq. for
their faithful services as Selectmen a number of Years past.

Voted, unanimously that the Thanks of the Town be & hereby
are given to the Selectmen for the extraordinary care they have
hitherto [476.] Taken to prevent the spreading of the small

Pox

The Town brought in their Votes for a Selectman, and upon
sorting them it appear'd. that Ezekiel Goldthwait Esq. was chosen,

but for reasons mentioned was excused from serving

Voted that the Selectmen with such Gentlemen as they shall

think proper to invite, be a Committee to visit the Schools

Voted, that the Selectmen be a Committee to act upon the List

of Jurors

Upon consideration of that clause in the Warrant relating to
Ladders &ca. Voted, that

Cap1. Solomon Davis
Melatiah Bourn Esq.
James Otis Esq.

be and hereby are appointed a Committee to draw up a By Law,
which shall oblige the Inhabitants to keep one Ladder at least at

their several Dwelling Houses

Voted, that the Selectmen be desired to continue their best en-
deavours, to prevent the spreading of the Small Pox

A Letter of Mr. Abiah Holbrook Master of the South Writing
School, to the Selectmen, to be by them communicated to the Town
was accordingly read, but in as much as the matter of said Letter,
was not contain'd in the Warrant for calling this Meeting, Mr.
Holbrook had leave to withdraw it, and it was thereupon with-
drawn

A Motion made and seconded, that there be a Committee chose
to consider of the best method for the repairs of Faneuil Hall,
and the [477.] Wayes and means for defreying the Charge of

the same, and to Report at the adjournment of this Meeting

whereupon

James Otis Esq.
Ezekiel Goldthwait Esq.
Thomas Greene Esq.
John Ruddock Esq.
Mr. William Phillips
Melatiah Bourn Esq.
Mr. Samuel Hughes
were appointed a Committee for that purpose.

Voted, that the Selectmen be desired to notify the Inhabitants
of the time when the Committee appointed to consider of the repairs
of Faneuil Hall & are to make their report

54 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for two Selectmen, &

upon sorting them it appear'd that

Mess". Samuel Phillips Savage &

Ezekiel Lewis
were chosen into that Office for the Year ensuing.

Upon consideration of that Clause in the Warrant viz*. " Whether
it will be necessary for the Town to make any further application to
the General Court for relief under their present distressed Circum-
stances " It was Voted, that the Committee of the Town rais'd in

March 1757 to make such application to the General Court for

relief &ca. as they shall from time to time Judge expedient, be and
hereby are desired to take this matter under their consideration,
and make Application as they shall think proper

A Motion made and seconded that a Committee may be chosen
to draft a Petition, to be preferr'd to the General Court at their
next [478.] Session, relative to the Incumbrances on Dock Square,
and to Report at the adjournment of this Meeting, whereupon
James Otis Esq.
Ezekiel Goldthwait Esq.
Mr. William Story
were appointed a Committee for that purpose.

Voted, that the consideration of School Masters Salarys and all
others Salarys be referred to May Meeting.

Voted, that this Meeting be adjourned to Monday the 23d. Instant
10 oClock A.M : then to meet at the Town House.

At a Meeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants of the

Town of Boston by Adjournment March 23d. 1761 10 o'Clock

A.M.

The Committee appointed to consider of the best method for the
repairs of Faneuil Hall &c., and the ways and means for defreying
the charge of the same, Reported — That they had considered the
matter submitted, and are of opinion that it is for the interest of
the Town to have Faneuil Hall repair'd, and that the best method
of repairing the same is to have the Roof Slated, the Window Frames
of Stone and the Ornaments with as little Wooden work as possible,
and as to the ways and means of defreying the charges, they think
it best to apply to the General Assembly for a Lottery. Which
Report being read, and considerable debate had thereon, It was

Voted, That the same be accepted — Also further Voted —

That the Selectmen be & hereby are desired & impower'd to prefer
a Petition to the General Court, at their next Sessions, praying
that the Honble. Court would by an Act impower some suitable
Persons to raise by way of Lottery such a sum of Money as may
be sufficient for the aforesaid purpose.

[479.] Upon a Motion made and seconded

Voted, that in as much as it will be necessary in order effectually
to Repair Faneuil Hall, to Repair in some measure the lower part
of said Buildings ; It is the Sense of the Town notwithstanding that
the lower part shall not be improved as a Market, till the further
Order and Determination of the Town.

The Committee Appointed to draw up a By Law which shall
oblige the Inhabitants to keep one Ladder at least at their several

BOSTON TOWN KECORDS, 1761. 55

Dwelling Houses, Reported as their opinion that such a Law will
prove fruitless, and that instead thereof it would be better for the
Town to provide about Sixty good Ladders, to be distributed &
deposited at convenient places in the Town, and that it be recom-
mended by the Town to the several Fire Meetings to provide them-
selves with such a number as they may think necessary for their
mutual safety, they also apprehend that about three to each Meet-
ing, with the Town Stock would answer all the ends desired.

wbich report was read and accepted — whereupon it was

Voted, that the Selectmen be and hereby are desired and im-
power'd to provide as many Ladders for the Town as with the
present stock shall make up the number Sixty.

And whereas it would be for the better security of the Town, if
the several Fire Societys would provide three Ladders each, to be
lodged in such places as they shall Judge most convenient, there-
fore.

Voted, that such provision be recommended by the Selectmen.

James Otis & Ezekiel Goldthwait Esq. and Mr. William Story
being a Committee Appointed to draft a Petition to be prefer'd to
the General Court at their next Session relative to the Incum-

brances in Dock Square, Reported the following Draft —

Viz1.

Province of the Massachusetts Bay

[48O.] To His Excellency Francis Bernard Esq. Cap*. Gen-
eral & Governour in Chief of the Province aforesaid, to the
Honble. His Majestys Council and House of Representatives in
Great & General Court Assembled the Day of March Anno Dom-
ini 1761.

The Petition of the Inhabitants of the Town of Boston —
humbly sheweth

That the standing of People with their Horses and Carts in and
about Dock Square, and the Streets round the Market Place in
said Town is a grievous Incumbrance to all the Inhabitants round
said Square and is become a common and constant N usance, and
the lives and Limbs of the Subject, are thereby often endangered,
and frequent attempts have been made in the ordinary course of
the common Law for preventing the said Nusance, but without the
desir'd effect, and the Petitioners apprehend it will be impossible
to find a suitable remedy for the abuses aforesaid without the
interposition of the Great and General Court, wherefore the Peti-
tioners humbly Pray, that your Excellency and Honors would take
this matter into consideration, and that a special act may be
passed for preventing the said Nusance, and your Petitioners as in
duty bound shall ever pray &c. Which Draft was Read and
accepted, whereupon it was

Voted, that the said Committee be and hereby are desired to
present the same as soon as may be.

The Town made choice of Edward Curtis for a Hayward in the
room of Thomas Chapman, who was excused from serving in that
Office for reasons by him given

A Motion was made and seconded — that whereas the Commit-
tee appointed by the Town March 1757 — to make such applica

56 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

tion to the General Court for relief &ca. as they shall from time to
time Judge expedient, and which then consisted of fifteen Persons,
is [481.] Now by reason of deaths, and removals, reduced to
the number of Eleven, the Town should therefore now proceed to
fill up those vacancys, whereup it was

Voted, that James Otis Esq.

Ebenezer Storer Esq.
Joseph Jackson Esq.
Mr. John Barratt
be and hereby are added to the said Committee.

Voted, that all Matters and things that remain unfinished, be
and hereby are referred over to the Annual Town Meeting in May

next, to be then considered of and acted upon

Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given to
John Phillips Esq. the Moderator of this Meeting for transacting
and dispatching the Business thereof.
Then the Meeting was dissolved.

At a Meeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants of the Town
of Boston, legally qualifyed and warned in publick Town Meeting
Assembled at the Town House on Monday the 23d. Day of March
Anno Domini 1761.

The Warrant for calling the Meeting Read.

The Town proceeded to the choice of a Moderator by a Hand
[482.] Vote, and John Phillips Esq. was unanimously chosen
Moderator, and took his Seat accordingly.

A Letter of Mr. Zachariah Hicks late Master of the North
Writing School was read, and upon a Motion made and seconded
— The Thanks of the Town were Voted to the said Mr. Hicks, for
his faithful services as a School Master, a number of Years
past

The Petition of a number of Inhabitants, Praying that a Muster
might be Appointed to the North Writing School in the room of
Mr. Hicks who had resign'd — was read.

Also the Petitions of Mr. John Vinall, Usher of the South Writ-
ing School ; and of Mr. John Tilestone Usher of the North Writing
School, each of them praying that he might be appointed to suc-
ceed Mr. Hicks as Master of the North Writing School.

Voted, that the Town proceed immediately to the choice of a
Master for the North Writing School in the room of Mr. Hicks
who had resign'd.

The Town having brought in their Votes, upon sorting them it
appeared, that the number of Voters were 403. and that Mr. John
Tilestone was chosen Master of the North Writing School by a
very great majority.

Then the Meeting was dissolved.

[483.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhab-
itants of the Town of Boston, legally qualifyed and Warned in
Publick Town Meeting Assembled at the Town House on Tuesday
the 12th. Day of May AD. 1761.

Prayer was made by the Revd. Samuel Checkley Sen1".

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1761. 57

The Precept and Warrant for calling the Meeting — Read.

Sundry Laws Read.

Thomas Cushing Esq. one of the Selectmen proposed in their
Name to the Inhabitants Assembled to proceed to the choice of
one or more Persons to Represent them in the Great & General
Court or Assembled to be held at Boston upon Wednesday the 27
Day of May Current, and in order thereto, to consider and ascer-
tain the Number of Gentlemen to be Elected ; accordingly it \va?
Voted to proceed to the Choice of Four Representatives, and then
it was declared by the Selectmen that no Votes will be received but
such as are unfolded, and that they propose the Poll shall be
closed at 12 °'Clock

The Votes being brought in ; the number of Voters were found
to be 334 — and upon sorting them it appeared that the Four fol-
lowing Gentlemen were chosen .... Viz*.
John Phillips Esq.
Royal Tyler Esq.
James Otis Esq.
Thomas Cushing Esq.

The choice of Representatives being over, and declared by the
Selectmen, the Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and [484.]
Bring in their Votes for a Moderator of this Meeting, in order that
the Town ma\" proceed in transacting the other affairs mentioned
in the Warrant ; accordingly the Inhabitants withdrew and brought
in their Votes, and upon sorting them it appeared that John
Phillips Esq. was chosen.

The Petition of a number of the Inhabitants for paving part of
Purchase Street was read, and the further consideration referred
to 4 °'Clock. P.M.

The Consideration of the Report relative to the filling up the
Dock to come on immediately after the Town has acted upon the
Petition for paving Purchase Street

Voted that this Meeting be adjourned to 3 "'Clock P: M:

3 °'Clock P: M: The Town met according to Adjournment —

The Committee appointed to examin the Accounts of David
Jeffries Town Treasurer have attended that Service, and find the
same right cast and well vouch'd, in which he charges himself
with sundry Fines, Rents and other Incomes of the Town, as also
with the tax of £4500 — all which amount (including the balance
of old Account) to £7047,, 9,, 9£ — And the said Treasurer dis-
charges himself by sundry Abatements made the Collectors, by
Drafts made by the Selectmen amounting to £2750,, 9,, 4£ of
which he has paid £1889,, 6,, 3,, and by Drafts made by the
Overseers of the Poor which contain the charges of the Alms
House amounting to £2155,, 11,, 11£ of which he has paid
£11. fl, ,1,, 3A — amounting in all to £7851,, 1,, 44 —

The said Committee have inspected said Drafts in a very par-
ticular manner, and have examined every Voucher produced by
the Overseers for the amount of their Drafts ; and every other
branch [485.] Of publick Charge, all amount as above to
£7851,, 1,, 4£ as by Account of Town Treasury in the said
Treasurers Books Balance whereof being £803,, 11,, 7. is carried

58 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

to the Debit of New Account — which Report and Account being
read — Voted that the same be and hereby is accepted.

Voted, "the Sum of Six thousand Pounds be raised by a Tax
upon Polls and Estates within this Town for relief of the Poor and
defreying other necessary Charges arising within the Town the
ensuing Year.

Voted, that the Assessors be and they hereby are directed not
to abate any part of the Tax of such of the Inhabitants as do not
give or send into them, a List or Valuation of their Rateable
Estates, within the time said Assessors shall fix for bringing in the
same, except of such of the Inhabitants as were not in the Prov-
ince within the time limitted by the Notification of the Assessors*
for doing it ; also that this Order or Vote shall not be construed to
extend in such a manner as to abridge the power the Assessors
have by the standing Law of the Province for relieving Poor
Persons in their Taxes — Also Voted that the above Order be
inserted in the Publick Prints

The Petition of sundry Inhabitants for Paving part of Purchase
Street was taken into consideration, whereupon it was Voted, that
the Sum of One Hundred Pounds lawful Money be Granted the
Petitioners upon condition that they Pave said Street in the manner
proposed, to the approbation of the Selectmen.

The Report of the Committee relative to the filling up the Town
Dock, was again read and is as follows

The Committee Appointed at the Annual Town Meeting in
[486.] March last to confer with the Abuttors upon the Town
Dock relative to filling it up, have conferred with them, and we
are of opinion that it will be for the Interest of the Town to fill up
the Dock as far as a streight line to be run from the Southwesterly
Corner of Mr. Joseph Tylers Shop to the Opposite side which will
end a few feet East of the Place, where the Towns Shops lately
stood. We are also of Opinion the Fish Market, the Engine &
Watch Houses had best be removed to some more convenient
places. And as to that part of the Dock between said line and the
Swing Bridge, we apprehend great cost will arise to the Town by
filling up the same, and that its being left open will be of great
service in the case of Fire. After considerable debate it was

Voted, that the Report be accepted, and that the Selectmen be
desired to see the same carryed into execution, and also to agree
with some suitable Person or Persons for the digging one or more
Wells, that in case of Fire in that part of the Town there may be
n, constant reservoir of Water for the supply of Engines &c.

Voted, that the Sum of Eighty Pounds be allowed & paid unto
Mr. Peleg Wiswall for his Salary as Master of the North Gramar
School, for the ensuing Year, the same to be paid him Quarterly,
and to Commence at the Expiration of the last Quarter

Voted, that the Sum of One hundred and Twenty Pounds be
allowed and paid unto Mr. John Lovel for his Salary as Master of
the South Gramer School the ensuing Year, the same to be paid
him Quarterly, and to Commence at the Expiration of the last
Quarter.

Voted, that the Sum of One Hundred Pounds be allowed and

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1761. 59

paid unto Mr. Abiah Holbrook for his Salary as Master of the
Writing School in the Common the ensuing Year, the same to be
paid him Quarterly, & to Commence at the Expiration of the last
Quarter.

[487.] Voted, that the Sum of One Hundred Pounds be al-
lowed and paid unto Mr. John Tilestone for his Salary as Master
of the North Writing School the ensuing Year, the same to be
paid him Quarterly, and to commence at the expiration of the last
Quarter.

Voted, that the Sum of Eighty Pounds be allowed and paid unto
Mr. Samuel Holyoke for his Salary as a Master of the Writing
School in Queen Street, the ensuing Year, the same to be paid
him Quarterl}', and to Commence at the Expiration of the last
Quarter.

Voted, that the Sum of Eighty Pounds be allowed and paid unto
Mr. John Procter, for his Salary as a Master of the Writing
School in Queen Street, the ensuing Year, the same to be paid
him Quarterly, and to commence at the Expiration of the last
Quarter.

Voted, that the Sum of Sixty Pounds be allowed & paid
unto Mr. James Lovel for his Salary as Usher in the South Gram-
mar School the ensuing Year, to be paid him Quarterly and to
Commence at the Expiration of the last Quarter.

Voted, that the Sum of Sixty Pounds be allowed and paid to
Mr. Ephrairn Langdon for his Salary as Usher in the North Gram-
mar School the ensuing Year, the same to be paid him Quarterly,
and to Commence at the Expiration of the last Quarter.

Voted, that the Sum of Fifty Pounds be allowed & paid to
Mr. John Vinal for his Salary, as Usher of the Writing School in
the Common the ensuing Year, to be paid him Quarterly, and to
Commence at the Expiration of the last Quarter.

[488.] Voted, that the Sum of Thirty four Pounds be al-
lowed and paid unto Mr. John Tilestone, Master of the North
Wri- School for providing an Assistant, the Year ensuing, to
be paid him Quarterly, and to Commence from the time said
Assistant enter'd upon that Service.

Voted, That the Sum of One Hundred Pounds, be allowed and
paid unto Mr. David Jeffries for his Services as Treasurer of the
Town the Year past, and for all his Expences in that Office.

Voted, that the Sum of Twenty Pounds be allowed and Paid to
Mr. Abijah Adams, for his Salary as Clerk of Faueuil Hall Mar-
ket the Year past.

Upon Consideration of that Clause in the Warrant — Viz'. —
"Whether the Town will take any measures for the Repairs of
Faneuil Hall in consequence of the Lottery granted by the Gen-
er.il Court at their last Session for that purpose" — Voted that
the Selectmen be desired to receive proposals from Masons Car-
penters &c. for the Repairing Faneuil Hall, and to procure Sub-
scriptions for defreying the Expence thereof upon Credit of an
Act of the General Assembly at their last Session for a Lottery
for that purpose, and to Report at the Adjournment of this Meet-
ing.

60 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for an Overseer of the
Poor in the room of Thomas Flucker Esq. removed out of Town
and upon sorting them it appeared that,

Mr. Joseph Gardner was chosen . . (sworn)

The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for a Warden in the
room of Thomas Flucker Esq. removed out of Town & upon sort-
ing them it appear'd that

Mr. John A very was chosen . . . (sworn)

[489.] Voted, that Royal Tyler & John Scollay Esq. Mess :
William Stor}', Benjamin Kent and Oxonbridge Thather be and
hereby are are appointed a Committee to draft a By Law, which
shall oblige the Inhabitants to sweep their Chimneys as often as
is necessary ; and Report at the Adjournm'.

Voted that this Meeting be Adjourned till the 2d. Wednesday
in June next 3 o'Clock P: M: to Meet at the Town House

The Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston,
met by Adjournment at the Town House June 10 1761 — 3 "'Clock
P.M.

Adjourned to the Revd. Samuel Coopers Meeting House

The Committee Appointed to Draft a By Law, which shall
oblige the Inhabitants of the Town to sweep their Chimneys as
often as may be necessary; Reported the following Draft — viz'. —

For as much as the provision made in the By Law of this Town
now in force for preventing the Chimneys being fired hath proved
ineffectual to that purpose, and the Town is frequently alarmed
and greatly endangered by such fires, to the end that this town
may not hereafter be exposed to such Alarms & dangers.

Jt is Ordered & Voted, that from and after the first of August
Anno Domini 1761 — every chimne}7 in the town were fire is com-
monly kept, which can be swept, shall be swept once at least in
every three months on penalty of six shillings to be paid by every
occupant of such chimney which shall not be thus swept. And
the undertaker or undertakers for sweeping of [49O.] Chimneys
in this Town for the time being, are hereby directed and ordered
to go to the several houses and Warehouses and shops in this town
wherein are and shall be chimneys so improved, and warn the
occupants thereof of this By Law, and also to keep fair and regular
entries in a book of all chimneys by him or them swept, and the
time of sweeping them, and who are the occupants of the houses,
warehouses and shops wherein such chimneys are, which books
shall be always open to the selectmen and to the firewards of the
town : And the said undertaker or undertakers arc hereby further
directed to proserute all persons who shall be guilty of the breach
of this law, and in all such prosecutions the burden of proof shall
be understood to ly on the occupant of the chimneys, and he shall
be deemed the Occupant of the chimney, who improved the same
at the expiration of three months, and in all such prosecutions the
undertaker or undertakers aforesaid, shall be obliged to produce
the Books aforesaid before the Justice before whom the tryal may
be, and if the undertaker or undertakers aforesaid shall wittingly
connive at the breach of this law or shall make a false entry of the
sweeping of such chimneys or shall not enter in the said book the

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1761. 61

chimneys by him swept and the time thereof whereby an innocent
person shall be exposed to prosecution such undertaker or
undertakers for every such offence shall forfeit and pay the sum
of ten shillings : All penaltys and forfeitures arising by this law
shall be as the law directs to the poor of the town, and whosoever
shall prosecute to effect an}T of the broaches thereof, shall be
entitled to receive one half as much out of the treasury of this
town to his own use as the offender shall be adjudged to pay to
the use of the poor. It is further Ordered, and Voted, that this
law shall not be understood in any wise to repeal or make void the
provisions of the By Laws of this town relating to this matter
revised and published in the Year 1758.

The Foregoing Order or By Law having been read [491.]
Several times, — Voted, that the same be accepted, and that the
Town Clerk present it to the Court of General Sessions of the
Peace next to be holden at Boston for the County of Suffolk, for
their approbation.

The Committee appointed to receive proposals for Repairing
Faneuil Hall &c. reported the same, whereupon Voted, that the
Selectmon be and hereby are desired to agree imediately with the
several Tradesmen, for carrying on the Repairs of said Faneuil
Hall, with all convenient dispatch.

In consequence of a Motion made, that a Cellar might be dug
under Faneuil Hall — Voted, that this matter be left to the Gentle-
men Selectmen they to act as they ma}- Judge proper.

Voted that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given to
John Phillips Esq. the Moderator of this Meeting, for transacting
and dispatching the Business thereof.

Then the Meeting was dissolved.

At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston, legally qualif}'ed and Warned in publick Town
Meeting Assembled at the Town House on Wednesday the 10 Day
of June Anno. 1761—4 °'Clock P.M.

The Warrant for calling the Meeting Read.

[492.] The Town proceeded to the choice of a Moderator by
a hand Vote, and John Phillips Esq. was unanimously chosen
Moderator and took his seat accordingly

Voted, that this Meeting be adjourned to Revd. Samuel Coopers
Meeting House

The Town took into consideration that Clause in the Warrant
viz1. — Whether they will be at the Charge of increasing the num-
ber of Watchmen, and advancing their Wages, or enter into any
other measure, for the better security of the Town ; and after some
debate it was Voted that Samuel Wells Esq. Mr. William Story,
Thomas Green Esq. John Ruddock Esq. and Mr. William Cooper,
be and hereby are appointed a Committee to take this matter
under their consideration, and to report their opinion at the Ad-
journment.

Voted that Joseph Jackson and Joshua Henshaw Esq. be
added to the above Committee.

Voted, that this Meeting be adjourned to Wednesday next 3

62 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

"'Clock P.M: to Meet at the Revd. Samuel Coopers Meeting
House and that printed notifications of said Adjournment bt
issued.

The Town met according to adjournment at Revd. Samuel
Coopers Meeting House June 17 — 1761 . . . 3 °'Clock P.M:

The Committee appointed the 10 Instant to consider what may
be proper to be done relative to the Town Watch — Report, That
the wages of the watchmen be rais'd from twenty four shillings to
thirty shillings, by the month. That four suitable men be ap-
pointed by the selectmen for the time being to each of the watch
houses by the old north meeting house ; at the head of the Town
Dock ; by the Town house [493.] And at the South End. That
two men be also appointed by the selectmen as aforesaid to watch
in dock square, somewhere southward of the swing bridge, princi-
pally to take care of the Warehouses, where so large a part of the
interest of the inhabitants is lodged. That one of each of the
four first mentioned watches, be appointed by the said selectmen,
the head or constable of the Watch and be obliged at least once
each week, and oftner if required to give an account to the
Selectmen of their doings, and how they find the state of the
town, and for that end that said head or constable keep a Journal
of their doings and what they meet witli in each night, and that as
an encouragement each of said head, or constables, be paid three
pounds by the month.

The Committee also apprehend that a considerable penalty cor-
poral or pecuniary be annexed or inflicted as a punishment on such
as shall wound abuse or resist the watch.

The Committee further Report their apprehension on that the
only method to make this provision effectual, will be, that the
town petition for liberty to bring in a bill to the great and general
court to ratify an.i establish it. And as it has been suggested
that some of the watch after great abuse and disorders done and
committed by evil minded persons against & before the said watch
and when they the said watch have complained to the civil author-
ity concerning the same, yet upon application to said watch and
money given them by the offenders, the said watch have ab-
sconded and refused to give evidence or prosecute their complaint,
the committee would therefore submit it, whether some clause
should not be brought into the bill prohibiting such compositions,
under a penalty to the watch or at least to him or them imediately
concerned, without the approbation of the selectmen first had and
obtaind

The above Report having been several times read, it was
Voted, that the same be accepted: It was also further Voted
[494.] That Samuel Wells Esq. Mr. William Story, Thomas
Green Esq. John Ruddock Esq. Mr. William Cooper, Joseph
Jackson & Joshua Henshaw Esq. be and hereby are appointed a
Committee to prefer a petition to the great and general court at
their present session humbly praying liberty to bring in a bill to
direct and impower the town to provide more effectually for their
safety in the night.

Then the Meeting was dissolved.

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1761. 63

At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston legally qualifyed and warned in publick Town
Meeting Assembled at the Town House on Monday the 24th Day
of August Anno Domini 1761.

The Warrant for calling the Meeting .... read.

The Town proceeded to the choice of a Moderator by a Hand
Vote, and John Phillips Esq. was unanimously chosen Moderator
and took his seat accordingly.

The Committee first chosen in 1757. to apply to the General
Court relative to our heavy taxes Reported — That your Com-
mittee first appointed the 14 Dajr of March Anno Domini 1757 —
and continued with diverse alterations to this day to make appli-
cation from time to time to the General Court relating to our
heavy taxes esteem it their duty to inform the town of their doings,
and of the present state of their solisitations. The Committee
aforesaid have preferr'd diverse petitions to the court relating to
this matter; have [495.] Frequently attended committees of the
house appointed to hear & consider them, and have back'd these
publick petitions with the most assiduous solicitations to the Gen-
tlemen concerned.

They have the satisfaction to inform the town, that their
labours have not been all fruitless, the court have granted four
years ago a loan of £3500 — not to be demanded back, if we
should by the next valuation appear to be over taxed, and also in
the year 1758. the house took off the sum of £950 — from the tax
of Boston. Besides this as j'our committee constantly petitioned
that a valuation might be taken of the province, their petitions oc-
casioned the passing sundry bills for that purpose, tho' unhappily,
they were suspended by after resolves.

At length in January last as is well known, an act passed for
taking such a valuation which went into effect : And while that
matter was under consideration of the house, your committee had
diverse meetings, and composed and sign'd one petition to the
honble. house which they left to the discretion of our representa-
tives to offer or not as they should Judge expedient for the benefit
of the Town. Our representatives of whoes assiduity attention
and application to the business we can bear the most ample testi-
mony thought it most expedient not to offer that petition.

At last the house after many debates and votes fixed our pro-
portion of the publick tax to be £112,, 18,, 6 in the thousand;
this gave occasion to a new application of your committee which
we shall now explain and relate

The latter end of the Year 1755, the general court passed a
resolve to this purpose, that each towns proportion of the tax for
the Year 1756 and every other year till a valuation taken should be
finally adjusted and settled by the next valuation.

This resolve has been cited in almost all the petitions we pre-
ferred, and as we constantly presumed that this towns proportion
was greatly too high, we intimated that we expected a large sum
[496.] Would appear due to us. When therefore the house
had settled our proportion as last mentioned, your committee pre-
ferred a petition to the court, humbly claiming the sum that

64 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

appeared due to us by comparing this proportion with our taxes
the year 1756 — and every year since, copy of which we shall lay
before the town.

This petition is now depending being referred to the next session
although (as your committee are informed) some doubt was made
in the house of our power to prefer such a petition. This is the
present state of that affair which we conceived it our duty to lay
before the town, as it is particularly interesting to them, and at
the same time recommend to them, that they would choose and
impower some suitable persons to carry on this petition, and to
release for some proper equivalent this demand of the towns, if it
shall then be Judged most expedient for our interest.

The above Report having been several times read it was unani-
mously Voted, that the thanks of the town be and hereby are
given to the said committee for their great care and assiduity in
pursuing the interest of the town, in their several applications to
the general court relative to our heavy taxrs.

Voted, that Joshua Winslow Esq. be and hereby is appointed
one of the Committee for making application to the general court
with respect to our heavy taxes, in the room of Ebenezer Storer
Esq. deceased.

Voted, that John Phillips Esq. be and hereby is added to the
above Committee.

Voted, that the Committee aforesaid be and hereby are fully
impower'd to make application to the general court at their next
or any future session, relating to the petition preferred by them as
mentioned in their report as also the demand this town has for
[497.1 Taxes paid more than their due proportion the year 1756
and since ; and that the said Committee be further impowerd on
behalf of the town to accept of such satisfaction for the demand
aforesaid, as they shall Judge equally advantages to the town.

The Petition of a number of the inhabitants relative to filling
up the Dock, directed to the selectmen, and by them laid before

the town, was read, and is as follows — viz'.

To the Gentlemen the Selectmen of Boston

It having been Judged for some years past to be very necessary
and convenient, that the dock on the north side of Faneuil Hall
Market should be filled up, application has been several times
made to the town for doing the same, and in march last a com-
mittee was appointed to confer with the abuttors concerning it,
who accordingly so did and reported the same to the town & how
far the abu tiers had agreed said dock should be filled up, which the
town accepted and voted that said dock should be filled up, so far
as was mentioned in the report, and desired the selectmen to cause
the same to be done accordingly, and the selectmen are now doing
it. Now Gentlemen we are informed that it was the opinion of
said committee when they view'd said dock, and considered the
great advantages that would arise to the town, that it would be
best that the whole thereof should be filled up, though they could
not at that time prevail upon the abutters to consent to the same,
but as many of the inhabitants of the town seem to be sensible
that it must be of great service and benefit and as they apprehend

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1762. 65

no disadvantage to said proprietors, and may be now easily done,
•we there fore desire gentlemen, you would as soon as may be con-
vene the inhabitants to take this matter into consideration, and
give such orders for filling up the dock, as may be Judged proper
and necessary, allowing said abuttors, what may be supposed to
be an adequate consideration [498.] For any inconvenience it
may be to them, we are, &c.

Considerable debate being had on the above proposal and re-
quest, the Question was put, whether the prayer of the Petition
should be granted passed in the negative

The Petition of Mess". Bradford and Williams relative to a Fish
House, was read, and after some debate the Question was put,

whether the Prayer of the Petition should be granted passed

in the negative

Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given to
John Phillips Esq. Moderator of this Meeting for transacting and
dispatching the Business of it

Then the Meeting was dissolved.

[499.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabi-
tants of the Town of Boston legally qualified and Warned in pub-
lick Town Meeting Assembled at the Town House on Monday the
8th. Day of March Anno Domini 1762.

Prayer was made by the Revd. Dr. Chauncey.

The Warrant for calling the Meeting read.

Sundry Laws enjoined to be read at this Meeting were accord-
ingly read.

The Honble. Thomas Hubbard Esq. was chosen Moderator of
this Meeting and took the oath respecting his receiving and pay-
ing Bills of Credit of the Governments of Connecticut, New
Hampshire and Hhode Island, as required by the Act of the Prov-
ince ; and the Meeting Adjourn'd to the Revd. Dr. Chaunceys
Meeting House

William Cooper was unanimously chosen Town Clerk for the
Year ensuing, and having taken the Oath relating to his receiving
& paying Bills of Credit of the other Governments, took the Oath
of Office for the faithful discharge of his duty, which were admin-
istred him by John Phillips Esq.

The Town proceeded to the choice of Seven Selectmen, and the
Votes being brought in and sorted it appeared that
Thomas Cushing Esq.
Samuel Hews Esq.
John Scollay Esq.
Benjamin Austin Esq.
Mr. Samuel Sewall
Mr. Samuel Phillips Savage

[5OO.] Ezekiel Lewis Esq.

weie chose Selectmen for the ensuing Year, and took the Oath re-
quir'd by Law relating their receiving and paying Bills of Credit
of the Neighbouring Governments

The Town brought in their Votes for twelve Overseers of the
Poor, and upon sorting them it appear'd that

66 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

John Phillips Esq.

Mr. Isaac Walker

John Barrot Esq.

Royal Tyler Esq.

Joseph Gardner Esq.

William Phillips Esq.

Mr. Benjamin Dolbear

Mr. Isaac Smith

Meletiah Bourn Esq.

Samuel Dexter Esq.

Mr. Jonathan Mason

Mr. Henry Bromfield
were chose Overseers of the Poor for the Year ensuing.

The Votes were brought in for a Town Treasurer, and upon
sorting them it appear'd that Mr. David Jeffries was unanimously
chosen, and having taken the Oath relating to his paying and re-
ceiving Bills of Credit of the Neighbouring Governments, took the
Oath of Office for the faithful discharge of his duty, which were
adminstred him by John Phillips Esq.

The Town brought in their Votes for a County Treasurer, which
were received and sealed up by Constable Thayer, to be by him
kept and returned to the next Court of General Sessions of the
Peace to be held for this County.

[5O1.] The Town brought in their Votes for Twelve
Wardens and upon sorting them it appeared that

Samuel Grant Esq.

Richard Clark Esq.

Mr. John Tudor

Mr. Isaac Smith

Mr. David Jeffries

Mr. Jonathan Mason

Mr. Henry Bromfield

Mr. Samuel Austin

Mr. William Greenleaf

Mr. Samuel Adams

Mr. Powers Me riot

Mr. Henderson Inches
were chose Wardens for the Year ensuing.

Upon a motion made and seconded — the question was put —
Whether Collectors of Taxes shall be chose sepperate from Con-
stables . . . passed in the Affirmative

Voted, that any Person chosen into the Office of a Constable for
the Year ensuing, may be excused from serving, on his paying the

Sum of Four Pounds

The Town brought in their Votes for twelve Constables, and
upon sorting them it appear'd that

Mess™. Nathaniel Thayer

Francis Salmon

John Rogers

James Thomas

John Wells

Elisha Byles

BOSTON TOWN KECORDS, 1762. 67

[5O2.] William Darrington

Stephen Symms

Joseph Shed

Eliphalet Parker

Augustus Hale

Andrew Richie (Excused.)

were chose for the Year ensuing.

A Motion made and seconded that a Committee be appointed to
prepare a Petition to be laid before the General Court, at their
next Session, relative to the pernicious practize of forestalling the
Market, after debate had thereon it was Voted, that

Samuel Wells Esq.

Ezekiel Golclthwait Esq.

James Otis Esq.

Thomas Green Esq.

Mr. Oxenbridge Thacher
be and hereby are appointed a Committee for that purpose.

Upon consideration of that Clause in the Warrant, viz*. —
" That the Town will take such methods, as shall be Judged
necessary for the Incorporation of it" the question was put;
Whether the Town would take an}' such steps — Passed in the
Negative almost unanimously.

Voted, that the Sum of Nine Pence on the Pound, be and here-
by is allowed to such Persons as shall be chose Collectors of Taxes
for the Year ensuing, for all such Sums as they shall Collect, pro-
vided they pay into the Town Treasury one half part of the whole
Sum they are obliged to pay him, within four months from the
time they receive the Tax Books from the Assessors, and the other
half part in three Months after, and also pay into the Province
and [5O3.] County Treasuries one half part of the whole Sum
they shall be obliged to pay them respectively in Seven Months
from the time they shall receive the Tax Books from the Assessors
as aforesaid, and the other half part in five Months after ; and in
case any of said Collectors shall fail paying in the manner afore-
said the Collector so failing shall not be entitled to the aforesaid
allowance of Nine Pence on the Pound, but wholly forfeit the
same, provided also that each of said Collectors give Bond with
sufficient Sureties to the satisfaction of the Selectmen, for the
faithful discharge of their duty in said Office, and complying with
this Vote, . '. . . . .

Upon a Motion made and seconded that the Sense of the Town
should be taken upon the following Question — Viz4. — Whether
the Selectmen shall be allowed a discretionary power as to the
payment of the Premium to the Town Collectors, for the Collecting
of Taxes in Years past, any former Vote to the contrary notwith-
standing Passed in the Affirmative

The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for Four Collectors of

Taxes, and upon sorting them it appeared

that, John Ruddock Esq.

Mr. Jonathan Pay son
Mr. John Grant
Mr. Samuel Adams
were chose into that Office.

68 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

Voted, that the Selectmen shall have a discretionary power as to
the payment of the Collectors premiums for the ensuing Year, any

former Vote notwithstanding.

Voted, that such of the Inhabitants as shall advance [5O3.]
Moneys to the Town for the use of the Alms-house on or before
the 15th of April next, be and hereby are allowed after the rate of
Six per Cent upon such Sums as they shall so advance, said Mon-
eys to be paid by the Collectors to the Overseers of the Poor, to
be by them laid out in Provisions, Grain, and other Necessarys
for the use aforesaid : And the Collectors are hereby Ordered and
Impowered to discount those Sums together with the allowance
thereon out of the said Gentlemans respective Taxes for the Year
1762.

The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for Seven Assessors, and
upon sorting them it appeared that
Mess™. William Fairfield

John Kneeland

Samuel Edwards

Benjamin Church

Joseph Bradford

William Torrey

Jonathan Brown

were chose into that Office.

It being suggested by James Otis Esq. one of the Town Repre-
sentatives that in all probability the next Session of the General
Court would be very short, the Town therefore Judged it prudent
that the aforenamed Committee should defer laying the proposed
Petition before the General Court to some future time, and there-
fore Voted, that the said Committee be and hereby are desired to

Report said Petition to the Town at the next May Meeting

Upon consideration of that Clause in the Warrant (Viz'.)
" Whether a Committee shall be appointed to audit the Accounts
of the Managers of the Lotteries granted by the General Court for

paving the Neck The Question was accordingly put

[5O4.] Passed in the Negative

That Clause in the Warrant relative to Repairing the High Way
within the Fortification being considered It was Voted, that the
further consideration thereof be referr'd to Ma}' Meeting, when
the Selectmen are desired to lay before the Town such Papers as

relate to said business

Voted, that the choice of Collectors for Taxes be referr'd to 4

"'Clock. P: M:

The Town brought in their Votes for twelve Fire-Wards, and
upon sorting them it appear'd that

Joseph Jackson Esq.

John Scollay Esq.

Royal Tyler Esq.

Newman Grenough Esq.

Cap* Solomon Davis

Mr. William Cooper

Mr. Joseph Jackson

John Rowe Esq.

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1762. 69

Mr. John Mico Wendell

Mr. Henderson Inches

Thomas Marshall Esq.

Mr. Samuel Austin

were chose for the Year ensuing

Voted unanimously, that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby
are given to John Phillips Esq. for his faithful services as a Fire-
ward many Years past

Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to 3 "'Clock [5O5.]

P: M: to meet at the Town House

3 "Clock P: M: Met according to Adjournment
The Town brought in their Votes for twelve Clerks of the Mar-
ket, and upon sorting them it appeard that
Mess™. Christopher Clarke

William Fallas

Cornelius Thayer

Henry Hill

Daniel Parker

Peter Boyer

Edward Green

Benjamin Henderson

Samuel Fletcher

John Gill

William Fisher

Thomas Fleet
were chose Clerks of the Market for the Year ensuing.

The Town brought in their Votes for Six Fence Viewers, and
upon sorting them it appeard that
Mess". Caleb Ray

Thomas Crafts

Story Dawes

William Moore

Benjamin Eustis

Ouesip. Tyleston Esq.
were chose Fence Viewers for the Year ensuing.

The Town brought in their Votes for twelve Surveyors of
Boards, and upon sorting them it appear'd that —
[5O6.] Mess". William Nichols

Isaac Vergoose

Robert Ford

Henry Allen

Jacob Thayer

Clement Collins

Andrew Symms

John Grenough

Caleb Ray

John Langley

Samuel May

Nathaniel Wales
were chose Surveyors of Boards for the Year ensuing.

The Town brought in their Votes for twelve Scavengers, and
upon sorting them it appear'd that

70 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

Mess™. Samuel Sollien
Thomas Hayes
Benjamin Hodgden
Jonathan Lee
Joseph Calf
William Lowder
After Stoddard
Edward Carnes
William Sutten
David Mason
Edward Hollyday
Joshua Blanchard

were chose Scavingers for the Year ensuing

The Town brought in their Votes for ten Cullers of Staves, and
upon sorting them it appear'd that
[5O7.] Mess™. David Spear

Samuel Barnard
Joshua Pico
Samuel Treat
Peter Cotta
John Harskins
Joseph Dyer
Jonathan Jenkins
Job Wheelwright
Benjamin Salt
were chose Cullers of Staves for the Year ensuing.

Mr. John Gray . . . was chosen Surveyor of Hemp.
Mess™. Nathaniel Gardner

Joseph Belknap
were chose Informers of Deer for the Year ensuing.

Mr. Edward Curtis

was chosen Hayward for the Year ensuing.
Mess™. Martin Gay

David Cutler
were chose Assay Masters for the Year ensuing.

Upon a Motion made and seconded, Voted, that no Tanner,
Shoemaker or Currier shall be chose as Sealers of Leather.
Mess™. Adino Paddock
Isaac Casneau
Isaac Hawes
Cornelius Thayer
were chose Sealers of Leather for the Year ensuing.

[5O8.] The Selectmen
were chose Surveyors of the High Way for the Year ensuing.

The Town brought in their Votes for four Hogreeves, and upon
sorting them it appeard that

Mess™. William Scott

Samuel Dunkerfield
Nathaniel Butt
Nathaniel Bird
were chose Hogreeves for the Year ensuing

Joseph Jackson Esq. John Scollay Esq. and Mr. Timothy Newell

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1762. 71

were chose purchasers of Grain for the Year ensuing and they are
desired and impowered to give all needful directions to the Keeper
of the Granary, respecting the quantitys of Grain to be sold, and
affixing the price thereof from time to time, as occasion shall
require.

Voted, that the Assessors be and are hereby impowered and
directed to set for the abatement of such Taxes as they shall Judge
reasonable, on every Thursday till the first Thursday in April in-
clusive, and no longer, saving that they be allow'd to set the two
last Weeks in November, for the abatement of the Taxes of such
Persons as had not an opportunity of applying in the above limited
time, by reason of their being out of the Province, at which time
they are also allowed and impower'd to abate the Taxes of such
Persons as may have died Insolvent or become Bankrupts, between
the said last Thursday in April, and the last Day of November.

Voted, that the Selectmen with such Persons as they shall think
proper to invite, be a Committee to visit the Schools —

[5O9.] Voted, that the Selectmen be and are hereby desired to
look into the Law relating Hogs, and to prepare a now By Law, to
be laid before the Town next May Meeting, as also any other By-
Laws that may be thought necessary

Voted, that the Sum of twelve Pence on the Pound, be and
hereby is allowed the Collectors of Taxas for Collecting the new
Tax on Streets

Voted, that the Bells at the Old North, Old Brick and Mr. Byles's
Meeting Houses be rang at 5°. Clock in the Morning.

Voted, that the consideration of Schoolmaster's Salary s and all
other Salarys and Grants, be referred to next May Meeting

Voted, that the Selectmen be and hereby are appointed a Com-
mittee to act upon the list of Jurors

Voted, that John Rowe Esq.
Mr. Thomas Gray
William Story Esq.
Mr. Jonathan Williams
John Leaveret Esq.

be and they hereby are appointed a Committee to Audit the Ac-
counts of Mr. Treasurer Jeffries, and also the Accounts of the
Overseers of the Poor, and the said Committee are enjoined to
inspect every particular Account of the Monys expended for the
use of the Alms house ; they are also impowered when they shall
Audit said Accounts, to allow such of the Overseers as shall
advance Monys for the relief of the Poor, Interest on all such
Sums, from the time so advanced, untill they shall have Audited
said Accompts

[51O.] The Committee appointed the 10 of March last to.
Audit the Accounts of M*. Treasurer Jeffries, Report, that they
have attended that service and find the same right cast and well
vouch'd in which he charges himself with sundry Fines, Rents
and other Incomes of the Town, as also with the Tax of £6000,,
,, all which amount including the Balance of Old Ac-
count to £6652,, 13,, 11J

And the said Treasurer discharges himself by sundry abate-

72 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

ments made the Collectors ; by Drafts made by the Selectmen
amounting to £3730,, 3,, 6| of which he has paid £2558,, 10,, 7,
and by Drafts made by the Overseers of the Poor which con-
tain the Charges of the Almshouse amounting to £2104,, 5,, GJ
of which he has paid £911,, 5,, 10£ amounting in all to
£8176,, 6,, 1£

The said Committee have inspected the said Drafts, in a very
particular manner, and have examined the Vouchers produced by
the Overseers lor the amount of their Drafts, and every other
branch of publick Charge all amounting as above to the Sum of
£8176,, 6,, 1^ as by Account of Town Tresury in the Town
Treasurers Books balance whereof being £1523,, 12,, 2 is carried
to the Dr. of new Account ; which Report and Account being
read Voted, that the same be and hereby is accepted

The Selectmen Report on the Account of Mr. John Fenno
Keeper of the Granary for the Year past, as entred in his Book
(and on File in the Town Clerks Office) Read, and Voted, that
the same be accepted, and that Mr. Fenno be accountable to the
Town for Two hundred and twelve bushels Corn remaining
unsold amounting to £33,, 18,, 4| and also for the Sum of
£433,, 14,, 8£ Cash now in his hands exclusive of the Sum of
£26,, 13,, 4 for his Salary and assistance as charged in his Ac-
count which is hereby allowed him.

Upon consideration of that Clause in the Warrant, Viz'. [511.]
That a Committee be appointed to enquire what has been the oc-
casion of the heavy Expences of the Town for several Years past,

and what steps are necessary to be taken to reduce the same.

The Question was put whether the Town would appoint such a
Committee — passed in the negative.

Voted, that all Matters and Things which shall remain unfin-
ished at this Meeting, be and hereby are referred over to the Gen-
eral Town Meeting In May next, to be then considered of and
acted upon

Voted, unanimously, that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby
are given to the Honourable Thomas Hubbard Esq. the Moderator
of this Meeting for dispatching the Business thereof

Then the Meeting was dissolved.

[512.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders, and other Inhabi-
tants of the Town of Boston legally Qualified and Warned in
publick Town Meeting Assembled at the Town House on Tuesday
the 11th Day of May Anno Domini 1762

Prayer was made by the Revd Mr Pemberton

The Precept and Warrant for calling the Meeting-Read.

Sundry Laws Read.

Thomas Gushing Esq. one of the Selectmen proposed in their
Name to the Inhabitants Assembled to proceed to the choice of
one or more Persons to Represent them in the Great and General
Court or Assembly to be held at Boston upon Wednesday the 26
Day of May Currant ; and in order thereto to consider and ascer-

BOSTON TOWN EECORDS, 1762. 73

tain the number of Gentlemen to be Elected accordingly it was
Voted, to proceed to the choice of Four Representatives, and then
it was declared by the Selectmen, that no Votes will be received
but such as are unfolded, and that they propose the Poll shall be
closed at 12 o'Clock.

The Votes being brought in the number of Voters were found
to be Six hundred twenty nine, and upon sorting them it appear'd

that the four following Gentlemen were chose — Viz*

Royal Tyler Esq. - 609 Votes
John Phillips Esq. - 613
James Otis Esq. - - 619
Thomas Gushing - - 460
The choice of Representatives being over and declared [513.]
By the Selectmen, the Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and
bring in their Votes for a Moderator of this Meeting in order that
the Town may proceed in transacting the other affairs mentioned
in the Warrant ; accordingly the Inhabitants withdrew and brought
in their Votes, and upon sorting them it appear'd that the Hon-
ourable Thomas Ilubbard Esq. was chosen.

The Petition of a number of Inhabitants for Paving Long Lane
was read, whereupon it was Voted, that the Sum of One hundred
Pounds lawful Money be and hereby is granted the Petitioners
upon condition that they Pave said Street in the manner proposed,

to the approbation of the Selectmen.

The Petition of a number of the Masters of the Town Schools,
setting forth, that they meet with great difflcultys in obtaining
payment of the several Salaries which the Town has been pleased

to assign them that notwithstanding a Vote formerly passed for

their payment Quarterly, they having been to their great distress
kept out of their pay from Year to Year, and for what they do
receive at any time they are obliged to the friendship of particu-
lar Gentlemen, who by the kind permission of the Collectors, are
willing to pay their Taxes into their hands, that your Petitioners
have some of them nine some twelve and some eighteen Months
Salary due to them — that they are informed that the greatest part
of the Taxes belonging to the Town is already paid in or engaged
to others, so that they have no prospect of any further payment
till the new Taxes are issued, which tis probable will not be done
till some time in the next Winter — that this delay of payment
obliges them to purchase the nccessarys of life at a disadvantage
[514.] Upon long Credit, or to become troublesome to their
friends by borrowing Money for their Supplys, not to mention the
continual sollicitude and anxiety which such dependant circum-
stances necessai'ily create. — The same being read, and duly con-
sidered, it appear'd to the Town that the most likely method to
answer the end proposed by the Petitioners must be the raising or
borrowing a sum of Money sufficient to defrey the common and
extraordinary charges of the Year ; it was therefore

Voted, that the sura of Eight Thousand Pounds be raised by a
Tax upon Polls and Estates within this Town for relief of the
Poor, and defreying other necessary Charges, arising within the
Town the ensuing Year

74 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

A Motion made and seconded, that the Sense of the Town should
be taken upon the following Question — Viz1. — Whether the
Town has a right to determine at this Meeting, upon any new
method for the more speedy Collecting of the Moneys voted to be
raised for defreying the necessary Expences, and Charges arising
within the Town the ensuing Year — the Question being accord-
ingly put passed in ye Affermative —

A Motion being made and seconded, the Question was put

Whether the Town Tax should be made out by the Assessors
sepperate from the Province Tax — Passed in ye Negative

Voted, tint the Assessors be directed, that as soon as possible
after they receive the Warrant for the County & Province Tax,
they make out the Assesment, for raising the same together with
the Town Tax.

[515.] Voted, that Mr. David Jeffries Treasurer of the Town
be and he hereby is directed and fully Impower'd to borrow upon
Interest of any Person or Persons, a Sum not exceeding Fifteen
hundred Pounds lawful Mony, for the payment of the School-
Masters Salarys now due ; the Wages of the Watch, as also what
may be owing to the Master of the Alms house ; the Money so

borrowed to be repaid in twelve Months out of the £8000.

now Voted to be raised by a Tax upon Polls and Estates within
this Town, and give his Bonds or Notes as Security for the pay-
ment of the same with the Interest thereof, which Obligations the
Town do hereby promise and engage to discharge as the same shall
become due

Voted, that the Town Treasurer be, and he hereby is directed
and Im powered to allow the several School-masters Interest on the
Sums due to them from the date of their Warrants to the time of
payment.

Voted, that Mr. David Jeffries Treasurer of ye. Town be and he
hereby is directed and Impowered to borrow upon Interest a Sum
not exceeding Nine hundred Pounds, upon the terms and condi-
tions exprest in the aforegoing Vote for borrowing of £1500

which Sum of Nine hundred Pounds is to be paid unto the Overseers
of the Poor for the present supply and Relief of the Alms House

The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for an Overseer of the
Poor, in the room of Mr. Isaac Walker lately deceased, and upon
sorting them it appcard that

Mr. William Whitwell
was chosen into that Office for the Year ensuing.

[516.] The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for Two As-
sessors in the room of Mr. Samuel Edwards deceased, and Mr.
Joseph Bradford who has resign'd, and upon sorting them it ap-
peard that,

Belcher Noyes Esq.
Mr. Samuel Downe
were chose into that Office for the Year ensuing — —

The Town made choice of Mr. Samuel M°.Clure for a Constable
in the room of Mr. Andrew Richie who was excused from serving
for reasons by him offered.

Voted, that the Sum of One hundred Pounds be allow'd and paid

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1762. 75

unto Mr. John Lovel for his Salary as Master of the South Gram-
mar School for tho ensuing Year, the same to be paid him Quarterly
as it shall become due, and to commence at the expiration of the
last Quarter.

Voted, that the Sum of Eighty Pounds be allow'd and paid unto
Mr. Peleg Wiswall for his Salary as Master of the North Grammar
School for the ensuing Year, the same to be paid him Quarterly as
it shall become due, and to commence at the expiration of the last
Quarter.

Voted, that the Sum of Eighty Pounds be allow'd and paid unto
Mr. Samuel Ilolyoke for his Salary as Master of the Writing
School in Queen Street for the ensuing Year the same to bo paid
him Quarterly as it shall become due and to commence at the ex-
piration of the last Quarter

[517.] Voted, that the Sum of One hundred Pounds be allowed
and paid unto Mr. John Procter for his Salary as a Master of the
Writing School in Queen Street, the ensuing Year, the same to be
paid him Quarterly as it shall become due, and to commence at the
expiration of the last Quarter

Voted, that the Sum of One hundred Pounds be allow'd and paid
unto Mr. Abia Holbrook for his Salary as Master of the Writing
School in the Common, for the ensuing Year, the same to be paid
him Quarterly as it shall become due, and to commence at the ex-
piration of the last Quarter

Voted, that the Sum of One hundred Pounds, be allow'd and
paid unto Mr. John Tileston for his Salary as Master of tho North
Writing School for the ensuing Year, the same to be paid him
Quarterly, as it shall become due, and to commence at the expi-
ration of the last Quarter

Voted, that the Sum of Sixty Pounds be allow'd and paid unto
Mr. James Lovel for his Salary as Usher of the South Grammar
School for the Year ensuing, the same to be paid him Quarterly,
as it shall become due, and to commence at the expiration of the
last Quarter.

Voted, that the Sum of Sixty Pounds be allowed and paid unto
Mr. Ephraim Langdon, for his Salary as Usher of the North
Writing School the ensuing Year, the same to be paid him Quar-
terly, as it shall become due, and to commence at the expiration
of the last Quarter.

Voted, that the Sum of Fifty Pounds be allowed [518.] And
paid unto Mr. John Vinal for his Salary as Usher of the Writing
School in the Common the Year ensuing, the same to be paid him
Quarterly as it shall become due and to commence at the expira-
tion of the last Quarter

Voted, that the Sum of Thirty four Pounds be allowed and paid
unto Mr. John Tileston Master of the North Writing School, for
providing an Assistant the Year ensuing the same to be paid him
Quarterly as it shall become due and to commence at the expiration
of last Quarter.

The Petition of Mr. John Vinal, Usher of the South Writing
School, praying that a further allowance may be made him, was
taken into consideration, whereupon Voted, that the Sum o/

76 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

Thirty Pounds lawful Mony be allowed and paid out of the Town
Treasury unto Mr. John Vinal as a full consideration and recom-
pcnce for his extraordinary services in times past

Voted, that the Sum of One hundred Pounds be allow'd and
paid out of the Town Treasury unto Mr. David Jeff ries for his ser-
vices as Treasurer of the Town the Year past, and for all his Ex-
pences in that Office.

Upon consideration of that Clause in the Warrant - - Viz'.
" Whether the Town will take any Measures for Rebuilding the
Fortification Gates "

Voted, that the Selectmen be desired to Enlarge Repair, or Re-
build said Gates as ma}7 appear to them most convenient and ad-
vantageous for the Town

The Committee appointed the 8th of March last [519.] To
draft a Petition to the General Court, relative to the pernicious
practise of Forestalling the Market, and to lay the same before
the Town at this Meeting, being prevented doing it by reason of

the sickness of their Chairman It was Voted that the said

Committee Viz'.

Samuel Wells Esq.
Ezekiel Goldthwait Esq.
Jamis Otis Esq.
Thomas Green Esq.
Oxenbriclge Thacher Esq.

be and hereby are desired and impower'd to prepare such a Peti-
tion, and present the same to the General Court at their next Ses-
sion.

The Selectmen appointed a Committee the 8th of March last, to
prepare a By-Law relative to Hogs ; Reported the following Draft.
Viz4.

It is Voted and Ordered

That no Hog or Swine shall be suffered to go at large within the
Bounds of the Town of Boston, saving in and upon the Land or
inclosed Ground of or in possession of the Owner or keeper of
such Swine (except also such Swine that are driving to Market)
on pain that such Owner or Keeper of such Hog or Swine shall
forfeit and pay the Sum of ten Shillings for every Hog or Swine
that shall be found going at large contrary to this Order, or the
full value thereof if not exceeding ten Shillings ; one half to him
or them that shall seize and secure the same, the other half to the
Poor of this Town. Further it is hereby provided, that if it
appear that the Owner or Keeper of such Hog or Swine be actually
in pursuit of it or them, at and before the Seizure, then such
Owner or Keeper shall have his Hog or Swine released to him by
such Persons who by virtue of this Order had secured and seized
the [52O.] Same, he paying to such Seizer, Two Shillings, for
every Hog so seized by him ; and it shall and may be lawful for
such Person or Persons that are chosen to the Office of Hogrewes
for the time being, or in their absence for any of the Inhabitants
of this Town, to seize secure or Impound any Hog or Swine going
at large contrary to this Order, and upon his or their so doing
shall make application to one of his Majesties Justices of the

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 17G2. 77

Peace within this Town to Order an Appraisement Award and give
Judgment according to the true intent and meaning of this Order

Voted, that the aforegoing By-Law and Order of the Town be
presented to the Court of General Sessions of the Peace to be held
at Boston within and for the County of Suffolk, for their Allow-
ance and Approbation

The Selectmen presented the following Draft of a By Law rela-
tive to Wood brought to Market in Carts, and Sleds - - Viz*.

Whereas the Inhabitants of the Town of Boston are greatly
imposed upon with respect to the Admeasurement of Wood and
Bark brought to Market in Carts and Sleds, and there by great
fraud and deceit is too often practised, for preventing the
same —

It is therefore Voted and Ordered

That from and after the tenth Day of September next ensuing,
all Wood and Bark as they come in to Town shall be measured,
and a Certificate of the Measure thereof shall be given to the
Owner or Driver of the Cart or Sled

It is further Ordered — That a suitable Person or Persons be
from time to time appointed by the Selectmen as they shall think
fit to Measure all such Wood and Bark brought in [521.] Carts
or Sleds, and the said Person or Persons shall be under Oath to
do Justice between Buyer and Seller, and shall attend from Sun-
rising to Sunsetting, and shall make an entry of all the Wood and
Bark they measure

And it is further Ordered, that there be allowed to the said
Persons for every load of Wood or Bark so measured Two
Pence, to be paid by the Person who buys the same, or in case of
his absence at the time of measuring then to be paid by the Owner
or Driver of the Cart or Sled, who shall be reimbursed by the
Buyer

It is further Ordered, That after the t°uth Day of September
next, if any Person or Inhabitant of the Town of Boston afore-
said, that buy any Wood or Bark thus brought to Market, without
the same be first measured as above, he she or they shall forfeit
and pay the Sum of three Shillings for every load so bought,

Voted, that the aforegoing By Law and Order of the Town be
presented to the Court of General Sessions of the Peace, to be held
at Boston within and for the County of Suffolk, for their allow-
ance and approbation

The Report of the Selectmen on the Visitation of the Publick
Schools, Read, and is as follows, Viz'.

To the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of Boston in Town
Meeting Assembled May llt!l. 1762.

Pursuant to a Vote of the Town of Boston at their Annual Meet-
ing the 10th of March 17G1, desiring tho Selectmen to visit the
several Publick Schools in the Town, and to invite such Gentlemen
to accompany them therein [5£2.] As they should think proper,
and to Report thereon

We the Subscribers accordingly attended that service on Wednes-

78 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

day the first Day of July last, accompanied by the following

Gentlemen Viz*.

His Excell. " the Governor
The Honble. Samuel Wells Esq.
The Honble. Andrew Oliver Esq.
The Honble. James Bowdoin Esq.
The IIonble. Thomas Hancock Esq.
The Honble. James Otis Esq.
The Representatives of the Town

The Overseers of the Poor

Joshua Winslow Esq.
Joshua Henshaw Esq.
Joseph Jaokson Esq.
Ezekiel Goldthwait Esq.
Samuel Wentworth Esq.
Richard Dana Esq.
Belcher Noyes Esq.
John A very Esq.
William Tyler Esq.
Eevd. Mr. Hooper
Mr. David Jeffries
Mr. William Winter
Dr. John Sprague
Mr. Oxenbridge Thacher
Mr. John Box
Mr. James Perkins
Cap*. Benjamin Hammatt
Mr. Alexander Hill
Revd. Alexander Cummings
Revd. Samuel Checkley Esq.
[523.] Revd. Samuel Cooper

Revd. Andrew Elliot
Revd. Ebenezer Pemberton
Dr. Charles Chancey
Dr. Joseph Sewall

And found the South Grammar School had 117 Scholars, the
North Grammar School 57 Scholars, the South Writing School
234 Scholars, the North Writing School 157 Scholars, the Writing

School in Queen Street 249 Scholars all in very good order

THOMAS GUSHING
SAMUEL HEWS
JOHN SCOLLAY

BENJAMIN AUSTIN

Selectmen of Boston.

SAMUEL SEWALL
SAM : PHILL : SAVAGE
EZEKIEL LEWIS

Voted, that this Report be accepted, and that the Gentlemen
the Selectmen be desired to visit the Publick Schools the Year
ensuing, and that they desire such Gentlemen to accompany
them as they shall think convenient, and that they Report

thereon.

The Selectmen having agreable to order, laid before the Town

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1763. 79

the several Papers relative to the High "Way within the Fortification,
and the same being considered it was thereon —

Voted, that the Repairing or Paving said Way be referred to
the Gentlemen Selectmen, who are hereby desir'd and impowered
to act therein as they shall Judge proper.

[524.] Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are
given to the Honourable Thomas Hubbard Esq. the Moderator
of this Meeting for transacting and dispatching the Business
thereof.

Then the Meeting was dissolved.

At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston legally qualified and warned in Publick Town
Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Monday the 14th. Day of
March Anno Domini 1763

Prayer was made by the Revd. Mr. Mather

The Warrant for calling the Meeting ----- read

Sundry Laws enjoin'd to be read at this Meeting, were accord-
ingly read.

James Otis Esq. was chosen Moderator of this Meeting, and
took the Oath respecting his pa}'ing and receiving Bills of Credit
of the Governments of Connecticut New Hampshire & Rhode

Island, as required by the Act of the Province

William Cooper was chosen Town Clerk for the Year ensuing,
and having taken the Oath relating to his receiving [525.]
And paying Bills of Credit of the other Governments, took the
Oath of Office for the faithful discharge of his duty, which Oaths
were administred to him by Foster Hutchinson Esq.

The Town proceeded to the choice of Seven Selectmen, and the
Votes being brought in and sorted it appeard, that

Thomas Gushing

Samuel Hews

John Scollay

Benjamin Austin

Samuel Sewall

Ezekiel Lewis

Nathaniel Thwing, Esq.
were chose Selectmen for the Year ensuing.

Upon a Motion made and seconded, it was Unanimously Voteu,
that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given to Mr.
Samuel Philips Savage for his faithful services as Selectman
sometime past

The Town brought in their Votes for twelve Overseers of the
Poor, and upon sorting them it appeard that

John Phillips Esq. --------- excused

John Barratt Esq.

Royal Tyler Esq.

Joseph Gardner Esq.

William Phillips Esq. excused

Mr. Benjamin Dolbear

80 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

Isaac Smith Esq.
Melatiah Bourn Esq.
Mr. Jonathan Mason
Mr. Henry Bromfield
Mr. William Whitwell
[526.] Mr. Henderson Inches

were chose Overseers of the Poor for the Year ensuing: John
Phillips & William Phillips Esq : desired to be excused, the
other Gentlemen accepted and took the Oaths required by

Law

Voted, Unanimously, that the Thanks of the Town be and
hereby are given to John Phillips, and William Phillips Esq. for
their faithful services as Overseers of the Poor for some Years

past

The Town brought in their Votes for two Overseers in the room
of the above named Gentlemen who had declined serving and upon
sorting them it appeard that

Cap*. Benjamin Ilammatt
Mr. Ebenezer Storer

were chose Overseers of the Poor for the Year ensuing

The Votes were brought in for a Town Treasurer and upon sort-
ing them it appear'd, that Mr. David Jeffries was unanimously
chosen and having taken the Oath relating to his paying and re-
ceiving Bills of Credit of the other Governments, took the Oath
of Office for the faithfull discharge of his duty, which Oaths were
administered him by Foster Hutchinson Esq

Upon a Motion made and seconded the Question was put,
whether Collectors of Taxes shall be chose seperate from Con-
stables passed in the Affirmative

A Motion made and seconded that the Town should choose but

Six of the old Constables for the present Year passed in ye.

affirmative

The Town brought in their Votes for twelve Wardens, and upon
sorting them it appeard, that

[537.] Nathaniel Thwing Esq.

Mr. Thomas Gray
Samuel Sewall Esq.
Mr. Joseph Edwards
Mr. Ebenezer Storer
Cap*. Benjamin Hammatt
Mr. Thomas Grenough
Mr. John Mico Wendell
Mr. Robert Peirpoint
Mr. Daniel Waldo
Mr. John Pigeon
Mr. Samuel Demrning

were chose Wardens for the Year ensuing

Voted, that any Person chosen into the Office of a Constable for
the Year ensuing may be excused from serving, on his paying the

Sum of twenty Shillings

The Town brought in their Votes for twelve Constables, and
upon sorting them it appeard that

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1763. 81

Mess™. Nathaniel Thayer ------. Sworn

Augustus Hale -------- d°.

ElishaByles d°.

James Thomas -------- d°.

Francis Salmon -------- d°.

Abijah Savage -------- paid his fine

William Tyler Kilbey d°.

Andrew Boardman ------- d°.

John Kinney --------- Sworn

John Wells d°.

William Darrington ------- d°.

Samuel Me. Glare ------- declined

[528.] John Cogswell
John Rogers
Isaac Bird

were chose Constables for the Year ensuing.
Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to 3 clock P.M.

3 O'Clock P: M. Met according to Adjournment

Voted, that the Sum of Nine Pence on the Pound be and hereby
is allowed to such Persons as shall be chose Collectors of Taxes
for the Year ensuing, for all such Sums as they shall Collect, pro-
vided they pay into the Town Treasury one half part of the whole
Sum they are obliged to pay him, within four Months from the
time they receive the Tax Books from the Assessors, and the other
half part in three Months after, and also pay into the Province and
County Treasuries one half part of the whole Sum they shall be
obliged to pay them respectfully in Seven Months from the Time
they shall receive the Tux Books from the Assessors as aforesaid,
and the other half part in five Months after ; and in case either of
said Collectors shall fail paying in the manner aforesaid, the Col-
lector so failing shall not be entitled to the aforesaid allowance of
Nine Pence on the Pound but wholly forfeit the same ; provided
also that such of said Collectors give Bond with sufficient Sureties
to the satisfaction of the Selectmen, for the faithful discharge of
their duty in said Office, and complying with this Vote.

Voted, That the Selectmen shall have a discretionar\r power as
to the Payment of the Collectors Premiums for the Year ensuing,

any former Vote notwithstanding

The Inhabitants brought in their Votes, for Four Collectors of
Taxes, and upon sorting them it appeard that
[529.] John Ruddock Esq.

Jonathan Payson Esq.
Mr. John Grant
Mr. Samuel Adams
were chose into that Office.

The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for Seven Assessors, ana

upon sorting them it appeared that

Mess™. William Fairfield
John Kneeland
Benjamin Church
Joseph Bradford
Jonathan Brown

82 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

Samuel Downe
Belcher Noyes Esq

were chose into that Office.

The Town brought in their Votes for twelve Clerks of the Mar-
ket, and upon sorting them it appeard, that
William Holmes Esq
Mr. JohnForsyth
Benjamin Edes
Mr. Joseph Belknap
Mr. Josiah Waters
Mr. John Welch
Mr. Samuel Barrett

Mr. Daniel Boyer - - - (declin'd serving)
Mr. William Board man
Mr. Thomas Walley
Mr. Samuel Whitwell

Mr. John Cunningham - - (declin'd serving)
were chose Clerks of the Market for the Year ensuing.

[53O.J Mr. John Gray, was chosen a Surveyor of Hemp.
Mess™. Stephen Wales
Story Daws
William Crafts
Benjamin Andrews
Thomas Bayley
Benjamin Curtis

were chose Fence Viewers for the Year ensuing. •
Mess™. William Nichols
Clement Collins
Isaac Vergoose
John Skillins
John Grenough
Andrew Symms
Nathaniel Wales
Jacob Thayer
Richard Walker
Henry Allyne
William Payne
James Clarke
John Langley

were chose Surveyors of Boards and Shingles for the Year en-
suing.

Upon a Motion made and Seconded, Voted that the Fence View-
ers be obliged to take the Oaths for a faithful discharge of their
duty.

Mess™. Cornelius Thayer
Joseph Clarke
Adino Paddock
Isaac Hews

were chose Sealers of Leather flor the Year ensuing.
[531.] Messrs. Nathaniel Gardner

Samuel Whitwell
were chose Informers of Deer for the Year ensuing.

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1763. 83

Mess™. Peter Cotta

Manasseh Masters

Joseph Dyer

John Harskins

David Spear

Nathan Spear

Jonathan Jenkins

Samuel Treat

Robert Breck Junr.

Job Wheelwright

Joshua Pico

Benjamin Salt

Paul Baxter

John Owen

Thomas Knox

Samuel White

were chose Cullers of Staves for the Year ensuing.
Mess™. David Simms

John Bacon

were chosen Hogrewes for the Year ensuing.

Mr. Edward Curtis

was chosen Hay ward for the Year ensuing.

The Town brought in their Votes for Twelve Firewards, and
upon sorting them it appeard that

Joseph Jackson Esq.
[532.] John Scollay Esq.

Royal Tyler Esq.

Newman Grenough Esq.

Cap'. Solomon Davis

Mr. William Cooper

Mr. Samuel Austin

Mr. Joseph Jackson

John Rowe Esq.

Mr. John Mico Wendell

Mr. Henderson Inches

Thomas Marshall Esq.

were chosen Fire-Wards for the Year ensuing.

Voted, That Application be made to the General Court by our
Representatives, lor liberty to choose four Fire-Wards, in addi-
tion to the number allowed by Law

The Town brought in their Votes for twelve Scavingers and
upon sorting them it appeard that
Mess". John Brown

Thomas Hitchburne

Nathaniel Cobbit

Thomas Hase

Benjamin Hodgden

Gershom Tiuney

Paul Farmer

Jeremiah Belknap

Edward C'arnes

Joseph Mann

84 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

Samuel Emms
Joseph Elliot

were chose Scavingers for the Year ensuing

[533,] Voted, that John Rowe Esq.
Joseph Scott Esq.
Mr. Thomas Gray
Mr. Jonathan Williams
John Leverett Esq.

be and they hereby are Appointed a Committee to Audit the
Accounts of Mr. Treasurer Jeffries, and also the Accounts of the
Overseers of the Poor, and the said Committee are enjoined to
inspect every particular Account of the Moneys expended for the
use of the Almshouse ; they are also impowered when they shall
Audit said Accounts to allow such of the Overseers as shall
Advance Moneys for the relief of the Poor, Interest on all such
Sums from the Time so Advanced till they shall have Audited
said Accompts.

The Selectmen

were chose Surveyors of the High Ways for the Year ensuing.
Thomas Green Esq.
Joseph Jackson Esq.
John Scollay Esq.

were chose Purchasers of Grain for the Year ensuing, and they
are desired and impowered to give all needful directions to the
Keeper of the Grainary respecting the quantities of Grain to be
sold and affixing the price thereof from time to time, as occasion
shall require.

Mess™. Martin Gay

David Cutler
were chose Assay Masters for the Year ensuing.

The Petition of a number of the Inhabitants praying that the
Town would defrey the Charge of winding up and taking care of
the Clock on the Revd. Mr. Byles's Meeting House, was read, and
after [534.] Debate had thereon, the Question was put, "Whether

the Prayer of the Petition should be granted Passed in the

Affermative.

Voted, That the Assessors be and are hereby impowered and
directed to set for the abatement of such Taxes ns they shall Judge
reasonable on every Thursday till the first Thursday in April in-
clusive, and no longer, saving that they be allowed to set the two
last Weeks in November for the abatement of the Taxes of such
Persons as had not an opportunity of applying in the above limit-
ted time, by reason of their being out of the Province, at which
time they are also allowed and impower'd to abate the Taxes of
such Persons as may have died Insolvent or become Bankrupts
between the said last Thursday in April and the last Day of No-
vember.

Voted, That the consideration of Schoolmasters Salarys, and
all other Salads and Grants, be referred to next May Meeting.

A Motion made and seconded, that a Committee be Appointed
to examine the state of the Town Treasury, and enquire into the
Expences of the Town and whether any savings can be made, as
also to consider what Sum of Money it may be necessary to raise

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1763. 85

in order to defrey the Charges of the Town the ensuing Year, and
that they Report at the May Meeting, whereupon
Voted, That James Beautineau

John Rowe

Thomas Green

Foster Hutchinson

Thomas Flucker

William Story Esqrs

Mr. John Spooner

Oxenbridge Thacher

Nathaniel Bethune

Thomas Hancock Esqrs.
[535.] John Avery Esq.

Joseph Green Esq.
be and hereby are appointed a Committee for that purpose

Voted, That such of the Inhabitants as shall advance Moneys
for the use of the Almshouse on or before the 15 of April next,
be and hereby are allowed after the rate of 6 P Cl. upon such Sums
as they shall so advance, said Moneys to be paid by the Collectors
to the Overseers of the Poor, to be by them laid out in Provisions
Grain, and other Necessarys for the use aforesaid ; and the Col-
lectors are hereby Ordered and impowered to discount those Sums
together with the allowance thereon out of the said Gentlernens
respective Taxes for the Year 1763.

Upon u Motion made and seconded Voted, That Mr. David Jeffries
Treasurer of the Town of Boston be and hereby is directed and fully
impower'd to borrow upon Interest of any Person or Persons a
Sum of Money not exceeding Nine hundred Pounds, to be paid to
the Overseers of the Poor for the present Supply and relief of the
Almshouse, the Money so borrowed to be repaid in twelve Months

out of the £8000 Voted last May to be raised by a Tax upon

Polls and Estates withiii this Town, said Treasurer to give his
Bonds or Notes as security for the payment of the same with
lawful Interest which Obligations the Town do hereby promise and
engage to discharge as the same shall become due.

Upon a Motion made and seconded, Voted, That James Beau-
tineau Esq. and others a Committee to enquire into the Expences
of the Town &c. be and hereby are desired to assist the Town
Treasurer in borrowing the above Sum of Nine hundred

Pounds

Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned to 9 o'Clock ye. next
Morning.

Tuesday 9 o'Clock A. M : Met according to Adjournment.

[536.] Voted, That the Selectmen be and hereby are Ap-
pointed a Committee to act upon the List of Jurors

Upon a Motion made and seconded, the Question was put —
" Whether the Vole of Yesterday relative to new Constables shall
be reconsidered passed in the Negative.

The Selectmen Reported- on the Account of Mr. John Fenno
Keeper of the Granary for the Year past which Account as entered
in his Books (and on File in the Town Clarks Office) was read,

86 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

whereupon it was Voted that the same be accepted, and that Mr.
Fenno be accountable to the Town for 135 Bushels of Corn, and
65 Bushels of Rye remaining unsold amounting to £44,, 6,, 8, and
also for the sum of £366,, 17,, 10£. Cash now in his hands,
exclusive of the sum of Tweny six Pounds thirteen Shillings and
four Pence for his Salary & assistance as charged in his Account,
which is hereby allowed him.

The Committee Appointed the 8th. of March last to Audit the
Accounts ofMr. Treasurer Jeffries, Report, that they have Attended
that service and find the same right cast and well vouched, in
which he charges himself with sundry Fines Rents and other
Incomes of the Town as also with the Tax £8000,, all of which
amount to £9138,, 6 And the said Treasurer discharges him-
self by sundry Abatements made the Collectors, by Drafts made
by the Selectmen amounting to £3252,, 7,, 4. of whicli he has
paid £2045,, 12,, 6, and by Drafts made by the Overseers of the
Poor which contain the Charges of the Almshouse amonting to
£1881,, 0,, 0£ of which he has paid £795,, 0,, 10J the whole
amounting to £7841,, 12,, 8j| including the Balance of Old
AccottB.

The said Committee have inspected said Drafts in a very par-
ticular manner, and have examined the Vouchers produced by the
Overseers for the amount of their Drafts, and every other branch
of Publick Charge, all amounting as above to the Sum of £7841,
,, 12 ,, 8d£ as by Account of Town Treasury in the Town Treas-
urers Books [537.] Balance whereof being £1296 ,, 13 „ 3£
is carried to the Credit of New Account. — Which Report and
Account being read

Voted, That the same be, and hereb}- is accepted.

Upon consideration of that Clause in the Warrant. (Viz1.) "That
the Town would determine upon some effectual method to prevent

the pernicious practise of forestalling the Market.

Voted, that James Otis Esq.

William Story Esq.
John Tuder Esq.
Royal Tyler Esq.
Oxenb. Thacher Esq.

be and hereby are Appointed a Committee to prepare a By Law
for the remedie of the evil complained of ; and that they Report

the next May Meeting.

Upon a Motion made and seconded, Voted, That the Represen-
tatives of the Town be desired to use their influence at the next
Session of the General Court, that such a Law may be Enacted
as shall prevent the pernicious practise of forestalling the Market. —
Voted, That Mess™. Hugh Floyd, Jonathan Hall and others, not
Inhabitants of this Town, but Petitioners, be permitted to come
into this Meeting and speak to their proposal relative to making
Bricks & Tyle on Boston Neck —

The Proposals of Mess™ Hugh Floyd Jonathan Hall and others
to make Brick and Tyle on the Land on the Neck leased to John
Hill and Sam1 Whentworth Esq. were taken into consideration,
and after debate had thereon, Voted, that

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1763. 87

Thomas Daws Esq.

Joshua Henshaw Esq.

Benjamin Kent Esq.

Mr. William Fairfleld
[538.] William Phillips Esq.

John Avery Esq.

John Tuder Esq.

be and hereby are Appointed a Committee to consider whether it
will be for the benefit and advantage of the Town to permit the
making of Brick and Tyle on Boston Neck, and also to hear and
receive proposals from any Persons relative thereto, and that they
Report next May Meeting.

Upon consideration of that Clause in the Warrant. (Viz*) " To
determine what is proper to be clone relative to the Incroachments

on Circular Line.

Voted, that Royal Tyler Esq.

Samuel Grant Esq.

Joshua Henshaw Esq.

Oxenbridge Thacher Esq.

Mr. Henderson Inches

be and hereby are Appointed a Committee to examine into those
Incroachments, and Report next May Meeting.

The Proposals of the Overseers of the Poor respecting a Drain
to carry off the Waste Water from the Almshouse and Work
House being considered.

Voted, That the Gentlemen the Overseers of the Poor, be and
hereby are appointed a Committee to take this matter into con-
sideration, and apply such relief as they shall think proper, at the

Towns Expence.

The Town took into consideration that Article in the Warrant
*' Viz'." Whether they will take on their risque such "Tickets in
" Faneuil Hall Lottery, as may remain unsold on the Day that

" shall be Assigned by the Managers for drawing the same."

After considerable Debate [539.] The Question was put —
Whether the Town will take to their Account and at their risque
all such Tickets in Faneuil Hall Lottery N°. 1 . as shall remain
unsold on the Day that ma}' be Assigned by the Managers for

drawing the same Passed in the Affirmative.

Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned to 3 o'Clock P: M :

3 O'Clock P: M : Met according to Adjournment.

Upon consideration of that Clause in the Warrant. (Viz*.)
" Whether the Town will make any allowance to Mr. Solomon
" Kneeland for his Land in Water Street, the greater part of which
" was taken from him in order to widen said Street

Voted, that AVilliam Story

William Tayler
William Phillips — Esqrs

be and hereby are Appointed a Committee to take this matter into
consideration, and Report next May Meeting

Upon consideration of that Clause in the Warrant (Viz*.)

88 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

"Whether the Town will Rebuild the Kitchen of the House M*.
John Lovel lives in, and enlarge the Cellar under it —
Voted, that Samuel Wells Esq.

John Tuder Esq.
Mr. Jonathan Williams

be and hereby are Appointed a Committee to consider what is
proper to be done and Report at May Meeting
Nathaniel Thwing Esq.
John Tuder Esq.
were chose Surveyors of Wheat for the Year ensuing.

Mess™. Edward Cowell
[54O.] Edward Potter

Peter Ellis
Robert Treat

were chose Cullers of Staves for the Year ensuing in addition to
the sixteen chose, see Page

Voted, that all Matters and Things that remain unfinish'd at this
Meeting, be and hereby are referred over to the General Town
Meeting in May next to be then considered of and acted upon

Voted, Unanimously, that the Thanks of the Town be and
hereby are given to James Otis Esq the Moderator of this Meeting

for dispatching the Business thereof

Then the Meeting was dissolved.

At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston legally qualified and warned in Publick Town
Meeting Assembled at Faneuil IJall on Tuesday the 10th. Day of
May AD: 1763.

Prayer was made by the Revd. Mr. Byles

The Precept and Warrant for calling the Meeting - - read

Sundry Laws ----- read

[541.] Thomas Gushing Esq. one of the Selectmen proposed
in their Name to the Inhabitants Assembled to proceed to the
choice of one or more Persons to Represent them in the Great and
General Court or Assembly to be held at Boston upon Wednesday
the 25th. Day of May Current, and in order thereto to consider and
ascertain the number of Gentlemen to be Ejected, accordingly it
was Voted to proceed to the choice of Four Representatives and
then it was declared by the Selectmen that no Votes will be received
but such as are unfolded, and that they propose the Polltshould be
closed at twelve o'Clock

The Votes being brought in, the number of Voters were found
to be 1089, and upon sorting them it appeared, that the four fol-
lowing Gentlemen were chose - - viz'.

Royal Tyler Esq. 809 Votes

James Otis Esq. 989

Thomas Cushing Esq. 899

Oxenbridge Thacher Esq. - - - 716

The choice of Representatives being over and declared by the
Selectmen —

Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to 3 o'Clock P.M.

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1763. 89

3 o'Clock P : M : The Town met according to Adjournment
The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their
Votes for a Moderator of this Meeting in order that the Town may
proceed in transacting the other Affairs mentioned in the Warrant ;
accordingly the Inhabitants withdrew, and brought in their Votes,
and upon sorting them it appear'd that James Otis Esq. was

chosen.

The Petition of the Proprietors of the Long Wharf in the Town
of Boston, setting forth, that Cap'. Oliver Noyes and others on
the 19th. [542.] Of December 1709 made proposals to said
Town for building a Wharfe from the lower end of King street
down to low Water Mark &c. whereupon the Town then appointed
their Selectmen a Committee to consider and Report their Opinion
thereon, who took said Proposals under consideration, and at the
Annual Meeting of said Town on the 13th. of March 1709/10 Re-
ported in favor thereof, and that the granting their request would
be of publick and general good to said Town, which Report was
then accepted by the Town, and a Grant made accordingly, and
the Selectmen were then Appointed a Commee. on behalf of said
Town to execute a proper Instrument in writing for the confirma-
tion of the Grant aforesaid who executed said trust as by tlieir
Deed recorded in the Records of Deeds for the County of Suffolk
May 17, 1710 Liber 25. Folio 48 more fully will appear, in which
Deed there is this particular reservation in favor of your Peti-
tioners that no Wharfe beyond the Circular Line shall be permitted
or suffered to Join, or be forever built nearer than sixty feet of the
Waste or Flatts in said Deed granted to said Proprietors. The
Petitioners humbly pra}7 leave to extend the Pier of said Wharfe
twenty feet on the North side of said Wharfe, and that a Grant
might be made them of the same, accordingly they have at a
Meeting of said Proprietors on Wednesday the 4th. of May Instant
Voted that if leave be given by the Town to extend the North side
of the Pier twenty feet, they would Erect an additional Building to
each Store of Seven feet Stud agreable to L*w, which if the same
should be effected would be of undoubted service to the Town, in
some measure in proportion as the Long Wharf has been^ Had
not the Petition afore-said of 1709 been granted, but the Flatts then
had continued Flatts now, it is certain no advantage from them
would have accrued to the Town in general or to any of its Mem-
bers, but the advantage to both in consequence of said Grant are
too obvious even to be mentioned : And with respect to the Flatts
now petitioned for its manifest they are of no benefit at present
nor ever will be to the Town or any one Individual without this
Petition be granted [543.] Because the Town nor any one hath
any right to build upon them, but if the Prayer of this Petition be
granted, then the additional Buildings thereon and the profits
arising therefrom will in an ordinary way be of advantage to the
Owners, and if of advantage to the Members of a Body, of conse-
quence it must be to the Body itself, the Body always sharing in
the advantages or disadvantages of its Members. Wherefore in
as much as the Town cannot be served by the Flatts remaining as
they are at present in as much as by a Vote of the Town, neither

90 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

the Town nor any one hath right to build thereon your Petitioners
excepted, and not them without leave from the Town, which if
obtaind may be of advantage to them, and consequently to the
Town — Your Petitioners humbly hope that the prayer of their
Petition may be granted, and your Petitioners as in duty bound
shall ever pray

Considerable debate being had upon the above Petition, the

Question was put. Viz*. Whether the same shall be referred

to a Committee Passed in the Affirmative

Voted, that The Honble. Thomas Flucker Esq.
The Honble. Harrison Gray Esq.

Oxenbridge Thacher Esq.
William Phillips Esq.
Thomas Green Esq.

be and they hereby are appointed a Committee to consider of the
above Petition of the Proprietors of the Long Wharf e in Boston,
and Report at the next General Town Meeting, what they appre-
hend the Town had best do thereon

That Clause in the Warrant relative to Faneuil Hall Market
being considered, the Question was put — Whether the further

consideration thereof be referred to March Meeting Passed

in the Negative It was then moved and seconded that

Faneuil Hall Market should be [544.] Opened by the Selectmen
as soon as it shall be so repair'd that the Butchers and others
might bring their Provisions into it without interruption — and the
Question being accordingly put Passed in the Affirmative

The Committed Appointed the 14th. Day of March, last to pre-
pare a By Law relative to forestalling the Market — Report

That having met and considered of the Matter referred, find that
as far as a By-Law may serve the purpose within mentioned ;
sufficient provision is already made in the By-Laws of this Town :
and that the great mischief therein mentioned can only be suppres'd
by an Act of the General Court of this Province — Wherefore the
said Committee Report, that it be an Instruction to the Represen-
tatives to be chosen at this Meeting that they use their utmost
endeavors that such a Law be enacted. —

The above Report having been read, it was Voted, that the same
be accepted, and that the Gentlemen who Represent the Town be
and they hereby are desired to use their utmost endeavors in the
General Court that such a Law be Enacted.

The Committee appointed the 14th. of March last to examin into

the incroachments on the Circular Line having Reported It

was Voted that the same be recommitted, and said Committee are
desired to make further enquiry relative to those incroachments
and Report the next General Town Meeting

The Committee appointed the 14th. of March last to enquire in to
the Expences of the Town, and whether any savings can be made
as also to consider what Sum of Money it may be necessary to
raise in order to defrey the Charges of the Town the ensuing
Year — Report as follows

That they have attended that service and after due [545.]
Information from the Selectmen Overseers of the Poor and Town

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1763. 91

Treasurer, all of whom appear to have served the Town with
fidelity, they offer the following Report, viz'.

That there appeard to be due to the Town from the respective
Collectors of Taxes to the 25 of April last Six thousand eight
hundred and four Pounds, but as the said Collectors had not then
been paid their Premium for the Year 1761. which with what will
be due to them for Premiums for 1762. amounts to one Thousand
and eighty five Pounds four Shillings and six Pence, and as they
are to be allowed for the abatements made and to be made in that

Year, which the Assessors estimate at about £1000 the sum

really due from them will then be four thousand seven hundred
and eighteen pounds fifteen shillings and six pence for the taxes of
the year 1762 which when received by the treasurer, will discharge
every demand upon him to the 11th. of March last, and leave a bal-
lance in favor of the town of two thousand and thirty four pounds
one shilling and eight pence, besides this the town has the further
sum of four hundred pounds in the hands of the committee for
purchasing grain, and one hundred and seventy two pounds lent
the society of the linnen manufacture, & a stock of powder &c. of
the value of one hundred and fifty six pounds, which three last
sums amount to seven hundred and twenty eight pounds.

Your committee find that the overseers accounts for supporting
the poor in and out of the alms house for the year 1762 amounted
to £2110 ,, — ,, — they also find that the usual incidental charges
paid by the Selectmen for repairs for the towns estates &c. are
about four hundred pounds annually, which together with the stated
salarys charges of collecting the taxes, assessors &c. make the
towns certain expence as things now are, four thousand six hun-
dred and forty three pounds, they find further that the town re-
ceived from the province treasurer for the support of the province
poor in the alms house four hundred and ninety pounds, and that
the towns rents amount to £223 — p annum and the taxes re-
ceived from strangers upon an average to be £210 ,, — ,, —
yearly, and that there was expended for pavement at the [546.]
Almshouse the last year £60 ,, — ,, — the whole whereof being
£983 ,, — ,, — leaves £3660 ,, — ,, — to be raised by the town
exclusive of any provision for necessary abatements, and extra
expences —

Pa: 1st. Your committee are of opinion that £120 ,, — ,,

— p Annum may be saved of the aforementioned expence by re-
ducing the number of watchmen from the present establishment to
four captains at twenty four pounds p annum and sixteen others
at eighteen pounds a year each, which will cost but £384 ,, — ,,

— instead of £504 ,, — which is the present charge.

2d. They are further of opinion that in future the tax may be
collected for three p ca. which will save £100 ,, — ,, — p Year,
and that at least £200 ,, — more may be saved yearly when the
tueasurer shall be in cash for the aforementioned ballance of £2034
,, 1 ,, 8 which your committee are of opinion should remain as a
stock in the treasury for a constant fund to be made use of by the
selectmen and overseers of the poor, as they may find it necessary
for the benefit of the town, but on this express condition that such

92 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

sums as they shall draw from it be replaced out of the moneys
raised annually by the town.

3d. Your committee are further of opinion that there be raised
the sum of four thousand four hundred and eighty pounds agreable
to the estimate here unto annexed, wherein is included £175 ,, —
,, — for rebuilding the kitchen of the house where Mr. John Lovel
lives in case the town should think proper to do it, in this estimate
ample provision is made for every charge that can be supposed to
arise, and three hundred pound is included as a fund for abate-
ment of taxes

Your committee find by certificate from the province treasurer
that there is now due to the province for the year 1761. four thou-
sand and thirty two pounds five shillings and seven pence viz*. —

[547.] From John Ruddock Esq..- - - - £883 ,, 10 ,, 4
Mr. Samuel Adams - - - - 2179 ,, 1 „ 10
Mr. Jonathan Payson - - - 969 ,, — ,, —

4032 „ 5 „ 7
And the whole tax for the year 1762 - - - - 8570 ,, 13 ,, 7

12602 ,, 19 ,, 2

which with the aforesaid sum due to - - -) 4,^g ... -
the town treasurer of ------ J

makes £17321 ... 4 ,, 8

Pa 4th. Your committee are of opinion that it would be very
much for the interest of the town to have the taxes made in the
months of July and August, and the books delivered to the collec-
tors in September as they will then have a sufficient time to receive
the money, and settle with the respective treasurers by the begin-
ing of march

5th. And it is the opinion of this committee that the town
should strictly adhere to their votes passed respecting the several
periods and proportions in which the collectors are obliged to pay
the respective troasurys, in order to entitle them to any premium

6th. Your committee are of opinion that in future there be six
collectors of taxes, which will enable them to do the business with
greater Tacility, as each of them will have but two wards to collect
from

7th. Your Committee are further of opinion that the assessors
be not allowed more than two months to make abatements, after
the books are delivered to the collectors and that no abatements
be made after that time to any person but such as shall be
out of the province during the said two months, and that the
assessors in making their abatements have particular regard to the
sum raised by the town as a fund for that purpose &c.

This Report being read and debate had thereon, it was

[548.] Voted, that the same be considered of paragraph by
paragraph, and thereupon the first paragraph being again read

Voted, that the same be accepted

Then the 2d. Paragraph being read, and debate had thereon

BOSTON TOWN EECORDS, 1763. 93

Voted, that that part thereof which relates to the premium for
collecting of the taxes be referred for further consideration to the
next General Town Meeting. And that the other part relative to
a sum of Money, remaining as a stock in the Treasury for the use
of the Selectmen and Overseers of the Poor be accepted —

Then the 3d. Paragraph being read and debated

Voted, That the same be accepted with this amendment and
addition. Viz1. That the sum of Four thousand six hundred
Pounds be raised by a tax upon Polls and Estates within this Town
for relief of the Poor and defreyiug other necessary charges aris-
ing within the Town the ensuing Year

The 4th. Paragraph being read and debated

Voted, that the same be accepted

The 5th. Paragraph being read and debated

Voted, That the same be referred over to the next General
Town Meeting for further consideration

The 6th. Paragraph being read and debated —

Voted, That the same be referred over to the next General
Town Meeting for further consideration

The 7th. and last Paragraph being read and debated

Voted, That the same be accepted

The Committee appointed the 14th. Day of March last relative
to Mr. John Lovels Kitchen and the Cellar under the same —
Report — That they had examined the Premisses and find that
the Kitchen is small and uncomfortable and wants repair, and as
there is no Cellar only under one Room of the House there had
been many difficulty s for want of more, but if the Town should
think [549.] Proper to build a new Kitchen, it was their Opinion

that it is very necessary to make a Cellar under the same

This Report being rend and debate had thereon, the Question was
put, Whether the Kitchin of the House Mr. John Lovel lives in
should be repair'd — : — passed in the affermative.

It being moved that the above Vote be reconsidered and the
Question accordingly put, it passed in the affermative

Jt was then Voted, that Mr John Lovels Kitchen be Re-built
with a Cellar under the same, and that the Selectmen be and
hereby are appointed a Committee to see this Vote carried into exe-
cution

The Committee Appointed the 14th. Day of March last to con-
sider of the Proposals of Hugh Floyd Jonathan Hall and others
to make Brick and Tile on the Land on the Neck leased to John
Hill and Samuel Whentworth Esqrs. — Keport — That they
had repaired to the Land on Boston Neck leased to John Hill and
Samuel Whentworth Esq. and there met with the within named
Jonathan Hall only, who declared he had no Proposals to make
concerning the making Brick & Tile on the said Land — and
further, that in their Opinion it would not be for the benefit
of the Town to permit the making of Brick and Tyle on said
Neck.

The above Report having been read and debate had thereon it
was Voted, that the same be accepted

The Committee Appointed the 14th. of March upon the affair of

94 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

Mr. Solomon Kneelands Land in Water Street having Reported
— It was Voted that the same be Recommitted, and said Com-
mittee are desired to Report again the next General Town Meet-
ing

Voted, that the sum of Twenty Pounds be & hereby is allowed
Mr. John Lovel Master of the South Grammar School in addition
to his [55O.] Last Years grant for which he has already had a
draft on the Treasury, as through mistake £100 ,, — ,, — instead
of £120 was then Voted him

Voted, That the sum of One hundred and twenty Pounds be
allowed and paid unto Mr. John Lovel for his Salary as Master of
the South Grammar School for the ensuing Year, the same to be
paid him Quarterly as it shall become due, and to commence at
the expiration of the last Quarter.

Voted, that the sum of One hundred Pounds be allowed and
paid unto Mr. Peleg Wiswall for his Salary as Master of the North
Grammar School for the ensuing Year, the same to be paid him
Quarterly as it shall become due, and to commence at the expira-
tion of the last Quarter.

Voted, that the sum of Eighty Pounds be allowed and paid unto
Mr. Samuel Holyoke for his Salary as Master of the Writing
School in Queen Street for the Year ensuing, the same to be paid
him Quarterly as it shall become due, and to commence at the
expiration of the last Quarter.

Voted, that the Sum of One hundred Pounds be allowed and
paid unto Mr. John Procter for his Salary as a Master of the
Writing School in Queen Street for the ensuing Year, the same to
be paid him Quarterly as it shall become due, and to commence at
the expiration of the last Quarter.

Voted, that the Sum of One hundred Pounds be allowed and paid
unto Mr. Abia Holbrook for his Salary as Master of the Writing
School in the Common for the ensuing Year, the same to be paid
him Quarterly as it shall become due, and to commence at the
expiration of the last Quarter

[551.] Voted, that the Sum of One hundred Pounds be allowed
and paid unto Mr. John Tileston for his Salary as Master of the
North Writing School for the ensuing Year, the same to be paid
him Quarterly as it shall become due, and to commence at the
expiration of the last Quarter.

Voted, that the Sum of Sixty Pounds be allowed and paid unto
Mr. James Lovel for his Salary as Usher of the South Grammar
School for the ensuing Year, the same to be paid him Quarterly as
it shall become due, and to commence at the expiration of the last
Quarter.

Voted, that the Sum of Sixty Pounds be allowed and paid unto
Mr. Ephraim Langdon for his Salary as Usher of the North
Grammar School the ensuing Year, the same to be paid him Quar-
terly, as the same shall become due, and to commence at the
expiration of the last Quarter.

Voted, that the Sum of Fifty Pounds be allowed and paid
unto Mr. John Vinal for his Salary as Usher of the Writing
School in the Common the ensuing Year, the same to be paid him

BOSTON TOWN KECORDS, 1763. 95

quarterly as it shall become due, and to commence at the expi-
ration of the last Quarter.

Voted, that the Sum of Thirty four Pounds be allowed and paid
unto Mr. John Tileston Master of the North Writing School for
providing an Assistant for the Year ensuing, the same to be paid
him Quarterly as it shall become due, and to commence at the

expiration of the last Quarter.

Voted, that the Sum of One hundred Pounds be allowed and
paid out of the Town Treasury unto Mr. David Jeffries for his
services as Treasurer of the Town the Year past, and for all his
Expences in that Office.

Mr. Jacob Williams
was chosen a Culler of Staves for the Year ensuing.

[552.] Voted, that the Town Treasurer be and hereby is
directed and impowered to allow the several Schoolmasters, Interest
on the Sums due to them from the date of their Warrants to the

time of payment.

The Committee appointed the 8th. of March 1762 to Visit the

Publick Schools, now Report as follows — Viz1.

To the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of Boston in Town
Meeting Assembled May 10. 1763 —

Pursuant to a Vote of the Town of Boston at their Annual
Meeting the 8th. of March 1762, desiring the Selectmen to visit the
several Publick Schools in the Town, and to invite such Gentle-
men to accompany them therein as they shall think proper, and to
Report thereon

We the Subscribers accordingly attended that service on Tues-
day the 29th day of June last, accompanied by the following Gentle-
men Viz*.

The Honble : William Brattle Esq.
John Erviug Esq.
Thomas Ilubbard Esq.
Thomas Hancock Esq.
The Representatives of the Town
The Overseers of the Poor

Joshua Henshaw Esq.
Richard Dana Esq.
Middlecot Cook Esq.
Jeramiah Gridley Esq.
Joseph Dowse Esq.
Epps Sergeant Esq.
Roger Hale Esq.
Richard Clark Esq.
William Story Esq.
William Blair Townsend Esq.
[553.] John Erving Esq.

Mess™ : John Dennie

Alexander Hill
William Greenleaffe
Oxenbridge Thacher
Samuel Adams
David Jeffries

96 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

Benjamin Hammatt
Limers (a Stranger)
Revd. Alexander Cummins
Samuel Cooper
Mather Byles
Mr. Gorden (Stranger)
Ebenezer Pemberton
Andrew Elliot
Samuel Mather
Samuel Checkley Junr.
Samuel Checkley
Dr. Jonathan May hew
Charles Chauncey
Joseph Sewall

And found the South Grammar School had 119 Scholars, the
North Grammar School 08 Scholars, the Soutli Writing School 236
Scholars, the North Writing School 176 Scholars, the Writing

School in Queen Street 238 Scholars, all in very good order.

THOMAS GUSHING "|
JOHN SCOLLAT

BENJAMIN AUSTIN }• Selectmen of Boston
SAMUEL SEWALL
EZEKIEL LEWIS J

Voted, that the above Report be accepted, and that the Gentle-
men the Selectmen, be desired to visit the Publick Schools the
Year ensuing [554.] And that they desire such Gentlemen to ac-
company them therein as they shall think convenient ; and that they
Report thereon.

Mess™. William Fisher

Peter Boyer
were chose/Clerks of the Market for the Year ensuing.

Mess™. Edward Baker ------ Sworn

Matthew Wakefield do

John Edwards
were chose Constables for the Year ensuing

Mr. Jonathan Blake
was chosen a Sealer of Leather for the Year ensuing.

Voted, that all Matters and Things that remain unfinished at this
Meeting be and hereby are referred over to the next General Town
Meeting.

Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given to
James Otis Esq. the Moderator of this Meeting for dispatching the
business thereof.

Then the Meeting was dissolved

At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston legally qualified and warned in Publick Town
Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Tuesday the 6th Day of
September Anno Domini 1763. — —

[555.] The Warrant for calling the Meeting - was read.

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1763. 97

James Otis Esq. was chosen Moderator by a written Vote.

Upon consideration of that Clause in the Warrant Viz'. * ' That
" some Measures might be taken that a certain slip of Land lying
on the North side of Water Street, may be annexed to said Street '

It was moved and seconded and accordingly put Whether a

Committee shall be Appointed to take this matter into consideration
and to Report the next Meeting Passed in the Negative

Then a Question was put — Whether the Town would take any
Measures that a certain slip of Land lying on the North side of

Water Street, may be Annexed to said Street Passed in ye.

Negative.

That Clause in the Warrant. Viz'. " That some Methods may be
taken to remove the Nusance in the Passage Way from the Main
Street leading to the Common called Hog Alley " was considered
and after Debate had thereon

Voted, that the Selectmen be and hereby are Appointed a Com-
mittee to enquire into this matter, and Report at the Adjournment
of this Meeting, the circumstances thereof, and what they may ap-
prehend best to be done thereon.

Upon consideration of that Clause in the Warrant. Viz'.
" Whether any Methods should be taken to preserve Deer Island
Head from the further Incroachments of the Sea"

Voted, that Joshua Henshaw
Royal Tyler
Samuel Wells
Samuel Wentworth
Nathaniel Wheelright Esqrs.

be and they hereby are appointed a Committee to examine into the
present Circumstances of Deer Island Head, and to make a true
representation [556.] Thereof to the General Court at their
next Session ; at the same time setting forth of what importance
it is to the trading Interest of this Province that said Head Land
and thereby this Harbour should be preserved from the ruin thnt
now threatens them ; and praying that such speedy and effectual
methods may be taken for this purpose, as the General Court in
their Great Wisdom shall think meet.

Upon consideration of that Clause in the Warrant. Viz'.
' ' Whether any more effectual Measures shall be taken for the pre-
" venting Chimnies so frequently taking Fire"

Voted, that Joshua Henshaw Esq.

Thomas Daws Esq.
Royal Tyler Esq.
Mr. Samuel Adams
Mr. Benjamin Dolbear

be and hereby are appointed a Committee, to consider of the
Scheem which Thomas Daws Esq, has laid before the Town rela-
tive to this matter ; as also of any other Proposals that may come
before said Committee ; and that they Report at the Adjournment
of this Meeting, what Measures they apprehend most expedient to
be taken for the purpose aforesaid.

That Clause in the Warrant. Viz'. "Whether any further step
" can now be taken for the more speedy and effectual supplying

98 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

" the Overseers of the Poor with Money for the purchasing Neces-
" sarys for the Almshouse, being considered, the Question was
" accordingly put — Whether any such step could now be taken
" Passed in the Negative."

That Clause in the Warrant, Viz'. " Whether the Town will im-
" prove the Indulgence of the General Court, which by a [557.]
" Late Law permits them to Elect and Appoint, Four meet Per-
" sons as Fire- Wards, in addition to the present number of twelve
" &c." being Read, it was Voted, that the Consideration thereof be
referred over to the next March Meeting.

That Clause in the Warrant relative to a Bill now pending in the
General Court directing how Rates and Taxes shall be Assessed
and Collected &c. &c. being read, it was Voted that the considera-
tion of this Matter be referred over to the Adjournment of this
Meeting, Also Voted, that the Selectmen be desired to get printed,
and dispers'd amongst the Inhabitants, Copys of the Bill now
pending before the General Court relative to some new power being
given the Collectors of Taxes.

Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to Wednesday the Twenty
first Instant at Nine O'clock in the Forenoon, and the same was
Adjourned accordingly.

Wednesday September 21 9. O'Clock in the Forenoon, the Town

Met according to Adjournment

The Committee Appointed the 10th of May last upon the affair
of Mr. Solomon Kneelands Land in Water Street Report — That
having met Mr. Kneeland and viewd the Land taken from him to
widen the Street are of Opinion, That the said Solomon Kneeland
be allowed the Sum of Six Pounds Seventeen Shillings and four
Pence for the Land taken from him and added to Water Street ;
whereupon Voted that the said Report be and hereby is accepted,
and that Mr. Kneeland have a Draft on the Treasurer accordingly.
That Clause in the. Warrant relative to a Bill now pending in
the General Court, which relates to the Collecting of Taxes, was
read, [558.] And after debate had thereon, the Question was
put Viz*. "Whether the Town approve of the Bill now pend-
ing in the General directing how Rates and Taxes shall be Assessed
and Collected &c. in its present form Passed in the Nega-
tive.

Report of the Committee relative to the Longe Wharf e was read,
and after debate had theron, it was Voted that the further Con-
sideration thereof should be deferred.

Voted, that John Avery Esq.

Samuel Wentworth Esq.

John Rowe Esq.

Nathaniel Wheelwright Esq.

John Scollay Esq.

Mr. Thomas Gray

Mr. John Pigeon

be and hereby are appointed a Committee to hear the Collectors
of the Town, and to examin into their difficulty's in Collecting the
Taxes, and in what Instances it may be expedient to enable the

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1763. 99

Collectors to Sue at Common Law, for the Taxes so committed to
them to Collect, and to Report as soon as may be

The Committee appointed the 6th. of September Instant to
consider of the expediency of shutting up Hog Alley — Report,
That they had attended that Service, and find that said Alley has
been used as a publick Way for a long course of Years, and was
Recorded as such in the Town Records in the Year 1708 — that
it is not attended with much greater Nusances than such narrow
Passages generally are — That the danger arising from Horses
and Cows passing through the same may be prevented if the Town
think proper to fix Turn Pikes at each end of the Alley, and that
they did not apprehend such a necessity for shutting up the said
Alley as would Justefie their Reporting in favor of it — whereupon
[559.] Voted, that this Report be accepted and that the Select-
men be and hereby are desired and impower'd to provide Turn
Pikes for Hog Alley, and that the same be fixed as soon as may
be

Joshua Heushaw Esq. and others a Committee reletive to Chim-
nies having made Report, it was thereupon Voted, that the same
be recommitted, and that Oxenbridge Thacher Esq. and James
Otis Esq be and herebey are added to said Committee, who are
desired to Report at the Adjouiment of this Meeting.

Voted that this Meeting be Adjourned to Tuesday Octob.r 4th.
3 O'Clock P : M : And the Meeting was adjourn'd accordingly.

Tuesday October 4th. 3 O'Clock P : M : The Town Met according
to Adjournment.

The Committee relative to Chimnies having acquainted the Town
that by reason of the absence of several of their number, and for
other Causes, the}" were not yet able to make Report, upon which
it was Voted, that said Committee be requested to have further
consideration on that Matter, and that they Report at the next
General Town Meeting.

The Committee relative to C:-cnlar Line, Report, That they find
the folio-wing facts among t . 3 Records of the Town. That on the
5th of September 1073, at a General TOWL Meeting, (the Council
having recommended to the Selectmen of the Town the erecting a
Wall or Wharff of Brick and Stone upon the Flatts before the
Town from the Sconce to Cap4. Scarlets Wharfe or to use some
other means for the security of tha Town from the approach of an
Enemy which recommendation they then laid before the Town, and
the following Votes, passed thereon — 1st. Whether the Inhabi-
tants will be at any charge for erecting such a [5OO.] Wall or

Wharff it passed in the Negative 2d. the Question was

put, whether the Selectmen of the Town may order and dispose of
the Flatts before the Town, from the Sconce to Cap*. Scarlets
Wharff, lor the better security of the Town, as they may Judge
best, any former order to the contrary notwithstanding. It was
resolved in tlie affermative — In consequence of this Vote the
Committee find that the Selectmen on the 5th of September 1673
did agree with a number of Persons to erect a Wall and Wharff of
Stone and Wood upon the following terms, viz'. — That upon

100 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

their corapleating said Wharff agreable to the Conditions containd
in their agreement with the said Selectmen which Agreement is in
the Records of the Town in Book N. 2. Page 81 — they should
have right to build in back from said Wall 200 feet towards the
Town in proportion to the breadth that they build in ye. front, and
that the remainder of the Flatts should be open for the security of
Vessells ; but that those who undertook any part of this Wall, and
were Abutters on the within Cove should also have right to Wharff
out before their own Land, and in proportion with others about
one hundred feet beyond Governor Leverets and Mr. Alfords
Wharfes and to improve the same for their best advantage, to them
their Heirs and Assigns forever as should be staked out in a Cir-
cular Line according to a Platt or Map then taken of the Cove,
reserving also to such others of the Abuttors or Borderers on the
said Flatts who refused to Join in the said Wall, liberty of egress
and regress, lying at their Wharffs Loading and unloading &c.

The Committee further find that at a Meeting of the Town
March 29th. 1 728 a Committee was appointed to inspect into the
ruinous conditions the out Wharffs granted to the several Under-
takers in the Year 1G73 are in ; and to Report at the next General
Meeting what they should think proper for the Town to do to Re-
dress said grieveance — And accordingly at the next [561.] Meet-
ing the 14th. May following they Reported that three Years should
be allowed them to Rebuild the said Wharffs according to their
Agreement with the Town and they who should not build up their
respective parts in said term of three Years, should forfeit their
Rights and Privileges granted them by the Town, and that proper
Methods in such case should be taken to declare the same null and
void, which Report was read and accepted, and that at the next
Meeting the June following the said Report was committed to the
Representatives of the Town, and it was Voted that they should
be desired to lay it before the General Court and take proper
methods to have it confirm'd, but the Committee do not find that
the Court did anything relative thereto, or that it was ever laid
before the Court.

The Committee also find with the Records of the Town a Plan
of the Line of defence and of the Cove within the same, taken by
Mr. Jacob Sheaffe by order of the Selectmen in 1708 which Plan so
far as they have been able to observe, exactly correspond, with
the descriptions of a Circular Line referr'd to in many of the
ancient Records of the Town, and are of opinion that the said
Plan is a good & sufficient one to settle the several boundaries by,
but at the ^ame time recommend it to the Town that this Plan be
immediately run out by some skillful Person.

It further appears by said Plan that there are several encroach-
ments upon said Line and that if something be not immediately
done further encroachments will soon be made, contrary as the
Committee apprehend to the Interest of the Town in general, as
well as very prejudicial to the properly of many of the Inhabitants,
for it is quite apparent should some of the Abutters go on to
Wharfe out as they have begun they will soon intersect one
another, and needlessly close up a great part of the Cove, when

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1763. 101

not any of the Abuttcrs have right to exceed the Circular Line,

and by far the greater part cannot Wharfe out even to that

without special leave to the Town. The Committee are also of
opinion that it would be for the Interest of the Town to appoint
[562.] A Committee to meet the several Proprietors of Wharfes
abutting on or near the Circular Line and that such Committee be
directed and impower'd to renew said Line with said Proprietors
and explain and reduce to the greatest certainty the manner of
extending the Wharfs of such as have right to build out, to the
Circular Line, as also to accommodate all differences between the
Town and such as have encroached on the Towns Lauds, within or
without the Circular Line and to make Report to the Town at their
next Meeting in order for their acceptance and that the Selectmen
in the wean time be directed and impowered to bring forward and
prosecute such Action or Actions for removing or preventing en-
croachments on the Towns Lands within or without the Circular
Line, as by Council learned in the Law be advised — which is sub-
mitted in the Name and by order of the Committee

ROYAL TYLER

Whereupon it was Voted that the Report be accepted ; it was
further Voted that Royal Tyler Esq.

Samuel Grant Esq.
Joshua Henshaw Esq.
Oxenbridge Thacher Esq.
Mr. Henderson Inches

be and hereby are appointed a Committee to meet the several
Proprietors of Wharfes abutting on or near the Circular Line who
are hereby directed and impowerd to renew said Line with said
Proprietors and explain and reduce to the greatest certainty the
manner of extending the Wharfe of such as have right to build
out to the Circular Line ; as also to accommodate all difference be-
tween the Town and such as have encroached on the Town Lands,
within or without the Circular Line, and to make Report at next
General Town Meeting

The Committee Appointed the 10th Day of May last [563.]
To consider of the Petition of the Proprietors of the Long Wharfe
Report, That having considered the Petition, heard the Pe-
titioners and viewd the Premisses, it was their Opinion that the
Prayer of the Petition be granted, and that the Petitioners be per-
mitted to extend the Pier of the Wharf as pray'd for, and that the
Town direct the Selectmen to execute a Deed of Grant without
Warranty of the Flatts within the said extent ; after considerable
debate the Question was put — Viz'. Whether the said Report shall
be accepted — Passed in the Afferrnative.

The Committee appointed the 21st. of September last to hear
the Collectors of the Town and to examine into their difflcultys
&c. and in what instances it may be expedient to enable the Col-
lectors to Sue at Common Law for the Taxes &c Report

1st. When any Person after being duly rated in this Town shall
conceal his Person and Estate ; that the Collectors or Constables
shall have his remedy to recover b\7 Suit against the Trustees of
such Offender, as Creditors have by Law to recover their Debts —

102 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

2nd. When any Person rated as aforesaid shall die before pay-
ment of his Taxes ; or when the Collector or Constable shall die
before perfecting his Collection, the Executors and Administrators
respectively may Sue or be Sued

3d. "When any Person duly rated in this Town, shall remove
out of it and become an Inhabitant of another without paying bis
Tax, the Collector shall have his Action at Law

4th. When any Single Woman is rated, and before payment of
said Taxes intermarrys, that the Collector or Constable may bring
Action against the Husband.

After some debate had upon the above Report, it was Voted
that the same be considered of Paragraph by Paragraph, and the
first Paragraph being again read, Voted that the same be accepted
— The 2d. Paragraph beiug again read, Voted, that the same be
accepted — The 3d. Paragraph being again read, Voted, that the
same be accepted, The 4th. Paragraph being again read, Voted,
that the same be accepted — It was further Voted, that when the
time of payment to the respective Treasurers is [564.] Elapsed,
and the Collectors and Constables have paid the Sums given them
to Collect, that they shall have remedie by Suit against Delin-
quents for the same Year for which they have so paid iu, to be in
force for two Years and no longer.

Voted, that the Representatives of the Town be and hereb}7 are
desired and Instructed to use their best influence at the General
Court, that a Law may be Enacted which shall include the Spirit
and Substence of the above Votes, relative to Collecting of Taxes
&c.

Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given to
James Otis Esq. the Moderator of this Meeting for dispatching
the Business thereof

Then the Meeting was dissolved.

At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston legally qualified and Warned in Publick Town
Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Monday the 20th. of Feb-
ruary 1764.

Prayer was made by the Revd. Dr. Sewall.

The Warrant for calling the Meeting read

The Town proceeded to the choice of a Moderator by a Hand
Vote, when the Honble. Thomas Hubbard Esq. was Unanimously
chosen

[565.] The Petition of a number of Inhabitants respecting
the Small Pox was read ; — As also the Petition of others respect-
ing Inoculating Hospitals was also read — After considerable
debate on the subject matter of these. Petitions

Voted, Unanimously, that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby
are given to the Gentlemen the Selectmen of the Town for their
great care and pains to prevent the spread of the Small Pox in
this Town ; and that they be desired to continue their good Offices
for that end.

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1764. 103

Voted, That the Gentlemen the Selectmen together with James
Otis, John Ruddock, Samuel Wells, Harrison Gray, Foster Hutch-
inson Esq™. Mr. Thomas Gray, Benjamin Kent & John Tudor Esq™.
be and hereby are Appointed a Committee to take into their serious
Consideration what Measures are most expedient for the Town to
take in their present distress'd Circumstances, by reason of the
Small Fox, more especially the Proposals made relative to Inocu-
lating Hospitals, and to Report at the Adjournment of this
Meeting.

Voted, that this Meeting be and hereby is Adjourned to Fry day
next at 10 O'Clock in the Forenoon.

February 24th. 10 O'Clock A. M: The Town Met according to

Adjournment

The Committee Appointed the 20th. of this Instant February to
consider what are the most expedient Methods for the Town to
take in their present distressed Circumstances by reason of the
Small Pox, and of the Proposals made relative to Inoculating
Hospitals — Report, That it be recommended to the Selectmen
still to continue their endeavors to prevent the Spread of the Dis-
temper, and that for the accommodation of such of the Inhabitants,
as are inclined to take the Distemper [566.] By Inoculation it
will be expedient for the Town to countenance the Establishment
of Inoculating Hospitals, and they find upon enquiry that the
Houses at Point Shirley are very convenient for that purpose ;
that a number of Physicians have hired the Houses at said Place
with a view of improving them as Inoculating Hospitals, and are
ready to admit any of the Physicians of the Town to Inoculate
their Patients there, they paying a reasonable consideration for the
Houses and Furniture, and that a number of Physicians are about
engaging Houses at some of the Islands near the Town for the
Bame purpose — They further Report that they have also con-
sidered the Petition fur establishing an Inoculating Hospital in this
Town, and are of opinion it will not be convenient at present to
have such' an Hospital within the Peninsula

The above Report having been read, and debate had thereon,

Voted, that the same be accepted

Voted, that the Selectmen acquaint Mr. Nathan Spear now sick
with the Small Pox, that it is the desire of the Town now As-
sembled in Town Meeting, that he would consent to his being
immediately removed to the Hospital at West Boston — provided

it can be done with safety to his Life

Upon a Motion made & seconded, Voted, that.

Thomas Hubbard

Samuel Wells

John Ruddock

Robert Auchmuty

Benjamin Kent

Foster Hutchinson Esq1*.

Mr. Samuel Adams

Mr. Henry Newman

Richard Dana Esq.

104 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

[567.] Be and hereby are Appointed a Committee to examin the
several Laws of this Province relative to Infectious Distempers,
and Report to the Town at their next Meeting, their Opinion of
the expediency of applying to the General Court for any further
Act.

Upon a Motion made and seconded, Voted unanimously That
the Thanks of this Town be and hereby are given the Revd. Mr.
George Whitefield for his Charitable care and pains in collecting a
considerable Sum of Money in Great Britain for the distressed

Sufferers by the great Fire in Boston Anno Domini 1 760 and

that,

James Otis Esq.

John Rowe Esq.

William Phillips Esq.

John Steel Esq.

Royal Tyli-r P^sq.

be and hereby are Appointed a Committee to wait on Mr. White-
field, and inform him of this Vote ; and that he be presented with

a Copy thereof

Voted, That the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given
to the Honble. Thomas Hubbard Esq. the Moderator of this Meet-
ing for dispatching the Business thereof
Then the Meeting was dissolved.

[568.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabi-
tants of the Town of Boston legally qualified and
warned in publick Town Meeting Assembled at
Faneuil Hall on Monday the 12th. Day of March
Anno Dom. 17G4.

Prayer was made by the Revd. Mr. Andrew Elliot
The Warrant for calling the Meeting ----- read.
Sundry Laws enjoined to be read at this Meeting were accord-
ingly read.

James Otis Esq. was chosen Moderator of this Meeting and
took the Oath respecting his paying and receiving Bills of Credit
of the Governments of Connecticut New Hampshire and Rhode
Island, as required by an Act of this Province.

William Cooper was chosen Town Clerk for the Year ensuing
and having taken the Oath relating to his receiving and paying
Bills of Credit of the other Governments, took the Oath of Office
for the faithful discharge of his dut}' which Oaths were adminis-

tred to him by the Honble. Samuel Wells Esq.

The Town proceeded to the choice of seven Selectmen, and the
Votes being brought in and sorted it appeard that
Joshua Henshaw
Joseph Jackson
John Scollay
Benjamin Austin
Samuel Sewall

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1764. 105

Nathaniel Thwing

John Ruddock Esq™.

were chose Selectmen for the Year ensuing

[569.] Thomas Gushing Esq. one of the late Selectmen hav-
ing before the above choice informed the Town, that he was much
obliged to them for the Honor done him in choosing him a Select-
man for a number of Years past ; that he found his Business would
not permit him to serve in that Office any longer, and therefore de-
sired his Name might not be put in the new List Samuel Hews

and Ezekiel Lewis Esq. having made a like excuse and expressed the

same desire It was Unanimously Voted, That the Thanks of

the Town be and hereby are given to the above named Gentlemen,

for their faithful services as Selectmen some time past

The Town brought in their Votes for twelve Overseers of the
Poor, and upon sorting them it appeard, that

John Barratt Esq.

Royal Tyler Esq.

Mr. Benjamin Dolbear

Isaac Smith Esq.

Mr. Jonathan Mason

Mr. Henry Bromfield

Meletiah Bourn Esq.

Joseph Gardner Esq.

Mr. William Whit well

Cap'. Benjamin Hammatt

Mr. Henderson Inches

Mr. Ebenezer Storer
were chose Overseers of the Poor for the Year ensuing and took

the Oaths required by Law

The Votes were brought in for a Town Treasurer, and upon
sorting them it appeard that Mr. David Jeffries was unanimously
chosen, and having taken the Oath relating to his paying and re-
ceiving Bills of Credit of the other Governments took the Oath
of Office for the faithful discharge of his duty, which Oaths were
administred to him [57O] By the Honorable Samuel Wells

Esq.

The Town brought in their Votes for twelve Wardens, and upon
sorting them it appeard that

Mr. William Whitwell

Mr. Nathaniel Holmes

Majr. Newman Grenough

Onesip". Tileston Esq.

Cap'. Samuel Partridge

William Holmes Esq.

Mr. Johnson Jackson

John Gore Esq.

Mr. William Gray

Benjamin Andrews Esq.

Mr. Thomas Fletcher

Cap4. William Fisher
were chose Wardens for the Year ensuing.

Royal Tyler Esq. in the name of the Overseers represented to

106 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

i

the Town, that being acquainted by the Selectmen that a number
of Physicians were willing to Inoculate such of the Poor Gratis,
as were desirous of receiving the Small Pox in that way ; they
had accordingly waited upon those Gentlemen, who readily en-
gaged to carry through that Distemper their proportion of the
Poor of the Town either in the natural way or by Inoculation, as
also to find Medicines and give proper attendance Gratis — they
mentioned among other Things, that they were apprehensive that
the great number of Persons which will be immediately laid down
may so take up the attention of those Physicians who have thus
engaged, as to prevent them in some instances from attending the
sick Poor who may thereby suffer ; and that therefore they had
secured as Physicians to be at the call of the Overseers in all such
cases — whereupon it was Voted [5 7 1.] That the Conduct of the

Overseers in those particulars arc satisfactory to the Town

Voted that the Town Clerk be directed to Advertize in the sev-
eral News Papers, that it is expected and required of the Inhabi-
tants that they strictly conform to the Law relative to sweeping of
Chimnies &c. as Fires at this Time of sickness must be peculiarly

distressing

Voted, that the Gentlemen Overseers of the Poor be desired to
take such care of the Chimnies of the Houses occupied by those
Persons who are unable to pay the Charge of sweeping &c. as they
may apprehend most for the safety of the Town

Upon consideration of that Clause in the "Warrant (Viz4.)
" Whether any Measures shall be taken to prevent Strangers
coming into the Town or any of the Inhabitants to be Inoculated
after a certain Time allowed for that purpose
Voted, that the Honble. Harrison Gray Esq.
Honble. Samuel Wells Esq.
Royal Tyler Esq.
John Barratt Esq.
Thomas Gushing Esq.
John Ruddock Esq.
Benjamin Kent Esq.

be and hereby are appointed a Committee to consider of this Mat-
ter, and Report as soon as may be

Voted, that any Person chosen into the Office of a Constable for
the Year ensuing may be excused from serving, on his paying the
Sum of Four Pounds.

The Town brought in their Votes for twelve Constables ; the

Persons [572.] Chose into that Office are

Mess™. Augustus Hale - - Sworn

Nathaniel Thayer d°.

James Thomas d°.

Francis Salmon d°.

Edward Baker d°.

John Welds d°.

Thomas Bradford d°.

John Kinney ----- d°.
Thomas Moore d°.

Isaac Ridgway d°.

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1764. 107

Samuel Procter - - d°.

Samuel McClure - - d°.

Elisba Byles - - excused having served.
The Town brought iu their Votes for Sixteen Fire Wards, and
upon sorting them it appear'd that

Joseph Jackson Esq.
John Scollay Esq.
Royal Tyler Esq.
Newman Grenough Esq.
Cap'. Solomon Davis
Mr. William Cooper
Mr. Samuel Austin
Mr. Joseph Jackson
John Howe Esq.
Mr. John Mico Wendell
Mr. Henderson Inches
Thomas Marshall Esq.
William Holmes Esq.
Mr. Joseph Tyler
Mr. Jonathan Williams
[573.] Mr. Timothy Fitch

were chose for the Year ensuing

The Town brought in their Votes for twelve Clerks of the
Market, and upon sorting them it appear'd, that
Mess". Benjamin Henderson
Benjamin Edes
Samuel Torrey
John Scott
John Cunningham
Edward Walker
Ezra Collins
Thomas Browne
Thomas Leverett
Jeremiah Belknap
Joseph Tyler
Edward Blanchard

were chose Clerks of the Market for the Year ensuing

Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourn'd to 3 O'Clock P. M.

3 O'Clock P : M : Met according to Adjournment.

The Town took into consideration a proposal made by one of
their Committees the last Year, for chosing Six Collectors of
Taxes, and the Question being put (Viz'.) Whether there shall be
six Collectors chose Passed in the Negative

Voted, that the Sum of Nine Pence on the Pound be and hereby
is allowed to such Persons as shall be chose Collectors of Taxes
for the Year ensuing, for all such Sums as they shall Collect,
provided they pay into the Town Treasury one half part of
the whole Sum they are obliged to [574.] Pay him, within lour
Mounths from the Time they receive the Tax Books from the
Assessors, and the other half in three Months after ; and also pay
into the Province and County Treasuries one half part of the whole

108 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

Sum they shall be obliged them respectively in seven Months from
the time they shall receive the Tax Books from the Assessors as
aforesaid, and the other half part in Five Months after ; and in
case either of said Collectors shall fail paying in the manner
aforesaid, the Collector so failing shall not be entitled to the
aforesaid allowance of Nine Pence on the Pound, but wholly
forfeit the same ; provided also that each of said Collectors give
Bond with sufficient Sureties to the satisfaction of the Selectmen,
for the faithful discharge of their duty in said Office, and com-
plying with the Vote

Voted, that the Selectmen shall have a discretionary power as to
the payment of the Collectors Premium, for the Year ensuing, any

former Vote notwithstanding

The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for four Collectors of
Taxes, and upon sorting them it appeard that

Jonathan Payson Esq.

Mr. John Grant

Mr. Samuel Adams

Cap*. Gyles Harris

were chose into that Office

The Committee relative to Chimnies acquainting the Town that
they were not yet ready to make Report — Voted that said Com-
mittee be required to have further consideration on the Matter and

Report at the General Town Meeting to be held in May next

The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for Seven Assessors
[575.] And upon sorting them it appeard that,
Mess™. William Fairfield

John Kneeland

Benjamin Church

Jonathan Brown

Samuel Downe

Belcher Noyes Esq.

William Torrey

were chose into that Office for the Year ensuing

Mr. John Gray was chosen Surveyor of Hemp.
Mess™. William Nichols

Clement Collins

Jacob Thayer

Henry Allyne .

John Grenough

Andrew Symms

Isaac Vergoose

John Sergeant

William Payne

John Langley

Richard WTalker

John Skillins
were chose Surveyors of Boards & Shingles for the Year ensuing.

Onesip". Tileston Esq.

Mr. Obediah Lowe

Hopestill Capen

William Crafts

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1764. 109

Samuel Dyer

Benjamin Andrews Esq.

[576.] Were chose Fence Viewers for the Year ensuing
Mess™. Sutton Byles

Cornelius Thayer

Isaac Haws

William Cromby

were chose Sealers of Leather for the Year ensuing

Mess™. Nathaniel Gardner

Samuel Whitwell

were chose Informers of Deer for the Year ensuing — —
Mess™. Peter Cotta

Manasseh Masters

Joseph Dyer

John Harskins

David Spear

Nathan Spear

Jonathan Jenkins

Samuel Treat

Robert Brick Junr.

Job Wheelwright

Joshua Pico

Benjamin Salt

Paul Baxter

John Owen

Thomas Knox

Samuel White

Edward Cowell

Edward Potter

Peter Ellis

Robert Treat

[577 •] Were chose Cullers of Staves for the Year ensuing

Mess™. David Simens.

John Bacon
were chose Hogreeves for the Year ensuing

Mr. Edward Curtis

was chosen Hayward for the Year ensuing

The Committee Appointed to consider "Whether the Town will
take any Measures to prevent Strangers coming into the Town or
any of the Inhabitants to be Inoculated after a certain Time

allowed for that purpose " Report That no Person not being

an Inhabitant of this Town shall have liberty to come into this
Town in order to be Inoculated uutill the first of April, nor shall
be Inoculated in said Town after the 10th. Day of April next. And
those of the Inhabitants of the Town that have removed into the
Country, shall not have liberty to be Inoculated in the Town after
the first Day of May next, unless at that Time there shall be

upwards of twenty Familys visited with that Distemper "

After debate had theron, the Question was put, Whether said

Report be accepted Passed in the Affermative

That Article in the Warrant (Viz'.) "Whether the Town will
"accept of the Grant of Three Thousand Pounds made to them

110 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

" by the General Court at their last Session, which together with
" what has been already advanced was Voted in full consideration
"for what they have over paid in the Publick Taxes for Years
past " was read and after many objections and difficnltys mentioned,

and a large debate

Voted, That considering the distressing Circumstances of the
Inhabicants by means of the Small Pox, and the absolute Neces-
sity of ready Money for the Poor and Needy, the Town do accept
the Grant aforesaid and hereby direct the Town Treasurer to apply
to His Excellency [578.] The Governor and the Horible. the
Council for a Warrant on the Province Treasurer for the Three
Thousand Pounds granted

Mess". Robert Edwards
Ezra Collins
John Martin
William Daws
Ebenezer Lowell
Jeremiah Webb
William Scott
Gershom Tinuey
John Welch
Ephraim Mayes
Benjamin Burt
Edward Winter

were chose Scavingers for the Year ensuing

Voted, that Mr. Thomas Gray

William Story Esq.
Mr. Ezekiel Price
Mr. Timothy Newell
Mr. John Muffatt

be and they hereby are Appointed a Committee to Audit the Ac-
counts of Mr. Treasurer Jeffries, and also the Accounts of the
Overseers of the Poor; and the said Committee are enjoin'd to in-
spect every particular Account of the Monys expended for the use
of the Almshouse ; they are also impowerd when they shall Audit
said Accounts to allow such of the Overseers as shall advance
Moneys for the relief of the Poor, Interest on all such Sums, from
the Time so advanced, till they shall have Audited said Accompta
Joseph Jackson Esq.
John Scollay Esq.
William Phillips Esq.

[579.] were chose purchasers of Grain for the Year ensuing
And they are desired and impowered to give all needful di-
rections to the Keeper of the Granary, respecting the Quantitys of
Grain to be sold, and affixing the price thereof from Time to Time

as occasion shall require

Mess". Martin Gay

David Cutler
were chose Assay Masters for the Year ensuing.

Mr. Abijah Adams

was chosen Clerk of Faneuil Hall Market for the Year ensuing.
Upon consideration of that Clause in the Warrant. (Viz1.) " To

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1764. Ill

consider whether they will choose a Committee to examine the Ac-
compts of the Managers of Faneuil Hall Lotteries,"

Voted, that Mr. William Greanleaffe
William Phillips Esq.
Royal Tyler Esq.
be and hereby are Appointed a Committee for that purpose

Upon consideration of that Clause in the Warrant. (Viz'.)
" Whether the Town will take on their risque such Tickets in
Fanenil Hall Lotterys as may remain unsold on the Days that may

be assign'd by the Managers for drawing said Lotteries " The

Question was put accordingly Passed in the Affermative

Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to the next Morning. 9
O'clock

Tuesday Morning. 9 O'clock Met according to Adjournment.
William Story Esq.
John Ruddock Esq.

[58O.] were by a Vote of the Town added to the Committee
Appointed by the Town, to examine the Accompts of the Managers
of Faneuil Hall Lotteries

The Petition of John Pigeon and others relative to Paveing part
of Fish Street, being read Voted that the further considera-
tion thereof be referred to the General Town Meeting to be held
in May next

The Selectmen were chose Surveyors of High Ways for the

Year ensuing

Nathaniel Thwing Esq.
John Tuder Esq.
were chose Surveyors of Wheat for the Year ensuing —

Voted, that the Assessors be and are hereby impowercd and
directed to set for the abatement of such Taxes as they shall
Judge reasonable on every Thursday, till the first Thursday in
April inclusive, and no longer, saving that they be allowed to set
the two last Weeks in November for the Abatement of the Taxes
of such Persons as had not an opportunity of applying in the
above limited Time, by reason of their being out of the Province,
at which Time they are also allowed and impowerd to abate the
Taxes of such Persons, as may have died Insolvent or become
Bankrupts between the said last Thursday in April and the last
Day of November.

Voted, that the consideration of the School Masters Salarys, and
all other Salarys and Grants be referred to next May Meeting

[581.] Voted, that such of the Inhabitants as shall Advance
Moneys to the Town for the use of the Almshouse on or before
the 15th. of April next, be and hereby are allowed after the rate of
6 p c'. upon such Sums as they shall so advance, said Monys to
be paid by the Collectors to the Overseers of the Poor, to be by
them laid out in Provisions, and other Necessarys for the use afore-
said ; and the Collectors are hereby Ordered and impowered to dis-
count those Sums together with the allowance thereon out of the
said Gentlemens respective Taxes for the Year 1764

Voted, that the Selectmen be and hereby are Appointed a Com-
mittee to Act upon the List of Jurors

112 Cirr DOCUMENT No. 88.

The Selectmen Reported, on the Account of Mr. John Fenno
Keeper of the Granary for the Year past, which Accompt as en-
tred in bis Books, and on File in the Town Clerks Office was read,
whereupon it was Voted that the same be accepted, and that Mr.
Fenno be accountable to the Town for 680 Bushels Indian Corn,
and 60 Bushels of Eye remaining unsold amounting to £129 ,, 1
,, 4. and also for the Sum of £250 ,, 4 ,, 574 in Cash now in his
hands, exclusive of the Sum of £26 ,, 13 ,, 4 for his Salary and
Assistance, as charged in his Account, which is hereby allowed
him.

The Committee Appointed to Examin the Accounts of the Man-
agers of Faneuil Hall Lotteries Report that they had Exam-
ined the Accounts of the Managers for Lotteries N°. 1 & 2 and

found the same right cast whereupon Voted that said

Report be accepted, and that the following Sums be allowed and

paid to said Managers in full of their Accounts Viz'.

To Thomas Gushing Esq. - - £29 , 5

Samuel Hews Esq. - - 27 . 6

John Scollay Esq. - 29 \ 11

[582.] Benjamin Austin Esq. - - 30 ' — ,, —

Samuel Sewall Esq. - - 31,4,, —

Mr. Sam. Phi. Savage - - 26 , 5 ,, —

Ezekiel Lewis Esq. - - 31 , 1 ,, —

The Committee appointed to Audit Mr. Treasurer Jeffries Ac-
counts of last Year, not being able to Report. Voted that it is the
desire of the Town that they make said Report next May
Meeting.

The Petition of James Day, that a balance due from him to the
Town when a Collector of Taxes may be Remitted him for reasons
set forth in that Petion, was considered whereupon Voted that
the Prayer of the Petion be granted, and that the balance due
from him to the Town as set forth in said Petition, be and hereby
is Remitted him.

The Town having taken into consideration the Report of the
Committee respecting Inoculation which Report was accepted and
stands entred in these Rrcords six Pages back

Voted, That the said Report be in part reconsidered, and that
all Persons Inhabitants and others have free libert}* to come into
Town and be Inoculated before the 2Uh. of April next ; and that
after that Time the Selectmen be desired to take the same Meas-
ures for cleansing the Town of ye. Infection as were practized in
1732 and that those Votes be published in the Boston News Papers,
that all Persons may have notice of the Town resolutions and con-
form themselves accordingly.

The Committee Appointed the 24th. of February last to examine
the several Laws of this Province respecting Infectious Distem-
pers — Report — That under the present situation and Circum-
stances of the Town, it does not appear to them to be expedient
to apply to [583.] The General Court for any further Act —
Which Report being read, the Question was put " Whether the
same shall be accepted — Passed in the Affermative

Upon a Motion made and seconded — Voted that the Town

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1764. 113

Treasurer be and he hereby is directed to retain in his hands the
•whole of the Money lately granted the Town by the General Court,
excepting what may be required on Account of the Small Pox,
untill the further Order of the Town.

Voted, that all Matters and Things that remain unfinished at
this Meeting be and hereby are referred over to the General Town
Meeting in May next to be then considered of and acted upon

Voted, unanimously, That the Thanks of the Town be and
hereby are given to James Otis Esq. the Moderator of this Meet-
ing for dispatching the Business thereof

Then the Meeting was dissolved.

At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston legally qualified and warned in publick Ton-r.
Meeting Assembled at Fanueil Hall on Tuesday the 15th Day of
May Anno Domini 1764.

Prayer was made by the Revd. Mr. Cooper.

The Precept and Warrant for calling tho Meeting - - - - read.

[584.] Sundry Laws enjoin'd to be read at this Meeting, were

accordingly read

Joshua Henshaw Esq. one of the Selectmen proposed in their
Name to the Inhabitants Assembled to proceed to the choice of
one or more Persons to Represent them in the Great and General
Court or Assembly to be held at Concord upon Wednesday the
30th. Day of May Current, and in order thereto to consider and as-
certain the number of Gentlemen to lie Elected ; accordingly it
was Voted to proceed to the choice of four Representatives ; and
then it was declared by the Selectmen that no Vote will be received
but such as are unfolded, and that they propose the Poll shal be
closed at 12 O'Clock.

The Votes being brought in, the number of Voters were found
to be 449, and upon sorting them it appeard that the four follow-
ing Gentlemen were chose Viz'.

Royal Tyler Esq. 428

James Otis Esq. -- 423

Thomas Cushman Esq. -------- 373

Oxenbridge Thacher Esq. ------- 430

The choice of Representatives being over, and declared by tht
Selectmen ; the Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring ir
their Votes for a Moderator of this Meeting, in order that tht>
Town may proceed in transacting the other Affairs mentioned ik.
the Warrant ; accordingly the Inhabitants withdrew and brought
in their Votes, and upon sorting them it appear'd that the Honble

Thomas Hubbard Esq. was chosen

To the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of Boston in Towr
Meeting Assembled May 15. 1764.

Pursuant to a Vote of the Town of Boston at their Annual Meet-
ing the 10th. Day of May 1763 desiring the Selectmen to visit thi
several publick Schools in the Town, nu(* to invite such Gentlemen
to [585.] Accompany them therein as ney should think proper.

114 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

and to Report thereow "We the Subscribers accordingly attend-
ed that Service on Wednesday the 29th. of June last, accompanyed

by the followinging Gentlemen Viz'.

His Excellency the Governor
The Honble. John Osborn Esq.

Thomas Hubbard Esq.
Harrison Gray Esq.
Thomas Hancock Esq.
Thomas Flucker Esq.
The Representatives of the Town
The Overseers of the Poor.

Joseph Jackson Esq.
Arnold Wells Esq.
Byfield Lyde Esq.
Nathaniel Bethuue Esq.
John Winthrop Esq.
Leonard Jervis Esq.
Benjamin Hallowell Esq.
Mr. Treasurer Jeffries
Nicholas Boylston Esq.
Mr. James Perkins
John Grant Esq.
Jeremiah Green Esq.
Mess™. Thomas Gray

Samuel Phillips Savage
Joseph Waldo
Jonathan Clark
Ichabod Jones
Edward Foster
Samuel Downe
Benjamin Parker

[586.] Revd. Samuel Checkley Jun'

Samuel Cooper
Andrew Elliot
Mather Byles
Samuel Mather
Ebenezer Pemberton
Samuel Checkley
D": Jonathan Mayhew
Charles Chansey
Joseph Sewall

And found the South Grammar School had 135 Scholars — the
North Grammar School 53 Scholars — the North Writing School
174 Scholars, the South Writing School 230 Scholars, the Writing

School in Queen Street 238 Scholars, all in very good order

JOHN SCOLLAY "j

BENJAMIN AUSTIN - „

SAMUEL SEWALL f Scle«tmen of Bos<*>n.
NATHANIEL THWINGJ

Voted, that the above Report be accepted, and that the
Gentlemn — the Selectmen be desired to visit the publick Schools
the Year ensuing, and that they desire such Gentlemen to accom-

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1764. 115

pany them therein as they shall think convenient ; and that they
Report thereon

Voted, that this Meeting be adjourned to 3 O'Clock P.M.

3 O'Clock P: M: The Town Meet according to Adjournment.

The Petition of a number of Inhabitants for Paving part of
Moon Court was read and debated, whereupon Voted that the

same be dismissed

[537.] The Petition of sundry Inhabitants for Paving part of
Cambridge Street was read, and after Debate had thereon

Voted, that the same be dismissed

The Petition of sundry Inhabitants for paving part of Fish
Street which was referred to this Meeting, being again read &
considered — The Question was put — Whether the Prayer of
the Petition be granted — Passed in the Negative — It was then
Voted that the same be dismiss'd.

The Petition of John Hill and Samuel Wentworth Esq. respect-
ing the damage that part of the Neck leased to them has sustain'd
in the late Storm was read, and after Debate had thereon

Voted, that Deacon Jonathan Williams
James Otis Esq.
John Rowe Esq.
Joshua Henshaw Esq.
John Ruddock Esq.
Nathaniel Bethune Esq.
Henry Lo\ de Esq.

be and hereby are appointed a Committee to take this Petition into
consideration — view the Premisses — take a Plan of the same —
ascertain the quantity and quality of the Lands — examine the
Expences of the Lessees, and Report as soon as may be their
Opinion relative thereto

Voted, that the Sum of One hundred and twenty Pounds be
allowed and paid unto Mr. John Lovel for his Salary as Master of
the South Grammar School for the ensuing Year, the same to be
paid him quarterly as it shall become due. and to commence at the
expiration of the last Quarter

Voted, that the Sum of One hundred Pounds be allowed and paid
unto Mr. Peleg Wiswall for his Salary as Master of the North
Grainar [588.] School for the ensuing Year, the same to be paid
him quarterly as it shall become due, and to commence at the
expiration of the last Quarter.

Voted, that the Sum of Eighty Pounds be allowed and paid unto
Mr. Samuel Holyoke for his Salar}r as Master of the Writing
School in Queen Street for the ensuing Year, the same to be paid
him Quarterly as it shall become due, and to commence at the
expiration of the last Quarter.

Voted, that the Sum of One hundred Pounds be allowed and paid
unto Mr. John Procter for his Salary as Master of the Writing
School in Queen Street for the ensuing Year, the same to be paid
him Quarterly as it shall become due, and to commence at the
expiration of the last Quarter.

Voted, that the Sum of One hundred Pounds, be allowed and

116 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

paid unto Mr. John Tileston for his Salary as Master of the North
Writing School for the ensuing Year, the same to be paid him
quarterly as it shall become due, and to commence at the expiration
of the last Quarter.

Voted, that the Sum of One hundred Pounds be allowed and
paid unto Mr. Abia Holbrook for his Salary as Master of the
Writing School in the Common for the ensuing Year, the same to
be paid him quarterly as it shall become due, and to commence at
the expiration of the last Quarter.

Voted, that the Sum of bixty Pounds be allowed and paid unto
Mr. James Lovel for his Salaiy as Usher of the South Grammar
School for the ensuing Year, the same to be paid him quarterly as
it shall become due, and to commence at the expiration of the last
Quarter.

[589.] Voted, that the Sum of Sixty Pounds be allowed and
paid unto Mr. Ephraim Langdon for his Salary as Usher of the
North Grammar School the ensuing Year, the same to be paid him
quarterly as it shall become due, and to commence at the expiration
of the last Quarter.

Voted, that the Sum of Fifty Pounds be allowed and paid unto
Mr. John Vinal for his Salary as Usher of the Writing School in
the Common for the ensuing Year, the same to be paid him quarterly
as it shall become due, and to commence at the expiration of the
last Quarter.

Voted, that the Sum of Thirty four Pounds be allowed and paid
unto Mr. John Tileston Master of the North Writing School for
providing an Assistant the Year ensuing, the same be paid him
quarterly, and to commence at the expiration of the last
Quarter

Voted, that the Sum of One hundred Pounds be allowed & paid
out of the Town Treasury unto Mr. David Jeffries for his services
as Treasurer of the Town the Year past, and for all his Expences
in that Office.

Voted, that the Town Treasurer be and hereby is directed and
impower'd to allow the several School-Masters Interest on the
Sums due to them from the Date of their Warrants to the Time
of payment

That Clause in the Warrant (Viz1.) " Whether Instructions shall
** be given to the Representatives that may be chose " was read —
and after Debate had thereon, Voted, that
Richard Dana Esq.
Mr. Samuel Adams
John Ruddock Esq.

[59O.] Nathaniel Bethune Esq.

Joseph Green Esq.

be and hereby are appointed a Committee to draw up said Instruc-
tions, and that they Report a Draft of the same at the Adjourn-
ment of this Meeting

Royal Tyler Esq. in the Name of the Overseers acquainted
the Town that 1025 of the poor Inhabitants had passed through
the Small Pox by Inoculation under their inspection and care
a number of whom had been Inoculated, supplied with

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1764. 117

Medicines and attended Gratis by the Physicians as follows —

Viz'.

Dr. Kast 150

Dr. Sprague 71

D™. Church & Lord 50

Dr. Roberts - 43

Dr. Jackson of P. N. Hampshire - - - 33
Dr. Sylvester Gardner - - - - - 31
D™. Gardner & Barnett - - - 27

Dr. Clark 27

Dr. John Perkins 24

Dr. Whitworth 23

Dr. Yougust - - 17

Dr. Bulfinch 16

Dr. Pecker 16

Dr. Doubt - 15

Dr. Warren 14

Dr. Loyd 7

Dr. Grozier _..----4

Dr. William Perkins 4

Dr. Pynchon - - -- - --4

In all - - 526

Whereupon it was Voted unanimously, that the Thanks of the
[591.] Town be and hereby are given those Gentlemen Physicians,
who in this Season of difficulty and distress have generously In-
oculated and carried through the Small Pox Gratis so considerable
a number of the poor Inhabitants

The Town entred upon the consideration of that part of the
Warrant which relates to the clearing of the Town of the Small
Pox and being informed that many Persons now Inoculated and
sick of the said Distemper do come from other Towns to this for
that purpose

Voted, that the Town esteem it a great grievance that such Per-
sons obtrude themselves to perpetuate a Distemper amoug us,
which the Town are taking every Measure to clear themselves from
and therefore

Voted, that the Selectmen take every legal Measure to remove
any Persons from the Town who shall after this date obtrude
themselves in the like manner upon the Town, and that the Names
of such Persons who shall hereafter obtrude themselves as afore-
said, the Towns they come from, and the Places in this Town
where they are harboured, shall be published in the Papers, and all
the Inhabitants are desired upon any such Persons coming into the
Town, to give immediate notice thereof to the Selectmen

That Clause in the Warrant (Viz1.) " Whether Application shall
be made to the General Court for relief under the present dis-
tress'd Circumstances of the Town by means of the Small Pox "
was read and debated, whereupon Voted, that the Committee to
draw up Instructions, have an Instruction to our Representatives,
that they as soon as may be apply to the General Court, for such
relief as they in their Wisdom may Judge meet

118 CITY UOCUMENT jtfo. 88.

Upon a Motion made and seconded, the Question was put.
(Viz1.) "Whether the Representatives shall be Instructed to make
Application to the General Court the approaching Session for an
Act to be provided [592.] Which shall impower the Selectmen
to remove any Persons who shall presume to come from other
Towns into this either infected with the Small Pox, or with design
to receive the Infection — Passed in the Affermative — It was
then Voted that the Committee Appointed to draw up Instructions
to our Representatives, be desired to instruct them on this head
accordingly.

The Committee Appointed the 14th. of March 1763 to examine
the Accounts of David Jeffries Town Treasurer have attended that
service, and find the same right cast and well vouched, in which
he charges himself with Sundry Fines Rents and other Incomes of
the Town as also with the Tax of £4600 — all which amount to
£6960 ,, 9 ,, 9£

And the said Treasurer discharges himself by sundry abatements
made the Collectors amounting to £971 ,, 11 ,, 6. by Drafts made
by the Selectmen amounting to £3161 ,, 14 ,, 5J of which he has
paid £2296 ,, 12 ,, 4£, and by Drafts made by the Overseers of
the Poor which contain the Charges of the Alms house amounting
to £2665 ,, 0 ,, 0£ of which he has paid £1537 ,, 3 ,, 2£ the whole
amounting to £6932 ,, 17 ,, 9|- including the Balance of Old
Account — The said Committee have inspected said Drafts in a
very particular manner, and have examined the Vouchers produced
by the Overseers for the amount of their Drafts and every other
branch of publick charge all amounting as above to the Sum of
£6932 ,, 17 ,, 9£ as by Account of Town Treasury in the Town
Treasurers Books Balance whereof being £27 ,, 11 ,, ll^is car-
ried to the Cr. of new Account.

Whicli Report and Account being read ; Voted that the same be
and hereby is accepted

Voted, that the Sum of Seven thousand Pounds be raised by a
Tax upon Polls and Estates within this Town for relief of the
Poor and defraying other necessary Charges arising within the
Town the ensuing Year

[593.] The Town took into consideration that Clause in the
Warrant (Viz4.) " Whether a further Time shall be allowed the
Assessors to set for the abatement of such Persons Taxes, as
by the Small Pox have been prevented from applying in season "
whereupon

Voted, that the Assessors be and are hereby directed and im-
power'd ; that fourteen Days after the Selectmen have declared
that the Town is free from the present Infection ; they shall set
fourteen Days longer for the Abatement of such Person's Taxes
as had removed out of Town or were sick of the Small Pox, at
the Time set for the Assessors to make Abatements, at the last
March Meeting —

The Town took into consideration the Petition of Mr. John Viual
Usher to the South Writing School, that an allowance may be made
him, in consideration of the Straits and Difficultys he has been re-
duced to by means of the Small Pox — After debate had thereon

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1764. 119

Voted, that the Sum of Fifteen Pounds be and hereby is allowed
the said Mr. Vinal, for the reasons above mentioned ; the same to

be paid him by a Draft on the Treasury

That Clause in the "Warrant. (Viz1.) "To consider what
Measures may be proper for the preservation of Beacon Hill."
was read, whereupon. Voted, that

Thomas Hancock Esq.

William Phillips Esq.

Joseph Sherburne Esq.

Joshua Ilenshaw Esq.

James Otis Esq.
be and hereby are Appointed a Committee to take this Matter into

consideration, and Report as soon as may be

Upon Consideration of that Clause in the Warrant (Viz'.)
" Whether any Methods shall be taken for the better regulating
the Market, and the Land Adjacent" — Voted, that the Select-
men be desired to put [594.] Up one or more Temporary
Barns

Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned to Thursday the 24th. of
this Instant 3 O'Clock P: M.

Thursday May 24th. 3 O'Clock P: M: Met According to Ad-
journment.

The Committee Appointed the 15th. Instant to consider what
Measures may be proper for the preservation of Beacon Hill —
Report — That they had repaired to Beacon Hill, view'd the same
and where of Opinion, that it is Necessary for the preservation
thereof to have the High Way that runs between the Land of
Thomas Hancock Esq. and the Land of Mr. William Mulliueux to
ye. Land of said Thomas Hancock on the North side of said Hill,
and the Avenues thereto shut up and covered with proper Manure,
and sown with Hay Seed till it is brought to a good Sword. And
whereas the said Hill is in very great danger of being destroy'd by
Thomas Hodson and others digging Gravel on his Lot on the North
side of said Hill, and there is no prospect of the Towns being able
to purchase his Laud, or to prevent his digging without the inter-
position of the General Court; they are of Opinion that it would
be adviseable to apply to the Assembly for an Act to prevent the
distructiou of Beacon Hill, and that the Repi-eseutatives be In-
structed to use their influence to procure such an Act — Which
Report being read, and debate had thereon — the Question was
put — Whether the Town will accept said Report — Passed in the
Affermative

Voted, that the Petition of John Hill & Samuel Wentworth
Esq. relative to the damage that part of the Neck Leased to them
has sustain'd in the late Storm, be referr'd over to next Town
Meeting for further Consideration

[595.] The Committee Appointed the 15 Inst1. to prepare
Instructions for the Representatives, Report the following
Draft —

Viz'.

120 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

To Royal Tyler, James Otis, Thomas Gushing and Oxenbridge

Thacher Esqr".

Gentlemen

You being chose by the Freeholders and Inhabitants of the Town
of Boston to Represent them, in the General Assembly the ensuing
Year, affords you the strongest Testimony of that Confidence which
they place in your Integrity and Capasity — By this choice they
have delegated to you the power of acting in their Publick Concerns
in general as your own prudence shall direct you, always reserving
to themselves the Constitutional Right of expressing their Mind and
giving you such Instruction upon particular Matters, as the}- at any
Time shall Judge proper.

We therefore your Constituents take this Opportunity to declare
our Just Expectations from you

That you will constantly use your power and influence in maintain-
ing the invaluable Rights and Privileges of the Province, of which
this Town is so great apart ; As well as those Rights which are derived
to us by the Royal Charter, as those which being prior to and indepen-
dent on it, we hold essentially as Freeborn Subjects of G'. Britain

That you will endeavor as far as you shall be able to preserve
that independence in the House of Representatives, which charac-
terises a Free People, and the want of which ma}' in a great meas-
ure prevent the happy effects of a free Government ; Cultivating
as you shall have Opportunity, that Harmony and Union there,
which is ever desireable to good Men when founded in Principles of
Virtue and Publick Spirit ; and guarding against any undue weight
which may lend to disadjust that critical Ballance upon which our
happy Constitution and the Blessings of it do depend — And for
this purpose we particularly recommend it to you to use your en-
deavors to have [596.] A Law passed whereby the Seats of such
Gentlemen as shall accept of Posts of Profit from the Crown or the
Governor while they are Members of the House shall be vacated
agreable to an Act of the British Parliament, till their Constituents

shall have ye. Opportunity of Re-Electing them if they please

or of returning others in their room

Being Members of the Legislative Body you will have a special
regard to the Morals of this People, which are the Bases of Publick
Happiness ; and endeavor to have such Laws made if any are still
wanting as shall be best adapted to secure them ; And we particu-
larly desire you carefully to look into the Laws of Excise, that if
the Virtue of the People is endangered by the multiplicity of Oaths
therein enjoin'd or their Trade and Business is unreasonably im-
peded or embarrass'd thereby the grievance may be redressed

As the preservation of Morals as well as property & right so
much depends upon the impartial distribution of Justice agreable to
good and wholesome Law ; and as the Judges of the Land do de-
pend upon the Free Grant of the General Assembly for support ; it
is incumbent upon you at all Times to give your Voice for their
honourable maintenance so long as they having in their Minds an
indefference to all other Affairs, shall devote themselves wholly to
the duties of their own Department, & the further study of the
Law, by which their Customs Precedents Proceedings and Deter-
minations are adjusted and limited.

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1764. 121

You will remember that this Province has been at very great
Expence in carrying on the late Warr, and that it still ly under a
very grievous burden of Debt, you will therefore use y<ur utmost
endeavor to promote Publick frugality as one Means to lessen the
Publick Debt, and we recommend as worthy your particular atten-
tion, whether any Expt-nces can now be necessary to maintain the
Garrison service on [597.] Our Eastern Frontier; considering
that we are now in a state of profound peace : Our French Enemy;)
being totally subdued, and there being hardly any remains of the
Indian Tribes ever again to anoy us

You will Joyn in any Proposals t tat may be made for the bettor
Cultivating the Lands & improving tlie Husbandry of this Prov-
ince : And as you Represent a Town which lives by its Trade we
expect in a very particular manner that you make it the Object of
your attention to support our Commerce in all its Just Rights, to
vindicate it from all unreasonable Impositions and promote its
prosperity. Our Trade has for a long Time laboured under great
Discouragements, and it is with the deepest concern that we see
such further Ditficultys coming upon it, as will reduce it to the
lowest Ebb, if not totally obstruct and ruin it. We cannot help
expressing our surprize, that when so early notice was given by the
Agent of the intention of the Ministry to burthen us with new Taxes,
so little regard was had to this most interesting Matter, that the
Court was not even called together to consult about it till the latter
end of the Year, the consequence of which was, that Instructions
could not be sent to the Agent, though solisited by him, till the
Evil had got beyond an easy remedie, there is now no room for
further delay ; We therefore expect that you will use your earliest
endeavors in the General Assembly that such Methods may be
taken as will effectually prevent their proceedings against us. By
a proper Representation we apprehend it may easily be made to
appear that such severtys will prove detrimental to Great Britain
itself, upon which Account we have reason to hope that an Appli-
cation even for a repeal of the Act, should it be already passed
will be successfull. It is the Trade of the Collonys that render
them beneficial to their Mother Country : Our Trade as it is now
and always has been conducted centers in Great Britain, and in
return for her Manufactures affords her more ready Cash, beyond
any Comparison, that can possibly be expected by the most san-
guine promoters of these [598.] Extraordinary Methods. We
are in short ultimately yielding large supplys to the Revenues of
the Mother Country while we are labouring for a very moderate
Subsistence for ourselves. But if our Trade is to be curtail'd in
its most valuable branches, & burdens beyond possible bearings,
laid upon that which is suffcr'd to remain, we shall so far be able
to take off the Manufactures of Great Britain, that it will be scarce
possible for U3 to earn our Bread. But what still hightens our
Apprehensions is that those unexpected proceedings may be pre-
paritory to new Taxations upon us ; For if our Trade may be
taxed why not our Lands? Why not the produce of our Lands
and every Thing we possess or make use of? This we apprehend
annihilates our Charter Right to Govern and Tax ourselves

122 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

It strikes at our British Privileges which as we have never for-
feited them we hold in common with our Fellow Subjects who are
Natives of Britain : If Taxes are laid upon us in any shape with-
out ever having a Legal Representation where the}- are laid, are
we not reduced from the Character of Free Subjects to the miser-
able state of tributary Slaves

We therefore earnestly recommend it to you to use your utmost
endeavors, to obtain in the General Assembly all necessary In-
structions and advice to our Agent at this most critical Juncture
that while he is setting forth the unshaken Loyalty of this Prov-
ince and this Town its unrivalled Exertions in supporting His

Majestys Government and Rights in this part of his Dominion —
its acknowledged Dependnuce upon and Subordination to Great
Britain and the ready submission of its Merchants to all Just and
necessary Regulations of Trade, he may be able in the most hum-
ble and pressing manner to remonstrate for us all those Rights and
Privileges which Justly belong to us either by Charter or Birth.

As his Majestys other Northern American Colonys are ernbark'd
with us in this most important Bottom, we further desire you to use
your Endeavors, that their weight may be added [599.] To that
of this Province ; that by the united Applications of all who are

Aggrieved, All may happily obtain Redress

All which is submitted &

By Order of the Committee

RICHARD DANA

The foregoing Report having been read several Times, and De-
bate had thereon the Question was put — Whether the Town

will accept of said Draft of Instructions — Passed in the Afferma-
tive

The Committee do further Report the following Votes

Whereas it hath pleased Almighty God to permit the Small Pox
to prevail in this Town, whereby the Inhabitants have been great
Sufferers, as well by the extraordinary Expence it hath Occasioned,
as by loss of Business ; therefore Voted that the Representatives
be desired in behalf of the Town humbly to move that the Gen-
eral Assembly would afford us such relief under our distress as
they in their great Goodness shall think proper

Whereas it is conceived that the Selectmen of the Town are not
sufficiently impower'd by the Laws already in being to take such
steps as may be necessary to prevent the Inhabitants of other
Towns from bringing and spreading Infectious Distempers amongst
us ; therefore Voted that the Representatives be desired to use
their Endeavors to obtain such additional Power to be given to the
Selectmen as the General Assembly in their Wisdom shall think
proper to Invest them with

The above Report having been read — The Question was put
Whether the Town will accept thereof Passed in ye.

Affermative.

Voted, that all Matters and Things that remain unfinished at
this Meeting, be and hereby are referred over to the next General
Town Meeting

[6OO.] Voted, That the Thanks of the Town be and hereby

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 17G4. 123

are given to the Honorable Thomas Hubbard Esq. the Moderator

of this Meeting for dispatching the Business thereof

Then the Meeting was dissolved

At a meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston legally qualified & warned in Publick Town Meet-
ing Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Thursday the 24th. Day of May
Anno Domini 1764

The Warrant for calling the Meeting - - - - was read.

James Otis Esqr. was chosen Moderator by a Hand Vote

The Petitition of a considerable number of Inhabitants that the
sense of the Town may be known respecting Inoculating at Nod-
dles Island : And that such steps may be taken as will effectually
prevent any Inoculating Hospitals being Erected in this Town, or
the Limits of it — was read — Also Letters from the Selectmen of
Chelsea, and the Doctors Perkins and Loyd

And after the Debate had thereon

Voted, that the Selectmen be desired to withdraw their leave of
Inoculating at Noddles Island, and that the Hospital there be discon-
tinued ; And that the Town allow of no Inoculating Hospital within
the Limits and Confines of the Town of Boston

Voted, that this Meeting be Adjournd to Monday next 3 o'Cl.
P.M.

[6O1.] Voted, that the Notifications of the Adjournment be
printed and dispers'd among the Inhabitants

Monday May 28th. 3 O'Clock P : M : Met according to Adjourn-
ment

The Committee Appointed the 24th. Instant to take into con-
sideration the Petition of John Hill and Samuel Wentworth Esq1*

Reported which Report being again read and debate had

thereon the Question was put k' Whether the Town will accept

of said Report Passed in the Negative

Upon a Motion made and seconded Voted, That the Select-
men be and hereby are Appointed a Committee to treat with the
Lessees of the Land on each side of the Neck, and Report the
Terms upon which they will give up their Lessees as soon as may
be

The Committee upon the Clause in the Warrant — Viz'. To

consider whether anymore effectual Measures shall be taken for the

preventing Chimnies so frequently taken Fire Report, That

the Town may be effectually secured from danger by Chimnies
taking Fire, by force of a By Law now in being, if duly executed ;
by which the Selectmen are impowerd to appoint one or more suit-
able Persons to sweep the Chimnies within the Town

That in Order to put said Law into execution, it is necessary to
make it the Business of some particular Person, who should be
Obliged and suitably encouraged thereto

And whereas it appears that the sweeping of the Chimnies of the
Town duly at the Rates fixed in said By Law, may afford a very

124 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

profitable living to any Person,, who should have an exclusive right
to the same ; the Committee are therefore of Opinion that the whole
benefit thereof be offer'd to Sale : And that the Person who shall
bid the most be [6O2.] Appointed by the Selectmen solely to do
said Business : The Undertaker giving Bond wilh sufficient Sureties,
for the faithful discharge of his duty, and to be subject to the fol-
lowing Conditions

First, That he shall not demand of any Householder to sweep
his Chimnie at any other Time, but from One Hour after Sun Rise
to 11 O'Clock A : M : and from 2 O'clock P : M : to Sunset. And
that his Wages for Sweeping shall not exceed the Rates fixed in
said By-Law.

Secondly, that he shall sweep the Chimney of every Kitchen or
Room where Victuals are usually cook'd, five Times and every
other Chimney where Fire is commonly kept, twice in the Year

Thirdly, that he shall constantly keep in the Business at his own
Expence not less than four able Bodied and faithful Men in the
Judgement of the Selectmen : And if at any Time he shall be
deficient herein, the Selectmen shall Appoint Men in their room,
who shall have the right and benefit of sweeping at the Rates
aforesaid, till he hath supply'd his number as aforesaid

Fourthly, That he shall keep a true Account of the number of
Funnells he shall sweep, and the Names of the Persons severally
Occupying the Tenements which he shall lay before the Selectmen
Quarterly, and upon Oath with regard to the whole at the end of
ye. Year if required

The Committee are further of Opinion, that all Fines recover'd
of any Householder by virtue of said By-Law, shall be for the
sole benefit of the Person or Persons Appointed by the Selectmen,

and for his further Encouragement

All which is submitted

JOSHUA HENSHAW. $> Order.

The above Report having been read several Times, and debate
had thereon — the Question was put — "Whether the Town will
accept thereof — Passed in the Affermative

Voted, that the Selectmen be and hereby are Appointed [6O3.J
A Committee to carry into Execution the Report of the Committee
relative to Beacon Hill so far as relates to shutting up the Pas-
sages, Sowing the Ground with Hay Seed &c

The Town brought in their Votes for a Constable in the room
of Samuel McClure who had declined serving, when it appear'd
that Stephen Symins was chosen into that Office

Voted, That all Matters and Things that remain unfinished at
this Meeting, be and hereby are referred over to the next General
Town Meeting

Voted, That the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given
to James Otis Esq. the Moderator of this Meeting for dispatching
the Business thereof

Then the Meeting was dissolved.

At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston legally qualified & warned in Public Town Meet-

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1764. 125

ing Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Wednesday the 6th. Day of June
Anno Dom. 1764.

Prayer was made by the Rcvd. Mr. Pemberton.

The Warrant for calling the Meeting read.

The Precept for Choosing one Representative in the room
[604.] Of tlie Honb!e. Royal Tyler Esq. lately chosen into his
Majestys Council - - - - was read. —

Voted, That the Town will proceed to the choice of a suitable
Person to Represent them at the Great and General Court the
remaining part of this Year in the room of the Honourable Royal
Tyler Esq.

The Selectmen having declared to the Inhabitants that the Poll
would be closed at 12 O Clock. The Inhabitants withdrew and
brought in their Votes for a Representative and upon counting &
sorting of them it appear'd that there was no choice The In-
habitants were desired to withdraw again, and bring in their Votes
which being accordingly done, it was found that the number of
Voters were 527. and that Mr. Thomas Gray had 352 Votes ;
Whereupon it was declared by the Selectmen that said Mr. Gray
was duly Elected.

Then the Meeting was dissolved.

At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the
Town legally qualified in Publick Town Meeting Assembled at
Faneuil Hall on Monday the 13th. Day of August Anno Dom.
1764.

The Warrant for calling the Meeting was read, as also the Con-
stables Return on said Warrant, signed by each Constable and
setting forth that they had legally warned all the Inhabitants of
their respective Wards of the present Meeting ; but notwithstand-
ing said [6O5.] Return it was made appear, that some of them
had neglected to warn great numbers of the Inhabitants who were
qualified as the Law directs : As in consequence of this neglect, the
Town could not proceed legally on the Business of the Warrant.

The Meeting was dissolved.

At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston legally qualified and warned in Publick Town
Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Thursday the 16th. Day of
August Anno Dom. 17G4.

The Warrant for calling the Meeting read.

James Otis Esq. was chosen Moderator by a Hand Vote

The Petition of a number of a numberof the Inhabitants respect-
ing Mr. James Lovel Usher of the South Grammar School —
read.

The Proposals of Samuel Wentworth Esq. relative to the Lands
on Boston Neck, together with the Report of the Committee on that
affair, were read ; After debate had thereon, the following Question

126 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

was put — Whether the said Report be Recommitted — Passed in
ye. Affermative.

Moved and seconded, that the Committee relative to Boston
Neck be desired to Report next March Meeting the Terms upon
which John Hill and Samuel Wentworth Esq. will give up their
Leases of the Land on each side of the Neck, and the Question
being accordingly [606. ] Put — Passed in the Negative —
It was then Voted that the Committee be desired to Report the
same next Town Meeting.

The Petition of a number of the Inhabitants representing, that
Mr. James Lovell Usher of the South Grammar School is about
leaving the Town for want of a competent support : And there-
fore praying that some Measures may be taken, by raising his
Salary, or otherwise, to retain in the service of the Town a Person
so well qualified for the Education of Youth, was considered, and
a Motion made thereon ; that the Sum of Fifty Pounds be given
Mr. James Lovel as a Gratuity for his services the present Year,
and as an encouragement to remain in the service of ye Town The

Question being accordingly put — Passed in ye Affermative

That Article in the Warrant (Viz4) "To determine what steps
shall be taken in order to comply with the Condition upon which
the late Honble Thomas Hancock Esq. has left a Legacy to the
Town of Boston towards Erecting a House for the reception of
such unhappy Persons as it shall please God in his Providence to
deprive of their Reason — was considered & thereupon
Voted, That James Otis Esq.

John Rowe Esq.
The Honble Royal Tyler Esq.

Ezek1 Goldthwait Esq.
The Honble Thomas Flucker Esq.

Nathaniel Bethune Esq.

Samuel Sewall Esq.

John Ruddock Esq.

John Barrett Esq.

be and hereby are Appointed a Committee to take this Matter into
consideration and Report the next Town Meeting what they ap-
prehend best for the Town to do thereon — It was further [6O7«]
Voted, That said Committee be desired to take into Consideration
and Report at the same Time what they apprehend the most suit-
able Method in which the Town may testifie the sense they have
of the goodness of that Honble Gentleman expressed by so truly

Charitable and important a Donation

Voted, That the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given to
James Otis Esq. the Moderator of this Meeting, for dispatching

the Business thereof.

Then the Meeting was dissolved.

At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston legally qualified and warned in Publick Town
Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Monday the 24th Day of
Septemr Anno Domini 1764.

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1764. 127

The Warrant for calling the Meeting Read.

The Honble Thomas Hubbard Esq. was chosen Moderator of this
Meeting, but as he could not attend by reason of a great Cold, the
Town proceeded to bring in their Votes for another Moderator &
upon sorting them it appeard, that the llonble Andrew Oliver Esq.
was chosen.

The Selectmen a Committee relative to Land on Boston [6O8.]
Neck — Report — That agreable to a Vote of the Town at their
Meeting the 13th of August last they had received Proposals from
Coll0 John Hill and Samuel Wentworth Esq. in writing, which they

lay before the Town for their Consideration

Mr Hills Proposal is as follows

To the Selectmen of the Town of Boston.
Gentlemen

As the Town of Boston at their last Meeting
Voted, That you the Selectmen be desired '/) know of Mess™
Wentworth and Hill, what Sum they will quit their Leases of
Boston Neck for, and to Report the same at next Town Meeting
— the Sum I would quit my Lease for is Four hundred Pounds
lawful Money, and if the Town please to accept thereof I oblige
myself to give up the Leases

Boston Septem1 16. 17G4.

JOHN HILL —

Mr Hills Proposal having been read and debate had thereon, the
Question was put (Viz1) Whether the Town will accept of Coll0
Hills Lease upon the Terms he has proposed — Passed in the
Negative

M* Wentworths Proposal was as follows

To the Selectmen of the Town of Boston

Gentlemen

In consequence of our repeated Conferences
relating my Lease from the Town of Land on Boston Neck, have
concluded if Town will please to condescend to pay me Five hun-
dred Pounds, and Vote the same at the ensuing Town Meeting, to
give up my Lease — Boston Sepr 12. 1764.

SAMUEL WENTWORTH —

Mr Wentworths Proposal having been read and debate had
thereon — the Question was put — Viz1. — "Whether the Town
will accept of Mr Wentworths Lease upon the Terms [6O9.] He
has proposed to deliver up the same —

Passed in the Affermative.

The Town having taken into consideration what would be the
best Method for raising the Five hundred Pounds now granted
Samuel Wentworth Esq. for the surrender of his Lease of Lands
on Boston Neck — It was Voted, That the Sum of Five hundred
Pounds granted as aforesaid be added to the next Tax Bill that
goes out.

That Article in the Warrant (Viz1) " To consider what is nec-
essary for the Town to do on the Land on Boston Neck " was
debated — whereipon Voted, That the Selectmen be desired to
receive Proposals from any Persons who may incline to make them,

128 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

relative to Repairing, Leasing or Purchasing the Lands, lately
Leased to Samuel Wentworth Esq. whose Lease is now purchased
by the Town : And that they Report the same

That Article in the Warrant. (Viz'.) "To cnoose a Meet Per-
son or Persons as Agents or Attorneys to prosecute for or defend
the Town in such Cases wherein there is not yet any Person
or Persons legally vested with Authority for that purpose" —
was considered ; and the Question then put — Whether any Agent
or Agents shall now be chosen — Passed in the Affermative — It
wns further Voted that the Selectmen be and hereby are Appointed
Agents for the Town, for the purposes mentioned in said Article
of the Warrant

The Town having been served with a Copy of the Petition which
Benjamin Hallowell Esq. has presented the Great and General
Court, for an alteration of the run of Bread Street &c — the same
was read, and after Debate had thereon, it was Voted that the
Selectmen be and hereby are Appointed a Committee to take that
Matter under consideration, and Report at the Adjournment of
this Meeting.

Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourn'd to Tuesday the ninth
[61O.] Day of October next 10 O'Clock, A : M :

Tuesday the 9th of October 10 O'Clock A : M : Met according
to Adjournment

The Selectmen a Committee Appointed the 24th of Septemr last,
to consider the Petition of Benjamin Hallowell Esq. to the General
Court praying that Bread Street should cross Milk Street, and be
continued up to his House &c — Report — They have made all
necessary enquiry into the Matter of it, and find that the present
Street from Milk Street leading along said Hallowells Ship Yard
into that part of Battery March Street which runs from Hallowells
House to Mr Peck's, if enlarged according to the intention of the
Committee of the General Court will be detrimental to said Hal-
lowell, as he sets forth in his Petition, and that the Street which
said Hallowell proposes, if it be run according to the Plan here-
with exhibited, will accommodate the Town as well or better
than the Street as it now runs : Therefore they advise the Town
not to oppose the same : But by way of answer to said Peti-
tion, they would propose all proper cautions might be suggested,
that the Proprietors of private property, who are thereby endam-
aged, may be reasonably indemnified : That the Terms engaged in
his Petition be fully complied with ; and that he further engage to
return the southerly end of the proposed Street full forty feet wide
into that part of Battery March Street which leads from his
House to Mr Pecks Corner at his own cost — Also that he make
the whole of said new Street ; and the return above mentioned
passable for Carriages, and take up the Pavement in the Old
Street and deliver the Stones on the Spot towards paving the new
Street at his own Charge. On such Terms the Select-Men appre-
hend it for the Interest of the Town to consent, that said Hallowell
should have the right to all that part of Battery March Street from
the South side of Milk Street leading along said [611.] Hallowells
Ship Yard to the North side of Battery March Street which runs

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1764. 129

East from said Hallowells House to Mr Peeks Corner ; preserving
Milk Street Forty feet wide down to the North East Corner of that
part of Battery March Street which runs along said Hallowells
Ship Yard, where Milk Street, was said Battery March Street now
run according to the projection of the above mentioned Committee,
would have been bounded by Mr Hallowells Ship Yard and the
Town Slip which runs in breadth fifteen feet down to the Sea from
the bottom of Milk Street — Which Report being rend and debate
had thereon — The Question was put — Whether the Town will
accept said Report — Passed in the Affermativc.

Voted, that the Selectmen be a Committee to draw up an
answer to Mr Hallowells Petition agreeable to said Reports and
that they Annex a Plan of the Land, and a Copy of the Report to
their answer

Voted, That the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given to
the Honorable Andrew Oliver Esq. the Moderator of this Meeting
for dispatching the Business thereof

Then the Meeting was dissolved

At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston legally qualified and warned in publick Town
Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Monday 24th of December
A D. 1764.

[612.] The Warrant for calling the Meeting . . . read.

The Honble Thomas Hubbard Esq. was chosen Moderator by a
Hand Vote

The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for a Collector of Taxes
for the present Year in the room of Gyles Harris Esq. who has
resigned, and upon sorting them it appeard that there was no
choice — The Inhabitants then withdrew and brought in their
Votes again for a Collector when Mr Sampson Salter was chosen a
Collector of Taxes for the present Year

Voted, That the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given to
the Honourable Thomas Hubbard Esq. the Moderator of this
Meeting, for dispatching the Business thereof

Then the Meeting was dissolved

[613.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabi-
tants of the Town of Boston legally qualified and warned in pub-
lick Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Monday the 1 1th
Day of March Anno Domini. 176;")

Prayer was made by the Revd. Samuel Checkley Junr.

The Warrant for calling the Meeting . . . read

Sundry Laws enjoined to be read at this Meeting were accord-
ingly read

The Honourable James Otis Esq. was chosen Moderator of this
Meeting and took the Oaths respecting the paying and receiving
Bills of Credit of the Governments, of Connecticut New Hampshire
and Rhode Island, as required by an Act of this Province

130 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

The Town proceeded to the choice of Seven Selectmen, and the
Votes being brought in and sorted, it appeard that

Joshua Henshaw

Joseph Jackson

Benjamin Austin

Samuel Sewall

Nathaniel Thwing

John Ruddock

John Hancock . . Esq™.

were chose Selectmen for the Year ensuing

John Scollay Esq. one of the late Selectmen, before the above
choice desired the Moderator to acquaint the Town that he was
highly obliged to them for the Honor done him in choosing him a
Selectman for Eleven Years successively ; but that his Affairs not
permitting him to serve any longer in that Office, he was desirous

that his Name might not be put into new List

[614.] Voted, unanimously that the Thanks of the Town be
and hereby are given to the said John Scollay Esq. for his faithful

services as a Selectman a number of Years past

The Town brought in their Votes for twelve Overseers of the
Poor, and upon sorting them it appeard that

John Barratt Esq.

The Honble. Royal Tyler Esql

Mr. Benjamin Dolbear

Isaac Smith Esq.

Mr. Jonathan Mason

Mr. Henry Bromfield

Meletiah Bourn Esq.

Joseph Gardner Esq.

Mr. William Whitwell

Cap*. Benjamin Hammatt

Mr. Henderson Inches

Mr. Ebenezcr Storer
were chose Overseers of the Poor for the Year ensuing, and took

the Oaths required by Law

Upon a Motion made and seconded it was Voted That it be
determined by Yea's and Nay's at 4 O'Clock Afternoon Whether
the Town will choose any Person to serve in the Office of Wardens

the Year ensuing

Voted, That this Meeting be Adjourned to 3 O'Clock
P : M :

3 O'Clock P : M : Met according to Adjournm*

The Votes were brought in for Town Treasurer, and upon sort-
ing them it appeard that Mr. David Jeffries was chosen and having
taken the Oath relating to his paying and receiving Bills of Credit
of the other Governments, took the Oath of Office for the faithful
discharge of his duty, which Oaths were Administred [615.] To
him by Richard Dana Esq.

The Town brought in their Votes for twelve Clerks of the Mar-
ket, and upon sorting them it appeared that

Mess™. Benjamin Edes
Edward Walker

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1764. 131

John Cunningham
Thomas Brown
Ezra Collins

Joseph Tyler (all sworn)

Edward Blanchard
Edward Jackson
Caleb Blanchard
William Bant
Joseph Henderson
James Perkins
were chose Clerks of the Market, for the Year ensuing

The Town having determined that the Question agreed upon in
the Forenoon to be put — Viz'. — "Whether the Town will
choose Wardens for the Year ensuing " shall be desided by Yea's
and Nay's the Votes were accordingly brought in when it appeard
that there were 715 Votes. 437 whereof were Yeas and 278

Nays

The Inhabitants having been ordered to withdraw and bring in
their Votes for Twelve Wardens ; a referrence was called for —
whereupon the Question was put — " Whether the choice of

Wardens shall now come on — Passed in the Affermative

The Town brought in their Votes for Twelve Wardens, and upon
sorting them it appeard, that

Mr. John Winslow

Deacon Benjamin Church

Cap'. Hopestill Foster

Richard Boynton Esq.

Mr. Thomas Waldo

Mr. Samuel Whitwell
[616.] Mr. James Richardson

Mr. Francis Shaw

Deacon Jonathan Brown

Mr. Alexander Hill

Mr. Thomas Crafts

Mr. Nathaniel Appleton
were chose Wardens for the Year ensuing-

Adjourned to Tuesday the 12 Instant 9 O'Clock Before
Noon

Tuesday Morning 9 O'Clock The Town Met according to Ad-
journment

The Inhabitants withdrew and brought in their Votes for Seven
Assessors, and upon sorting them it appeared that
Mess™. William Fairfield

John Kneeland - ... Sworn
Benjamin Church d°.

Belcher Noyes Esq d°.

William Torrey d°.

John Greenough excused

Samuel Downe ----- d°.
were chose Assessors for the Year ensuing

132 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

Mr. John Gray was chosen Surveyor of Hemp for the Year en-
suing

Mess™. William Nichols - - sworn

Clement Collins ... d°.

Jacob Thayer - - d°.

Joseph Edmunds - - d°.

John Greenough - - d°.

Isaac Vergoose ----- d°.

Henry Allen - d°.

John Sergeant - d°.

[617.] Richard Walker - - Sworn

Andrew Symms ... - d°.

William Payne - d°.

Samuel Dyer - - Excused

were chose Surveyors of Boards and Shingles for the Year en-
suing.

Mess™. Obediah Low ----- Sworn

Henry Allen ------ d°.

Samuel Dyer - d°.

John Dyer d°.

Benjamin Andrew Esq - - - d°.

Onesip" Tileston Esq - - - - Excused

were chose Fence Viewers for the Year ensuing

Mess™ Samuel Bangs

William Andrews
Isaac Bird
William Scott
Ebenezer Mclntosh

were chose Sealers of Leather for the Year ensuing

Mess™ Nathaniel Gardner
Samuel Whitwell

were chose Informers of Deer for the Year ensuing

Mess™ Peter Cotta - ... Sworn

Manasseh Masters d°.

Joseph Dyer ----- d°.
John Harskins - - - -
David Spear . _ - -
Nathan Spear
Jonathan Jenkins
Samuel Treat
Robert Breck Junr

Job Wheelwright - Sworn

Joshua Pico -
[618.] Mess™ Benjamin Salt ... - Sworn

Paul Baxter d°.

John Owen ----- d°.
Thomas Knox d°.

Samuel White d°.

Edward Cowell d°.

Edward Potter d°.

Peter Ellis d°.

Timothy Pease d°.

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1764. 133

Robert Treat d°.

were chose Cullers of Staves for the Year ensuing

Mess™ David Simons - - Sworn

Thomas Curtis ----- d°.
were chose Hogreeves for the Year ensuing

Mr. Edward Curtis d°.

was chosen Hay ward for the Year eiisuing

Mess" David Wheeler - - Sworn

Alexander Edwards

Benjamin Wheeler d°.

Levy Jennings d°.

Robert Hews d°.

Thomas Parker
William Daws
Thomas Hitchburne

Edward Winter .... - d°.

Joseph Nowell d°.

Elias Thomas Junr d°.

Richard Salter d°.

were chose Scavingers for the Year ensuing

Upon a Motion made and seconded, Voted that
John Ruddock
Thomas Marshall
Foster Hutchinson. Esq.

[619. J Be and hereby are appointed a Committee to consider
what further provision is necessary to support the Scavingers in
a due Execution of their Office — and that they Report next May

Meeting

Voted, that the Sum of Five Pounds be remitted out of the
Ten Pound Fine, to such Persons as shall be chose into the
Office of Constable for the Year ensuing, and shall decline

serving

The Town brought in their Votes for twelve Constables; the

Persons chose into that Office and sworn are

Messrs Augustus Hail

Nathaniel Thayer
Francis Salmon
Hezekiah Usher
John Down
Samuel Harris
James Thomas
Benjamin Clarke
Joseph Foye
Benjamin Barbour
Edward Baker
Elisha Byles

Mr. Henry Bromfield chosen an Overseer of the Poor for the
Year ensuing, having acquainted the Town that he could not
serve them in that capasity, as he was soon to remove from this
Place - — Voted unanimously, that the Thanks of the Town be
and hereby are given to the said Mr. Bromfleld for his faithful
services as an Overseer a number of Years past

134 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

John A very Esq.
was chosen an Overseer of the Poor in the room of Mr Henry Brom-

field who has resigned

62O. Voted, that Thomas Gushing Esq.
John Rowe Esq.
Foster Hutchinson Esq.
Mr Edward Payne
William Phillips Esq.

be and hereby are appointed a Committee to draw up a Vote re-
specting the payment of the Collectors Premium &c to Report as

soon as may be

Upon a Motion made and seconded the Question was put —
Whether Constables and Collectors shall be chose sepperate —
Passed in the Affermative — It was then moved and the Ques-
tion accordingly put — " Whether Six Collectors of Taxes shall
be chose for the Year ensuing — Passed in the Negative —
Agreable to a Report of the Committee respecting the payment

of the Collectors Premium

Voted, That the Sum of Six Pence on the Pound be & hereby is
allowed to such Persons as shall be chose Collectors of Taxes for
the Year ensuing, for all such Sums, as they shall Collect, and
that the further Sum of Three Pence on the Pound be allowed to
said Collectors, for all such Sums as they shall Collect, provided
they pay into the Province Town and County Treasuries one half
of the whole Sum they are obliged to pay them respectively within
Six Months from the Time they receive the Tax Books from the
Assessors, and the remainder in Six Months after, and provided
also that each of the said Collectors give Bond with sufficient
Sureties to the satisfaction of the Select Men for the faithful dis-
charge of their Duty in said Office

The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for Four Collectors of

Taxes, and upon sorting them it appeared that

Jonathan Payson Esq.

Mr Samuel Adams -------- declines

Mr John Grant -- -- refuses

Mr Sampson Salter

were chose into that Office

[631.] Voted that Thomas Gushing Esq.
John Rowe Esq.
Foster Hutchinson Esq.
Mr Edward Payne
William Phillips Esq.

be and hereby are Appointed a Committee to Examine the State ol
the Town Treasury, and enquire into the Expences of the Town
and whether any Savings can be made ; as also to consider what
Sum of Money it may be necessary to raise to defrey the Charges
of the Town the ensuing Year ; and that they Report at May Meet-
ing

The Town brought in their Votes for Sixteen Fire- Wards and
upon sorting them it appeared that.

Joseph Jackson Esq.

The Houble Royal Tyler Esq.

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1764. 135

Newman Grenough Esq.

Cap' Solomon Davis

Mr William Cooper

Mr Samuel Austin

Mr Joseph Jackson

John Rowe Esq.

Mr John Mico Wendell

Thomas Marshall Esq.

William Holmes Esq.

Mr Joseph Tyler

Mr Jonathan Williams

Mr Timothy Fitch

Cap* Adino Paddock

Mr James Richardson
were chose into that Office for the Year ensuing -

Voted, That the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given
to John Scollay Esq. and Mr Henderson Inches for their faithful
discharge of the Duty of Fire- Wards, a number of Years past.
Adjourned to 3 O'Clock P : M :

3 O'Clock P : M : Met according to Adjournment.

John Ruddock Esq.

William Story Esq. .... Sworn

Mr William Torrey

Joseph Jackson Esq.

Samuel Sewall Esq. d°

John Hancock Esq.

Mr Ezekiel Price d°

were chose Surveyors of High Ways for the Year ensuing.

That Article in the Warrant, Viz' " Whether any Measures shall
be taken for the better regulation of the Grist Mills " was con-
sidered ; whereupon Voted, that the Selectmen be and hereby are
appointed a Committee to draw up a Bill for the better regulation
of the Grist Mills ; and that they lay the same before the Town
next May Meeting -

The Selectmen were desired to examine the Records respecting
the Titles of the Land Stream &c and that they Report their
Opinion at said Meeting -

The Selectmen Reported on the Account of Mr John Fenno
Keeper of the Granary for the Year past, which Account as entred
in his Books (and on File in the Town Clerks Office) was read ;
whereupon it was Voted that the same be accepted, and that M*
Fenno be accountable to the Town for 176 Bushels of Indian Corn
and 70 Bushels of Rye remaining unsold amounting to £44 ,, 10/
and also for the Sum of £283 ,, 1 ,, 2 ,, Cash now in his hands
exclusive of the Sum of £26 ,, 13 ,, 4 for his Salary & Assistance,
as charged in his Account -

Coll0 Joseph Jackson Esq.
William Phillips Esq.
John Leveret Esq.

were chose Purchasers of Grain for the Year ensuing ; and they
[623.] Are desired and Impo\vered to give all needful directions
to the Keeper of the Granary respecting the Quantitys of Grain to

136 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

be sold and Affixing the price thereof from Time to Time as occa-
sion shall require

Voted, that Mess™. Thomas Gray
Ezekiel Price
William Greenleaff
William Coffin
Edward Payne

be and they hereby are Appointed a Committee to Audit the Ac-
counts of Mr. Treasurer Jeffries, and also the Accounts of the
Overseers of the Poor, and the said Committee are enjoin'd to
Inspect every particular Account of the Moneys expended for the
use of the Almshouse ; they are also impowered when they shall
Audit said Accounts to allow such of the Overseers as shall
Advance Monys for the Eelief of the Poor Interest on all such
Sums from the Time so advanced, till they shall have Audited said

Accounts

Mess Martyn Gay
John Skinner

were chose Assay Masters for the Year ensuing.

Upon consideration of that Clause in the Warrant Viz*.
" Whether a Committee shall be chosen to Examine the Accompts

of the Managers of Faneuil Hall Lotteries "

Voted that William Phillips Esq.
John Rowe Esq.
Ezekiel Goldthwait Esq.
Isaac Smith Esq.
Mr. Edward Payne

be and hereby are appointed a Committee for that purpose.
John Tuder Esq.
Mr Joseph Man

were chose Surveyors of Wheat for the Year ensuing

[624.] Voted, that the Consideration of Schoolmasters
Salarys, and all other Salarys and Grants be referred to next May

Meeting

Voted, that James Beauteneau Esq.
Ezekiel Goldthwait Esq.
Thomas Flucker Esq.
Mr. Thomas Gray

be and hereby are added to the Committee Appointed to Exam-
ine into the Expences of the Town &c.

Voted, that the Selectmen be and hereby are appointed a Com-
mittee to Act upon the List of Jurors

That Article in the Warrant. Viz'. " To Consider the Terms upon
which John Hill Esq. will give up to the Town his Lease of the
Lands upon Boston Neck " — was read and debated — where-
upon Voted that the Sum of Three hundred Pounds lawful
Money be and hereby is Granted unto the said John Hill
Esq. upon C'ondition of his delivering up his Leases and put-
ting the Town in possession of said Premisses on or before the
25th. of March Instf. — And that the Three hundred Pounds
granted as aforesaid be added to the next Tax that shall issue — It
was further Voted that the Selectmen be desired upon receiving

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1764. 137

Coll0 Hills Leases to Rent or again Lease out those Lands, as
shall appear to them most for the Interest of the Town.

That Article in the Warrant Viz'. " To consider the Proposals
of Mr. James Bryant relating to the Towns Lands on the .North
side of the Neck " was read — whereupon

Voted, that the Selectmen be desired to Act thereon and in all
Things relative to the Lands &c. on Boston Neck as they shall
Judge most advantageous for the Town

The Petition of a number of Proprietors & Inhabitants [625.]
In and near Long Lane " That a further Allowance may he made
them towards defreying the Charge of Paving said Lane " was
read and debated — whereupon Voted that the Sum of Twenty
five Pounds be and hereby is Granted the Proprietors of Long
Lane for the purpose aforesaid

That Article in the Warrant Viz*— "What Methods shall be
taken for the Repairing of the Towns Warehouse opposite the
Golden Ball " was considered, whereupon

Voted, that the Selectmen be desired to make an Estimate of
the Cost of Repairing the Towns Warehouse opposite the Golden
Ball, and that the}' insert the following Article in the Warrant for
the next General Town Meeting — Viz'. — "To consider
" whether the Towns Warehouse opposite the Golden Ball shall
"be Repaired or sold for the most it will fetch" — It was
further Voted that the Selectmen be desired in the mean Time
to receive Proposals from any Persons disposed to make them
relative to the Purchase of said Warehouse, and also the Store
Adjoining

That Article in the Warrant Viz'. — " That the Sense of the
Town may be taken respecting a Bill now pending in the General
Court relative to Erecting Wooden Buildings, &c in the Town of
Boston," was read and considered — whereupon Voted, that the
further Consideration thereof be referred to the General Town
Meeting in Mny next, and that in the interem the substance of
said Bill be printed and distributed among the Inhabitants

The Petition of a number of Inhabitants for widening Jolifls
Lane was read, and after considerable debate Voted that the same
be dismissed

Voted, that the Assessors be and hereby are impowered and
directed to set for the abatement of such Taxes as they shall
Judge reasonable on every Thursday till the first Thursday in
April inclusive and no longer saving that they be allowed to set
the two lust Weeks in November, for the abatement of the Taxes
of such Persons as had not an opportunity of applying on the
above limitted Time, by reason of their [626»] Being out of the
Province ; at which Time they are also allowed and Impowered to
Abate the Taxes of such Persons as may have died Insolvent or
become Bankrupts between the said List Thursday in April and
the List Day of November

Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to Monday the 25th of
this Instant 9 O'CLock Bolbre Noon

Monday the 2.3th of March 9 O'Clock A : M: Met according to
Adjournment

138 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

The Committee Appointed the 12th of March last to Examine
the Accounts of David Jeffries Town Treasurer have attended that
Service and find the same right cast and well Vouched, in which
he Charges himself with sundry Fines Rents and other Incomes
of the Town ; as also with the Tax of £7000 ,, — ,, — also with
the Sum of Three thousand Pounds received of Harrison Gray
Esq. Province Treasurer all which amount to the Sum of £14480 ,,
8 ,, 5% including £3500 ,, — ,, — lent by the Province to the
Town 1757

And the said Treasurer discharges himself by sundry Abate-
ments made the Collectors amounting to £589 ,, 3 ,, 5^- by Drafts
made by the Selectmen amounting to £3357 ,, 9 ,, 9^ of which he
has paid £2248 ,, 19 ,, 6|-, and by Drafts made by the Overseers
of the Poor which contain the Charges of the Almshouse and their
Expences in the late Small Pox amounting to £3505 ,, 16 ,, 8 of
which he has paid £2263 ,, 11 ,, 4^ and also with sundry Sums
paid for Interest &c amounting to £121 ,, 3 ,, £ the whole
amounting to £7573 ,, 13 ,, 0£

The said Committee have inspected said Drafts in a very par-
ticular manner, and have examined the Vouchers produced by the
Overseers for the amount of their Drafts, and every other branch
of publick Charge all amounting as above to the Sum of £7573 ,,
13 ,, 0^ as by Account of Town Treasurya in the Town Treas-
urers Books Balance whereof being £6906 ,, 15 ,,-5 is carried to
the Credit of new Account

[627.] Which Report and Account being read, Voted that

the same be and hereby is accepted

Mess™ Nathaniel Waterman ----- Sworn
Jacob Williams d°.

were chose Cullers of Hoops Staves &c for the Year ensuing

Mr John Skillins
was chosen a Surveyor of Boards &c for the Year ensuing

The Honble Royal Tyler Esq. Mr Joseph Jackson Cap1 Solomon
Davis & Mr Timothy Fitch having excused themselves from serv-
ing as Fire Wards the Year ensuing

Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given
to the said Gentlemen for the faithful discharge of the Duty of
Fire-Wards, a number of Years past

Voted, that the Selectmen be desirsd to Insert in the Warrant
for the General Town Meeting in May next the following Article.
Viz* — To Consider some Method to get this Town exempted from
the Province Law relative to the choice of Surveyors of the High
Ways

The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for Four Fire Wards in
the room of a like number who have resigned, and upon sorting
them it appear'd that

Coll0 William Tayler
Mr William Downe Cheever
James Cunningham Esq.
Cap' Benjamin Waldo
were chose Fire- Wards for the Year ensuing

List of Names returned the Selectmen by the Assessors were

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1764. 139

laid before the Town, whereupon Voted, that the same be ac-
cepted, and left with the Selectmen, who were before chose to
act thereon

[628.] The Committee Appointed to Examine the Ac-
counts of ye Managers of Faneuil Hall Lotteries — Report that they
had examined the Accompts of the Managers for Lottery N° 3.
and found the same right Cast

Voted, that said Report be accepted, and that the following
Sums be allowed and paid to said Managers in full of their
Accounts — Viz'

To Thomas Cushing Esq. £11 , 11

Samuel Hews Esq. ------- 9

John Scollay Esq. 12

Benjamin Austin Esq ------12

Samuel Newall Esq. ------12

Mr Samuel P. Savage 11

10
9

9
5
9

Ezekiel Lewis Esq. ------- 9

Voted, that the Selectmen be desired to procure a sufficient
number of new Hammers made in the best manner for the use of
the Sealers of Leather — and that the same be properly num-
ber'd

The Committee Appointed the 16th Day of August last " to
consider what steps shall be taken in order to comply wilh the
Condition upon which the late Honble Thomas Hancock Esq. has
left a Legacy to the Town of Boston, as also the most suitable
Method in which the Town may testify the Sense they have of the
Goodness of that Honble Gentleman expressed by so truly chari-
table and important a Donation — Report in the form of a Vote
as follows Viz'

Whereas the late Honourable Thomas Hancock Esq. in and by
his last Will and Testament, among many other very generous
arid charitable Donations was pleased to give the Town of Boston
the Sum of Six hundred Pounds lawful Money towards erecting
and finishing a convenient House for the reception and more com-
fortable keeping such unhappy Persons as it shall please God in
his Providence to deprive of their Reason in any part of this
Province, such as are Inhabitants of Boston always to have
[629.] The preference " on Condition that if the said Thomas
Hancock Esq. did not in his lifetime build such House, which he
seems to have had in his heart had it pleased God to have spared
his life then the same should be built and Qnishcd in three Years
after his decease.

Voted, that the Town of Boston gratefully accept and they
hereby accordingly accept of said Donation, and as a testimony
of the gratitude of the Town, and as far as in them lyes to per-
petuate the Memory of the late IIonble Thomas Hancock Esq. it is
further Voted, that the Name of Hancock be Recorded and enrolled
amongf those of Faneuil and the other worthy Benefactors of
this City, and that such House when ei-ected shall be called and
known by the name of Hancocks Hospital Thus while the poor
Unfortunates therein provided for, shall be insensible from whose
Hands they derive the only possible alleviation of their miseries

140 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

in the power of humanity, those in all Ages who may enjoy
the inestimable blessing of a sound mind shall rejoice in the
bountiful provision for the distressed

Which Report benig read, the Question was put — Whether
the Town will accept thereof — Passed in the Affermative — N. C
Voted, that the Honble. Thomas Hu bbard Esq.
Ezekiel Goldthwait Esq.
John Rowe Esq.
Honble. Thomas Flucker Esq.
Honble. James Otis Esq.

Foster Hutchinson Esq.
Honble. Royal Tyler Esq.

be and hereby are Appointed a Committee to open a Subscription
for raising an adequate Sum for building and endowing a Hospital
for the reception and more comfortable support of poor Idiots,
Lunaticks and such other unhappy Persons Inhabitants of this
Town as it shall please almighty God in bis Providence to deprive
of the use of their Reason. Such Hospital when built to be unden
the direction and management of such Officers as the Town of
Boston shall from Time to Time choose and appoint

Voted, that the Selectmen be desired at the Towns Expence
[63O.] To provide proper Rolls of Parchment, for entering a
fair Catalogue of all such worthy Persons as have been or shall
hereafter be Benefactors to the Town of Boston. And the Town
Clerk is hereby directed to make out a Catalogue in Paper and to
lay it before the Town for their inspection at the next May Meet-
ing, and against each Name shall be entered the Estate or Sum
given with a brief mention of the use, and when approved by the
Town the same shall be by the Town Clerk fairly Engrossed and
entered in the Rolls. And thence forward no Name shall be entered
in the Roll but by special Vote or order of the Town. And the
Town Clerk or Recorder for the Time being shall Annually at the
Meeting of the Town in March or May lay before the Town an
account of all Donations for the Year proceeding, that the Town

may take order thereon

Mr. Jonathan Brown - - (Sworn)

was chosen an Assessor for the Year ensuing in the room of mp.
John Grenough who has resigned

Upon a Motion made and seconded, Voted, that the Report of a
Committee respecting the late Honble. Thomas Hancock Esq. Do-
nation be published in the several News Papers

Voted, that all Matters and Things that remain unfinished at
this Meeting be and hereby are referred over to the General Town
Meeting in May next, to be then considered of and acted upon.

Voted, unanimously that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby
are given to the Honble. James Otis Esq. the Moderator of this
for dispatching the Business thereof

Then the Meeting was dissolved

[631.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants
of the Town of Boston legally qualified and warned in publick

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1765. 141

Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Tuesday the 14th.
Day of May Anno Domini 1765.

Prayer was made by the Revd. Dr Sewall.

The Precept and Warrant, for calling the Meeting, read

Sundry Laws - read —

Joshua Henshaw Esq. one of the Selectmen proposed in their
Name to the Inhabitants Assembled to proceed to the choice of
one or more Persons to Represent them in the Great and General
Court or Assembly to be held at Boston upon Wednesday the 29th.
Day of May Current ; and in order thereto to consider and ascertain
the number of Gentlemen to be Elected ; accordingly it was Voted
to proceed to the choice of Four Representatives, and then it was
declared by the Selectmen, that no Votes will be received but such
as are unfolded, and that they propose the Poll shall be closed at
twelve O'Clock

The Votes being brought in the number of Voters were found
to be 641 — and upon sorting them it appear'd that the Four fol-
lowing Gentlemen were chose Viz'.

The Honble. James Otis Esq. - 388

Thomas Gushing Esq. - 538

Oxenbridge Thatcher Esq. - 427

Mr. Thomas Gray 570

The choice of Representatives being over and declared by the
Selectmen, the Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring
in their Votes for a Moderator of this Meeting in order that the
Town may proceed in transacting the other Affairs mentioned in
the Warrant, accordingly the Inhabitants withdrew and brought in
their Votes, and upon sorting them it appeared that the Honble.
James Otis Esq. \vas unanimously chosen.

[632.] Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to 3 O'Clock.

3 O'Clock P : M : Met according to Adjournment.

To the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of Boston in Town
Meeting Assembled May 14th. 1765

Pursuant to a Vote of the Town of Boston at their Annual
Meeting the 15th. of May 1764 desiring the Selectmen to Visit the
several publick Schools in the Town, and to invite such Gentlemen
to accompany them therein as they should think proper, and to
Report thereon

We the Subscribers accordingly attended that Service on Tues-
day the 10th. of June last, accompanied by the following Gentlemen

*VJ,.t

™" T 1/J •

The Honble Thomas Hubbard Esq.

Andrew Oliver P^sq.

Thomas Flucker Esq.

Harrison Gray Esq.

Royal Tyler Esq.
The Representatives of the Town
The Overseers of the Poor
Revd. Ebenezer Pemberton

Samuel Mather

Mather Byles

Andrew Elliot

142 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

Samuel Cooper

Samuel Checkley Junr.

Mr. Samuel P. Savage

Mr. Francis Shaw

Joseph Green Esq.

Cap*. Ichabod Jones

Joseph Green Esq.

Thomas Tyler Esq.

Joshua Winslow Esq.
[623.] John Tuder Esq.

Zachary Johonnott

Coll0. Whiting of Connecticut

Samuel Fitch Esq.

Mr. Edward Foster

Mr. Nathaniel Coffin

Ezekiel Lewis Esq.

Samuel Hews Esq.

William Phillips Esq.

Ezekiel Goldthwait Esq.

Samuel Wentworth Esq.

Mr. Treasurer Jeffries

Dr. John Sprague

And found the South Grammar School had 120 Scholars the
North Grammar School 47 Scholars — the South Writing School
230 Scholars the North Writing School 163 Scholars, the Writing
School in Queen Street 148 Scholars, all in very good order

JOSHUA HENSHAW
JOSEPH JACKSON
BENJAMIN AUSTIN
SAMUEL SEWALL

Selectmen of
Boston.

NATHANIEL THWING
JOHN RUDDOCK

That Article in the Warrant. Viz'. " To consider some Method
to get this Town exempted from the Province Law relative to the
choice of Surveyors of High Ways" — was read, and after de-
bate had thereon — the Question wns put — Whether such Appli-
cation shall be made to the General Court at their next Session
— Passed in the Negative

The Honble. Thomas Flucker Esq. - - - Sworn, was chosen
a Selectman for the Year ensuing

Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given
Nathaniel Thwing Esq. for his faithful services as a Selectman,
several Years past

[624.] Deacon Thomas Foster
was chosen an Assessor for the Year ensuing — declines

Mess™. Payson and Salter, chose Collectors for the Year ensuing
appear 'd and informed the Town that they should not serve them
in that Office at the Rates stated at their Meeting in March
last

Upon a Motion made and seconded — It was Voted that the
further consideration of such Matters as relate to the choice of

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 17<>5. 143

Collectors be referred over to the Adjournment of this Meeting

and that there be printed Notifications of the same

The Committee appointed the eleventh of March last to examine
the state of the Treasury &c — Report — That the several Col-
lectors of Taxes appear by the Treasurers Books (o be indebted to

the Town the 21st. of March la>t as follows — Viz'.

John Ruddock Esq. for the Year 1 763 £1023,,0,,0

Mr. Samuel Adams for the Year 17u3 £llll,,0,,0
for the Year 1764 £2452,, - ,, -

3563,,0,,0

Mr. Jonathan Payson, for the Year 1763 £844,, - ,, -
for the Year 1764- 1201, ,- 16-

2046,,-,,-

Mr. John Grant - - for the Year 1764 - - - - 1764,,-,,-
Mr. Sampson Salter - for the Year 1764 - - - - 1482,,-,,-

£9878,,0,,0

Out of which is to be deducted the Sum of £1854 — being the
amount of Premiums which will be due to them and of the Abate-
ments made and to be made for the Year 1764. so that the Sum
realh' due from them is £8024,, in which is included the Sum of
£7000,, — ,, — the Town Voted to raise at their Meeting in May
last ; and which if the Vote then passed with respect to the pay-
ment of the same is strictly complyed with will be paid into the
Treasury, one half of it sometime this present Month, and the re-
mainder in August next ; And when the Sum of £8024,, — afore-
mentioned is received by the Treasurer he will be enabled to dis-
charge every demand upon him to the 218t. of March aforesaid,
and there will be a balance left in favor of the Town of £4379,,-
9,, If as will more fully appear by a state of the Town [635.]
Treasury herewith exhibited — That by Information from the
Province Treasurer there is due to the Province for the Year 1762

and 1763. the following Sums — Viz'.

From John Ruddock Esq. for the Year 1763 - - - - £558, ,15, ,3
From M*. Samuel Adams, for the Year 1762 £1 140,, 1,,4
for the Year 1763 1927,, 16,, 9

3067, , 18, ,1

FromM1. Jonathan Payson for the Year 1763 - - - 771,, 1,,-

£4397,,14,,4

And the whole Tax for the Year 1764 from the ) -7n- , 9

Collectors - - - of that Year - - - - j
Which with the aforementioned Sum due to the

Town of - - - 8024,,—,,-

Makes in the whole the sum of £18126, ,18,,6
Which Sum is due from the undermentioned

Collectors as follows, Viz'

From John Ruddock Esq. about ... - 1400 ,, — ,, —

From Mr. Samuel Adams d°. - - - - 8000 „ — „ —

1 14 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

From Mr. Jonathan Payson - - d°. - - - - 3326 ,, — „ —

From Mr. Sampson Salter d°. - - - - 2440 ,, — ,, —

From Mr. John Grant d°. - - - - 2960 ,, — „ —

£18126 ,, — ,,—

£5705 ,, 4 ,, 2 of the last mentioned Sums according to the Vote
of the Town ought to be paid one half of it in July next, and the
other half in December following

Your Committee are of Opinion it would be for the Interest of
the Town to take some effectual Measures to have the Taxes Col-
lected and paid into the Treasury by the Time fixed by the Town
for the payment of the same, the Expcnce of the Town it is prob-
able will be thereby lessoned, for as the Town has a considerable
balance in its favor, if the Mony Voted Annually for the service
of the Year was seasonable Collected, it would be in the power of
the Selectmen and Overseers of the Poor to purchase what was
wanted for the Towns use at a much cheaper rate with the Cash
then they can upon Credit, but it appears to be of little or no ad-
vantage from Year to Year to raise a larger sum than is absolutely
necessary for the service of the Year, with a view of preserving
the Credit of the Town unless the Taxes are seasonably Collected ;
And unless some Measures are taken for this purpose, the Com-
mittee submit it to the consideration of the Town [636.]
Whether it would not be most expedient not to raise any more than
than £900 ,, — this Year which with the balance of £43 70 ,, 9 ,, 1|
aforesaid would be sufficient to defrey the Charges thereof —
this will be one measure at least that will have a tendency to
expedite the payment of the outstanding debts : However if upon
the whole the Town should determine to raise nearly the same sum
as usual Your Committee are of Opinion that £5030. — will
be sufficient as that Sum together with only about £200. — of
the ballance aforementioned will defre}- the Charges of the present
Year agreable to ye Estimate hereunto annexed ; there will be
then left in the Treasury about £4100. — which the Committee
are of Opinion should remain as a stock in the Treasury for a fund
to be made use of by the Selectmen and Overseers of the Poor as
they may find it for the advantage of the Town, and some effectual
Measures taken that such Sums as they may from Time to Time
draw from it, might be replaced out of the Moneys Annually
raised by the Town — In the Estimate annexed provision is
made for every Charge that it is probable will arise, excepting the
Charge of Repairing the Warehouse on the Dock the Dams upon
each side of the Neck and the North Battery which the Committee
did not include in the Estimate as it was uncertain what resolutions
the Town would come into respecting the same

The above Report being read and some debate had thereon, the
further Consideration was referred over to the Adjournment of
this Meeting

That Article in the Warrant. Viz* — " Whether the Towns
Warehouse opposite the Golden Ball shall be repaired or Sold for
the most it will fetch " — was read — and the Selectmen having
thereupon acquainted the Inhabitants that said Warehouse was a

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1765. 145

Donation to the Town and the Income appropriated for the Main-
tenance and support of the Publick Schools — the Question was
put — Whether the Warehouse referred to shall be Repaired —
Passed in the Affermative

It was then Moved, and Seconded that the Selectmen be desired
if they shall Judge proper to Let said Warehouse on a Lease lor a
term of Time not exceeding Seven Years provided the Leaser will
undertake the Repairs at his own Expence, the amount of the
same to be [637.] Repaid him out of said Rent or hire — and
the Question being accordingly put — Passed in the Afferma-
tive

That Article in the Warrant Viz* — "To take the Sense of the
" Town respecting the Repaii-s of the Dam, on the East and West
" side of the Neck which have been much damaged in the late
" Storm " — was read ; after considerable debate had thereon —
the Question was put — Whether the Town would at this Meet-
ing proceed to raise any Moneys for said Service — Passed in the
Negative — It was then Voted, that

Richard Dana Esq.

Royal Tyler Esq.

M*. Samuel Swift

William Phillips Esq.

Cap'. Hopestill Foster

James Beautineau Esq.

Foster HuLchinson Esq.

Mr. Solomon Kneeland

John Avery Esq.

be and hereby are Appointed a Committee to Consider in what way
or manner the Towns Interest on Boston Neck may be disposed of
for their most advantage, and to Report their Opinion as soon aa
may be

Voted, that the Sum of Five Thousand Pounds be raised by a
Tax upon Polls and Estates within this Town for relief of the Poor
and defreying other necessary Charges arising within the Town

the ensuing Year

Voted, that the Sum of One hundred and twenty Pounds be al-
lowed and p;iid unto Mr. John Lovel for his Salary as Master of
the South Grammar School the ensuing Year, the same to be paid
him Quarterly as it shall become due and to commence at the ex-
piration of the last Quarter

Voted, that the Sum of One hundred Pounds be allowed and
paid unto Mr Peleg Wiswall for his Salary as Master of the North
Gramar School for the ensuing Year, the same to be paid him
Quarterly as it shall [638. j Become due, and to commence at
the expiration of the last Quarter.

Voted, that the Sum of Eighty Pounds be allowed & paid unto
Mr Samuel Holyoke for his Salary as Master of the Writing School
in Queen Street for the ensuing Year, the same to be paid him
Quarterly as it shall become due and to commence at the expira-
tion of the last Quarter

Voted, that the Sum of One Hundred Pounds be allowed and
paid unto Mr John Procter for his Salary as a Master of the

146 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

Writing School in Queen Street for the Year ensuing, the same to
be paid him Quarterly as it shall become due, and to commence at
the Expiration of the last Quarter.

Voted, that the Sum of One hundred Pounds be allowed and
paid unto Mr Abia Ilolbrook for his Salary as Master of the
Writing School in the Common for the ensuing Year, the same to
be paid him Quarterly as it shall become due, and to commence at
the Expiration of the last Quarter

Voted, that the Sum of One hundred Pounds be allowed nnd
paid unto Mr John Tilestone for his Salary as Master of the North
Writing School for the ensuing Year, the same to be paid him
Quarterly as it shall become clue, and to commence at the Expira-
tion of the last Quarter

Voted, that the Sum of Sixty Pounds be allowed and paid unto
Mr James Lovel for his Salary as Usher of the South Grammar
School for the ensuing Year, the same to be paid him Quarterly,
and to commence at the Expiration of the last Quarter

Voted, that a further Sum of Forty Pounds be allowed and paid
unto Mr- James Lovel as an encouragement for him to remain and
exert himself in the service of the Town the ensuing Year, the
same to be paid him Quarterly as it shall become due and to com-
mence at the Expiration of the last Quarter

[639.] Voted, that the Sum of Sixty Pounds be allowed and
paid unto Mr Ephraim Langdon for his Salary as Usher of the
North Grammar School the ensuing Year, the same to be paid
him Quarterly as it shall become due, and to commence at the
expiration of the last Quarter

Voted, that the Sum of Thirty four Pounds be allowed and paid
unto Mr John Tileston Master of the North Writing School for
providing an Assistant the Year ensuing, the same to be paid him
Quarterly as it becomes due and to commence at the expiration of
the last Quarter

Voted, that the Sum of Thirty four Pounds be allowed and paid
unto Mr Abiah Holbrook Master of the Writing School in the
Common for providing an Assistant the ensuing Year, the same to
be paid him Quarterly as it shall become due, and to commence at
the expiration of the last Quarter

Voted, that tlie Sum of One hundred Pounds be allovv'd and
paid out of the Town Treasury unto Mr David Jeffries for his Ser-
vices as Treasurer of the Town the Year past, and for all his
Expences in that Office

Voted, that the Town Treasurer be and hereby is directed and
impowered to allow the several School Masters Interest on the
Sums due to them from the Date of their Warrants, to the Time of
payment —

Voted, that this Meeting be adjourned <o Monday the 27th of
this Instant May 9 O'clock Before Noon, and that printed Noty-
ficutions of this Adjournment be dispersed among the Inhabitants.

Monday the 27 Day of May 9 O'Clock A : M : Met according
to adjournment

[64O.] The Selectmen appointed a Committee at a Meeting
of the Town last March to enquire into the terms or tenor upon

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1764. 147

which the Mill Owners hold the Mill Pond Mills &c. And to con-
sider what addition or amendment may be made to the Laws for
regulating the Grist Mill which would tend to romedy the incon-
veniences the Town now labours under for want of faithful
management in said Mills — Report

That the 31st of July 1643 the Town granted to Henry Simmons
and others all that Cove which is now the Mill Pond on Condition
they Erected one or more Corn Mills within three Years and main-
tained the same forever, the Town also obliged the Proprietors by
said Grant to make and maintain for ever a Gate of ten feet in
breath to open with the Flood for the passage of Boats into said
Cove, and to make & maintain sufficient passable and safe "Ways
for Horse and Cart over the Trenches they had by said Grant
liberty to dig. The Town further gave them One hundred Acres
of Land at Braintree for the encouragement of said Mill, and
stipulate that no other Common Mill shall be allowed except the
necessary occasion of the Town require it. It has been suggested
by some that there was a more particular Covenant and Agree-
ment between the Proprietors and the Town, but nothing of it can
be found in the Towns Books or Papers, and upon enquiry of
some that have been Proprietors, and others, we are inclined to
think it is a mistake, as they have been acquainted with the Origi-
nal Grant before recited, but never heard of any Covenant or
other Agreement

Your Committee having informed themselves of the present
situation of said Cove and Mill, are of Opinion that there has not
been any forfeiture, which subjects the Proprietors to the Town,
except the not maintaining a Gate for the passage of Boats into
the Cove up the Creek over which the Mill Bridge now passes is
one ; For the Gate which was there has been for sometime entirely
ruined and the passage into the Cove that way

As to any additions or amendments to the Laws for regulating
the Grist Mills, which would tend to lesson the present difficultys,
your Committee would advise that if an alteration in said Laws
can be obtained, "A Clause in the late Law which subjects the
Miller to a penalty of five Shillings in case he refuses uponderaand
to weigh the Grain brought to them, and Meal delivered out,"
should be [641.] Amended and explained, by a Law providing
that the penalty may be a certain sum upon each Bushel, and that
the Miller should be subjected to said pennlty if he does not weigh
Grain in & Meal out whether it be demanded or not — Which
Report being read and considered, it was then Voted that the
same be accepted

The Committee chosen to consider in which way and manner the
Towns Interest on Boston Neck may be disposed of for their best
advantage — Report — That having carefully viewed the Dams
aforesaid and the Towns Lands, on each side of said Neck, es-
pecially those heretofore Leased to John Hill Esq. and to Samuel
Wentworth Esq. and having maturely considered the quantity
quality and situation thereof, are fully of Opinion that it will not
be for the Interest of said Town but to their great damage and
loss either to repair or uphold either of those Dams or to now

148 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

build any Dam there or to keep any of the Lands Leased as afore-
said in their hands ; but that it will be most for the benefit of the
Town to sell the same Lands on each side the High Way there as
soon as may be reserving to the Town whensoever they shall Judge
it needful liberty to set up and build maintain and uphold good
Banks or Sea Walls adjoining to either side of said High Way,
sufficient to preserve the Causeys and Pavements of the said Way
from being washed away or broken up by the violence of the
Winds and Waves ; and likewise restraining the Purchaser or
Purchasers of the same Lands their Heirs and Assigns for ever,
from taking or carrying any of the Soil Clajr or Earth from off the
same Lands

The above Report being read and debate had thereon the fur-
ther Consideration was referred over to the next Town Meeting.

Voted, that all Matters and Things that remain unfinished at
this Meeting be and hereby are referred over to the next General
Town Meeting

Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given to
the Honble James Otis Esq. the Moderator of this Meeting for dis-
patching the Business thereof.

Then the Meeting was dissolved.

[642.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabi-
tants of the Town of Boston legally qualified & warned in publick
Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Monday 27th of May
Anno Domini 1765.

Warrant for calling the Meeting ------- read

The Honble James Otis Esq. was chosen Moderator.

The Bill pending in the General Court relative to Wooden
Buildings, was read, and that the sense of the Town respecting the
same might be the better taken it was considered Paragraph by
Paragraph, when it appeared that the Bill in General was agreable,
— The Clauses disapproved of, and which the Representatives
were desired to have out in their new Draft of a Bill to be offered
by them to the General Court at the approaching Session were as
follows — Vizt.

1st "• And if after the expiration of the said term of ten Days
the Selectmen shall Judge it necessary that such House shall be
Shingled, they ma}' if they see cause with the approbation of three
Justices of the Peace, Quorum unus within the said Town, signi-
fied in writing under their hands, grant Lisence for Shingling such
Roof, provided that the said Justices shall be such as shall be
specially authorized for that purpose by the Governor or Com-
mander in Chief, with the advice and consent of the Council to act
therein during pleasure : And in case there shall not at any time
hereafter be three Justices specially appointed in manner afore-
said, and the Governor, and Council shall not upon application
from the Selectmen proceed to authorize such ; then the Court of
General Session of the Peace for the County of Suffolk, may ap-
point three such Justices for the purpose aforesaid ; And it shall
and may be lawful upon Lisense thus had and obtained, for the

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1765. 149

Owner or Owners of such House to cause the same to be Shingled
accordingly "

2nd " And every Carpenter or other Person who shall Erect or
remove any House or Building contrary to the true intent & mean-
ing of this Act, or shall Shingle the Roof of any old Dwelling
House. [64-3.] In the Town of Boston without License ob-
tained as before-mentioned, such Carpenter or other Person shall
likewise forfeit and pay the sum of Fifty Pounds."

3rd "That the Owner of any and every House of more than Seven
Feet in night which shall be built in the said Town of Boston,
after the publication of this Act, otherwise then with Stone or
Brick as it is by Law provided shall forfeit and pay the further
Sum of Fifty Pounds for every such Offence "

4lh "• With the approbation of three Justices of the Peace
Quorum unus, within the said Town appointed as aforesaid, and
signified by them in manner aforesaid."

5th " And may likewise be recovered by Presentment Indict-
ment or Information. And the Attorney General of this Province ;
as also the Grand Jurors for the County of Suffolk, are hereby
respectively required from Time to Time diligently to enquire into
inform of and present all Offences that shall be committed against
the same "

6th " Provided that nothing in this Act shall be construed or
understood to exempt any Offenders from like penaltys already
incurred for the breach of either of the Laws beforementioned " —

Mr. John Winslow
was chosen a Selectman for the Year ensuing Sworn

Mr Daniel Pecker
was chosen an Assessor, for the Year ensuing. d°.

Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to 3 O'Clock P.M.

3 O'Clock P : M : Met according to Adjournment

That Article in the Warrant Viz*. — "To consider what Measures
may be proper for the preservation of Beacon Hill " was read, and
after debate had thereon it appearing to the Town that said Hill
is in veiy great danger of being destroyed by Thomas Hodson &
Others digging Gravel on his Lot on North side of said Hill, and
there being no prospect of the Towns being able to purchase
his Land or to prevent his digging, without [644.] The inter-
position of the General Court, therefore

Voted, that the Representatives of the Town be and they hereby
are directed to use their influence in the General Court at the next
Session, that an Act may be provided for the purposes afore-
said

That Clause in the Warrant Viz*. u To consider what Measures
may be proper to prevent the Loss of Deer Island Head by the
Incroachment of the Sea." was read, and thereupon

Voted, that the Selectmen bo and hereby arc Appointed a Com-
mittee to Examine into the present Circumstances of Deer Island
Head and to make a true Representation thereof to the General
Court at their next Session ; at the same Time setting forth of
what importance it is to the trading Interest of this Province that
said Head Land and thereby this Harbour should be preserved

150 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

from the Ruin that now threatens them, and praying that such
speedy and effectual Measures may be taken for this purpose, as
the General Court in their great Wisdom shall think meet

Upon Consideration of that Clause in the Warrant Viz'. —
"What further Steps shall betaken to obtain relief from the
General Court respecting the great charge incurred b}7 the Small
Pox — Voted, that the Selectmen be a Committee to draft a
Petition to the General Court, representing, That by means of the
Small Pox which in the providence of God was permitted to
prevail in this Town the Year past, the Inhabitants have been
great Sufferers, as well by the extraordinary Expence it hath
occasioned as by loss of Business ; and therefore humbly praying
that the General Court would afford us such relief under our dis-
tress as they in their great Goodness shall think proper, and that
the Selectmen hand said Draft to our Representatives who are
desired by the Town to prefer the same at the next Session of the
General Court

Report of Committee relative to the Expences of the Town
again read, and thereupon Voted, That the same be accepted

[645.] That Article in the Warrant Viz4. — "To consider
the Votes relating to Collectors past last March Meeting" was
read, and the Question put Viz4. — Whether the Vote respecting
the Collectors Premium shall be reconsidered, passed in the Nega-
tive

The Selectmen having laid before the Town Lists of Names for the
Jury Boxes, the same were accepted by the Town, and the Select-
men desired to place them in the Boxes accordingly

The Vote respecting the number of Collectors passed last March
Meeting, and which confined the choice to four only, was now re-
considered, whereupon

Voted, that there be Six Collectors of Taxes chose for the Year
ensuing

The Inhabitants withdrew and brought in their Votes for Six
Collectors of Taxes, and upon sorting them it appeared that
Mess™. Samuel Adams - - - declines
Jonathan Pay son d°.

John Grant d°.

Sampson Salter d°.

Samuel Ruggles
Benjamin Edes
were chose Collectors of Taxes for the Year ensuing

Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to Fryday next 3
O'Clock P : M :

Met According to Adjournment

The Report of a Committee relative to the Towns Land on
Boston Neck ; the further Consideration whereof being referred
over to this Meeting ; was read — And after considerable debate
had thereon, the Question was put. Viz4. — Whether said Report
shall be accepted — Passed in the Negative

Upon a Motion made and seconded %it was Voted, that the Lands,
[646.] On each side of the Neck be 'Leased in their present State
and Circumstances at the best discretion of the Selectmen — It

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1765. 151

was further Voted, that the term of Time on which said Lands are
to be Leased, shall not exceed three Years

Upon a Motion made and seconded — the Question was put Viz'.
— Whether the Consideration of the Repairs of the North Battery
fchall be referred to another Meeting — Passed in ye. Negative

It was then Voted that

The Honble. Samuel Wells Esq.

James Beautineau Esq.
John Rowe Esq.
Cap'. Nathaniel Greenwood
Mr. Robert Peirpoint

be and hereby are appointed a Committee to enquire into the
present state of the North Battery, and Report their Opinion, and
what they apprehend will be the Sum necessary to put the same in
proper Repairs — Report to be made at the Adjournment of this
Meeting

Jonathan Payson Esq.
Mr. Sampson Salter
were again chose Collectors for the Year ensuing

Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to Friday the 17th. of
June next 3 O'Clock P : M :

Fryday June 1 7th. 3 O'Clock P : M Met according to Adjourn-
ment

The Town brought in their Votes for two Collectors and upon
sorting them it appear'd that

Mess™ Edward Hollyday

Edward Church
were chose Collectors of Taxes for the Year ensuing

[647.] The absence of the Chairman of the Committee ap-
pointed the 27th of May last "to enquire into the present state of
the North Battery and what will be a sum sufficient to put the
same into proper repair," having prevented said Committee from
Reporting their Opinion at this Adjournment as was desired and
intended — the Question was put Viz' — "Whether the Con-
sideratioa of this Matter shall now come on — passed in the
Affermative — The Town was then informed that their Com-
mittee were of Opinion when on the Premisses that the Battery
and Wharff should be repaired, and that the Charge thereof would
not exceed £230 — after some debate it was

Voted, That the Selectmen be and hereby are desired to repair
the North Battery and the Wharff adjoining, provided nevertheless
that the Ex pence thereof shall not exceed the Sum of Two hun-
dred and thirty Pounds lawful Money

Voted, that all Matters and Things that remain unfmish'd at
this Meeting be and hereby are referred over to the next General
Town Meeting, to be then considered and acted upon

Voted, unanimously, that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby
are given to the Honble James Otis Esq. the Moderator of this

Meeting for dispatching the Business thereof

Then the Meeting was dissolved

152 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

At a legal Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of
the Town of Boston at Faneuil Hall August 27th Anno Domini
1765

The Honble James Otis Esq. was chosen Moderator

[648.] The Town having an utter detestation of the extraor-
dinary & violent proceedings of a number of Persons unknown
against some of the Inhabitants of the same, the last Night —
Vote unanimously that the Selectmen and Majestrates of the Town
be desired to use their utmost endeavors agreable to Law to sup-
press the like disorders for the future, and that the Freeholders
and other Inhabitants will do every thing in their power to assist
them therein

Voted, That the Inhabitants of this Town will be ready on all
occasions to assist the Selectmen and Majestrates in the Suppres-
sion of all Disorders of a like nature that m;iy happen when called
upon for that purpose

Voted, That the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given
to the Honble James Otis Esq. the Moderator of this Meeting for

dispatching the Business thereof

Then the Meeting was dissolved.

At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston legally qualified and warned in publick Town
Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Thursday the 12th of
Septemr 1765.

The Warrant for calling the Meeting - - read.

The Honble James Otis was chosen Moderator

That Article in the Warrant Viz' "To confer upon "such
" Measures as shall appear necessary to be taken in consequence
44 of [649.] The Stamp Act, and other Matters of Greiveance,
"and to determine whether Instructions shall be given to the
" Representatives of the Town in General Assembly for their Con-
duct at this very alarming Cricis" — was read, whereupon
— Voted, unanimously that Instructions be given our Repre-
sentatives in General Assembly

Voted, that the Honble Samuel Wells Esq.
Richard Dana Esq.
John Rowe Esq.
Mr Samuel Adams
John Erving Jr. Esq.
Joseph Green Esq.
John Ruddock Esq.

be and hereby are Appointed a Committee to consider of what In-
structions are proper to be given the Representatives of the Town
as to their Conduct in General Court for the remainder of the

Year

On a Motion made and seconded, Voted unanimously that
The Honble James Otis Esq. the Moderator
The Gentlemen the Selectmen & Town Clerk
The Representatives of the Town, together with

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1765. 153

The Honble Samuel Wells Esq.
The HoDble Royal Tyler Esq.
The Honble Thomas 'Flucker Esq.
The Honble Thomas Ilubbard Esq.
The Honble Harrison Gray Esq.
The Honble John Krving Esq.

be and hereby are Appointed a Committee to wait upon the Honbte
Lord Adam Gorden, a Member of the British Parliament now
making the Tour of America, to Congratulate his Lordship in the
Name of the Town, upon his safe Arrival ; to express their Wishes
for his Lordships Prosperity ; and to request his kind Representa-
tions and Influence in favor of this Town and Province as his
Lordships Wisdom and Justice shall direct; particularly with Re-
gard to the new Parliamentary Regulations, that so nearly affect
the Rights as well as Trade of the American Collonies, and have
created such universal uneasiness among his Majestys loyal

[65O.] Subjects on this Continent

The Petition of Cap*. Onesiphorus Tileslon and others Trades-
men employed in repairing Faneuil Hall praying that the Town
would grant them some Relief on account of the length of Time
they have already and are still like to be out of the Mony due to

them was read and debated — whereupon

Voted, that The Honble Royal Tyler Esq.
The Honble Samuel Well Esq.
John Barrett Esq.
Ezekiel Goldthwait Esq.
Benjamin Kent Esq.
Meletiah Bourn Esq.
Samuel Grant Esq.

be and hereby are Appointed a Committee to take into considera-
tion the Accounts of the Managers of the Lotteries for the Repairs
of Faneuil Hall so far as they have been drawn as also the Accounts
of the several Tradesmen concerned in said Repairs, and that they

Report at the Adjournment of this Meeting

Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to Wednesday next 3
O'Clock P : M :

Wednesday the 18th of September 3 O'Clock P : M : Met accord-
ing to Adjournment

The Committee Appointed by the Town to wait upon Lord
Adam Gorticn, with their address — Reported — that they had
attended that service, and presented his Lordship with an attested
Copy of the Vote, to which he was pleased to return the following
Answer in Writing

Gentlemen

I find myself very sensibly obliged to you for this
Mark of Your Attention, and for the Honor you have done me by
your unanimous Address of Yesterday, for which and your good
[651.] Wishes expressed in it, I beg leave to return you my best
Thanks.

I have had much Satisfaction in the Tour I have made in British
America, and am extremely sorry to understand, there should at

154 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

this Time subsist any Uneasiness among his Majestys good Sub-
jects there ; more particularly in the Antient and Loyal Province

and Town of Boston

What little Influence I may be supposed to have, shall ever be
chearfully employed where the Interest of Great Britian & Amer-
ica are concerned, which to me seem inseperable : Having ever
been of Opinion that any Man who could wish to see a Distinction
or endeavor to Create a Difference between them, must be an

Enemy to both

I have the Honor to be with much Truth & Esteem
Gentlemen

Your Most Obedient and

Most Humble Servant
Boston September 13th 1765. AD : GORDEN

The Committee Appointed the 12th Instant on the Petition of
Onesip" Tileston and others — Report —

That the Accounts of the Managers of the Lotteries for repair-
ing Faneuil Hall so far as they have been drawn are right cast.
As to the Accounts of the Several Tradesmen concerned in said
Repairs, the Committee apprehend they have no Just cause to com-
plain of the Town should they tarry for the Mony without Interest
untill it is raised by Lottery, wbich is exactly conformable to their
Agreement with the Selectmen, and which Contract concludes with
these words Viz1 "And to wait for our pay untill the Mony is
raised by Lottery" therefore the Committee are of Opinion that
the Town do not at present make any provision or allowance

towards discharging said Accounts or any part thereof

The Committee beg leave to recommend to the Town that when
the Accounts of these Tradesmen shall have been properly liqui-
dated, and as sufficient Sums from Time to Time are raised by
Lottery to discharge them, that at the then next Meeting of the
Town, ah1 the hardships they may have suffered by the length of
Time they have laid out of their Moneys, or other ways may be
maturely weighed and such an Allowance made them by the Town

as that Time may be Judged proper

ROYAL TYLER p Order
[652.] Which Report being read and debate had thereon the

Question was put Whether the same shall be accepted —

Passed in the Affermative

It was moved and seconded that there be a reconsideration of

the above Vote, and the Question being accordingly put

Passed in the Negative

On a motion made and seconded, Voted that

Mr Samuel Adams

Mr Thomas Gray

John Rowe Esq.

Melatiah Bourn Esq.

Nicholas Boylston Esq.

be and hereby are Appointed a Committee to Liquidate the several
Accounts of the Tradesmen concerned in the Repairs of Faneuil
Hall.

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1765. 155

The Committee Appointed to draw up Instructions for the Rep-
resentatives of the Town reported the following Draft

To the Honble James Otis Esq. Thomas Gushing Esq. and Mr.
Thomas Gray.
Gentlemen

At a Time when the British American Subjects are every where
loudly complaining of arbitrary unconstitutional Innovations the
Town of Boston can not any longer remain silent without Just
Imputation and Inexcusable Neglect. We therefore the Freeholders
and olher Inhabitants being legally Assembled in Faneuil Hall, to
consider "What steps are necessary for us to take at 'this alarming
Crisis, think it proper to communicate to you our united Senti-
ments, and to give you our Instructions thereupon

It fills us with very great Concern to find, that Measures have been
Adopted by the British Ministry, and Acts of Parliament made,
which press hard upon our invaluable Rights and Privileges and
ten greatly to distress the Trade of the Province, by which we
have heretofore been able to contribute so large a share towards
the Inriching [653.] Of the Mother Country — But we are more
particularly alarmed and astonished at the Act called the Stamp
Act, by which a very grievous and we apprehend unconstitutional
Tax is to be laid upon the Colonies

By the Royal Charter granted to our Ancestors the power of
making Laws for our internal Government and of levying Taxes,
ia vested in the General Assembly : And by the same Charter the
Inhabitants of this Province are entitled to all the Rights & Privi-
leges of natural free born Subjects of Great Britain ; the most
essential Rights of British Subjects are those of being represented
in the same Body which exercises the power of levying Taxes upon
them, and of having their Property tryed by Juries ; These are
the very Pillars of the British Constitution, founded in the common
Rights of Mankind. It is certain we were in no sense represented
in the Parliament of Great Britain, when this Act of Taxation was
made : And it is nlso certain that this Law admits of our prop-
ertys being tryed in Controversies arising from internal concerns
by Courts of Admiralty without a Jury : It follows that at once it
annihilates the most valuable Privileges of our Charter, deprives
us of the most essential Rights of Britain and greatly weakens the
best securities of our Lives, Liberties and Estates ; which may
hereafter be at the disposal of Judges who may be Strangers to
us, and perhnps malicious, mercinary, corrupt and oppressive.
But admitting that we had no complaints of this Nature we should
still have reason to except against the Iniquality of these Taxes :
It is well known that the People of this Province have not only
settled this Country, but enlarged and defended the British Do-
minion in America with a vast Expence of Treasure and Blood ;
they have exerted themselves in the most distinguished services
for their King by which they have often been reduced to the great-
est distress ; And in the late War more especially by their surpriz-
ing Exertions, they have brought upon themselves a Debt almost
insupportable ; And we are well assured if these expensive services,
for which very little if any advantage hath ever accrued to them-

156 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

selves, together with the necessary Charges of supporting & de-
fending his Majestys Government here had been duly estimated,
the Moneys designd to be drawn from us by this Act, would have
appeared greatly beyond our Proportion. We look upon it as a
peculiar hardship, that when the Representative Body of this
Province had prepared and sent forward a [6.">4.] Decent Remon-
strance against these Proceedings, while they were depending in
the House of Commons, it failed of admittance there : And this
we esteem the more extraordinary, in as much as being unrepre-
sented, it was the only Method whereby they could make known
their Objections to Measures, in the Event of which their Con-
tituents were to be so deeply interested. Moreover this Act if
carried into Execution, will become a further Grieveance to us as
it will afford a Precedent for the Parliament to Tax us in all
future Time, and in all such Ways and Measures, as they shall
Judge meet without our Consent.

We therefore think it our indespensible Duty in Justice to our-
selves and Posterity, as it is our undoubted Privilege in the most
open and unreserved, but decent and respectful Terms to declare
our greatest Disatisfaction with this Law ; And we think it incum-
bent upon you by no Means to Join in any publick Measures for
countenancing and assisting in the Execution of the same : But to
use your best endeavors in the General Assembly, to have the In-
herent unalienable Rights of the People of this Province, asserted
and vindicated, and left upon the publick Records, that Posterity
may never have reason to charge the present Times with the Guilt
of tamely given them away.

It affords us the Greatest Satisfaction to hear that the Congress
proposed by the House of Representatives of this Province, is
consented to by the Representatives of most of the other Collonies
on the Continent. — We have the warmest Expectations from
the united Counsels of that very respectable Committee : And we
may with the strictest Propriety enjoin upon Mr Otis, a Member
of the same, being also one of the Representatives of this Town to
contribute the utmost of his Abelity, in having the Rights of the
Colonies stated in the clearest vein, and laid before the Parliament
and in preparing a humble Petition to the King our Sovereign and
Father, under whose Gracious Care and Protection, we have the
strongest Reason to hope, that the Rights of the Colonies in
General & the particular Charter Rights of this Province will be
confirmed and perpetuated. We further Instruct you to take
particular Care that the best ^Economy may be used in expending
the publick Moneys, and that no unaccustomed Grants may be
made to those who serve the Government — And we in general
recommend to your Care, that the Monies of the Province drawn
from the Individuals of the People at a Time when almost [G55.J
Every Avenue of our Trade is Obstructed, may not be applyed to
any other Purposes, under any Pretence of necessary Contingent
Charges, but what are evidently intended in the Act for supplying
the Treasury.

The aforegoing Report having been read several Times, and put
Paragraph I >y Paragraph : It was Voted unanimously that the
same be accepted

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1765. 157

On a Motion made and seconded it was unanimously* Voted,
that,

The Honble James Otis Esq. the Moderator
The Honble Samuel Wells Esq.
The Honble Harrison Gray Esq.
The Honble Royal Tyler Esq.

Joshua Henshtiw Esq.
John Rowe Esq.
Mr Samuel Adams

be a Committee to draw up and transmit by the first Opportunity,
to the Right Honourable General Conway, now one of his Majestys
principal Secretarys of State, and to Coll0 Isaac Barre a Member
of Parliament several Addresses, humbly expressing the sincere
Thanks of this Metropolis of his Majestys ancient and loyal
Province of the Massachusetts Bay, for their noble, generous, and
truly patriotick Speeches, at the last Session of Parliament, in
favor of the Colonies, their Rights and Privileges : And that cor-
rect Copies of the same be desired that they may be deposited
among our most precious Archives. Also Voted, that those
Gentlemens Pictures as soon as they can be obtained, be placed
in Faneuil Hall as a standing Monument to all Posterity, of the
Virtue and Justice of our Benefactors, and a lasting Proof of our

Gratitude

Voted, that the Instructions to our Representatives be printed

in the Thursdays News Papers

Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are Given to
the Honble James Otis Esq. the Moderator of this Meeting for dis»

patching the Business thereof

Then the Meeting was dissolved.

.[666.] ' At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants
of the Town of Boston legally qualified & warned in Publick Town
Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Fryday the 27th Day of
September 1765

Prayer was made by the Revd. Samuel Checkley.

The Warrant for calling the Meeting - - read.

The Precept for Choosing One Representative in the Room of
Oxenbridge Thatcher Esq. lately deceased, was read

Voted, that the Town will proceed to the choice of a suitable
Person to Represent them at the Great & General Court the re-
maining part of the Year in the room of the late Oxenbridge
Thatcher Esq. deceased

The Selectnv.'ii having declared to the Inhabitants that the Poll
would be closed at 12 O'Clock, the Inhabitants withdrew & brought
in their Votes for a Representative, and upon counting and sorting
them it appeared that the number of Votes were 572 of which John
Ruddock Esq. had 110 — John Rowe Esq. 137 — John Han-
cock Esq. 40 — and Mr Samuel Adams 247 — there being no
choice the Inhabitants were desired to withdraw again, and bring
in their Votes, which being accordingly done, it was found that

1 [The original paging here skips ten. W. H. W.]

158 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

the number of Votes were 448. and that Mr. Samuel Adams bad
265 Votes : Whereupon it was declared by the Selectmen tluit the

said Mr. Adams was duly Elected

Then the Meeting was dissolved.

At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston duly qualified and warned in publick Town Meet-
ing Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Monday the 2d Day of Novem-
ber A D 1765

[667.] Warrant for calling the Meeting - - - read.

The Honble James Otis Esq. was chosen Moderator

The Petition of a number of Inhabitants that Measures may be
taken to prevent the Disorders that sometime happen at this
Season of the Year, was read and large debate had thereon ; but
the Petitioners desire \estve of the Town to withdraw their Peti-
tion the Question was accordingly put, and passed in the Affer-
mative.

Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given to
the Honourable James Otis Esq. the Moderator of this Meeting
for dispatching the Business thereof

Then the Meeting was dissolved.

At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston duly qualified and warned in publick Town Meet-
ing Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Fry day the 15th of November
AD 1765

Warrant for calling the Meeting - - - read

The Honble Samuel Wells Esq. chosen Moderator

That Article in the Warrant. Viz*. " To determine whether they
" will choose two Collectors of Taxes for the present Year in the
" room of Mr. Edward Church and Benjamin Edes who were
" chose in May last but refuse to serve " and after Debate had
thereon the Question was put . Viz1. Whether two Collectors
shall now be chose in the room of the two who have declined
serving — Passed in the Negative

[668.] Voted, that the Gentlemen the Assessors be and
hereby are directed to deliver the Tax Books to the four Collectors,
who were chose at a late Meeting, they having given Bond and
qualified themselves as the Law directs

Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given to
the Honble Samuel Wells Esq. the Moderator of this Meeting, for
dispatching the Business thereof

Then the Meeting was dissolved.

At a legal Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of
the Town of Boston at Faneuil Hall on Wednesday the 18th. Day
of December Anno Domini 1765

Warrant for calling the Meeting - - - read.

The Honble James Otis Esq. chosen Moderator

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1765. 159

The Petition of a number of Inhabitants for calling this Meeting
was read, and after Debate had thereon
Voted unanimously that

Mr. Samuel Adams

John Rowe Esq.

Thomas Gushing Esq.

John Hancock Esq.

John Ruddock Esq.

Samuel Sewall Esq.

Joshua Henshaw Esq.

Benjamin Kent Esq.

[669.] Be and hereby are Appointed a Committee to sign and
present the following Memorial to his Excellency the Governor in,
Council ; and that

Jeremiah Gridley Esq.

James Otis Esq.

John Adams Esq.

be applyed to as Council to appear in behalf of the Town in sup-
port of said Memorial

Province of the Massachusetts Bay
To His Excellency the Governor in Council

The Memorial of the Town of Boston Humbly Sheweth

That your Memorialists having a Just Sense of the value of the
British Constitution of Government, under which they have
enjo3'ed all the Blessings of Civil Life, cannot but be deeply
affected, when the Channels through which these Blessings are
derived to us are obstructed ; which is at present our unhappy
Case. The Courts of Law within the Province in which alone Jus-
tice can be distributed among the People, so far as respects Civil
Matters are to all intents and purposes shut up, for which your
Memorialists apprehend no Just and legal Reason can be
Assigned.

We have always understood that the Law is the great rule of
Right, the Security of our Lives and Propertys, and the best Birth
right of Englishmen : Under the Apprehensions we make our
humble Applications to your Excellency in Council, with whom the
executive Power within the Province is constitutionally lodged,
that you would be pleased to give such Directions to the several
Courts and their Officers, as that under no Pretence whatever, we
may be any longer deprived of this invaluable Blessing : — And
your Memorialists pray that they may be heard upon this most im-
portant Subject by their Council learned in Law.

And as in Duty bound, they ever pray &c

Adjourned to 3 O'Clock P : M :

3 : OClock P : M : Met according to Adjournment

[67O.] Voted, that the Committee appointed to present the
above Memorial to His Excellency in Council, be desired to do it
as soon as possible, and that the Town Clerk acquaint Jeremiah
Gridley Esq. the Honble James Otis Esq. and Mr John Adams of
the Vote respecting their being apply'd to as Council to appear in
behalf of the Town in support of said Memorial

Adjourned to Satturday next 10 O'C : A : M :

100 Cixr DOCUMENT No. 88.

Saturday December 21. 1765. Met according to Adjournm*.

Mr Samuel Adams Chairman of the Committee appointed to
present the Petition of the Town to his Excellency in Council for
opening the Courts of Law within this Province — Reported —
That they had presented the same, and that the Town had been
heard thereon, by their Council Appointed for that purpose ; and
that the Governor and Council had the Subject Matter of the
Memorial now under consideration.

Adjourned to 3 OClock P : M :

3 O'Clock P : M : Met according to Adjournment.

Mr. Adams again Reported — That the Honourable the Coun-
cil had come into some Resolves 1'elative to the Memorial of the
Town to His Excellency in Council, a Copy of which had been
handed him by the Deputy Secretary, which Resolves being read
it was Voted that the same be entred upon the Town Records —

And they are as follows Viz*.

At a Council held at the Council Chamber in Boston upon Sat-
turday the 21st. Day of Decemr. 1765

The Board proceeded to the Consideration of the Memorial of
the Town of Boston, and came to the following resolves —
Viz'.

That a Question in Law necessarily arises from said Memorial,
namely, Whether the Officers of the Courts of Law can be justified
in proceeding in their respective Offices with unstamp'd [671.]
Papers, and it is thereupon — Resolved that it is the Business
of the Courts of Law to determine Points of Law, nor can the
Board with any propriety direct or advise the said Courts in such
Judgments or determination, and in this point of Law, under the
present state of the Province the Board are desirous that the said
Courts should be free in their Judgements, without any apprehen-
sion of censure from the Board, It is therefore further

Resolved, that the Subject Matter of this Memorial is not proper
for the determination of this Board nor is it in the power of the
Board to afford relief in the way and manner pray'd for, but the
Board recommend it to the Justices of the Inferior Court of Com-
mon Pleas for the County of Suffolk to determine the aforesaid
Point of Law as soon as may be, and to the other Courts within
the Province to determine it at or before their first respective
Terms.

A true Copy Att JN° COTTON D Secry.

Upon a Motion made and seconded — the Question was put
Viz' Whether the Town apprehend the above Resolves of Council
in consequence of their Memorial to His Excellency, in Council to
be satisfactory — Passed in the Negative unanimously

Adjourned to Thursday next 10 O'Clock A : M :

Thursday December 26th. 1765. Met according to Adjournment

The Town being acquainted by several Gentlemen present, that

the Courts of Probate within this Province would be opened; that

the Sheriff of the County of Suffolk had served and was ready to

serve all Writts brought to him, and that the Conrt of Common

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1766. 161

Pleas for said County next in course to sit, would meet & proceed
to Business ; and that Mr Sheriff Greanleaff and Mr. William Mul-
lineux could give the Town further satisfaction relative to these
particulars

It was therefore Voted, that Mr. Sheriff and Mr Mullineux be
desired to inform the Town respecting these Matters — Mr. Sheriff
accordingly declared that he had duly served all the Wrilts which
had been given him for service to this Day And Mr. Mullineux
that [672.] Having discoursed the Judges of the Inferior Court
he had no reason to doubt but that the aforesaid Court would at
their next Term proceed to Business as usual

Upon a Motion made and seconded — Voted that when this
Meeting be Adjourned, it shall be to Thursday the 16th Day of
January next

Stephen Greanleaf Esq. Sheriff of the County of Suffolk having
informed the Town that he and his Deputy Mr. Benjamin Cudworth
had each of them Yesterday received a Letter tending to the Dis-
order of the Town which being read at the desire of the Town, it
was thereupon

Voted, unanimously that said Letters were highly abusive and
inflamitery, and tending to the distruction of all good Order and
Government; that they abhor and detest them, and that they will
be at all Times ready to assist the Civil Majestrate and support
all Officers in the execution of their Trust according to the Laws
and usage of this Land, and also properly to reward the Person
or Persons who shall discover and detect the Author or Authors
of said Letters or either of them upon Conviction

Upon a Motion made and seconded — Voted, unanimously
That the Representatives of the Town be and they hereby are In-
structed and directed to apply to his Excellency Francis Bernard
Esq. as soon as may be, humbly to desire that the General Assem-
bly of this Province be not further prorogued

Then the Question was put — Whether the Town would now
Adjourn, which passed in the Affermative, and the Meeting was
accordingly Adjourned to Thursday the 16th. of January next 3.
O'Clock P : M :

Thursday the 16th of January 1766. Met according to Adjourn-
ment.

Mr. Adams Chairman of the Committee appointed to Liquidate
[673.] The Accounts of the several Tradesmen who repaired
Faneuil Hall, acquainted the Town that they were not then pre-
pared to make Report thereon

" Whereas the Inferior Court of Common Pleas for the County
together with the Court of Probate is now open and Business
goiug on as usual — Voted, unanimously that the Representatives
of the Town be and hereby are Instructed to use their utmost
endeavours with the General Assembly at the present Session ;
that Measures may be taken that Justice be also duly Administred
in all the Countys throughout the Province and that enquiry may
be made into the Reasons why the Courts of Justice in the Prov-
ince has been in anv Measure obstructed

162 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

It is further Voted unanimously, That the Representatives be
also Instructed, to use their Influence in the General Assembly
that proper enquiry may be made into the behavior of any Person
or Persons who by their misconduct have either contributed towards
the Difficultys we labor under respecting the Stamp Act, or have
basely neglected to use their upright and best endeavors, to re-
lieve us from those Difficultys "

Voted that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given to
the Honourable Jumes Otis Esq. the Moderator of this Meeting

for dispatching the Business thereof

Then the Meeting: was dissolved.

[674 •] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabi-
tants of the Town of Boston legally qualified and warned in pub-
lick Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Monday the 10th

Day of March Anno Domini 1766

Prayer was made by the Revd Dr Chauncy

Warrant for calling the Meeting - - - read —

Sundry Laws enjoin'd to be read at this Meeting - read

The Honble James Otis Esq. was chosen Moderator of this Meet-
ing, and took the Oath respecting his paying and reciving Bills of
Credit of the Connecticut New Hampshire and Rhode Island

Governments, as required by an Act of this Province

William Cooper was chosen Town Clerk for the Year ensuing,
and having taken the Oath respecting the Receiving and Paying
Bills of Credit of the other Governments, took the Oath of Office
for the faithful discharge of his Duty, which oaths were adminis-

tred to him by John Avery Esq

The Town proceeded to the choice of Seven Selectmen, and the

Votes being brought in and sorted it appeared that

Joshua Henshaw Esq - - - - excused
Joseph Jackson Esq - - - - Sworn
Benjamin Austin Esq - - - - excused
Samuel Sewall Esq ----- Sworn
John Ruddock Esq ----- d°
John Hancock Esq ----- d°
Mr John Winslovv ----- excused

were chose Selectmen, for the Year ensuing

[675.] Joshua Henshaw & Benjamin Austin Esq™ having

excused themselves from serving as Selectmen the Year ensuing — •

Voted unanimously that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby

are given to the said Joshua Henshaw & Benjamin Austin Esq™

for their faithful services as Selectmen some Years past

The Town brought in their Votes for two Selectmen in the room
of those Gontlemen that had excused themselves from serving, and

upon sorting them it appeared that

William Phillips Esq.
Mr Timothy Newell
were chose Selectmen for the Year ensuing

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1766. 163

The Town brought in their Votes for Twelve Overseers of the
Poor, and upon sorting them, it appeared that
John Barrett Ksq.
The Honble Royal Tyler Esq.
Mr Benjanrn Dolbear
Metatiah Bourn Esq
Isaac Smith Esq.
Mr Jonathan Mason
Joseph Gardner Esq.
Mr William Whitwell
Mr Henderson Inches
Capt Benjamin Hammett
Mr Ebenezer Storer

John Avery Esq (excused) 1 chose Page
were chose Overseers of the Poor for the Year ensuing.

The Town brought in their Votes for Twelve Wardens, and
upon sorting them it appeard that

Joseph Scott Esq - - - excused
Mr Thomas Ivers
[676.] Mr Thomas Trott

Mr Josiah Torrey
Mr Phillip Freeman
Mr Robert Gould
Cap' Jeremiah Stimson
Mr Samuel Abbott
Mr William Boardman
Mr Neal Mclntyre
Mr Benjamin Phillips
Mr Daniel Parker
were chose Wardens for the Year ensuing — (all sworn)

The Town brought in their Votes for a County Treasurer &
which were sealed up and delivered to Mr Constable Salmon to be

returned to the Court of Sessions

The Town brought in their Votes for a Register of Deeds &e.
for the County of Suffolk, which were sealed up and delivered to

Mr Constable Salmon to be returned to the Court of Sessions

The Town brought in their Votes for Sixteen Fire- Wards, and
upon sorting them it appear'd, that

Newman Grenough. Esq.
Joseph Jackson Esq. - - - excused
John Rowe Esq.
Mr. William Cooper

Mr. Samuel Austin - - - - excused
Mr. John Mico Wendell
Thomas Marshall Esq.
William Homes Esq.
Mr. Joseph Tyler
Mr. Jonathan Williams
Cap*. Adino Paddock
[677.] Mr. James Richardson

William Tayler. Esq. - - - (excused)
Cap'. William Downe Cheever

164 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

James Cunningham. Esq.
Cap4. Benjamin Waldo
were chose Fire- Wards for the Year ensuing — (all sworn)

Joseph Jackson Esq. Mr. Samuel Austin and William Ta}"ler Esq.
having excused themselves from serving the Town as Fire-Wards

the Year ensuing

Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given to
the said Joseph Jackson, Samuel Austin and William Tayler for

their faithful services as Fire- Wards, some Years past

The Votes were brought in for Town Treasurer, and upon sort-
ing them it appeard that Mr. David Jeffries was chosen, and having
taken the Oath respecting his paying and receiving Bills of Credit
of the other Governments, took the Oath of Office for the faithful
discharge of his Duty, which Oaths were admiuistred to him by

Upon a Motion made and seconded — the Question was put
"Whether Constables and Collectors shall be Chose sepperate —

Passed in the Affermative

Voted, that the Sum of Five Pounds be remitted out of the Ten
Pounds Fine, to such Person as shall be Cbose into the Office of
Constable for the Year ensuing, and shall decline serving.

The Town brought in their Votes for Twelve Constables, the
Persons chose into that Office and sworn are
Mess™. Augustus Hail
Francis Salmon
Peter Barbour
[678.] John Mein

Hugh Torbet
Eobert Gorden
James Anderson
John Stevenson
George Lindsey
James Charity
William Mc.Alpine
William Corbitt (2 more hereafter)
Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to 3 O'Clock.

3 O'Clock P : M : Met according to Adjournment

The Town brought in their Votes for One Selectman, and upon
sorting them it appear'd that

John Eowe Esq. sworn

was chosen a Selectman for the Year ensuing.

The Petition of the Collectors of Taxes for 1765 was read and
after Debate had thereon

Voted, that said Petitioners be and hereby are allowed the Sum
of Nine Pence on the Pound as a Premium on the Monys by them
Collected the last Year ; a former Conditional Vote notwithstand*.
Voted, that the Sum of Nine Pence on the Pound be and hereby
is allowed to such Persons as shall be chose Collectors of Taxes
for the Year ensuing, for all such Sums as they shall Collect, pro-
vided they pay into the Town Treasury one half part of the whole
Sum they are obliged to pay him, within four Months from the
Time they receive the Tax Books from the Assessors, and the
other halt' part in Three Months after ; and also pay into the

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1766. 105

Province and County Treasuries One half part of the whole Sum
they shall be obliged to pay them [679.] Respectively in Seven
Months from the Time they shall receive the Tax Books from the
Assessors as aforesaid, and the other half part in Five Mouths
after; and in case either of said Collectors shall fail paying in the
manner aforesaid, the Col'ector so failing shall not be entitled to
the aforesaid Allowance of Nine Pence on the Pound ; but wholly
forfeit the same ; provided also that each of said Collectors give
Bond with sufficient Sureties to the satisfaction of the Selectmen,
for the faithful discharge of their Duty in said Office, and comply-
ing with this Vote

Voted, that the Selectmen shall have a discretionary Power as to
the payment of the Collectors Premium for the Year ensuing any

former Vote notwithstanding

The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for Four Collectors of
Taxes, and upon sorting them it appear'd that
Jonathan Pay son Esq.
Mr. Sampson Salter
Mr. Edward Holly day
Mr. Samuel Ruggles. Junr. (all Sworn)

were chose into that Office

The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for Seven Assessors, and
upon sorting them it appeared that

Mess™. William Fairfield
John Kneeland
Benjamin Church
Belcher Noyes Esq.
Mr. William Torrey
Mr. Jonathan Brown
Mr. Daniel Pecker

were chose Assessors for the Year ensuing

The Petition of sundry Inhabitants "That some Measures may
[68O.] Be taken for the more effectually regulating of Bakers
Bread" was read — After Debate had thereon it was moved that
said Petition be dismist, and the Question being accordingly put

— Passed in the Affermative

The Town brought in their Votes for Twelve Clerks of the
Market, and upon sorting them it appear'd that

Mess". John Welch - excused

Paul Revear - d°.

Adam Colson - Sworn

Thomas Crafts - excused

James Thompson - - sworn

Bartho. Kneeland - d°.

Joseph Webb - - - d°.

John Lovel - ... d°.

Nicholas Bowes ... excused
Elisha Eaton - d°.

Thomas Symms Sworn

Robert Jenkins Tertius - - d°.

were chose Clerks of the Market for the Year ensuing — 5 more
Mr. John Gray

1G6 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

was chosen Surveyor of Hemp for the Year ensuing

Mess™. William Nichols

Andrew Symms

Clement Collins

Henry Allen

Isaac Vergoose

John Grenough

Jacob Thayer

Joseph Edmunds

John Skillins
[681»] John Sergeant

Richard Walker Mem. all sworn.

John Champney
were chose Surveyors of Boards and Shingles for the Year ensu

ing

Mess™. Samuel Dyer sworn

John Dyer

Obediah Low

John Joy sworn

William Crafts d°.

were chose Fence Viewers for the Year ensuing.
Mess™. Ebenezer MMntosh

Samuel Bangs

William Andrews

John Shepherd

William Stevenson

were chose Sealers of Leather for the Year ensuing, & all sworn
Mess™. Nathaniel Gardner

Samuel Whitwell

were chose Informers of Deer for the Year ensuing

Mess™. Peter Cotta - - Sworn

Manesseh Masters d°.

Joseph Dyer d°.

John Harskins

David Spear

Nathan Spear

Jonathan Jenkins

Samuel Treat

Robert Brick Junr.
[683.] Job Wheelwright

Joshua Pico

Benjamin Salt - Sworn

Paul Baxter

John Owen

Thomas Knox

Samuel White - d°.

Edward Cowell - - d°.

Edward Potter - - d°.

Peter Ellis d°.

Timothy Pease - d°.

Robert Treat - - d°.

Nathaniel Waterman d°.

Jacob Williams - - d°.

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1766. 167

were chose Cullers of Staves &c. for Year ensuing

Mess™. David Simens

Thomas Curtis sworn

were chose Hogreeves for the Year ensuing

Mr. Edward Curtis - - d°»

was chosen Hay ward for the Year ensuing

Mess™. Benjamin Edes

Thomas Chase - Sworn

Benjamin Homans d°.

William Rogers d°.

Jolly Allen. d°.

John Adams d°.

Nathaniel Cobbet d°.

Jeremy Webb d°.

Andrew Boardman d°.

Robert Williams d°.

[683.] Clement Jackson

Daniel Eveleigh

were chose Scavingers for the Year ensuing

The Selectmen

were chose Surveyors of High Ways for the Year ensuing

Mess™. John Green and David Wheeler having at their own cost
and charge, built and compleated a Fire Engine, which upon tryal
does honor to the Country as well as the Constructors ; the use
thereof on all occasions by means of Fire that may happen they
now offer the Town, provided they will keep the same in good re-
pair, and allow the Men belonging thereto, the Exemptions and
Privileges indulged the other Engine-Men — It is therefore Voted
that the Town do accept of the said generous proposal, and
that the said Master and Men when approved by the Selectmen,
be and hereby are excused and exempted from all such Duty, and
Entitled to all such Privileges and Allowances, as are the other
Engine Men, and this so long as the Town shall be obliged and
served with the use of said Engine
Voted that Mess™. John Muffatt

Ezekiel Price

Thomas Gray

John Boy Is ton

Nicholas Boylston

be and they hereby are appointed a Committee to Audit the
Accounts of Mr. Treasurer Jeffries, and also the Accounts of the
Overseers of the Poor, and the said Committee are injoin'd to inspect
every particular Account of the Moneys expended for the use of the
Alms house ; they are also impowered when they shall Audit said
Accompts, to allow such of the Overseers as shall advance Moneys
for the relief of the Poor, Interest on all such Sums from the Time

so Advanced, till they shall have Audited said Accompts

[684.] The Selectmen Reported on the Accompt of Mr John
Fenno Keeper of the Granary for the Year past, which Accompt as
entred in his Books (and on File in the Town Clerks Office) was
read — whereupon it was Voted, that the same be accepted, and
that Mr. Fenno be accountable to the Town for 300 Bushels of

168 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

Indian Corn and forty Bushels of Rye Meal amounting to
£51 ,, 13 ,, 4 and also for the Sum of £273 ,, 18 ,, 1£ Cash now
in his Hands, exclusive of the Sum of £26 ,, 13 ,,4 for his Salary
and Assistance, as charged in his Accompt which is hereby

allowed him

William Phillips Esq.
Joseph Jackson Esq.
William Homes Esq.

were chose Purchasers of Grain for the Year ensuing ; and they
are desired and impowered to give all needful Directions to the
Keeper of the Granary respecting the Quantity of Grain to be

sold and affixing the price ihere'of from Time to Time

Mess" Martin Gay

John Skinner

were chose Assay Masters for the Year ensuing
John Tuder Esq.
Mr. John White

were chose Surveyors of Wheat for the Year ensuing

Voted that the Consideration of Schoolmasters Salarys and all
other Salarys and Grants, be referred to next May Meeting.
Adjourned to Tuesday Morning 10. O'Clock. A M :

Tuesday Morning 10 O'Clock A : M : Met according to Adjourn-
ment

[685.] A Letter from the Town of Plymouth directed to the
Town Clerk of Boston in order to be laid before the Town at their
present Meeting was accordingly laid before them, and is as fol-
lows — Vizt

To the Respectable Inhabitants of the Town of Boston
Gentlemen

At a Time when the Rights and Liberties of this Country are
invaded, and the Inhabitants threatned with the Loss of every
Thing that is dear to them, when they are embarrassed with every
distress that is the never failing consequence of Slavery and Pov-
erty, no Man of Society of Men, who are Sharers in the common
Calamity (unless totally destitute of every Spark of Public Virtue
and Patriotism) can remain unfealing and inactive Spectators, but
must be ready on all Occasions to bless the Hearts which feel, and
the Hands that exert themselves to avert the Evils threatned, and
to restore that happiness which constantly attends the full Enjoy-
ment of Natural and Constitutional Rights and Liberties

We therefore the Inhabitants of the Town of Plymouth, ani-
mated with a Spirit of publick Virtue and Love of our Country, as
well as Gratitude to all our Benefactors, and more especially to
such as have distinguished themselves in the Common Cause of
their Country in this Day of Distress and Difficulty, and being As-
sembled in Town Meeting for that purpose, as a publick Testimony
of our Esteem and Gratitude, beg you to accept our united and
general Thanks for the invariable Attachment you have on all Oc-
casions and particularly the present shown to the Principles of
Liberty, and for the vigorous Exertions of your Loyal and Legal
Endeavours to secure to our Country the uninterrupted Enjoyment

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1766. 169

of that Blessing, & to transmit the same intire and perfect to the
latest Poterity — Instances of this much to your Honor and the
Interest of your Country, Distinguish'd by the unerring Marks of
Disinterestedness and Generosity crowd upon our Minds on this
Occasion : But to avoid the imputation of Prolixity permit us to
single out a few which are recent, and must readily occur to every
one Mind, and which are sufficient of themselves to Justify our
Sentiments and merit the Gratitude of every Well-wisher to his
Country.

[686.] The new Regulations with Regard to Mourning which
has not only saved this Countiy, a great and needless Expence,
and in a manner abolished a rediculous Pagentry, but produced
Consequences in our Mother Country very beneficial to us ; and all
principally at your Expeuce, as your Merchants were the principal
Importers and Venders of those Articles ; A Measure which at the
same Time that it reflects a Lustre upon your Conduct shews by
the Success of it, that the People of this Country have Virtue
enough to prefer its Interests to any Fashion that may stand in
compition with it, however establish'd by long Custom and very
particular Prejudices

The Opposition you have at all Times made, both to the Forreign
& Domestick Invasion of our Rights ; and particular the Legal &
Warrantable Measures you have taken to prevent the Execution of
the Stamp Act in this Province

The Spirited and noble Application you have made to have the
Custom Houses and Courts of Justice opened in this Province
upon which our wellfare Peace and Trauquility so much
depend

The Testimony }*ou have from first to last born against and the
abhorrence you have expressed of all outrageous Tumults and
Illegal proceedings, and their Consequences, and the Measures
very early taken to restore Tranquility, and the security of Prop-
erty in your Town, the Capital of this Province ; and the good
Example thereby given to the other Towns of that love of Peace
and good order which influenced you, and which we think sufficient
to destroy all those injurious reflections the work of some Peoples
Imaginations ; and from which they affect to draw Consequences
not only disadvantageous to you, but to the whole Country.

To conclude, that you and your Posterity ma}' ever be possessed
of the full Enjoyment of that Liberty you have so laudably
asserted, and contended for ; that your Trade and Commerce the
Source of Riches and Oppulence to this Country, maybe extended
and flourish ; that you may ever continue to deserve and have the
Justice done you to be possessed of the Love and Esteem of your
Fellow Country Men who renouncing that Solecism in Politicks,
which arise from an unnatural Distinction between Landed and
Commercial Interests shall exert themselves to encourage your
Hearts [687.] And strengthen your Hands are the sincere
Wishes and ardent Prayers of your Fellow Subjects to the best of
Kings, your Fellow Sufferers in the Calamity s of this Country, and
your Fellow Labourers in the Vine Yard of Liberty

THE INHABITANTS OF THE TOWN OF PLYMOUTH.

170 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

The Town having Considered of the Subject Matter of the above
Letter, it was Voted, that Mr Samuel Adams

John Ruddock Esq.
John Hancock Esq.

be a Committee to draw up a Letter of Thanks to the Town of
Plymouth.

That Article of the Warrant Viz* " To consider of a Proposal of
the Overseers of the Poor, that the Towns Land North of the
Almshouse may be improved for the use of said House " was read,
and the Question being put — Whether said Land shall be im-
proved by the Overseers of the Poor for the use of the Alms-
house — Passed in the Affermative

Upon a Motion made and seconded — Voted, that the Select-
men be desired to Examine the Claims of those Persons that dis-
pute the Towns Tittle to part of the Land near the Almshouse ;
and that they endeavor for an amicable Settlement of any such
dispute.

That Article in the Warrant Viz4 — " To consider what is
proper to be done relative to Land near the South Market, the
use of which was granted to Cap* Theophilus Frary, His Heirs &c
for Seventy Years from the Year 169o — which is now in the
Occupation of Mr Robert Hews" — was read, whereupon Voted,
that this Matter be left to the consideration of the Selectmen, who
are desired to Report at the Adjournment

The Petition of sundry Inhabitants for paving Bear Lane was
read, — after debate had thereon

Voted, that the Town will pay One third part of the Expence
of paving said Lane when compleated to the satisfaction of the
Selectmen

[688.] The Petition of John Child late Sealer of Leather
" that he may be Reimbursed by the Town the Charges incurred
by sustaining several Suits at Law on Account of Shoes seized by
him &c " was read — and after debate had -thereon.

Voted, that the said Mr Child's Loss be made good by the Town,
after his Accompts shall be Examined, and properly Liquidated
by the Selectmen

Voted, that the Assessors be and hereby are impowered and
directed to set for the Abatement of such Taxes as they shall
Judge reasonable on every Thursday till the first Thursday in
April inclusive and no longer, saving that they be allowed to set
the two last Weeks in November for the Abatement of the Taxes
of such Persons as had not an Opportunity of applying on the
above limitted Time, by reason of their being out of the Province ;
at which Time they are also allowed & impowered to abate the
Taxes of such Persons as may have died Insolvent or become
Bankrupts between the said last Thursday in April and the last
Day of November

The Committee Appointed the 18th of September last to Liqui-
date the Accompts of tl e several Tradesmen concerned in the
Repairs of Faneuil Hall - - - Reported — That having care-
fully Examined the following Accompts they are of Opinion that
they are Jusl and reasonaole. and the several Persons are at this

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1766.

171

Time Entitled to the Payment of their Respective Demands —
Viz'.

Mr. Samuel Ruggles ---------

<i_ 1 £O t 1

451 ,
319
337
48
170
40
130
42
32
12
82,
6,

, U ,, A

, 14 „ 6

17 ,,3
14 ,,9
19 ,, 2£
-,,7
10 ,,9
10 ,,4
4,, 0£
14 ,,8
18 „ 54
, 6 ,, 8
> 5 ,, —

Mr. Josiah Waters ----------
Mr. Edward Winter ---------

[689.] Mr. Joseph Shed
Mr. Timothy Thornton --------

Mr. John McLean --

Besides which there is an Accompt of Mr.
Henry Christian Geyer amount* to £173 ,, 4 ,,
Of Mr. Ebenezer Messinger - - 48 ,, — ,,

£2963 „ 2 „ 42
1

Of which the Committee have not had

Opportunity of being satisfied

And John Scollay Esq. his Accompt 387

17 ,,3

609

£3572

3 ,,8

Which being already fully discharged the Committee did not
take under their Consideration

After Debate had upon the above Report, it was Voted that the
same be accepted

Upon a Motion made and seconded, Voted, That the Trades-
men concerned in the Repairs of Faneuil Hall, shall for the
amount of that part of said Repairs, which is not included in their
Contract with the Town, have their Drafts on the Treasury for
the respective Sums due to them, and that they be allowed Inter-
est thereon from the Date of said Drafts untill the Time of Pay-
ment. — It was further Voted, that what appears to be now due
to the several Tradesmen to balance their Accompts, they shall
receive Interest for, and that the Moneys arising from the Rents
of Faneuil Hall Market, shall be appropriated to the discharge of
the Principal and Interest of said Debts, untill the whole be paid
by the Mony raised by Lotterys, and by the Income of said
Market.

Voted, that the Committee Appointed to Liquidate said Trades-
mens Accompts be desired to compleat the Business, by Liquidat-
ing such of those Accompts as were omitted ; Their Report to be
laid before the Town at their Adjournment, and that Mr. Edward
Payne be added to [69O.] Said Committee in the room of John
Rowe Esq. who declines serving.

That Article in the Warrant Viz* — "To consider of the Desire
of a number of the Inhabitants that some Agreement may become

172 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

into not to purchase any Lamb before a particular Time affixed by

the Town " was read — whereupon

Voted, that Mr. Nathaniel Holmes

Samuel Swift Esq.

Mr. Samuel Dcmming

Mr. John Pidgeon

Mr. Joseph Belknap

Cap'. Daniel Malcomb

Mr. Robert Peirpoint

Mr. John Ruggles

Thomas Daws Esq.

Thomas Marshall Esq.

Mr. John Ballarcl

Mr. John Mico Wendell

be and hereby are appointed a Committee to draw up such an
Agreement as the Petitioners desire, and to procure Subscriptions

accordingly

Adjourned to Monday 24th. Instant 10 O'Clock A : M :

Monday March 24th. Met according to Adjournment.

Mess" John Simkins -------- Sworn

James Bridgham d°.

Benjamin Peirpoint

Jonas Clarke -------- d°.

Ziphion Thayer -------- d°.

were chose Clerks of the Market for the Year ensuing

John Avery Esq. chosen an Overseer of the Poor, having
[691.] Been excused from serving in that Office.

Voted, unanimously that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby
are given to the said John Avery Esq. for his faithful services as

an Overseer of the Poor, the last Year

The Town brought in their Votes for one Warden, and upon
sorting them it appeared that

John Leveret Esq.
was chosen a Warden for the Year ensuing.

The Town brought in their Votes for Three Fire- Wards, and
upon sorting them it appeard, that
John Hancock Esq.

Mr. Samuel Adams - - - - Sworn
Mr. Francis Shuw ----- <J°.

were chose Fire Wards for the Year ensuing

The Town brought in their Votes for One Overseer of the Poor
and upon sorting them it appear'd, that,

Mr. William Greanleaff

was chosen an Overseer of the Poor for the Year ensuing

The Committee appointed to make answer to the Letter from
the Town of Plymouth, Reported the following Draft

To the Inhabitants of the Town of Plymouth
Gentlemen

The Inhabitants of the Town of Boston legally assembled
in Faneuil Hall have received with singular pleasure, your respect-
ful Address of the 16th. of January last: The warm Sentiments

BOSTON TOWN EECORDS, 1766. 173

of public Virtue which you therein express is a sufficient Evidence,
that the most ancient Town in New England to whose Predeces-
sors this Province in a particular manner is so greatly indebted
for their nccessaiy Aids in its original [692.] Settlement still
retain the truly noble Spirit of our renowned Ancestors — When
we recollect the ardent love of Religeon and Liberty, which in-
spired the Breasts of those Worthys ; which induced them at the
Time when Tyranny had laid its oppressive Hand on Church and
State in their Native Country, to forsake their fair Possessions
and seek a Retreat in ihis distant Part of the Earth — When
we reflect upon their early care to lay a soiled Foundation for
Learning, even in a Wilderness, as the surest if not the only
Means of preserving and cherishing the Principles of Liberty
and Virtue, and transmitting them to us their Posterity, our
Mind is filled with deep Veneration, and we bless and revere
their Memory.

When we consider the immense Cost and Pains they were at in
subduing, cultivating, and settling this Land, with the utmost
Peril of their Lives ; and the Surprizing increase of Dominion
Strength and Riches, which has accrued to Great Britian by their
Expence & Labour we confess we feel an honest Indignation to
think there ever should have been any among her Sons, so un-
grateful as well as unjust and Cruel as to seek their Ruin

Instances of this too frequently occur in the past History of our
Country : The Names of Randolph, of Andross and others are
handed down to us with Infamy ; And the Times in which we live,
even these very Times, may furnish some future Historian with a
Catalogue of those, who look upon our rising Greatness with an
envious Eye ; and while we and our Sister Colonies, have been
exerting our growing Strength in the most substantial services to
the Mother Country, by Art and Intrigue have wickedly attempted
to deceive her into Measures to enslave us — If then Gentlemen,
the Inhabitants of this Metropolis, have discovered an invariable
Attachment to the Principles of Liberty, when it has been invaded :
If they have made the most vigorous Exertions for our Country
when she has been threatned with the Loss of every Thing that
has been dear : If they have used their utmost Endeavors that
she may be relieved from those Difficulties, with which She is at
this Time embarrassed ; If they have taken the Legal and war-
rantable Measures to prevent that [693.] Misfortune of all
others the most to be dreaded, the Execution of the Stamp Ac.t;
and as a necessary Means of preventing it, have made any Spirited
Applications for opening the Custom House and Courts of Justice ;
If at the same Time they have bore their Testimony against out-
rageous Tumults and illegal proceedings, and given any Example
of the Love of Peace & good order next to the consciousness of
having done their Duty is the Satisfaction of meeting with the
Approbation of any of their Fellow Countrymen

That the Spirit of our venerable Forefathers, may revive and
be defused through every Community in this Land : That Libertv
Civil and Religeons, the grand Object of their View, may still be
felt enjoy'd & vindicated by the present Generation, and the fair

174 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

Inheritance, transmitted to our latest Posterity, is the fervent wish

of the Metropolis — Submitted by

SAMUEL ADAMS
JOHN RUDDOCK
JOHN HANCOCK

Voted, that the same be accepted, and that the Town Cleric be
& he hereby is directed to transmit as soon as may be to the Town
Clerk of Plymouth, a fair attested Copy thereof, in order to its
being laid before said Town ; and that the samo be published in
the Publick Prints

Upon a Motion made and seconded, Voted, that there be two
Persons chose as Constables for this Town in addition to the
twelve already chose and sworn into that Office

The Town brought in their Votes for two Constables, and upon
sorting them it appear'd that

Mess". Abiel Ruddock - - Excused

James Thomas - d°.

were chose Constables

Mess™ Benjamin Clark

John Kilbey
were chose Constables for the Year ensuing

[694.] Mr. Samuel Turner

was chose a Surveyor of Boards for the Year ensuing

It was moved and seconded that the Town reconsider their
Vote relative to Mr. Childs Petition, and after some Debate had
thereon it was Voted, that this Motion be taken up and considered
at the next General Town Meeting

The Representatives of the Town having expressed their Desire
of being Instructed by their Constituents relative to the expe-
diency of a Repeal or amendment of the Bankrupt Act, the Con-
sideration of which is to come before the General Court at their
next Session — It was

Voted, that the Selectmen be desired to warn a Meeting of the
Inhabitants that the Sense of the Town may be taken respecting
this Matter, if it should appear to them that the General Assem-
bly is like to meet at the Time to which they stand Adjourned ; or
in case of a dissolution of the Court, that they have an Article in
the Warrant for next May Meeting for this special purpose

Voted that all Matters and Things that remain uufinish'd at
this Meeting be and hereby are referred over to the General Town
Meeting in May next, to be then considered of and acted upon

Voted, unanimous!}1, that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby
are given to the Honourable James Otis Esq. the Moderator of
this Meeting, for dispatching the Business thereof

Then the Meeting was dissolved.

A considerable Number of the Inhabitants of this Town Assem-
bled at Faneuil Hall on Tuesday the 1st. Day of April Anno :
Domini 17G6

The Honourable James Otis Esq. was chosen Moderator of the
Meeting

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1766. 175

The Moderator then acquainted the Assembly, that the. prob-
ability of very soon receiving authentic Accounts of the absolute
Repeal of the Stamp Act. had occasioned the present Meeting ;
and as this would be an Event in which the Inhabitants of this
Metropolis, as well as all North America, would have the greatest
Occasion of Joy, it was thought expedient by many, that this
Meeting should come into Measures for fixing the Time when
those Rejoicings should be made, and the manner in which they
should be conducted — whereupon it was

Voted, That the Selectmen be desired when they shall hear the
certain News of the Repeal of the Stamp Act. to fix upon a Time
for general Rejoicings ; and that they give the Inhabitants season-
able Notice in such Manner as they shall think best

Then the Meeting was dissolved.

At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston legally qualified and warned in Publick Town
Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Monday the 21st. Da}* of
April Anno Domini. 1766

The Honourable James Otis Esq. was chosen Moderator of
[696.] This Meeting, and took the Oaths required by an Act
of this Province

After the Warrant for calling the Meeting had been read —
Some Resolves of the House of Commons relative to American
Affairs, as also sundry Extracts from late Letters received from
England were also read

After which the Town took into consideration the Article in the
"Warrant for calling the Meeting. (Viz1) To agree on such Meas-
ures of Conduct as may be proper when we shall receive certain
advice of the Repeal of the Stamp Act — whereup

Voted, That the Selectmen be desired when they shall have a
certain account of the Repeal of the Stamp Act to Notify the In-
habitants of the Time they shall fix upon for the general Rejoic-
ings & to publish the following Vote — Viz*.

Under the deepest Sense of Duty and Loyalty to our most
gracious Sovereign King George, and in respect and Gratitude to
the present Patriotick Ministry, Mr. Pitt, and the Glorious Major-
ity of both Houses of Parliament, by whose Influence under
Divine Providence against a most strenuous Opposition, a happy
Repeal of the Stamp Act so unconstitutional as well as grievous
to his Majestys good Subjects of America is attained, whereby
our incontestable Right of Infernal Taxation still remains to us
inviolate — Voted, that at the Time the Selectmen shall ap-
point, every Inhabitant be desired to Illuminate his Dwelling
House, and that it is the Sense of the Town, that the Houses of
of the Poor, as well as those where there are sick Persons and all
such parts of Houses as are used for Stores together with the
Houses of those (if there are any) who from certain Religeous
Scruples cannot conform to this Vote, ought to be protected from
all Injury ; and that all Abuses and Disorders on the Evening for

176 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

Rejoycings by breaking Windows, or otherwise, if any should

happen, be prosecuted by the Town

Upon a Motion made and seconded Voted unanimously, [697.]
That the Majestratcs of the Town ; The Selectmen ; Fire-NVards ;
Constables and Engine Men, be desired to use their utmost
Endeavours to prevent any Bone-Fires being made in any part of
this Town, also the throwing of Rockets, Squibs, and other Fire
Works in any of the Streets of said Town except the Time that
shall be appointed for general Rejoicings, and that the Inhabitants
be desired for the present to restrain their Children and Servants

from going abroad on Evenings

Upon a Motion made and seconded, Voted, That for the Security
of the Powder House on the Night of general Rejoicings the Select-
men be desired to Order two of the Fire Engines into the Common
to be placed near said Magazine : and that the Roof thereof be
well wet ; and that the Air Holes be stop't with Mortar and Brick

or otherwise as they may Judge proper

Upon a Motion made and seconded, Voted, that

The llonble. John Erving Esq.

John Rowe P^sq.

Mr. Samuel Adams

John Hancock Esq.

The Honble. Royal Tyler Esq.

Thomas Gushing Esq.

Joshua Henshaw Esq.

be and hereby are appointed a Committee to take into Considera-
tion and Report at May Meeting, what they think may be further
necessary for the Town to do, in order to testify their Gratitude to
those Patriots on the other side of the Water to whose Endeavors
it is owing that the Liberties of America are secured, and Love
and Harmony between his Majestys Subjects in Great Britain and
the Colonies, is perpetuated, by the happy Repeal of the Stamp

Act

Voted, unanimously, that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby
[698.] are given to the Honble. James Otis Esq. the Moderator of

this Meeting for dispatching the Business thereof

Then the Meeting was dissolved.

At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston legally qualified and warned in publick Town
Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Tuesday the 6th. Day of
May Anno Domini. 1766

Prayer was made by the Revd. Mr. Pemberton

The Precept and Warrant for calling the Meeting - - read

Sundry Laws ------ Read

Coll0. Joseph Jackson Esq. one of the Selectmen proposed in
their Name to the Inhabitants Assembled to proceed to the choice
of one or more Persons to Represent them in the Great and
General Court or Assembly to be held at Boston upon Wednesday
the 28th. Day of May Current ; and in order thereto to consider

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1766. 177

and ascertain the number of Gentlemen to be Elected ; accordingly
it was Voted to proceed to the choice of Four Representatives, and
then it was declared by the Selectmen, that no Votes will be re-
ceived but such as are unfolded, & that they propose the Poll shall
be closed at 12 O'Clock"

The Votes being brought in the Number of Votes were found to
be 746, and upon sorting them it appeared that the Four following
Gentlemen were chose — Viz'.

[699.] The Honble. James Otis Esq. - - - - 642

Thomas Gushing Esq. ------676

Mr. Samuel Adams -------691

John Hancock Esq. -------437

The choice of Representatives being over, and declared by the
Selectmen, the Inhabitants were directed to withdraw, and bring
in their Votes for a Moderator of this Meeting in order that the
Town may proceed in transacting the other Affairs mentioned in
the Warrant ; accordingly the Inhabitants withdrew, and brought
in their Votes and upon sorting them it appeared, that the Honble.
James Otis Esq. was chosen

Mr. Thomas Gray having excused himself from serving as a
Representative, Voted unanimously, that the Thanks of the Town
be and hereby are given to the said Gentleman for his faithful ser-
vices as a Representative of this Town in General Assembly, some
Years past

Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to 3. O'Clock. P : M :

3 O'Clock P : M : Met according to Adjournment.

The Petition of a number of Inhabitants " for Paving the Street
leading from Water Street into Milk Street " — was read, and
after debate had thereon

Voted, that the Town be at the Expence of Forty Five Pounds
"towards paving said Lane, the Land having been given by one of
the Petitioners, provided the rest is made up by Subscription, and
the Paving compleated to the Satisfaction of the Selectmen

The following is the Copy of a Letter from Coll0. Barree, Mem-
ber of Parliament to James Otis Esq. as Chairman of the Commit-
tee appointed to transmit him the Thanks of the Inhabitants of
this Metropolis, for [7OO.] His Patriotick Speech at the last
Session of Parliament in favor of the Colonies, which was laid

before the Town by said Mr. Otis

Sir

It is with the highest Sense of the Honor done me I acknowl-
edge the Receipt of your Letter dated Boston New England
September 20th. with the unanimous resolution of the committee
inclosed containing expressions of approbation from the Metropolis
of His Majestys ancient and loyal Province of the Massachusetts
Bay, which are exceeding flattering to me — During the last
war, the course of my profession gave me frequent and pleasing
opportunities of observing attentively the spirit, loyalty, and
attachment of his Majestys North American Subjects, in support
of a war begun in defence of the limits of North America, and
continued to the honor and immortal glory of this Nation in every
part of the world.

178 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

My natural attachment to this country, a regard to its most
solid interests, to its improvements in time of peace (which so
greatly depends on the establishing our late extended commerce
upon those generous and steady principles, which a happy experi-
ouce, and the information of those most materially concerned can
suggest) and to the uniting of our strength in case of any future
rupture, has and will ever make me desirous of promoting every
measure that may contribute to those good effects, and of strongly
deprecating those of a contrary tendency. My conduct in Parlia-
ment so obligingly referr'd to, being the real sentiments of my
heart, was the natural result of those considerations. The terms
in which they were delivered were such as the particular circum-
stances of time and place first suggested, and such as I cannot
possibly at this distance charge my memory with. They were not
premeditated, nor are they perhaps worthy to be remembred. I
must therefore beg your meditation Sir, with the respectable body
whose pen you hold, to excuse my troubling them with an imper-
fect repetition of words in themselves of little use in North
America. But if there should be any call for the like exertions in
Europe. I beg leave thro. [7O1.] Your means to assure them
that no consideration shall make me forget my duty, whensoever
an occasion presents itself, of promoting to the utmost of my
ability s, the united interest of Great Britain and her Colonies

As long as the Inhabitants of Massachusetts Bay will continue
to regard the motives of my conduct, and not the consequences, 1
do not despair of retaining, what I shall ever esteem among the
greatest rewards, their approbation, of which I cannot have a
more honourable or distinguishing mark than that contaiu'd in the
last part of their resolution. A flattering request which I shall
comply with as soon as possible

My being abroad the whole summer prevented me from having-
the Honor of receiving your letter sooner than the end of december ;
this circumstance 1 beg may be communicated to the gentlemen of
the committee and to your respectable fellow citizens : At the
same time you will accept I hope of rny sincere thanks, for your
very polite manner of communicating to me their sentiments, and
for the trouble you have had on this occasion. 1 am with the
greatest respect and personal regard

Sir

Your most obedient and
most humble Servant

London Janr. 11. 17G6 ISAAC BAKREE

To the Honble. James Otis Esq.

Mr. Otis also laid before the Town a Letter he had Just received
from the Right Honorable General Conway one of his Majestys

principal Secretarys of State ; the following is a Copy thereof

S*. James's November 10. 1765.
Sir

I had the favor of your Letter of 20th. of September last, trans-
mitting to me the Thanks of the Town of Boston for a Speech
made l>y me, last Session of Parliament, in favor of the Colonies.
Though I am [7O2.] Persuaded, Sir, the Honor done me on this

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1766. 179

Occasion is such as my feeble Efforts in a Question, where the
Interest of the Colonies were concerned, could give me little pre-
tentious to ; I cannot however be less sensible of this singular
Mark of Distinction from the Inhabitants of Boston : I must there-
fore beg thro' you, Sir, to return them my humble Thanks for this
extraordinary Honor, and to assure them that my sincere and
earnest Endeavours shall never be wanting to promote the Well-
fare of the British Colonies ; persuaded that I can give no stronger
Proof of Zeal for this Country, whose Interest I hold to be in-
eepparable from those of her Provinces ; and that no true Friend to
either can wish to sow or to encourage any Principles of Disgust
or Division between them

In regard to the Copy of my Speech which they do me the
Honor to ask for, I must beg you, Sir, to make my excuse, as it
has never been my Custom to commit to writing any weak
Thoughts, I may presume at any Time to offer to Parliament ; nor
if it were possible at this Distance of Time, to recollect the
Arguments I might have used could I think what I said on the
Occasion they alude to, by any means worthy of their Attention
or Acceptance.

The Honor done to me by the Gentlemen of Boston, in their
Intention of allowing my Picture a Place in the Faueuil Hall, is
such that I cannot but acknowledge with much Gratitude, as a
singular Proof of their favourable Opinion : And since they are
pleased to think it worth their Acceptance, the}* may depend upon
my obeying their Commands upon that Subject

I must beg leave to add to this my particular Thanks, for the
very polite manner in which you have been pleased to communicate
to me the above Resolutions, and to assure you of the greatest

Esteem with which I am

Sir

Your most humble

and obed'. Servant

H. S. CON WAY

[7O3.] Upon considering that Clause in the Warrant. (Viz4.)
" To determine whether the Ground on the South Side and East
End of the Market shall be paved "It was

Voted, that the Selectmen be desired to Pave and Repair so
much of the Ground within the Market Rails, at the South and
East Side of the Market as they may Judge proper

The Committee appointed to open a Subscription for raising
Moneys for Building and Endowing a Bedlam Reported — where-
upon Voted that said Report lay upon the Table

Upon consideration of that Clause in the VVarr'. (Viz*.) ''That
the Sense of the Town may be known respecting the late Honblc.
Thomas Hancock Esq. Donation towards Building a Bedlam."
Voted, that Foster Hutchinson Flsq.
Ezekiel Goldthwait Esq.
John Ruddock Esq.
William Phillips Esq.
Melatiah Bourn Esq.
be and hereby are appointed a Committee to take this Matter into

180 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

Consideration, and Report what is proper to be done by the Town,

at the Adjournment of this Meeting .

Upon consideration of that Clause in the Warrant. (Viz1.) " To

determine what steps shall be taken relative to the Bankrupt Act "

Voted, that it be an Instruction to the Representatives of this

Town in General Assembly, that they move for a Repeal of the

present Bankrupt Act

Voted, that this Representatives move that any Bill relative to
Bankrupts, that shall be brought into the House, be laid before
the Town before it shall be passed into a Law — It was further
[7O4.] Voted, that John Rowe Esq.

Mr. William Mullineus
William Phillips Esq.
M*. Thomas Gray
John A very Esq.
Nathaniel Bethune Esq.
Richard Clark Esq.
Mr. Henderson Inches
Mr. Edward Payne

be and hereby are appointed a Committee to consider and Report
at the Adjournment of this Meeting their Opinion of a proper
Bankrupt Bill for this Province.

Upon consideration of that Clause in the Warrant. (Viz'.)
" Whether Instructions shall be given to the Representatives that

may be chosen "

Voted, that Richard Dana Esq.

Edmund Quincy, Tertius
Mr. Thomas Gray
Joshua Henshaw Esq.
Samuel Grant Esq.

be and hereby are appointed a Committee to draw up Instructions
to the Representatives, and to Report the same at the Adjourn-
ment of this Meeting.

Mr Stephen Cleverly
was chosen a Clerk of the Market for the Year ensuing.

Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to Monday the 26th.
Instant, 10. O'Clock Before Noon

Monday the 26th. of May. 10. O'Clock. A : M :

[7O5.] Town met according to Adjournment.

To the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of Boston in Town
Meeting Assembled May 1766

Pursuant to a Vote of the Town of Boston at their Annual
Meeting the 14th. of May 1764 — desiring the Selectmen to visit
the several publick Schools in the Town, and to invite such Gentle-
men to accompany them therein, as they should think proper, and
to Report thereon

We the Subscribers accordingly attended that service on
Wednesday the 26. Day of June last accompanied by the follow-
ing Gentlemen — Viz1.

The Honble. Thomas Hubbard Esq.
Thomas Flucker Esq.

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1766. 181

Harrison Gray Esq.

James Bowcloin Esq.

William Brattle Esq.

Nathaniel Sparhawk. Esq.
The Representatives of the Town
The Overseers of the Poor
The Revd. Joseph Sewall D : D :

Charles Chauncy D : D :

Jonathan May hew D : D :

Mr. Samuel Mather

Mr. Andrew Elliot

Mr. Samuel Cheekley

Mr. Ebenezer Pemberton

Mr. Mather Byles

Mr. Samuel Checkley Jun*.

Mr. Samuel Cooper

Mr. Joseph Jackson

Coll0. Salstonstall of New London

Nathaniel Thwing Esq.

James Pitts Esq.
T7O6.] John Tuder Esq.

Dr. Phil : God : Cast

Mr. Samuel Austin

Mr. William Parkman

Cap*. Ichabod Jones

Mr. Alexander Hill

Mr. Jonathan Williams

Ezekiel Goklthwait Esq.

Mr. Samuel Pemberton

Mr. Mansfield of Marblehead

Dr. Thomas Bullfinch

Dr. Nathaniel Perkins

Cap*. Phillips of Castle William

Mr. John Mico Wendell

The Surveyor General

Mr. John Smith

Mr. Peter Cherdon

Henry Lloyd Esq.

James Beauteneau Esq.

Mr. Edward Payne

And found the South Grammar School had 119 Scholars
the North Grammar School about - - - 47 Scholars
the South Writing School ----- 250 Scholars
the North Writing School ----- 246 Scholars
the Writing School in Queen Street - - 246 Scholars

all in very good order

JOSHUA HENSHAW "]
JOSEPH JACKSON

BENJAMIN AUSTIN
SAMUEL SEWALL
JOHN RUDDOCK
JOHN HANCOCK

Selectmen
of Boston*

182 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

[7O7.] Voted, that the above Report be accepted and that
the Gentlemen the Selectmen be desired to visit the publick
Schools the Year ensuing, and that they desire such Gentlemen to
accompany them therein, as they shall think proper, and con-
venient, and that they Report thereon

The Committee appointed to examine the Accounts of Mr.
David Jeffries Town Treasurer have attended that service, and
find the same right Cast and well Vouched, in which he charges
himself with sundry Fines, Rents and other Incomes of the Town
as also with the Tax of £5000 — all which amount to the Sum of
£12914 ., 1 ,, 5| including the balance of old Account

And the said Treasurer discharges himself by sundry Abate-
ments made the Collectors amounting to £1145 ,, 15 ,, 3$ by
Drafts made by the Selectmen amounting to £3326 ,, 8 ,, 9 of
which he has paid £2617 ,, 16 ,, 11£ and by Drafts made by the
Overseers of the Poor, which contain the charges of the Alms
house amounting to £2658 ,, 17,, 7£d. of which he has paid £1464 ,,
17 ,, 10£. Also by sundry Sums paid for Interest amounting to
£207 ,, 17 ,, 10£ — the whole amounting to £7338 ,, 19 ,, 6f

The said Committee have inspected said Drafts in a very par-
ticular manner ; and have examined the Vouchers produced by the
Overseers of the Poor for the amount of their Drafts, and every
other branch of publick Charge, amounting in all as above to
£7338 ,, 19 ,, 6 £ as by Account of Town Treasury in the Town
Treasurers Books, Balance whereof being £5575 ,, 1 ,, 10| is
carried to the Credit of new Account

Which Report and Account being read — Voted, that the same
be and hereby is accepted

The Committee appointed to draw up Instructions for the Repre-
sentatives of the Town, Reported the following Draft

To the Honble. James Otis Esq. Thomas Cushing Esq. Mr.
Samuel Adams, and John Hancock Esq.

[7O8.] Gentlemen

The trust we your constituents have reposed in you, by chusing
you to represent us in the approaching general assembly of this
Province, is of so important a nature, that nothing short of an
intire confidence in your wisdom and integrity, could have pre-
vailed on us to have devolved it upon you. And although it is
not customary for us to give Instructions to our representatives,
for their conduct in all cases, or upon all occasions, yet we hold
the right of so doing, whenever we think fit to be sacred and un-
alienable. The present situation of this Province in particular,
of North America in general, and of Great Britain and her Colo-
nies, as a Nation, is such, that notwithstanding our confidence in
your abilities, we apprehend it not improper for us to give you our
advice, and instructions upon some of the important affairs which
may come before you in that assembly : And we expect that you
regulate your conduct therein accordingly

In the first place, as to this province in .particular, it is our
advice and instruction, that you endeavor as far as in you lieth, to
support all the fundamental laws of our constitution, and maintain
the authority of government upon every occasion. — That you do

BOSTON TOWN EECORDS, 1766. 183

all in your power to prevent money, or any pretence whatsoever,
being drawn out of the publick Treasury, contrary to the appro-
priations thereof; and that if any such drafts shoul.i ever be made,
you bear due testimony against it.

That you be not parsimonious in the support of executive officers
of government, but at the same time use all your influence against
any one officers holding two or more places inconsistent or iuter-
fereing with each other. — That you take particular care in your
choice of councilors and other officers of the government for the
ensuing year, that they be men of integrity, and wisdom, lovers of
liberty, and of our civil and ecclesiastical constitution ; not giving
your suffrage for any whose characters are doubtfull, or who are
of a timid or wavering disposition. — That you bring forward and
promote such an order as shall make the debates in the house of
representatives as public as those in the House of Commons in
Great Britain that you be very watchful over our Just rights,
liberties and privileges [7O9.] And give us notice whenever you
apprehend them in danger ; and for the total abolishing of slavery
from among us ; that you move for a law, to prohibit the importa-
tion and purchasing of slaves for the future.

That you support and promote the commercial interests of this
province on all occasions, as we apprehend the prosperity and
increase thereof in a great measure depends upon the flourishing
State of its trade : And that you by no means consent to the laying
any unjust burden thereon, ever giving us the earliest notice of
such an attempt. That you also encourage husbandry in all its
branches, and that spirit of industry, frugality and oeconomy,
which we rejoice to find hath already taken place, and so much
increased among us of late. — That you oppose any grants for
erecting, maintaining, or garrisoning any useless or unnecessary
Forts or fortresses, in any part of this province ; and if any such
fortresses be now garrisoned and maintain'd at the public expence,
that you do your utmost that such greieveances may be speedily
redressed. That you at the same time duly support and encourage
our seminaries of learning, by a suitable liberality to the governors
and instructors thereof, more agreable to the importance of their
office than to the parsimony heretofore observed in grants for that
purpose ; since we apprehend that learning is the surest support
of our constitution ; science being the handmaid of liberty, while
ignorance is the nurse of slavery.

In the next place with respect to North America in general, it
is our advice and instruction, that you keep up a constant and
friendly intercourse with the other English Governments on the
Continent : That you conciliate divisions and differences if any be
now subsisting, or should hereafter arise ; ever preferring their
friendship and confidence, to the demands of rigorous Justice
without them. — In the last place as to Great Britain & her Colo-
nies as a Nation — It is our advice and instruction, that on all
proper occasions you openly profess our duty and loyalty to the
King ; and a constitutional subordination to parliament. That you
treat his Majestys Representatives, and all his other officers here,
with due respect ; being at the same time vigilant and Jealous, of

184 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

our Just rights liberties and privileges ; in all [71O.] Cases pro-
testing against and counteracting, with decent firmness every
attempt in the least to abridge or infringe them. That you
endeavor to promote that harmony, which ought ever to subsist

between Great Britain and her Colonies

The aforegoing Report having been read several times, and
duly considered : It was Voted, unanimously, that the same be

accepted

The Committee appointed to take into consideration the Dona-
tion of the late Honourable Thomas Hancock Esq. for building an
Hospital or Bedlam for the reception of such unhappy persons as
it may please God in his providence to deprive of their reason —

Report

That they have met and considered of the same, and it appear-
ing to the Committee that the Honbte. Gentleman deceased for
some years before his death being fully convinced of the necessity
of having such a House, generously laid a foundation for the same
by the bequest of Six hundred Pounds lawful money, and it being
the sense of the Town that such an House is much wanted, they
accordingly by their Vote passed the 25th. March 1765 readily ac-
cepted of said Donation — The Committee are therefore of Opinion
that the Town immediately proceed to Erect or procure a Building
suitable to answer the noble Design of Mr. Hancock ; but as the
Sum by him given is insufficient for effecting it, aud a very con-
siderable additional Sum will be wanted to compleat said Building,
and supplying it with all Necessarys, the Committee would propose
that the Town apply to the General Court for their assistance
therein, and that this Meeting be Adjourned to some further Da}*,
in order to know what the General Court shall have done in this
matter, that so the Town may regulate its further proceedings
accordingly ; the Committee being of Opinion that it is an affair of
such importance and under such Circumstances as that it will not
admit of any further delay.

The above Report having been read and considered — Voted,

unanimously, that the same be accepted

It was further Voted, that,

The Honble Samuel Wells Esq.

Samuel Sewall Esq.
[711.] Benjamin Kent Esq.

Foster Hutchinson Esq

Ezekiel Goldthwait Esq.

William Phillips Esq.

Joseph Jackson Esq.

be and hereby are appointed a Committee to prefer a Petition to
the General Assembly to obtain some addition to the Donation
of the late Honble. Thomas Hancock Esq. for building a Bedlam in
order to effect the purposes intended by the noble design of the

Bequest

The Committee appointed to consider aud Report at this Ad-
journment, their Opinion of a proper Bankrupt Bill for this
Province, desired further Time to consider the same which was
granted accordingly.

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1766. 185

Voted, that the Sum of Five Thousand Pounds be raised by a
Tax upon Polls and Estates within Ibis Town for relief of the
Poor, and defraying other necessary Charges arising within the
Town the ensuing Year

Voted, that the Sum of One hundred Pounds be allowed and
paid unto Mr. Peleg Wiswall for his Salary as Master of the North
G rammar School for the ensuing Year, the same to be paid him
quarterly as it shall become due, and to commence at the expira-
tion of the hist Quarter

Voted, that the Sum of One hundred and twenty Pounds be
allowed and paid unto Mr. John Lovel for his Salary as Master of
the South Grammar School for the ensuing Year, the same to be
paid him quarterly as it shall become due, and to commence at the
expiration of the last Quarter

Voted, that the Sum of Eighty Pounds be allowed and paid unto
Mr. Samuel Holyoke for his Salary as Master of the Writing School
[712.] In Queen Street for the ensuing Year, the same to be paid
him quarterly as it shall become due, and to commence at the
expiration of the last Quarter

Voted, that the Sum of One hundred Pounds be allowed & paid
unto Mr. John Procter for his Salary as Master of the Writing
School in Queen Street for the ensuing Year, the same to be paid
him quarterly as it shall become due, and to commence at the
expiration of the last Quarter

Voted, that the Sum of One hundred Pounds be allowed and paid
unto Mr. Abiah Holbrook for his Salary as Master of the Writing
School in the Common for the ensuing Year, the same to be paid
him quarterly as it shall become due, and to commence at the
expiration of the last Quarter

Voted, that the Sum of One hundred Pounds be allowed and paid
unto Mr. John Tileston for his Salary as Master of the North Writ-
ing School for the ensuing Year the same to be paid him quarterly
as it shall become due, and to commence at the expiration of the
last Quarter

Voted, that the Sum of Sixty Pounds, be allowed and paid unto
Mr. James Lovel for his Salary as Usher of the South Grammar
School for the ensuing Year, the same to be paid him quarterly
as it shall become due, and to commence at the expiration of the
last Quarter

Voted, that the further Sum of Forty Pounds be allowed and
paid unto Mr. James Lovel as an encouragement for him to remain
and exert himself in the service of the Town the ensuing Year the
same to be paid him quarterly as it shall become clue, and to com-
mence at the expiration of the last Quarter

Voted, that the Sum of Sixty Pounds be allowed and paid
[713.] Unto Mr. Josiah Langclon for his Salary as Usher of the
North Grammar School the ensuing Year the same to be paid him
quarterly as it shall become due, and to commence at the expira-
tion of the last Quarter

Voted, that the Sum of Fifty Pounds be allowed & paid unto
Mr. James Carter for his Salary as Usher of the North Writing
School the ensuing Year, the same to be paid him quarterly as it

186 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

shall become due, and to commence at the expiration of the last
Quarter

Voted, that the Sum'of Forty Pounds be allowed and paid unto
Mr. Abiah Holbrook Master of the "Writing School in the Common,
— for providing an Assistant the ensuing Year, the same to be paid
him quarterly as it shall become due and to commence at the
expiration of the last Quarter

Voted, that the Sum of One hundred Pounds be allowed and
paid out of the Town Treasury unto Mr. David Jeffries for his
Services as Treasurer of the Town the Year past, and for all his
Expence in that Office

Voted, that the Town Treasurer be and he hereby is directed
and impower'd to allow the several Schoolmasters Interest on the
Sums due to them from the Date of their Warrants to the Time
of payment

The Committee appointed to take into consideration and "Report
at this Meeting " what they shall apprehend may be further neces-
sary for the Town to do in order to testify their Gratitude to those
Patriots on the other side of the Water to whose endeavours it is
owing that the Liberties of America are secured and Love & Har-
mony between his Majesty s Subjects in Great Britain and the
Colonies is perpetuated by the happy Repeal of the Stamp Act "
Reported accordingly, and upon a motion made by said Committee
for leave to withdraw their Report — [714.] Leave was granted

for that purpose

Voted, that James Otis Esq. the Moderator
Richard Dana Esq.
Samuel Wells Esq.
John Ruddock Esq.
Benjamin Kent Esq.

be added to the above Committee who are desired to make Report
at the Adjournment of this Meeting

Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to Wednesday the 2d.
Day of July next 10. O'Clock A : M :

Wednesday the 2d Day of July Met according to Adjourn-
ment

Voted, that the Selectmen be and hereby are appointed a Com-
mittee to act upon the List of Jurors

Voted, that all Matters & Things that remain unfinished at this
Meeting be and hereby are referred over to the next General Town
Meeting to be then considered and acted upon

Voted unanimously, that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby
are given to the Honble. James Otis Esq. the Moderator of this
Meeting for dispatching the Business thereof

Then the Meeting was dissolved.

[715.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants
of the Town of Boston legally qualified and warned in public Town
Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Wednesday the 8th. Day of
October Anno Domini 1766

Warrant for calling the Meeting .... read

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1766. 187

TLe Inhabitants withdrew and brought in their Votes for a
Moderator of this Meeting, and upon sorting them it appeard that

the Honble. James Otis Esq. was chosen by a great majority

Upon a Motion made and seconded the following Vote was

passed unanimously

Whereas His Excellency the Governor has been pleased lately
to Convene before him in Council Stephen Greanleaff Esq. Sheriff
of the County of Suffolk William Sheaff Esq. Deputy Collector,
and Benjamin Hallowell Esq. Comptroller of His Majestys Cus-
toms for the Port of Boston, and sundry other Persons Inhabitants
of this Town, and to Administer Oaths to the same Persons, and
to take their Depositions in Writing relating to the proceedings of
those Officers, and the behavior of a number of People, while those
Officers were in search of Counterband Goods pretended to be in
the Dwelling House of Cap'. Daniel Malcomb of this Town, which
same Depositions it is said contain Opinions Representations and
Assertions which taken by themselves and unaccompanied with a
full and true Representation of that Affair may be construed in
such a manner as greatly to effect and prejudice the Trade Com-
merce and Reputation of this Metropolis and of the Province in
general — And whereas it has been suggested that the same Testi-
mony, contrary to the advice of his Majestys Council, are about
to be transmitted home, although not suffered to be Recorded, but

kept from public view

Voted, that the Honble. James Otis Esq.

Joseph Jackson Esq.
[716.] John Hancock Esq.

William Phillips Esq.

Mr. Timothy Newell

John Rowe Esq.

Mr. Samuel Adams

Joshua Henshaw Esq.

be a Committee to wait upon his Excellency the Governor in behalf
of the Town, and to desire he would be pleased to give the Secre-
tary Orders to furnish the Town Clerk with Copies of all the
Depositions relating to the Information given to the Custom house
Officers, and the proceedings therein, that so the Town having
Knowledge of their Accusers, and of the nature and design of
the Testimony s taken, may have it in their power to rectify mis-
takes, and counterwork the designs of any who would represent

them in a disadvantageous Light to his Majestys Ministers

The Town then took into Consideration the Clause in the War-
rant Viz4 — "To determine whether they will give their Repre-
sentatives Instructions relative to a Reimbursement being made
those Gentlemen who suffered by the violences of Persons unknown
in the Month of August 1765" — when the following Vote

passed unanimously

Whereas the Inhabitants of this Town have ever held the
violent outrages of Persons unknown in the late Times of distress
in the utmost detestation and abhorence, and from a sense of duty
as well as Just indignation at the ravages committed on the
properties of diverse of their Fellow Subjects and Citizens on the

188 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

2;.th of August 1765. took the earliest opportunity to exert their
strenuous endeavors, in aid of the civil authority to restore peace
order and ti anquility ; which were accordingly in one clay restored
:md have been ever since preserved. And whereas his Majesty
has been pleased only to recommend it to the General Assembly of
this Province to make up the losses of the Sufferers in the late
unhappy Times, although his Excellency the Governor has thought
fit to interprit the same as a Requisiion so peremptory & authori-
tive as to preclude not only all controversy & debate, but even
deliberation with regard to a compliance.

[717.] From no regard to said interpretation, but in dutiful
respect to the mild recommendation of our most gracious Sover-
eign, in humanity and generosity towards those Gentlemen who
have suffered in a manner that no man ought, especially in a state
of civil society

Voted, that on application of such Sufferers to the General
Assembly in a Parliamentary way, the Representatives of this
Town be directed, and they are accordingly directed in their best
discretion to use their influence, that such losses be made up
as far as may be, in a manner the most loyal and respectful with
regard to his Majesty, the most constitutional and safe with regard
to our invaluable rights & privileges and the most humane and
benevolent with regard to the Sufferers

Adjourned to 3 O'Clock P : M :

Met according to Adjournment.

The Committee appointed in the Forenoon to wait upon his
Excellency Reported, that they had accordingly waited upon his
Excellency, and presented him with a copy of the vote of the
Town — Whereupon his Excelly was pleased to say, that by order
of Council the Depositions mentioned were to be kept secret ;
but that he should take advice of Council, and if they should
advise him he had in himself no difficulty, as to complying with
the request of the Town

After which the Town Clerk having received the following Vote
of Council, together with the Copys of said Depositions, laid the
same before the Town — The Vote of Council is as follows, Viz'.

In Council October 8 1766.

A Committee of the Town of Boston having laid before his Ex-
cellency in Council the Copy of a Vote of the said Town passed
this Day in Town Meeting desiring Copies of certain Depositions
taken in Council relative to the proceedings of the Sheriff of the
County of Suffolk, The Deputy Collector of the Customs, and the
Comptroller for the Port of Boston, and the behavior [718.] Of
a number of People while those Officers were in search of Coun-
terband Goods ; His Excellency thereupon took the advice of
Council, who advised that the Secretary have leave to give out the
Copies aforesaid But in as much as it is suggested in the said
Vote that the said Testimonys contrary to the advice of his Maj-
estys Council are about to be transmitted home, although not Suf-
fered to be Recorded, but kept from public view — Advised and
Ordered that the Secretary acquaint the said Committee that the
Council have never given any udvise either for or against the

BOSTON TOWN RECOKDS, 1766. 189

said Testimonies being transmitted, and that no Copies have as
yet been taken out of the Office

A true Copy from the Council Minutes

Att. JOHN COTTON D. Secretary

The above Vote or order of Council together with the Deposi-
tions being read, the Town came into the following Vote

Voted, that the Honble James Otis Esq.

Mr. Samuel Adams
John Rowe. Esq.
John Hancock. Esq.
Mr. Edward Payne
Mr. Edward Quincy Tertius
Joshua Henshaw Esq.

be and they hereby are appointed a Committee to take these Dep-
ositions into consideration ; to procure such Evidences as may be
further necessary to set this matter in its true light, and Report
the same at the Adjournment of this Meeting, together with their
Opinion what may be further necessary to be done by the Town
in order to prevent the ill consequences that may arise by means
of a partial representation

Upon a Motion made and seconded, Voted, that the above
Votes be published in the public Prints

The Petition of Enoch Brown "that a small peice of Land on
the North side of Boston Neck may be Leased to him for a term
of Years" [719.] Was read — whereupon Voted, that the Select-
men be and hereby are appointed a Committee to treat with
him and to Lease said Peice of Land for a term of Time not ex-
ceeding Seven Years

The Petition of a number of Inhabitants, " that some method
may be come into to repair and secure the main Street leading to
the Fortification, which has been much damaged by the Inroads ot
the Sea" was read, and after debate had thereon

Voted, that the Selectmen be a Committee to call upon the Pro-
prietors of Land near the Fortification to fulfill the Conditions upon
which those Lands were granted them

A motion was made and seconded that the Selectmen be desir'd
as soon as the above Proprietors have done their part of the Re-
pairs, to compleat the remainder, and the Question was accordingly
put — but the Town apprehending that those Repairs lay wholly
with those Proprietors it passed in the negative

The Petition of a number of Inhabitants "that the Clock at
Christ Church, might be Repair'd and kept so at the public Charge,
for the conveniency of that part of the Town" was read, and after
Debate had thereon — Voted, that the Prayer of the Petition be
granted

That Article in the Warrant Viz'. " To consider what is further
necessary to be done for the preservation of the Towns interest
near the North Battery," was read and considered, whereupon

Voted, that the Selectmen be desired to take immediate care that
the same be repaired and secured for the benefit of the Town

Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to Wednesday the 22d.
Instant 10. O'Clock A : M :

190 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

Wednesday October 22d. Met according to Adjournment

[72O.] The Committee appointed to consider the Depositions
said to be taken in Council relative to Cap1. Malcoms affair, and to
take such Evidences as were necessary to set that matter in its true
light, laid the several Testimonys taken, before the Town, which
were distinctly read — they also Reported the Draft of a Letter tc
be sent to such Gentlemen in London as they might Judge proper,
which Draft being read and considered — Voted, that the same be
accepted

It was then moved and Voted, that the Report be Recommitted
and the Committee desired to make an addition to their Draft in
order to represent the suddenness of the Mob rising in the Night
of the 26th. of August 1765, and the exertions immediately made
by some of the Inhabitants to suppress or quiet those People — As
also the method not long since taken to misrepresent not only par-
ticular Gentlemen, out even the whole Trading Interest by transmit-
ing home Affidavits taken relative to a Counterband trade in so
private a manner, that the first notice thereof, was given us by our
friends in England — And that the Town will Reimburse any Charge
that may rise in the course of conducting our defence if there
should be occasion — It was further Voted, that when the above
additions are made the Committee are desired to forward fair Copys
of said Letter and Depositions to Dennis Deberdt Esq. Merch'.
in London, and Agent for our House of Representatives to make
such use of the same as he may Judge proper and expedient

A Motion was made and seconded that the above Committee
might also be desired to insert in their Letter some thing relative
to what was mentioned and asserted by several Gentlemen, that
the Affidavits relative to Cap*. Malcom were not properly taken in
Council or to be sent home with consent of Council notwithstanding
the Attestations thereto — but upon one of the Representatives
rising up and declaring that as soon as the General Court met, he
would make a Motion in the House of Representatives for a Par-
liamentary enquiry into the conduct of the Council in this and sim-
ilar Occasions ; the Person who made this Motion, desired that it
might be withdrawn, whicli was accordingly granted

[721.] It was moved and seconded and the Question accordingly
put — Whether the Town will Reconsider their Vote passed at a
late Meeting, relative to Mr. Enoch Browns Lease of Land on
Boston Neck, when it passed in the negative

It was moved and seconded that the Town Treasurer have leave
to pass his negotiable Notes to the Tradesmen concerned in the
Repairs of Faneuil Hall agreableto the tenor of a former Vote and
in which the terms of payment are to be ascertained — the Question
being accordingly put — Passed in the affermative

Upon a Motion made and seconded — Voted, that the Selectmen
have leave to issue the Affair of Hews Lilly & Company, respecting
Land formerly improved by Mr. Frary, and the Buildings lately
Erected thereon, as they may Judge most for the Interest of the
Town

Voted, that all Matters & Things that remain unfinished at this
Meeting, be and hereby are referred over to the next General Town
Meeting to be then considered & acted upon

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1766. 191

Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given to
the Ilonble James Otis Esq. the Moderator of this Meeting for
dispatching the Business thereof

Then the Meeting was dissolved.

The following Letter was wrote Dennis Deberdt Esq. by order
of the Town

Sir

The Freeholders & other

Inhabitants [722.] Of the Town of Boston being legally assem-
bled in Faneuil Hall have appointed as a committee to address you
on their behalf and to beg your friendly assistance as you shall
Judge necessary in an affair in which they apprehend their reputa-
tion and interest may be greatly concerned

Before we proceed to the particular matter which is the occasion
of our writing we beg leave to observe, that upon the happy repeal
of the late Stamp Act, we were informed that our adversarys had
even predicted that America would receive the news in a manner
haughty and disrespectful to his Majesty and the Parliament —
And \ve have seen with astonishment and indignation in the protest
of some of the Lords against the repeal, that one reason of their
Lordships protest was, that they had been made acquainted that it
was the design of the Americans to bring the authority of Parlia-
ment for the future into contempt. We have reason to believe that
the decency which was observed by persons of every rank in all
the Collonies in their public rejoicings upon that memorable occasion
has convinced the sensible and impartial part of the Nation that
such apprehensions and predictions were without Just grounds, and
we flatter ourselves that their lordships may by this time have reason
to conclude that their information from this side the water was at
least sudden and injudicious, and perhaps the effect of a deep rooted
prejudice against the colonies, a strong desire to have the act in-
forced, and a determination at all hazards, to prevent its repeal:
The truth is the Colonies who universally pride themselves in being
british subjects, and have the warmest sense of the blessings of the
british constitution, for ever consider the act as a violation of that
happy constitution, and they have the satisfaction of being in-
formed that this opinion was supported by a number of the most
illustrious as well as respectable of both houses of parliament —
In this view of the nature of the act the cotonys first petitioned
against it even when it was a bill, but without success, and after-
wards came into resolution to transmit to posterity their sense of it
with assurance that if it was finally put into execution it would not
be with their consent. The people universally opposed the act but
at the same time discovered the most zealous attachment to his
Majestys person and government, & the strongest affection to their
fellow subjects the people of Great Britain — This we know some
of our [723.] Enemys have endeavoured to represent as a para-
dox, and from an uneasiness or if they please an opposition to a
single act upon apprehension of its being unconstitutional they

192 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

would infer a settled design to bring the whole authority of parlia-
ment into contempt as if it could not possibly be Supposed of an
affectionate and dutiful son whose reverence for his fathers authority
could never be impeached that yet in a single instance might see
the unreasonableness of his fathers command :md with the deepest
regret be even ready to refuse obedience. An opposition to an act
of parliament merely from a regard to the constitution cannot sure'y
be look'd upon as a contempt of tho authority of government since
government it self is built upon & circumscribed by the constitu-
tion — or in other words to contend for the grand design and ends
for which government was originally design'd and instituted is the
best if not the only way to support its authority. The colonys
were discontented at the act because they thought it over lap'd the
bounds of the constitution — that it defeated one of the essential
designs of government in the security of property — if they were
in an error it was an error of their Judgement only of which how-
ever they have never yet been convinced — to insinuate that the
opposition to the act was mere pretence and that the design to the
colonys was to weaken the Just authority of parliament and by de-
grees to shake off a constitutional dependence is insupportable by
a single fact or the least shadow of reason it is base ungenerous
& unjust

This Town has always been very careful during the late times of
calamity to preserve as much as possible good order among its
inhabitants, of which they gave an early proof when a dangerous
mob arose and some outrages were committed by persons as yet
unknown a good deal of mischief has been as all the world knows
have been told, however after all the exaggerations the whole dam-
age is short of £4000 — but it will appear the less surprizing
that so much was done when it is considered that the mob was
sudden and unexpected and appear'd so furious as to occasion a
general consternation, & besides it being in the night it was not
easy to distinguish between them and the innocent people. — Yet
the inhabitants were far from being inactive in their endeavors to
suppress immediately, they made diverse attempts and took every
step that could be thought of amidst the confusion. A number
went to the governors house to take his excellencys orders but he
[724.] Was not in town — from whence one would conclude that
be was no more apprehensive of such a tumult from any appearances
than others were. If there had been any reason to suspect it we
presume his ExcelP". care for the peace and order of the govern-
ment would have procured the first intelligence, and that he would
have thought it his duty to have been present or at least that he
would have taken the necessary precautions and given orders to
have prevented it — but the Inhabitants were left to do the best
they could, and there is no doubt but much more mischief would
have been done if they had not made use of art and perswasion
when they fortunately wanted the countenance of his Excellencys
authority As a town they express'd their detestation of such pro-
ceedings early the next day, and assured the civil majestrate that
they were ready to assist to their utmost in restoring the peace of
f.he town as you will see by the inclosed vote, and we may venture

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1766. 193

to assure 3Tou that the efforts of persons of every order & condition
in town in consequence of this resolution was the principal means
of suppressing the mob which was done in one day Yet we have
been ungratefully & publickly charged with being tame spectators
of this outrage and have been told that our reputation suffers much
in the opinion of the world on this account — But whatever repre-
sentation may have been made to our prejudice, which we think we
have some good reason to suspect, our most inveturate enemy dare
not openly assert that the civil authority in this county & even thro'
the province has not as good reason to be assured of the assistance
of the people in the legal excercise of power as in any country in
England.

This leads us to give you an account of some late occurrances in
this town which is the particular occasion of our troubling you with
his letter A few weeks past the collector and comptroller of his
Majestys custom for this port having as they said an information
that goods illegally imported were lodged in the custody of one
Mr. MaHomb an inhabitant of the town they accordingly repaired to
his house accompanied \\ith the Sheriff of the county & there de-
manded an entry into his cellars Mr. Malcomb admitted them into
every Appartment saving one which being let he told them the key
was not in his posession [725.] They threatned to enter by force
which Mr. Malcomb told them they must do at their peril — how-
ever not having sufficient authority as they apprehended, they then
retired, Mr. Malcomb supposing they would return, determined
to fasten his house that if they entred it should be forceably, being
assured from the declaration of the person who hired the aforesaid
cellar & his own knowledge of the other appartment that no
counteiband goods were there. — The officers returned in the after-
noon & after some attempt tho' without violence to get an entry
they again retired and came no more.

His Excellency our governor has been pleased to summon the
officers and sheriff before mentioned, and some of the persons to
give their depositions respecting this matter — The town thinking
it unreasonable & a grievance that evidences should be taken ex-
porte touching the conduct of any of their inhabitants at their
meeting appointed a committee to wait on the governor and
pray his Excellency to give orders to the secretary to communicate
to the town clerk copys of the depositions which was afterwards
done. Upon a perusal of them the town apprehended that they
contained a partial account of the behavior of the people who from
mere curiosity had got together, that they tended to corroborate
the designs of our enemies and might be made the grounds of
further misrepresentations, and therefore directed their committee
to take the depositions of other persons of credit who were present,
copys of which together with those taken before the governor in
council are inclosed.

It is apprehended that it is his excellencys design to transmit,
his account of this matter to the ministry, and therefore the town beg
the favor of you to make enquiry whether he has so done and in
case he has that you would cause to be laid before the Ministry the
whole state of the matter — We have the more reason to apprehend

194 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

that this step will be taken as things of this sort have been hereto-
fore done : There is a set of men in America who are continually
transmitting to the mother country odious and false accounts of the
collonys ; which is a crime of the most dangerous tendency. It is
probable it has already had its ill effect in exciting a groundless
Jealousy in the Nation, one may if not checked [726.] Too soon
prove fatal to both countrys. It is not long since the depositions
of a number of persons were clandestinely & illegally taken indirect
terms, prejudicing the characters of some gentlemen of fortune and
reputation in this town, and representing the merchants of the prov-
ince in general as setting up in opposition to the acts of parliament
for the regulation of trade, than which nothing can be more noto-
riously false and injurious. One of their Deponents was a person
of the most infamous character whose name is Richardson. This
fellow has for a long time subsisted by the business of an informer
& is said to be such a one as was never encouraged under any ad-
ministration but such as those Nero or Caligula — that the evidence
of this detestible person might have its weight they gave him the
addition of Esq. — We sa.y those depositions were clandestine be-
cause they were taken exporte — the person injured by them were
never notified as law & common equity requires, and the first notice
they had of them was from their friends on3'ourside the water, after
they had made the impression that was intended. If such manage-
ments as these are allowed, what man or what corporation is secure
from proscriptions. We must confess that the whole affair in all its
circumstances will appear too trifling to claim the attention of the
governor or the town, but the hopes of defeating the designs of their
enemys, and an earnest desire to stand fair in the mind of their
Sovereign and his ministry as well as their friends & all good men at
home especially at this Juncture : they hope will excuse their giving
you this trouble — I am
Sir

Your most humble servant

JAMES OTIS

P : S: The Town have passed P Order of the Committee

a Vote to reimburst any
charge in your conducting
this Affair

[727.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants
of the Town of Boston legally qualified and warned in public Town
Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Monday the 1st. Day of
December Anno Domini 1766.

Warrant for calling the Meeting - - read

The Inhabitants withdrew and brought in their Votes for a
Moderator of this Meeting and upon sorting them it appear'd that
the Honourable James Otis Esq. was chosen by a great ma-
jority

That Clause in the Warrant. Viz*. — "That the Sense of the
" Inhabitants may be taken respecting a Bill now pending in the
"House of Representatives, entitled, An Act for granting compen-
" sation to the Sufferers and of free and general pardon, Indemnity
" and Oblivion to the Offenders in the late Times" was read, and the

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1766. 195

Bill laid before the Town for its consideration ; and the Town
apprehending said Bill to be agreable to his Majestys gracious
Recommendation — Voted, that the Representatives be and they
hereby are Instructed to use their Endeavors to the passing of said
Bill into a Law for the several purposes therein mentioned

Upon a Motion made and seconded — Mr. Samuel Adams,
John Rowe and John Hancock Esqrs. were appointed a Committee
to consider of an Address to Cap4. Lewis Gideon Esq. and having
Reported the following Vote was come into

Whereas John Lewis Gideon Esq Commander of His Majestys
Ship Jamaica, has upon all occasions during his station here, for
about three Years past, discovered a readiness to do every thing
in his power for promoting the Interest of the Province, and of his
Town in particular, and by his behavior and good services has
given great satisfaction to the Town.

Voted, unanimously that the Thanks of the Town be and
[728.] hereby are given to the said John Lewis Gideon Esq. for
his aforesd. services during his Station here, and the Honourable
James Otis Esq. John Rowe Esq. John Hancock Esq. Mr. Samuel
Adams Esq. Thomas Gushing Esq. are desired to wait upon him
and in the Name of the Town present him with their Thanks, and
express their good Wishes for his safe Voyage and Prosperity.

Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to Monday the 8th. Instant
9 O'Clock A : M :

Monday December 8th. 9 O'Clock A : M : Met according to
Adjournment.

The Committee appointed to present John Lewis Gideon Esq.
vhe Compliments of the Town Reported his answer

The Petition of a number of Inhabitants "That the Street neat
the Old Salutation Ferry may be widened " was read and considered
— whereupon — Voted, that this Petition be referred to the Gentle-
men the Selectmen, for them to act thereon as they may think
proper

The Moderator having received a Letter from a number of the
Merchants of New York respecting the present Incumbrances on
Trade by means of some late Acts of Parliament and other Regula-
tions, did agreable to their desire lay the same before the Town,
which was read to the Inhabitants by the Town Clerk

Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given to
the Honble. James Otis Esq. the Moderator of this Meeting for dis-
patching the business thereof

Then the meeting was dissolved.

[729.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and others Inhab-
itants of the Town of Boston legally qualified and warned in public
Town Meeting at Faneuil Hall on Wednesday the 7th. of January
Anno Domini 1766.

Warrant for calling the Meeting - - read

The Inhabitants withdrew and brought in their Votes for a
Moderator of this Meeting, and upon sorting them it appeared that
the Honourable James Otis, Esq. was chosen

196 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

The Petition of Mess™. Ephraim & Ebenezer Perrv setting forth
That they are desirous of purchasing or otherwise of hireing a peice
of the Town Land Just without the Fortification Gates on the
South Eastern side of the Neck, untill it comes to the Land Leased
to Mr. Sutton Byles, together with the Flatts so far as low Water
Mark — also proposing to Erect a Dwelling House, Wharff and
other Buildings upon said Land, provided it be Leased to them for
a number of Years, on such terms and securitys as may be agreed
upon — was read, and after debate had thereon

Voted, that Thomas Daws Esq.
Mr. Ezekiel Price
Mr. Jonathan Amory
John Hancock Esq.
Mr. John Ballard
John Rowe Esq.
William Phillips Esq.

be and hereby are appointed a Committee to take the Petition
under consideration and Report as soon as may be what they Judge
will be for the Interest of the Town in this Matter

That Clause in the Warrant (Viz4.) " Whether the Town will
appoint a Committee to treat with a Committee of tlie General
Court, relative to the [73O,] Disposal of the Towns Interest in the
Court House," was read and considered whereupon

Voted, that the Selectmen be and hereby are appointed a
Committee for the purpose mentioned in said Clause

That Clause in the Warrant Viz*. " Whether the Town will be at
the Expence of purchasing a new Clock for the Old Brick Church,
the present being represented as not worth reparing " -
was read and debate had thereon whereupon — Voted, that the
Selectmen be and hereby are appointed a Committee to send to
England for a Clock at the Expence of the Town

That Article in the Warrant (Viz'.) " What shall be the Tenor
of the Votes, Voted by the Town at their late Meeting to be given
by the Treasurer to the Tradesmen who repaired Faneuil Hall for
the balance of their Accounts " was read and considered — where-
upon

Voted, that the Town Treasurer be and hereby is impowerd and
directed to give said Tradesmen negotiable Notes of the common
Tenor, payable on demand, with lawful Interest untill paid

Upon a Motion made and seconded, Voted, that the rest of
Faneuil Hall Tradesmens Accounts be drawn for so soon as liqui-
dated

Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given to
the Honourable James Otis Esq. the Moderator of this Meeting for
dispatching the Business thereof

Then the Meeting was dissolved.

END OF FOURTH BOOK OF TOWN RECORDS.

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1767. 197

[VOL. V. OF THE ORIGINAL BOOKS.]

[1.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants
of the Town of Boston legally qualified and warned in Public
Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Monday the ninth
Day of March Anno Domini 1767.

Prayer was made by the Revd. Mr. Mather.
Warrant for calling the Meeting - - - - read.
Sundry Laws enjoin'd to be read at this Meeting, were accord-
ingly read.

The Honble. James Otis Esq. was chosen Moderator of this
Meeting, and took the Oaths respecting his paying: and receiving
Bills of Credit of the Governments of Connecticut New Hampshire

and Rhode Island as required by an Act of this Province

William Cooper was chosen Town Clerk for the Year ensuing
and having taken the Oath respecting the receiving and paying
Bills of Credit of the other Governments, took the Oath of Office
for the faithful discharge of his Duty, which Oaths were Adminis-
tred to him by his Honor Foster Hutchinson Esq.

The Town proceeded to the choice of Seven Selectmen, and the
Votes being brought in and sorted it appear'd that

Coll0. Joseph Jackson

Samuel Sewall Esq.

John Ruddock Esq.

John Hancock Esq.

William Phillips Esq.

Mr. Timothy Newell

John Rowe Esq.

were chose Selectmen for the Year ensuing

[2 • ] The Town brought in their Votes for twelve Overseers
of the Poor and upon sorting them it appeared that

The IIonble. James Pitts Esq. excused

Melatiah Bourn Esq. d°.

Isaac Smith Esq. d°.

Mr. William Whitwell Sworn

Mr. Jonathan Mason excused

Mr. Henderson Inches d°.

Mr. Ebenezer Storer d°.

Mr. William Greanleaff Sworn

William White Esq. d°.

Mr. Edward Payne excused

Mr. Joseph Waldo Sworn

Benjamin Austin Esq. excused
were chose Overseers of the Poor for the Year ensuing

198 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

Isaac Smith Esq. Melatiah Bourn Esq. and Mr. Henderson
Inches having excused themselves from serving as Overseers of

the Poor the Year ensuing

Voted unanimously that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby
are given to the above named Gentlemen for their faithful services

as Overseers of the Poor a number of Years past

The Town brought in their Votes for a County Treasurer which
were sealed up and delivered to Mr. Constable Barbour to be re-
turned to the Court of Sessions

The Town brought in their Votes for twelve Wardens, and upon
sorting them it appeared that

Joseph Scott Esq.
Cap'. John Bradford
Mr. Ephraim May
[3.] Mr. Nathan Spear

Mr. Nathaniel Wales
Mr. Joseph Waldo
Mr. James Barrick (excused)
Mr. John Preston
Mr. Edward Grant
Mr. Joseph How
Mr. Samuel Torrey
Mr. Daniel Hubbard (excused)
were chose Wardens for the Year ensuing — & all sworn

Upon a Motion made and seconded, the Question was accord-
ingly put — Whether Constables and Collectors of Taxes, shall be

chose sepperate — Passed in the Affermative

Voted that the Sum of Five Pounds be Remitted out of the Ten
Pound Fine to such Persons as shall be chose into the Office of

Constables for the Year ensuing and shall decline serving

The Town brought in their Votes for twelve Constables, the
Persons chose into that Office, and also sworn are
Mess". Augustus Hail
Francis Salmon
Peter Barbour
Edward Baker
Hezekiah Usher
Benjamin Clark
Benjamin Adams
Lindsey George Wallis
William Rogers
Daniel Berry
John Gabriel
Edward Brazier

[4.] Voted that this Meeting be Adjourned to Three O'Clock
P: M:

3 O'Clock P : M : Met according to Adjournment.
The Town brought in their Votes for Sixteen Fire-Wards, and
upon sorting them it appeared that

Newman Grenough Esq.
John Rowe Esq.
Mr. William Cooper

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1767. 199

Mr. John Mico Wendell

Coll0. Thomas Marshall

William Homes Esq.

Mr. Joseph Tyler

Jonathan Williams Esq.

Cap'. Adino Paddock

Mr. James Richardson

Cap4. William Downe Cheever

Cap1. Benjamin Waldo

John Hancock Esq.

Mr. Samuel Adams

Mr. Francis Shaw (excused)

Cap'. Martin Gay

were chose Fire-Wards for the Year ensuing.

The Town brought in their Votes for twelve Clerks of the Mar-
ket, and upon sorting them it appear'd that
Mess™. Joseph Webb

Steven Cleverly
John Lowell
Ziphion Thayer
John Simkins
James Bridgham
[5.] Nathaniel Balch

Thomas Knight
Joseph Edwards Jun*.
William Baker Juur.
Thomas Chase
Joshua Gardner

were chose Clerks of the Market for the Year ensuing

Mess™. Timothy Newell
Gershon Flogg

were chose Wardens for the Year ensuing

The Town brought in their Votes for a Town Treasurer, and
upon sorting them it appeared that Mr. David Jeffries was chosen,
and having taken the Oath respecting his paying and receiving
Bills of Credit of the other Governments, took the Oath of Office
for the faithful discharge of his Duty, which Oaths were adminis-
tred to him by

The Petition of a number of Inhabitants respecting the Monys
due to the Town from the present and late Collectors of Taxes,
was read, and debate had thereon, whereupon
Voted, that, Mr. Edward Payne

Melatiah Bourn Esq.
Mr. Kzi'kiel Price
Mr. Nicholas Boylstone
Mr. John Amory

be a Committee to enquire of the Province County and Town
Treasurers what Moneys are due to them from the present and
late Collectors of Taxes for this Town, to Report as soon as may

bo

Voted, that the Consideration of School Masters Salary s, and all
other Salary s and Grants, be referred over to next May Meet-
ing

200 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

[6.] The Petition of a number of Inhabitanty " that a Master
may be chosen for the North Grammar School" was read, and
debate had thereon, whereupon

Voted, that the Selectmen be a Committee on behalf of the
Town to make choice of a Gentleman out of the Candidates that
shall offer themselves, as they may most approve of as a Master
for said School

That Article in the Warrant Viz*. " Whether the Town will take
any Measures for the relief of Mr. Peleg Wiswell, late Master of
the North Grammar School who has resigned on account of his
Age and great Infermities " was read and considered, where-
upon,

Voted, that the Sum of One hundred Pounds be and hereby is
granted Mr. Peleg Wiswell, for his support the ensuing year

Adjourned to Monday next Ten O'Clock A : M :

Monday March 16 10 °'Clock P : M : Met according to Adjourn-
ment

Major James Cunningham
was chosen a Fire- Ward for the Year ensuing

The Town brought in their Votes for Five Overseers of the
Poor, and upon sorting them it appear'd that

The Honble. Royal Tyler p:sq. Sworn

John Barrett Esq. d°.

Mr. Benjamin Dolbear d°.

Melatiah Bourn Esq. Excused

Mr. Henderson Inches d°.

were chose Overseers of the Poor for the Year ensuing.

Upon a Motion made and seconded, the Question [7.] Was put
— viz4. "Whether the Town will adhere to that Clause in their
Instructions given their Representatives in May last, Viz'. "And
for the total abolishing of Slavery among us that you move for a
Law to prohibit the Importation and purchasing of Slaves for
the future " which Question passed in the Affermative, Nem.
Con.

The Committee appointed on the Ninth Instant to enquire of
the Province, County and Town Treasurers what Moneys are due
to them from the present and late Collector of Taxes for this
Town — Report

That having carefully examined the Accounts received from the
several Treasurers there appears to be due from the Collectors of
Taxes after deducting £2396 ,, 2 ,, 4J for Abatements made
them in the years 1763 — 1764 — 1765 — the following Sums —

Viz'.

John Ruddock Esq. to the Town Treasurer for

1763 £264 ,,18 „ 8J

Balance of the Street Tax 115 ,, 19 ,, 3

£380 ,,17 ,, 11J

From which when paid is to be deducted his
Premium being £126 ,, 7 ,, 3 —

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1767.
Mr. Samuel Adams to the Province Treasurer for

1763
To ditto for

£291 ,,17
1764 2009 ,, 8

201

£2301,, 5

To the Town Treasurer 1764 £1633 ,, 13 „ 4£
Balance of the Street Tax 94 ,, 8 ,, 6

1728,, 1

11

£4029

From which when paid is to be deducted his
Premium for Collecting 1762 — 1763 — &
1764 — being £382 „ 10 ,, l£

Jonathan Payson Esq. to )

the Province Treasurer [• £740 ,, 19 ,, 8

for 1765 - - )

To Ditto - - 1766 - 1034 ,, 5 „ 10

£1775 „ 5

To the County Treasurer 1765 £55 ,, 15 ,, 10

To Ditto - - -1766 123 „ 15 „ 10

£1954 ,,17

[8.] Brought over
To the Town Treasurer 1764
To Ditto 1765

To Ditto - - 1766

From which when paid is to
be deducted his Premiums
for 1764— 1765 — 1766 —

Mr. Sampson Salter to the
Province Treasurer 1765

To Ditto 1766

To the County Treasurer 1766
To the Town Treasurer 1766

From which when paid is to
be deducted his Premiums
for 1765 & 1766 —

Mr. Samuel Ruggles to the
Province Treasr. 1765

To Ditto - - 17(16

£1954

£•27

•• • 5? »»

1140,, 17,,—
1174 „ 14 „ 3—

17

„ 3

£4297,, 8 ,, 5

£898 ,, 11 „
1186,, 19 ,,

3
3

- f?OR ^ 1ft

6
9

200 „ — „
966,, 12,,

£3253 ,, 3 ,,

3

£360 „ 5 „ 1
1195 ,, 12 ,, 8

£1555,, 17 „ 9

202 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

To the County Treasurer 1765 £18 ,, 8 ,, 10
ToDitto - 1766 245,, — ,,—

263 „ 8 ,. 10

To the Town Treasurer 1766 - - - 1202 ,, 11 ,, —

£3021 „ 17 „ 7

From which when paid is to

be deducted his Premiums

for 1765 & 1766 —
Mr. Edward Hollyday to the

Province Treasurer 1765 £281 ,, 1 ,, 8
ToDitto 1766 1165 „ 12 „ 7

£1446 ,, 14 „ 3

To the County Treasurer 1766 - 241 ,, 7 „ 2

To the Town Treasurer 1766 - - - 1222 „ 2 „ 9

£2910,, 4,, 2

From which when paid is to

be deducted his Premium

for 1765 & 1766 —

[9.] These several Sums due from the Collectors amount to
to £17891 ,, 19 ,, 2 from which may be deducted the Sum of
£9958 ,, 14 ,, 1 for what remains unpaid of the Tax for 1766, and
there will then remain in the following Collectors hands a balance
of £7933 ,, 5 ,, 1 which by Law ought to have been paid to the

several Treasurers long since — Viz4.

John Ruddock Esq - for the taxes in 1763 - £380 „ 17 „ 11£
Mr. Samuel Adams - - Ditto - - 1764 - 4029,, 7,, 9£
Jonathan Payson Esq. - Ditto - - 1765 - 19G4 ,, 12 ,, 6
Mr. Sampson Salter - - Ditto - - 1765 - 898 „ 11 „ 3
Ml- Samuel Ruggles - - Ditto - - 1765 - 378 „ 13 „ 11
Mr. Edward Hollyday - Ditto - - 1765 - 281 ,, 1 „ 8

£7933 „ 5 „ Of

N 3. Mess™. Salter Ruggles and Hollyday have made - - con-
siderable Payments to the Town Treasurer on Accounts of the
Tax for 1766

Since the above Accounts were received there has been paid into

the Town Treasurer

By Edward Hollyday - - - - £12 „ 9 „ 3
By Jonathan Payson Esq. - 2 ,, 0 ,, 7

The above Report having been read and Considered it was
Voted tlat the same be accepted

It was then moved and seconded that the Bonds given by John
Ruddock P^sq. a late Collector of Taxes to Mr. David Jeffries
Treasurer for the faithful discharge of his Duty &c. might be put in
Suit and the Question being accordingly put - - - Passed in
the Affermative

A Motion of the like nature with the above was made and sec-
onded respecting the Bonds given by Mr. Samuel Adams a late

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1767. • 203

Collector of Taxes, and the Question being put — Whether said
Bonds shall be put in Suit Passed in the Afferma-

tive

It was also moved and seconded, that the Bonds given by
[1O.] Jonathan Payson Esq. a late Collector of Taxes to Mr.
David Jeffries Treasurer for the faithful discharge of his Duty <fec.

might be likewise put in Suit — Passed in the Affermative

Upon a Motion made and seconded, Voted, that the Suits

against the several Collectors be put off to July term

It was also Voted that the Town Treasurer do not prosecute any
of those Collectors Bonds untill the 20tu. of May next ensuing,

unless any of their Bondsmen should desire it

Voted, that Foster Hutchinson Esq.
Mr. Edward Payne
Mr. Ezekiel Price

be a Committee to take into Consideration what Premium »nall be
allowed the Collectors of Taxes, and the terms upon which they

shall be entitled to the same — to Report this Meeting

The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for Seven Assessors,
and upon sorting them it appear'd that
Alr. William Fairfield
Mr. John Kneeland
Mr. Benjamin Church
Belcher Noyes Esq.
Mr. William Torrey
Mr. Jonathan Brown
Mr. Daniel Pecker

were chosen Assessors for the Year ensuing.
Mess™. William Nichols

Andrew Symms sworn

[11.] Clement Collins Sworn

Henry Alline d°.

Isaac Vergoose d°.

John Grenough d°.

Jacob Thayer d°.

Joseph Edmunds d°.

John Skillins d°.

John Sergeant d°.

Richard Walker d°.

John Champney d°.

Samuel Turner d°.

were chose Surveyors of Boards and Shingles for the Year ensu«
ing.

Mr. John Gray
was chosen Surveyor of Hemp for the Year ensuing.

Mess". Samuel Dyer - Sworn

John Dyer

Obediah Low d°.

John Joy

William Crafts d'.

were chose- Fence Viewers for the Year ensuing — —
Mess". Ebenezer Mclntosh

204 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

Samuel Bangs

William Andrews (all sworn)

John Shepherd

William Stevenson

were chose Sealers of Leather for the Year ensuing

Mess™. Nathaniel Gardner
Samuel Whitwell

were chose Informers of Deer for the Year ensuing

Mess". Peter Cotta • Sworn

Manesseh Masters d°.

Joseph Dyer
John Harskins
David Spear
Nathan Spear
Jonathan Jenkins
Robert Breck Jun*.
Job Wheelwright
Joshua Pico

Benjamin Salt - - d°.

Paul Baxter

John Owen d°.

Thomas Knox d°.

Samuel White d°.

Edward Cowell d°.

Edward Potter

Peter Ellis d°.

Timothy Pease d°.

Nathaniel Waterman d°.

Jacob Williams d°.

two more

were chose Cullers of Staves for the Year ensuing.
Mess™. David Simans
Thomas Curtis
were chose Hogreeves for the Year ensuing

Mr. Edward Curtis - - (Sworn)

was chosen Hayward for the Year ensuing

The Selectmen

were chose Surveyers of High Ways for the Year ensuing.
[13.] Coll0. Joseph Jackson

William Phillips Esq.
William Homes Esq.

were chose Purchasers of Grain for the Year ensuing, and they are
desired and impowered to give all needful Directions to the Keeper
of the Granary respecting the Quantity of Grain to be sold, and
Affixing the price thereof from Time to Time as occasion shall re-
quire

Cap*. Martin Gay
Mr. John Skinner

were chose Assay Masters for the Year ensuing

John Tuder Esq.

Mr. John White

were chose Surveyers of Wheat for the Year ensuing

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1767. 205

Adjourned to 3 O 'Clock P : M :

3 O'Clock P : M : Met according to Adjournment

The Selectmen Reported on the Aceompt of Mr. Benjamin
Fenno Keeper of the Granary for the Year past, which Accompt
as entered in his Books (and on file in the Town Clerks Office) was
read ; whereupon it was Voted, the same be accepted and
that Mr. Fenno be accountable to the Town for 580 Bushels of
Indian Meal, and 15 Hushels of Rye Meal amounting to £008 ,,
11 ,,8, and also for the sum of £215 ,, 9 ,, 7 f Cash now in his
hands exclusive of ye Sum of £32 ,,13 ,,4 for his Salary and
Assistance as charged in his Accompt which is hereby allowed
him

Voted, that Mr. Thomas Gray

Ezekiel Goldthwait Esq.
Mr. Moses Gill

[14.] Mr. John Boylstoue

Jonathan Williams Esq.

be and they hereby are Appointed a Committee to Audit the
Accompts of Mr. Treasurer Jeffries, and also the Accompts of the
Overseers of the Poor, and the said Committee are enjoin'd to in-
spect every particular Accompt of the Moneys Expended for the
use of the Almshouse ; they are also im powered when they shall Au-
dit said Accompts to allow such of the Overseers as shall Advance
Moneys for the Relief of the Poor, Interest on all such Sums
from the Time so Advanced, till they shall have Audited said
Accompts

A Motion was made and seconded to reconsider the Vote of the
Forenoon for putting John Ruddock Esq. Bond in Suit where-
upon

Voted, that Mr. Ruddocks Bond, be not put in Suit for the present,
but referred for further Consideration untill the General Town
Meeting in May next, when the Committee are desired to Report
again thereon

Voted that Faneuil Hall be Illuminated on Wednesday the 18th.
of this Instant March in commemoration of the Repeal of the Stamp
Act, on said 18th. Day of March 1766 and that the Selectmen be
desired to make provision for drinking his Majestys Health &c

Voted, that the Inhabitants be desired to give Order to their
Servants not to enkindle Bonfires in the Streets &c as it is the deter-
mination of the Town that all Offenders of this sort shall be prose-
cuted

The Committee Appointed in the Forenoon to Consider what
Premium shall be allowed the Collectors of Taxes, and the Terms
upon which they shall be intitled to the same — Reported, where-
upon

[15.] Voted, that the Vote passed on Monday last relating the
Premium to be Allowed the Collectors of Taxes for the present
Year be reconsidered, and that the Sum of Nine Pence on the
Pound be and hereby is allowed to such Persons as shall be chose
Collectors of Taxes for the present Year, provided they pay into
the several Treasuries the whole Sum committed to them to Collect
on or before the second Monday in March 1769, and in case the

206 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

same Collectors shall pay in one half of the Sums of Money com-
mitted to them to Collect for the present Year by the 10th. Day of
July 1768, that then the Sum of twelve Pence on the Pound be
Allowed and paid to such of the Collectors as shall pay in that
proportion of the said Tax. And in case the whole of the said
Tax shall not be paid in by the said second Monday in March
17G9. then and in that case only the Sum of Three Pence on the
Pound be allowed and paid unto such Delinquent Collectors of the
said Tax. Provided also that each of said Collectors give Bond
with sufficient Sureties to the satisfaction of the Selectmen for the
faithful discharge of their Duty, and complying with this Vote.
And that the Assesors be directed not to deliver the Books contain-
ing the Tax for the Year 1767 to the Collectors unless they have
discharged & paid into the several Treasurers the Tax for the

Year 1765

Voted, that the Assessors be and hereby are Impowered and
directed to set for the Abatements of such Taxes as they shall
Judge reasonable on every Thursday till the first Thursday in
April inclusive, and no longer, saving that they be allowed to set
the two last Weeks in November for the Abatement of the Taxes
of such Persons as had not an Opportunity of applying on the
above limitted Time, by reason of their being out of the Province ;
at which Time they are also allowed and irapowered to abate the
Taxes of such Persons as may have died Insolvent between the
said last Thursday in April and the last Day of November.

The Petition of a number of Inhabitants for the paving that
part of Leaveret Street leading from Mr. Salters House into Water
[16.] Street, was read and considered, whereupon Voted that the
Town be at One third the Expence of paving said Street, provided
the whole Pavement is compleated to the satisfaction of the Select-
men

That Article in the Warrant (Viz*) Whether that part of Water
Street running from Leaveret Street into Kilby Street shall be
repaird and paved was read & considered, whereupon

Voted, that this Matter be left to the Gentlemen the Selectmen

to do therein as they may think proper

The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for Four Collectors of
Taxes, and upon sorting them it appeared that
Mr. Sampson Salter
Mr. Edward Hollyday
Mr. Samuel Ruggles
Nathaniel Coffin Esq.

were chose into that Office

That Article in the Warrant (Viz4) "And in what manner the
Town will acknowledge the Receipt of Coll0 Barres Picture " was
read whereupon

Voted that the Honble James Otis Esq.
John Hancock Esq.
John Rowe Esq.
Ezekiel Goldthwait Esq.
John Erving Esq.

be a Committee to take this Matter into Consideration and Re-
ported at the Adjournment

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1767. 207

That Article in the Warrant (Viz*) " To know the Mind of the
Inhabitants with respect to the late Honble Thomas Hancock Esq.

[17.] Donation for a Bedlam" was read — whereupon

Voted, that The Honble Royal Tyler Esq.
Foster Ilutchinson Esq.
Nicholas Boylston Esq.
John Erving Esq.
John Barrett Esq.
Ezekiel Goldthwait Esq.
be a Committee to take this Matter into Consideration and Report

at the Adjournment

Voted, unanimously that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby
are given to Mr. Ebenezer Storer for his faithful Services as an

Overseer of the Poor a number of Years past

Adjourned to Monday the 23d of this Inst. March 10. O'Clock
A:M:

Met according to Adjournment 23d March 10 O'Clock A : M :
The Committee relative to a Bedlam Reported and had leave to

Report again at the Meeting in May next

The Committee relative to Coll0 Barres Picture Reported and had
the leave of the Town to Report again at the General Town Meet-
in May next

Mess™. Caleb Champney
Nathaniel Cobbet
John Wells ------- Sworn

Richard Bradford d°.

Joshua Davis ------- d°.

James Bayley ------- d°.

[18.] William Warland

John Marty n ------- Sworn

Isaac Bird -------- d°.

Andrew Boardman

John Crosby d°.

Benjamin Jepson ------ d°.

were chose Scavingers for the Year ensuing

Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given
to Mr. Joseph Gardner, and Mr. Jonathan Mason for their faithful

services as Overseers of the Poor a number of Years Past

The Town brought in their Votes for Four Overseers of the Poor,

and upon sorting them it appered that

John Leverett Esq.
John Gore Esq.
Jonathan Williams Esq.
Cap'. Samuel Partridge

1 more
were chose Overseers of the Poor for the year ensuing.

Tlie Petition of Mr. Abiah Holbrook Master of the Writing
School in the Common "that he may be further Considered for
his extraordinary services by an Allowance to the Person who
Acts as Usher under him, also with respect to his Taxes " waa
read — whereupon

208 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

Voted, that Mr. Samuel Adams

Honble. Royal Tyler Esq.
Mr. Thomas Gray
Benjamin Kent Esq.
Melatiali Bourn Esq.

be a Committee to Consider the same and Report at the General
Town Meeting in May next

[19.] It was moved that the Vote passed by the Town the
Ninth Instant respecting a Schoolmaster for the North Grammar
School may be reconsidered, and the Question being accordingly
put — Passed in the Affermative

Voted, that the choice of a Master for the North Grammar
School be referred to May Meeting, and that the same be made an
Article in the Warrant for calling said Meeting

The Town brought in their Votes for one Overseer of the Poor
and upon sorting them it appeared that

Thomas Tyler Esq.

was chosen an Overseer of the Poor for the Year ensuing

Mess™. Samuel Bernard

John Newell
were chose Cullers of Staves for the Year ensuing.

The Committee appointed to take into Consideration the Peti-
tion of Ephraim and Ebenezer Perry — Reported, That having
considered the same and view'd the Land mentioned in said Peti-
tion, are of Opinion ; that the Town Lease to said Ephraim and
Ebenezer for the term of Ninety nine Years, a peice of Land
Just without the Fortification Gates on the South East side of the
Neck Three hundred Feet in the Front on said Neck from the
North East side of the Towns Lands leased to Sutton Byles, and
three hundred feet in the Rear, the Depth to run on a Parrallel
Line from the Land Leased to said B3*les to the Point of the
Bastian of said Fortification — They the said Ephraim and Eben-
ezer to pay as Rent therefor One Pound Sterling p Annum — The
Committee further Report that the Lessees be obliged to Erect a
Dam or Wharff from the Land Leased to said Byles to the Point
of said Bastian sufficient to keep out the Sea or Salt Water ; and
that the Lessees be obliged to keep that part of said Dam or Wharff
which includes the Rear of their Land in good Repair during their
Lease — Also that the [2O.] Outside work of One Dwelling House
two Story high, — also the Wharff or Dam aforesaid be built and
finished within two Years from the date of the Lease — And that
the Lessees be obliged to keep the front Wall before said Land in
good repair. The Committee are also of Opinion that the Cost of
the Timber which shall be used in Erecting the Wharff or Dam
which extends from the Northeast Corner of said Leased Land to
the Point of said Bastian be paid by the Town. And leave the
whole Premisses in tenantahle repair at the expiration of the
Lease

The above Report having been Considered — the Question was put
Whether the same be accepted — Passed in the Affermative

Voted that Thomas Daws Esq.
John Hill Esq.

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1767. 209

Mr. Ezekiel Price
Mr. Robert Pierpoint
Mr. John Ballard

be a Committee to view the Lands belonging to the Town on each
side of the Neck and if necessary cause a survey thereof to be
taken and consider of the best method for the Town to take in
regard to said Lands, and to Report to the Selectmen sometime
before the next May Meeting, that so the same may be inserted in
the Warrant for calling said Meeting.

That Article in the Warrant (Viz1.) "Whether the Town will
extend Mr. Enoch Browns Lease of a small Peice of Land on Bos-
ton Neck, beyond the Time limitted in a late Vote " was read, and
after debate had thereon

Voted, that the further consideration thereof be referred to the
General Town Meeting in May next -

On a Motion made and seconded — Voted, that the Selectmen
be a Committee to request of Mr. John Lovel Master of the South
Grammar School, that he would take under his tuition, those
Scholars of the North Grammar School who may be sent to his
School by their Parents, untill a Master is provided for said
School -

The Petition of Mr. David Jeffries, " that he may be
allowed for a peice of Land laid into the public Street, but
omitted in the admeasurement and Plan of Lands becoming va-
cant by Fire 1760, was read, whereupon Voted that --
Thomas Daws Esq.
Onesip". Tileston Esq.
Cap1. Benjamin Andrews

be a Committee to View said Lands and Report their Opinion of
the value thereof next May Meeting -

That Article in the Warr'. Viz'. "• To consider what is proper to
be done with the Pavement near the Fortification " was read,
whereupon

Voted, that the Selectmen be desired to order the necessary
Repairs on the part of the Town, so soon as the Proprietors of
the Land abutting have fulfilled their Obligation respecting the
same -

Upon a Motion made and seconded, Voted, that
Mr. Robert Pierpoint
Mr. Ephraim May
Mr. William Blake

be a Committee to observe and prosecute such Persons as may
take Stones from the Town Wall on the Neck. -

Six Petit Jurors were chose for April Court and their Names
returned by one of the Constables -

Voted, that all Matters and Things which remain unfinished at
this Meeting be and hereby are referred over to the General Town
Meeting in May next, to be then considered of and acted
upon -

Voted, unanimously that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby
are given to the Houbie. James Otis Esq. the Moderator of this
Meeting, for dispatching the Business thereof --

210 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

At a Meeting of the Freeholders, and other Inhabi-
tants of the Town of Boston legally qualifled and warned in public
Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Tuesday the 318t.
Day of March 1767.

Warrant for calling the Meeting - - - read

The Honble. James Otis Esq. was chosen Moderator of this
Meeting by a Hand Vote, and also sworn according to Law -

The Petition of a number of the Inhabitants praying that a good
Master may be immediately appointed for the North Grammar
School ; and that for his encouragement he may have the same
Salary as the Master of the South Grammar School " was read,
and after debate had thereon

It was moved and seconded that the choice of a Master for the
North Grammar School be referred over to the Selectmen, and
that they be desired to make choice of a proper Gentleman to
supply that vacancy, and the Question being accordingly put —
Passed in the Affermative -

It was further Voted, that the Clause in the Petition which
relates to fixing a Salary for the Master of the North Grammar
School, be referred over to May Meeting, then to be Considered
and acted upon -

That Article in the Warrant Viz'. " To Consider what may be
the proper Measures for regulating Faneuil Hall Market " was
read and Considered whereupon

Voted, that the Selectmen be desired to shut up such part of
the Towns Land adjoining to Faneuil Hall Market as they shall
Judge proper, and not suffer any Person to enter within the Rails
for Ihe Sale of any kind of Provisions unless they pay such an
acknowledgement to the Town as the Selectmen may think reason-
able — Also that it be recommended to the Inhabitants of the
Town not to purchase any Provisions of such disorderly Persons
as may presume to stand in Dock Square or the Streets round
[23.] Faneuil Hall Market — and that the above Vote be printed
and dispersd among the Inhabitants in hand bills -

The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for a Clerk of Faneuil
Hall Market, when it appeared that

Mr Abijah Adams
was chosen Clerk of the Market for the Year ensuing -

Upon a Motion made and seconded Voted, that the Gentlemen
the Selectmen be desired to take such Order as has been usual to
procure Collections for the Sufferers in the late Fire from the
several Congregations in this Town -

Voted, that the Selectmen be desired to receive the several Sums
that may be Collected for the Sufferers in the late Fire, and dis-
tribute the same together which such other Donations as may be
made among the Sufferers in such Proportions as they may Judge
proper -

Upon a Motion made and seconded, Voted that the Selectmen
be desired to give Orders that no Illegal Weights and Measures
may be suffered within Faneuil Hall Market and its Limits ; and
also that they be desired to furnish the said Market with a suit-
able number of true Weights and Measures for the use of any

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1767. 211

Inhabitants who may purchase Provisions in said Market, during
the Market Hours ; and that the Selectmen be desired to consider
what further Regulations, may be necessary, and Report at the
General Town Meeting in May next

Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given
to the Honble. James Otis Esq. the Moderator of this Meeting for
dispatching the Business thereof

Then the Meeting was dissolved

[24.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants
of the Town of Boston legally qualified & warned in public Town
Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Fryday the 8th Day of May
Anno Domini 1767.

Prayer was made by the Revd. Mr. Andrew Eliot

The Precept and Warrant for calling the Meeting - - - read.

Sundry Laws ------ read.

Samuel Sewall Esq. one of the Selectmen proposed in their
Name to the Inhabitants Assembled to proceed to the choice of
one or more Persons to Represent them in the Great and General
Court or Assembly to be held at Boston upon Wednesday the
27th Day of May Current ; and in order thereto to consider and
ascertain the Number of Gentlemen to be Elected ; accordingly it
was Voted to proceed to the choice of Four Representatives, and
then it was declared by the Selectmen, that no Vote, will be
received but such as are unfolded, and that they propose the Poll
shall be closed at 12 O'Clock.

The Votes being brought in the Number of the same were
found to be 618. — and upon sorting them it appeared that the
Four following Gentlemen were chose ----- Viz'.
The Honble. James Otis Esq. 575

The Honble. Thomas Cushing Esq. 5.">7
Mr. Samuel Adams 574

John Hancock Esq. 618

The choice of Representatives being over and declared by the
Selectmen, the Inhabitants were directed to withdraw, and bring in
their Votes for a Moderator of this Meeting in order that the Town
may proceed in transacting the other Affairs mentioned in the
Warrant; according [25.] The Inhabitants withdrew and brought
in their Votes, and upon sorting them it appeared that the Honble.
James Otis I^sq. was chosen

Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to 3 O'Clock P : M :

3 O'Clock P: M: Met according to Adjournment

To the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of Boston in Town
Meeting Assembled May 8. 1767.

Pursuant to a Vote of the Town of Boston at their Annual
Meeting the 6th. of May 1766. desiring the Selectmen to visit the
several public Schools in the Town, and to invite such Gentlemen
to accompany them therein as they should think proper, and to
Report thereon

We the Subscribers accordingly attended that service on Wednes-

212 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

day the 25th. Day of June last accompanied by the following Gen-
tlemen Viz*.

The Honble. Thomas Hubbard Esq.
Thomas Flucker Esq.
Harrison Gray Esq.
The Representatives of the Town
The Overseers of the Poor
The Revd. Joseph Sewall. D. D.
Charles Chauncy D. D.
Mr. Samuel Mather
Mr. Andrew Elliot
Mr. Samuel Cooper
Mr. Samuel Checkley
Mr. Ebenezer Pemberton
Mr. Mather Byles
The Town Treasurer
Jonathan Williams Esq.
A number of other Gentlemen

[26«] And found the South Grammar School had 145 Scholars ;
the North Grammar School 34 Scholars ; the South Writing School
260 Scholars ; the North Writing School had 256 Scholars ; the Writ-
ing School in Queen Street 222 Scholars, all in very good order

The Consideration of that Clause in the Petition of a Number of
Inhabitants presented the Town in March last, relative to the fixing
a Salary for the Master of the North Grammar School, being re-
ferred over to this Meeting, was accordingly taken up by the
Town ; and the Question being put (Viz'.) " Whether said Master
shall have the Sum of £120,, — allowed him as Salary for one
Year, being the Same Sum which is allowed the Master of the

South Grammar School " Passed in the Negative

Two Letters from Dennis Deberdt Esq. Agent for the Town on
Cap*. Malcombs Affair, were laid before the Town by the Honble.
James Otis Esq. Chairman of the Committee for Instructing said
Gentlemn.

The Committee relative to Coll0. Barres Picture made a Verbal
Report — whereupon Voted that those Gentlemen. (Viz*.)
James Otis Esq.
John Hancock Esq.
John Rowe Esq.
Ezekiel Goldthwait Esq.
John Erveing Junr. Esq.

be and they hereby are Appointed a Committee to write a Letter
to the Honble. Coll0. Barr informing him of the receipt of his Picture,
and that the same by the unanimous Order of the Town is placed
in Faneuil Hall. And said Commiitee are impower'd and directed
to engage some Person to write to his Correspondent in London to
pay to Mr. Duncan Clark or the Painter, the Cost of drawing said
Picture, and any other Expence that has attended the same, which
Sum the Inhabitants hereby oblige themselves to repay and reim-
burse

[27.] Voted, that the Sum of One hundred and twentj
Pounds, be allowed and paid unto Mr. John Lovel for his Salary as

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1767. 213

Master of the South Grammar School, for the ensuing Year, the
same to be paid him Quarterly as it shall become due, and to com-
mence at the expiration of the last Quarter

Voted, that the Sum of Eighty Pounds be allowed and paid unto
Mr. Samuel Holyoke for his Salary as Master of the Writing
School in Queen Street for the ensuing Year, the same to be paid
him quarterly as it shall become due, and to commence at the ex-
piration of the last Quarter

Voted, that the Sum of One hundred Pounds be allowed and
paid unto Mr. Samuel Hunt for his Salary as Master of North
Grammar School, for the ensuing Year, the same to be paid him
quarterly as it shall become due, and to commence at the expira-
tion of the last Quarter.

Voted, that the Sum of One hundred Pounds be allowed and paid
unto Mr. John Procter for his Salary as Master of the Writing
School in Queen Street for the ensuing Year, the same to be paid
quarterly as it shall become clue, and to commence at the ex-
piration of the last Quarter

Voted, that the Sum of One hundred Pounds be allowed and paid
unto Mr. Abiah Holbrook for his Salary as Master of the Writing
in the Common for the ensuing Year, the same to be paid him
quarterly as it shall become due, and to commence at the expira-
tion of the last Quarter

Voted, that the Sum of One hundred Pounds be allowed & paid
unto Mr. John Tileston for his Salary as Master of the North
Writing School for the ensuing Year, the same to be paid him
quarterly as it shall become due and to commence at the expiration
of the last Quarter

[28.] Voted, that the Sum of Sixty Pounds be allowed
and paid unto Mr. James Lovel for his Salary as Usher of the
South Grammar School for the ensuing Year, the same to be paid
him quarterly as it shall become due, and to commence at the ex-
piration of the last Quarter

Voted, that a further Sum of Forty Pound be allowed and paid
unto Mr. James Lovel as an encouragement for him to remain and
exert himself in the service of the Town the ensuing Year, the
same to be paid him quarterly as it shall become due, and to com-
mence at the expiration of the last quarter

Voted, that the Sum of Fifty Pounds be allowed & paid unto
Mr. James Carter, for his Salary as Usher of the North Writing
School the ensuing Year, the same to be paid him quarterly as it
shall become due, and to commence at the expiration of the last
Quarter

Voted, that the Sum of Fifty Pounds, be allowed and paid unto
Mr. Abia Holbrook Master of the Writing School in the Common
for providing an Assistant the ensuing Year, the same to be paid
him quarterly as it shall become due, and to commence at the
expiration of the last Quarter

Voted, that the Sum of Thirteen Pounds, six Shillings, and eight
Pence be allowed and paid unto Mess™. John & James Lovel, as a
consideration for their trouble and services in the North Grammar
School for about Six Weeks while destitute of a Master

214 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

Voted, that the Sum of One hundred Pounds be allowed and
paid out of the Town Treasury uiito Mr. David Jeffries for his
services as Treasurer of the Town the Year past, and for all his

Expences in that Office

[29.] Voted, that the Town Treasurer be and hereby is
directed and impowered to allow the several Schoolmasters Inter-
est on the Sums due to them from the Dates of their Warrants to

the Time of payment

Voted, that the Sum of Five Thousand Five hundred Pounds be
raised by a Tax upon Polls and Estates within this Town for
relief of the Poor and defreying other necessary Charges arising

within the Town the ensuing Year

Upon a Motion made and seconded, Voted that the Town
Treasurer be and he hereby is desired and impowered to borrow
on Interest the Sum of One hundred thirty three Pounds six Shil-
lings and eight Pence for the use of the Overseers of the Poor to

purchase Grain &c. for the Almshouse

The Petition of a number of Inhabitants " for paving the High
Way leading from Milk Street into Battery March," was read and
considered whereupon,

Voted, that the Selectmen be a Committee to take the san>e into

Consideration, and Report at the next Meeting

Mess™. Cockran and Campbells Petition *' That the Town would
relieve them with respect to a loss they have sustained by supply-
ing the Poor of the Town on the Order of Mr. Benjamin Ham-
mett-late an Overseer" was read, and after debate had thereon a
Motion was made that the same be referred to a Committee, and
the Question being accordingly put — Passed in the Negative
— It was then moved that said Petition be dismissed, and the

Vote being put — Passed in the affermative

The Petition of the Gentlemen who have been chose Collectors
of Taxes " that the Vote passed at the March Meeting respecting
the Premium to be allowed them may be reconsidered " was read
[3O.] And after debate had thereon, Voted that
Benjamin Kent Esq.
Mr. Ezekiel Price
John Hill Esq.
Mr. Edward Payne
Ezekiel Goldthwait Esq.
be a Committee to take this Matter into Consideration and Report

as soon as may be

The Petition of a number of Inhabitants •' that the same Sum
may be allowed for the widening the Street near the Salutation
Tavern, as was granted for the widening Ann Street" was read
& consider' d whereupon

Voted, that the Sum of Forty Pounds be and hereby is granted
said Petitioners, provided a Brick Wall be built on a Line witL
Mr. Bradford and Mr. Kents Houses, and the Petitioners convey
to the Town the several Peices of Land already laid unto the

Street

Voted, that the Gentlemen the Selectmen be and hereby are
appointed a Committee to act upon the List of Jurors

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1767. 215

That Article in the Warrant Viz'. — "To Consider whether
any Measures shall be taken for the better sweeping the Chimnies
& prevention of Fires " being read Voted that
John Ruddock Esq.
Thomas Daws Esq.
Mr. John Ballard
Benjamin Kent Esq.
Honble. Royal Tyler Esq.

be a Committee to take this Matter into Consideration and Report
at the next Meeting:

[31.] That Article in the Warrant Viz1. — " Whether the
Town will call for the Money lent the Manufactory Company the
23d. March 1753" was read and Considered, whereupon Voted,
that the Town Treasurer be and he hereby is directed to call for
said Money

The Committee relative to the Towns Lands on Boston Neck
not having finished their business were desired to make Report at
the Town Meeting speedily to be called to receive the same, as
also the Report of the Committee on the Petition of the Collectors
of Taxes

The Committee on the Petition of Mr. David Jeffries " that he
may be allowed for a peice of Land into the public Street, but
omitted in the Admeasurement and Plan of Land becoming vacant
by Fire 1760." Reported that they had viewed the above said
Peice of Land, which they take to be worth Ten Pounds, and said
Report having been considered

Voted, that the sum of Ten Pounds be allowed and paid out of
the Town Treasury unto Mr. David Jeffries as a consideration for
the above said Piece of Land laid into the public Street

Voted, that it appears to the Town that John Hancock Esq. the
Residuary Legatee of the late llonble. Thomas Hancock Esq. has
always publicly manifested his readiness to pay the Legacy left to
the Town by his late worthy Uncle — said John Hancock Esq.
having made several Applications to the Inhabitants in public
Town Meeting that they would accept of said Donation

Voted that all Matters and Things that remain unfinished at this
Meeting, be and hereby is referred over to the Town Meeting
speedily to be called, to be then considered and acted upon

Voted, unanimously that the Thanks of the Town [32.] Be and
hereby are given to the Honourable James Otis Esq. the Modera-
tor of this Meeting for dispatching the Business thereof

Then the Meeting was dissolved.

At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston legally qualified and warned in public Town Meet-
ing Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Monday the 13th. Day of July.
Anno Domini 1767

Warrant for calling the Meeting ----- read

The Honble. James Otis Esq. was chosen Moderator of this
Meeting, and took the Oaths respecting his paying and receiving

216 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

Bills of Credit of the other Governments as required by an Act of
this Province.

The Committee relative to the Towns Lands on Boston Neck,
Reported in the form of a Vote — Viz1.

Whereas the Lands on Boston Neck lying on both sides of the
Great Road leading to Roxbtiry together with some Lands lying
on both sides Orange Street, Just within the Fortification belong-
ing to this Town ; which Lands if laid out in proper and con-
venient Allotments [33.] Might be sold much for the Interest
and advantage of the Town.

And whereas a Plan of the same Lands, is now lodged in the
Town Clerks Office whereon is marked and laid out proper and
convenient Lotts of the said Lands for Sale ; therefore Voted that

or the major part of them, be a Committee to make Sale of

all or any of the said Lotts, as also the said Lands Just within the
Fortification, for the most the same will fetch ; and that the said
Committee or the major part of them, be and hereby are author-
is'd and impowered to make execute and deliver, in the Name and
on the behalf of the Town, good and sufficient Deed or Deeds of
bargain and sale, of anyLott or Lotts part or parcel of said Land,

to the Purchaser or Purchasers.

THOMAS DAWS, p order

The above Report having been read and considered — the Ques-
tion was put " Whether the same be accepted — Passed in the
Negative

The Committee appointed to take into Consideration the Peti-
tion of Sampson Salter and others chose to Collect the public
Taxes for the Year 1767. do Report — That they have met the
Petitioners several Times and heard them fully relating to the
Prayer of their said Petition, and having considered of the same,
give it as our Opinion, that the Premium to be allowed for Col-
lecting said Taxes be in the following manner — Viz'. — Twelve
Pence on the Pound to each of the Collectors upon all such Sums,
as they shall have actually paid into the Province County and Town
Treasurers on or before the tenth Day of July 1768 — Eight Pence
on the Pound on all such other Sums, as they shall have so paid
in to said Treasurers on or before the twentieth Day of December
1768. and Four Pence on the Pound upon the remainder of the
Sums they shall be obliged to Collect, provided such remainder
shall be fully paid in on or before the second Monday of March
Anno Domini 1769, this Premium as above expressed appears to
be Just and equitable, and an ample Allowance to the Collectors
to encourage them to discharge their Duty with diligence and
fidelity, and humbly submit it to the Consideration of the Town
— The Committee would beg leave Just to mention, that as
every Inhabitant is sensible the Town for [34.] Many Years past
have laboured under great Difficulties by reason of the Taxes not
being paid into the respective Treasuries, and especially the Town
Treasury, and that the Town Tax has thereby greatly increased,
and that this has been principally occasioned by the neglect of the
Collectors, or some of them, and the backwardness of the Inhabi-
tants to pay owing to the great lenity of the Collectors notwith-

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1767. 217

standing the generous Premium that has always been allowed for
their Services : The Committee are of Opinion these difficultmys
may be in a great Measure prevented, if the Town would come into
the following Resolutions. Viz*.

That the Assessors be directed to take the List of the Names of
all Persons lyable to be taxed some time in the Month cf June
Annually, so as to compleat the same before the expiration of that
Month ; And that said Assessors shall begin to make the Annual
Tax in seven Days at farthest after they have received the War-
rants from the Province Treasurer, for the Province Tax, and
from the Court of Sessions for the County Tax and the Town
Vote for the Town Tax, and that they compleat the said Tax &
prepare the Tax Books, so as they may be delivered to the Collect-
ors annually on or before the first Day of October, that Time
being much better than it formerly used to be, and the Committee
are of Opinion, that this delay in the Assessors has not only been
expensive to the Town, but the Cause of many of the Difficulties
the Town has met with

The Committee also think that it would not only be a relief to
the present and proceeding Collectors, but of Great benefit to the
Town, if they were directed to prefer a List of the Names of all
Persons that have not paid their Taxes for any Years preceeding
the Year 1766, and that such Lists be distinctly read over, in a full
Town Meeting to be called for that purpose, at such Time as the
Town shall Judge proper, and th.it the Collectors for the Year
1766 give in a like List of the Names of the Persons that shall
not have paid their Taxes for that Year to be distinctly read over

in Town Meeting in the Month of March 1769.

BENJAMIN KENT
p order

.[35.] The Report on the other side having been read and
debate had thereon — the Question was put — Whether the Town
will accept the same — Passed in the Affermative

Mr. Nathaniel Coffin chosen Collector of Taxes for the ensuing
Year having declined that Service was accordingly excused by the
Town

The Inhabitants brought in their Votes, for a Collector of Taxes
in the room of Nathaniel Coffin Esq. who has declined serving &
upon sorting them it appeared that

Jonathan Pay son Esq.
was chosen a Collector of Taxes for the ensuing Year

Upon a Motion made and seconded, Voted that the Selectmen be
desired to do what is necessary relative to the repairing or en-
larging the Gun House in the Common for the reception of the
Artillery lately given by the Province for the use of the Boston
Regiment.

The Committee relative to sweeping Chimuies &c. not having
compleated their Scheem, were disired to Report the same at the
next Town Meeting

The Honble. Thomas Gushing Esq. laid before the Town,
the following Letter received from Mr. Secretary Conway —
Viz'.

218 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

London March 16. 1767.

Sir

I am ashamed to have so long deferred sending my Picture,
which the Assembly of Boston have done me the Honor to request ;
but as this delay has been chiefly owing to the dilotariness of the
Painter, who has been extremely slow in finishing it I hope it
will not be imputed to any neglect on my part, or to any want of
the Just sense I ought ever to retain of the great distinction they

were pleased to favor [36.] Me with on that occasion

I am with great regard
Sir

Your Obliged & Most Obed'.

humble Servant

H. S. CONWAY.

The above Letter having been read to the Inhabitants by the
Town Clerk — Voted, that the same be handed to the Committee
relative to Coll0. Barres Picture who are hereby desired to write a
Letter to the Honble. H. S : Conway, informing him of the recietof
his Picture, and that the same by the unanimous order of the
Town is placed in Faneuil Hall — And said Committee are im-
powered and directed to engage some Person to write to his Corre-
spondent in London to pay the cost of drawing said Picture,
and any other expence that has attended the same, which Sum
the Inhabitants hereby oblige themselves to repay and reim-
burse

The Committee appointed to examine the Accompts of Mr.
David Jeffries Town Treasurer have attended that Service, & find
the same right cast and well vouched in which he charges himself
with sundry Fines, Rents, and other Incomes of the Town, as also
with the Tax of £5000 — All which amount to the Sum of
£11577 ,, 16 ,, 11£ including the balance of old Account

And the said Treasurer discharges himself by sundry Abate-
ments made the Collectors amounting to £661 ,, 3 ,, 4 by Drafts
made by the Selectmen amounting to £3202 ,, 10,, 1^ of which he
has paid £2284 ,, 1 ,, 7, and by Drafts made by the Overseers of
the Poor, which contain the Charge of the Almshouse amounting
to £3057 „ 18 ,, 1 of which he has paid £1433 ,, 7 „ 6| also by
sundry Sums paid for Interest amounting to £84 ,, 14 ,, 1\ the
whole amounting to £7009 ,, 4 ,, \\

The said Committee have inspected said Drafts in a very [37.]
Particular manner, and have examined the Vouchers produced by
the Overseers of the Poor for the amount of their Drafts and every
other branch of public Charge, amount in all as above to £7009 ,,
4 ,, If, as by Account of Town Treasury in the Town Treasurers
Books, balance whereof being £4568 ,, 12 ,, 9£ is carried to the
Credit of a new Account

Which Report and Accompt being read, Voted that the same be
and hereby is accepted

In a Motion made and seconded Voted, that there be a Town
Meeting called on the 24th Instant, provided Mr. Adams produces a
List to the Selectmen of the Debts due to him as Collector of Taxes
from the Inhabitants of the Town of Boston and from whom by

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1767. 219

the 20 Instf. that the Town may act as they Judge proper with
respect to the Suit < ommenced against him as Collector

Voted that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given to
the Honble. James Olis Esq. the Moderator of this Meeting for dis-
patching the business thereof

Then the Meeting was dissolved

At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston legally qualified & warned in public Town Meet-
ing Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Fryday the 9th Day of October
A. D. 17G7

Warrant for calling the Meeting - - - read.

[38.] The Honble. James Otis Esq. was chosen Moderator of
this Meeting, and took the Oaths respecting his paying and receiv-
ing Bills of Credit of the other Governments as required by an
Act of this Province.

That Article in the Warrant Viz*. — " Whether the Town will
make any alteration in a late Vote respecting the Collectors
of Taxes, they having declined Serving upon the terms therein
stated ; or if the Town should think fit to adhere to said Vote,
then to choose four new Collectors for the present Year" was
read, and after debate had thereon — the Question was put —
Whether the town will make any alteration in their late Vote
respecting Collectors of Taxes — Passed in the Negative — It
was then moved, and Voted that the choice of Collectors be
referred over to 3 O'clock P : M :

That Article in the Warrant (Viz4.) "Whether the Town will
be at the Charge of a new Engine to supply the place of Engine
No. 3 kept in Bennet Street, which upon a thorough inspection is
found to be unfit for service " was read and Considered where-
upon

Voted, that it be left to the Gentlemen Selectmen either to
repair said Engine or to procure a new one in its room, as they
may Judge most for the Interest of the Town

That Article in the Warrant Viz'. — "Whether any Measures
shall be taken to repair or render more respectable the entrance
into this Town near the Fortification " was read — And the Ques-
tion being put — "Whether such Measures shall be taken" —
Passed in the Affermative — It was f urther Voted that
Mr. Edward Payne
Benjamin Kent Esq.
Thomas Daws Esq.
Melatiah Bourn Esq.

[39.] Jonathan Williams Esq.

Mr. John Boyleston
Coll0. John Hill

be and hereby are appointed a Committee to carry said Measure
into execution

That Article in the Warrant Viz'. — " Whether the Town will
impower the Selectmen to make such other Building in addition to

220 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

the Gun House as is represented to be necessary for the use of the
Train of Artillery" was read, whereupon

Voted, that the Gentlemen the Selectmen be desired to act in
this Matter as they may think proper and expedient

Adjourned to 3 O'Clbck P : M :

Met according to Adjournment.

Upon a Motion made and seconded, the Question was put
(Viz1.) " Whether the Vote passed in the Morning respecting Col-
lectors of Taxes shall now be reconsidered" — Passed in the
Affermative

It was further Voted, that the Vote passed the 13th. of July
last relative to the Collectors of Taxes, by one Clause of whict
they are allowed a Premium of twelve Pence on the Pound upon
all such Sums as they shall have actually paid into the Province
County and Town Treasurers on or before the tenth Day of July
1768 — be so far reconsidered as that said Collectors be and they
hereby are allowed the like Sum of Twelve Pence on the Pound as
Premium on all such Sums of Money as shall be paid into the
several Treasurers as aforesaid on or before the tenth Day of
August 1768 any thing in a former Vote notwithstanding

Three of the Gentlemen chose Collectors of Taxes for the pres-
ent [4O.] Year Viz1. — Mess". Sampson Sal ter, Edward Holly-
day, & Samuel Ruggles consenting to serve in said Office, upon
the alteration now made in the Vote passed the 13th. Day of July
last respecting said Collectors — The Inhabitants were desired to
withdraw, and bring in their Votes for one Collector in the room
of Jonathan Payson Esq. who declines serving — their Votes being
accordingly brought in upon sorting them it appeared that

Mr. Abraham Savage
was chosen a Collector of Taxes for the present Year.

The Petition of Mra. Mary Pratt Widow "that an abatement
may be made her on the Rent of Deer Island for Reasons therein
given " was read, and after debate had thereon

Voted, that the Gentlemen the Selectmen be desired to make
enquiry into the Circumstances of this Matter, and Report the
same at the next Town Meeting

Voted that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given to
the Honble. James Otis Esq. the Moderator of this Meeting for
dispatching the Business thereof

Then the Meeting was dissolved.

[41.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants
of the Town of Boston legally qualified and warned in public Town
Meeting Assembled at Fanenil Hall on Wednesday the 28th. Day
of October A. D. 1767.

Warrant for calling the Meeeting - - - - read
The Honble. James Otis Esq. was chosen Moderator of this
Meeting, and took the Oaths respecting his paying and receiving
Bills of Credit of the other Governments, as required by an Act
of this Province

BOSTON TOWN KECORDS, 1767. 221

An Address to the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston now Assembled and subs -ribed Philo Patria rec-
ommending Oeconomy and Manufactures which was handed in to
the Town this Morning, was by their order read to them by the

Town Clerk

The Town took into consideration the Petition of a Number of
Inhabitants " that some effectual Measures might be agreed upon
to promote Industry, Oeconomy, and Manufactures, thereby to
prevent the unnecessary Importation of European Commodities
which threaten the Country with Poverty and Ruin" whereupon
in a very large and full Meeting, the following Votes and Reso-
lutions were passed unanimously.

Whereas the excessive use of Forreign Superfluities is the chief
Cause of the present distressed state of this Town, as it is
thereby drained of its Money, which Misfortune is like to
be increased by means of the late additional burthens and impo-
sitions on the Trade of this Province which threaten the Country
with poverty and ruin — therefore Voted, that this Town will
take all prudent and legal Measures to encourage the produce and
Manufactures of this Province, and to lesson the use of Super-
fluities & particularly the following enumerated Articles Imported
from abroad Viz1. [42.] Loaf Sugar — Cordage — Anchors —
Coaches — Chaises & Carriages of all sorts — Horse Furniture —
Men & Womens Hatts — Men & Wornens Apparel ready made
— Household Furniture — Gloves — Men & Womens Shoes —
Sole Leather — Sheathing and Deck Nails — Gold & Silver
Thread — Lace of all Sorts — Gold and Silver Buttons — Wrought
Plate of all sorts — Diamond Stone nnd Paste Ware — Snuff —
Mustard — Clocks & Watches — Silver Smiths & Jewellers
Ware — Broad Cloths that cost above ten shillings p Year —
Muffs, Furrs & Tippetts — and all sorts of Millinary Ward —
Starch — Women & Children's Stays — Fire Engines — China
Ware — Silk and Cotton Velvets — Gauze — Pewterers hollow
Ware — Linseed Oyle — Glue — Lawns — Cambrick — Silk of all
kinds for Garments — Malt Liquors, & Cheese. — And that a Sub-
scription for this end be and hereby is recommended to the several
Inhabitants and Householders of the Town, and that

John Rowe Esq.

Mr. William Greenleaff

Melatiah Bourn Esq.

Mr. Samuel Austin

Mr. Edward Payne

Mr. Edmund Quincy Tertius

John Ruddock Esq.

Jonathan Williams Esq.

Joshua Henshaw Esq.

Mr. Henderson Inches

Mr. Solomon Davis

Joshua Winslow Esq.

Thomas Gushing Esq.
be a Committee to prepare a form for Subscription to Report the

222 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

same as soon as possible, and also to procure Subscriptions to the

same

And whereas it is the Opinion of this Town that diverse new
Manufactures may be set up in America to its great advantage,
& some others carried to a greater extent, particularly those of
Glass & Paper, therefore

[43. J Voted, that this Town will by all prudent ways &
means encourage the use and consumption of Glass and Paper
made in any of the British American Colonies and more especially
in this Province

Adjourned to 3 O'Clock P : M :
3 O'Clock P : M : Met according to Adjournment.
That Article in the Warrant (Viz'.) " To Choose a Committee to
examine the Accompts of the Managers of Faneuil Hall Lotteries,"
was read, whereupon Voted, that

John Hill Esq.
Foster Hutchinson Esq.
Belcher No3-es Esq.
Mr. Ezekiel Price

be and hereby are appointed a Committee to examine the Accompts
of the Managers of Faneuil Hall Lotteries, as also the Accompts
of such other Lotteries as may hereafter be drawn by said Mana-
gers

The Petition of Nathaniel Heath " that the Selectmen may have
orders to draw for the Forty Pounds due to him for taking down
part and repairing the remainder of the Widow Crosby's House
near the Salutation Tavern, in order to widen the Street there,
notwithstanding the Condition on which the Town granted the
said Sum was not wholly complyed with " being read and consid-
ered

Voted, that the Selectmen be and hereby are directed to give
the said Heath an order on the Town Treasurer for the Sum of
Forty Pounds, as pay for the Services set forth in his Petition,

any former Vote, to the contrary notwithstanding.

The Clause in the Warrant (Viz*.) "To Consider of some Meas-
ures [44.] For employing the Poor of the Town of Boston, by
reviving the Linen Manufacture, and in sucli other Ways as shall
be thought most beneficial," was read, whereupon
Voted, that, John Barrett Esq.
Mr. Edward Payne
Middlecot Cook Esq.
M*. Henderson Inches
Melatiah Bourn Esq.
Jonathan Williams Esq.
Ezekiel Goldthwait Esq.

be and hereby are appointed a Committee for the purpose afore-
said, to Report as soon as may be

That Clause in the Warrant Viz*. — " That the mind and Reso-
lution of the Town may be taken with respect to the expediency
of a humble request to his Excellency the Governor, that he will
Convene the General Assembly as soon as may be " was read and
considered — whereupon

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1767. 223

Voted, .ma limously, that the Representatives of the Town
having already made humble application to his Excellency the
Governor for the purpose above mentioned, the Town do approve
of their Conduct therein ; hereby declaring their sense of the im-
portance of the Measure, and expressing their hopes that his
Excellency will be pleased to further it, by Convening the Gen-
eral Assembly as soon as conveniently may be.

The Committee appointed in the Fore-Noon to prepare a form

for Subscriptions, Report as follows

Whereas this Province labours under a heavy debt incurred in
the course of the late Warr, and the Inhabitants by this means,
must be for some time subject to very burthensome Taxes ; And
as our [45.] Trade has for several Years been on the decline,
and is now particularly under great Embarrassments, and bur-
then'd with heavy Impositions, our Medium veiy scarce, and the

balance of Trade greatly against this Country

We therefore the Subscribers being sensible that it is absolutely
necessary, in order to extricate us out of these embarrassed & dis-
tressed Circumstances to promote Industry, Oeconomy, & Manu-
factures among ourselves, and by this Means prevent the unneces-
sarj- Importation of European Commodities, the excessive use of
which threatens the Country with Poverty and Ruin, Do Promise
& Engage to and with each other, that we will encourage the use
and consumption of all Articles Manufactured in any of the
British American Colonies, & more especially in this Province ;
and that we will not from & after the 31st. — of December next
ensuing, purchase any of the following Articles, imported from
tbroad

Loaf Sugar

Cordage

Anchors

Coaches Chaises & Carriages of all sorts

Horse Furniture

Mens & Womens Hatts

Men & Womens Apparel ready made

Household Furniture

Gloves

Men & Womens Shoes

Sole Leather

Sheathing & Deck Nails

Gold & Silver & Thread Lace of all sorts

Gold & Silver Buttons

Wrought Plate of all sorts

Diamond Stone & Paste Ware

Snuff

Mustard

Clocks and Watches
[46 .] Silver Smiths & Jewellers Ware

Broad Cloths that Cost about 10/ p Yard

Muffs : Furrs & Tippets

All sorts of Millinary Ware

Starch

224 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

Women and Childrens Stays

Fire Engines

China Ware

Silk and Cotton Velvets

Gauze

Pewterers hollow Ware

Silk & Cotton Velvets

Linseed Oyle
Glue

Lawns

Cambricks

Silks of all kinds for Garments

Malt Liquors

Cheese

And we further Agree strictly to adhere to the late regulations
respecting Funerals, and will not use any Gloves but what are
Manufactured here, nor procure any new Garments upon such an
Occasion but what shall be absolutely necessary

JOHN ROWE p order

The above Report having been considered, the Question was
put — Whether the same shall be accepted, whereupon

Voted unanimously that said Report be & hereby is accepted,
and that said Committee be desired to use their best endeavors to
get the Subscription Papers filled up as soon as may be — also

Voted, unanimously that the forgoing Vote and Form of a
Subscription, relative to the Enumerated Articles &c. be immedi-
ately [4:7.] Published, and that the Gentlemen the Selectmen be
directed to distribute a proper Number of them among the Free-
holders of this Town, and to forward a Copy of the same to the
Selectmen of every Town in the Province, and also to the princi-
pal City or Town Officers of the Chief Towns in the several Colo-
nies on the Continent, as they may think proper.

That Clause in the Warrant respecting " giving proper Instruc-
tions to the Representatives of the Town for their Conductat thi s
very critical conjunction of our public Affairs" was read, where-
upon

Voted, that the consideration of this Matter be referred over to
the Adjournment of this Meeting

Upon a Motion made and seconded, Voted, that the Town will
take all proper Measures by keeping in their Children & Servants
and other ways to prevent the disturbances which have sometimes
happened on or about the Fifth Day of November

At this Meeting several Samples of Starch called Poland Starch,
and of the common sort of Starch ; Powder of best sorts for Bar-
bers, Glue, and Snuff like Kippens so called, all manufactured in
this Town, were shewn to the Inhabitants and much approved
of

Mr. John Baker who manufactures the Poland Starch so called,
being present declared his readiness to Contract with the Inhabi-
tants for two Thousand Barrels at the prime cost of that Article
in London

Mr. Gelaspy the Manufacturer of Stock Snuff so called, offered

BOSTON TOWN EECORDS, 1767. 225

to furnish the Inhabitants with what may be wanted at the first
Cost of that Article in North Britian

The Town were also informed that our Paper Manufacturers
[48.] Had given assurance, that in case they can be supplyed
with the Materials for their use, usually burnt or thrown away in
our great Towns, they could supply the Province with whatever
sorts and quantity of Paper, they have occasion for, and have some
left for the other Colonies

Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to Frvday f.he 20th. of
November next, 10 O'Clock A : M :

Fry day the 20th. of November. 10. O'Clock A: M : Town Met
according to Adjournment

The Committee appointed on the 20th of last Month " to Con-
sider of some Measures for employing the Poor of the Town of
Boston, by reviving the Linnen Manufacture, and in such other
ways as shall be thought most beneficial " having desired a further
Time — Voted, that said Committee be desired to make Report
at the Adjournment of this Meeting

The Committee appointed on the 20th Ultimo relative to the
Enumerated Articles, Reported, and also handed in to the Town
the Subscription Rolls, whereupon

Voted, that said Rolls be left with the Town Clerk for such of
the Inhabitants to Subscribe the same as may not as yet have
done it

The Committee appointed to examine the Accounts of the
Managers of Faneuil Hall Lotteries — Reported that they had
examined the several Accompts of Lotteries N°. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. & 9,
and found the same to be right cast, which Report was accepted
by the Town

[49.] The Town being informed sundry scandalous and
threatning Papers have been posted up in various parts of the
Town, by some evil minded Person or Persons, Enemies to its
peace, tending to excite Tumults & Disorders

Voted, unanimously that the Inhabitants of this Town will be
ready on all Occasions to assist the Selectmen and Majestratea
in the suppression of all Disorders that may arise and that they
will endeavor to preserve peace and harmony among the Inhab-
itants

Upon a Motion made and seconded, that Article in the Warrant
relative to the giving proper Instructions to the Representatives
of the Town for their Conduct at this very critical Conjuncture of
our public Affairs, the Consideration whereof was referred to this
Meeting was now taken up and the Question being put —
' ' Whether the Town will Instruct their Representatives — Passed
in the Affermative almost unanimously — It was further Voted
that

Richard Dana Esq.

Mr. Henderson Inches

John Rowe Esq.

Mr. Edward Payne

Mr. Edmund Quincy tertius

226 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

Mr. Ezekiel Price

Dr. Benjamin Church

be aud hereby are appointed a Committee to prepare Instructions
accordingly, and they are desired to Report at the Adjournment

of this Meeting

Voted, that this Meeting be and hereby is Adjourned to Tues-
day the 22d. of December next

Tuesday the 22d. Day of December 3. 0'Clock P : M : Town met
according to Adjournment

[5O.] A Petition of Mr. John Trumbles of Charlestown rela-
tive to the setting up the Pipe Manufacture in this Town was
read, but the same not being an Article in the Warrant was not
acted upon

The Committee appointed the 28 of October last " to consider of
some Measures for employing the Poor of the Town of Boston by
reviving the Linnen Manufacture, and in such other ways as
shall be thought most beneficial " Reported

That they have had many Meetings about the Matters referred
to them for their Consideration, have made a full enquiry into the
steps taken by the late Society for carrying on the Linnen Manu-
facture, and the method they pursued for establishing the same,
Examined all their Books and Accompts, and procured from
several of the Gentlemen concerned all the information relative to
their proceedings in that Business they were able to give, what
encouragement was given for carrying it on, and the many difficul-
ties that attended it, and conversed with some Persons best
acquainted with the several branches of this Business, and also
compared the Circumstances of those Times with the present, and
after the most mature Consideration of the whole The Committee
are of Opinion, that this Province has all natural Advantages for
carrying on the Linneu Manufacture, and that a sufficient quantity
of Flax may be raised for that purpose, if the Government would
give encouragement. That the carrying on this Business in a
Factory will be attended with greater Expence than in private
Families (as by experience has been found in Scotland & Ireland
as well as among ourselves) where the Spinning and Weaving are
done when they have no other Employ, whereas in a Factory they
must be wholly supported by the Manufacture therefore cannot
afford their work so cheap — That the profits arising from this
Manufacture is not sufficient to induce any Persons to undertake
it without some assistance [51.] From the public ; tliat in order to
carry on and establish this Business in a Factory in Boston, the
House, Looms, Wheels & other Utensils necessary for bleaching
and Callendring must be provided at the public charge, and like-
wise a Stock of Three thousand Pounds to be applyed for pur-
chasing Flax and Yarn, paying the Weavers Spinners Bleaching
&c. That this Stock must be lent to suitable Persons who are
acquainted in all the Branches of this Manufacture, and will
undertake to carry on the same on their own Account if such
Persons can be found, who could give security for the said Stock,
the Committee are of Opinion the Linnen Manufacture may be
established in this Town. The Committee have the pleasure to

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1767. 227

acquaint the Town, that from the surest advices they have obtained
from many parts of this Province, the Woolen & Linnen Manu-
factures are carried on to so great a degree, as that a very great
part of the Inhabitants in most Towns supply themselves with
their own Cloatbing — TUc Committee would further Report that
they are informed by good Judges living in this Town, that Duck
or Sail Cloth has been made in this Province of a superior quality
to any commonly imported from Russia, and they are of Opinion
that the making this Article will be more advantageous than
Linnen, as it is probable suitable Persons may be found to carry
on this Manufacture with proper Encouragement from the public,
and a Bounty from the Govern m' This Manufacture is not liable
to so many accidents as the Linnen, nor so great an Expence to
establish it, the Poor of the Town may be employed to spin the
Yarn for this, as well as the other, and the pounding & beating of
the Hemp may be done by those in the Workhouse At present
the Commee. are not able to Inform the Town so fully as to the
making of Duck as they hope they soon shall, being in dayly ex-
pectations of receiving answers to some Letters they have wrote
relative to this he;id. and when they come to hand, the Committee
doubt not but they shall be able to lay a Plan that may be equally
beneficial to the Town & Province as the Linnen Manufacture
would, if Persons could be found to undertake that, on the afore-
mentioned Terms

[52.] The Question being put — Whether the Report on the
other side shall be accepted — Passed in the Affermative — It was
also Voted, that the said Committee be desired to set again for
a further Consideration of what may be expedient for the Town
to do relative to the Linnen Manufacture &c and to Report as
soon as may be

The Committee appointed to prepare Instructions for the Repre-
sentatives of the Town, Reported the following Draft

Gentlemen

We your Constituents the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of
the Town of Boston being legally Assembled in Faneuil Hall, and
taking into mature Consideration the distressed Circumstances
of this Town, by means of the amazing growth of Luxury, and
the Embarrassments of our Trade ; & having also the strongest
apprehensions that our invaluable Rights & Liberties as Men and
British Subjects, are greatly affected by a late Act of the British
Parliament imposing Duties on sundry Commodities to be levied
& paid in the Colonies, have thought it expedient to give you our
united sentiments on those interesting subjects ; that you may from
thence take encouragement vigorously to pursue such Measures as
may be best calculated to secure our safety & wellfare

It is the part of every wise Community at all times to encourage
Industry and Oeconomy among themselves. How great is the neces-
sity when pressed with insupportable Debts and Taxes which is
the present unhappy state of this Town and Province? The late Just
and necessary war, in which our Sovereign and the Nation have been
engaged, being principally seated in North America rendred it
the incumbent Duty of his Majestys faithful Subjects of these

228 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

Colomas, to exert the utmost of their strength and abilities iu de-
fence of his Dominions in this part of the World, and reducing
his Enemies to terms of peace. This Province has [53.] Exhib-
ited many repented instances of their readiness to afford this aid
to his Majesty which will be standing Monuments of their zeal for
his Majesties service & their affection to the Mother State. It is
needless to recur to former Instances even in the Infancy of this
Province ; the last War affords incontestable proofs ; when by their
united exertions, they incurred a Debt which is now an almost in-
supportable burden, and will so remain for Years to come. It is
with concern that we are obliged to say, that under all this difficulty
our private Debts to the British Merchants have been increasing ;
and our importations even of Superfluities as well as other Articles
have been so much beyond ihe bounds of prudence, that our utmost
efforts it is to be feared, will not save us from impending ruin. At
the Same Time our Trade by which alone we are enabled to balance
our Accompts with Great Britain is in almost every branch of it
burtheued with Duties and Restrictions, whereby it is rendred un-
profitable to us ; and is indeed in danger of being totally obstructed
& ruined. In such a deplorable situation we warmly recommend to
you Gentlemen to exert your selves in promoting every prudent Meas-
ure which may be proposed to put a stop to that profusion of Lux-
ury, so threatning to the Country ; to encourage a spirit of Industry
and frugality among the People, and to establish Manufactures
in the Province. We conceive that diverse Manufactures may be
set up to great advantage, particularly those of Iron, Glass, Paper,
Linnen &c. and therefore we think it highly necessary that they
should be encouraged by suitable Bounties. Hemp and Flax are
the natural produce of our Lands, and many new discoveries maybe
made of the Productions of the Country, which we have Just reason
to expect you will attend to, as they will be the necessary Means
of lessoning our Forreign Imports, enabling us to discharge the
Debts we have already Contracted abroad, & freeing us from the
Obligation of contracting at least so largely for Time to come.
We cannot conclude this head without observing to you, that the
excessive use & consumption of spirituous Liquors requires your
particular care to discountenance ; as it is [54.] Destructive to
the Morals as well as the Health and substance of the People ;
rendering them incapable of labor, and tending to erace from the
Mind, the sentiments of Virtue, and a disposition to Industry.

As we have nothing more at heart than to maintain a lasting
and perpetual friendship & union with the People of Great Britain
who are our Fellow Subjects, we rely upon it that you will at all
Times readily Join in any Measures tending to cultivate and estab-
lish it. Using your best endeavors to circumvent & frustrate the
designs of those who would create Jealousies and foment Divisions
between us. At the same Time it is your incumbent Duty care-
fully to inspect such Acts of Parliament as are or shall ba passed
to be binding on Ihe Colonies ; the prudence and even necessity
of which will appear when it is considered that we are not and
cannot be Represented in the Parliament which passeth such
Laws ; and consequently the only step that can be taken by those

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1767. 229

who alone legally Represent us, is to point out such inconveniences,
as by reason of our great distance from the Supreme Legislative
of the Nation may and in all probability will sometimes arise from
such Laws, in order that they ma}' be remidied. And we upon
this Occasion strictly enjoin upon you to use your influence that
the nature and tendency of the late Act of Parliament imposing
Dutys upon Paper, Glass &e. may be the Subject of enquiry in the
House of Representatives. The design of this Act we perceive is
to raise a Revenue out of the Colonies for the support of his
Majestys Government, and to defend and secure his Majestys
Territories. As this Revenue is to be raised out of our property,
it is immaterial to us by what mode the Taxes are to be levied, or
by what Name they are called. It is without controversy the
natural right of every Man, and the constitutional Right of every
British Subject solely to dispose of his own property either by him-
self in Person, or by his Representatives of his own free Election.
If therefore the People of [55.] This Province are by nature and
by the Royal Charter entitled to all the Rights of natural born
Subjects, as without doubt they are, it is certain that all Property
taken from them, by any manner or way without their consent
must be an infringement of their natural and Constitutional Rights,
and it is a point of the utmost consequence to us ; For what
Liberty could any Man be supposed to have, if another have a
right to demand of him any part of his earnings, and by conse-
quence the whole if he pleases? Besides the appropriation of the
Moneys to be raised by this Act we humbly apprehend it to be
Just matter of grievance to us, in as much as we are thereby de-
prived of that honor which is the pride of British Subjects of
testefying our alacrity in supporting his Majesties Officers in the
several Departments of Government, as well as of the privilege of
taking into Consideration our own ability and the merit of their
Services. Moreover the Act in its opperation will further dis-
courage our Trade, already sinking under its pressures & difficulties.
And it is worth your particular notice that it has ever been the
policy of Great Britain to lay the Colonies under the necessity of
purchasing her own Manufactures to the exclusion of all others,
which obliges us to purchase such Articles as we have nead of at
an advanced price : and this alone we apprehend would be suffi-
cient to exempt us from any additional Charges or Duties upon
them here, even it were not inconsistent with our natural and con-
stitutional Rights ; especially when "it is considered, that by our
consumption of their Manufactures, the price of them is great'y
advanced, the Manufactures increased in number and wealth and
enabled to pay a larger proportion towards the public and National

Charges, and the value of their Lands is also greatly enhanced

We therefore upon the whole Instruct you to endeavor that in
the most humble dutiful and loyal terms such representations ma}'
be made to our most gracious King, of our Constitutional &
Charter Rights — of our unrivalled Loyalty & Affection to his
Person, Family & Government [56. J Of onr acknowledged Con-
ptitutional subordination to the supreme Legislative power of the
Nation, and of the hardships & grieveances which lye upon us

230 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

under the opperation of the said Act, together with such humble
supplication to his Majesty, as may prevail upon him graciously to
recommend its Repeal

The above Report having been duly Considered, it was Voted
unanimously that the same be accepted.

Upon a Motion made and seconded — Voted, that the afore-
going Instructions be printed in tlie public News Papers

Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given to
the Honble. James Otis Esq. the Moderator of this Meeting for
dispatching the Business thereof

Then the Meeting was dissolved.

At a Meeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston legally qualified and warned in publick Town
Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Wednesday the 13th. of
January A.D. 1768.

[57.] Warrant for calling the Meeting - - - - read.

Samuel Grant Esq. was chosen Moderator of this Meeting, and
took the Oath respecting his pa}'ing and receiving Bills of Credit
of the other Governments, as required by an Act of this Prov-
ince

The Committee appointed the 28th. of October last " to consider
of some Measures for employing the Poor of the Town of Boston,
by reviving the Linnen Manufacture, and in such other ways as
shall be thought most beneficial " — Report

That having Reported their Sentiments to the Town on the 22d
December last as to the carrying on the Linnen Manufacture and
therein suggested their Opinion as to the great probability there
was, that the making of Duck or Sail Cloth upon suitable encour-
agement given, would employ the Poor and be fully as beneficial
to the Public as any other Manufacture whatsoever though they
were not then able to inform the Town as to the pi'ocess in making
Duck or Sail Cloth, but as they expected answers to Letters they
had wrote relative to this Article, they were in hopes when they
should them, they should be able to lay a Plan before the Town
for carrying this Manufacture on in such a manner as to answer
the grand design of the Town, viz1. — Employing the Poor of
it

And as the Committee were then desired by the Town to con-
tinue their good offices for effecting this Plan, the Committee
accordingly beg leave to Report — That they have received
answers to the Letters referred to, & had a long conversation with
a Gentleman who has been concerned in this Manufacture and
procured such other information about it, that they are of opinion
the manufacturing of Duck or Sail Cloth, may be set up and car-
ried on, so as to employ all the poor Women and Children of the
Town and render it very beneficial to the Community. And there
is this peculiar advantage in this Manufacture, that Duck can be
made either with Flax or Hemp of our own growth or Forreign

BOSTON TOWN EECORDS, 1768. 231

Hemp, which can at all times be [58.] Procured and so not liable
to fail by reason of a drought, whereas the Li. men Manufacture
depended wholly on the growth of Flax, has by sorrowful experi-
ence failed heretofore on that Account to tlie great detriment of
this Town. But for the effecting this Plan, it will be necessary
that Suitable encouragement be given by the Public to such Per-
sons as shall appear to undertake and carry on the same ; and for
this end the Committee would humbly propose — First That the
Government should grant the use of the Manufactory House in
Boston to the Undertakers, for so long time as they shall continue
to carry on the Manufacturing of Duck, Check or plain Linnen —
Secondly That a Sum be immediately raised by Subscription and
given to the Undertakers, for the purchasing Looms, Wheels and
other Utensils, necessary for carrying on said Business ; learning
of Spinners and paying such other incidental Charges as may
arise — Thirdly — That for purchasing such a Stock for carrying
on this Manufacture as will answer the good purposes proposed it
will be necessary for the Undertakers to hire a considerable Sum
of Money, for which they must give their own personal security
and pay the Interest thereof.

And as the prospect of advantage is not sufficient to induce any
to engage in it without some assistance from such as are of ability
to afford it ; The Committee would propose that a Subscription be
opened for the Annual payment of such a Sum as each Person
should incline to give for the space of Five Years ; this is to be
given to the Undertakers to enable them to pay the Interest of the
Moneys they shall borrow

With this encouragement the Committee are in hopes some Per-
sons of Character & Resolution will appear to undertake this
Manufacture ; which if any do and success attends the same, it
will be not only a constant Employ to the Poor, but be greatly
advantageous to the Town in many other respects ; and this
encouragement as proposed, the Committee apprehend none can
have any objection to ; and doubt not such a spirit and disposition
will prevail in the Inhabitants, as that this Plan may be prosecuted
in such a manner as the good effects of it may be, & continued
[59.] With the Inhabitants of this Town and their Posterity
forever.

The Committee beg leave further to inform the Town, that Mr.
John Brown who now lives in the Factory, did make a proposal
that he would engage on certain Conditions to manufacture and
deliver them Linnens at the same price they are imported from
London ; which proposal the Committee have carefully examined
and considered ; and it appeared to them a very considerable Sum
must have been advanced, to enable them to carry on the Manu-
facture, for which he could give no security ; And it further
appeared to the Committee that it was not practicable for him to
comply with the proposals he had made ; therefore they cannot
advise the Town to pursue it at present

But the Committee would recommend it to the Gentlemen who
may undertake the making of Sail Cloth, if it should appear to
them that Check Linnen can be made to advantage, that they

232 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

would employ some part of the Money subscribed to encourage
that branch

In the Name and by Order of the Committee

JOHN BARRET

The above Report having been read and considered, Voted,
that the same be accepted, and that the Thanks of the Town be
given the Gentlemen of the Committee for the Pains they have
taken in the affair also —

Voted, that the Gentlemen of the above Committee be desired
to procure Undertakers for the Execution of the Scheme ; and
when Undertakers shall appear, the Town recommend to the
Inhabitants a Subscription for said purpose — It was further

Voted, that the Gentlemen who Represent the Town in General
Assembly, be and hereby are desired to countenance & forward
all in their power any application that may be made to the Court
by the Undertakers for their Assistance in said Undertaking

Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be given Samuel Grant
Esq. Moderator

Then the Meeting was dissolved.

[6O.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants
of the Town of Boston legally qualified & warned in publick
Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Monday the 14th.
Day of March Anno Domini 17G8

Prayer was made by the Revd. Dr. Cooper •

Warrant for calling the Meeting - - - read.
Sundry Laws enjoin'd to be read at this Meeting, were accord-
ing read

The Houble. James Otis Esq. was chosen Moderator of this
Meeting, and took the Oaths respecting his paying and receiving
Bills of Credit, of the Connecticut New Hampshire and Rhode

Island Governments as required by an Act of this Province.

William Cooper was chosen Town Clerk for the Year ensuing,
and having taken the Oath respecting his paying & receiving
Bills of Credit of the Connecticut and other Governments, took
the Oath of Office for the faithful discharge of his Duty, which

Oaths were Administred to him by Mr. Justice Dana

The Town proceeded to the choice of Seven Selectmen, and the
Votes being brought in and sorted, it appeared that
Coll0. Joseph Jackson
Samuel Sewall Esq.
John Ruddock Esq.
John Hancock Esq. (all sworn)

William Phillips Esq.
Mr. Timothy Newell
John Rowe Esq.

were chose Selectmen for the Year ensuing

[61.] The Town brought in their Votes for Twelve Overseers
of the Poor, and upon sorting them it appeared, that

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1768. 233

John Barrett Esq.

The Honble. Royal Tyler Esq.

Mr. Benjamin Dolbear

Mr. William Whitwell

Mr. William Greauleaff

William White Esq.

Mr. Joseph Waldo

John Leaveret Esq.

John Gore Esq.

Cap'. Samuel Partridge

Thomas Tyler Esq.

Cap*. John Bradford
were chose Overseers of the Poor for the Year ensuing.

Upon a Motion made and seconded Voted, that the Thanks ot
the Town be and hereby are given to Jonathan Willbms Esq. for

his good Services the Year p:ist as an Overseer of the Poor

The Town brought in their Votes for Twelve Wardens, and
upon sorting them, it appeared that,

Henry Loyd Esq. ------ excused

Jonathan Nimpson Esq.

John Hancock Esq.

William Blair Townsend - - - d°.

Cap'. John Mars ton

Cap'. William Downe Cheever

Mr. Nathan Hancock

Mr. Samuel Barrett

Mr. John Sweetser Junr.

Mr. Hopestill Capon

Mr. John Mav

[63.] Mr. Samuel Dyer

were chose Wardens for the Year ensuing.

2 more see after

The Town brought in their Votes for Sixteen Fire Wards and
upon sorting them it appeared that

John Scollay Esq.

Newman Grenough Esq.

John Rowe Esq.

John Rowe Esq.

William Cooper

Mr. John Mico Wendell

Coll0. Thomas Marshall

William Homes Esq.

Mr. Joseph Tyler

Cap'. Adino Paddock

Mr. James Richardson

Majr. James Cunningham

Cap'. Benjamin Waldo

John Hancock Esq.

Mr. Samuel Adams

Cap*. Martin Gay

Thomas Daws Esq.
were chose Fire Wards for the Year ensuing.

234 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

Cap*. William Downe Cheever having declined Serving as a Fire
"Ward by reason of his ill state of Health. — Voted, that the
Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given him for his good

services in that Office some Years past

Upon a Motion made & seconded, Voted, that the Thanks of the
Town be & hereby are given to Jonathan Williams Esq. for his

good services as a Fire-Ward some Years past

[63.] The Town brought in their Votes for a Town Treasurer,
& upon sorting them it appeared, that Mr. David Jeffries was
chosen & having taken the Oath relating to his paying and receiv-
ing Bills of Credit of the other Governments ; took the Oaths of
Office for the faithful discharge of his Duty, which Oaths were

Administred to him by Mr. Justice Dana

Upon a Motion made and seconded — the Question was put —
" Whether Constables and Collectors of Taxes shall be chose sep-

perate," — Passed in the Affermative

Voted, that the Sum of Five Pounds be Remitted out of the
Ten Pound Fine to such Person as shall be chose into the Office

of Constable for the Year ensuing, and shall decline serving

The Town brought in their Votes for Twelve Clerks of the
Market, and upon sorting them it appeared that

Mess™. Benjamin Clark - - - excused

Samuel Barrett - - - - d°.

Edward Lyde Sworn

Jchn Avery Junr. d°.

Cap'. Thomas Brattle

Cap*. William Wingfield d°.

Mr. John Gridley

Mr. George Green

Mr. Thomas Pitts

Mr. John Gushing

Mr. Robert Duncan

Mr. John Gore Junr.

were chose Clerks of the Market for the Year ensuing

see two more.

Mr. John Gray

was chosen Surveyor of Hemp for the Year ensuing.
[64.] Mess". William Nichols

Andrew Symms

Clement Collins

Henry Allen

Isaac Vergoose

John Grenough

Jacob Thayer

Joseph Edmunds

John Skillens

John Sergeant

Richard Walker

John Champny

Samuel Turner

John Bulfinch

one more

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1768. 235

were chose Surveyors of Boards & Shingles for the Year ensu-
ing

Mess™. Samuel Dyer

John Dyer

Obediah Low

John Joy

William Craffts

were chose Fence Viewers for the Year ensuing

Mess™. Nathaniel Gardner

Samuel Whitwell

were chose Informers of Deer for the Year ensuing

Mess™. Ebenezer Mclntosh

Samuel Bangs

William Andrews

John Shepherd - - - - Sworn

William Stevenson

were chose Sealers of Leather for the Year ensuing — —
[6.5.] Mess". Peter Cotta

Manesseh Masters

Joseph Dyer

John Haskins

David Spear

Jonathan Jenkins

Robert Brick Junr.

Job Wheelwright

Joshua Pico

Benjamin Salt

Paul Baxter

John Owen

Thomas Knox

Samuel White

Edward Cowell

Edward Potter

Peter Ellis

Timothy Pease

Nathaniel Waterman

Jacob Williams

Samuel Bernard

John Newell

Joseph Phillips

see more

were chose Cullers of Staves for the Year ensuing

Mess™. David Simens

Thomas Curtis

were chose Hogreeves for the Year ensuing

Mr. Edward Curtis was chosen Hayward for the Year ensu-
ing

The Selectmen

were chose Surveyors of High Ways for the Year ensuing

[66.] Coll0. Joseph Jackson

William Phillips Esq.

William Homes Esq.

236 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

were chose Purchasers of Grain for the Year ensuing, and they
are desir'd and empowered to give all needful Direction to the.
Keeper of the Granary respecting the Quantity of Grain to be sold,
and affixing the price thereof from Time to Time as occasion shall

require

Cap'. Martin Gay
Mr. John Skinner

were chose Assay Master for the Year ensuing

Voted that Mr. Thomas Gray

Ezekiel Golthwait Esq.
Mr. Moses Gill
Mr. John Boylston
Jonathan Williams Esq.

be and hereby are appointed a Committee to Audit the Accompts
of Mr. Treasurer Jeffries, and also the Accompts of the Overseers
of the Poor, and the said Committee are enjoyned to inspect every
particular Account of the Moneys Expended for the use of the
Alms-house, they are also impowered when they shall Audit said
Accompts to allow such of the Overseers as shall Advance Moneys
for the Relief of the Poor, Interest on all such Sums from the Time

so advanced, till they shall have Audited said Accompts.

John Tuder Esq.
Mr. John White

were chose Surveyors of Wheat for the Year ensuing

Upon a Motion made & seconded, Voted, that the choice of a

Clerk for Faneuil Hall Market, be left with the Selectmen

[67.] Upon a Motion made and seconded it was Voted, that

one Scavinger be chosen out of every Ward

Mess™. Nathaniel Baker Ward N°. 1

After Stoddard 2

Benjamin Page ---------- 3

Zachary Fowle ---------- 4

Isaac Greenwood --------- 5

Daniel Flagg ---------- 6

Ephraim Copeland --------- 7

Timothy White 8

Nathaniel Kurd 9

Oliver Wiswell 10

John Bartlett 11

Thomas Chase ----------12

were chose Scavingers for the Year ensuing

Voted, that the Selectmen be desired to inforce the Duty of the
Scavingers upon them, and if they should find any Defect in the
Laws relative to those Officers, that they Report the same to the
Town, that they may act thereon as they may Judge conven-
ient

Voted, that Mr. Ezekiol Price

Joshua Henshaw Esq.
Melatiah Bourn Esq.

be a Committee to bring in a form of a Vote relative to a Pre-
mium for the Collectors of Taxes

Upon a Motion made and seconded, Voted, that the Sum of

BOSTON TOWN EEGORDS, 17G8. 237

Thirty Pounds be and hereby is allowed to James Clemmens for

his Salary as Clerk of Faneuil Hall Market

Voted, that the Consideration of School Masters Salarys and all

other Salarys & Grants be referred over to next May Meeting

[68.] The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for Seven As-
sessors and upon sorting them it appeared that

Mr. William Fairfleld

Mr. John Kneeland,

Mr. Benjamin Church

Belcher Noyes Esq.

Mr. William Torrey

Mr. Jonathan Brown

Mr. Daniel Pecker

were chose Assessors for the Year ensuing

The Selectmen Reported on Accompts of Mr. Benjamin Fenno
Keeper of the Granary for the Year past, which Accompt as en-
tred in his Books (and on file in the Town Clerks Office) was read,
whereupon it was Voted, that the same be accepted, and that Mr.
Fenno be accountable to the Town for 810. Bushels of Indian Corn
and 34 Bushels of Rye amounting to £112,, 10,, 8, and also for the
Sum of £155,, 9,, 2f Cash now in his hands exclusive of the Sum
of £32,, 13,, 4 for his Salary and Attendance as charged in his
Accompt which is hereby allowed him.

Voted, that the Assessors be and hereby are impowered and
directed, to set for the Abatement of such Taxes as they shall
Judge reasonable on every Thursday till the first Thursday in April
inclusive and no longer, saving that they be allowed to set the two
last Weeks in November, for the Abatement of the Taxes of such
Persons as had not an Opportunity of applying on the above limitted
Time, by reason of their being out of the Province ; at which Time
they are also allowed and impowered to Abate the Taxes of such
Persons, as may have died Insolvent between the said last Thurs-

da,y in April and the last Day of November

The Selectmen as a Committee appointed by the Town to [69.]
Consider Mary Pratts Petition, praying that an Allowance for
Reasons therein mentioned, might be made on a Debt due from
her late Husband Ebenezer Pratt deceased, for Rent of Deer Island,

have attended that Business and Reported

That the Petitioners Reasons for the above mentioned Allowance
taken from the Circumstances of the two Years Drought 1761 &
1762 — however otherwise well founded, loose their weight in the
present application, when we recollect that the said Pratts Contract
was at that Time with Thomas Goldthwait Esq. who then Leased
the said Island of the Town, And under the present Lease her Pleas
for Abatement of Rent would be more directly in favor of her Pe-
tition, was the said Island Leased to her Husband the said Ebenezer
Pratt only ; but Mr. Samuel Pratt her surviving Brother held the
Lease Jointly with him, shared the Profit and now stands answer-
able for the Rent

On the other hand it must be allowed that the Family have suf-
fered much by Uie Sickness and Death of their Parent, as well as
other Circumstances which occurred during their residence on said

238 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

Farm, and have since the said Petition was brought before the
Town, been obliged to sell their Stock at a low rate and quit the
Farm at tlie approach of last Winter, which Occurrences \ve ap-
prehend rendered them Objects worthy of the Towns compas-
pionate Notice — Wherefore your Committee beg leave to recom-
mend to the Town an allowance of such a Sum as shall be deemed
meet for their relief to be paid to the said Mary for the use of her
Family out of the Rent for said Island coming to the Town on
the last mentioned Lease, when the same shall be received into the
Town Treasurery

The above Report being read & considered, Voted, that the
same be accepled, and that the Sum of Thirteen Pounds six Shil-
lings and eight Pence be paid to the said Mary Pratt for the use
of her Family out of the Rent for said Island coming to the Town
on the last mentioned Lease, when the same shall be received into
the Town Treasury

Adjourned to 3. Oc.Clock. P : M :

[7O.] Town met according to adjournment

The Article in the Warrant Viz1. — " Whether Interest shall be
Allowed on the Moneys left unpaid of the Sums Voted the late
Samuel Wentworth and John Hill Esq. for their Interest on the
Neck 1764. " was read and Considered, whereupon

Voted, that Interest be and hereby is allowed on said Sums,
from the Time when they become due, untill they shall be paid
and discharged

The Committee respecting Collectors Premium Reported where-
upon

Voted, That the Sum of Twelve Pence on the Pound be and
hereby is allowed to such Persons as shall be chose Collectors of
Taxes for the Year ensuing for all such Sums as they shall Col-
lect, provided they pay into the several Treasuries, the whole
Sum committed to them to Collect on or before the tenth Day of
August 1769. Eight Pence on the Pound on all such other bums,
as they shall have so paid in to said Treasurers on or before the
20 Day of December 1769, and Four Pence on the Pound upon
the remainder of the Sum they shall be obliged to Collect, pro-
vided such remainder shall be fully paid in on or before the second
Monday in March 177U — this Premium as above expressed ap-
pears to be Just & equitable, and an ample allowance to the Col-
lectors to encourage them to discharge their Duty with diligence
and fidelity — provided also that such of said Collectors give Bond
with sufficient Sureties to the satisfaction of the Selectmen for the
faithful discharge of their Duty in said Office, and complying with
this Vote

Upon a Motion made and seconded — Voted that
Foster Hutchinson Esq.
Melatiah Bourn Esq.
Mr. Edwaid Payne

[71.] Ezekiel Goldthwait Esq.

John Hancock Esq.
Jonathan Williams Esq.
Mr. Ezekiel Price

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1768. 239

be a Committee to Examine into the state of the Town Treasury,
and to consider of some Method Cor the better transacting the Money
Affairs of the Town for the future, and to make Report of the same

next May Meeting

The Town brought in their Votes for Twelve Constables, the
Persons chose into that Office and sworn are
Mess™. Augustus Hail

Francis Salmon

Peter Barbour

Edward Baker .... excused.

Hezekiah Usher

Lindsey George Wallis

Daniel Berry

Benjamin Adams

see more.

The Town brought in their Votes for a County Treasurer, which
were sealed up and delivered to Mr. Constable Lindsey George to

be returned to the Court of Sessions

The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for Four Collectors of
Taxes, and upon sorting them it appeared that

Mr. Sampson Salter

Mr. Edward Hollyday

Mr. Samuel Ruggles

Mr. Abraham Savage

were chose into that Office

The Town taking into consideration that Article in the Warrant
Viz1. — u Of such Methods as may be Judged necessary to pro-
mote [72.] The carrying on the Manufactory of Duck lately
undertaken by John Barrett Esq. and others, and granting them
such encouragement & assistance towards prosecuting the same,
as shall be effectual for the good purposes thereby proposed " —
Voted, that

Mr. Ebenezer Storer

Benjamin Austin Esq.

Mr. William Whitwell

Thomas Daws Esq.

Mr. Joseph Waldo

Mr. Moses Gill

Mr. Samuel Austin

Mr. William Greanleaff

Mr. William Gray

Cap*. Samuel Partridge

Mr. Nathaniel Barbour

Mr. John Ballard

be and they hereby are appointed a Committee to take Subscrip-
tions of such Persons as shall incline to encourage the Under-
taking, the same to be apply ed for the purposes mentioned in the
Vote of the Town at their last Meeting. And it is recommended
to said Committee that they exert themselves to the utmost of
their power to obtain Subscriptions, as the Town apprehend that
if suitable Encouragement be given in this Affair and it be prose-
cuted with Resolution, it must Employ great numbers of the Poor

240 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

Persons who are a burthen and Expence to the Town, and be

otherwise very beneficial to the Inhabitants

The Article in the Warrant, Viz'. — "That some Agreement
may be come into not to purchase any Lamb before a particular
Time affixed by the Town," was read & considered whereupon
Voted that Mr. Benjamin Harrod

Cap*. Fortesque Vernon
John Tnder Esq.
Cap*. William Mack ay
[73.] Cap'. Jonathan Carey

Mr. Samuel Fletcher
Mr. Samuel Emms
Mr. Thomas Jackson
Mr. Christopher Clark
Mr. John Presson
Mr. Henry Hill
Mr. James Swift

be and hereby are Appointed a Committee to obtain Subscriptions
to an Agreement not to purchase any Lamb untill the First Day
of July next, and the Town recommend to the Inhabitants to

Subscribe to so salutary a purpose

The Committee appointed to Examine the Accompts of Mr.
David Jeffries Town Treasurer have attended that Service, and
find the same right Cast and well vouched ; in which he charges
himself with Sundry Fines, Rents, and other Incomes of the Town,
as also with the Tax of £5500 — all which amount to the Sum

of £11285 ,, 11 ,, 5£ including the balance of Old Account

And the said Treasurer discharges himself by sundry Abate-
ments made the Collectors amounting to £819 ,, 3 ,, 9, by Drafts
made by the Selectmen amounting to £3600 ,, 3 ,, j of which he
has paid £2595 ,, 11 ,, 2£, and by Drafts made by the Overseers
of the Poor which contain the Charges of the Almshouse amount-
ing to £3150 ,, 19 „ 1 of which he has paid £1873 ,, 6 ,, 5£ —
also by sundry Sums paid for Interest amounting to £61 ,, 3 ,,

8£ the whole amounting to £7639 ,, 19 ,, 8£

The said Committee have inspected said Drafts in a very par-
ticular manner ; and have examined the Vouchers produced by
Overseers of the Poor, for the amount of their Drafts, and every
other branch of public Charge amounting in all as above to
£7639 ,, 19 ,, 8| as by Accompt of Town Treasurer in the Town
Treasurers Books balance whereof being £3645 ,, 11 ,, 9J is
earned to the Credit of New Accompt — Which Report &
Accompt being read, Voted, that the same be and hereby is ac-
cepted

[74.] That Article in the Warrant Viz'. — " That some
Measures may be come into to prevent Frauds in the Measure of

Indian Meal &c." was read and Considered, whereupon

Voted, that Mr. Samuel Blodget
Benjamin Kent Esq.
Mr. George Bethune
Coll0. John Hill
Benjamin Hallowell Esq.

BOSTON TOWN EECORDS, 1768. 241

be a Committee to take this Matter into further Consideration,

and Report and the Adjournment

The Article in the Warrant Viz*. — " What may be proper to
be done for the preservation and improvement of the Towns
Land on the Neck" was read and considered, whereupon
Voted, that Mr. James Richardson
Mr. Henderson Inches
Mr. William Whitwell
Mr. Edward Payne
Mr. Thomas Walley

be a Committee to Consider of this Matter, and Report at the
Adjournment.

The Article in the Warrant, Viz*. — "To enquire into the state
of the Grist Mills, and the Reason why that near the Bridge has
been so long unimproved " and determine what is necessary
to be done relative to said Mills" was read and debated,
whereupon

Voted, that John Tuder Esq.

Ezekiel Goldthwait Esqr.
John Barret Esq.

be a Committee to Consider of this Matter, and Report at the
Adjournm*.

The Petition of Mr. Samuel Adams a late Collector of Taxes
praying, " that a further Time may be allowed him to Collect his
Outstanding Debts, that he may be enabled thereby to compleat
the Obligation [75.] Of his Bond " was road and largely debated,
whereupon

Voted, that the Prayer of the Petition be granted, end that a
further Time of Six Months be allowed him for Collecting his
Taxes, and that the Treasurer be directed to stay Execution untill
that Time

The Article in the Warrant Viz'. — "To consider of the Re-
quest of a number of the Inhabitants, that the Town would come
into some Methods for the prevention of Frauds in the purchase
of Hay and Wood ; and also whether further Measures may not
be taken for the Assistance of the Assessors relative to Dooming
the Inhabitants" was read and debated whereupon,
Voted, that Mr. Samuel Blodgett
Samuel Swift Esq.
Thomas Daws Esq.

be a Committee to Consider of these Matters & Report at the
Adjournment.

Upon a Motion made and seconded, Voted, that the Thanks of
the Town be given to the Author of a course of Letters lately
published and signed A Farmer, and that
Dr. Benjamin Church
John Hancock Esq.
Mr. Samuel Adams
Dr. Joseph Warren
John Rowe Esq.

be a Committee to prepare and publish a Letter of Thanks ac-
cordingly

242 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to Thursday the 22d.
Day of March Inst'. 1 0 O'Clock A : M :

Tuesday the 22d. March 1768 — 10 O'Clock A:M: Met ac-
cording to Adjournment

The Town brought in their Votes for Five Constables, the
Persons chose into that Office are

[76.] Mess". Benjamin White
Edward Hall
Samuel Bernard
Stephen Symms
John Wells

The Town brought in their Votes for two Clerks of the Market,
and upon sorting them it appeared, that
Mr. Samuel Calf
Mr. Nicholas Bowes
were chose Clerks of the Market for the Year ensuing

The Committee on the Farmers Letters having Reported, had
leave of the Town to Report again.

The Petition of Mr. James Dalton " that he may be reimbursed
the Sum he remains indebted for compleating the Pavement of the
New Street leading from Water Street into Milk Street " was read,
whereupon

Voted, that — Mr. William Fairfield
Benjamin Kent Esq.
Thomas Daws Esq.

be a Committee to take the same into Consideration and Report as
soon as may be

Mr. Samuel Adams a late Collector of Taxes came into Meeting
and informed the Inhabitants, that he should at the expiration of
the term allowed by the Town for the Collecting for Collecting his
Taxes, by their Vote the 14 Instant lay a state of his Affairs
before the Town

The Petition of Mr. James Carter Usher of the North Writing
School "that a further Allowance be made him," was read,
whereupon

Voted, that the Selectmen be and hereby are appointed a Com-
mittee to take this Petition into Consideration, & Report as soon
as may be [77.] Agreable to a printed Notification it was moved
& seconded, that the Votes passed on Monday last on the Memo-
rial of Mr. Samuel Adams Viz'. — " That a further Time of Six
Months be allowed him for Collecting his Taxes ; and that the
Treasurer be directed to stay Execution untill that Time " be now
Re-Considered ; and after considerable debate had thereon the
Question was accordingly put, which passed in the Negative by a
great majority

Adjourned 'to 3 O'Clock P : M :

3 O'Clock P : M : Met according to Adjournment

Jurors were drawn out of the Box for April Court, and a List

delivered to Mr. Constable Barbour

Mr. Abraham Howard

was chosen a Surveyor of Hoards, for the Year ensuing

The Committee appointed to enquire into the state of the Grist

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1768. 243

Mills, Reported, and the Question being put — "Whether the
same shall be accepted — Passed in the Negative

The Town brought in their Votes for Two Wardens, and upon

sorting them it appeared, that

James Murray - - - - excused
Mr. Thomas Leveret
were chose Wardens for the Year ensuing

The Committee relative to Frauds in Wood & Hay &c. made
a Verbal Report, and had the leave of the Town to Report
again

The Town taking into further Consideration the Petition of Mr.
Samuel Adams a late Collector " that a further Time may be al-
lowed him [78.] To Collect his Outstanding Debts," &c.
Voted, that The Moderator Mr. Otis
Richard Dana Esq.
John Hancock Esq.
Benjamin Kent Esq.

be and hereby are appointed a Committee to wait upon the Prov-
ince Treasurer and Mr. Sheriff Greanleaff to desire that the War-
rant of Distress or Execution issued by the Province Treasurer
against the said Mr. Samuel Adams a defective Collector for this
Town 1764 may be stayed for Six Months

The following Letter was Reported by the Committee appointed
for that purpose — Viz'.

To the ingenious Author of certain patriotick Letters, Subscribed

a Farmer

Much Respected Sir

When the Rights and Liberties, of the numerous and Loyal
Inhabitants of this extensive Continent are in imminent Danger
— when the inveterate Enemies of these Colonies are not more
assideous to forge Fetters for them, then deligent to delude the
People, and to persuade them to an indolent Acquiescence : At this
alarming Period, when to Reject is deemed to Revolt, and to oppose
such Measures as are injudicious and destructive, is construed as
a formal Attempt to subvert Order and Government; when to
Reason is to Rebel ; and a ready submission to the Rod of Power,
is solicited by the Tenders of Place & Patronage, or urged by the
menace of danger and disgrace ; Tis to you worthy Sir ! that
America is obliged for a most seasonable, sensible loyal & vigor-
ous Vindication of her invaded Rights & Liberties : Tis to you the
distinguished Honor is due ; that when many of the Friends of
Liberty were ready to fear its utter Subversion : Armed with
Truth, supported by the immutable Laws of Nature, the common
Inheritance of Man, and leaning on the Pillars of the British Con-
stitution ; you seasonably brought your Aid, opposed impending
Ruin [79.] Awakened the most indolent and inactive to a sense
of danger, reanimated the hopes of those, who had before exerted
themselves in the Cause of Liberty, and instructed America in the
best means to obtain Redress.

Nor is this Western World alone indebted to your Wisdom,
Fortitude and Patriotism ; Great Britain also may be continued
by you, that to be truly great and successful she must be Just :

244 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

That to Oppress America is to violate her own Honours, defeat
her brightest Prospects, and contract her spreading Empire

To such eminent Worth and Virtue the Inhabitants of the Town
of Boston, the Capitol of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay
in full Town Meeting Assembled, express their earliest Gratitude :
Actuated themselves by the same generous Principles, which
appear with so much Lustwe in your useful Labours, they will
not fail warmly to recommend, and industriously to promote that
Union among the several Colonies, which is so indispensably
necessary for the security of tlie whole

Tho : such superior Merit, must assuredly in the closest Recess,
enjoy the divine satisfaction of having saved & possibly saved
this People ; tho' vield from our view, you modestly shun the de-
served applause of Millions ; permit us to intrude upon your Re-
tirement, and salute the Farmer as the Friend of Americans, and
the common Benefactor of Mankind

The above Letter was read, and unanimously accepted by
the Town, and ordered to be published in the several News

Papers

John Powell
was chosen a Warden for the Year ensuing

Upon a Motion made by Coll0 Jackson the Vote passed October
9. 1767 relative to a Gun House was read — and the Question
being put, viz* — Whether it be the sense of the Town that the
Selectmen are by said Vote impowered to Erect another Building
for said Service in such place as they shall think convenient —
Passed in the Affermative

[8O.] Mr. Henry Lucas
was chosen a Culler of Staves for the Year ensuing

Voted, that all Matters and Things which remain unfinished at
this Meeting be and hereby are referred over to the General Town
Meeting in May next

Voted, unanimously that the Thanks of the Town be & hereby
are given to the Honble. James Otis Esq. the Moderator of this
Meeting for dispatching the Business thereof

Then the Meeting was dissolved.

At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston legally qualified & warned in publick Town Meet-
ing Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Wednesday the 4th Day of May.
Anno Domini 1768

Prayer was made by the Revd. Samuel Blair

The Precept and Warrant for calling the Meeting - - -
read

Sundry Laws ------ read

[81.] Joseph Jackson Esq. one of the Selectmen proposed
in their Name to the Inhabitants Assembled to proceed to the
choice of one or more Persons to Represent them in the Great &
General Court or Assembly to be held in Boston upon Wcdnesdav
the 25 Day of May Current, and in order thereto to consider and

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 17C8. 245

assertain the number of Gentlemen to be Elected ; accordingly it
was Voted to proceed to the choice of Four Representatives and
then it was declared by the Selectmen, that no Votes will be
received but such as are unfolded, and that they propose the Poll

shall be closed at 12. O'Clock

The Votes being brought in the Number of the same were found
to be 440. and upon sorting them it appeared that the Four fol-
lowing Gentlemen were chose — Viz*.

The Houble. James Otis Esq. 410

The Honble. Thomas dishing Esq. - - - - 433

Mr. Samuel Adams --------- 432

John Hancock Esq. --------- 414

The choice of Representatives being over and declared by the
Selectmen the Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in
their Votes for a Moderator of this Meeting, in order that the
Town may proceed in transacting the other Affairs mentioned in
the Warrant ; accordingly the Inhabitants withdrew, and brought
in their Votes, and upon sorting them it appeared, that the Honble.
James Otis Esq. was chosen

To the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of Boston in Town
Meeting Assembled May 4. 17G8

Pursuant to a Vote of the Town of Boston at their Annual
Meeting the 8. of May 1767 desiring the Selectmen to visit the
several public Schools in the Town, and to invite such Gentlemen
to accompany them therein as they should think proper, and to

Report thereon

We the Subscribers accordingly attended that service on
Wednesday the First Day of July last accompanied by the fol-
lowing [82.] Gentlemen, Viz4.

The Honble. James Bowdoin Esq.

Nathaniel Sparhawk Esq.

Andrew Oliver Esq.

Thomas Uubbard Esq.

Harrison Gray Esq.

John Erving Esq.

Thomas Flucker Esq.

James Pitts Esq.

The Representatives of the Town

The Overseers of the Poor

The Revd. Joseph Sewall D. D.

Charles Chansey D. D.

Mather Byles D. D.

Mr. Samuel Mather

Mr. Samuel Checkley

Mr. Ebenezer Pemberton

Mr. Andrew Eliot

Mr. Samuel Cooper

Mr. Samuel Checkley

Mr. Samuel Blair

Mr. Peuuil Bowen

Mr. Semion Howard

Benjamin Austin Esq.

246 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

William Vassal Esq.
Mr. Moretou
Mr. John Edwards
Mr. William D. Cheever
Mr. Loring
Mr. John Joy
Dr. John Sprague
Mr. Treasurer Jeffries
Joshua Henshaw Esq.
Mr. Edward Payne
[83.] Mr. John Boylston

Cap*. Nathaniel Greenwood
Newman Grenough Esq.
Mr. Thomas Grenough
The Honble. James Otis Esq.
And found the South Grammar School had 147 Scholars ; the

Writing

North Grammar School 35 Scholars ; the South Grammar School
270 Scholars the North Writing School 284 Scholars; the
Writing School in Queen Street 217 Scholars; all in very good

order

Voted, that the above Report be accepted, and that the Gentle-
men the Selectmen be desired to visit the public Schools the Year
ensuing, and invite such Gentlemen to accompany them as they

may think proper

Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to 3 O'Clock P : M :
3. O'Clock P : M : Met according to adjournment.
Upon a Motion made and seconded, Voted, that the Town
Treasurer be directed to assertain the Town of the Sums of Money
which they have hired upon Interest, which was accordingly done
by the Treasurer

Voted, that the Sum of One hundred and twenty Pounds be al-
lowed and paid unto Mr. John Lovel for his Salary as Master of
the South Grammar School, for the ensuing Year, the same to be
paid him quarterly, as it shall become due, & to commence at the
expiration of the last Quarter.

Voted, that the Sum of One hundred Pounds be allowed & paid
unto Mr. Samuel Hunt, for his Salary as Master of the North
Grammar School, for the ensuing Year, the same to be paid him
Quarterly, as it shall become due, and to commence at the expira-
tion of the last Quarter

[84.] Voted, that the Sum of One hundred Pounds lie al-
low'd and paid unto Mr. Abiah Holbrook for his Salary as Master
of the Writing School in the Common for the Year ensuing, the
same to be paid him Quarterly as it shall become due, and to

commence at the expiration of the last Quarter

Voted, that the Sum of One hundred Pounds be allow'd and
paid unto Mr. John Procter for his Salary as Master of the Writing
School in Queen Street for the Year ensuing, the same to be paid
him Quarterly as it shall become due, and to commence at the ex-
piration of the last Quarter

Voted, that the Sum of One hundred Pounds be allowed and

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1768. 247

paid unto Mr. John Tileston, for His Salary as Master of the
North Writing School the ensuing Year, the same to be paid him
Quarterly as it shall become due, and to commence at the expira-
tion of the last Quarter

Voted, that the Sum of Sixty Pounds be allowed and paid unto
Mr. James, Lovel for his Salary as Usher of the South Grammar
School, for the ensuing Year, the same to be paid him Quarterly
as it shall become due and to commence at the expiration of the
last Quarter

Voted, that a further Sum of Forty Pounds be allow'd and paid
unto Mr. James Lovel as an encouragement for him to remain and
exert himself in the Service of the Town the ensuing Year ; the
same to be paid him Quarterly as it shall become due & to com-
mence at the expiration of the last Quarter.

That Article in the Warrant (Viz4.) " Whether the Town will
take any measures to supply the vacancy at the School in Queen
Street, occasioned by Mr. Holyokes Death " was read & considered,
whereupon

[85.] Voted, that Mr. James Carter, who has for some
Years past been an Assistant to Mr. John Tileston, be and hereby
is appointed an Usher to the Writing School in Queen Street, of
which Mr. John Procter is now Master.

Voted, that the Sum of Fifty Pounds be allowed and paid unto
Mr. James Carter for his Salary as Usher of the Writing School in
Queen Street the Year ensuing, the same to be paid him Quarterly
as it shall become due, and to commence at the expiration of the
last Quarter

Voted, that a further Sum of Twenty five Pounds be allowed
and paid unto Mr. James Carter as an encouragement for him to
exert himself in the Service in the Town the ensuing Year, the
same to be paid him Quarterly as it shall become due, and to com-
mence at the expiration of the last Quarter.

Voted, that the Sum of Fifty Pounds be allowed & paid unto
Mr. Abiah Holbrook Master of the Writing School in the Com-
mon for providing an Assistant the ensuing Year, the same to
be paid him Quarterly as it shall become due, and to commence at
the expiration of the last Quarter

Voted, that the Sum of One hundred Pounds be allowed and
paid out of the Town Treasurer unto Mr. David Jeffries for his
services as Treasurer of the Town the Year past, and for all his
Expenccs in that Office

Voted, that the Town Treasurer be and he hereby is directed and
impowered to allow the several School Masters Interest on the
Sums due to them from the Date of their Warrants to the Time of
payment

Voted, that the Sum of Six thousand Pounds be raised by a Tax
upon Polls & Estates within this Town, for Relief of the Poor, &
defraying other necessary Charges arising within the Town the
ensuing Year

[86.] Upon a Motion made and seconded, Voted, that the
Town Treasurer be, and he hereby is desired and impowered to
borrow on Interest the Sum of One hundred thirty three Pounds

248 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

six Shillings and eight Pence, for the use of the Overseers of the

Poor, to purchase Grain &e. for the Almshouse

see further. —

The Petition of a number of Inhabitants " that application may
be made to the General Assembly at the next Session, that the
Town may be impowered by Law to choose an additional Number
of Fire-Wards " — was read, and after Debate had thereon the
Question being put, Whether the Prayer of the Petition shall be

granted — Passed in the Negative

Upon a Motion made and seconded — Voted, that at the Annual
Town Meeting in March next, there shall be One Fire-Ward chosen
out of each of the Wards in this Town, the Number allowed by

Law permitting it

The Petition of William Cooper Town Clerk " that the Select-
men may be permitted to allow him for his extra Services the Year
past, as had been allowed him and the former Clerk in proceeding
Years, a doubt having arisen in their Minds as to the propriety of
their doing it without the permission of the Town " — was read

and debate had thereon whereupon

Voted, that The Honble. James Pitts, Esq.
The Honble. Royal Tyler Esq.
Richard Dana Esq.
The Honble. Thomas Hubbard Esq.
The Honble. Thomas Flucker Esq.

be and hereby are appointed a Committee to take the same into
Consideration, and they are desired to Report at the Adjourn-
ment

The Clause in the Warrant Viz'. " Whether a new Gun House
shall be Erected of Brick, for the use of the Train of the Artillery
belonging to the Regiment of Boston," was read, whereupon

[87.] Voted, that the Selectmen be and hereby are directed
and impowered to cause to be Erected as soon as may be a Gun

House of Brick, for the use of the said Train of Artillery.

The Clause in the Warrant (Viz'.) —Whether the Town will
take any Measures to encourage the Erecting of the New Mills on
the Mill Creek as has been proposed," was read — whereupon
Voted, that Ezekiel Goldthwait Esq.
Mr. Edward Payne
Benjamin Kent Esq.
Joshua Henshaw Esq.
John Barrett Esq.

be a Committee to take this Matter into Consideration, and Re-
port their Opinion at the Adjournment

That Article in the Warrant (Viz'.) " To consider of some
proper Representations to be made respecting the Difficulties the
Trade labours under by means of the late Regulations, and Methods
to be taken for our Relief " was read — whereupon Voted, that
Mr. Henderson Inches
Joshua Henshaw Esq.
The Honble. James Otis, Esq.
Dr. Joseph Warren
Dr. Benjamin Church

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1768. 249

Mr. Samuel Adams
The Honble. Thomas Gushing Esq.

John Rowe Esq

be and hereby are appointed a Committee to take the same into
Consideration and Report at the Adjournment

The Committee appointed the 14th. Day of March last, to procure
Subscriptions from the Inhabitants of this Town for carrying on
the Manufacture of Duck, or Sail Cloth, and for encouraging &
assisting [88.] The Gentlemen who have undertaken the same
— Report, that since their Appointment they have used their ut-
most Endeavours to get Subscriptions for the Sums that the Town
Judged necessary to be raised for the Undertakers in order to
enable them to begin and carry on said Manufacture, having m ide
personal application to almost every Inhabitant that the Committee
apprehended was of Ability to afford any Assistance ; but it is
with concern that the Committee must inform the Town that their
endeavours have not met with that success they expected, having
been able to get Subscribed but about One hundred & fifty Pounds
being half the Sum thought necessary to be paid down for the
purchase of Utensils, and about One hundred Pounds as an annual
subscription for five and Seven Years, being but a third part of the
Sum Judged necessary to be raised Annually for carrying on this
Manufacture, and effecting the good end proposed by the Town.

The above report having been read — Voted, that said Commit-
tee be desired to use their best endeavours to obtain further Sub-
scriptions for the purposes aforesaid

To the Freeholders and Inhabitants of Boston in Town

Meeting Assembled May 4 : 1 768

Gentlemen

We the Subscribers having undertaken to carry on the Manu-
facture of Duck or Sail Cloth in this Town on our own account
and risque, upon the Proposals and terms mentioned in the Report
of the Town Committee, made the 13th. of January last, which
was unanimously accepted by the Town, and the Encouragement
therein given to the Undertakers Judged by the Town to be nec-
essary ; another Committee was then chose to obtain Subscriptions
from the Inhabitants for that purpose who we are assured have
diligently apply'd themselves to this service, but it is with concern
we find by their Report made this Day, that the whole of the Sub-
scriptions they have been able to procure, are greatly short of the
Sum Judged absolutely necessary for setting up and carrying on
this Manufacture, so as to establish it in [89."] Tho manner
proposed, viz'. — that it might be a dayly and constant Employ-
ment for the Poor. We would inform the Town that considering
the good ends designed by this Manufacture, and no ways doubt-
ing but the Encouragement proposed by the Selectmen would be
obtained, we have since the said 13th. of January spent much
Time, taking great pains and been at some expence in our prep-
arations for entring upon this new Manufacture, and we should
have thought ourselves happy in being Instruments of establishing
the same, as it would have been such a constant employ for the
Poor, and been a means of extricating the Town from the heavy

250 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

Expence incurred in supporting them. We cant but express our
surprize that a Manufacture so beneficial to the Town in general,
and the Poor in particular should meet with so small encourage-
ment especially from the most wealthy of its Inhabitants, many
of whom have refused contributing any thing to this Undertak-
ing. It has been suggested by some that the profits arising to
the Undertakers will be a sufficient encouragement to set up and
carry on this Manufacture at their own Expence and risque,
such Persons must be very ignorant of this Affair ; our design in
pursuing this Business is not to enrich ourselves, but for employ-
ing the many Poor we have in the Town and giving them a Live-
lihood. We do now openly propose that if any of these Gentlemen
or others of the Inhabitants will in our stead undertake & carry
on this Manufacture, so as that the Poor may be Employed,
we will now chearf ully give up our right to the Manufactory House
(generously granted us by the General Court) and to all the
Moneys Subscribed, and will be glad to be Subscribers ourselves.
We think we have done everything in our power to employ the
Poor, tho* it is like to fail of success, through the insufficiency of

the Subscriptions

JOHN BARRETT,
EZEKIEL GoLDTHWAIT
MELETIAH BOURN
EDWARD PAYNE
HENDERSON INCHES

[9O.] Voted, that the Gentlemen the Selectmen be and they
hereby are appointed a Committee to act upon the List of Jurors.
Samuel Swift and Thomas Daws, Esq". two of the Committee
appointed on the 14 Day of March last " To consider of the Re-
quest of a number of the Inhabitants that the Town would come
into some Methods for the prevention of Frauds in the purchase
of Hay and Wood ; and also whether further Measures may not
be taken for the Assistance of the Assessors relative to Dooming
the Inhabitants " having desired to be excused from that service,
were accordingly excused by the Town, and Mr. Joseph Henderson

and Mr. James Richardson were appointed in their stead

A Motion was then made and seconded to reconsider that part
of the above Vote respecting the Assessors, and the Question
being put it passed in the Negative.

Voted, that the Assessors be and hereby are directed to furnish
the above Committee with the Books and Papers they may re-
quire

Upon a Motion made and seconded, Voted, That the Selectmen
be directed to refuse the use of Faneuil Hall to his Excelly. the
Governor and Council on the Ensuing Election Day unless they
shall be ascertained that the Commissioners of the Board of Cus-
toms, or their Attendants are not to be invited to dine there on

said Day

The Committee appointed the 22d. of March last to consider the
Petition of Mr. James Dalton, praying, " that he may be reim-
bursed the Sum he remains indebted for compleating the pave-
ment of the new Street boding from Water Street to Milk Street."

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1768. 251

Reported — That they had heard Mr. Dalton and compared his
Petition with the Town Grant, and apprehend there is nothing
fully due to him from the Town

[91.] The Report on the other side having been read, the
Question was put, Whether the same shall be accepted — Passed
in the Affermative

Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to Monday the 23d. of
May Instant 10 O'Clock Before Noon

May 23. 10. O'Clock A : M : Met according to Adjournment

The Committee to whom was referred the Consideration of the
Petition of William Cooper Town Clerk — Report that having met
and fully heard the within named William Cooper in support of
his within mentioned Petition, with the Objections of the Select-
men of Boston against it (except two of them who appeared &
made no Objections) and after viewing the Selectmens Minute
Books of many Years past, and enquiring of diverse of the Select-
men of Boston, do find that it hath been the constant usage and
practise of the Selectmen in passing the Accounts of the Town Clerk
to allow them from Fifteen to Seventeen Pounds lawful Money by
the Year for their Extraordinary Services over and above their
particular Annual Accounts ; that for several Years past the
present Clerk has been allowed twenty Pounds a Year for such
services, saving the two last Years, in which they have made him
no Allowance at all for them ; That upon comparing the said Mr.
Coopers Accounts of particulars for those two Years with diverse
of his former Accounts as well as of the Accounts of his imme-
diate Predecessors, they can see no reason for denying him a meet
reward for his extra services in those Years ; especially consider-
ing that besides the usual extra services in those two Years, as
\\ell as in former Years, the drawing Orders Certificates Writing
Letters, and drawing other Writings, attending on Subscribers for
promoting Oeconomy the last Year, require considerable labour &
expend much Time, besides his constant Personal attendance on the
Selectmen at their Meetings, other than their stated ones &c. &c.
which last Article of [92.] Attendance alone, at the rate of the
Town Clerks allowance for their stated Meetings amounts in the
last Year to above Eleven Pounds of lawful Money — Wherefore
upon the whole the Committee are unanimously of Opinion, that
the said Mr. Cooper deserves at least Seventeen Pounds of lawful
Money a Year for his extra services in each of the two Years
past, amounting in the whole to Thirty four Pounds of like Money
over and above the amount of his Account of Particulars for each
of those two Years, which have been already allowed him. All

which is humbly submitted &°

JAMES PITTS, p Order

The above Report having been read, and very fully Considered,
the Question was put. Viz'. — Whether the above Report shall be
accepted — Passed in the Affermative

Voted, that all Matters and things which remain unfinished at
this Meeting be and hereby are referred over to the next General
Town Meeting, to be then Considered of, and acted upon at said
Meeting

?52 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

Voted, unanimously, that the Thanks of the Town be & hereby
•«'e given to the Honourable James Otis Esq. the Moderator of
ihis Meeting for dispatching the Business thereof

Then the Meeting was dissolved.

[93.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants
)f the Town of Boston legally qualified and warned in public
Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Monday the 23d.
Day of May. Anno Domini. 1768

Warrant for calling the Meeting - - - - read

The Honble. James Otis Esq. was chosen Moderator of this
Meeting, and took the Oaths respecting his paying and receiving
Bills of Credit of the Connecticut New Hampshire & Rhode Island
Governments, as required by an Act of this Province

Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to Three O'Clock. P : M :

3 O'Clock P : M : Met according to Adjournment

A letter from Samuel Sewall & William Phillips Esq™. & Mr.
Timothy Newell late Selectmen was laid before the Town

The Town took up the Clause in the Warrant relative to the
choice of three Selectmen in the room of Samuel Sewall, & William
Phillips Esq. and Mr. Timoth}^ Newell who have Resigned, and
after some debate respecting the legality of choosing others in the
room of those who had Resigned, after having accepted and acted
as Selectmen, since Marcli last — the Question was put, Viz1. —
Whether the Town will now proceed to the choice of three Select-
men ; but a doubt arising respecting the Vote, a Poll was de-
manded on the Question, by Mr. Christopher Clark, and upon
Polling it appeared that the Town was in the Affermative

The Town proceeded to the Choice of Three Selectmen, and the
Votes being brought in sorted, it appeared, that

[94.] Joshua Henshaw Esq.
Samuel Pemberton Esq.
Mr. Henderson Inches
were chose Selectmen for the remainder of the Year

The Clause in the Warrant Viz*. — " To take the Sense of the
Town with Respect to an Excise on spirituous Liquors, and to
Instruct the Representatives of the Town thereupon, if it should
be Judg'd convenient, agreable to the recommendation of the
House of Representatives 1o the several Towns in the Province at
the last Session of the General Assembly — was read and debated,
whereupon

Voted, that it be and hereby is an Instruction to the Represen-
tatives of this Town, that they use their influence in the General
Assembly at the ensuing Session, that there mny not be any
Excise laid upon Spirituous Liquors in any shape whatsoever

Mr. Blodgett Chairman of the Towns Committee relative to
Assessors, made a verbal Report, and also complained of the
treatment they had received from the Assessors upon application
made to them for the Tax Books

Moved and seconded, that there be a re-consideration of the

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1768. 253

Vote appointing a Committee to examine the Assessors Books &e.
and the Question being accordingly put — Passed the Afferma-
tive

It was moved and accordingly put, That there be a reconsidera-
tion of a late Vote enjoining the Selectmen to refuse the use of
Faneuil Hall to his Excellency the Governor & Council on the
ensuing Election Day unless they shall be ascertained that the
Commissioners of the Board of Customs or their Attendants are
not to be Invited to dine there on said Day — which Question
passed in the Negative almost unanimously.

[95.] Upon a motion made and seconded Voted, that the
Town Treasurer be and he hereb}* is impowered to borrow on
Interest the further Sum of Sixty six Pounds thirteen Shillings,
and four Pence for the use of the Overseers of the Poor, to pur-
chase Grain & for the Almshouse

The Committee relative to Grist Mills not being ready to Report
at this Time, were desired to Report, the next Town Meeting

Voted, that all Matters and Things which remain unfinished at
this Meeting, be referred over to the next Town Meeting to be
then considered of and acted upon at said Meeting

Voted, That the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given
to the Honble. James Otis Esq. the Moderator of this Meeting for
dispatching the Business thereof

Then the Meeting was dissolved.

At a legal Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants
of the Town of Boston at Faneuil Hall June 14th : Anno. Dom :

1768

The Warrant for calling the Meeting - - - Read

The Honble. James Otis Esq. was chosen Moderator of this
Meeting, and took the usual Oaths, respecting paying and Re-
ceiving Bills of the New England Governments

[96.] Faneuil Hall not being capacious enough to receive all
the Inhabitants assembled, and those within the Walls being in-
commoded by the crowd — A Motion was made and it was accord-
ingly Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to Meet at the Old
South Church ; at which place the Inhabitants Met according to
Adjournm'.

After very cool and deliberate Debates upon the distressed
Circumstances of the Town, and the present critical Situation of
their Affairs, it was unanimously, Voted, that

fc The Honble. James Otis Esq. Moderator

Joshua Henshaw Esq.
Joseph Jackson Esq.
John Ruddock Esq.
John Hancock Esq.
John Rowe Esq.
Samuel Pemberton Esq.
Mr. Henderson Inches
D*. Thomas Young

254 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

Dr. Joseph Warren

The Honble. Thomas Cushing Esq.

Mr. Samuel Adams

Dr. Benjamin Church

Samuel Quincy Esq.

Mr. Edward Payne

Cap*. Daniel Malcomb

Richard Dana Esq.

Melatiah Bourn Esq.

Benjamin Kent Esq.

The Honble. Royal Tyler Esq.

Mr. Josiah Quincy

be & hereby are appointed a Committee to wait on his Excellency
the Governor of the Province, with the following Petition —

Viz*.

[97.] Province of ^ To His Excellency Francis Bernard

the Esq. Governour and Commander

Massachusetts [ in Chief, in and over said Prov-

Bay ince and Vice Admiral the same.

The Inhabitants of the Town of Boston in Town Meeting legally

Assembled

Humbly Shew

That your Petitioners consider the British Constitution as the
Basis of their safety and happiness ; By that is established no
Man shall be govern'd nor taxed but by himself or Representative
legally and fairly chosen ; and in which he does not give his own
consent. In open violation of these fundamental Rights of Brit-
ons, Laws & Taxes are imposed on us to which we have not only not
given our consent but against which we have most firmly Remon-
strated — Dutiful Petitions have been preferred to our most gracious
Sovereign, which (though to the great consternation of the People,
we now learn, have been cruelly and insiduously prevented reach-
ing the Royal Presence) we have waited to receive a Gracious
answer to, with the greatest attention to the publick peace, untill
we find ourselves invaded with an armed force, Siezing, impress-
ing the Persons of our fellow Subjects contrary to express Acts
of Parliament. Menaces have been thrown out, fit only for Barba-
rians which already effect us in the most sensible manner, and
threaten us with Famine & Desolation, as all Navigation is ob-
structed, upon which alone our whole support depends, and the
Town is at this Crisis in a Situation nearly such, as if War was
formally declared against it. To contend with our Parent State
is in our Idea the most shocking and dreadful Extremity ; but
tamely to relinquish the only security we and our Posterity Detain
of the enjoyment of our Lives & Properties, without one struggle
is so humiliating and base, that we cannot support the Reflection ;
we apprehend Sir, [98.] That it is at your option, in your power,
and we would hope in your inclination, to prevent this distressed
and Justly incensed People, from effecting too much, and from
the shame and reproach of attempting too little.

As the Board of Customs have thought fit, of their own motion
to relinquish the exercise of their Commission here, and as we

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1768. 255

cannot but hope, that being convinced of the impropriety and in-
justice of the appointment of a Board, with such enormous power,
and the inevitable distraction which would ensue from the exercise
of their office, will never reasume it. We flatter ourselves your
Excellency will in tenderness to this People, use the best means in
your power, to remove the other grieveance, we so Justly com-
plain of, and issue your immediate Order to the Commander of
his Majestys Ship Romney, to remove from this Harbour, 'till we

shall be ascertained of the Success of our Applications.

And your Petitioners as in duty bound &
Upon a motion made and seconded, Voted, that
John Howe Esq.
John Hancock Esq.
Dr. Joseph Warren
be a Committee to wait on his Excellency, to know when he would

be pleased to receive the Towns Petition

The above Committee having Reported, that his Excellency was
at his Country Seat ; it was Voted, that the Committee to present
the Petition of this Town to the Governor be desired to proceed
immediately to his Seat at Roxbury in order to present the

same

Upon a Motion made and Seconded, Voted, that

The Honble. James Otis Esq. Moderator
Joshua Henshaw Esq.
Joseph Jackson Esq.
John Ruddock Esq.
John Hancock Esq.
[99.] John Rowe Esq.

Samuel Pemberton Esq.

Mr. Henderson Inches

Dr. Thomas Young

Dr. Joseph Warren

The Honble. Thomas Cashing Esq.

Mr. Samuel Adams

Dr. Benjamin Church

Samuel Quincy Esq.

Mr. Edward Payne

Cap*. Daniel Malcomb

Richard Dana Esq.

Melatiah Bourn Esq.

Benjamin Kent Esq.

The Honble. Royal Tyler Esq.

Mr. Josiah Quincy.

be and hereby are appointed a Committee to draw up a true state
of some late Occurrancea in this Town to be transmitted Mr. Agent
Deberdt.

Upon a Motion made and seconded, Voted, that
Dr. Joseph Warren
Dr. Benjamin Church
Mr. Samuel Adams

be a Committee to prepare the form of a Vote, to be laid before
the Town at the Adjournment ; expressing their great dislike at

256 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

the manner of proceedure in the Custom house Officers in lately
carrying off a Vessel fi'om Hancocks Wharff ; and their sense of
the ill consequences which must follow the methods made use of
to introduce an armed force into this Town — to Report at the
Adjournment

A Letter of John Lane Esq. from London, was laid before the
Town by John Ro\ve Esq. which informs that he had delivered the
Letters to General Conway & Coll0. Barry in Person, and asked
their [1OO.] Permission to defrey the Printers Charge for their
Pictures, but was politely refused — It was then Voted, that the
Thanks of the Town be given John Lane Esq. for his trouble and
Services in this Matter

Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to "Wednesday next 4.
O'Clock. P : M : then to meet at the Old South Church.

Wednesday the 15 of June 17G8 — 4. O'Clock. P: M: Met at
the Old South Church according to Adjournment

The Committee appointed to present the Towns Petition to the
Governor, acquainted the Town with the manner in which they
had been received, and also Reported from his Excellency the
following Answer. Viz'.

Gentlemen

My Office and station make me a very incompetent Judge of the
rights you claim against Acts of Parliament ; and therefore it
would be to no purpose for me to express my opinion thereupon.
All I can say is, that I shall not knowingly infringe any of your
Rights and Privileges, but shall religeously maintain all those
which are committed to me as a servant of the King.

In regard to the impressing men for the Service of the King in
his Ships of war, it is practised in Great Britain, and all other his
Majestys Dominions and therefore I cannot dispute it in this part
of them. But I shall use my utmost endeavors to get it regulated
so as to avoid all the inconveniences to this Town, which you are
apprehensive of ; and from the knowledge I have of Cap*. Comer,
I have no doubt of my succeeding therein.

I cannot pretend to enter into any dispute between you and
your Parent State ; I desire to be a faithful servant in regard to
both ; and 1 shall think myself most highly honoured, if I can be
in the lowest degree an Instrument in preserving a perfect [1O1.]
Conciliation between them, I can assure you that if it was as
much in power as it is in my will it would always be preserved.

I am obliged by all kinds of dut\r, by my general Instructions ; and
by his Majestys special orders to protect aid and assist the Com-
missioners of the Customs (appointed under the Great Seal of
Great Britain in pursuance of an act of parliament) and their
Officers in their Persons and Offices. And whether they shall or
shall not relinquish the exercise of their commission, I must not
fail to give them all the protection aid and assistance in my power
If in so doing I shall give offence, I shall be sorry for it, but I
shall never regret the doing my duty.

I have no command over his Majestys Ships, and therefore can-
not issue such orders as you desire nor indeed any order to the
Commander of his Majestys Ship the Romuey. And it would be

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1768. 257

highly improper for me to make a requisition to him to remove
from this Harbour, when I know he is stationed here by a superior
Officer, and cannot remove from hence but by his Ordt-rs

FKA BEUNARD

The Committee at the same time reported the Draft of a Letter
to Mr. Agent De Berdt, which was read and unanimously accepted,
and the Committee were directed to make any alterations or
additions they might think necessary, and to forward the same
together with such Affidavits as they should obtain, by the first

Vessel

The Committee appointed to prepare the form of a Vote, relative
to the carrying of a Vessel of John Hancock Esq. and an intro-
duction of an armed force into this Town — Reported in the form
of Resolves and after considerable debate thereon & the propriety
of a Towns passing Resolves, Voted, that

Dr. Joseph Warren

Richard Dana Esq.

Dr. Benjamin Church
[1O2.] John Adams Esq.

John Rowe Esq.

Mr. Henderson Inches

Mr. Edward Payne

be and hereby are appointed a Committee to prepare Instructions
for our Representatives relative to those and other Matters, and
that said form of Resolves be handed into them, for such use to

be made of them as they may Judge proper

Adjourned to Fry day next, 4. O'Clock : P : M : then to Meet at
Faneuil Hall

Fryday June 17. 4 O'Clock P: M: Town met according to
Adjournment

The Committee appointed to prepare a Draft of Instructions to
the Representatives of this Town in the General Assembly —
Reported as follows

To the Honble. James Otis & Thomas Cushing Esq™. Mr. Samuel
Adams, and John Hancock Esq.

After the Repeal of the late American Stamp Act, we were
happy in the pleasing prospect of a restoration of that tranquility
and unanimity among ourselves, and that harmony & affection be-
tween our Parent Country and us, which had generally subsisted
before that detestable Act. But with the utmost grief and concern
we find that we flatter'd ourselves too soon, and that the root of bit-
terness is yet alive The principle on which that Act was founded
continues in full force, & a Revenue is still demanded from
America.

We have the mortification to observe one Act of Parliament
after another, passed for the express purpose of raising a Revenue
from us ; to see our money continually collecting from us, without
our consent, by an authority in the constitution of which we have
no share, and over [1O3.] Which we have no kind of influence or
controul ; to see the little circulating Cash that remained among
us for the support of our trade, from time to time transmitted to a
distant Country, never to return, or what in our estimation is

258 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

worse if possible, appropriated to the maintainauce of swarms of
Officers and Pensioners in idleness and luxury, whose example has
a tendency to corrupt our morals, and whose arbitrary disposi-
tions will trample upon our rights

Under all these misfortunes and afflictions, however, it is our
fixed resolution to maintain our loyalty and duty to our most
gracious Sovereign, a reverence and due subordination to the
British Parliament as the supreme Legislative in all cases of ne-
cessity, for the preservation of the whole Empire, and our cordial
and sincere affection for our Parent Country, and to use our
utmost endeavors for the preservation of peace & order among
ourselves : Waiting with anxious expectation for a favourable
answer to the Petitions and sollicitations of this Continent for
Relief — at the same Time it is our unalterable resolution, at all
times to assert and vindicate our dear and invaluable Rights and
Liberty s, at the utmost hazard of our lives and fortunes ; and we
have a full and rational confidence, that no design formed against
them will ever prosper.

That such designs have been formed and are still in being we
have reason to apprehend. A multitude of Placemen and Pen-
sioners, and an enormous train of Underlings and Dependants,
all novel in this Country we have seen already : Their inju-
rious temper, their rash inconsiderate & weak behavior, are well
known

In this situation of affairs several armed Vessels and among
the rest his Majesty's Ship of War the Romney, have appeared in
our Harbor ; and the last as we believe by the express application
of the Board of Commissioners with design to over awe and terrify
the Inhabitants of this Town into base compliances, and unlim-
itted submission, has been anchored within a Cables length of the
Wharves.

But passing over other irregularities, we are assured, that the
last alarming act of that Ship — Viz'. — the violent and in our
opinion illegal seizure of a Vessel lying at a Wharff, the cutting
of her forts, & removing [1O4.] Her with an armed force in
hostile manner, under the protection of the Kings Ships, without
any probable cause of seizure that we know of, or indeed any
cause that has as yet been made known ; no Lible or prosecution
whatever having yet been instituted against her, was by the
express Order or request in writing of the Board of Commis-
sioners to the Commander of that Ship

In addition to all we are continually allarmed, with rumors &
reports of new revinue Acts to be passed, new importations of
Officers and Pensioners to suck the life blood of the body politick,
while it is streaming from the Veins ; fresh arrivals of ships of
war to be a still severer restraint upon our trade ; and the arrival
of a military force to dragoon us into passive obedience ; orders
and requisitions transmitted to New York, Hallifax and to Eng-
land, for Regiments and Troops to preserve the public peace.

Under the distresses arising from this state of things, with the
highest confidence in your integrity abilities & fortitude, you will
exert yourselves Gentlemen on this occasion, that nothing may be

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1768. 259

left undone that may conduce to our relief ; and in particular we
recommend it to your consideration and discretion in the first
place to endeavor that Impresses of all kinds may if possible be
prevented. There is an Act of Parliament being which has never
been repealed, for the encouragement of the trade to America.
We mean the 6 : of Anne Chap. 37. Sect. 9. it is enacted. "That no
" Marriner or other Person who shall serve on boaid or be retained
" to serve on board, any Privateer or trading Ship or Vessel that
" shall be imployed in any part of America, nor any Mariner or
" other Person being on shore in any part thereof, shall be liable to
"be impressed or taken away by any Officer or Officers of or be-
" longing to any of her Majesty's Ships of War, impowered by the
" Lord High Admiral, or any other Person what soever, unless such
"Mariner shall have before disserted from such Ship of War be-
" longing to her Majesty, at any time after tlie 14. of February
" 1757 upon pain that any Officer or Officers so impressing or
" causing to be impressed or taken away any Mariner or other
" Person contrary to the tenor & true meaning of [1O5.] This
" Act, shall forfeit to the Master or Owner or Owners of any
" such Ship or Vessel twenty pounds for every Man he or they
" shall so impress or take to be recovered with full costs of Suit
"in any Court within any part of her Majesty's Dominions" so
that any Impresses of any mariner, from any Vessel whatsoever,
appears to be in direct violation of an Act of Parliament

In the next place its our desire that you enquire and use your
endeavors to promote a Parliamentary enquiry for the Au-
thors and propagators of such alarming rumors and reports as
we have mentioned before ; & whether the Commissioners or any
other Person whatever have really wrote or solicited for Troops
to be sent here from N York Ilallifax England or elsewhere, and
for what end ; and that you forward if you think it expedient, in
the House of Representatives resolutions that every such Person,
who shall solicite or promote the importation of Troops at this
time, is an Enemy to this Town and Province, and a disturber of
the peace and good order of both.

The above Report having been read and considered, the Ques-
tion was put — " Whether the same shall be accepted " — Passed in
the Affermative unanimously

Voted, tbat the Thanks of the Town be & hereby are given to
the Honble. James Otis Esq. the Moderator of this Meeting for
despatching the Business thereof

Then the Meeting was dessolved.

[1O6.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants
of the Town of Boston legally qualified & warned in publick Town
Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Monday the 12th. Day ot
September A : D : 17G8

Prayer was made by the Revd. Dr. Cooper

Warrant for calling the Meeting read

The Honble. James Otis Esq. was chosen Moderator of this

CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

Meeting, and took the Oaths respecting his paying and receiving
Bills of Credit of the Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Rhode
Island Governments.

The Petition of a number of Inhabitants to the Selectmen for

calling this Meeting --------- read.

Whereas it hath been Reported in this Town Meeting that his
Excellency the Governor has intimated his apprehensions, that
One or more Regiments of his Majesty s Troops are dayly to be
expected here.

Voted, That the Honble. Thomas Cushing Esq.

Richard Dana Esq.

Mr. Samuel Adams

Dr Joseph Warren

John Rowe Esq.

John Hancock Esq.

Benjamin Kent Esq.

be a Committee to wait upon his Excellency if in Town, humbly
requesting that he would be pleased to communicate to the Town

the grounds and Assurances he may have thereof

A Vote of the IIonble. Board respecting a Tar Barrel, which was
the other Night placed in the Skillet on Beacon Hill, by "Persons
unknown [1O7.] Was communicated to the Town but not acted

upon

Voted, that the following Petition be presented his Excellency
the Governor

•To His Excellency Francis Bernard Esq. Governor and Com-
mander in Chief of His Majestys Province of the Massachusetts

Bay in New England

May it please your Excellency

The Inhabitants of the Town of Boston legally Assembled
taking into Consideration the critical state of the publick Affairs,
more especially tlie present precarious situation of our invaluable
Rights & Privileges Civil and Religeous, most humbly request that
your Excellency would be pleased forthwith to issue Precepts for
a General Assembly to be Convened with the utmost speed, in
order that such measures may be taken as in their wisdom they
may think proper for the preservation of our said Rights and

Privileges

And your Petitioners as in duty bound &c.
Voted, that the Honble. Thomas Cushing Esq.
Richard Dana Esq.
Mr. Samuel Adams
Dr. Joseph Warren
John Rowe Esq.
John Hancock Esq.
Benjamin Kent Esq.

be a Committee to present the within Petition and to request of his
Excellency, that he would be pleased to favor the Town with an

immediate answer.

Upon a Motion made and seconded, Voted, that

The Honble. James Otis Esq. the Moderator
Mr. Samuel Adams

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1768. 261

[1O8.] John Ruddock Esq.

The Honble. Thomas Cashing Esq.

John Hancock Esq.

Richard Dana Esq.

John Rovve Esq.

Samuel Quincy Esq.

Dr. Joseph Warren

Mr. William Mullineux

Mr. John Bradford

Cap4. Daniel Malcomb

Mr. William Greanleaff

Cap*. Adino Paddock

Mr. Thomas Boylston

Arnold Wells Esq.

be a Committee to take the state of our publick Affairs into Con-
sideration, and Report at the Adjournment the Measures they

apprehend most salutary to be taken in the present emergency

Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned unto the next Day. 10.

O'Clock. A : M :

Tuesday the 13 of September 10. O'Clock. A:M: Town Met

according to Adjournment

The Committee appointed Yesterday to wait upon his Excel-
lency with the Petition by request of the Town Reported from his
Excellency the following answer in writing

Gentlemen

My apprehensions that some of his Majestys Troops are to
be expected in Boston, arise from information of a private
nature ; I have received no publick Letters notifying to me the
coming of such Troops, and requiring Quarters for them ; when-
ever 1 do [1O9.] 1 shall communicate them to his Majestys
Council. The Business of calling another Assembly for this Year
is now before the King ; and I can do nothing in it, untill I receive

his Majestys Commands.

FRANCIS BERNARD.

The Committee appointed to take the state of our public Affairs
into Consideration, Reported the following Declaration and Re-
solves

Whereas it is the first Principle in Civil Society, founded in
Nature and Reason, that no Law of the Society can be binding on
any Individuals, without his Consent, given by himself in Person,
or by his Representative of his own free Election : And whereas
in and l\y an Act of the British Parliament passed in the First Year
of the Reign of King William and Queen Mary, of gloiious and
blessed Memory, entitled an Act declaring the Rights and Liberties
of the Subject, and Settling the Succession of the Crown ; the Pre-
amble of which Act is in these words — viz'. "• Whereas the late
King James the Second, by the assistance ot diverse evil Council-
lors, Judges ;md Ministers employed by him, did endeavor to sub-
vert & exterpate the Protestant Religeon, and the Laws and Liber-
ties of this Kingdom " It is cxpivssly among other Things declared,
That the levying Money for the use of the Crown, by Pretence of
Prerogative, without Grant of Parliament for a longer Time or in

262 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

other manner than the same is granted, is illegal. And whereas
in the Third Year of the Reign of the same King William & Queen
Mary, their Majestys were graciously pleased, by their Royal
Charter to give and grant to the Inhabitants of His Majestys
Province, all the Territory therein discribed, to be holden in free
and common Soccagc : And also to Ordain & Grant to the said
Inhabitants certain Rights, Liberties and Privileges therein ex-
pressly mentioned ; among which it is Granted established and
Ordained, that all and every the Subjects of them their neb's &
Successors, which shall go to Inhabit within said Province and
Territory, and every of their Children which shall happen to be
born there, or on the Seas in going thither, or returning from
thence, shall have & enjoy all Libertes and Immunities of free and
natural Subjects, within any of the Dominions of them, their Heirs
and Successors, to all intents [11O.] Purposes and Constructions
whatever, as if they and every of them, were born within the
Realm of England :

And whereas by the aforesaid Act of Parliament made in the
first Year of the said King William and Queen Mary, all and sin-
gular the Premisses contained therein, are claimed demanded & In-
sisted on as the undoubted Rights & Liberties of the Subjects
born within the Realm :

And whereas the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of this Town
the Metropolis of the Province in said Charter mentioned, do hold
all the Rights & Liberties therein contained to be sacred & invio-
lable At the same Time publickly and solemnly acknowledging
their firm and unshaken Allegiance to their alone and rightful
Sovereign King George the Third, the lawful Successor of the
said King William and Queen Mary to ihe British Throne

Resolved That the said Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston, will at the utmost peril of their Lives & Fortunes
take all legal and constitutional measures to defend and maintain
the Person Family, Crown and Dignity of our said Sovereign Lord
George the Third ; and all and singular the Rights, Liberties, Privi-
leges & Immunities granted in the said Royal Charter, as well as
those which are declared to be belonging to us as British Subjects
by Birth right, as all others therein specially mentioned.

And whereas by the said Royal Charter it is specially granted to
the Great & General Court or Assembly therein constituted, to
impose and levy proportionable and reasonable Assessments, Rates
& Taxes upon the Estates and Persons of all and every the Pro-
prietors & Inhabitants of said Province or Territory, for the
Service of the King in the necessary defence and support of his
Government of this Province, & the protection and preservation of
his Subjects therein, therefore

Voted, as the Opinion of this Town ; that the levying Money
within this Province for the use and service of the Crown, in other
manner than the same is granted by the Great & General Court or
Assembly of this Province is in violation of the said Royal
Charter; and the same is also in violation [111.] Of the un-
doubted natural Rights of Subjects, declared in the aforesaid Act
of Parliament, freely to give and grant their own Money for the

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1768. 263

service of the Crown, with their own consent, in Persoa, or by
Representatives of their own free Election

And whereas in the aforesaid Act of Parliament it is declared
That the raising or keeping a standing Army, within the Kingdom
in time of peace, unless it be with the consent of Parliament, is
against Law ; It is the Opinion of this Town ; that the said Dec-
laration is founded in the indefeaseble Right of the Subjects to be
consulted; and to give their free Consent in Person, or by Repre-
sentatives of their own free Election to the raising & keeping a
standing Army among them ; and the Inhabitants of this Town
being free Subjects, juavc the same Right derived from Nature &
confermed by the British Constitution, as well as the said Royal
Charter; and therefore the raising or keeping a standing Army,
without their consent in Person or by Representatives of their own
free Election, would be an infringement of their natural, constitu-
tional and Charter Rights ; and the employing such Army for the
enforcing of Laws made without the consent of the People, in
Person, or by their Representatives would be a Grievance.

The aforegoing Report being diverse Times distinctly Read, &
considered by the Town — The Question was put — Whether the
same shall be accepted & recorded ; — and passed unanimously
in the Affermative

Upon a Motion made and seconded, the following Votes was
unanimously passed — Viz1.

Whereas by an Act of Parliament of the First of King William
and Queen Mary, it is declared ; that for the Redress of all
Grieveances, and for Amending Strengthning, and preserving the
Laws, Parliaments ought to be held frequently, and in as much
as it is the Opinion of this Town, that the People labour under
man}' intolerable Grievances, which unless speedily Redressed ;
threaten the total distinction of our invaluable natural, constitu-
tional and Charter Rights.

And furthermore As his Excellency the Governor has declared
[112.] Himself unable at the Request of this Town to call a
General Court, which is the Assembly of the States of this Prov-
ince, for the Redress of such Grieveances ;

Voted, that this Town will now make choice of a suitable
number of Persons to Act for them as a Committee in Convention,
with such as may be sent to Join them from the several Towns
in this Province, in order that such Measures may be consulted
and Advised as his Majestys service, and the peace and safety of
his Subjects in this Province may require — whereupon
The Honble. James Otis Esq.
The Honble. Thomas dishing Esq.
Mr. Samuel Adams — &
John Hancock Esq.

were appointed a Committee for the said purpose — The Town
hereafter to take into Consideration what recompence shall be
made them for the service they may perform

Voted, that the Selectmen be directed to write to the Selectmen
of the several Towns within this Province informing them of the
aforegoing Vote, and to propose that a Convention be held, if

264 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

they shall think proper at Faneuil Hall, in this Town, on Tuesday
the 22d. Day of September Instant, at 10. O'Clock Before Noon.

Upon a Motion made and seconded, the following Vote was
passed by a very great Majority — Viz'.

Whereas, by an Act of Parliament of the First of King William
and Queen Mary it is declared that the Subjects being Protestants,
may have Arms for their Defence ; It is the Opinion of this Town,
that the said Declaration is founded in Nature Reason and sound
Policy, and is well adapted for the necessary defence of the Com-
munity

And for as much as by a good and wholesome Law of this
Province, every listed Soldier, and other Householder (except
[113.] Troopers who by Law are to be otherwise provided) shall
be always provided with a well fixed Fire Lock Musket Accoutre-
ment and Ammunition as in said Law particularly mentioned, to
the satisfaction of the Commission Officers of the Company ; and
as there is at this Time a prevailing apprehension, in the Minds of
many, of an approaching War with France : In order that the
Inhabitants of this Town may be prepared in case of sudden
danger; Voted, that those of the said Inhabitants who may at
present be unprovided, be and hereby are requested duly to
observe the said Law at this Time

The Honble. Thomas Gushing Esq. communicated to the Town
a Letter lately received from a Committee of Merchants in the City
of New York, acquainting him with their Agreement relative to a
Non Importation of British Goods — Whereupon the Town by a
Vote expressed their high satisfaction therein

The Town taking into serious consideration the present Aspect
of their publick Affairs, and being of Opinion that it greatly be-
hooves a People professing godliness to Address the Supreme
Ruler of the World, on all important Occasions, for that Wisdom
which is profitable to direct

Voted, unanimously, That the Selectmen be a Committee to
wait upon the several Ministers of the Gospel within this Town,
desiring that the next Tuesday may be set apart as a Day of
Fasting and Prayer

Ordered, that the Votes & proceedings of the Town in their
present Meeting, be published in the several News Papers ; and
also that a Number of Copys be struck off & sent to the several
Towns in this Province p Expresses

Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be given to the Honble.
James Otis Esq. the Moderator.

Then the Meeting was dessolved.

[114.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants
of the Town of Boston legally qualified & warned in publick Town
Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Fryday the 27 Day of
January 1769

Warrant for calling the Meeting ------ read.

The Honble. James Otis Esq. was chosen Moderator of this
Meeting, and took the Oaths respecting his paying and receiving

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1769. 265

Bills of Credit of the Connecticut, New Hampshire & Rhode
Island Governments.

The Article in the Warrant Viz*. — "To make choice of a
Collector of Taxes in the room of Mr. P^dward Hollyday, he not
having given Bond with sufficient Sureties, to the satisfaction of
the Selectmen for the faithful discharge of his Duty in said Trust
agreable to the Vote of the Town " — was read and after much
debate, it appeared that a new Collector, could not then be prop-
erly chose ; Mr. Hollyday having accepted, and been sworn to the
faithful discharge of his trust as a Collector of Taxes, and at this
Meeting offering sufficient Sureties which he was not able to do
before — whereupon

Voted, unanimously, that the Thanks of the Town be and
hereby are given to the Gentlemen the Selectmen for their faith-
fulness and attention to the Interest of the Town in requiring
sufficient Sureties from Mr. Hollydny for the faithful discharge of
the Duty of a Collector as enjoin'd upon them in the Vote of the
Town the fourteenth of March last

Whereas, Mr. Edward Hollyday has informed the [115.] Town,
that since the calling of the Meeting, he has been able to procure
Sureties for the faithful discharge of the Duty of a Collector of
Taxes, which he believes will be to the satisfaction of the Select-
men therefore

Voted, that this Matter be referred to the Selectmen to act
thereon as they shall Judge agreable to the Vote of the Town
respecting Collectors

Voted, That the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given
to the Honourable James Otis Esq. the Moderator of this Meeting,
for dispatching the Business thereof

Then the Meeting was dissolved.

At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston legally qualified and warned in publick Town
Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Monday the 13th. Day of
March Anno Domini 1769

Warrant for calling the Meeting ------ read.

Prayer was made by the Revd. Mr. Bowen

Sundry Laws enjoin'd to be read at this Meeting were accord-
ingly read

[116.] The Honble. James Otis P"sq. was chosen Moderator
of this Meeting, and took the Oaths respecting his paying and re-
ceiving Bills of Credit of the Governments of Connecticut New
Hampshire and Rhode Island as required by an Act of this Prov-
ince.

William Cooper was chosen Town Clerk for the Year ensuing
and having taken the Oaths respecting his paying and receiving
Bills of Credit of the Connecticut and other Governments, took
the Oath of Office for the faithful discharge of his Duty, which
Oaths were admiuistred to him by Mr. Justice Dana.

266 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

The Town proceeded to the choice of Seven Selectmen, and the
Votes being brought in and sorted it appeared that
Joshua Henshaw Esq.
Joseph Jackson Esq.
John Ruddock Esq.
John Hancock Esq.
Samuel Pemberton Esq.
Mr. Henderson Inches
Mr. Jonathan Mason

were chose Selectmen for the Year ensuing

The Town brought in their Votes for Twelve Overseers of the
Poor, and upon sorting them it appeared that
John Barrett Esq.
The Honble. Royal Tyler Esq.
Mr. Benjamin Dolbear
Mr. William Whitwell
Mr. William Greanleaff
William White Esq.
Mr. Joseph Waldo
John Leaveret Esq.
John Gore Esq.

[117.] Cap4. Samuel Partridge
Thomas Tyler Esq.

Cap*. Thomas Bradford - - excused, see
were chose Overseers of the Poor for the Year ensuing.

The Town brought in their Votes for Twelve Wardens and upon

sorting them it appeared that

Mess". Daniel Marsh ..... excused
Joseph Belknap - - d°.

Thomas Hand : Peck - d°.

John Ballard d°.

William Mackay - - - - Sworn

Samuel May - - - d°.

William Powell d°.

Joseph Turell d°.

Thomas Walley d°.

Jonathan Snelling - - excused

Benjamin Gooding - - Sworn

Henry Hill - d°.

were chose Wardens for the Year ensuing

The Town brought in their Votes for Sixteen Fire-Wards and

upon sorting them it appeared that

John Scollay Esq.
Newman Grenough Esq.
John Rowe Esq.
Mr. William Cooper
Mr. John Mico Wendell
Thomas Marshall Esq.
William Homes Esq.
Mr. Joseph Tyler
Cap*. Adino Paddock
Mr. James Richardson

BOSTON TOWN EECORDS, 1769. 267

[118.] Cap'. Benjamin Waldo
John Hancock Esq.
Mr. Samuel Arlams
Thomas Daws Esq.
Mr. Alexander Hill

were chose Fire- Wards for the Yeai ensuing

The Town brought in their Votes for a Town Treasurer and
upon sorting them it appeared that Mr. David Jeffries was chosen
& having taken the Oath respecting his paying and receiving
Bills of Credit of the other Governments took the Oath of Office
for tlie faithful discharge of his Duty, which Oaths were Admin-

istred to him by Mr. Justice

Votes for a County Treasurer brought in and sealed up in Town
Meeting, and delivered to the care of Constable Lindsey George

Wallace to be returned to the Court of Session

Upon a Motiou made aud seconded — the Question was put —
Whether Constables aud Collectors of Taxes shall be chose sep-

perate — Passed iu the Affermative

Voted, that the Sum of Five Pounds be Remitted out of the
Ten Pound Fine to such Persons as shall be chose into the Office
of Constable for the Year ensuing, and shall decline serving.

The Town brought in their VotfS for Twelve Constables the
Persons chose into that Office and sworn are
Mess". Augustus Hail
Francis Salmon
John Wells
Peter Barbour
Lyd : George Wallace
Josiah Fessenden
[119.] Stephen Symms
Hezekiah Usher
Benjamin Adams
John Arnold
George Thomas
John Peirce

The Town brought in their Votes for Twelve Clerks of the
Market and upon sorting them it appeared that
Mess™. Fitch Pool

Samuel Barrett excused

John Singleton Copley

Francis Green

George Spooner

Benjamin Andrews

Elisha Hutchinson d*.

John Bernard

Joseph Barrell

Samuel Allen Otis

Jonathan Clark d°.

Bossinger Foster

were chose Clerks of the Market for the Year ensuing see

Voted, that the Sum of Twelve Pence on the Pound be and
hereby is allowed to such Persons as shall be chose Collectors of

268 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

Taxes for the Year ensuing for all such Sums :is they shall
Collect ; provided they pay into the several Treasuries the whole
Sum committed to them to Collect on or before tho 10th. Day of
August 1770. Eight Pence on the Pound on all such other Sums,
as they shall have so paid into said Treasurers on or before the
20th. Day of December 1770 and Four Pence on the Pound upon
the remainder of the Sums they shall be obliged to Collect pro-
vided such remainder of the Sums they shall be obliged to Collect
provided such remainder shall be fully paid in on or before the
Second Monday in March 1771. This Premium as above [12O.]
Expressed appears to be Just and equitable, and an ample allow-
ance to the Collectors to encourage them to discharge their Duty
with diligence and fidelity ; provided also that each of said Col-
lectors give Bond with sufficient Sureties, to the Selectmen, as
shall be satisfactory for the faithful discharge of their Duty in

said Office, and complying with this Vote

The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for Four Collectors of
Taxes, and upon sorting them it appeared, that
Mess™. Sampson Salter
Edward II oily day
Samuel Ruggles
Abraham Savage

were chose Collectors of Taxes for the ensuing Year

The Town by a Vote Assigned. 4 O'Clock P: M: for the Con-
sideration of Mr. Samuel Adams's Petition

The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for Seven Assessors,
and upon sorting them it appeared that
Mr. William Fairfield
Mr. John Kneeland
Mr. Benjamin Church
Belcher Noyes Esq.
Mr. Daniel Pecker
Mr. Jonathan Brown
Moses Deshon Esq.

were chose Assessors for the Year ensuing

Mr. John Gray
was chosen Surveyor of Hemp for the Year ensuing.

Upon a Motion made and seconded, Voted, that [121.] The
Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given to John Rowe Esq.

for his Services as a Selectman in Years past

Mess™. William Nichols
Andrew Symms
Clement Collins
Henry Allin
Isaac Vergoose
John Grenough
Jacob Thayer
Joseph Edmunds
John Skillins
John Sergeant
Richard Walker
John Champny

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1769. 269

Samuel Turner

John Bullfinch

Abraham Howard

Joseph Butler

wore chose Surveyors of Boards and Shingles for the Year ensuing.
Mess™. Samuel Dyer

John Dyer

Obediah Low

John Joy

William Crafts

were chose Fence Viewers for the Year ensuing.
Mess". Nathaniel Gardner

Samuel Whitwell
were chose Informers of Deer for the Year ensuing

Mr. Joseph Eyres

was chosen a Surveyor of Boards for the Year ensuing -
Mess™. Samuel Bangs

Benjamin Cooper

David Loring

Cornelius Thayer

Thomas Noland

were chose Sealers of Leather for the Year ensuing.
Mess™. Peter Cotta

Manesseh Masters

Joseph Dyer

John Harsldns

David Spear

Jonathan Jenkins

Robert Breck Junr.

Job Wheelwright

Joshua Pico

Benjamin Salt

Paul Baxter

John Owen

Thomas Knox

Samuel White

Edward Cowell

Edward Potter

Peter Ellis

Timothy Pease

Nathaniel Waterman

Jacob Williams •

Samuel Bernard

John Nowell

Joseph Phillips

Henry Lucas

were chose Cullers of Staves for the Year ensuing.
[123.] Mess™. David Simms

Thomas Curtis
were chose Hogreeves for the Year ensuing

Mr. Edward Curtis
was chose Hayward for the Year ensuing ---...

270 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

Upon a Motion made and seconded it was Voted, that one
Scavinger be chosen out of every Ward.

Mess™. Nathaniel Barker - "Ward N. 1.

After Stoddard - 2

Benjamin Page - - 3

Joseph Hart 4

Nicholas Gray - 5

Stephen Bruce - - G

Benjamin Goldthwait - 7

Timothy White - 8

Nathaniel Hurd - 9

Oliver "Wiswell - 1 0

John Martin - 11

Thomas Chase - - - - - 12

were chose Scavingers for the Year ensuing

Voted, that Mr. John Pitts

Nicholas Boylston Esq.
Mr. Thomas Gray
Isaac Smyth Esq.
Mr. Samuel Allin Otis

be and they hereby are appointed a Committee to Audit the Ac-
compts of Mr. Treasurer Jeffries, and also the Accounts of the
Overseers of the Poor ; and the said Committee are enjoined to
inspect every particular Account of the Moneys Expended for the
use of the Almshouse ; they are also impowered when they shall
Audit said Accompts to allow such of the Overseers [124.] As
shall advance Moneys for the Relief of the Poor ; Interest on all
such Sums from the Time so advanced, till they shall have Audited

said Accompts

The Selectmen

were chose Surveyors of the High Ways for the Year ensuing

Coll0. Joseph Jackson
Nicholas Boylston Esq.
William Homes Esq.

were chose Purchasers of Grain for the Year ensuing, and they are
desired and impowered to give all needful directions to the Keeper
of the Granary respecting the Quantity of Grain to be sold, and
affixing the price thereof from Time to Time as Occasion shall re-
quire

John Tuder Esq.
Mr. John Lucas

were chose Surveyors of Wheat for the Year ensuing

Cap*. Martin Gay
Mr. John Skinner

were chose Assay-Masters for the Year ensuing

Adjourned to' 3. O'Clock P:M:

3 O'Clock P : M : Met according to Adjournment

Voted, that the Assessors be and hereby are impowered and di-
rected, to set for Abatement of such Taxes as they shall Judge
reasonable on every Thursday till the Second Thursday in April
inclusive, and no longer, saving that they be allowed to set the two
last Weeks in November [135.] For the Abatements of the Taxes

BOSTON TOWN EECORDS, 1769. 271

of such Persons as had not an Opportunity of applying on the
above limitted Time, by reason of their being out of the Province ;
at which Time they are also allowed and impowered to Abate the
Taxes of such Persons as may have died Insolvent between the
said last Thursday in April, and the last Day of November

Voted, that the Selectmen be desired to inforce the Duty of
Scavingers, upon such as have been chose ; and if they should find
any defects in the Laws relating to those Officers, that they Re-
port the same to the Town that they may act thereon as they
may Judge convenient

The Petition of Mess™. Samuel Holbrook and Joseph "Ward and
James Carter each playing to be appointed Master of the South
Writing School in the room of the late Mr. Abiah Holbrook
deceased — were read — whereupon

Voted, that the choice of a School master for the South Writing
School be referred over to the Gentlemen the Selectmen, to act
thereon as they may Judge for the Interest of the Town

Voted, that the consideration of School Masters Salarys and
all other Salarys and Grants be referred over to next May Meet-
ing

Upon a Motion made and seconded Voted, that the Town Treas-
urer be and he hereby is impowered and directed to borrow upon
Interest the Sum of Four hundred Pounds, for the use of the
Overseers of the Poor, to purchase Grain &c. for the Alms-house.

The Petition of a number of Inhabitants " that another Writing
School House may be Erected in some convenient place at the
South End at the Charge of the Town, and a Master appointed
for the same " — was read. — whereupon — Voted, that the Con-
sideration be referred over to next March Meeting ; & the Select-
men are desired to insert the Prayer thereof in [126.] The Noti-
fication for said Meeting

The Selectmen Reported on the Accompt of Mr. Benjamin
Fenno Keeper of the Granary for the Year past which Accompts
as entred in his Books (and on file in the Town Clerks Office) was
read — whereupon it was Voted, that the same be accepted ; and
that Mr. Fenno be accountable to the Town for 105 Bushels of
Rye & 82 Bushels of Indian Com amounting to £27,, 3,, 3. and
also for the Sum of £225,, 14/-J Cash now in his hands exclusive
of the Sum of £32 ,, 13 ,, 4 for his Salary and attendance as charged
in his Account which is hereby allowed him

The Petition of Mr. Samuel Adams a late Collector of Tnxes
setting forth " That he has exhibited a List of his outstanding
Taxes to the Selectmen to be laid before the Town ; and also a
state of his Accompts praying that upon his paying the Balance
thereof, the Town would order him a final discharge ; and at the
same Meeting made choice of a suitable Person to receive said
List, and Collect the said Outstanding Taxes or otherwise to act
upon his Petition as to the Town shall seem meet " was again read
according to order, & after a full and long debate had thereon ; it
was moved & the Question accordingly put — That a Committee
be appointed to take Mr. Adams's Petition into Consideration, and
Report as soon as mav be ; which passed in the Negative — Also

272 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

moved that the List of Outstanding Taxes exhibited by said M*.
Adams to the Selectmen be read in this Meeting ; which Question
being put — Passed in the Negative — Then a Motion was made and
seconded, that the Prayer of the Petition be granted, and that a
Person be now chosen to receive the said List, and Collect the
Outstanding Taxes, and the Question being accordingly put —

Passed in the Affermative by a very great majority

Tne Town then by a full Vote made choice of Mr. Robert
[127.] Peirpoint to receive the aforesaid List and Collect the

Outstanding Taxes.

Voted, that the Selectmen be and hereby are appointed a Com-
mittee to Petition the General Court at the next Session thereof
praying for a conformation of the choice now made of Mr. Robert
Peirpoint, and that he may be impowered to Collect all such Taxes
as have been at any time committed to the said Mr. Samuel
Adams to Collect and now remains Outstanding ; the said Peirpoiut
to be accountable to the Town for such Sums as he shall Collect

That Article in the Warrant (Viz1.) " To Consider what Meas-
ures may be proper to be taken for the preservation of the Common
and preventing any Incumbrances being laid thereon " was read
— whereupon Voted that the Selectmen be a Committee to take
this matter into Consideration ; to enquire into the Title of the
Lands, and make Report as soon as may be, what may be proper

to be done thereon

The Article in the Warrant Viz*. — "Whether the Town will
take any steps in addition to what has been already done by the
Selectmen for vindicating the Character of the Inhabitants, &
obtaining the knowledge of such Representations as may have
been made to their prejudice " — was read — whereupon the
Selectmen being requested Reported to the Town, "That besides
the several Addresses to his Excellency the Governor, which had
been published in all the News Papers, they had wrote Letters to
diverse Gentlemen of Character in London of the same import,
praying their kind interposition in favor of the Town as occasion
might require. It was then desired that a Copy of one of the
Letters aforesaid be read to the Town, and the Letter sent to

Dennis Deberdts Esq. was read accordingly

A Motion was then made that the Thanks of the Town be
given to the Selectmen for the care they have taken for the
support and [128.] Vindication of its Interest and Character,
and in making a true & faithful Representation of the Conduct
and state of the Town to Dennis Dcberdt Esq. and other Gentle-
men in London, and the Question being put — Passed unanimously

in the Affermative

It was then Voted, that

The Honble. James Otis Esq. Moderator

Mr. Samuel Adams

The Honble. Thomas Cushing Esq.

Richard Dana Esq.

Dr. Joseph Warren

John Adams Esq.

Samuel Quincy Esq.

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1769. 273

be and hereby are appointed a Committee to consider what may
be still necessary to be done for vindication of the Town, in addi-
tion to the Measures already taken by the Selectmen, and to

Report as soon as may be

That Article in the Warrant Viz*. — "To consider whether the
Town will come into any Measures for supporting Mr. Peirpoint
in his prosecuting those Persons who have lately trespassed upon
the Lands which have been Rented to him by the Town for many
Years past ; and also for preventing like Trespasses upon other of
the Towns Lands," was read — whereupon Voted, that —

John Ruddock Esq.

John Hancork Esq.

Joshua Henshaw Esq.

Samuel Pemberton Esq.

Mr. Jonathan Mason
be a Committee to take this matter into Consideration and Report

at the Adjournment

The Article in the Warrant Viz*. — "To Consider Whether
[129.] A Committee shall be appointed to revise the By-Laws of
the Town " was read — whereupon Voted, that

Richard Dana Esq.

John Adams Esq.

Josiah Quincy Esq.

be a Committee to revise said Laws and Report as soon as may be
That Article in the Warrant (Vizf.) To Consider whether the
Town will Lease the Land upon which the Gun House has been
Erected, for a certain number of Years, to the Officers of the Train
of Artillery, belonging to the Regiment of the Town of Boston "
was read — whereupon — the Question was put — Whether the

Town will Lease the Lands — Passed in the Negative

That Article in the Warrant Viz1. — "To Consider what steps
can be taken to give a check to the progress of Vice and Immo-
ralities in this Town, and to promote a Reformation of Manners "
was read whereupon

Voted, that John Ruddock Esq.

Mr. Moses Gill

M*. David Jeffries

William Phillips Esq.

Ebenezer Storer.
be a Committee to take this Matter into Consideration and Report

at the Adjournment

The Article in the Warrant Viz'. — "To Consider of some
Suitable Methods employing the Poor of the Town, whose Num-
bers and distresses are dayly increasing by the loss of its Trade &
Commerce " — was read — whereupon Voted, that

Mr. William Mullineux

Mr. Jonathan Mason

John Barrett Esq.
[13O.] Thomas Gushing Esq.

Mr. William Cooper

Mr. William Whitwell

Mr. Thomas Brattle

274 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

be a Committee to take this Matter into Consideration and Report
at the Adjournment

Upon a Motion made and seconded, Voted, that the Town
Treasurer be and hereby is hnpowered to give his Negotiable
Notes on Interest to the Administrators or Executors of the
deceased School Masters, for the Balances respectively due to the
said deceased Masters

Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to Tuesday the 4 Day
of April next, 3 O'Clock P : M :

Tuesday the 4 : Day of April 3 O'Clock P : M : Met according
to Adjournment

The Committee to Consider what may be still neces&ary to be
done in vindication of the Town, in addition to the Measures
already taken by the Selectmen — Reported the Draft of a Peti-
tion and Address to his Majesty — which being distinctly read &
duly Considered

Voted, unanimously that the same be accepted, and that a fair
Draft thereof signed by the Moderator of this Meeting be trans-
mitted to the Honble. Isaac Barree Esq. with the desire of the
Town that he would be pleased to present the same as soon as it
shall reach his Hands

The Committee Appointed to Consider the steps proper to be
taken to check the progress of Vice and Immoralities, and [131.]
Promote a Reformation of Manners — Report — That it appears
to the Committee that for some Time past Vice and Immoralities
have been very prevalent in this Town, and seem to be greatly in-
creasing more especially Idleness, Drunkenness^profane Cursing &
Swearing, Sabbath breaking &°. to the great Grief of the more
sober part of the Inhabitants — "While the Committee. observe with
Concern the prevalence of these Vices, they at the same Time
reflect with pleasure on the good and wholesome Laws of the
Province against these & other Immoralities.

The Committee are therefore humbly of Opinion that in order to
prevent the growth of Vice, it be earnestly recommended to the
Inhabitants of the Town in general, to keep their Children Ser-
vants and young Persons under their care under proper restraint ;
and to the Majestrates and Officers of the Town in particular to
exert their utmost endeavors to put the Laws of the Province
against these and other Disorders in execution

The Committee are further of Opinion that to prevent the in-
crease of Idleness, which is the Parent of all Vices some effectual
method to employ the many poor who are now Objects of Charity,
would be the most likely means to prevent the further spread of
Vice and Immorality, and promote the Reformation of Manners
so Justly desired —

JOHN RUDDOCK p Order.

The above Report having been read and Considered — the
Question was put — Whether the same shall be accepted — Passed
in the Affermative

The Committee relative to the Tresspasses upon the Towns
Laud asked leave to Report thereon at the Town Meeting in May
next which was accordingly granted them

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1769. 275

The Committee appointed to Consider of some suitable Methods
for employing the Poor of the Town whose Numbers and distresses
are dayly encreasing by the loss of its Trade & Commerce Report
— That they have conversed with some of the Overseers of [132.]
The Poor, and Qnd by their Accounts that there are almost 230
Persons in the Almshouse, and about 40 in the Work-house who
are proper Subjects of the Almshouse, that the Overseers in the
Year 1767. paid away to People out of that House towards their
support and Relief not less than Six hundred pounds, and the last
Year not less than £620 ,, — and that they apprehend from the
great decay of Trade, and the consequent want of employ that the
Expetices of the present Year for the relief of the People out of
the House, will be much larger, and must of necessity annually
increase ; That the only way to lesson this Expence or prevent its
increase is to pitch upon some way of employing those who occa-
sion it. And your Committee find that since the Town have had
in contemplation some method for this purpose ; that there above
two hundred of the Poor of the Town who are now ready, and are
desirous of being employed in Spinning and Carding and that their
Numbers are dayly increasing.

Your Committee are therefore of Opinion, that it would answer
a very valuable purpose if a number of Schools were set up at
different parts of the Town and a suitable number of School
Mistresses were procured and employed to learn such Children to
Spin (free of Charge) as the Overseers shall from time to time
Certiiie are proper Objects of such Charity. That for this purpose
a number of suitable J\ooms be hired and School Mistresses pro-
cured, and a number of Spinning Wheels, and a quantity of Wool
purchased for the immediate employment of such Children, which
Wool when once converted into Yarn might be readily disposed of
to. several Persons lately arrived from abroad, and who have been
brought up and are Master Workmen in the Manufacturing of
Shalloons Du rants, Carnblitts Callamancos Duroys and Legathies
and in general Mens Summer Ware, and who we understand are
determined to carry on said Business as soon as they can be fur-
nished with a sufficient number of Spinners to keep their Looms
employed

Your Committee are fully convinced that the execution of the
Plan aforementioned would be of unspeakable Advantage to the
[133.] Town, as it would in a few Years save a considerable part
of the Expence that arises from the Relief afforded to People out
of the House ; it would annually lesson the number of those who
are esteemed proper Subjects of the Almshouse; It would keep
great numbers out of Idleness which as its the Parent of Vice so
it promotes intemperance and all the Deceases that are naturally
produced by such a course of Life ; and moreover it will at the
same Time have a happy tendency to habituate tha People to In-
dustry, & preserve their Morals who instead of their continuing a
burden to Society will become some of its most useful Members —
The Committee at the same time are not insensible that the carrying
it into execution \\iil be attended with a great Expence, and have
been apprehensive that it would be difficult to prevail with any

276 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

number of Gentlemen to execute a trust that would be attended
with much trouble, yet they have reason to think that in case the
Town would Order and Impower the Treasurer to borrow & fur-
nish the Overseers with the small Sum of Five hundred Poudds,
they to be impowered to improve it for the relief of the Poor out
of the House, by employing them in the Method aforesaid, a re-
sponsible Gentleman might be prevailed upon, the Overseers
granting him Two hundred Pounds and lending him the remaining
Three hundred Pounds (for which he wonld give his Bond payable
in two Years) would on consideration of said Grant and Loan
enter into an Obligation at his own charge to hire a suitable num-
ber of Rooms for Schools, and hire a number of School Mistresses
to teach as many Persons to spin as are desirous to learn, and
would at his own cost engage to furnish them with spinning
Wheels, and with a sufficient quantity of Wool to keep them em-
ployed till they were thoroughly acquainted with the Business, and
would further engage after they were commenced good Spinners
to keep them employed at said Business for the space of two Years
provided they will work upon reasonable terms, by which Time it
is highly probable the Business will.be so well established as to
find them full Employ — Your Committee are also of Opinion that
the Gentlemen we hope may be prevailed upon to carry the impor-
tant employment of the Poor of the Town into Execution has in
view the public good, and upon mature deliberation we apprehend
that there is not any probability of his advantaging [134.] Him-
self thereby, but on the contrary the Town will Annually save a
Sum much larger than the Two Hundred Pounds, to be granted
him for undertaking this Business — All which is humbly sub-
mitted

The above Report read aud accepted, & Voted, That for pre-
venting the increase of the Enormous Charge and Expence of
supporting the Poor of the Town, and for the lessening the same
if possible The Town Treasurer for the Towu being be and he
hereby is directed and impowered to borrow in behalf of the Town
the Sum of Five hundred Pounds of lawful Money, and put it into
the hands of the Overseers of the Poor who are hereby impowered
to improve it for the relief of the Poor of this Town in the follow-
ing manner that is to say, to em ply them in Carding and Spinning
of Wool according to the spirit & intention of the Report afore-
said, and that Two hundred Pounds of the said Five hundred
Pounds be given to Mr. William Mullineux to enable him to
purchase Spinning Wheels, Cards, and to procure convenient places
and Appartments for carrying on the Spinning Business, and a
sufficient number of Spinning Mistresses well skilled and experi-
enced in the Art and Mistery of spinning Wool into good Yarn he
the said William Mullineux giving Bond to the Town for his find-
ing a sufficient number of good Spinning Wheels and Cards, and
having a sufficient number of Rooms or Appartments for teaching
Learners in the Business aforesd. and a sufficient Number of
Persons thoroughly skilled in the said Business to teach and in-
struct such as are or shall be desirous to learn it, & for supplying
them with sufficient Quantities of Wool fit for the purpose afore-

TOWN RECORDS, 1769. 277

said while learning, all at the proper Cost & Charge of the said
William Mullineux. And that the remaining Sum of Three hundred
Pounds be lent to him the said William Mullineux for the space
of two Years to enable him to purchase a sufficient Quantity of
Wool to keep said Spinners constantly emyloyed upon reasonable
terms, he to give Bond to the Town that he will keep said Spin-
ners employed and pay them for the work at a reasonable rate tor
the term of two Years, and at the expiration of said term will pay
the said [135.] Three hundred Pounds unto the Town Treasurer

for the Time being for the use of the Town

Mess™. Samuel Calf
John Gore
George Green
were chose Clerks of the Market for the Year ensuing

Voted, that the Selectmen be and hereby are directed and im-
powered to take effectual care to see the Common is inclosed, and
kept Inclosed and also to bring such Actions as they may think
necessary to prevent or remove any Incumbrauces upon the Towns
Land, and for obtaining damages for the same

The Town brought in their Votes for One Overseer of the Poor
in the room of Cap1. John Bradford who has resigned and upon

sorting them it appeared that

Mr. Samuel Whitwell
was chosen an Overseer for the Year ensuing

Upon a Motion made and seconded, Voted, thafethe Thanks of
the Town be and hereby are given to Cap*. John Bradford for his
good services as an Overseer the Year past •

Voted, that all Matters and Things which shall remain unfinished
at this Meeting be referred over to the General Town Meeting in
May next to be then Considered of and acted upon

The Town brought in their Votes for Five Wardens, and upon
sorting them it appeared that

Mess". John Joy

Benjamin Harrod
Thomas Hitchburne

[136.] James Perkins

Thomas Sherburne
were chose Wardens for the Year ensuing

Voted, unanimously that the Thanks of the Town be & hereby
are given to the llonble. James Otis Esq. the Moderator of this
Meeting for dispatching the Business thereof

Then the Meeting was dissolved.

At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston legally qualified and warned in public Town
Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Fryday the 5 Day of May
Anno Domini 1769

Prayer was made by the Revd. Mr. Lothrop.

The Precept & Warrant for calling the Meeting - - read

Sundry Laws ----- read

278 Cm DOCUMENT No. 88.

Upon a Motion made and Seconded

[137.] Voted, That this Town before they proceed upon the
Business make and Order to be Kntred upon their Records, the fol-
low declaration of their Right to the freedom of Election — Viz1.

The Selectmen having acquainted the Town that the}" had waited
on General Mackay Commander of Majesty s Forces Quarter'd here
to inform him that the choice of Persons to Represent the Town
in the General Assembly was coming on, and to Claim in behalf
of the Town the full Right of British Subjects & Freeholders upon
so important an Occasion founded in the Principles of the Consti-
tution — The Selectmen having also acquainted the Town that the
General had declared it was not in his power to march the Troops
out of this Town upon this Occasion, or any further to comply
with their Claim, than by confining them to their Barracks which
he engaged. The Town tho they receive this answer as a Conces-
sion of the Rectitude of the Claim, yet as the Measure of confining
the Troops to their Barracks and not removing them out of Town
is by no means adequate to the extent of their Constitutional
Right, they cannot proceed to an Election without declaring their
clear and full sense, that the Residences of Armed Forces in the
Town, during an Electirn of so great Importance, is an high in-
fringement of their Constitutional Rights ; PROTESTING that their
proceeding to an Election under such a Circumstance is wholly
from necessity and not to be considered as a Precedent in any
Time hereafter, or construed as a voluntary receeding from the
incontestable Rights of British Subjects and Freeholders on so

interesting an Occasion

Joshua Henshaw Esq. one of the Selectmen proposed in their
Name to the Inhabitants Assembled to proceed to the Choice of
one or more Persons to Represent them in the Great and General
Court or Assembly to be held at Boston upon Wednesday the 31
Day of May Currant, and in order thereto to Consider and Ascer-
tain the Number of Gentlemen to be Elected ; accordingly it was
Voted, to proceed to the Choice of Four Representatives, and then
it was declared by the Selectmen that no Votes will be received
but such as are folded, and that they propo.se the Poll shall be

closed at 12. O'Clock

[138.] The Votes being brought in, the Number of the same
were found to be Five hundred and eight and upon sorting them
it appeared that the Four following Gentlemen were chose —

Viz*.

The Honble. James Otis Esq. 502

The Honb!e. Thomas Cushing Esq. - 502

Mr. Samuel Adams - 503

John Hancock Esq. - 505

The choice of Representatives being over and declared by the

Selectmen, the Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring

in their Votes for a Moderator of this Meeting in order that the

Town may proceed in transacting the other Affairs mentioned in

the Warrant ; accordingly the Inhabitants withdrew, and brought

in their Votes & upon sorting them it appeared that the Honble.

James Otis Esq. was chosen.

BOSTON TOWN EECORDS, 1769. 279

The Article in the Warrant (Viz4.) "Whether the Town will
give Instructions to the Gentlemen that may be chosen to Repre-
sent them in the next General Assembly " — was read — where-
upon

Voted, That the Town will give Instructions to their Repre-
sentatives, and that

Richard Dana Esq.

John Adams Esq.

John Ruddock Esq.

Dr. Benjamin Church

Dr. Joseph Warren

Joshua Henshaw Esq.

Mr. William Mullineux

be and hereby are Appointed a Committee to consider of & pre-
pare proper Instructions, which Committee are desired to Report

as soon as possible

Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to 3. O'Clock P : M :

3 O'Clock. Met according tq. Adjournment

[139.] The Committee Appointed the Fourth Day of May
last relative to the Grist Mills at the North part of Boston Report
" That your Committee have diligently Searched into the state of
the Facts & Records relative to the Affair committed to them, and
they find that on the fifth of July in the Year 1643. there was
granted to one Henry Simons and others; all that Cove on the
North side of the then Cause-way leading towards Charlestown
with all the Salt Marsh bordering thereon (not before Granted) to
enjoy the said Cove and Marsh to them their Heirs & Assigns
forever, but for this intent and on this Condition Viz'. — That
within three Years they should make and Erect upon or near some
part of the granted Premisses, one or more Corn Mills and main-
tain the same forever. And for their encouragement Three hun-
dred Acres of Land in Braintree was given to the said Simons
and others, and if they should carry the Mill Stream through the
Marsh on the North East end of Goodman Lows House they
should have sixty feet in breadth throughout the Marsh to them
and their Heirs forever. Your Committee also find that by the
said Grant the Town made their reservation, that no other Com-
mon Mill should be Erected without their Consent. Your Com-
mittee further find that afterwards Viz*. — on the 27, Day of
November following, was solemnly Agreed by and between the
Town and the Grantees ; that if the Grantees failed of perform-
ing the Conditions of their Grant, they should suffer the loss of
the Cove & Marsh and all other the granted Lauds : That the
Grant aforesaid should be void : and the Cove Marsh & Lands
aforesaid should revert to the Town ; as if no such Grant had
ever been made. Moreover by the last mentioned Agreement,
thirty three feet of Laud in breadth through the Marsh was given
to the Grantees in addition to the former sixty feet, if they should
set the Mill or Mills between John Gallops Point & Edward Ben-
dais Cove. And that the Town may more perfectly see and under-
stand the matter here follows an exact Copy of the Grants &
Agreements aforesaid (Viz*.) " The 31bt. of 5th. M°. 1643. at a

280 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

"Meeting this Day of John Winth;op Esq. Governor, William
" Tyng Treasurer Cap*. Gibbins, Valentine Hall, John Oliver, There
"is Granted unto Henry Simons, George Burden, John Button, John
"Hill & other Partners, all that [14O.] Cove already hounded)
"on the North side of the Causeway leading towards ( harlestown,
" with all the Salt Marsh bordering thereupon round about, not
" formerly Granted to any other, (Reserving liberty from time to
" time to make use of any part thereof for repairing the said Causey)
" to have and enjoy the said Cove and Marsh to them and their
" Heirs and Assigns forever

" Secondly the said Grant is for this intent and upon this Coudi-
" tion, that the said Grantees their Heirs and Assigns shall within
" the space of three Years now next following Erect & make
" upon or near some part of the Premisses One or more Corn
" Mills & maintain the same forever

" Thirdly that the said Grantees shall make & maintain for-
" ever, a Gate of ten feet in breadth, to open with the Flood for
" passage of Boats into the said Cove, at such Time as they may
" arrive at, their ordinary landing Places

" Fourthly, the Town doth Grant unto them their Heirs & As-
" signs, Three hundred Acres of Land at Braintree for the use and
" encouragement of the said Mill or Mills

" Fifthly, that if they shall carry their Mill Stream thro4, the
" Marsh on the North east end of Goodman Lows House, they have
" sixty feet in breadth throughout the said Marsh Granted unto
" them their Heirs and Assigns forever

" Sixthly, they shall have liberty to dig one or more trenches in
" the High Way, or Waste Grounds so as they make and maintain
" sufficient passable & safe Wa3-s over the same for Horse &
"Cart

" Seventhly, the Town will not allow any other Common Mill to
" be Erected, except the necessary Occasions of the Town should
" require it

" Eighthly, the said Select Townsmen and their Successors shall
" procure what free help they can (by perswasio'n) upon any press-
" ing Occasion of use of many hands about making the Banks or
" Trenches &c. for the better furtherance of the work to be
" speedily effected

[141.] " The 27th- of 9th. M°. 1643 — John Button and John
" Hill have now resigned all Claim of Interest in the Business of
" the Corn Mills Agreed the 31st. of 5th. 1643

" At a Meeting of the Selectmen on the 27th. of 9th. M°. 1643.
" The intent of the Agreement between the Town and the Gran-
" tees of the Cove &c. for the Miln is as follows

" 1st. That the Grantees shall not be bound to reserve any
" Marsh if they have occasion to cut it up, but in that case the
" Towns liberty for repairing the Cause-way shall reach to such
" Land as shall be left, be it up or neither spilt

" 2d. The said Grantes shall not be bound either to the making
"or maintaining, of any such Miln or Milns upon any other penalty
" than the loss of the said Cove & Marsh & other Lands Granted
" return to the Town again, as if it had not been Granted

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1769. 281

" And for further explanation it is now Agreed nnd declared
" between the Town and the Grantees that it' the said Grantees
" shall not go forward, nor perfect the said work as it is intended,
" or having perfected the same in any measure, shall see good at
" any time to give over and not continue to uphold and maintain the
" same, it shall be no breach of Covenant on their part only the
" Grant to be void (& so forth) as before

" And whatsoever Timber or othor Materials they shall be at
" Cost to Erect, or bring upon the Land Granted, it shall be law-
" ful for them to sell off, unto any other Person within the space
" of one Year, after they shall have left off to proceed in the said
" work or to uphold & maintain the same being made and finished,
" provided that if the Town will give them for such Timber Work
" or other Materials so much as another, they sh:dl have the same,
" and one Months lime for refusal.

" Moreover there is thirty-throe feet in breadth added to the
" former Grant near Goodmaji Lows House and both upon Condi-
" tion the Miln or Milns may be set between John Gallops Point
" and Edward Bendalls Cove — What is contained in this and
'• the two foregoing Pages are true Copys as entred with the
"Records of the Town of Boston [142.] Examined by Joseph
" Prout Town Clerk" — The Committee further find that the
Grantees soon after the Grant was made Erected the Mills by the
Mill Bridge between Gallops Point and Bendalls Cove, and main-
tained the same for many Years ; whereby they book to themselves
their Heirs & Assigns not only the Cove and the Marsh, but the
thirty-three and sixty feet, on each side the Mill Creek, and the
three hundred Acres of Land in Braintree notwithstanding the
Grant was to be utterly void, upon their failing to maintain and
keep up those Mills, which they luid Erected as aforesaid and all
was to revert to the Town. Therefore it appears clearly to the
Committee (in as much as those Mills for many Years last past
have been useless wholly unimproved, & for several Yenrs past
have been and now remain intirely demolished) that the Grantees
have absolutely forfeited their Estate which they had by virtue of
the Grant aforesaid ; and the same Estate is reverted to the
Town

The Committee are further of Opinion that it would not only be
legal but Just and equitable as well as expedient if not necessary
for the Town (so far at least as concerns the place where the
Mills stood by the Mill Bridge with the Mill Creek) to take the
forfeiture aforesaid, and take immediately the possession of the
same, and as soon as may be Erect a Mill or Mills in or near
the place where the old Mills stood, for the following Keasons
which to the Committee appear important — Viz'.

1st. It is much better to be on the defensive than on the offen-
sive side to be in possession than out of it.

2d. Taking the Possession of a part only, when the whole is for-
feited proves the clemency & moderation of the Town ; and may
answer future jrood purposes

3d. As the Proprietors (so called) have not only neglected to
Erect new Mills, when the old ones were rotted down, but they

282 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

keep even the North Mills in such a wretched Condition ; that
People in Town cannot have their Grain ground, and it may be
Nine [143.] Tenths of the Grain landed in Boston is carried to
Chelsea Roxbury Dorchester Maiden and Charlestown to the un-
speakable damage of the Town of Boston

4th. Were good Mills Erected at the Mill bridge and Wheat man-
ufactored into Flour, both for our home supply & shipping off, our
Bread and Flour would be much better than what we now have and
consequently it would be cheaper, for the portage out of Town and
in again costs considerable and must make our Bread & Flour
dearer, and then our own Townsmen would be im ployed in the
stead of Strangers and the Inhabitants in general (especially the
poorer sort) would be greatly relieved by having the Grist Mills in
the middle part of the Town, but this design of our forefathers in
the very generous Grant they made to the original Undertakers for
many Years past, has been intirely defeated by the present Occu-
piers and will continue to be so unless the Town take said Mills
into its own hands again, which the Committee are of Opinion the

Town have an undoubted right to do

5th. The Proprietors (so called) are a few of them poor &
needy, — and disconcerted amongst themselves and it seems the
Interest of some of them to carry Wheat out of Town, so that it is in
vain to expect any relief from them, but things will certainly grow
worse & worse with them as they have for many Years past ;
whereby the Town has already suffered the loss of Thousands
which may not only be prevented for the future, but it will soon be
an Estate of considerable early value and income to the Town if
proper steps are taken for that purpose

The above Report having been duly considered by the Town
Voted that James Otis Esq. Moderator

Joshua Henshaw Esq.

Joseph Jackson Esq.

John Ruddock Esq.

John Hancock Esq.

Samuel Pemberton Esq.

Mr. Henderson Inches

Mr. Jonathan Mason
[144.] Ezekiel Goldthwait Esq.

Mr. Edward Payne

Benjamin Kent. Esq.

John Barret Esq

be and hereby are Appointed a Committee who are desired & im-
powered to take possession in behalf of the Town of such part of
the Premisses as is specified and recommended to be done in said

Report

Upon a Motion made and seconded Voted, that the Town Treas-
urer be and he hereby is directed and impowered to give his Negotia-
ble Notes upon Interest to each of the Overseers of the Poor as are in
advance for the relief of the Town, for such Sums as appear to be
due them respectively upon the Audit of their Accounts in March
last

The Petition of Mr. Samuel Hunt Master of the North Lattio

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1769. 283

School " that some addition may be made to his present Salary."
read and considered whereupon moved that the Sum of Twenty
Pounds be added to his Salary; and the Question being accordingly
put — Passed in the Negative

Mr. Bcjamin Dolbear one of the Overseers of the Poor having
acquainted the Town that the Roof of the Almshouse was old and
defective, and the expence of Repairs like to be considerable ; it
would therefore be agreable to them to know the minds of the Inhab-
itants, respecting its being either shingled or slated, whereupon it
was Voted that it be left to the Overseers to cover the Roof as
they shall Judge proper

Voted, that the Sum of One hundred & twenty Pounds be allowed
& paid unto Mr. John Lovel for his Salary as Master of the South
Grammar School for the ensuing Year, the same to be [145.]
Paid him Quarterly as it shall become due, and to commence at the
Expiration of the last Quarter

Voted that the Sum of One hundred Pounds bo allowed and paid
unto Mr. Samuel Hunt for his Salary as Master of the North Gram-
mar School for the ensuing Year, the same to be paid him quar-
terly as it shall become due, and to commence at the expiration of
the last Quarter

Voted, that the Sum of Ono hundred Pounds be allowed and
paid unto Mr. John Procter for his Salary as Master of the Writ-
ing in Queen Street for the Year ensuing the same to be paid him
quarterly as it shall become due, and to commence at the expiration
of the last Quarter.

Voted, that the Sum of One hundred Pounds be allowed and
paid unto Mr. Samuel Holbrook for his Salary as Master of the Writ-
ing School in the Common for the ensuing Year the same to be paid
him quarterly as it shall become due, and to commence at the ex-
piration of the last Quarter

Voted, that the Sum of One hundred Pounds be allowed and
paid unto Mr. John Tileston for his Salary as Master of the North
Writing School the ensuing Year the same to be paid him quarterly
as it shall become due, and to commence at the expiration of the
last Quarter

Voted, that the Sum of Sixty Pounds be allowed and paid unto
Mr. James Lovel for his Salary as Usher of the South Grammar
School for the Year ensuing the same to be paid him Quarterly as
it shall become due, and to commence at the expiration of the last
Quarter —

[146.] Voted, that a further Sum of Forty Pounds be allowed
and paid unto Mr. James Lovel as an encouragement for him to
remain and exert himself in the Service of the Town the ensuing
Year ; the same to be paid him quarterly as it shall become due,
and to commence at the expiration of the last Quarter

Voted, that the Sum of £50 — be allowed and paid unto Mr. James
Carter for his Salary as Usher of the Writing School in Queen Street
the Year ensuing, the same to be paid him quarterly as it shall be-
come due, and to commence at the expiration of the last Quarter

Voted, that a further Sum of Twenty five Pounds be allowed and
paid unto Mr. James Carter as' an encouragement to him for to

284 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

exert himself in the service of the Town the Year ensuing, the same
to be paid him quarterly as it shall become due, and to commence
at the expiration of the last Quarter

Voted, that the Sum of Fifty Pounds be allowed and paid to
such Persons as the Selectmen shall appoint an Assistant for the
Master of the Writing School in the Common the Year ensuing, the
same to be paid him quarterly as it shall become due, and to com-
mence at the expiration of the last Quarter

Voted, that the Sum of One hundred Pounds be allowed and paid
out of the Town Treasury unto Mr. David Jeffries for his Service
as Treasurer of the Town the Year past, and for all his Expences
in that Office

Voted, that the Sum of Thirty four Pounds be allowed and paid
unto Mr. Johu Tileston Master of the Writing School at the North
End for providing an Assistant the Year ensuing [147.] The same
to be paid him quarterly as it shall become due, and to commence
at the expiration of the last Quarter

Voted, that the Town Treasurer be and he hereby is directed and
impowered to allow the several Schoolmasters Interest on the Sums
due to them from the date of their Warrants to the Time of pay-
ment

Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to Monday the 8. Day
of May. 9. O'Clock A:M:

May 8. 9 O'Clock A : M : Met according to Adjournmen*.
To the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of Boston in Town

Meeting Assembled May 5. 1769

Pursuant to a Vote of the Town of Boston at their Annual Meet-
ing the 4th. of May last desiring the Selectmen to visit the several
publick Schools in the Town and to invite such Gentlemen to
accompany them therein as they should think proper & to Report

thereon

We the Subscribers accordingly attended that Service on
Wednesday the 6th. Day of July last accompanied by the following
Gentlemen — viz'.
The Honble. James Bowdoin Esq.
Thomas Hubbard Esq.
Harrison Gray Esq.
John Erving Esq.
Thomas Flucker Esq.
James Pitts Esq.
James Otis Esq.

The Representatives of the Town
[148.] The Overseers of the Poor

The Revd. Ebenezer Pemberton
Mr. Samuel Mather
Mather Byles— D: D:
Andrew Eliot — D : D :
Samuel Cooper — D : D
Mr. Samuel Blair
Mr. Penuil Bowen
Mr. Simeon Howard
Mr. John Lothrop

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1769. 285

Mr. John Walley

Mr. Treasurer Jeffries

Samuel Sewall Esq.

Mr. Timothy Newell

William Phillips Esq.

Benjamin Austin Esq.

Mr. William Coffin Jim*.

Mr. John Edwards

Mr. James Perkins

Mr Jonathan Simpson Esq.

Dr. Myles Whitworth

Dr. Joseph Warren

Cap'. Nathaniel Greenwood

Mr. William Davis

John Scollay Esq.

Samuel Grant Esq.

Coll0. Thomas Marshall

Majr. James Cunningham

William Homes Esq.

Thomas Daw Esq.

Mr. John Mico Wendell

Samuel Quincy Esx.

And found the South Grammar School had 141 Scholars the North
[149,] Grammar School 55 Scholars ; the South Writing School
201 Scholars the North Writing School in Queen Street 260

Scholars ; all in good Order

Voted, that the above Report be accepted, and that the Gentle-
men the Selectmen be desired to visit the publick Schools the Year
ensuing, and invite such Gentlemen to accompany them as they

may think proper

The Committee appointed for that purpose Reported the follow-
ing Draft of Instructions which was considered and Voted Para-
graph by Paragraph — after which being several Times distinctly

read was accepted by the Town, Nomine-Coutradicente

To the Ilonble. James Otis & Thomas Cushing Esq. Mr. Samuel
Adams, & John Hancock. Esq.
Gentlemen

You have once more received the highest Testimony of the Con-
fidence and Affection of your Constituents, which the Constitution
has impowered them to exhibit ; The Trust of Representing them
in the Great & General Court or Assembly of this Province. This
important Trust is committed to you at a Time when your Country
demands the exertion of all your Wisdom, Fortitude and Virtue ;
and therefore it is presumed a free Communication of our Senti-
ments cannot but be agreable to you

The first Object of your attention is the Privilege of that As-
sembly of which you are now chosen to be Members. The Debates
there must be free : You will therefore exert yourselves to remove
every thing that may carry the least appearance of an Attempt to
awe or intimidate. As the Assembly is called to set in the u^ual
place, common Decency, as well as the Honor and Dignity of a
free Legislative, will require a removal of those Cannon and

CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

Guards, as well as that clamorous Parade which has been dayly
round the Court House since the arrival [15O.] Of his Majestys
Troops ; and at some times while the highest Courts of Judicature has
been setting there on the tryal even of Capitol Causes — When this
Grievance shall be removed, and the Debates of the Assembly shall
be free, it will be natural to enquire into all the Grievances we have
suffered from the Millitary Power ; Why they have been quartered
in the Body of this Town, in contradiction to the express words, and
as we conceive the manifest intention of an Act of Parliment ;
Why the Officers who have thus violated our Rights, have not been
called to account, and dealt with as the Law required : Whether
the Measure taken by the Governor of the Province in appointing
an extraordinary Officer to provide Quarters for the Troops, was
not an evasion of the Act of Parliament made for the Billeting
and quartering his Majestys Troops in America (the professed rule
of their Conduct) and design'd to Elude the Clause of said Act
purposely providing for the convenience of American Subjects and
their Security against an excess of Military power : Why the re-
peated offences and Violences committed by the Soldiery, against
the peace, and in open Defiance and Contempt of the Civil Majestrate
and the Laws have excaped punishment in the Courts of Justice:
And whether the Attorney General has not in some late Instances,
unduly exercised a power of entring " Nolle pro^equi" upon In-
dictments without the Concurrancc of the Court in obstruction to
the course of Justice and to the great Encouragement of Violence
and Oppression.

And as the quartering of Troops here has proved the Occasion of
many Evils, we do earnestly recommend to you to use your utmost
endeavours for a speedy removal of them.

Should the Expence that has been incurred in providing Barracks
for the Troops, and supplying them with Necessaries, be required
of the House of Representatives, we do in the most solemn and ex-
press manner enjoin you, by no means to comply with such a Req-
uisition. If the General Court is a free Assembly no Power upon
Earth has Authority to compel it to pay this Money. Should it ever
be deprived of its freedom, it shall never with our Consent be made
[151.] An Engine to drain us of the little Money we have left.
Another Object of great Importance, and which requires your ear-
liest attention, is a late fragrant and formal Attack upon the Con-
stitution itself : An Attempt not only to deprive us of the Liberteis
Privileges & Immunities of our Charter, but the Rights of British
Subjects. We have seen Copies of Letters published here authenti-
cated by the Clerk of the Papers to the Honble : House of Commons,
the Contents of which must have awakened the Jealously of the
Country — the Design of the Writer is sufficiently apparent: And
considering his Station as Representative of the first Personage in
the Empire, and the rank of the Minister to whom he Addressed
himself, we cannot wonder that Credit has been given to his Letters
in Great Britain and that they have already produced Effects
alarming to the Colonies & dangerous to both Countrys. It is
therefore requested that you use the whole Influence you may have
that the injurious impressions which they have unhappily made, ma}'

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1769. 287

be removed and that an effectual Antidote may be Administred,
before the Poison shall have wrought the Ruin of the Constitu-
tion.

It is unnecessary for us at this Time to repeat our well known
Sentiments concerning the Revenue, which is continually levied upon
us, to our great Distress, and for no other end than to support a
great Number of very unnecessary Placemen and Pensioners. We
have only to add that our Sentiments upontliis Subject are in no re-
spect changed ; and we expect that you pursue with firm Resolution,
and unremitted Ardor, every Measure that may tend to procure us
Relief ; Never yeilding your Consent to, or Connivance at the least
encroachment on our Rights.

Next to the Revenue itself the late Extension of the Jurisdiction
of the Admiralty, are our greatest Grievance, The American Courts
of Admiralty seem to be forming by Degrees into a System that
is to overturn our Constitution, and to deprive us intiroly of our
best Inheritance, the Law of the Land. It would be thought in
England a dangerous Innovation if the Tryal of any Matter upon
Land, was given to the Admiral : It would be thought more
tureatning still [152.] If the power of Confiscation, over Ships
and Cargoes for Illicit Trade was committed to that Court — But
if the Forfeitures of Ships <fe Cargoes, large Penalties upon Masters,
and such exhorbitent Penalties as the treble value of Cargoes,
upon every Person concerned in landing unaccustomed Goods, were
by Act of Parliament appointed to be tryed by the Admiral, the
Nation would think their Liberties irrecoverably lost.

This however is the miserable Case of North America. In the
41. 8 of the Statute of the 4. of George III Chapr. 15. We find
" that all the Forfeiture & Penalties inflected by this or any o'her Act
" of Parliament, relating to the Trade and Recenues of the British
" Colonies or Plantations in America, which shall be incurred there
'•'•may be presented, sued for and recovered in any Court of
*' Admiralty in the said Colonies " — That those extraordinary Pen-
alties & Forfeitures are to be heard and tryed — not by a Jury —
not by the Law of the Land but by the Civil Law and a single
Judge ! Unlike the Antien'.e Burrons who answered with one voice
" We will not that the Laws of England be changed which of old
have been used and improved, " the Barrons of Modern Times
seem to have answered, that they are willing those Laws should
be changed with regard to America ; in the most tender point and
fundamental Principle !

And this hardship is the most severe as we see in the same Page
of the Statutes, and the Section immediately preceding " that all
Penalties and Forfeitures which shall be incurred in Great Britain,
shall be prosecuted Sued for and recovered, in any of his Majestys
Courts of Record in Westminster, or in the Court of Exchequer in
Scotland respectively. " Here is a Contrast that stares us in the
Face ! A partial distinction that is made between the Subjects in
Great Britain and the Subjects in America ! the Parliament in one
Section guarding the People of the Realm and securing to them the
benefit of a tryal by Jury and the Law of the Land, and by the next
Session depriving Americans of those important Rights — Is not

288 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

this distinction a brand of disgrace upon every American a Deg-
radation [153.] Below the Rank of an English Man ? Is it not
with respect to us a Repeal of the 29 Chapr. of Magna Charta " No
Freeman shall be taken and Imprisoned, or Deprived of his Freehold
or Liberties, or free Customs, or Outlawed and exhi'ed, or any other-
wise destroyed, nor will we pass upon him nor condemn him, but by
lawfuljudgment of his Piers or the Law of the Land? " Englishmen
are inviolably attached to the Important Right expressed in this
Clause, which for many Centeeris has been the noblest Monuments
and fermest Bulwark of their Liberties. One proof of his Attache-
ment, given us by a great Sage of the Law, we think proper lo
mention, not for your Information, but as the best expression
of the sense of your Constituents. " Against this Ancient and
Fundamental Law, and in the Face t hen of says Lord Coke I find
on Act of Parliament made, that as well Justices of Assize, as Justice
of Peace, without any finding or presentment of twelve Men, upon a
bare Information for the King before them made, should hace full
power and Authority by their discretions to hear and try Men for
Penalties and Forfeitures." His Lordship after mentioning the Re-
peal of this Statute, and the fate of Empson & Dudley, who received
the full weight of the National Vengeance for acting under it, con-
cludes witli a Reflection which if well Considered, might be sufficient
to discourage such Attacks upon Fundamental Principles. " The ill
Successoflhis Statute and the fearful endof those two Opressors, should
deter others from committing the like, and should admonish Parlia-
ments, that instead of this ordinary and precious Tryal by the Law
of the Land, they bring not in absolute & partial Trials b>j dis-
cretion. — Such are the feelings and Reflections of an English Man,
upon a Statute not unlike the Statute now under Consideration, and
upon Courts and Judges not unlike the Courts & Judges of Ad-
miralty in America.

The formidable power of these Courts and their distressing
Course of Proceedings have been severely felt within the Year past ;
many of your Fellow Citizins having been worn out with Attend-
ance upon them, in defence against Information for extravagant
& enormous Penalties. And we have the highest Reason to" fear
from past Experiences [154.] Tbr.tif no Relief is obtained for us,
the Properties & Liberties of this unhappy Country, and its Morals
too, will be ruined by these Courts, and the Persons emploj-ed to
support them .

We therefore earnstly recommend to you, by every legal Meas-
ure to endeavor that the power of these Courts may be con-
fined to their proper Element, according to the antieut English
Statutes ; and that you Petition & Remonstrate against the late
Extension of their Jurisdictions ; and we doubt not the other
Colonies and Provinces who suffer with us under them, will cheer-
fully harmonize with this in every Justifiable Measure that may be
taken for a Redress

We need not here take Occasion to Instruct you, that while you
in the most ample manner testify your loyalty to our gracious
Sovereign, you will strenuously assert & maintain the Right of the
Subject Jointly or severally to Petition the King ; or to declare

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1769. 289

it as our clear Opinion, that the House of Representatives in
any one Province has an undeniable Right, whenever a Just
Occasion shall offer, to communicate their Sentiments upon a com-
mon concern to the Assembly of any or all the other Colonies, and
to unite with them in humble dutiful & loyal Petitions for Redress

of a general Grievance

Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to 3, 0'Clock P : M :

3 O'Clock P : M : Met according to Adjourum'.
Voted, unanimously, that the Instructions given our Representa-
tives relative to their Conduct in the General Assembly be published
in the several News Papers
Upon a Motion made and seconded.

[155.] Voted, that it gives high satisfaction to the Town to be
informed that our Merchants have so strictly adhered to their
Agreement relative to a Non Importation of European Merchandize
and that it be and hereby is recommended to the Inhabitants not to
purchase any Goods of those few Persons who have imported any
Articles in the Vessels lately arrived from Great Britain, not allowed
of by said Agreement, and that on the contrary Ihey will use their In-
fluence to promote in the way of Trade the Interest of those Gentle-
men, who have nobly preferred the future wellfare of their Country

and all North America to any present advantages of their own

Upon a Motion made and seconded — Voted, that

Mr. William Whitweli

Thomas Daws Esq.

Melatiah Bourn Esq.

Mr. Alexander Hill

Mr. Ezekiel Price

be and hereby are Appointed a Committee to examine the Town
Treasurers Accounts now before the Town, and to make a full en-
quiry into the state of the Town Treasury, and the Debts and
Credits of the Town and also to Report the same at the Adjourn-
ment together with what Sum or Sums may be necessary to be raised

for the ensuing Year as a Town Tax

Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to the 22d. Instant 9
O'Clock. A : M : and that Notifications be issued informing the In-
habitants of the Business which will then come before them

May 22". — Town Met according to Adjournment

The Petition of a number of Inhabitants for paving the upper
end of Long Lane was read — whereupon Voted, that the Town
will pay One third part of the Expence of paving the same pro-
vided it be done to the satisfaction of the Selectmen

[156. J Voted, that the Gentlemen the Selectmen be and they
hereby are appointed a Committee to act upon the List of

Jurors

Mess™. Thomas Bayley

John Gill
were chose Suveyors of Boards for the Year ensuing

A Letter from the Gentlemen the Selectmen of Charlestown
acquainting the Town with the Agreement entred into by the In-
habitants of that Town not to purchase any Lamb or suffer any to

290 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

be Cooked in their Familys before the first Day of August 1 769 —
and desiriug the concurrance of the Inhabitants of Boston in this
Measure for Reasons mentioned in said Letter — was read — where-
upon

Voted, that Benjamin Kent Esq.

Mr. Ezekiel Price

Mr. Nathaniel Homes

Mr. Benjamin Harrod

Mr. Nathaniel Barber

Mr. Jonathan Amory

Mr. John Ballard

Mr. Peter Johonnot

"William Homes Esq.

Mr. William Baves

Mr. William Boardman

Mr. Thomas Jackson

be and hereby are appointed a Committee to draw up & procure
Subscriptions to a Agreement not to purchase any Lamb for Family

consumption 'till the first of July next

The Committee appointed to examine the Accounts of Mr. David
Jeffries Town Treasurer have attended that service and find the
same right Cast and well Vouched, in which he Charges himself
with some Fines, Rents & other Incomes of the Town as also
[157.] With the Tax of £t>000 — all which amount to the Sum of

£10744 ,, 10 ,, 5/2 including the Balance of old Accounts.

And the said Treasurer discharges hinself by sundry Abatements
made the Collectors amounting to £726 ,, 4 ,, 3. By Drafts made by
the Selectmen amounting to £3069 ,, 1 ,,5. of which he has paid
£2199 , 2 „ 1 1/2 And by Drafts made by the Overseers of the Poor
which contain the Charges of the Almshouse amounting to £2Go2 ,,
4 ,, 7/4 of which he has paid £1480 ,, 2 ,, 1/2 — Also by sundry
Sums paid for Interest amounting to £206 ,, 13 ,, 3/2 the whole

amounting to £74:">3 ,, 13 ,, 7/4.

The said Committee have inspected said Drafts in a very partic-
ular manner, and have examined the Vouchers produced by the
Overseers of the Poor for the amount of their Drafts, and every
other branch of public Charge amounting in all as above to
£7453 ,, 13 ,, 7/4 as by Account of Town Treasury in the Town
Treasurers Books Balance whereof being £3290 ,, 16 ,, 10/4 is
carried to the Credit of new Accounts " which Report and
Account being read. Voted, that the same be and hereby is

accepted.

The Town brought in their Votes for Two Constables, and upon

sorting them it appeared that .

Mess™. George Thomas
John Peirce

were chose Constables for the Year ensuing

The Committee Appointed the 8 Instant to examine the Town
Treasurers Account now before the Town, and to make a full en-
quiry into the state of the Town Treasury and Debts and Credits
of the Town, as also to Report the same at the Adjournment
together with what Sum or Sums of Money may be necessary to

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1769. 291

be raised for the ensuing Year as a Town Tax having attended

that service, beg leave to Report as follows.

Debts due to the Province Treasury, from the Five following
persons [158.] Collectors May 18 Instant — Viz'.
Due from Jona. Payson Esq. a former Collector for 1766-£575,,14,,6

from Mr. Sampson Salter for 1767 -«71,, 12, ,3

from Mr. Samuel Ruggles Junr. - - - for 1767 -603, ,16, ,7

from Mr. Abraham Savage for 1767 -402, ,19, ,7

from Mr. Edward Hollyday for 1767- 76, ,15, ,8

Balance due to Province Treasury from the

above Collectors £2530, ,18, ,7

Due from Jonathan Payson Esq. a former Collector )

to the Town for 1766 } £746,, 7,,9

With the above Sum due to the Province Treasury 575, ,14, ,6

£1322,,2,,3
Deduct the Premium from said Sum when paid - - 190,, ,,-

Leaves a Balance due from said Payson - ... £1132, ,2,

due on Interest -

To the Overseers of the Poor for 1767. & 1768 - £1011,,14,,10
To the Sum borrowed for the Overseers to purchase

Grain 400,,—,,—

To Mr. Lazinby and Mr. Farmer Master of the Work ) ,.„„
--- House and Alms House ........ j " "~~

To the several School Masters ------- 1600,, — ,, —

To sundry Persons borrowed- ------- 2126,, — ,, —

To Sum borrowed for Mr. Mullineux ----- 500,, — ,, —

£6204,,14,,10

Interest now due to School Masters and others - - 402,, — ,, —
The Committee also find by Accounts from the

Town Treasurer that the Moneys due to sundry

Persons who Rebuilt Faneuil Hall for which ^ 1452,, — ,, —

the Town pays Interest amount to, as will

- - • appear from the state of the Lottery hereto

annexed -------------

As the Committee cannot with certainty ascertain

the Towns part of the Sum on Interest for the

new Court House and Goal, we suppose it to be

about £1200,,—,, —

As also the Charges already commenced for Rebuild-

ing of the County Goal 900,,—.,—

Total of the supposed Sum on Interest for the Towns

part of ye. County Tax £2100,, — ,, —

[159.] The state of the Town Treasury by the Treasurers
Accounts in March last stood thus. Debts £8511 ,, 16 ,, 7. The
Credits £8821 ,, The Committee would observe here that a part of
the above Credit is under such Circumstances as to render the
same insuP^ient to discharge the Debts by the Sum of £1272 ,, —

292 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

after the Tax of £6000 is paid into the Treasury for 1 768 —

And the Arrears due from Mr. Payson for 1766. amounting to
£746 ,, 7 ,, 9 — The Interest arising on the above Sum of £6204 ,,
14 ,, 10 being £372 — It therefore appears to the Commtee. necessary
for the Town to raise the aforementioned Sums amounting to
£1644 ,, 16 ,, — over and above what is necessary to defrey the
Charges of the present Year, which we would suppose to be
£6355 ,, 4/. so that the whole Sum proposed to be Raised by the

Town is £8000 provided some more effectual Measures be

pursued for the payment of the Taxes in the Treasury, than has

heretofore been practised by the Town

State of the Lottery ------

1767 — February 10th. To Mr. Temple De Coster - £230,,—,,—

To Onesipherus Tileston - - 650,, — ,, —
19: To Samuel Ruggles - - - 312,,—,,—

To Thomas Dawes - - - 260,, — ,,—

Notes on Interest £1452,, — ,, —

Due to John Hancock Esq. - ----- 20

to Robert Gould 13,, 6, ,8

Leanord Jarvis -------- 13,, 6, ,8

1769 — May 20 £

By Cash in the hands of Thorn*. Gushing Esq. 171,, 10,, 8

By Ditto in the hands of John Ruddock Esq. 128,, 2,,-

By Ditto in the hands of Treasurer - - - - 307, ,12,,-

£607,, 4,,8
Ballance due 891,, 8,,8

£1498, ,13, ,4

Your Committee are of Opinion it would be for the Interest of
[16O.] The Town to have the Tax for 1769 Collected and paid
into the Treasury by the Time fixed by the Town for the payment
of the same, the Expence of the Town it is probable would be
thereby lessoned, as it would be in the power of the Selectmen
and Overseers of the Poor to purchase what was wanted for the
Towns use at a much cheaper rate with the Cash then upon
Credit

Your Committee are also of Opinion that the Outstanding Debts
due to the Town should be Collected and paid in forthwith, in
order to discharge the Interest Money now due, as well as to
lesson the Principle

They also recommend to the Town to Choose Collectors to Col-
lect the Town Tax the next Year sepperate from the Collectors
for the Province and Count}7, for by having the Taxes come out
so late in the Year as formerly, the Town has for a considerable
Time been One Year behind hand — To remedie this in part if the
Town Tax was laid early and sepperate Collectors chosen, the

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1760. 293

same or the greater part may be Collected in the Year, and thereby
save a great part of the Sum we otherwise must pay Interest for
on Moneys borrowed

The above Report having been rend and considered — the Ques-
tion was put — Whether the same shall be accepted — Passed in
the Affermative

Upon a Motion made and seconded, Voted, that the Town
Treasurer be directed that in case Major Jonathan Payson a late
Collector of Taxes does not pay in to the Town Treasury his Town
Tax before July next, or give security to the satisfaction of the
Selectmen, to pay the Principal and Interest thereof — that then
his Bonds be put in Suit next July Court.

Voted, that the Town Treasurer be directed to call upon all the
Collectors of Taxes to hasten the Collection of the Taxes com-
mitted to them

[161.] And that if he finds any deficiency, he then call upon
the Province Treasurer to issue his Executions against them

Voted, that Mr. William Whitwell
Thomas Daws Esq.
Melatiah Bourn Esq.
Mr. Alexander Hill
Mr. Ezekiel Price

be a standing Committee to inspect the state of the Town Treasury,
and from time to time to Report upon that and other Money
Matters, and if they see fit to Apply to the Selectmen for a Town
Meeting to be called upon the same

Voted, that the Sum of Eight Thousand Pounds be Raised by a
Tax upon Polls and Estates within this Town, for Relief of the
Poor and defreying other necessary Charges arising within the

Town the ensuing Year

. Upon a Motion made and seconded Voted, that Mr. William
Whitwell and others a Standing Committee to inspect the State of
the Treasury, be a Committee to call upon the late Manufactory
Company for the Money due from them to the Town and if they
do not pay the same, that they then apply to the Town Treasurer
to bring an Action against them for the same

The Town brought in their Votes for a Warden in the room of
Mr. William Powell, excused from serving on account of his

Health — and upon sorting them it appeared that

Mr. John Cunningham

was chosen a Warden for the Year ensuing

Voted, that all Matters and Things which remain unfinished at
this Meeting be and hereby are referred over to the next General
Town Meeting to be then Considered of and acted upon at said
Meeting.

[163.] Voted, unanimously that the Thanks of the Town be
& hereby are given to the Honble. James Otis Esq. the Moderator

of this Meeting for dispatching the Business thereof

Then the Meeting was dissolved.

294 Crrr DOCUMENT No. 88.

At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston legally qualified & warned in publick Town
Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Tuesday the 13th. Day of

June Anno Domini 1769

Warrant for calling the Meeting read

The Honble. James Otis Esq. was chosen Moderator, but the
Constable not being able to find him, the Town proceeded to the
choice of another, and upon bringing in the Votes appeared that
Richard Dana Esq. was chosen, who took the Oaths respecting
Lis paying and receiving Bills of Credit of the Governments of
Connecticut, New Hampshire and Rhode Island as required by an

Act of this Province

[163.] The Committee Appointed on the 4 Day of May last
relative to the Grist Mills at the North port of Boston — Report
— That on the twenty-seventh Day of May A D : 1769 they did
pursuant to Appointment Repair to the Premisses mentioned in the
Report of a former Committee made to the Town the fifth of said
May, and there took some Possession and Seizon of that part of
the Premisses — viz1. — The Land whereon the Grist Mills lately
stood, and the Lands Adjoining to and about the same, in the
Name of the whole, this the Committee did in behalf of the In-
habitants of the Town of Boston

In the Name and by direction of the Committee

JAMES OTIS

"We the Subscribers were present and saw the Committee aforesaid
take Possession and Seizon of the Premisses aforesaid as above
mentioned by Turf & Twig, and left them in quiet Possession of

the same May 27. 1769 JONAS BOND, THOMAS

ROBBINS, Junr.

The above Report having been read — Voted, that the same be

accepted

The Article in the Warrant relative to the Grist Mills by the
Mill Bridge was read and Considered, whereupon Voted that

The Honble. James Otis Esq.

Joshua Henahaw Esq.

Joseph Jackson Esq.

John Ruddock Esq.

John Hancock Esq.

Samuel Pemberton Esq.

Mr. Henderson Inches

Mr. Jonathan Mason

Ezekiel Goldthwait Esq.

Mr. Edward Payne

Benjamin Kent Esq.

John Barrett Esq.

be and hereby are Appointed a Committee to pursue what [164.]
Steps may be necessary for recovering the actual Possession of the
Dwelling House and Land near to the Grist Mills by the Mill
Bridge, as also to prosecute in the Law such Suit and Suits as
may be effectual for obtaining for the Town quiet Possession of
said Premisses, or any part thereof ; and to pursue the same untill
final Judgement and Execution

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1769. 295

John Tuder Esq. and some others of the Proprietors of the
Grist Mills near the Mill Bridge being present were (at their
desire) heard the Matters relative to said Mills now under the
Consideration of the Town, and afterwards upon a Motion made
and seconded, It was Voted, that the above Committee be and they
hereby are Appointed a Committee, to Confer with the Proprietors
of said Mills, the Major part of them, or such a Committee as they
shall appoint, relative to said Mills, & receive such Proposals as
they shall give in Writing under their hands & Report the same to
the Town at the Adjournment of this Meeting, that so the Town
may proceed further thereon as shall be thought proper, and this
the Committee are desired to do before any Suit is brought for
possession of said premisses

The Petition of Jonatlian Payson Esq. a late Collector of Taxes,
that three Months longer Time may be allowed him to Collect his
Outstanding Debts and pay the Town — was read and Considered ;
and the Question being put Whether the same shall be accepted —
Passed in the Affermative

Adjourned to Tuesday the 4 July 3 O'Clock P : M :

Tuesday July 4 1769. 3 O'Clock P: M: Met according to Ad-
journment.

[165»] The Committee relative to the Grist Mills Report —
That they had met a majority of the Proprietors, who appeared
for themselves & the other Proprietors absent and conferred with
them relative to the Matters desired, and had also received Pro-
posals from said Proprietors in Writing which the}' herewith

present to the Town

JOSEPH JACKSON Chairman

The Committee to conferr with the Proprietors of the Mills and
to receive any proposals in Writing and hand in to the Town at the
Adjournment, have Reported to the Town certain Proposals, which
they had just received from the Proprietors, which Proposals being
read and largely debated — the Question was put — Whether the
Proposals shall be accepted — Passed in the Negative Nemlne
Contr

Voted, unanimously that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby
are given to Richard Dana Esq. the Moderator of this Meeting,
for dispatching the Business thereof

Then the Meeting was dissolved

At a Meeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston legally qualified and warned in public Town Meet-
ing Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Tuesday the 4th July Anno
Domini 1769. 4 O'Clock P : M :

Warrant for calling the Meeting ------ read.

[166.] Richard Dana Esq. was chosen Moderator of this
Meeting, & took the Oaths respecting his paying and receiving
Bills of Credit of the other Governments as required by an Act of
this Province

296 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

The Petition of a great number of respectable Inhabitants set-
ting forth — " That some Persons have as they are informed from
good Authority, petitioned or requested of his Excellency Sir
Francis Bernard Barronet, Commander in Chief of this Province,
that the 14th or some other other Regiment may be detained in this
Town in order to protect their Lives and Properties, notwithstand-
ing the Laws of the Land make ample provision for the Security
of all his Majestys Subjects, without the aid of any Military force
whatever ; and fearing such Report may be Represented to Ad-
ministration as the Sense of the Inhabitants, they pray that such
steps may be taken as the Town shall think proper, to prevent the
ill effects of such Representations, and to convince the World that
the Residence of a Military Power in the Body of this Metropolis
is upon various Considerations ; quite disagreable to the Inhabi-
tants " — was read and Considered — and the following Votes
passed

Whereas this Town have in diverse ways, more particularly in
a late humble Petition to our most gracious Sovereign, expressed
their Grief and astonishment to find Accounts had been trans-
mitted from hence to Administration representing this Town to be
in a state of disorder and confusion, and in opposition to the clue
restraints of Law and Constitutional Authority thereby inducing
the necessity of a military Power to aid the Civil Majestrate and
preserve the Peace ; A nd whereas in said Petition the Town de-
clare these Accounts to be ill grounded which have represented
them as held to their Allegiance & Duty, only by the Band of
Terror and the force of Arms, and at the same time humbly sup-
plicate his Majesty to remove the Military power now among us,
which they were unanimous in their Opinion was a Power unnec-
essary— a power unfavourable to Commerce [167.] Destructive
to Morals, dangerous to Law, and tending to overthrow the Civil
Constitution — therefore Voted, unanimously That such Persons
among us if any such there be as have Petitioned Governor Ber-
nard, or in any other way signified their desire, that some of the
Troops may be detained for the preservation of their Persons &
Properties have therein counteracted the declared Sense of the
Town, discovered themselves ignorant of its true Interest, and
highly inamical to its Peace and Prosperity — also

Voted unanimously, that if on any Occasion it should become
necessary, the Town are and always have been ready to Obey and
Assist the Civil Majestrate in the due Execution of the good and
wholesome Laws of this Land, which they are of Opinion will be
sufficient for the preservation of peace and good crder, without
any Military and forreign aid whatever

Upon a Motion made and seconded — Voted, that the aforegoing
Votes be printed in one of the publick News Papers, subject to
the Corrections of the Moderator, he not to depart from the sense
thereof

Voted, unanimously, that the Thanks of the Town be and
hereby are given to Richard Dana Esq. the Moderator of this
Meeting for dispatching the Business thereof

Then the Meeting was dissolved.

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1769. 297

[168.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants
of the Town of Boston legally qualified & warned in publick Town
Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Wednesday the 4th Day of

October Anno Domini 1769

Warrant for calling the Meeting ------ read.

The Honble. Thomas Gushing Esq. was chosen Moderator of this
Meeting, and took the Oaths respecting his paying and receiving
Bills of Credit of the other Governments, as required by an Act

of this Province

Agreable to the Notification of the Selectmen it was ordered
that the authentick Copies of the several Letters Memorials &c.
wrote by Governor Bernard, Commodore Hood, the Commissioners
of the Customs and others, to the Ministry, which were laid before
the Parliament and transmitted to the Selectmen by William
Bollan Esq. be read, so far as they relate to this Town : And they

were read accordingly

A Motion was then made, and it was unanimously Voted, That
the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given to William Bollan
Esq. for his generous care in transmitting to the Selectmen
authentick Copies of Letters wrote to his Majestys Ministers of
State, by Governor Bernard, General Gage, Commodore Hood
and others, and also of several Memorials of the Commissioners
of the Customs in America — In which Letters and Memorials the
Dispositiou and Conduct of the Inhabitants of the Town have
been grossly misrepresented to their Sovereign, in Consequence
whereof they have been sensibly affected with the Marks of his
Majestys [169.] Displeasure — And that the Moderator be
directed to transmit this Vote of Thanks to Mr. Bollan, for so
seasonable and important a service. Also
Voted, unanimously, that

The Honble. Thomas Cushing Esq.

Mr. Samuel Adams

John Adams Esq.

The Honble. James Otis Esq.

Dr. Joseph Warren

Richard Dana Esq.

Joshua Henshaw Esq.

Joseph Jackson Esq.

Benjamin Kent Esq.

be and hereby are Appointed a Committee to Consider what
Measures are proper to be taken to vindicate the Character of the
Town from the false and injurious representations contained in
the Letters & Memorials aforesaid, and Report at the Adjourn-
ment of this Meeting

After which upon a Motion made the following Vote was unani-
mously passed

The Merchants not only of this Metropolis but through the Con-
tinent having nobly preferred the publick Good to their own pri-
vate Emolument: And with a View to obtain a Redress of the
Grievances so loudly and Justly complained of, having almost
unanimously engaged to suspend their Importation from Great
Britain : A Measure approved by all Orders as legal peaceable,

298 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

and most likely of all other to effect the salutary design in view ;
and which will be regarded by Posterity with Veneration, for the
disinterested and truly publick Spirit appearing in it : The Town
cannot but express their Astonishment and Indignation, that any
of its Citizens should be so lost to the feelings of Patriotism, and
the common Interest, and so thoroughly & infamously selfish as
to obstruct this very Measure, by continuing their Importation
[17O.] Be it therefore SOLEMNLY Fotert, that the Names of those
Persons few indeed to the Honor of the Town, viz4. JOHN BERNARD,
NATHANIEL ROGERS THEOPHILUS LITTLE, JAMES MCMASTERS AXL>
COMPANY, JOHN MEIN, THOMAS HUTCHINSON JUNB. AND ELISIIA
HUTCHINSON — BE ENTRED on the Records of this Town, that
Posterity may know, who those Persons were that preferred their
little private advantage to the common Interest of all the Colonies,
in a point of the greatest Importance ; who not only deserted but
opposed their Country, in a struggle for the Rights of the Consti-
tution, that must ever do it honor : And who with a design to
enrich themselves, basely took Advantage of the generous self
denial of their Fellow Citizens for the Common Good.

Ordered that the aforegoing Votes be printed in the Several
publick News Papers

Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to Wednesday the 18
Instant at 10 O'Clock in the Fore-Noon

October 18 10 O'Clock A:M:Met according to Adjourn-
ment

The Honble. James Otis Esq. Chairman of the Committee ap-
pointed to transmit a Petition of the Town to the Honble. Isaac
Barre Esq. of London by him to be presented to his Majesty;
received the following Letter which was read to the Town

Bath July 20 1769.
Sir

I had the honor of receiving your Letter with its Inclosures on
the first of June. It gives me very great satisfaction to find that
my publick Conduct continues to meet with the approbation of so
respectable a Body of his Majestys loyal Subjects, and I feel my-
self much flatter' d with receiving the Commands of the [171.]
Inhabitants of Boston — I am now to acquaint you that the Day
after your Letter reached my hand I had the honor of laying at
the Kings Feet, the Petition which you transmitted to me, ad-
dressed to his Majesty.

Your Fellow Citizens, Sir, may rest assured that their applica-
tion to the Throne for Redress, has not upon this occasion been
intercepted

Their situation and Grievances are stated by themselves, are
now fully known to their Sovereign, whose Princely Virtues give
them abundant reason to be perswaded with me, that his heart
will feel and his own genuine wisdom will in due course of time
dictate the most proper methods of alleviating the distresses of his
faithful Subjects, however remote they may be from his Royal
Presence

Permit me to add my sincere wishes that the future measures
for the better gcverning of America ma}7 be of such a conciliating

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1769. 299

nature as will effectually restore that affection and obedience
which formerly characterized all the dependances of this great

Nation

I am

with personal esteem and regard

Sir
Your most obedient & most

humble servant
ISAAC BARKEE

The Committee appointed the 4 Instant " to Considei what
Measures are proper to be taken to vindicate the Character of the
Town from the false and injurious Representations contained in
the Letters & Memorials wrote by Governor Bernard, Commodore
Hood, the Commissioners of the Customs and others " Reported a
Draft; And upon a Motion made and seconded, the Same was
recommitted, and the Committee desired to Report again in the
Afternoon.

Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to 4 0' Clock. P : M :

[173.] October 18th. 4. O'Clock P:M: Met according to
Adjournment

The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for a Collector of Taxes
in the room of Mr. Samuel Ruggles Juur. who declined serving and

upon sorting them it appeared that

Mr. Jacob Wendell
was chosen into that Office

The Committee according to Order, again Reported P Draft
relative to Governor Bernard, Commodore Hood, General Gages
& Commissioners Letters and Memorials, (see at the close of this
Year the same recorded at large) — which Report being read and
considered, was unanimously accepted, and Ordered to be pub-
lished and the Committee were directly respectfully to transmit a
printed Copy of the same to the following Gentlemen. Viz'. —
The lion61". Coll". Isaac Barree Esq. a Member of Parliament,
His Excellency Thomas Pownall Esq. late Governor of this Prov-
ince, and a Member of Parliament, Benjamin Franklin Esq.
Doctor of Laws, William Bollan Esq. Agent for his Majestys
Council of this Province, Dennis Deberdt Esq. Agent for the
House of Representatives, and Barlow Trecothick Esq. Alderman
of the City of London, and a Member of Parliament

Then the Committee made Report of the following Resolves
Viz'.

Resolved, That the Letters and Memorials of Governor Bernard
and tlie Commissioners of the Customs in America, transmitted by
tliem respectively to his Majestys Ministers, and laid before the
Parliament of Great Britain, authentick Copys of which are now
before this Town, had a tendency to deceive the Ministry, and lead
them unavoidably to misinform his Majesty, with Regard to the
Affections and loyalty of his American Subjects in general:
[178.] And that the said Governor Bernard and the Commis-
sioners have perticularly in their Letters and Memorials before
mentioned, discovered an implacable Enmity to this Town, and the

300 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

most virulent Endeavors to traduce it even to his Majesty himself,
by Means whereof the Inhabitants very sensibly feel the Dis-
pleasure of their gracious Sovereign

Resolved, That this Town have Reason to rejoice in the Measure
taken by the Honble. House of Representatives, in the last Session
of the General Assembly ; by so seasonably preferring their dutiful
and loyal Petition to his Majesty, for the removal of Governor
Bernard forever, from the Government of this Province : And the
Town take this Opportunity to express their most ardent wish,
that the Prayer of said Petition to his Majesty may be graciously
heard and granted

Resolved, That General Gage and Commodore Hood in their
Several Letters to his Majestys Ministers and Servants, authentick
Copies of which are now before the Town, have discovered an
unreasonable Prejudice against the Town. Arid the General in
particular, in declaring in his Letter to the Right Honble. the Earl
of Hillsborough, one of his Majestys Secrataries of State that " in
truth there was very little Government in Boston " and in making
use of other Expressions alike severe, hns done great injustice to
the Town, and an irreparable injury. And it is moreover the
Opinion of the Town, that the readiness he has discovered to
receive unfavourable Impressions of it, and the publick Testimony
he was prevailed on to bear against it, before he could have had
Time to make an impartial Enquiry, betrayed a want of Candor
unbecoming his Station and Character

Resolved, That many of the Letters & Memorials aforesaid are
false scandalous and infamous Libels upon the Inhabitants of this
Town, Province and Continent, of the most virulent and Malicious,
as well as dangerous and pernicious tendency : And that the
Selectmen be and hereby are directed, to apply and complain to
proper authority, that the wicked Authors of these incendiary
Libels, may be proceeded with [174.] According to Law, and
brought to condign punishment.

Voted, That Mess™. Edes and Gill have the printing of the
vindication of the Town of Boston from the many false and ma-
licious Aspersions contained in Governor Bernard, and others
Letters &c. as Reported by the Committee

The Committee appointed by the Town to inspect the State of
the Town Treasury, from Time to Time and make Report upon
that and other Money Matters, now Report, That Mr. Paysou a
late Collector has paid the Town Treasurer £2 ,, 12 ,, 8 since their
former Report, and also the Province Treasurer £107 — So that
there is still due to the Town Treasurer £743 ,, 15 ,, 1. and to the
Province Treasurer £448 ,, 4 ,, 6 lawful Money .

Upon a Motion made Voted, unanimously That the Thanks of
this Town be and hereby are given to the Honble. Isaac Barree Esq.
a Member of Parliament for his singular Service to the Town in
waiting upon our gracious Sovereign in Person, and presenting to
his Majesty their humble and dutiful Petition for the Redress of
Grievances, and that

The Honble. Thomas dishing Esq.
Mr. Samuel Adams

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1769. 301

John Adams Esq.

The Honble. James Otis Esq.

Dr. Joseph Warren

Richard Dana Esq.

Joshua Henshaw Esq.

Joseph Jackson Esq. &

Benjamin Kent Esq.
be a Committee respectfully to transmit this Vote of Thanks to

Coll0. Barree as soon as may be

Voted, unanimously, that the Thanks of [175.] The Town be
and hereby are given to the Honble. Thomas Gushing Esq. Mod-
erator of this Meeting for dispatching the Business thereof

Then the Meeting was dissolved.

At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston legally qualified and warned in publick Town
Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Monday the 13 Day of
November Anno Domini 1769

Warrant for calling the Meeting ------ read

The Honble. James Otis Esq. was chosen Moderator of this

Meeting, and took the Oaths respecting his paying and receiving

Bills of Credit of the other Governments as required by an Act

of this Province

The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their

Votes for a Collector of Taxes for the present Year ; and upon

sorting them it appeared that

Mr. Benjamin Henderson

was chosen a Collector of Taxes for the Year 1769

Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to 4 O'Clock P : M :
4. O'Clock Met according to Adjournment

[176.] Mr. Benjamin Henderson who was chosen in the
Fore-Nocm a Collector of Taxes, appeared, and acquainted the
Town, that having thoughts of removing into the Country, it
would not be convenient for him to serve in that Office — And
therefore desired the Town would be pleased to excuse his serving
— whereupon

Voted, that Mr. Benjamin Henderson be excused from serving
in the Office of a Collector of Taxes to which he had been
chosen —

The Town brought in their Votes for a Collector of Taxes, and
upon sorting them it appeared that

Cap4. Samuel Dashwood
was chosen a Collector of Taxes for the Year 1769

Cap1. Samuel Dashwood chosen into the Office of a Collector of
Taxes came into Meeting, and prayed the Town, that he might be
excused from serving in said Office — whereupon it was Voted
that he be accordingly excused

A Motion was made and seconded that the Town come into
some Methods for preventing the Forestalling of the Market,
which is a great and growing evil, after some debate had thereon

302 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

it was moved and carried, that the further Consideration of this
Motion be referred over to the Adjournment

Voted, that the Town Clerk be directed to procure Copys of
such Bills as have at any Time been presented to the General
Assembly relative to forestalling of the Market, or any other
Documents respecting this practise, to be laid before the Town at
the Adjournment of this Meeting

Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to Fryday the 17 of
this Instant 10 O'Clock. Before-Noon

[177.] Fryday November 17. 10. O'Clock A : M : Town met
according to Adjournment

The Meeting being thin and the Weather very Cold, it was
Voted, that the Meeting be Adjourned to the Selectmens Cham-
ber

The Town taking into Consideration the great loss the Inhabi-
tants sustain by means of the pernitious practise of forestalling
the Market, which is a growing Evil, and as detrimental to the
Interest of the Landholder or Farmer as it is to the People of this
Metropolis

Voted, that the Gentlemen the Selectmen be and hereby are
appointed a Committee to take thia Matter into Consideration, and
to consult the best methods that m;iy be taken to obtain at the
next Session of the Great and General Assembly of this Province,
such an Act as may be effectual to remedie the Evil complained
of, and also to prevent the Incumbrances in the Streets near
Market Square, by means of the Country People placing their
Horses and Carts in said Street instead of bringing them with
their Provisions into the Market Enclosures

Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to Fryday next being
the 24 Instant. 10. O'Clock Before-Noon

Fryday November 24 10. O'Clock — Before Noon Town met ac-
cording to Adjournment

Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given to
the Moderator of this Meeting The IIonble. James Otis Esq. for

dispatching the Business thereof

Then the Meeting was dissolved.

[178.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants of
the Town of Boston legally qualified & warned in publick Town
Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Fryday the 8 Day of
December Anno Domini 1769

Warrant for calling the Meeting read

Joshua Henshaw Esq. was chosen Moderator of this Meeting,
and took the Oaths respecting his paying and receiving Bills of
Credit of the Governments of Connecticut, New Hampshire and
Rhode Island, as required by an Act of this Province —

The Petition of Mr. Hugh M°. Daniel, " setting forth that he is
now a Prisioner in his Majestys Goal forNon Payment of his Taxes
for 1766 & 1767. amounting in the whole to £22 ,, 12 ,, 3 as well as
for other Suits ; and praying such relief as to the Town may seem

BOSTON TOWN EECORDS, 1769. 303

meet" — was read, and after considerable debate had thereon —
a Motion was made, that the said Petitioner might have leave to

withdraw his Petition

Mr. Benjamin Henderson

was chosen a Collector of Taxes for the Year 17G9

Adjourned to Wednesday December 13. 4. O'Clock P: M:

13. 4. O'Cloek P: M: Met according to Adjourn-

[179.] Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are
given to Joshua Henshaw Esq. the Moderator of this Meeting for dis-
patching the Business thereof

Then the Meeting was dissolved.

The Report of the Committee appointed to vindicate the Town
of Boston from the many false and malicious Aspersions contained
in certain Letters and Memorials, written by Governor Bernard,
General Gage, Commodore Hood, the Commissioners of the Ameri-
can Board of Customs, and others, and by them respectively
transmitted to the British Ministry, which was laid before the Town
and accepted, at a General Meeting of the Freeholders and Inhab-
itants, the 18. of October last, is as follows, — Viz1.

The Town of Boston having by the generous care of William
Bollan Esq. formerly a very worthy Inhabitant in it, but now a
Resident in London, received authentick copies of Letters Memo-
rials &°. written by Governor Bernard, General Gage, Commodore
Hood, the Commissioners of the American Board of Customs, and
others, and laid before the Parliament ; which contain many base in-
sinuations and virulent charges of an high nature against the Town :
The Freeholders and Inhabitants in a legal Town Meeting assem-
bled for the purpose, have considered tho same. As they have not
3*et been favoured with the particular vouchers : if indeed these
Gentlemen have produced any to the Ministry [18O.] Before whom
they laid their accusations, it cannot be expected they should be
enabled to make so full a vindication of the Town as otherwise
they might : They have however endeavoured to extract from those
writings, so far as the Town is concerned in them, and to lay be-
fore the publick their true spirit : From whence it will appear how
restless, Governor Bernard & his Associates have been in their
malicious intrigues to traduce not this Town and Province, alone,
but the whole British American Continent.

In his Letter to the Earl of Shelburne, dated March 19. 1768 he
tells his Lordship that " he sees such an opposition to the Com-
missioners and their Officers, and such a defyance to the Authority
by which they are appointed, continually growing, that he can no
longer excuse his informing his Lordship of the detail of facts,
from whence the most dangerous consequences are to be expected "
— It is observable here, how artfully he connects an opposition to
the Commissioners with a defiance of the authority by which they
are appointed ; and this with an apparent design to represent this
Town as disaffected to his Majestys Government in general, than

304 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

which nothing can be more false and malicious. That the People
should entertain the highest disgust of a Board, instituted to
superintend a Revenue to be raised from them without their con-
sent, which was and still is exacted with the utmost rigor, is
natural ; after they hud so loudly as well as Justly complained of
the Revenue itself, as depriving them of the very idea of liberty :
But it cannot be said \vitli the lenst appearance of truth that they
set at defiance the Kings authority, at the very time when they
were actually yielding obedience to those Revenue laws, under all
the hardships of them, and were patiently waiting for the happy
issue of their Just complaints, and their humble petitions to their
Sovereign for the redress of their Grievances — The Commissioners
had however at that time surely no reasonable grounds to expect
any injury to their Persons or interruption in their Office ; for they
had been more than four months in the Town, without the least
danger of this kind, although they had from their first arrival dis-
covered [181.] Such an arrogance an insolence of Office as let
many Persons to apprehend that they aimed at nothing less than
provoking the People to such a degree of intemperance as to make
an appearance of it. But being disappointed in this, more shifts
& pretensions are to be sought after ; and accordingly we lind Mr.
Bernard begining his detail: to his Lordship with telling him
there had been ''frequent reports of insurrections intended, in
which it had been said, the Houses of one or more of the Com-
missioners were to be pulled down " The Governor it is to be
observed relies much upon Reports in his Letters even to Ministers
of State, while few if any among us ever heard of such Reports :
He does not so much as attempt to make it appear to his Lordship
that these frequent Reports were brought to him by Persons of
credit, or that they were well grounded ; and it is very much to be
questioned, whether he received his intelligence fiom any other
Persons than the Commissioners themselves, their Dependents &
Expectents, the number of whom are increased to an enormous
degree, more than sufficient to devour the whole Revenue, and
many of them are of the most abandoned character. But to give
a colouring to these Ideas of an Insurrection, there must be some-
thing more alledged than barely that there had been frequent Re-
ports of its being intended ; and therefore his Lordship is told of
an event which in fact took place as some few remember, but the
story is wrought up by the Governor with all the strokes of
masterly invention to serve the purpose " A number of Lr.ds says
he peraded the Town with a Drum and Horn" And what possible
harm could there be in that? Why among otlier Houses, "they
passed by the Council Chamber when he was Sitting in Council "
And did they stop to insult the Governor and Council? Such a
circumstance would doubtless have embellished his Excellencies
Narrative. There passing by however carried the air of an insult,
tho' in all likelihood the unlucky Boys might not know that his
Excellency was there — But they had " assembled before Mr. Pax-
tons House" and least it should be forgot his Lordship is reminded
that Mr. Paxton is a " Commissioner " — And did they do Mr. Pax-
ton the Commissioner any injury, yess truly " they huzzard " &

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1769. 305

went off then they " invested Mr. Burchs House " And hi8 Lordship
is also told [182.] That Mr. Btirch is " another Commissioner"
— and "his Lady & Children were obliged to go out of the back
door to avoid the danger that was threatned " So that they were
not threatned with mischief, but with danger only. It has been
usual for the Commissioners to affect an apprehension of danger
to themselves and their Families, to serve the purposes they had
in view. There is indeed no accounting for the real fears of
Women and Children : The Ladys however can sometimes vie with
their Husbands in intrigue, and are thoroughly versed in the art
even of political appearance. And it is said that all are Politicians
in this Country : Whether this Lady whom Governor Bernard has
politely ushered into the view of the public, really thought herself
in danger or not, it is incumbent on him to show that there were
Just grounds for her apprehensions, that Mr. Burch's House was in
fact k' invested " and that " the most dangerous consequences were
to be expected " The World may be assured there was not the
least appearance of this kind ; and yet, these are Mr. Bernards own
declarations to his Majestys Ministers, grounded upon vague and
idle Reports, beneath one of his I'ank and station to take any
notice of, and especially with a design to misrepresent. He
expresses a surprize and surely he must counterfeit it, that this
matter of "the parade with the Drum and Horn" was after all
treated as the diversion of a few Boys, as it is still thought to
have been by all who can remember so triffling an occurrance, ex-
cept the Governor and his Adherents — the diversion of a few
innocent, tho' perh°ns vulgar Boys, who neither did nor intended
to do the least harm to them or any other persons, nor were they
able to effect it if they had such a design. But after this says Mr.
Bernard ' ' it was reported that the insurrection was postponed till
the 18th. of March" the idea is still kept up of a designed insurrec-
tion, how else could it be postponed and " two Persons says he,
one of them Mr. Paxton a Commissioner was mentioned as devoted
to the resentment of a Mob " It is strange no Person should
have heard of all this but the Governor and his Informers for he
tells his Lordship that " he took all the pains he cuuld to discover
the truth of this Report ; " and " on the very day before he spoke
with [183. J The most knowing Men he could procure," who had
heard nothing about the matter. At length however " late in the
Evening he had certain advice that the Effigies were prepared, but
it was too late to do any thing, & his information was of that
nature, he could not make use of it in public " To induce his
Lordship however to believe that the Reports of the Insurrection
which was postponed to the 18 of March, with every circumstance
as Just now related, were well grounded, he tells him as if it was
designed to be the prelude to the whole, that " early in the Morn-
ing the Sheriff infoniK-d him that the Effigies of Mr. Paxton and
Mr. Williams were in truth hanging upon Liberty Tree ! " There
was in the time of it a strong sus|>k-ian in the minds of many that
their Effigies were hung up by som^ particular persona on that day
(which was to be observed as a day of festivity) with a design to
give a colouring to Just such a representation as Governor Bernard

306 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

now makes. There are persons bore capable of playing such a
game ; and there are some circumstances which make it appear
that such a suspician was not groundless Particularly it is difficult
to account for Governor Bernards neglecting to give orders to pre-
vent their being hung up after he certainly knew it was intended ;
and that he should pretend it was too late the Evening before ; but
especially his not chusing to make use of his information, or it
may rather be supposed his Informants name in public, unless it
was thro' fear of discovering the plot, is dark and unaccountable —
if there was a design of this nature it must have been truly
mortifying to those who were in the street, that the design was ho
soon frustrated ; For before the Governor could meet his Council,
which he had prudently " the day before summoned to meet " and
while he was " sending round to get them together as soon as
possible it might be ; amidst all these careful preparations, the
Effigies says the Governor " were taken down by some of the
Neighbours without opposition " ! There being thus, perhaps unex-
pectedly, taken down, is sufficient to evence the good disposition
of the Inhabitants in general : That they were not in the plan of
an insurrection, whoever else might be, and that the Governor there-
fore might with safety, if he had been so inclined make use of his
information in public — It might possibly indeed have totally
overthrown his design in writing this very Letter to his Lordship.
— [184.] But the best improvement is to be made of every
appearance: Accordingly the Governor hastens to his G -until,
who were then met agreable to his appointment the I'ay before,
and there he tells his Lordship he " set forth in strong terms the
atrociousness of this insult ; the danger of its being followed by
actual violence, and the necessity there was of providing for the
peace of the Town" However attrocious the insult might be,
where could be the danger of its being followed with actual
violence, when some of the Inhabitants themselves had taken
down the Effigies, with at least the tacit consent of the whole
Community ; for it was done without the opposition expected,
perhaps hoped for; And what necessity of providing for the peace
of the Town, when the people already discovered so peaceable a
disposition. It would doubtless have pleased the Governor well,
if his Council had advised to some severe measures ; such as might
have afforded a former foundation for him to have represented the
Town upon the eve of an insurrection, than groundless reports and
informations, from his own pimps which it was not prudent for him
to make use of in public. But "' all he could say " to that purpose
tho' he strove hard for it " made no impression on the Council "
They say he " persevered in treating the affair as of no conse-
quence," as well they might ; for its questionable after all, whether
there was the least apprehension then of any communication even
in the mind of the Governor himself whatever was his pretensions.
The Commissioners however took this opportunity of "setting
forth the danger they apprehended ; " and the Governor, very
readily no doubt, took the occasion to acquaint the Kings Minister,
that he had received a Letter from the Commissioners " desiring
the protection of the Government"

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 17(59. 307

Mr. Bernard proceeds in his Narrative, and entertains his
Lordship with a very minute account of the celebration of the
Anniversary of the repeal of the Stamp Act; and u the terrible
night it produced " — to Mr. Burch one of the Commissioners and
his Lady & Children who had moved to his House for safety ; " to
the Luivetenaut Governor and the Sheriff of the County who were
also with him " [185.] And in fine to all " those who thought
themselves Objects of the popular Fury." It may be here ob-
served as in general true, that no Man has reason to fear ths
popular fury, but he who is conscious to himself of having done
that which has exposed him to their Just resentment — The Gov-
ernor himself owns that " the Selectmen of the Town " and '" some
others " and even the Gentlemen who dined at two Taverns near
the Townhouse upon the occasion of the day " took great pains
that the festivity should not produce a Riot." There is no reason
to suppose this was mentioned for the sake of giving a credit to
any of those Gentlemen, but rather to insinuate that the People
were so outrageously disposed as that they could not be restrained
even by their own Leaders; for most of those whom the Governor
has honoured with that character were present. The truth is none
of them were apprehensive that their festivity would produce a
riot ; but they were careful to prevent the lighting a Bonfire,
because the Governor had constantly represented that as " the
signal for a Mob ; " and the Joys of the Evening among the lower
sort which however innocent are sometimes noisy, would of course
be represented as riotous. And thus he did in fact represent it to
his Lordship for he tells him that " many hundreds of People of
all kinds sexes and ages, paraded the streets with yells and out-
crys » — That they " invested Mr. Williams House " — That " at
two different times about midnight they made outcrys about Mr.
Paxtons house." And tho' after all he owns it was '• out of mere
wantonness " yet he says the whole made it a terrible night."
This is painting indeed, much beyond the life : But Mr. Bernard
has the art in perfection. He could not however perswade even
General Gage, to give it such a colouring ; for the General in his
letter to Lord Hillsborough dated Boston the 31st. of October
176*. tells his Lordship quite otherwise; and that "according to
the best information he had been able to procure, the disturbance
in March (which was this very instance) far from being " terrible
as the Governor represents it, was in truth " triffling." This being
the account given by one of the principal servants of the Crown
in America, and who has discovered himself far from being par-
tial infivor of the Town, it is needless to add any thing further
on this head — Triffling as indeed this " disturbance" was, such
improvements were made of it by Governor Bernard & others,
that it occasioned the ordering two Regiments from llallifax to
this Town for a purpose for which the military power was certainly
never designed; [186.] A very dangerous purpose, and abhor-
rent to the British Constitution and the spirit of a free Govern-
ment, namely to support the Civil Authority — A measure which
has caused continual terror to his Majestys peaceable subjects
here, and has been productive of more disturbance & confusion

CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

than has been known in the memory of any now living, or than is
recorded by any historian, even the most partial against this

country.

We shall now take notice of Governor Bernards Letter to the
Enrl of II illsborough, dated Boston June It 1768, wherein he gives
his Lordship an account " of a great riot that happened in this
Town the proceeding Evening." and it must be confessed there
was a riot on that evening, which is by no means to be Justified.
It was however far from being so great a one as the Governor
represents it to be — The Collector and Comptroller of the Cus-
toms indeed represent it as a "numerous Mob" but they being
particularly interested, their fears might deceive them. — It was
not a numerous Mob ; nor was it of long continuance, neither was
there much mischief done. It was occasioned by the unprecedented
& lawful monner of seizing the Vessel by the Collector and Comp-
troler: And considering their illegal proceedings in making the
seizure, attended with the most irritating circumstances which
occasioned the Mob — the intolerably haught}' behavior which the
Commissioners who ordered this seizure, had constantly before
discovered toward the people — the frequent threats which had
been given out, that the Town should he put under a military gov-
ernment, and the armed force actually imployed as a prelude to it,
it cannot be wonder'd at, that in a populous Town, such high
provocations, and the sudden exertion of lawful power, should
excite the resentments of some persons beyond the bounds of
reason, and cany them into excess. — We cannot state the circum-
stances of this affair with greater impartiality, than by reciting
the Sentiments of his Majostys Council after two days enquiry and
consideration, in their own expressions Viz*. — "His Excellency
having laid before the Board a representation of some transactions
relating to and in consequence of the disorders in the town of
Bostown on the evening of the 10 of June last, the Board [187.]
The Board think it necessary in Justice to tJie Town and Province,
and in vindication of themselve*, to make some observations
thereon, and to give a fuller Representation than is contained in
the paper laid before the Board. '' With regard to the said dis-
orders it is to be observed that they were occasioned by the mak-
ing a seizure (in a manner unprecedented) in the Town of Boston
on the said tenth of June, a little before Sunset when a Vessel was
seized by several of the Officers of the Customs ; and immediately
after on a signal given by one of said Officers, in consequence of a
preconcerted plan, several armed Bouts from the Romney Man of
War took possession of her, cut her fasts and carried her from the
Wharff where she lay into the Harbour, along side the Romney
which occasioned a number of people to be collected, some of
whom from the violence & unprecidentedness of the proceed u re
with regard to the taking away of the said Vessel, & the reflec-
tion thereby implyed upon the Inhabitants of the Town as disposed
to rescue any seizure that might be made, took occasion to abuse
& insult the said Officers, and afterwards to break some of the
windows of their dwelling houses, and to commit other disorders.
Now tho' the Board have the utmost abhorrence of all such disor

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 17G9. 309

derly proceedings, and would by no means attempt to Justify
them, they are obliged to mention the occasion of them, in order
to shew, that however culpable the said disorderly persons were,
the Officers who seized, or those by whose orders such unusual &
violent measures as were pursued in seizing and taking away the
said vessel, were not faultless : It being highly probable that no
such disorders would have been committed if the vessel had not
been with an armed force, and with many circumstances of insult
and threats, carried away from the wharff."

The Council further say, "• with regard to what happened on the
10 of June it seems to have sprung wholly from the persons who
complain of it. by the plan laid and the orders given for making
the Seizure aforesaid ; and carrying it away by an armed force.
Which circumstances together with the time of day of seizing the
Vessel, makes it seem probable that an uproar was hoped for and
intended to be occasioned by the manner of proceedure in ranking
the seizure."

From this impartial state of the matter, it must [188.] Evi-
dently appear to every candid mind, that the opposition was made,
not at, all to the seizing of the Vessel by the Officers of the Cus-
toms but wholly to the manner in which it was secured ; and that
if it had been done in the usual manner as the Council afterwards
said, " itwou'.d have remained secure in the hands of the Officers"
— this corresponds with the Commissioners own account; for they
say in their letter to Governor Bernard, June 12 that they received
a verbal message from the people to the following purpose, " that
if the Sloop seized \v:is brought back to IP. Hancocks Wharff,
upon security given to answer the prosecution, the Town might be
kept quiet." But this pacifick proposal though brought to them as
they acknowledge " by a person of credit," they expressly declare
"appeared to them as a menace," and it was in fact one of their very
reasons for requesting the Governor to give directions that they
might be received into the Castle for protection — So totally
regardless wore they of the peace of the Town, and so excessively
fond of being thought by others as important as they fancied
themselves to be, that when this reasonable and timely proposal
was brought to them even by a person of Credit in their own
esteem, they haughtily reply'd " that they gave no answers to
verbal rn/ssages " which plainly indicated either a wantonness of
power in them beyond all bounds, or the hopes if not the intention
of a further uproar.

Governor Bernard tells his Lordship that this Riot " had very
bad consequences," vvhk-h is undoubtedly true : The exaggerated
accounts which he and the Commissioners gave of it to the Min-
istry, and their taking occasion to represent ihe Town itself as in
a state of disobedience to all law and authority, and indeed the
whole Continent as ripe of a revolt, were attended with the worst
of consequences to the Town. The Commissioners say in plain
terms that'' there had been a long and extensive plan of resistance
to the authority of Great Britain" and that " the Seizure referred
to" had hastened the people of Boston to the commission of
actual violence sooner than was intended." Such mflamatory

310 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

representations as these had the effects which they had long wished
for ; and induced the Ministry to order two other Regiments to this
Town ; the consequence of which if they or any [189.] Of them
are continued, it is to be feared, far from reconciling the people to
the present measures of Administration, will only increase their

discontent, and even alienate their Affections.

The Governor in the Postscript to his Letter June 13 mentions
his having intelligence from the Commissioners of some particulars
from whence they concluded, that they were immediately exposed
to further violences, and desired protection at the Castle — This
intelligence is contained in their letter of June 12 Just now
mentioned, wherein they take upon themselves to charge the Gov-
ernment with having used no measures for securing the peace of the
Town, ulledging in general terms that " there was the strongest
reason to expect further violences," and they further say, that " his
Excellency himself had acquainted them that Bo ton was no place
of safety for them" Here we see that the intelligence which the
Governor represents to his Lordship as having been received by him
from the Commissioners, he first communicated to them ; and there-
upon they grounded their pretended fears in their Letter to him, and
desire the protection of the Government. This is all of a peace,
and may serve to explain the frequent rumors of an insurrection,
mentioned in a former letter, and from what quarter these frequent
rumours came. It shows the Combination, and the settled design,
of the Governor and the Commissioners to blacken the character
of the Town ; and how dexterously they can play into each other
hands — The Governor the next Day June 13 wrote to the Com-
missioners, and acquainted them, that having communicated their
Letter of the twelfth to the Council, they desired him to inform
them that during the sitting of the Council on Satturday Morning,
there was no reason at all given to expect further violences, and
that there was no apprehension either in the Governor or the
Council of an immediate danger." It is incumbent on the Gov-
ernor or his friend if he has any, to reconcile this with what he
had before told the Commissioners " that Boston was no place of
safety for them." It seems Governor Bernard was perpetually
teizing the Council with the Commissioners vague reports of an
insurrection, and of the danger they were in ; and indeed it
appears to be the main point in view to perswade the Council if
possible into the belief of it, or if not, to form a complaint to the
Ministry that they were negligent of their duty in not advising to
proper measures for the [19O.] Protection of the Commissioners ;
and from thence to enforce a necessity of military force to restore
and support Government in Boston — "Why did he not lay before
the Governor the particulars which he tells his Lordship he had
received from the Commissioners, from whence they concluded
that ti:ey were exposed to further violences? This we hear nothing
of ; perhaps the intelligence, like that which he mentions in a
former Letter " was of such a nature as that he could not make
use of it in publick." He indeed tells the Commissioners that he
had informed the Council of their present apprehensions of further
violences, and that they were then taking the same into consider-

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1769. 311

ation. " — But he should have fairly represented this matter to the
Commissioners, and told them that the Council had already taken
the same into consideration, and come to a conclusion as in fact
they had ; for by their own minutes we find that " the matter
being fully debated it appeared to the Board, that there was no
immediate danger of fresh disturbances" they at the same time
advised that the matter should be laid before the General Court
then silting, and postponed the consideration of it by them as of
Council to the Gocernor, till the effect of such a proposal should be
known. All this the Governor knew ; how then could he consist-
ently say they were then taking into consideration ? He tells Lord
Hillsburrough that " he was against the business being laid before
the General Court but was obliged to give it up" ; and that ''he
had many objections to the measure." We knew very well that
the drawing this matter into open daylight, would effectually defeat
his design ; and that the intention of bringing the Council, if
possible to Join with the Governor iu requiring the military force,
or accusing them of negligence in case they did not, would thereby
be intirely frustrated — The removing the business to the General
Court, he tells his Lordship was however, upon one consideration
not " intirely to his dissatisfaction" for he says it was not then in
a great measure " taken out of his hands " ; and he concludes that
" as he cannot conduct this business as it ought to be, " or rather
as he chose it should be, "it may be best for him to have but
little hand in it." — It may not be amiss here to recite the declar-
ation of his Majestys Council at a full Board on the 29th. of July,
six Weeks after the Commissioners voluntary exile to the C'astle in
consequence of these pretended apprehensions of [191.] Further
violences. The Council say " the Commissioners were not obliged
to quit the Town ; there never had been any insult ever offered to
them ; their quitting the Town was a voluntary act of their own ;
we do not apprehend there was any sufficient ground for their
quitting it, and when they had quitted it, and were at the Castle,
there was no occasion for Men of War to protect them." Such an
authority will no doubt be deemed sufficient to vindicate the Town
from this aspersion ; especially as the Council had then had time
cooly to recollect the matter : As they had born their full testi-
mony against the disorders, and taken every step which belonged
to their department, to bring the Offenders to condign punishment :
But more especially as that very Board had always before Sup-
ported the Governors measures to the utmost extent that their
consciences would allow, and many times against the general
sentiments of the people, for which they had gained the Governors
applause, and his particular recommendation to his Majestys
Minister, and he himself could at this time have no other exception
to any part of their conduct, but their opposition to his favorite
plan to introduce a military Government int-> the Town, without
the least colour of necessity, and thereby to break through the
mounds, and tear up the very foundation of the civil consti-
tution.

The Governor in his Letter to Lord Hillsburrough of the 14th
June being resolved to give his Lordship an exact detail of every

312 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

occurrance "from whence the most dangerous consequences are to
be expected," take occasion to mention, " a paper stuck up on
Liberty Tree" this paper he has said in his letter of the 13 con-
tained " an invitation of the Sons of liberty to meet at six O'Clock
to clear the land of the vermin which were come to devour them"
A very innocent if not a laudable proposal, for which the Country
should think itself obliged to them, to be sure if they could have
effected their design. But in this letter it is called " a violent and
virulent invitation to rise that night to clear the Country of the
Commissioners and their Officers to avenge themselves of the Cus-
tom house Officers, and put one of them to death ! " And still
more alarming, " there were also some indecent threats against
the Governor!" Could the Governor think that by the Vermin
that were come to devour the land the3r meant his Excellency and
the Commissioners? But perhaps the mind of the [192.] Sheriff
•who brought this information to the Governor was some what
agitated with the fears of an insurrection ; and moreover, we may
presume that he had not seen the paper himself, but took it from
report, in conformity to the example of the Governor, who be-
lieved or pretended to believe every word of it, till he had the mor-
tifying sight of the true contents of this very important paper ; of
which the following as he at length tells his Lordship is ctan ex-
act cop}"," viz'. — Boston June 13 17C8 The Sons of liberty
request all those who in this time of oppression and distraction
wish well to and would promote the peace, good order and security
of the Town and Province, to assemble at Liberty Hall under
Liberty Tree on Tuesday the 14 Ins1., at 10 OClock precisely. —
It might have been supposed that so harmless a thing would have
given offence to none. In the first place the matters alledged in it
were confessedly true: That this was a time of oppression, the
people all felt: That it was a time of distraction, the Governor
and the Commissioners loudly proclaimed : A design then at such
a time to promote the peace good order & security of the Town,
was at least unexceptionable. But the Governor complains that
" it was not considered as an implication of clanger." Strange
would it have been indeed if so salutary a proposal as the pro-
moting the peace good order and security of the Town had been
thus considered. " Neither, says he, was the impropriety of the
sons of liberty appointing a meeting to secure the peace of the
town, when the governor and council were sitting upon that busi-
ness, and nerml>i to little purpose, taken much notice of." but surely
if the Governor and Council could be supposed to be setting upon
such Lupines*, at such a time, and seemly to little purpose, there
could be no great impropriety in other peoples undertaking. But
without adopting by any means the measure, is not here a striking
instance1 of the disposition of Governor Bernard, and some others
to receive with the greatest avidity the most exaggerated accounts
of every triffling occurrance that has happened, and without any
enquh'y, to paint them to the Ministry in the deepest colours !
Behold a Meeting the professed design of which was to promote
the peace, good order and security of the Town, and that in open
day light, represented to the Kings Minister as a Meeting de-

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1769. 313

signed to be held at Six O'Clock, near Sun-Set, in one letter ; and
in another the next Day. " a most violent & virulent invitation
to rise that night? and [193.] Clear the Country of the Commis-
sioners,— threaten the Governor and commit murder" ! Incon-
sequence of which he tells the Council, there is " no time to en-
quire into the particulars of the former riot." They are to be
hurried to measures to provide for the peace (f the Town," and to
prevent "new disturbances premeditated " and "immediately
threatned ; " and his Lordship is \o be forthwith informed of
it. — Certainly every candid person will from hence be inclined to
believe all that Governor Bernard relates to the prejudice of this
Town, or any particular persons, with great discretion.

His Letter of the 16 of June, for lie seemed to be almost every
day emply'd in writing his " Detail " — of common report*) gives
the Earl of Hillsburrough an Account of " the Meeting at Liberty
Tree in pursuance of the printed notice." And after entertaining
his Lordship with a particular tho' awkward and inconsistent de-
scription of the Tree, the vast height of the flag staff, and the
design of hoisting the flag st^ff, and the design of hoisting the
flag, namely " for a signal," which to be sure must be a discovery
quite new to his Lordship, he proceeds to say ; that "• at least 4000
Men assembled," that " the principal Gentleman attended to en-
gage the lower people to concur in measures lor peace & quiet."
which was the professed end of their meeting — that " one of
the Selectman was chosen Moderator or Chairman" — that they
adjourned to the Town Hall" for the accommodation of so large
a number. And there it being " objected that the}' were not a
legal meeting " they adjourned to the Afternoon," he should have
said, broke up; and the Selectmen instead of "legalizing the
Assembly" as it is odly expressed, called a Town Meeting agre-
able to the directions of the law, to meet in the Afternoon. All
this was certainly an innocent proceeding, and the Governor him-
self, it is presumed did not think otherwise, for it happens for
once, that he makes no particular remarks upon it ; and if it
should be said of them, that they met seemingly to little purpose,
it might be said truly enough ; but it is to be remembred, that
another Assembly, with their Chairman at their head, if the Gov-
ernor's ludicrous account of the Meeting of that very respectable
body could be credited, might in that respect keep them in coun-
tenance. — But innocent as it was, the Governor did not choose
it should be thought that he viewed it in that light, and therefore
told the Council, & his Lordship afterwards that " had it been
the first business of the kind, he should have asked their advice,
whether he should not send to the General for [194.] Troops:
And to show his own excessive fondness for so arbitrary and
violent a measure, he adds, that "he was ready to do it. if any
one Gentleman would propose it" !

The Governor then proceeds to give a detail of the Meeting of
the Town in the Afternoon ; in which he tells his Lordship that
"man}- wild and violent proposals were made." It ought here to
be observed that Governor Bernard constantly represents bodys of
Men, even the most respectable, by proposals made by Individuals,

'314 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

which have been misrepresented by Pimps and Parasites, and per-
haps aggravated by himself, instead of allowing them to stand or
fall by their own conclusions — Can any thing be more base, more
contrary to equity than this? — What should we think of the most
respectable Corporations at home — What even of both Houses of
Parliament, if they were to be Judged of by every motion that has
b*Aen made, or every expression that has dropped from Individuals
in the warmth of debates? If it had been true that such proposals
had been made, nay, if measures that could not have been alto-
gether Justified, had been even adopted by the Town, at a time
when every art had been practised to irritate the people and inflame
their minds, the candid part of mankind would have been ready to
overlook it. — The Governor has often been observed to discover
an aversion to free Assembles : No wonder then that he should
be so particularly disgusted at a legal Meeting of the Town of
Boston, where a noble freedom of speech is ever expected and
maintained: An Assembly of which it may be Justly said, to
borrow the language of the ancient Roman, with a little variation,
Sentire quae volent el quae senticat dicere licet, Thoy think as they
please, and speak as they think. — Such an Assembly has ever
been the dread — often the scourge of Tyrants — But these " wild
and violent proposals," which no one can recollect but the
Governor, and perhaps his Informers, it seems were " warded
off," as the Governor is pleased to express it, from whence it may
be supposed that prudence, directed at this Meeting, ''originated
& composed as he says it was " — By these expressions it is con-
ceived, he would intimate to his Lordship that it was both illegal
and tumultuous ; and if that was his real intention, the insinuation
was both false & injurious. — [195.] The Meeting was " origi-
nated " as the law directs, and nothing was there concluded upon
according to the Governors own account, but the appointment of a
Committee, which he himself says " iu general was very respecta-
ble," to wait on him " with a petition ; " the receiving his answer, as
he is pleased to say, with k' universal approbation" ! writing a letter
to a friend, & voting such Instructions as they thought proper to
their representatives, after which he tells his Lordship they k' broke
up quietly and the Meeting ended." But notwithstanding this
quiet and as may be concluded by the Governors account of it,
coalizing Town Meeting, which consisted of so large a number, and
among whom he himself was so "• popular" that even the Moderator
declarer! that he really believed he was a well wisher to the Prov-
ince," (Thus saith Governor Bernard, but no one remembers or
believes it) yet all this will not avail to soften his mind or alter his
intention. And altho' he tells his Lordship " the Romney and a
Sloop of 1C Guns Just come in will compleat the command of all
the approaches to the Castle, and other Ships of War are expected,
so that the security of the Commissioners is effectually provided
for " ; yet the favorite point will not be carried, till the long wished
for Troops arrive, to enforce his arbitrary Designs, and suppress
the spirit of liberty. And now is the time, if ever, to press the
matter : Every hand therefore must be set to work, and nothing
will serve the cause like continually holding up the Idea of an In-

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1769. 315

surrection. Accordingly we find one of the Auxiliaries, whose
Letter tho' anonimous, has credit enough to appear in the list laid
before Parliament, says u It is my opinion that the promoters of
the present evils are ready to unmnsk, and openly to discover their
long and latent design to REBEL" — and — " involve this Coun-
try in blood and horror! Another anonimous writer, who is said
to be u well acquainted with the state of the Town of Boston,"
says, that " He observes a sourness in the minds ol the people in
general, and adds, he that runs may read, that without speedy
interposition a great storm will arise." — The Collector and Comp-
troller of the Customs mention with deep concern, as they affect to
express themselves " that a general spirit of Insurrection prevails,
not only in the Town, but throughout the whole Provinces." The
Commissioners themselves in their letter to General Gage tell him
" that it is utterly impossible to carry on the business [196.] Of
the Revenue in Boston, from the outrageous behavior of the
People" They acquaint the General "of the alarming state of
things in the Town and desire him to give them protection." And
tho' Governor Bernard when n<.t so much on his guard, or perhaps
under some little compunction of mind in his letter to the Commis-
sioners, June 13 gently chides them for their ill grounded fears,
and tells them " he is very s->rry that they think themselves so
much in danger in Boston (which he had before said was no place
of safety for them.) as to think it unsafe for them to reside there "
notwithstanding all this, yet in the letter we are now considering,
which was written nearly at the same time, he possitively assures
his Lordship that if there is not a REVOLT, the Leaders must falsify
their words & change their purposes. Perhaps he would have
been more consistent if he had imagined these letters would ever
have Seen the light. He concludes his letter with mentioning a few
more papers stuck up on the Town House. — No evidence how-
ever appeal's to have accompanied all these heavy charges upon a
whole Community : But Governor Bernard and others seem to
have conducted their proscriptions as if they could have even fore-
seen, that the bold assertions of persons apparently inimical to a
Country, auonimous Letters, Street conversation picked up by
Pimps and Spies, and Papers stuck up by no one knows whom on
a publick Building, would be of so much weight as to influence the
measures of Administrations ! Can any Person believe this a Just
representation, when Governor Bernard with all his Industry and
aid has not been able to furnish proof that any Body or Combination
of Men, or even a single Person had incurred a legal penalty, if we
except the disturbances that happened on March and June already

considered.

The Governor in his letter of the 9 of July informs his Lordship
of a manoeuvre, as he calls it, of the Sons of Liberty ; a number
of them going out of Boston at the close of a certain day in par-
ties, and meeting on each side of a House in Roxbury, which Mr.
Robinson (and his Lordship must be informed that he also was
one of the Commissioners) had lately hired with an attention to
surprize him and prevent his escape ; but he being at the Castle,
where the Commissioners had been driven for safety, they did

316 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

nothing but plunder his Fruit Trees. This is a very solemn ac-
count indeed [197.] But he never laid this " mauoevre of the
Sons of Liberty," extraordinary as it was, before the Council,
which he never failed to do on like occasions ; thinking possibly,
that respectable Bod}r might be of opinion, that a Gentleman of
any political party may be supposed to have his Orchard or Fruit
Gardens robbed by liquorish Boys, without making a formal rep-
resentation before his Majestys first Minister of State. As the
Governor will still have it that " the Commissioners were drioen to
the Castle for suf<ty." we take occasion to observe here, that it
was notorious, that they frequently landed on the Main, and made
excursions into the Country ; visiting the Lieuv*. Governor and
other Gentlemen at their Seats, where it would have been easy
to have seized them if any injury had been intended them ; which
as his Majestys Council very Justly have observed, " demonstrated
the insincerity of their declarations," as it did those of the Gover-
nor "that they immured themselves at the Castle for safety."

Another part of the detail in this Letter is the Rescue of a
Vessel which had been seized by the Custom house Officers. It
seems by Governor Bernards Account, it had been " thought
proper to try an experiment " for says he, " When the Sloop was
Seized which occasioned the Riot, and in consequence of which the
Commissioners were obliged to leave the Town, the greatest part
of the resentment was expressed against the putting her under the
care of the Man of War " which was very true, and he might have
also said, the making the seizure with an armed force, and there-
fore he adds, "when the Schooner was seized.it was left at the
Wharff under no other care but two Custom house Officers," in
hopeful, no doubt, if not certain expectation that the rescue would
be made, from whence it might possibly be made to appear that
the resentment against the proceedings of the Custom house
Officers in the former instance, as being violent and illegal, was
mere pretence The Rescue was made, and it was universally
displeasing to the Town. The Governor says, "this very Molasses
was the next day returned" and tells his Lordship that "the
Selectmen of the Town sent for the Master of the Schooner," and
"ordered him to return it under pain of the displeasure of the
Town ; " which is a gross misrepresentation of the matter, and
artfully designed for to prepare for the subsequent ungenerous
remark that " all Government is now in the hands of the People."
A good Majestrate would have rejoiced in this instance of the
[198.] Peoples voluntarily affording their aid in the recovery of
the Kings due which had been rescued from him, without torturing
his invention to find an illuatured construction for it. But
Governor Bern ird is disturbed that " the humor of the people"
which he says this was done " to please " should ever coincide with
their duty to the Sovereign — The voluntary Association of the
People to promote peace and good order, he had before said
" carried an implication of danger" to the Government; and now
when they seem to unite in taking measures for the execution of a
law, although in its nature disagreable to the People, why truly
" the Government is in the hands of the People, and not of those

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1769. 317

deputed by the King, or under his authority." But if the People
had a view to save their own reputation in this peice of service to
the Crown, as the Governor intimates surely he will not say it was
" ill judged," or " ill timed." The truth is they had a particular
view at this time to prevent Governor Bernard, improving the
rescue, which they were in no sort concerned in, to the prejudice
of the Town, as had been his constant practice in other cases and
as it now evidently appears he intended : And it was certainly a
wise precaution ; tho' a candid mind will by no means exclude any
other good intentions. — We cannot forbear taking notice herewith
fieedom of a very extraordinary assertion of Governor Bernards —
in this letter to his Lordship, that " every seizure made, or at-
tempted to be made on Land in Boston for these three Years past,
before these two Instances had been violently rescued or pre-
vented " — An assertion so notoriously false, that few Men could
have made it without blushing and we may suppose even Governor
Bernard himself could not have made it had he apprehended it
would ever have become publick.* The Offlcero of the Customs
themselves will not venture to [199.] Affirm it. If the assertion
is true, his Majestys Council must have been egregiously mistaken
when they declare that " no instance can be Aleged of any Vessel
seized, or any seizure whatever in the Town of Boston being res-
cued out of the hands of the Officers, except what took place here
on the 8th. of July Instant, when a quantity of Molasses (this very
Molasses) having been seized, was taken away from the Officers
who had charge of it ; which unwarrantable proceeding being uni-
versally condemned, the Molasses was very soon returned," As
this base story was invented and told by Governor Bernard, with
the sole intention of casting an odium upon the Town, we have
reason to expect his retraction of it ; or he must bear the re-
proaches of an highly injured Community, and the Just sensures
of all impartial Men. After these false and injurious assertions,
he thinks it a proper time to acquaint his Lordship, that the one
Regiment which had the flattering expectation of, from a letter he
had received from General Gage, " tho' it might secure the Castle
would not be sufficient to awe the Town; which was in effect ask-
ing for more. Thus we see the means which Governor Bernard
and his Confederates have been incessantly using to accomplish
their designs ; and strange as it may in some better times hereafter,
these means and these very Instruments at length prevail'd to in-
troduce a military power into the Town — A power which is dayly
trampling on our laws, contemning our Religeon, and invading the
Rights both of Persons and property — A power by which a truly
loyal & but long abused and highly provoked Community, is not

* It is remarkable that Governor Bernard not long before these letters were made
public, expressed to a certain Gentleman, his earnest wish that y«. people of this Prov-
ince coukl have si sight of all his letters to the Ministry, being assured that they would
thereby be fully convinced tbat he was a friend to the Province — Indeed he'made a
declaration to the same purpose in one of his publick speeches in the House of Rep-
resentatives. Upou ye. arrival of the letters however, he discovered as some say a
certain paleness, & complain'd of as a hardship that his letters wrote in confidence,
should be exposed to the view of ye. Public — A striking proof of the baseness, m
well as the perfidy of his Heart.

318 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

indeed awed but distressed — And were it not for the certain
advice, that our humble and dutiful supplications have at length
reached the Royal hand, we should be reduced even to a state of
desperation !

Governor Bernard in his letter to Lord Hillsburrough of the
16th. Septemr. begins with acquainting his Lordship with the prudent
methods he took, to communicate the expectation of the Troops
gradually for fear of certain ill effects that might arise from their
sudden arrival. And no wonder that the Man who had long
been representing a whole Country as REBELS ; & had been one of
the principal Instruments in bringing such a curse upon it, should
at that Juncture be under some apprehensions of danger

[2OO.] In his last letter he talks of his personal courage and
tells Lord Hillsburrough that " he did not feel his own firmness of
mind to fail": He also mentions '"the spirited conduct of the
I/ieuff. Governor; and with pleasure assures his Lordship that " he
could depend upon his resolution and steadiness as much as he
could upon his own" ; from whence he concludes that "there
would be no want of a due enforcement of the laws to the correc-
tion of the present abuses " — But now he seems to be conscious
of fear ! Happy was it for him, that he was in the hands of a
People ; who attended to the dictates of sound policy, religeon and
loyalty — He first opens this matter to one of the Council, and
tells him that " he had private advice that Troops were ordered
hither, but that he had no public orders about it himself" ; and he
observes that " it was quickly very thoroughly circulated all over
the Town " and the Faction immediately took the alarm " By this
he would insinuate that the better sort of the People and even the
generality of the Town were well enough pleased with it. If the
Faction only took the alarm, the generality of the Town must have
been included in the Faction : For in troth] he had the mortifica-
tion of setting the whole Body of the People, saving his own very
few adherents who were properly an implacable Faction, thoroughly
awakened and alarmed at the sudden expectation of a military
force, which had indeed been often threntned by this Faction, but
few realized it before — And now the Pimps were all immediately
sent out, who no doubt were rewarded in proportion to their suc-
cess in the business ; and the Governor soon had intelligence
brought to him of the conversation of "private Companies" And
that in one " it was the general opinion to raise the Country and
oppose the Troops"; in another "it was resolved to Surprize &
take the Castle." How ridiculously impertinent must he appear in
the Eyes of Men of sense, after all to acquaint his Lordship that
" he does not relate these accounts as certain facts." To what
purpose then did he relate them at all ! It seems that he was full
as designing in communicating to Lord Hillsburrough, as he was
in communicating to the People, tho' his designs were different:
For the People were not to be told the whole that the Governor
knew to be true ; but his Lordship was to be induced to [2O1.]
Believe more : — In either case if the purpose could be served,
Sincerity was out of the question. Uncertain however as these
Facts were, his Lordship was informed that they were yet

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1769. 319

u believed" ! Strange as they were said to be facts of yesterday,
that no one, after all the pains that had been taken, could make
them certain ; and if they were not to be made certain, stranger
still that any in their senses should believe them. Some Men are
very apt to believe what they wish to be true : This no doubt is the
present case — And besides we are to remember, that more than
two Regiments were wanted to awe the Town; and if the Governor
could boldly say, that these reports vague as they were, had
obtained any credit here, no matter by whom believed, they
would have some weight. But he must be presumed to think very
injudiciously of the head or the heart of a Minister of State, to
suppose that such an undigested and ridiculous account of things
would influence his measures. Nothing we should think but the
great candor which has ever appeared in Lord Hillsburrough
towards Governor Bernard, could have prevented his severest
sensure — But admitting they were true, which was by no means
the case, certainly the Town is not accountable for what one of his
Excellencies Spies might have overheard in " a private Company."
— Let us then consider the account the Governor gives of the
publick conduct of the Town, at a Meeting legally called on Mon-
day September 12. And first he says, " at the Hall the Factioc
appeared surrounded with all its Forces" ; and an appearance very
decent at least, it seems they were capable of making according to
the Governor's account. For he tells his Lordship, "a set of
speeches, by the Chiefs of the Faction, and no one else followed in
such order & method, that every thing both as to matter and order
seemed to have been preconcerted ;" while alas! the "very few
principal Gentlemen there," the better sort in the Governor's esti-
mation, appeared "as curious perhaps anxious Spectators"!
Where is now the little remains of an expiring Faction, which he
had so often told the World of? The tone is wonderfully altered ;
the Body of the People are now truly represented as united firm
and regular in their opposition to his measures, while his own/eto
Partizans, [2O2.] Who yet must be stiled " the principal Gentle-
men," tho' expecting every moment to be " surrounded with all
their Forces," appeared inquisitive and anxious for the event ! But
nothing was resolved upon, says the Governor, but to put two
questions to me, and appoint a general Committee to consider
and report." The main question to the Governor was. Whether
he had certain expectation of the Troops? To which he answered
with an artful ambiguity, that he had private advice, but no pub-
lick orders about it. His private advice might have been certain;
or he might have had authentic^ public advice, without public
orders about it, for General Gage was Commander in Chief of the
Kings Forces. Being however somewhat pressed by the Com-
mittee who waited on him, he discovered a duplicity for which he
has a peculiar tallent, and said that he would not have the Town
certainly expect the Troops ; altho' lie then expected them himself,
& fully believed they were on their passage from Hallifax, and
in this letter to Lord Hillsburrough he tells him, that it was at
that very time his attention to communicate these expectations of
them gradually His account of diverse speeches made in the

320 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

Town Meeting is as uncertain, and with regard to some of them as
untrue, as the intelligence he had received of the private conversa-
tion : Perhaps it was carried to him by the same hands, as some of
his principal Gentlemen were there. The Resolves and deter-
minations of this Meeting, as the Governor says, were published
to the World ; and they remain on the Records of the Town that
Posterity may Judge of them. The Town has Seen no reason
since to revoke these Resolves, notwithstanding they have been
sentenced as " very dangerous Resolves procured by mad People,"
by so exquisite a Judge in matters which regard Civil Govern-
ment, as well as so polite a Gentleman as General Gage. The
Governor himself has been since respectfnlly requested by the
Selectmen, in behalf of the Town to shew in what respect the Re-
solves & proceedings of this very Meeting had militated with law ;
but he declined it, because he was notable to do it. Spirited in-
deed they were, but not too spirited for the times — When the
Constitution, threatned is the principles of the [2O3.] Constitution
must if ever be asserted and supported — the Governor indeed
takes notice of our claim to a certain clause in the Bill of Rights
as "a large stride" But as we are free British Subjects, we
claim all that security against arbitrary power, to which we are
entitled by the Law of God, and nature as well as the British
Constitution. And if a standing Army may not be posted upon
the Subject in one part of the Empire in a time of peace, without
their consent, there can be no reason why it should in any other ;

for all British Subjects are or ought to be alike free.

The Governor in a former letter to Lord Hillsburrough men-
tioned the Selectmens ordering the Arms belonging to the Town
to be brought out and cleaned ; and to make something of the
story, he told him that " that they were exposed some hours at
the Town House": In this letter he says '; these Arms were de-
posited in Chests, and laid upon the floor of the Town Hall to
remind the People of the use of them Could any one besides Gov-
ernor Bernard, descend to so pittiful an artifice as to insinuate that
these Arms were cleaned, exposed to the People, and finally laid on
the floor of the Hall at this Juncture, to induce his Lordship to
believe, that these were the Forces with which the Faction
appeared " surrounded," and that the Selectmen who are the
principal City Majestrates, and the leading part of the Town
itself, were actually in the plan which he had Just before men-
tioned, as concerted in one of the private Meetings " to raise the
Country and oppose the Troops " ; And that these Arms deposited
in Chests were laid on the floor of the Hall " to remind the People
of the use of them " — , and inspirit them for the purpose of
opposing the Troops. Whereas the simple truth of the matter is,
these Arms had for many Years been deposited in Chests and laid
on the floor of the Town Hall ; but the Hall itself being burnt a
few Years ago, the Arms were saved from the Ruins and carried
to the Town House : After the Hall was Rebuilt the Town ordered
their removal there ; and tho' it happened to be done at a Juncture
when the Governor and his Confederates talked much of the
Towns revolting, there was no other thought in the minds of any,

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1769. 321

except the Governor and a few more, and it is a question whether
even he, or they, really thought otherwise, but to lodge them in
their usual & proper place [2O4.] We cannot help taking notice
how very exact the Governor sometimes is even in the choice of
words, in his " detail of facts" to a Minister of a state: An in-
stance of which we have now before us, wherein he mentions to
his Lordship his inclosing " a blank Copy of the Precept (as he is
pleased to call it) which the Selectmen have used," it is a wonder
it was not issued, for that would have made it appear more/o?-wai
" in calling together the Convention " ; from whence be takes
occasion to say it was "a daring assumption of the Royal au-
thority." Here then is the treason and misprision of treason, or a
part of it at least, about which there has been such tin eclat of
late ; for which the Governor tells his Lordship in this detai1 of
the Convention every well wisher of the Province, of whom he is
doubtless one, " most devoutly desires the Charter may be for-
feited " — and some of the Leaders were to be sent to England to
be tried there — Nay his Lordship or some one of his Majestys
Servants is informed that they expected it themselves for Com-
mander Hood in one of his short & pithy Epistles, says, "they
were alarm'd and expected nothing less th;in a Voyage to England
against their inclinations," but his Lordships deep penetration
might have discovered that this " Precept to call a Convention "
was nothing more than & friendly circular letter to the Selectmen
of the several Towns in the Province desiring them to propose to
their respective Towns the sending a Committees, to Join with
those of the Town of Boston, in consulting measures to promote
peace and good order ; which was so far from an assumption of
the Royal authority, that it assumed not the least shadow of any
authority whatever — This very innocent measure of the Town in
" calling together a Convention " as the Governor expresses it,
which he so highly sensures, and upon the promoters of which
he loudly calls for the National venegeance, was most certainly
attended with all the happy effects for which it was proposed :
For the general sentiments of the Province was thereby Collected,
which could not otherwise have been done ; the Governor having
arbitrarily dissolved the General Assembly, and positively refused
to call another, against the dutiful Petition of the Convention
itself, as well as of the Town [2O5.] Even before they proposed
or thought of it — The Several Towns having an opportunity of
conferring together by their Committees, had the same effects
which followed a certain circular letter, which formerly so per-
plexed his Excellency ; for the People became the more united in the
measures proper to be taken for the preservation of their common
rights at so critical and alarming a Juncture. And tho' the Gov-
ernor says " at the Fountain head it was intended to provoke
resentment," yet to this very measure have been imputed, in some
small degree very Justly or not, it becomes not this Town to say,
that prudence as well as fernmess anil perseverance in the cause
of liberty, of which it is hoped this Country will ever avail itself,
even Governor Bernard cannot but own that the Convention dis-
covered "moderation" and a " temperate conduct," which is far

322 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

from being inconsistent with true fortitude : But he is not willing
that the Town of Boston should " assume the merit of it." They
are very far from a disposition thus to assume : They are content
to have that share of merit which their beloved Country Men are
willing they should have. And tho' he would insinuate to his Lord-
ship with his usual cunning, that there was at the Convention an
essential difference of sentiments between the Town and the
Country ; and that " many of the Deputies came down with a
disposition and Instructions to prevent the Bostoners (as he
elegantly expresses himself) involving the Province in the con-
sequences of their own mad devises " ; and that many of them
" were from the begining sensible of the impropriety and danger
of this proceeding," his Lordship as they printed what they did,
has no doubt been since convinced, that they were united in their
Sentiments of the common cause

But this very peaceable proposal, the Governor thinks exceeded
the " Great Rebellion when it was at the highest, and the con-
fusion arising therefrom most urgent for some extraordinary
measures." Here is the burden of the Song — extraordinary
measures! And surely his Lordship must propose some very
extraordinary measures to chastise a greater than the great Rebel-
lion, even when it was at the highest — Not content with pouring
forth this torrent of Zeal, the Governor still presses upon his
Lordship; and assures him that " unless it is prevented by some
power without, not only the [2O6.] Crown Officers, will be
excluded, but every ingredient of Royalty " in the Government of
the Province will totally be destroyed — What Rhetorick ! to
arrest his Lordships attention, and hurry him on to conclude with
the Governor, that " the force already ordered by General Gage
viz*. — two Regiments will not be sufficient." — In order still to
heighten the Ideas of an intended Rebellion, the Governor adds
" it is now a great question whether the Kings Troops will be suf-
fered to enter the Town or not." And " the design against the
Castle is now so well known that it is probable that the very
names of the People who were enrolled for that service to the
number of five hundred, or of the Chiefs of them will be dis-
covered." It is pritty remarkable the Governor in the former
part of this letter informed hi.s Lordship, that he did not relate
this very account as a certain fact ; his Spies must then make very
quick rotations, and the intelligence flow in very fast, to be so
well assured of it before he concluded ; or the Governor must be
so unfortunate, perhaps not having time in the multiplicity of his
affairs, to keep a regular diary, as to forget what he had wrote,
and as we now and then find it happens, in the " overflowings" of
his Zeale, to be inconsistent with himself.

It would be an endless task to take particular notice of every false
and injurious representation contained in the voluminous Letters.*

* Indeed it might be said the whole world would not contain all the remarks that
might be Justly made upon them. One instance however seems to be overlook'd by
the Town, and as it is an instance of importance, it is hoped, its being noticed in the
margin will not be thought amiss. The Governor ai'ter having prevail'd on the
Council, at a very thin Board, and by a majority of one only out of eleven Gentlemen
present, to advise to the clearing of the Manufactory House in Boston, for the recep-

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1769. 323

No one can read them without being astonished at seeing a Person
in so important a department as Governor Bernard sustained,
[2O7.] Defending in his Letters to a Minister of .State to
such trifling Circumstances and such slanderous chit-chat : Boast-
ing, as he does in one of his Letters of his over-reaching those
with whom he was transacting public business ; and in order to
prejudice the most respectable Bodys, meanly felchhtg from
Individuals belonging to those Bodies, what had been drop'd
in the course of Business or Debate : Journalizing every idle
Report brought to him, and in short acting the part of a

tion of A part of the two Irish Regiments then expected, in his letter to Lord Hills-
burrough of Novem* I8' he gives him an account of the steps he had ordered for the
removal of the Families out of the House. And it seems that the Governor, by a
power which he had assumed, appointed the Sheriff and two of his Deputies, Baliffs
for the Governor and Council for the purpose ; These Families however, refused to
submit to such, authority even Iho" the Chief Justice himself condescended, to go with
the Sheriff, and advised them to give up the House. The Sheriff upon the third
attempt says the Governor, "finding the Window opened entred; upon, which
[207.] The People gathered about him and shut him up; he then made a signal
to an Officer who was without, who brought a party of Soldiers, who took possession
of the Yard of the Building, and relieved the Sheriff from his confinement " — This
is the Governors account of the matter; but others give a very different account of it,
and say that the Sheriff attempted &forceable entry, and was resisted by the People
within the house ; and by them only : Certain it is that one of them commenced an
action of trespass against the Sheriff ; but what became of the Action the Records of
the Court of Common Pleas will best shew : It is also certain that an Officer a military
Officer, was without and at liand; and upon a signal from the Sheriff, brought a
party of Soldiers, the whole Regiment being then incamped in sight on the Common
and the Soldiers (uot the Inhabitants as the Governor asserts) " kept the House
blockaded all that Day and best part of the next." It is further certain and it may be
attested by the oaths of several persons of credit that offers were made to the Sheriff,
of sufficient aid in the legal execution of his Office, if he would dismiss the Troops;
illegal steps being at the same time excepted against — Great numbers of people dur-
ing the Siege as it may be properly called, were collected in the Street, which is as
spacious as in any part of the Town, but the Governor owns they did no mischief:
He indeed represents it in his usual manner as a GREAT MOB assembled with some of
the Chiefs of the Faction, intimating thereby as in his former letters " an intended in-
surrection : " The General on the other hand says the matter " occasioned a little
disturbance of no consequence " ; but takes care to add, that " it served to show a
most obstinate spirit of opposition to every measure of Government" The Governor
further says, the Inhabitants " were very abusive to the Soldiers " : — The contrary
is most certainly and notoriously true. He says also that " the Soldiers were with-
drawn on the Evening of the second Day " : So far is this from truth, that the GuanJ
of Soldiers, to whose custody the Sheriff committed the Cellar of the House, which he
had got the possession of, kept their post a much longer time; and application was
made to diverse of his Majestys Justices of the Peace for their removed by the force of
law near three weeks after. And again the Governor says, that " this Building [208.]
Was kept filled with the outcast of the workhouse, to prevent its being used for the
accommodation of the Kings Troops "; which is contradicted by the Oaths of all the
Overseers of the poor, who must have known it had it been true, for the care and Gov-
ernment of the Work-House is by law vested in them. The truth is the people
gathered upon this extraordinary occasion, but were very peaceable ; some few it muy
be to cany intelligence to the Governor, but by far the greater part, from a Just
abhorrence of this measure^ of Government, to borrow the general expression, and an
anxiety for the event of this first open and avoui'd effort of Military TYKKANY ! The
Governor declares, that the Council who were alarmed at the violence of this proceed-
ing, must have known that the Entry "could not have been made without./orce," and
he sufficiently explain what sort of force be meant in the reason he gives why the
Soldiers were withdrawn for that time, which was because " the Building was not im-
mediately wanted," the Irish Regiment for whom it was designed as was pretended Not
[2O9.] being yet arrived— Perhaps the Governor gives this circumstantial account to
his Lordship to confirm what he had before said, that " Two Regiments were not suf-
ficient to AWE THE TOWN — This attack upon the security of the Peoples Dwelling-
Houses, was as violent as has ever been known even under the most despolick Govern-
ments, tho' happily it proved unsuccessful. This is one of the bright glories of
BERNARDS Administration : He who with so much readiness & exact propriety afforded
the aid of his advice, and PREJUDGED the matter, claims however his sham in the
Auuals of fame.

324 CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

Pimp rather than a Governor. — As these Letters being
now made publick, will be a Monument of disgrace to him,
it cannot be supposed, that any honor can be derived from
them, to those great Men to whom they were addressed, not-
withstanding the Town have been obliged in Justice [208.] Jus-
tice to themselves ; to say this much in their own vindication, we
should be yet be glad that the ancient and happy union between
Great Britain and this Country, which Governor Bernard has so
industriously laboured to interrupt, might be restored. Some have
indeed flatter'd themselves with the prospect of it ; as intelligence
is said to have been received from Administration, that all the
Revenue Acts would be repeated : But as it since appears by
Lord Hillsburroughs own account, that nothing more is intended,
than the taking off the dutys on Paper, Glass, and Painters colours,
upon commercial principles only ; if that is all it will not give sat-
isfaction : It will not even relieve the trade from the burdens it
labours under ; much less will it remove the grounds of the discon-
tent, which runs ihro' the Continent, upon much higher principles.
Their Rights are invaded by these Acts ; therefore untill they are
all repealed, the cause of their Just complaints cannot be removed :
In short the Grievances which lie heavily upon us we shall never
think redressed, till every Act passed by the British Parliament for
the express purpose of raising a Revenue upon us without our con-
sent is repealed ; till the American Board of Commissioners of the
Customs is dissolved ; the Troops recalled, and things restored to
the state they were in before the late extraordinary measures of

Administration took place.

[2O9.] Besides these Letters of Governor Bernard, we find
others written by General Gage and Commodore Hood. And we
cannot but observe that altho' these Gentlemen were perfect
Strangers in the Town, they have yet taken such extraordinary
freedoms, and the General in particular has wrote in such a posi-
tive strain, as must unavoidably give high disgust to every Reader
of candor and impartiality. — If these Gentlemen received the
character of the Town, or of an}' of its Individuals, from Governor
Bernard as we are ready to think they did, they must have been
long before convinced, if they knew any thing at all of the state
of the Town, that the Governor was too deeply interested in
misrepresenting, to be credited in a point of that importance ; and
therefore common Justice would have dictated a suspension of
their public testimony to the prejudice of a Community, till they
could have had the opportunity of doing it upon impartial enquiry,
or their own observation — The General seems to have early im-
bib'd some sort of prejudice against a Town, that had been before
prejudiced in his favor : For the Governor in one of his Letters to
Lord Hillsburrough acquaints him, that the General tl had sent
Cap1. Montresor from New York to assist the Forces as Enginier,
and enable them to RECOVER and maintain the Castle and such
other Posts as they could secure," upon intelligence that the
People in and about Boston had revolted. Now even the Gov-
ernor himself declares this to be a mistake, and says that things
were not " quite so bad as that came to." — As there are two con-

BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1769. 325

slant and regular Posts between this Town & N York, each of
which carrys intelligence from the one to the other in the course
of a week ; and more especially as he might reasonably expect
authentick accounts of a matter of such importance, by express in
a shorter time ; it is strange if the Generals mind was unbiassed,
that he should so strongly rely upon private advice, as to form his
measures from them, which the Governor [21O.] Asserts — It
was a measure of importance, as it issued to the Town ; for Coll0.
Dalrymple who had the Command of the Regiments, from the
authority of these new orders, as the Governor declares, thought
proper to alter the plan, which was to land only one, and landed
both the Regiments in Boston without loss of time. Perhaps it
was under the impression of these private advices, and the Narra-
tive of the proceedings of the Town Meeting, which the Governor
also mentions as influential on the Generals measures, and which
possibly was a Narrative of the Governors own writing, that so
wrought upon the Generals imagination, as to induce him to give
his opinion to his Lordship, that the "intentions of the Town
were suspicious, and that he was happy the Troops from Hallifax
arrived at the time the}' did ! " These and many such like unpro-
voked expressions are to be found in the Letters of both of these
Gentlemen, and especially the Generals ; but as they partake of a
full portion of the spirit of Governor Bernards and as the sense of
this Province fully appears in the late spirited Resolves of the
House of Representatives, we shall avoid troubling the Publick
with particular Remarks upon them, and to borrow an expression
of great authority, " treat them with the contempt they de-
serve

[NOTE. — The volume is closed at this point, being the last date
in the year 1769. It will be noted that original pages 206, 207,
208, and 209 contain a long foot-note, so arranged in the manu-
script volume. — W. H. W.J

INDEX TO NAMES.

Abbott, 163.

Adams, 8, 19, 21, 23, 26, 33, 36, 43, 50, 51, 59,
66, 67, 81, 92, 95, 97, 103, 108, HO, 116,
1:54, 143, 150, 152, 154, 157, 158, 159, 160,
161, 167, 170, 172, 174, 176, 177, 182, 187,
189, 195, 198, 199, 201, 2')2, 208, 210, 211,
218, 233, 239, 241, 242, 243, 245, 249, 254,
255, 257, 260, '263, 267, 268, 271, 272, 273,
278, 279, 285, 297, 300, 301.

Alford, 100.
f Allen, 19, 27, 39, 69, 132, 166, 167, 234.

J Allin, 268.

1 Alline, 203.
I. Allyne, 82, 108.

Alley, Hog, 97, 99.

Alliu, see Allen.

Alline, see Allen.

Allyne, see Allen.

America, 153, 154, 155, 175, 176, 186, 191, 194,
243, 244, 257, 259, 286, 287, 288,
297, 29*, 299, 307.
British, 153.

North, 175, 177, 178, 182, 183, 227,
287, 289.

Amory, 18, 30, 196, 199, 290.

Anderson, 164. .

Andrew, 132.

Andrews, 82, 105, 109, 13'.', 166, 204, 209, 235,
267.

Andross, 173.

Appleton, 131.

Arnold, 267.

Askine, 36.

Atkins, 15.

Aut;hmuty, 24, 26, 103.

•Austin, 2', 4, 10, 16, 17, 31, 35, 44, 47, 48, 65,
H6, 69, 78, 79, 83, 96, 104, 107, 112, 114,
130, 135, 139, 142, 162, 163, 164, 181, 197,
221, 239, 245, 285.

Avery, 10, 48, 60, 78, 85, 87, 98, 134, 145, 162,
163, 172, 180, -234.

Bacon, 83, 109.

Baker, 96, 106, 133, 198, 199, 224, 236, 239.

t Bailey, 3, 34.

t Liayley, 18, 50, 82, 207, 289.
Balch, 199.
Ballard, 4, 19, 172, 196, 209, 214, 239, 266,

290.

Bangs, 132, 166, 204, 235, 269.
Bant, 131.

I Barber, 290.

( Barbour, 133, 164, 198, 239, 242, 267.
Barker, 2, 270.

Barnard, 4, 19, 35, 36, 49, 50, 70.
Barnett, 117.
Barr, 212.

) Barrat, 32, 34, 47.
Barratt, 18, 47, 56, 79, 105, 106, 130.
Barret, 232, 241, 282.
Barrett, 1, 7, 16, 82, 126, 153, 163, 200, 207,
222, 203, 234, 239, 248, 250, 266, 267,
273, 294.
[ Barrot, 66.

{ Barre, 157, 206, 207, 212, 218, 298.
' Barree, 177, 178, 274, 299, 300, 301.
( Barry, 256.
Barrell, 267.
Barret, see Barrat.

Barrett, see Barrat.
Barrick, 198.
Barrot, see Barrat.
Barry, see Barree.
Bartlett, 236.
Battery March, 214.
Battery, North, 144, 151, 189.

South, 42.
Baves, 290.

Baxter, 19, 83, 109, 132, 166, 204, 235, 209.
Bayley, sec Bailey.
< Beautineau, 85, 136, 145, 151, 181.
j Boutineau,7, 11,23.

Bolknap, 3, 18, 35, 50, 70, 82, 83, 107, 172, 266.
Bell, 5.

Bernard, 55, 161, 208, 235,242,257,260,261,
267, 26J, 296, 297, 298, 299, 300, 303, 304,
305, 306, 307, 303, 309, 310, 312, 313, 314,
315, 316, 317, 318, 319, 320, 321, 323, 324,
325.

Berry, 198, 239.

Bethune, 23, 85, 114, 115, 116, 126, 180, 210.
Bill, 11.

Bird, 3, 70, 81, 132, 207.
Blair, 244, 245, 284.
Blake, 35, 50, 96, 209.
Blanchard, 70, 107, 131.
I Blodget, 240.
| Blodgett, 241, 252.
Boardman, 81, 82, 163, 167, 207, 290.
Bollan, 41, 43, 44, 297, 299, 303.
Bond, 294.

Bourn, 4, 32, 34, 45, 47, 53, 66, 80, 105, 130,
153, 154, 163, 179, 197, 198, 199, 200, 208,
219, 221, 222, 236, 238, 250, 254, 255, 289,
293.

t Bourne, 17, 47.
Boutineau, see Beautineau.
Bowdoin, 78, 181, 245, 284.
Bowen, 245, 265, 284.
Bowes, 34, 49, 165, 242.
Bowman, 50.
Box, 78.
Boyer, 2, 69, 82, 96.

Boyleston, 219.

Boylston, 114, 154, 167, 207, 236, 246, 261, 270.

Boylstone, 7, 199, 205.
Boynton, 131.
Bradford, 19, 21, 35, 51, 65, 68, 74, 81, 106,

198, 207, 214, 233, 261, 266, 277.
Bradley, 33.

Braintree, 147, 279, 280, 281.
Brattle, 95, 181, 234, 273.
Brazier, 198.
Breck, 83, 132, 204, 269.
Brick, 109, 166, 235.
Bridge, The, 241.

Mill, 147, 281, 282, 294, 295.
Neponsit, 46.
Swing, 30, 58, 62.
Bridgbam, 172, 199.
Britain, 122, 155.
Britian, North, 225.
Brom field, 47, 48, 66, 80, 105, 130, 133, 134.

Brown, 18,34, 35, 51, 68, 81, 83, 108, 131,
140, 165, 189, 190, 203, 209, 231, 237, 268.

Browne, 107.
Bruce, 270.
Bryant, 137.

328

CITY DOCUMENT No.

< Bultinch, 117, 234.

I Bullfinch, 181, 269.
Burch, 305, 307.
Burden, 280.

Burial Place, South, 24, 27.
Burt, 110.
Butler, 2ti9.
Butt, 70.
Button, 280.

Byles, 22, 45, 49, 66, 81, 84, 88, 96, 107, 109,
114, 133, 141, 181, 196, 208, 212, 245, 284.

Calf, 50, 70, 242, 277.
Campbell, 214.
Candish, 18.
4 Capon, 108.
I Capon, 233.
( Carey, 240.
} Cary, 4.
Carnes, 70, 83.
Carolina, South, 31.
Carter, 3, 185, 213, 242, 247, 271, 233.
Cary, see Carey.
| Casneau, 70.
| Cazneau, 30.
Cast, 181.

Castle William, 181.
Cazneau, see Casneau.
Chamberlain, 46.
I Ohampney, 166, 203, 207.
I Champay, 234, 268.
1 Chancey, 78.
I Chansey, 114, 245.
) Chauucey, 65, 96.
(.Cbauncy, 162, 181,212.
Chapman, 50, 55.
Charity, 164.

Charlestown, 226, 279, 280, 282, 289.
Chase, 167, 199, 236, 270.
Chauncey, see Chancey.
Chauncy, see Chancey.
Checkluy, 1, 40, 56, 78, 96, 114, 129, 142, 157,

181,212,245.

Cheever, 138, 163, 199, 233, 234, 246.
Chelsea, 123, 2S2.
Cherdon, 181.
Child. 3, 170, 174.

Church, 6, 21, 35, 51, 68, 81, 108, 117, 131, 151,
158, 1t>5, 203, 226, 237, 241, 248, 254, 255,
257, 268, 279.
Church, Old Brick, 196.

South, 253, 256.
Clark, 66, 95, 114, 117, 174, 180, 198, 212,

234, 240, 252, 267.

Clarke, 3, 11, 23, 45, 69, 82, 133, 172.
Cleirmeus, 237.
Cleverly, 180, 199.
I Cobbet, 167, 207.
I Cobbit, 83.
Cochran, 214.

Coffin, 136, 142, 206, 217, 285.
Cogswell, 81.
Coke, 288.
Colburn, 18.
Collins, 2, 18, 34, 50, 51, 69, 82, 107, 108, 110,

131, 132, 166, 203, 234, 268.
Colonies, The British, 287.
Colson, 165.
Comer, 256.

Common, The, 22, 24, 25, 42, 43, 5s), 75, 94, 97
116, 146, 176, 185, 186, 207, 213, 217, 246,
247, 272, 277, 283, 284, 323.
Coney, 3.
( Connecticut, 1, 31, 46, 65, 79, 104, 129, 142,

162, 197, 232, 252, 260, 265, 294, 302.
( Connecticutt, 10, 16.
Conway, 157, 178, 179, 217, 218, 259.
t Cook, 95, 222.
| Cooke, 3.

Cooper, 2, 5, 7, 10, 11, 17, 26, 33, 35, 45, 46, 48,
60, 61, 62, 65, 68, 78, 79, 83, 96, 104, 107,
113, 114, 135, 142, 162, 163, 181, 197, 198,
212, 232, 233, 245, 248, 251, 259, 266, 269,
273, 284.

Copeland, 236.

Copley, 267.

Corbitt, 164.

Cornish, 19.

Cotta, 50. 70, 83, 109, 132, 166, 204, 235, 269.

Cotton, 160, 189.

County of Suffolk, 61, 77, 89, 148, 149, 160,
161, 163, 187, 188.

Court. Moon, 115.

Cove, The, 100, 147, 279, 280, 281.
Bendall's, 279, 281.

Coverly, 5, 17.

Cowell, 36, 88, 109, 132, 166, 204, 235, 269.

Cradock, 45.
( Craffts, 235.
J Crafts, 3, 69, 82, 108, 131, 165, 166, 203, 269.

Creek, The, 147.

Mill, 248, 281.

Cromby, 109.

Crompston, 49.

Crosby, 207, 222.

Cross, 51.

Cud worth, 161.
| Cummings, 78.
| Cummins, 96.

Curaston, 6.

Cunningham, 82, 107, 131, 138, 164, 200, 233,
285, 293.

Curtis, 3, 55, 70, 82, 83, 109, 133, 167, 204, 235,
269.

Cushing, 1, 9, 10, 13, 16, 20, 23, 31, 44, 46, 47,
57, 65, 72, 73, 78, 79, 88, 96, 105, 106, 112,
120, 134, 139, 141, 155, 159, 176, 177, 182,
195, 211, 217, 221, 234, 245, 249, 254, 255,
257, 260, 261, 263, 264, 272, 273, 278, 285,
292, 296, 297, 300, 301.

Cushman, 113.

Cutler, 3, 18, 50, 70, 84, 110.

Dnlrymple, 325.
Dalton, 242, 250, 251.

Dana, 11, 13, 23, 26, 29, 78, 95, 103, 116, 122,
130, 145, 152, 180, 186, 225, 232, 234, 243,
248, 254, 255, 257, 260, 261, 265, 272, 273,
279, 294, 295, 296, 297, 301.
Darrington, 67, bl.
Dash wood, 301.
Davis, 17, 35, 48, 53, 68, 83, 107, 135, 138, 207,

221,285.
Daw, 285.

Dawes, 34, 49, 69, 171, 292.
Daws, 82, 87, 97, 110, 133, 172, 196, 208, 209,
2 '5, 2!6, 219, 233, 239, 241,242, 250, 'J67,
(. 289, 293.
Dawson, 19.
Day, 112.

Deberdt, 190, 191, 212, 255, 257, 272, 299.
Deberts, 272.
Dccoster, 171, 292.
Demming, 80, 172.
Dennie, 95.
Deshon, 268.
Dexter, 2, 33, 47, 66.
Dock, The, 19, 48, 57. 58, 64, 65, 144.

Town, 48, 58, 62.
Dolbear, 47, 66, 79, 97, 105, 130, 163, 200,

233, 266, 283.

Dolbeare, 2, 7, 17, 24, 32, 45.
Dorchester, -10, 46, 282.
Dorrington, 49.
Doubt, 117.
Down, 133.
Downe, 2, 8, 9, 14, 18, 34, 74, 82, 108, 114,

131.

Downing, 3.
Dowse, 22, 95.
Drowne, 171.
Dudley, 288.
Duncan, 234.
Dunkerfleld, 70.
Dupee, 3, 12, 20.

Dyer, 3, 70, 83, 109, 132, 166, 203, 204, 233,
235, 269.

INDEX TO NAMES.

329

Eaton, 165.
EayreB, 2, 18.

Edes, 34, 82, 107, 130, 150, 158, 167, 300.
Edmunds, 132, 166, 203, 234, 268.
Edwards, 6, 21, 35, 50, 51 , 68, 74, 80, 96, 110,
133, 199, 246, 285.

t Elint, 26, 31, 45, 211, 245, 284.

j Elliot, 78, 84, 96, 104, 114, 141, 181, 212.
Ellis, 88, 109, 132, 166, 204, 235, 269.
Emms, 84, 240.
Empson, 288.

England, 44, 175, 190, 193, 196, 258, 259, 262,
287, 321.

{ Erveing, 212.

jErving, 11, 26, 95, 152, 153, 176,206,207,

f 245, 234.
Europe, 178.

I Eustice, 18.

) Enstis, 69.
Evcleigb, 167.
Evclcth, 2.
Eyres, 269.

Fairfield, 6, 21, 24, 35, 51, 68, 81, 87, 108, 131,

165, 203, 237, 242, 268.
Fallas, 6y.
Faneuil, 139.
Farmer. S3, 291.
Fenno, 6, l;», 37, 52, 72, 85, 86, 112, 135, 167,

•205,237,271.
Ferry, Charlestown, 8.

Old Salutation, 195.
Fessenden, 267.
Fisher, 69, 96, 105.
Fitch, 50, 107, 135, 138, 142.
Flazg, 19, 236.

Plaits, The, 89, 99, 100, 101, 196.
Fleet, 49, 69.
Fletcher, 69, 105, 240.
Flogg, 199.
Floyd, 86, 93.
Flucker, 2, 7. 10, 16, 17, 23, 32, 36, 40, 45, 47,

60, 85, 90, 1 14, 126, 136, 140, 141, 142, 153,

ISO, 212, '245, 248, 284.
Foot, 3.

Ford, 2, 13, 34, 50, 69.
Forsyth, 3, 18, 34, 82.
Fortification, The, 68, 79, 189, 196, 208, 209,

219.

Foster, 2, 17, 24, 35, 114, 131, 142, 145, 267.
Fowle, 236.
Foye, 133.
Franklin, 299.
Frary, 170, 190.
Freeman, 163.

Gabriel, 198.

Gage, 297, 299, 300, 303, 307, 315, 317, 319,

3-20, 322, 324.
Gardner, 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, 35, 50, 51, 60, 66, 70,

79, 82, 105, 109, 117, 130, 132, 163, 166, 199,

204, 207. 235, 269.
Gay, 3, 50, 70, 84, 110, 136, 168, 199, 204, 233,

236, 270
Gelaspy, 224.
Gcndall, 33.
George, 239.
Geyer, 171.
Gibbins, 230.
Gibbs, 48.
Gideon, 195.

Gill, 35, 69, 205, 236, 239, 273, 289, 300.
Goal, The, 291.

County, 291.
Goldthwait, 1, 6, 13, 31, 46, 48, 53, 54, 55, 67,

76, 78, 126, 136, 140, 142, 153, 179, 181,

185, 20i, 206, 207, 212, 214, 222, 236, 237,

233, 241, 248, 250, 27C, 282, 294.
Goodlug, 266.
Gordon, 96, 153,154, 164,
Gore, 105, 207, 233, 234, 266, 277.
Gould, 16.', 292.
Grainary, The, 4, 6, 84.

Granary, The, 19, 22, 37, 38, 52, 71, 72,85,
110, 112, 135, 167, 168, 204, 205, 236, 237,
270, 271.

Grant, 1, 2, 4, 9, 13, 15, 21, 26, 36, 45, 51, 66,
67, 81, 87, 101, 108, 114, 134, 143, 144, 150,
153, 180, 198, 230, 285.

Gray, 2, 3, 1.1, 18, 26, 34, 35, 38, 50, 52, 53, 70,
71, 80, 82, t>4, 90, 98, 103, 105, 106, 10K,
110, 114, 125, 132, 136, 138, 141, 158, 154,
155, 157, 165, 167. 177, 180, 181, 203, 205,
208, 212. 234, 236, 239, 245, 268, 270, 284.
Greanleaf, 161.
Greanleaff, 161, 172, 187, 197, 233, 239, 243,

261, 266.

Greanleaffe, 111.
Greenlcaf, 11, 26, 66.
Greenlcafe, 35.
Qreenleaff, 136,221.
vGreenleaffe, 95.

Great Britain, 15, 33, 36, 37, 41, 4t, 104, 120,

121, 122, 154, 155, m, 176, 17*, 182, IS !,

184, 186, 191, 228, 229, 243, 256, 286, 287,

289. 297, 293, 309, 324.

Green, 48, 61, 62, 67, 69, 76, 84, 85, 90, 114,

11(5, 142, 152, 167, 234, 267, '277.
. Greene, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 19, 20, 23, 53.
Greenleaf, see Greanleaff.
Greenleiifc, Pee Greanleaff.
Greenleatr, see Greanleaff.
Greenk-affc, see Greanleaff.
fGreenough, 2, 17, 34, 35, 48, 131, 132.
I Grenough, 50, 08, 69, 80, 82, 83, 105, 107,
) 108, 135, 140, 163, 163, 198, 203, 233, 234,
I 246, 266, 268.

Greenwood, 29, 33, 151, 171, 236, 246, 285.
Grenough, see Greenough.
Gridley, 95, 159, 234.
Grozier, 117.

j Hail, 5,133, 164, 198, 239, 267.
| Hale, 17,33. 49, 67, 81, 95, 106.
Hal 1 ,34, 88, 93, 242,280.
Hall, Faneuil, 1, 10, 15, 16, 22, 28, 29, SO, 31,
40,53,54,59, 01, 79, b7, 88, 96, 102,
104,111,112, 113,123, 125, 126, 129,
139, 141, 148, 15-.', 153, 154, 155, 157,
158, 161, 162, 170, 171, 172, 174, 175,
176, 179, 186, 190, 191, 194, 195, 196,
197,205,210, 211, 212, 215,218,219,
220, 222, 2-25, 227, 230, 232, 244, 250,
252, 253, 257, 259, 264, 265, 277, ^91,
294, 295, 297, 301, 302.
Liberty, 312.
Town," 313, 320.
Hallifax, 258, 259, 307, 319, 325.
Hallowcll,41, 114, 128, 129, 187, 240.
I Hammatt, 78, 80, 96, 105, 130.
| Hammett, 3, 163, 214.
Hamock, 46.

Hancock, 10, 22, 45, 78, 85, 95, 114, 119, 126,
130, 135, 139, 140, 157, 159, 162, 170, 172,
174, 176, 177, 179, 181, 182, 181, 187, 189,
195,196, 197, 199, 206,207,211,212,215,
232, 2 :3, 23*. 241, 243, 245, 253, 255, 257,
260, 261, 263, 266, '267, 273, 278, 282, 285,
292, 294.

Harris, 108, 129, 133.
Harrod, 3, 18, 50, 240, 277, 290.
Harskins, 70, 83, 109, 132, 166, 204, 269.
Hart, 270.
Hase, 3, 83.
Haskins, 19, 50, 235.
I Hawes, 70.
I Haws, 109.
Hayes. 70.

Head, Deer Island, 97, 149.
Heath, 222.
Helyer, 19, 36.
Henchman, 18, 34,49.
Henderson, 17, 34, 49, 69, 107, 131, 250, 301,

303.

Henshaw, 1, 9, 10, 13, 16, 22, 31, 40, 44, 46, 47,
53, 61, 62, 78, 87, 95, 97, 99, 101, 104, 113,
115, 119, 124, 130, 141, 142, 157, 159, 162,

330

CITY DOCUMENT No.

176, 180, 181,187,189,221,236,246,24s,
252, 253, 255, 266, 273, 278, 279, 282, 294,
297, 301,302,303.

fHewes, 1, 2, 9, 10, 13, 16, 31, 35, 44.
I Hews, 47, 50, 65, 78, 79, 82, 105, 112, 133,
1 139, 142, 170, 190.
I Hughes, 53.
Hicks, 12, 14, 24, 42, 56.
Highway, The, 41, 68, 70, 79, 119, 148, 214,

280.

Hill, 1, 4, 9, 13, 26, 45, 69, 78, 86, 93, 95, 115,
119, 123, 126, 127, 131, 136, 137, 147,
181, 208, 214,219, 222, 238,240, 266,
267, 280, 289, 293.

Hill, Beacon, 10, 14, 119, 124, 149, 260.
Fort, 10.

SHillsborough, 300, 307, 308.
HilLsburrough, 311, 313, 318, 319, 320, 323,
324.

Hitchburne, 83, 133, 277.
Hobbs, 4, 19,36.
Hodgden, 70, 83.
Hodson, 119, 149.

Holbrook, 11, 24, 42, 53, 59, 75, 94, 116, 146,
185, 186, 207, 213, 246, 247, 271, 283.

{Holiday, 20, 21,34.
llolllday,3,8, 11,13.
Hollyday, 50, 70, 151, 165, 202, 206, 220, 239,
265, 268, 291.

Holmes, 82, 105, 107, 135,172.
Homes, 163, 168, 199, 204, 233, 235, 266,270,

285, 290.
Holyoke, 12, 24, 43, 59, 75, 94, 115, 145, 185,

213, 247.
Homans, 167.
Homes, see Holmes.
Hood, 297, 299, 300, 303, 321, 324.
Hooper, 11. 78.
Hoskins, 4.

Hospital, Hancock's, 139.
House, Alms, 6, 7, 22, 25, 38, 39, 52, 68, 71,
72, 74, 84, 85, 86, 87, 91, 98, 110,
111, 118, 136, 167, 170,205, 213,
218, 236, 253, 270, 271, 275, 283,
291.

Custom, 173.
Court, 196, 286, 291.
Gun, 217, 220, 273.
Manufactory, 322.
Meeting, Dr. Chauncey's, 65.
Mr. Byles'8, 71, 84.
Old Brick Meeting, 71.
Old North Meeting, 62, 71.
Powder, 176.
Town, 46, 49, 54, 56, 60, 61, 62, 63, 65,

69, 72, 315, 320.
Work, 6, 24, 25, 27, 38, 87, 227, 275,

291, 323.
How, 198.

Howard, 33, 242, 245, 269, 284.
Hubbard, 5, 10, 15, 23, 28, 30, 31, 32, 39, 65,
72, 73, 79, 95, 102, 103, 104, 113, 114, 123,
127, 1-29, 140, 141, 153, 180, 198, 212, 245,
248, 284.
Hudson, 14.
Hughes, see Hewes.
Hunt, 10, 213,246, 282, 283.
Hurd, 18, 34, 49, 238, 270.
Hutchinson, 26, 30, 45, 79, 80, 85, 103, 133,
134, 140, 145, 179, 184, 197, 203, 207, 222,
238, 267, 298.
Hyllier, 60.

Inches, 30, 48, 66, 69, 80, 83, 87, 101, 105, 107,
130, 135, 163, 180, 197, 198, 200, 221, 222,
225, 241, 248, 250, 252, 253, 255, 257, 266,
282, 294.

Ireland, 226.

Island, Deer, 15, 220, 237.
Noddles, 123.

Islands, West India, 41.

Ivers, 163.

Jackaon, 1, 2, 4, 9, 10, 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 31, 34,

35, 38, 40, 44, 46, 47, 48, M, 52, 53, 56, 61,
62,68,70, 78,83,84, 104, 105, 107, 1M, 114,
117,130,131, 134,135, 138,142, 162,163,
164, 167, 168, 176, 181, 184, 187, 197, 204,
232, 235, 240, 244, 253, 255, 266, 270, 282,
290, 294, 295, 297, 301.

Jarvis, 292.

JeffriPB, 2, 6, 7, 12, 17, 22, 25, 26, 33, 34, 38,
43, 46, 47, 52, 57, 59, 66, 71, 74, 78, 78, 80,
84, 85, 86, 95, 105, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118,
130, 136, 138, 142, 146, 164, 167, 182, 186,
199, 202, 203, 205, 209, 214, 215, 218, 234,
236, 240, 246, 247, 267, 270, 273, 284, 285,
290.

Jenkins, 19, 50, 51, 70, 83, 109, 132, 165, 166,
204, 235. 269.

Jennirgs, 133.

Jepson, 207.

Jervis, 114.
j Johonnot, 290.

j Johonnott, 142.

Jones, 114, 142, 181.

Joy, 166, 203, 235, 246, 269, 277.

Kast, 117.

Kent, 40, 60, 87, 103, 106, 153, 159, 184, 188,

208, 214, 215, 217, 219, 240, 242, 243, 248.

2o4, 2u5, 260, 282, 290, 294, 297, 301.
Kilbey, 81, 174.
Kinncy, 81, 106.
Kneeland, 6, 2J, 21, 35, 50, 51, 63, 81, 87, 94,

93, 108, 131, 145, 165, 203, 237, 26H.
Knight, 199.
Knox, 83, 109, 132, 166, 204, 235, 269.

Lane, 256.
Lane Bear, 170.
Joliffs, 137.
Long, 73, 137, 289.
Rawson's, 49.

Langdon, 25, 43, 59, 75, 94, 116, 146, 185.
Langley, 50, 69, 82, 108.
Lazinby, 291.
Leaveret, 52, 71, 233, 266.
Leveret, 100, 135, 172, 243.
Leverett, 2, 3, 17, 84, 107, 207.
Lee, 18, 70.
Leveret, see Leaveret.
Leverett, see Leaveret.
Lewis, 54, 65, 78, 79, 96, 105, 112, 139, 142.
Lilly, 190.
Lindsey, 164.
Liswcll, 33.
Little, 298.
Lloyd, 181.
Loyd, 117, 123, 233.
Loyde, 115.
London, 37, 41, 44, 190, 212, 218, 224, 231, 256,

272, 298, 299, 303.
Longley, 34.
Lord, 117.
Loring, 246, 269.
Lotbrop, 277, 284.
Louisbourg, 15.

'Lovel, 11,24,42, 43, 58, 59, 75, 88, 92, 93,
94, 115, 116, 125. 126, 145, 146, 165, 185,
209, 212, 213, 246, 247, 283.
Lovell, 126.
Low, 3, 17, 34, 132, 166, 203, 235, 269, 279,

280, 281.
. Lowe, 2, 108.
Lowder, 70.

Lowell, 18, 34, 50, 110, 199.
Loyd, see Lloyd.
Loyde, see Lloyd.
Lucas, 244, 269, 270.
Lyde, 114, 234.

Mackay, 240, 266, 278.

I Malcom, 190.

j Malcomb, 172, 137, 193, 212, 254, 255, 2«1.
Maiden, 282.

( Man, 136.
Mann, 83.

INDEX TO NAMES.

331

Mansfield, 181.

Marblebead, 181.

Market, The, 302.

Market, Faneuil Hall, 3, 12, 16, 19, 20, 23, 27,
28, 29, 30, 33, 43, 48, 69, 64, 90,
110, 171, 210, 236, 237.
South, 170.

Marsh, 266.

Marsh, The, 279, 280, 281.
Salt, 279, 280.

Marshall, 69, 83, 107, 133, 135, 163, 172, 199,

233, 266, 285.
Marston, '233.

< Martin, 110, 270.

I Martyn, 207.
Mason, 33, 47, Ofi. 70, FO, 105, 130, 163, 197,

2u7, 266, 273, 282, 2!H.
Masters, 83, 109, 132, 166, 204, 235, 269.
Mather, 16, 26, 79, 96, 114, 141, 181, 197, 212,

245, 284.

May, 49, 69, 198, 209, 233, 260.
Mayes, 110.
Maybew.96, 114, 181.
Me Alpine, 164.
McClure, 49, 74, 81, 107, 124.
McDaniel, 12, 13, 302.

I Mclntire, 17, 34.

} Mclntyre, 49, 163.
Mclntosh, 132, 166, 203, 235.
McLane, 19, 171.
McMasters, 298.
Mciii, 164, 293.
Merlot, 66.
Mcssinger, 171.
Mill Fond, 147.
Mill Stream, 279, 280.
Mills, 33.
Mills, North, 282.

The Grist, 135, 147, 241, 253, 279, 282,

294, 295.
Minot, 30.
Montressor, 324.
Moore, 18, 35, 49, 69, 106.
Moreton, 246.
Muff itt, 110, 167.
Mullineux, 119, 161, 180, 261, 273, 276, 277,

279, 291.
Murray, 243.

Neck, The, 12, 20, 68, 86, 93, 115, 119, 123,
126, 137, 144, 145, 150, 196, 208, 209,
241.

Boston, 86, 87, 93, 125, 126, 127, 136,
137, 145, 147, 150, 189, 1»0, 209, 215,
216.
New England, 32, 43, 173, 177, 253, 260.

Hampshire, 1, 10, 16, 31, 46, 65, 79, 104,
117, 129, 162, 197, 232, 252, 260, 265,
294, 302.
London, 181.

York, 258, 259, 264, 324, 325.
Newell, 30, 38. 52, 70, 110, 162, 187, 197, 199,

208, 23'.', 235, 252, 285.
Newman, Iu3.
Nichols, 2, 18, 34, 60, 69, 82, 108, 132, 166, 203,

234, 268.
Noland, 269.
Nowell, 133, 269.

Noycs, 3. 45, 74, 78, 82, 89, 108, 131, 165, 203,
•222, 237, 268.

Oliver, 1, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 16, 21, 23, 26, 31. 44,
47, 78, 127, 129, 141, 245, 280.

Orr, 171.

O.sborn, 11, 114.

Otis, 40, 45, 48, 53, 54, 55, 66, 67, 67, 68, 73, 76,
78, 79, 86, 88, 89, 97, 99, 102, 103, 104, 113,
115, 119, 120, 123, 124, 125, 126, 129, 140,
141, 1-18, 151, 152, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159,
162, 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, 182, 186, 187,
189, 191, 194, 195, 196, 197, 206, 209, 210,
211, 212, 215, 219, 220, 230,232,243,244,
245, 246, 248, 252, 253, 255, 257, 259, 260,
263,264, 265, 267, 270,272, 277, 278,282,
234, 285, 293, 294, 297, 298, 301, 302.

Owen, 83, 109, 132, 166, 204, 235, 269.

Paddock, 19, 35, 50, 70, 82, 135, 163, 199, 233,

261, 266.

Page, 163, 236, 270.
'Pain, 2, 18.
Paine, 34, 50.

Payne, 82, 108, 132, 134, 136, 171, 180, 181,
189, 197, 199, 203, 214,219, 221,222, 2i5,
238, 241, 246, 248, 250, 254, 255, 257, 282,
294.
Palfrey, 35.

Parker, 5, 17, 23, 34, 49, 67, 69, 114, 133, 163.
Parkman, 181.

Partridge, 105, 207, 233, 239, 266. -
Patten, 4, 5, 17.
Paxton, 304, 305, 307.
Payne, see Pain.

Payson, 8, 21, 36, 51, 67, 81, 92, 108, 134, 142,
143, 144, 150, 151, 165, 201, 202. 203, 217,
220, 291, 292, 293, 295, 300.
Pease, 13'2, 166, 204, 235, 269.
Peck, 2, 128, 129, 266.
Pecker, 117, 149, 165, 203, 237, 268.
Pemberton, 10, 26, 72, 78, 06, 114,125,141,

176, 181, 212, 245, 252, 253, 255, 266, 273,
282, 284, 294.

Peirce, 267,290.

I Pcirpoint, 20, 80, 151, 172, 272, 273.

I Pierpoint, 209.
Perkins, 34, 49, 78, 114, 117, 123, 131, 181, 277,

285.
Perry, 196, 208.

(Phillips, 1, 2, 3, 7, 9, 16, 17, 22, 23, 28, 29,
31, 32, 33, S4, 35, 40, 45, 46, 47, 48, 53,
56, 57, 61, 63, 64, 65, 66, 69, 73, 79, 80,
87, 90, 104, 110, 111, 119, 134, 135, 130,
142, 145, 162, 163,108, 179, 180, 181,184,
187, 196, 197, 204, 232, 235,252, 269,273,
I 285.

Pico, 36, 50, 70, 83, 109, 132, 166, 204, 235, 269.
( Pidgeon, 172.
j Pigeon, 80, 98, 111.
Pierpoint, see Peirpoint.
Pigeon, see Pidgeon.
Pitcher, 171.
Pitt, 175.
Pitts, 2, 7, 17, 32, 33, 45, 181, 197, 234, 246,

248, 251, 270, 284.
Place, The Market, 55.
Plymouth, 169, 170, 172.
Point Gallop's, 279, 281.

Shirley, 15, 103.
Pool, 267.

Potter, 4, 88, 109, 132, 166, 204, 235, 269.
Powell, 244, 266, 293.
Pownall, 26, 31 , 38, 39, 44, 299.
( Prat, 10, 23, 36, 46.
) Pratt, 220, 237, 238.
Presson, 240.
Preston, 198.
Price, 110, 135, 136, 167, 196, 199, 203, 209,

214, 222, 226, 236, 238, 289, 290, 293.
Prince, 3.
Procter, 12, 24, 43, 59, 75, 94, 107, 115, 144,

185, 213, 246, 247, 283.
Prout, 281.
Province, Massachti setts Bay, 32, 55, 157, 159,

177, 178, 244, 254, 260.
Pynchon, 117.

Quincy, 180, 189, 221, 225, 254, 265, 261, 272,
273, 285.

Randolph, 173.

Ranstead, 18, 35.

Ray, 3, 18, 34, 35, 50, 69.

Revear, 165.

Rhode leland, 1, 10, 16, 31, 46, 65, 79,104, 129,

162, 197, 232, 252, 260, 265, 294, 302.
Rhodes, 3.
Richardson, 3, 131, 135, 163, 194, 199, 233, 241,

250, 266.

332

CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

Richie, 67, 74.

Kidgway,18, 50,106.

lliver Naponsit, 40.

Road, The Great, 216.

Robbins, 294.

Roberts, 117.

Robinson, 315.

Rogers, 17, 19, 33, 49, 66, 81, 167, 198, 298.

Rowe, 2, 5, 7, 17, 22, 23, 24, 26, 31, 34, 35, 38,
48, 52,68, 71, 83, 84, 85, 98,104, 107, 115,
126, 134, 135, 136, 140, 151, 152, 154, 157,
159, 163, 164, 171, 176, 180, 187, 189, 195,
196, 197, 198, 206, "212, 221, 224, 225, 232,
233, 241, 249, 253, 255, 256, 257, 260, 261,
266, 268.

Rotbury, 216, 255, 282, 315.

Ruddock, 8, 11, 21, 23, 29, 36, 51, 53, 61, 62,
67, 81, 92, 103, 105, 106, 111, 115, 116, 126,
130, 133, 135, 142, 143, 152, 157, 159, 162,

170, 174, 179, 181, 1*6, 197, 200, 202, 205,
215, 221, 232, 253,255, 261, 266, 273, 274,
279, 282, 292, 294.

Ruggles, 150, 165, 171, 172, 201, 202, 206, 220,

239, 268, 291, 292, 299.
Russell, 18, 49.
Russia, 227.

Salmon, 6, 17, 33, 49, 66, 81, 106, 133, 163, 164,

198, 2.i9, 267.

Salt, 70, 83, 109, 132, 166, 204, 235, 269.
Salter, 129, 133, 134, 142, 143, 144, 150, 151,

165, 201, 202, 206, 216, 220, 239, 268, 291.
Saltonstall, 181.
Bavage, 2, 3, 22, 38, 47, 50, 54, 65, 78, 79, 81,

112, 114, 139, 142, 220, 239, 268, 291.
School, North Gramar, 58, 115, 145.

Grammar, 11, 12, 13, 15,24, 25,
26, 42, 43, 46, 59, 75, 78,
94, 96, 114, 116, 142, 146,
181, 185, 200, 208, 209, 210,

212, 213, 246, 283, 285.
Lattin, 282.

Writinfr, 11, 12, 14, 24, 25, 26,
43, 46, 56, 59, 75, 78, 94, 95,
96, 114, 115, 116, 142, 146,
181, 185, 212, 213, 242, 246,
247, 283, 285.
South Gramer, 58.

Grammar, 11, 12, 24, 26, 42,43,
46, 69, 75, 78, 94, 98, 114,
115,116, 125, 126, 142, 145,
146, 181, 185,209,210, 212,

213, 246, 247, 283, 285.
Writing, 11, 12, 26, 46, 53, 56,

75,78,96, 114,118,125,142,
181, 212, 271, 285.

"Writing, 11, 12, 24, 25, 26, 43, 46, 59,
75, 78, 94, 96, 114, 115, 116, 142,
145, 146, 181, 185, 186, 207, 212,
213, 246, 247, 283, 284.

Scollay, 1, 2, 4, 9, 10, 13, 16, 17, 19, 31, 35, 38,
44, 47, 48, 52, 60, 65, 68, 70, 78, 79, 83, 84,
96, 98, 104, 107, 110, 112, 114, 130, 135, 139,

171, 233, 266, 285.
Sconce, The, 99.
Scotland, 226, 287.

Scott, 70, 84, 107, 110, 132, 163, 198.
Scutt, 8, 15.

Sergeant, 95, 108, 132, 166, 203, 234, 268.
Bewail, 11, 26, 45, 46, 48, 49, 53, 65, 78, 79, 80,
96, 102, 104, 112, 114, 128, 130, 135, 139,
141, 142, 159, 162, 181, 184, 197, 211, 212,
232, 245, 252, 285.
Shaw, 131, 142, 172, 199.

j Sheaff, 187.

) Sheaffe, 100.
Shed, 67, 171.
Shelburne, 303.

j Shepard, 3.

I Shepherd, 166, 204, 235.
Sherburne, 119,277.

( Simans, 204.

{ Simens, 109, 167, 235.

(Simons, 133, 279,280.

( Simkins, 172, 199.
? Simpkins, 17.
Simmons, 147.
Simms, 83, 269.
Simons, see Simans.
Simpkins, see Shaking.
Simpson, 3, 233, 285.
I 8killens,234.

/ Skillins, 82, 108, 138, 166, 203, 268.
Skinner, 136, 168, 204, 236, 270.
Smith, 2, 3, 7, 17, 32, 47, 48, 50, 66, 80, 105,

130, 136, 163, 181, 197, 198.
Smyth, 270.
Snelliog, 266.
Sollien, 70.
Sparhawk, 181, 245.
Spear, 3, 19, 35, 50, 70, 83, 103, 109, 132, 166,

198, 204, 235, 269.
Spooner, 85, 267.
Sprague, 78,117, 142, 246.
Square, Dock, 30, 41, 54, 55, 62, 210.

Market, 302.
St. James, 178.
Steel, 104.

Stevenson, 164, 166, 204, 235.
Stimson, 163.

Stoddard, 18, 34, 50, 51, 70, 236, 270.
Storer, 1, 7, 16, 32, 33, 45, 56, 64, 80, 105, 130,

163, 197, 2u7, 239, 273.
Storey, 9, 13, 22, 24, 26, 38, 52, 54, 55, 60, 61,

62, 71, 85, 86, *7, 95, 110, 111, 135.
Street, Ann, 20, 27, 39, 214.
Back, 23.
Bacon, 49.

Battery March, 128, 129.
Bennet, 219.
Bread, 128.
Cambridge, 115.
Cross, 23.
Fish, 11 1,115.
Kilby, 206.
King, 41, 89.
Leaveret, 206.

Milk, 128, 129, 177, 214, 242, 250.
Orange, 20, 216.
Prince, 8.
Purchase, 57, 58.

Queen, 11, 12, 24, 26, 43, 46, 59, 75, 78,
94, 96, 114, 115, 142. 145, 146, 181,
185, 212, 213, 246, 247, 283, 285.
The New, 242.
Union, 23, 27.
Water, 87, 94, 97, 98, 177, 206, 242,

i50.

Sntten, 70.
Sweetser, 233.

Swift, 24, 26, 46, 145, 172, 240, 241, 250.
"Symmes, 2, 18, 34.
Symms, 07, 69, 82, 108, 124, 132, 165, 166,

203, 234, 242, 267, 268.
Syms, 49, 50.

Tavern, Golden Ball, 137, 144.

Salutation, 214, 222.
Tayler, 24, 26, 52, 87, 138, 163, 164.
Thachcr, 9, 23, 26, 29, 33, 40, 46, 67, 76, 78,

85, 86, 87, 88, 90, 95, 99, 101, 113, 120.
Thatcher, 141, 157.
Thather, 60.

Thayer, 2, 5, 17, 19, 83, 34, 35, 49, 50, 66, 69,
70, 81, 82, 106, 108, 109, 132, 133, 166,
172, 199, 203, 234, 268, 269.
Thomas, 5, 17, 33, 48, 49, 66, 81, 106, 133, 174,

267, 290.

Thomlinson, 41, 43, 44.
Thompson, 165.
Thornton, 171.
Thwing, 79, 80, 88,105, 111, 114, 130, 142, 181.

{Tileeton, 25, 35, 43, 75, 108, 116, 132, 146,
153, 154, 171, 185, 209, 213, 247,283,284,
2S2.
Tileston, 3, 12, 49, 56, 59, 94, 95, 105, 146.
Tyleston, 69.
Tlnney, 83, 110.

INDEX TO NAMES.

333

Torbet, 164.

Torrey, 18, 35, 51, 68, 107, 108, 131, 135, 163,
165, 198, 203, 237.

Town Slip, 129.

Townsend, 18, 95, 233.

Treat, 3, 36, 50, 70, 83, 88, 109, 132, 133, 166.

Trecothick, 299.

Trott, 163.

Trurubles, 226.

( Tuder, 86, 87, 88, 111, 136, 142, 168, 181, 204,
236, 240, 241, 270, 295.

( Tudor, 1, 7, 16, 32, 45, 47, 66, 103.

Turell, 266.

Turner, 174, 203, 234, 269.

Tyler, 1, 2, 5, 7, II, 13, 16, 17, 20, 22, 23, 28,
32, 35, 36, 40, 45, 46, 47, 48, 57, 58, 60, 66,
68, 73, 78, 79, 8:i, 86, 87, 88, 97, 101, 104,
105, 106, 107, 111, 113, 116, 120, 125, 126,
130, 131, 134, 135, 138, 140, 141, 142, 145,
153, 151, 157, 16s, 176, 199, 200, 207, 208,
215, 233, 248. 2o4, 255, 266.

Tyleston, see Tileston.

Tyng, 10, 23, 36, 280.

Usher, 133, 198, 239, 267.

Vassal, 246.

( Vergoose, 3, 18, 34, 69, 82, 108, 132, 166, 203,
234, 2G8.

( Vergose. 50.
Vernon, 240.

< Vlnal, 12, 25, 43, 59, 75, 76, 94, 116, 118, 119.

j Vinall, 56.

Wakefield, 96.

Waldo, 26, 80, 114, 131, 138,164, 197, 198, 199,

233, 239, 266, 267.

Wales, 3, 18, 34, 35, 50, 69, 82, 198.
Walker, 1, 7, 16, 23, 32, 45, 47, 66, 74, 82, 107,
108, 130, 132, 166, 203, 234, 268.

( Wallace, 17, 207.

I Wallis, 33, 198, 239.
Walley, 3, 82, 241, 266, 285.
Ward, 271.
Warland, 207.
Warren, 117, 241, 248, 254, 255, 257, 260, 261,

272,279,285,297,301.
Waterhouse, 38, 48.
Waterman, 138, 166, 204, 235, 269.
Waters, 82, 171.
Webb, 34, 110, 165, 167, 199.

( Welch, 18, 34, 49, 82, 110, 165.

} Welsh, 2.

Weld, 17, 49.
Welds, 106.

{Well, 153.
Welles, 40, 45.
Wells, 26, 61, 62, 66, 67, 76, 78, 81,88, 67.
103, 104, 105, 106, 114, lol, 152, 153, 157,
158, 184, 186, 207, 242, 261, 277.
Welsh. See Welch.
Wendell, 11, 2rt, 35, 48, 69, 80, 83, 107, 135,

163, 172, 181, 199, 233, 266, 285, 299.
(Wentworth, 78, 97, 98, 115, 119, 123,125,

126, 127, 12», 142, 147, 238.
( Wbent worth, 86, 93.
Westminster, 287.
Wharf, Long, 89.
Wharfe, Alford's, 100.
Long, 90, 101.
Longe, 98.
Scarlets. S'9.

Wharff, Hancock's, 256, 309.
Wheatly, 41.
Wheeler, 18, 133, 167.
( Wheelright, 97.

{ Wheelwright, 2, 45, 70, 83, 98, 109, 132, 166,
( 204, 235, 269.
Whentworth. See Wentworth.
White, 2, 6, 18, 21, 83, 109, 132, 166, 168, 197,

204, 233, 235, 236, 242, 26«, 269, 270.
Whitefleld, 104.
Whiting, 142.

Whit well, 74, 80, 82, 105, 109, 130, 131, 132,
163, 166, 197, 204, 233, 235, 239, 241, 266,
269, 273, 277, 289, 293.
Whitworth, 117, 285.

Williams. 65, 71, 84, 8,8, 94, 107, 115, 135, 138,
163, 166, 167, 181, 199, 204, 205, 207, 21-2,
219, 221, 222, 233, 234, 235, 236, 238, 269,
305, 307.
Wingfleld, 234.
Winslow, 2, 11, 26, 29, 64, 78, 131, 142, 149,

162,221.

Winter, 78, 110, 133, 171.
Winthrop, 114, 280.
Wiswall, 11, 18, 24, 34, 42, 43, 49,58,75, 94,

115, 145, 185.
Wiswell, 200, 236, 270.

Young, 253, 255.
Yougust, 117.

SURNAMES OMITTED.

Limers, 96.

INDEX TO SUBJECTS.

Accounts, to examine, 5, 6, 7, 22, 34, 38, 52,
84-6, 86, 91, 110, 111, 118, 134, 136,
139, 153, 167, 170, 200, 205, 218,
222, 236, i!39, 251, 270, 289, 293,
300.

reports on, 6, 9, 13-14, 19, 25, 37, 38,
44, 62, 57, 71-2, 85-8, 90-3, 138,
143-4. 154, 167, 182, 200-2, 218,
237,240,271,290.
to liquidate, 161, 170-1.
Act, for taking valuation of the Province, 63.
application to court for, to remove per-
sons spreading infectious disease, 118.
to prevent destruction of Beacon Hill,

119, 149.
concerning erection of wooden building,

149.

Stamp. (See Stamp Act.)
" declaring the right and liberties of the

subject," etc., 261, 262, 263, 264.
concerning Court of Admiralty, 287.
Bankrupt. (See Bankrupt Act.)
Revenue. (See Revenue Acts.)
37, Sec. 9. (See Anne, Queen, Act of.)
Admiralty, Court of. (See Court.)
Agriculture, 121, 183.

Alford's wharf, 100. (See also Wharves.)
Almshouse, 6, 7, 25, 38, 68, 71, 72, 86, 87, 98,

118,248,253,271,275,276.
to repair, 283.
master of the, 74, 291.
accounts of, 91, 218, 275, 290.

to audit, 2-2, 38, 39, 52,
71, 84, 110, 118, 136,
138, 167, 205, 236,
240, 270.

money advanced to town, for use
of, 7, 22, 38, 52. 68, 71, 74, 84, 85,
110, 111, 106, 167, 205, 236, 270.
grain to purchase for, 214, 248,

253, 271.
pavement at, 91.
town's land north of, 170.

title of town's claim
to, disputed, 170. (See
also Lands, etc.)

America, 153, 154, 155, 175, 176, 186, 191, 194,
243, 244, 257, 259, 286, 287, 288, 297,
298, 299, 307, 309, 324.
British, 153, 222, 303.
North, 175, 177, 178, 182, 183, 225,

227, 287, 289.
manufacturers in, to encourage, 222,

223-4.

Anchors, 221, 223. ( See also Imports.)
Anne, Queen, Act of, 259.
Ann street, 20,27, 39, 214.
Apparel, 221, 223, 224. (See also Imports.)
Archives, 157.
Armories, 220, 248.
Arms and ammunition, 91, 264, 320.

to be cleansed, 320.
Army, standing, 263, 320.
Artillery, 217, 220, 248, 273.

officers of, 273. (See also Ord-
nance.)

Artists, 212, 218.

Assayers, 3, 18, 50, 70, 84, 110, 136, 168, 204,
236, 270.

Assembly or Court, general, 8, 10, 14, 22, 24,
26, 33, 36, 37. 39, 40, 41, 42,
43, 54, 55, 57, 59, 62, 63, 67, 68,
72, 77, 86, 88, 90, 97, 98, 100,
102, 104, 110, 112, 113, 117,118,
119, 120, 121, 122, 125, 128,
137, 141, 142, 148, 149, 150,
152, 155, 156, 157, 161, 162,
174, 176, 177, 180, 182, 184,
188, 190, 196, 211, 218, 232,
244, 248, 250, 252, 257, 260,
261, 262, 263, 272, 278, 2.9,
285, 286, 289, 300, 302, 311,
321.
petition to, to prefer, 54, 55, 62,

68, 76, 128, 272.
prorogation, 161.
to convene, 222-3, 260, 263.
Assessors, 2, 6, 7, 9, 21, 22, 28-9, 33, 34, 39,
42, 51, 52, 68, 67, 68, 71, 74,
81, 82, 84, 91, 107-8, 111, 118, 131,
137, 149, 158, 164-5, 170, 203, 206,
217, 237, 241, 250, 252-3, 268, 270.
books, 5, 21, 34, 36, 51, 67, 81, 107-8,
134, 158, 164-6, 206, 217, 250,
252-3.

to furnish list or valuation of es-
tates, 29, 42, 58.
of names of per-
sons taxable, 217.
Attorney-General, 149.

Back street, 23.

Bacon street. ( See Beacon street.)

Bankrupt Act, 174, 180.

repeal of, to move, 180.
Barbers' powder, etc., 224.
Barracks. (6'ee Troops.)
Battery, north, 144, 151, 189.
south, 42, 99.
wharf, 151.

Battery March street, 128-9, 214.
Beacon hill, preservation of, 10, 14, 119, 124,

149.

tar barrels at, 260.
Beacon street, 49.
Bear lane, to pave, 170.
Bedlam. ( See Insane, hospital for.)
Bells, ringing of, 71.
Bendal's Cove, 279, 281.
Benefactors, public, names of, enrolled, 139.
Bennet street, engine kept in, 219.
Bequests, public, 126, 139, 179, 184, 207, 215.
Bill concerning collecting of taxes, 98.

copies of, to distribute, 98. (See also

Taxes.)

Bankrupt, to frame, 184.
copy of, relating to forstalling market, to

procure, 302.

Bills of credit, 1,2, 10,16, 17, 31,33, 46, 47,
48, 65, 66, 79, 104, 129, 162, 197, 199,
216, 219, 220, 230, 232, 234, 252, 253,
260, 265, 267, 294, 295, 297, 301, 302.
to engross, 140.
hand, 210.
Board of Customs, commissioners of, 250,

253, 254-5, 258. (See also Custom.)
Bonds. (See Sureties, bonda to be given as.)

INDEX TO SUBJECTS.

335

Boston, 1,5,8,9,10,11, 13, 15, 16, 22, 25, 26, 28,
29, 31, 32, 34, 36, 39, 40, 43, 44, 45, 46, 54,
65, 56, 67, 61, 63, 64, 65, 72, 76, 77, 78, 79,
88,90,95,96,102,104, 112, 113, 114, 120,
122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127. 129, 139, 140,
141, 142, 145, 148, 149, 152, 153, 154, 155,
157, 158, 159, 160, 162, 168, 169, 172, 173,
175, 176, 177, 178, 179, 180, 181, 186, 187,
188, 189, 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, 195, 197,
210, 211, 215, 216, 218, 219,220,222,225,
226-7, 230-1, 232, 244, 245, 249-50, 251,
252, 253, 254, 256, 259, 260, 262, 264, 265,
274, 277, 278, 279, 281, 282, 284, 290, 294,
295, 297, 298, 300, 301, 302, 303, 307,308,
309, 310, 311, 312, 315, 317, 321, 322, 324,
325.

Boston Harbor. (See Harbor, the.)

Boston Neck. (See Neck, the.)

Boston Regiment, 217, 248.

armory for, to erect, 248.

Braintree, grant of land at, to mill owners,
147, 279-81.

Brattle street church, 46, 61, 62. (See also
Meeting houses.)

Bread street, 128.

Breadstuffs, 4, 6, 19, 37, 52, 68, 71, 72, 84, 86,
88, 91, 110, 112, 135, 136, 147, 165, 168,
204, 205, 214, 236, 237, 240, 248, 253, 270,
271, 282, 291.

Brick and tiles, making of, 86-7, 93.

Bridge, swing, 30, 58, 62.

over Neponset river, to rebuild, 40, 46.
mill, 147, 241, 282, 294, 295.

Buildings, wooden, to erect, 137, 148.

rules to be observed by

carpenters, 149.
license fur, 149.

for hospital for insane, to erect,
184. ( See also Insane.)

Burial place, to repair wall in, 24.
South, 24, 27.

Butchers, 90.

Buttons, gold and silver, 221, 223. (See also
Imports.)

By-laws and Orders. (See Orders, town.)

Cambridge street, paving part of, 115.
Carpenters, 59.

rules to be observed by, in build-
ing, 149.
must have license, 149. (See also

Trades.)

Carts, trucks, t(<:, 77, 147, 280, 302.
way innumbered by, 55, 302.
Castle, the, 309, 310. 315, 316, 317, 318, 322,

324. (See also Fortifications.)
Cattle, 99.
Charlestown, 226, 282.

causeway leading toward, 279,

280-1.

Ferry, 8. (See also Ferries.)
letter from selectmen of, con-
cerning sale of lamb, 289.
Charter, Royal, 155, 229, 262, 263, 321.
rights, 156, 229, 262, 263, 286.
Cheese. (See Dairy produce.)
Chelsea, 123, 282.
Cbimnies, 99, 108.

sweeping of, 60-1, 106, 123, 215,

217.
rates or charges for,

123-4.
hours appointed for,

124.

sweepers, 124.
firing of, 97, 123.
number of, and names of owners

of, to submit, 124.

China, 221 , 224. ( See also Imports.)
Christ church, clock on, to repair, 189. (See

also Meeting houses.)
Clock, town, 84.

on Christ church, to repair, 189.
for Old Brick church, 196.

Clocks and watches, 221, 223. (See alto

Imports.)
Coaches, chaises, and carriages, 221, 223.

(See also Imports.)
Collectors. (See Taxes, rates, etc.)
Colonies of North America, 122, 153, 156, 157,
176, 177, 178, 179, 182, 183, 184, 186, 191,
192, 194, 222, 223, 224, 225, 227, 228, 229,
243, 244, 286, 287, 289.

Commerce, 32, 121, 169, 178, 183, 273, 275.
affecting, 187, 296, 324. (See

also Trade, interests.)
Commissioners, 41. 250.

Committees, reports of, 6, 7, 9, 10-11, 12, 13-
14, 20-1, 25-6, 27, 36, 37,44,
45, 46, 52, 54, 55, 57, 58, 62, 63-
4, 71-2, 77-8, 85-6, 90-2, 93-4,
98-9, 101-2, 103-4, 108-9, 112,
119, 134, 1:55, 138, 143-4, 147,
148, 151 , 154, 155, 167, 182, 200-
2,205,207,208,212.216-17,218,
223, 224, 225, 230-1, 237-8, 242-
3, 249-50, 251, 257, 271, 274,
279-82, 285, 290, 291-3, 294,
300, 303-25.

to audit accounts, 5, 6, 7, 22, 3S,
71, 84-5, 86, 110, 136, 130, 152,
167, 200, 205, 222, 236, 239, 270,
289, 293.

to present petitions to genei »1
court, 23-4, 2«, 54, 55, 62, 63,
64, 67, 76, 117, 159, 184,272,
285-9.

to frame by-laws, 54-5, 60, 71 , M.
to revise, 273.
to act on list of jurors, 71, 85,

111, 136.

vacancies on, to fill, 55-6.
on increase of Watch, 61.
on forestalling the Market, 67,

76,90.

to visit Schools, 71, 77-8, 95-6.
to consider making of brick, etc.,

on Boston Neck, 87.
encroachments on circular line,
to consider, 87, 89, 90, 99, 100-
1.

on drains, 87.
on lands, etc., 87, 97, 98, 137,

145.
on innoculation, 106, 112.

Bankrupt Bill, 180.
as, in Convention, 263-4.
Common, 323.

to enclose, 277.
granary on the, to repair, 22.
schooThouse on the, 24, 25, 59, 75,
9i, 114, 116, 146, 185, 186, 207,
•213, 247, 283, 284.
powder house on, 176, 217, 220,

248, 273,

preservation of, 272.
passaue-way (Hog alley) from
main street leading to the, nui-
sance in, to abate, 97, 99.
Commons, House of, 156, 175, 183.

copies of letters, au-
thenticated by clerk
of, 286. (See aluo
Great Britain, Parlia-
ment of.)
Concord, 113.
Connecticut, 1, 10, 16, 31, 46, 65, 79, 104, 129,

142, 162, 197, 232, 252, 260, 265, 294, 302.
Constitution, attack upon the, 286-7, 311.
Cordage, 221, r>3. (See also Imports.)
Corn. (See Breadstufts.)
Corporations, Societies, etc., 91, 226. (See

also the following:)
Linen Manufacture, Society

of.

Manufactory Company.
Correspondence, foreign, 41. (See «/••
Letters.)

336

CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

Council, 190, 250, 253.

members of, 55, 99, 110, 148, 159, 160,
187, 188, 261, 306, 308-9, 310, 311,
316,318,323.
Chamber, 160, 304.
Minutes, 189.

vote of, concerning certain deposi-
tions, 188-9.
County, the. (See Suffolk County.)

Treasury, 5, 51, 67, 81, 107, 134.
bridge, 40.

Treasurer, choice of, 47, 48.
Gaol. (See Goal, county.)
Tax. (See Taxes.)
Court, general. (See Assembly.)

of general or quarter sessions, 4,12,
19,31, 37, 48,61, 68, 148, 163,198,
239, 267, 272.
Inferior, of Common Pleas, 160, 161,

323.
of Judicature, 286.

admiralty, 155, 287, 288.
law, 159, 160.
Probate, 160.
House, 196, 286.
new, 291.
cannon and guard to remove

from about, 285-6.
Cowkeeper, choice of, 3, 18, 35, 50, 55, 70,

109, 133, 167, 204, 235, 269.
Cross street, 23.
Custom House, 169, 173.

officers, 187, 256, 308, 309,

316.

Comptroller of, 187, 188, 193, 308.
Board of Customs, Commissioners of,
250, 253, 254, 256, 258, 297, 299, 303-
25.

Dairy produce, 221, 224. (See alto Im.

ports.)

Deeds, 89, 101, 216.
of sale, 10.
Registrar of, 163.
titles of the Land stream, 135. (See

also Lands; etc.)

Deer, law for the preservation of, etc., breach
of, informers against, 3, 18, 35, 50,
70, 82, 109, 132, 166, 204, 235,
269.
Island, lease of, 15.

head, to preserve from en-
croachments of the sea, 97,
149-50.

rent of, to abate, 220, 237-8.
Depositions, 189, 190, lv)3, 194.
to take, 187.
to keep secret, 188.
vote of Council on, 188-9.
Disease, infectious, spread of, to prevent, 52,
53, 102-:», 104, 112, 117, 118, 122. (See
also Small Pox.)
Dock, the, 48,57, 5S, 64-5.

watch house at head of, 62.
warehouse on, to repair, 144.
Square, 30, 55.

town pump in, 41.
incumbrance, to remove, 54.
petition concern-
ing, 55.

hucksters in, 210.
Dorchester, 40, 46, 282.
Drains, 87.

Duck or sail cloth, to manufacture, 227, 230,
239, 249-50.

Eastern Frontier, garrison service on, to

maintain, 121.

Education, 183. (Seealxo Schools.)
Effigies, hanged upon Liberty Tree, 305-6.
Election, 250 253, 278.
Election, declaration of rights to freedom of,

278.

England, 44, 190, 193, 196, 258, 259, 262, 28T,

321.

letters from, 175.
Europe, 178.

not to import commodities from, 221,

223-4, 289.
(See alto Imports.)

Faneuil Hall, 1, 10, 15, 16, 22, 28, 29, 31, 40,

79, 88, 96, 102, 104, 110-11, 113,

123, 125, 129, 141. 148, 152, 155,

157, 158, 16-J, 170-1, 172, 174,

176, 176, 186, 190, 191, 194, 195,

197,210,211,215, 218, 21»,220,

227,230,232,244, 250,252,253,

257, 2.-.9, 264, 265, 277, 294, 295,

297,301,302,313,319.

Market, 3, 12, Ifi, 20, 27, 28, 29,

30, 33, 43, 48, 59,

64-5, !iO.

clerk of, 3, 12, 19, 20,
33, 43, 59, 110, 210,
238, 237.
shops on north side of,

16, 19,23.
rents of, 171 .
to regulate, 210-11.
to furnish weights for,

210.
repairs, 54, 59, 61, 153, 154, 161,

170-1,190, 196,291.
cellar under, to dig, 61.
lottery, 87, 136, 139, 153, 154,

222, 225, 291.
portraits to be placed in, 157,

179,212,218.
artist of portrait of

Col. Barre, 212.
artist of portrait of
Hon. H. S. Conway,
218.

to illuminate, 205.
Farmer, letters from a, 241, 243-4. (See also

Letters.)

Fast Day, appointed, 264.
Ferries : —

Charlestown, 8.
Old Salutation, 195.

Fifth of November ( Guy Fawkes') disturb-
ances on, to guard against, 224.
Fines, penalties, etc., 4, 17, 25, 30-1, 36, 38,
57, 61, 62,71, 76, 86. 106, 118,124, 138, 147,
149, 164, 165, 182, 198, 218, 234, 240, 259,
267, 287, 288, 290.

Fire, water engines, 45, 53, 167, 219, 221, 224.
repairs, 45.
houses, 45, 58.
men, 45, 167, 176.

excused from other

offices, 45, 167.
allowance, 167.
bon-fires, to prevent,

176, 205, 307.
works prohibited, 176.
great (of Mar. 20, 1760), 40, 43, 104.
relief for sufferers from, 41, 44,

104, 210.
to prevent spread of, 40-1, 44-5, 60, 97,

215.

cleansing streets after, 41.
concerning ladders for, 54-5.
meetings, 55.
Firewards, 45, 98, 176, 234.

choice of, 2, 17, 35, 48, 68-9, 83,
107,134-5, 138,163-4, 172, 198-9,
200, 233, 248, 266-7.

First Church, 65. ( See. (duo Meeting Houses.)
Fish house. (See Market.)

street, paving of, 111, 115.
Fisheries, 15.
Flax, 226, 228, 230-1.

Fortifications, 42, 144, 151, 208, 216, 309, 310,
315, 316,317, 318, 324.

INDEX TO SUBJECTS.

337

Fortifications, highway withiu, to repair, 68,

79, 189, 219.
gates of, to rebuild, 76.

land near, to lease,

196, 208.

"line of defence," 100.
garrisoned unnecessarily, to

abolish, 1«3.

pavement near, to repair, 209.
Fourteenth Regiment, to station in Boston,

•296.

France, war with, 15. 121, 264.
French neutrals, support of, to consider,

24.
Funerals, regulations concerning, 224.

gloves and other apparel worn at,

224.
Furniture, household, 221, 223. (See also

Imports.)
Furs, 221, 223. (See also ImportB.)

Gallop's Point, 279, 281.

Garrison, service on Eastern frontier, 121.

Glass, manufacture of, 222, 228.

duties upon, 229, 324.

Gloves, 221, 223, 224. (See also Imports.)
Glue, 221 , 224. ( See aho Imports.)
samples of, ^

imprisoned in, 302-3.
Golden Ball, the, 137, 144. (See alao Tav-

erns.)

Governor, the, 26, 31, 44, 78, 110, 114, 120,
148, 160,187,188, 192, 193,
250, 253, 255, 260, 263, 280,
236, 296, 299, 300, 303-25.
residence of, 255.
address to, 31-2, 38, 55-6,
159, 160, 254, 272.
reply, 38-9, 256-7,

261.
application to, to convene

the Assemhly, 222-3.
letters from.ei ali., 297, 300,

303-25.

Grain, 6, 68, 147, 167-8, 214, 248, 253, 271,
282. (See also Breadstuffs.)

purchases of, 4, 19, 38, 52, 71, 84, 91,

110, 135, 168, 204, 236, 270, 291.
price of, sale of, etc., 4, 19, 38, 52, 71,

84, 110, 135-6, 168, 204, 236, 270.
Granary on the Common, to repair, 22.

keeper of, 4, 6, 19,
38, 52, 72, 84, 85-6,
110, 112, 168, 204,
205, 236, 237, 270,
271.

accounts of, 6, 19, 37,
52, 72, 85-6, 112,
135, 167-8, 205, 237,
271.

Great Britain, 15, 44, 120, 121, 122, 154, 155,

173, 176, 178, 182, 183, 184,

186, 191, 228, 243, 256, 286,

287, 289, 309, 324.

Parliament of, 41, 120, 155,

156,157,175,177-8,

191,195,227,258-9,

287, 299, 303, 314,

315, 324,

House of Commons,

286.

members of, 153, 157,
175, 177, 274, 298,
299, 300.

Acts of, 155,194,195,
228-9,254,256,257,
259, 261, 262, 263,
264, 286, 287, 288.
Session of, 178.
Agent from the Province to,
33,36,37, 41, 44, 121, 122,
190, 212, 255, 299, 303.

Great Britain, letter to, 43-4, 190, 191-4, 212,

257, 272.

from House of Repre-
sentatives to, 299.
Great Seal of, 256.
money collected in, for suf-
ferers from great fire of
1760, 44, 104.

Representatives from, 183.
letters to the Ministry of, 297,

303.

importations from, 264, 289,

297-8. (See alxo Imports.)

Guard outside Court House, to remove, 285-6.

Gun-house. (See Powder house, Armories,

etc.)

Halifax, 258,259.

regiments from, 307, 319, 325.
Hancock's Hospital, 139.

wharf, 256, 309. (See alto

Wharves.)
Harbor, the, 97, 149.

Man-of-War in, 258-9.

to order, to
leave, 255,
256-7.

(See also Ships, Vessels, etc.
Harness, etc., 221, 223. (See also Imports.)
Hats, etc., 221, 223. (See also Imports.)
Hay, 243.

engrossing of, 28.
purchase of, 241, 250.
Hayward. (See Cow-keeper.)
Hemp, 227, 228, 230-1.

surveyors of, 3, 18, 35, 50, 70, 82, 108,

132, 166, 203, 2:34, 268.
Hog alley, nuisancu in, to abate, 97, 99.
turnpikes for, to provide, 99.
Hogreeves. (See Swine, regulating of.)
Hollis Street Church, 71, 84. (See alto

Meetinghouses.)

Hollow ware, 221, 224. (See also Imports.)
Hospital, innoculating, proposal to erect,

51-2, 123.
for insane, to erect, 126, 139, 179,

184,207.

to be called Hancock's
Hospital, 139.

Idiots. (See Insane, etc.)
Illuminations, 175-6, 205.
Immorality. (See Intemperance.)
Imports, 169, 193, 221-2, 223-4, 228.

to curtail, list of, 221-2, 223-4.
non-importation of British goods,

264, 289, 297-8.
ships' cargoes, 287.
Impressment of sailors, 256, 259.
Indian meal. (See Breads'uffs.)

fraud in weight of, 240-1.
Indians, 121.
Inhabitants, 262, 284.

French neutrals, support of, 42.
and freeholders of Boston, ad-
dress to, 221-2, 249-50.
to arm themselves, 264.
petition of, concerning troops

quartered upon them, 296.
Innholders, not to sell liquors, etc., to negroes

or mulatto servants, 20.
number of houses licensed, to re-
duce, 20, 39.

Innoculation. (See Small Pox.)
Insane, 126, 139.

bequest of Hon. Thomas Hancock to
erect hospital for the insane, 126,
139, 179, 184, 207.

and idiots, 140. (See also Hospi-
tals.)
Insurrection (no called) of Mar. 18, 1769,

304-10, 314-15, 322.

Intemperance, immorality, profanity, etc*
273, 274, 275.

338

CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

Intemperance, tending to Increase, 296.
Ireland, 226.

regiments from, 323. (See also

Troops.)
Iron, 228.
Islands: —
Deer.
Jamaica.
. Noddles.
West India.

Jackson's mills, 40. (See also Mills.)
Jamaica, 195. (See also Ships, Vessels, etc.)
Jewelry, 221, 2-3. (See also Imports.)
JoUflT 8 lane, to widen, 137.
Journal of the Watch, to be kept by the

head watchman, 62.
Jury, petit, 2u9.

men, 149, 155, 209.

list of, 150, 242.

committee on, 71, 85, 289.
trial by, 287.
Justices, 5, 76, 148, 149, 160, 323.

Kilby street, 206.
King street, 41.

wharf at lower end of, 89.

Lace, 221, 223. (See also Imports.)
Lamb, time to fix for sale of, 172, 240.

Charlestown's agreement concerning

sale of, 289-90.

Land or buildings, town's, 12, 13, 30, 42, 53,
60, 6-', 83, 89, 92, 93, 99, 100, 101, 115,
137 144, 145, 170, 139, 190, 196, '220,
222, 273.

near Fort hill, to sell, 10.
to authorize sale of, by town, 10, 20.
leases of, 12, 13, 15-16, 145, 148, 150-1,

273.

on the neck, 12, 13, 86-7, 93, 115, 119,
123, 125-6, 127, 136-7,
141, 145, 147-8, 150-1,
189, 208-9, 215, 216,
2J8, 241.
lease of, 127, 128, 136-7,

189, 190, 208, 209.
north of Almshouse, 170.
near South Market, 170.
purchase of, by town, 14.
and shops on north side of Faneuil

Hall market, 16, 19, 23.
at South Battery, 42.
repairs for town's estates, 91.
grant of land at Braiutree, 147.
near Fortification Gates on Neck, to

lease, 196, 203.
trespass on, 273, 274.
salt marsh toward Charlestown, 279-81.
to revert to town, 2B1, 282.
Lands or buildings —

Owners: —

Allen, Jeremiah, h., 27, 39.
Bcndal, Edward, 1., 279.

Bradford, , b., 214.

Bromfield, , s.. 48.

Burch, — , h., 305.
Burden, George, 1., 280.
Button, John, 1., 280.
Gallop, John, 1., 279.

Gibbs, , s., 48.

Hallowell, Benj., 1., 41, 128,

h., 128-9.

Hancock, Thomas, 1., 119.
Hill, John, 1., 280.
Hodson, Thomas, 1., 14, 119,

14!).

Holliday, Edward, 1., and
h., 8.

Hudson, . (See Hodson.)

Hunt, Alexander, 1., 10.

Lands or buildings —
Owners: —

Hutcbinson, Hon. Eliakim,

h.,30.

Inches, Henderson, w. h.,
30.

Jackson, , m., 40.

Jeffries, David, 1., 209, 215.

Kent, , h., 214.

Kneeland, Solomon, 1., 20,
87, 94, 93.

Low, , h., 279, 280, 281.

Muliineux, William. I., 119.

Paxton, , h., 30i, 307.

Peck, , 1., 128-9.

Baiter, , h., 206.

Simons, Henry, etali.,].,219,

280.
Tyler, Joseph, sh., 58.

Waterhousc, , s., 43.

Wheatloy, Johu, 1., 41.

Williams, , h., 307.

Laws, 261, 263, 264. 2S7, 206.

breach of, to prosecute, 31, 60, 149, 152,

161, 205, 225.
tending to, 296.
to enforce, 271.
doctor of, 299. (See also Orders,

town.)

Leases. (See Lands.)

Leather, sealers of, 3, 19,35, 50, 70, 82, 96, 109,
132, 1G6, 170,203-4,235,
269.

hammers for use of, 139.
tanners, 70.
dresser, 20. (See also

Trades.)

sole, 221, 223. ( See also Imports.)
Letters, 230, 251, 261, 272, 286.
from selectmen, 232.
to agents to Great Britain, 41, 43, 257.
from Mr. Zacharinh Hicks, 56.
selectmen of Chelsea, 123.
Doctors Perkins and Loyd, 123.
selectmen to selectmen of other
towns within the Province,
263-4,321.

to Hon. Thos. Cushing from mer-
chants of New York, 264.
from selectmen of Charlestown, 289-

90.

to Sheriff and Deputy, 161.
town clerk from town of Plymouth,

168-9.
of thanks to town of Plymouth, to

draw up, 170.
reply to, 172-3.
from England, 175.

Col. Barree to Hon. James Otis,

177-8, 'J.13-9.
Gen. Conway to Hon. James

Otis, 178-9.

draft of, to persons in London, 190.
to Dennis Deberdt, Esq., 190, 191-4,

212, 272.
Hon. James Otis, from merchants in

New York, 195.
to Col. Barre, 212, 256.
from Secy. Conway to lion. Thomas

Gushing, 217-18.

from Committee to lion. H. S. Con-
way, 218.
author of series of, signed " a farmer,"

to thank, 211,242, 243-4.
letter from committee to, 243-4.
from John Lane of London, 236.

Gov. Bernard e t all. to Ministry
of Great Britain, 297-300,3u3-25.
Leveret street, 206.

Leveret's wharf, 100. (See also Wharves.)
Liberty Tree, 313.

notice posted on, 312.
hanging of effigies upon, 305-6.
(See also Effigies.)

INDEX TO SUBJECTS.

339

Licenses, for sale of wines, liquors, etc., pub-
lic houses, victuallers, etc., 20.
houses licensed, to reduce number
of, 20, 39. (See a/wlnnholders.)
Line of defence. (See Fortifications.)
Linen Manufacture, Society of, 91, 226.

books tind accounts of,
22ri. ( See also Corpo-
rations, Societies), etc.
to manufacture, 222, 225, 226-7, 228,

230-1.

to supply, 231.

Liquors, malt, 221, 224. (See also Imports.)
excessive use of, to discourage, 228.
excise on, 252.

Loaf sugar, 221, 223. (See also Imports.)
London, 37, 41, 178, 190, 218, 224, 231, 272,

293, 303.

Aldermen of the city, 299.
Long lane, paving of, 73, 137, 289.

•wharf, 89, 90, 98, 101. (See also

Wharves.)

Lotteries, 59, 68, 171, 225, 291, 292.
Boston, 28.
accounts of, to examine, 5, 11, 34, 44,

136, 139, 153, 154,222.
reports thereon, 9, 13, 44.
application to the general court, 54.
"Kaneuil Hall," 87, 111, 112, 136,

139, 153-4,222,225,291.
Louisbourg, 15.

Magna Charta, 288.

Maiden, 282.

Manufactory Company, 215, 293. (See also

Corporations, etc.)
House, 231, 250, 322-3.
Manufactures, 121, 221, 223, 225, 226, 229, 230,

231,27").

to encourage, 222, 223, 228, 239,
249-50. (See also Trade,
interests of.)
Maps and plans, 209.

plan of the " line of defence," 100.
cove, 100.

line of Milk street, 129.
Marblehead, 181.

Market, 26, 47, 54, 77, 86, 90, 170, 179.
places, 55.

clerks of the, 2, 3, 12, 17-18, 20, 33,
49, 59, 63, 82, 96, 107, 110, 130-1,
165, 172, 180, 199, 210, 234, 236, 237,
242, 267, 277.

Faneuil Hall, 3, 12, 16, 20, 27, 28,29,
30, 4 1, 48, 59, 64, 90,
110,236,237.
shops on north side of,

16,23.

to regulate, 210-11.
fish, 58, 65.
forestalling the, 30-1, 67, 76, 86, 90,

301-2.
copy of bills relating to,

302.

South, 170.
Market square, 302.
Masons, 59. (See also Trades.)
Massachusetts Bay, Province of, 1,9, 10, 16,
22, 29, 31, 32, 34, 37, 39, 42,
46, 55, 58, 65, 71, 79, 84, 90,
97, 101, lit, 112, 120, 121,
122, 129, 138, 139, 143, 149,
153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 159,
160, 161, 162, 169, 173, 175,
177, 179, 182, 183, 184, 187,
188, 19 i, 194, 195, 197, 200,
206, 216, 217, 219, 220, 221,
222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227,
228,229, 230,232, 237, 244,
252, 254, 259, 260, 262, 263,
264, 271, 274, 285, 286, 294,
295, 296, 297, 299, 30<>, 301,
302, 303, 308, 314, 315, 317,
321, 322, 325.

Massachusetts Bay, Agent to great Britain

from, 33,36,37,41,44,

190, 122, 255, 299, 303.

letter to,43-4,190,191-4.

Meeting houses : —

Brattle Street Church (Mr. Cooper's) , 46,

61,62.
OldSouth (Sev. Dr. Sewall's), 48, 49, 253.

2o6.

Old North, 62, 71.

First Church (Rev. Dr. Chauncy's), 65.
Old Brick, 71, 196.
Hollis Street Church (Rev. Mr. Byles'),

71,84.

Christ Church, 189.
Memoriale. (See Letters.)
Merchantmen. (See Ships, Vessels, etc.)
Merchants, 41, 44, 122, 169, 194, 195, 228, 264,
289, 297-8. (See also Trade.)
names of, non-concurring, 298.
Military, 217.

Milk street, 128-9, 214. 242. 250.
Mill bridge, 147, 241, 282, 294, 295. (See also

Bridge.)
creek (or stream), new mills on, to

erect, 248, 27«, 281.
Pond mills, 147. (See also Mills.)
Mills, Jackson's, 40.

grist, 253, 279-82, 294, 295.

to regulate, 135, 147, 241, 242.
Mill Pond, 147.

grant of land to owners of, 147, 279.
to erect, 248, 279, 280-2.
reversion of land at, to town, 294.
North, 282.

millers subject to fine, 147.
Mobs. (See Riots.)
Molasses, seizure of vessel laden with, 316,

317.

Moon court, paving of, 115.
Mourning, regulations regarding, 169.

apparel, 224.
Mustard, 221, 223. (See also Imports.)

Nails, sheathing and deck, 221, 223. (See

also Imports.)

Neck, the, 12, 13, 20, 93, 115, 119, 123, 125-6,
127, 136-7, 150-1, 196, 215, 216,
233, 241.
land and house on, 12, 13.

lease of, 127, 128, 136-7, 148,

150-1, 189, 190, 208-9.
paving of, 20.

making of brick at, 86-7, 93.
damage at, from storm, 115, 119,

145.
dams on each side of, 144, 145,

147-8.

trespass at, to prosecute, 209.
Negroes and Mulattoes, sale of liquor to,

without written order, forbidden, 20.
Neponset river, bridge over, 40, 46. (See

also Bridge.)

New England, 32, 43, 173, 177, 253, 260.
New Hampshire, 1, 10, 16, 31, 46, 65, 79, 104,
129, 162, 197, 232, 252, 260, 265, 294, 302.
New London, 181.
New York, 258, 259, 324, 325.

merchants of, 195, 264.

agreement of, as to

non-importation of

British goods, 264.

Newspapers, 58, 106, 112, 157, 174,230,264,

272, 289 296, 298.
letter to publish in, 243-4, 272.
Noddle's island, 123. (See also Islands.)
North End, 279, 294.

writing school at, 284.
North Mills. (See Mills.)
Notes of common tenor, payable on demand,
196.

Oil, linseed, 221, 224. (See also Imports.)
Old Brick Church, 71, 296. (See also Meet
ing houses.)

340

CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

Old North meeting-house, watch house by,

62. (See also Meeting houses.)
Salutation ferry, 195. (See also Ferries.)
South, 48, 49, 253, 256. (See also Meet-
ing bouses.)
Orange street, 20.

lands on both sides, 216.
Orders, town, 1, 9, 10, 12, 16, 22, 29, 30, 31,

40, 46, 71, 77, 90, 98, 122.
to frame, 54-5, 60, 76, 86.
to collect for printing, 9, 12.
to revise, 273.
Orders, town, concerning dirt in the streets,

12.

liquor, sale of, to
negroes and mu-
lattoes, 20.

provisions, purchase of, 30-1.
sweeping of chimnies, 60-1,

106, 123-4.

firing of chimnies, 123.
regulating of swine, 71, 76-7.
relating to wood, etc., 77.
infectious diseases, 112.
concerning grist mill, to

amend, 135, 147.
additional Rules and, 29-30.
Ordnance, 217, 220, 248, 285.

Paint, duties on, 324.

Paper, manufacture of, 222, 225, 228.

duties upon, 229, 324.
Papers. (See Records.)
Parchment, Rolls of, to provide, 140.
Parliament of Great Britain. (See Great Brit-
ain, Parliament.)
Perambulations or Surveys, 209.
line of Bread street, to alter, 128.
Milk street, to run, 128-9.
lands on the neck, 208, 216.
Pipe, manufacture of, proposed, 226.
Plans. (See Maps and Plans.)
Plate, wrought, 221, 223. ( See also Imports.)
Plymouth, 168, 169, 170, 172-3, 174.
Point Shirley, 15.
Polls and Estates. (See Taxes.)
Poor, 8, 22, 26, 29, 84, 91, 106, 110, 136, 175,

205, 214, 230, 236.
support of, 7, 42, 71, 110, 270.
appropriation for, 7, 24, 42, 58, 93, 118,

145, 185, 214, 247, 293.
to be employed in manufacturing linen,
222, 225, 226-7, 230-1, 239-40, 249-50.
employment for.to provide,273-4,27u-7.
Overseers of the, 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 11, 16-17,
22, 25, 26, 29, 32, 33,
38, 42, 47, 52, 57,
60, 65-6, 68, 71, 72,
74, 78, 79-80, 84, 85,
87,90,91,93,95,98,
105, 106, 110, Jll,
114, 116, 118, 130,
133-4, 136, 138, 141,
144, 163, 167, 170,
172, 181, 182, 197,
198, 200, 205, 207,
208, 212, 214, 218,
232-3, 236, 240, 245,
248, 253, 266, 270,
271, 275, 276, 277,
282, 283, 284, 290,
291, 323.

interest due, for
money advanced,
7, 22, 38, 52, 71, 84,
110, 111, 136, 282.
Portraits:—

Col. Isaac Barre, 157, 206, 207, 212, 218.
Hon. Gen. Conway, 157, 179, 218.
Powder. (See Arms and Ammunition.)

house, 176, 217, 248, 273. (See also

Common.)
Prince street, 8.

Printing, 264, 300.

town orders to collect for, 9, 12.
thanks for donations, put in, 40.
advertisements in the newspapers,
58, 106, 112, 157, 174, 230, 264, 289,
296.
adjournment of town meeting, to

print, 146.

hand-bills, to print, 210.
copies of list of imports, to curtail,

to publish and distribute, 224.
copy of draft relative to Gov. Ber-
nard et ali., to print, 299-301.
Privateers. (See Ships, etc.)
Protestant religion. (See Religion, Protes-
tant.)
Protestants may have arms for their defence,

264.
Province, the. (See Massachusetts Bay,

Province of.)
Treasury, 5, 51, 67, 81, 107, 134,

291.
Treasurer. (See Treasurer,

Province.)
Tax. (See Taxes.)
charge, 91.
lands, 121.
law as to surveyors of highways,

138, 142.
laws, 264.
Provisions, 90.

to regulate price of, 30.

purchase, 68, 111.
sale of, 210, 211.
Pump, town, 41.
Purchase street, paving of, 57, 58.

Queen street, 11, 12, 24.

school in, 11, 12, 24, 26, 59, 75,
78, 94, 96, 114, 115, 142,
145-6, 181, 185, 212, 213, 246,
247, 283, 285.

Rates, 8, 8, 9, 21, 25, 29, 42, 58, 63, 64, 66, 71,

73-4, 86, 91, 92, 93, 98, 99, 101-2,

110, 121, 122, 127, 136, 137, 144, 151,

155, 170, 200-2, 206, 207, 223, 240,

241, 242, 243, 262, 271-2, 287, 290-3,

295, 299, 301, 302, 303.

collectors of, 2, 4-5. 6, 7, 8, 15, 21, 25,

29, 33, 36, 38, 39, 48, 49,

51, 57, 67, 68, 71, 72, 73,

80,81,85,86,91,92,98-9,

101-2,107-8,111,118,129,

134, 138, 142-3, 150, 151,

158, 164-5, 182, 198, 199,

200-3, 205-6, 214, 215,

216-17, 218, 219, 220, 236,

238, 239, 240, 241, 242,

243, 265, 267, 268, 271-2,

290-1, 292, 293-95, 299,

301, 303.

allowance, 4-5, 7, 13, 15,
21,36,51,67,71,81,107-8,
111, 134, 164-5, 206, 268.
premiums, 51,67, 68, 81,91,
92, 108. 134, 143, 150, 165,
200-1,202, 203, 205-6, 214,
216-17, 220, 236, 238, 268,
291.

abatement of, 8, 9, 13-14, 20-1, 22,
23-4, 33-4, 38, 39, 41-2, 52, 57, 71-2,
84, 86, 91, 92, 111, 118, 137, 138, 143,
170, 182, 200, 206, 218, 237, 240,
270-1, 290.

Rawson's lane, paving of, 49.
Reception, public, tendered Lord Adam

Gorden, 153.

reply to an address, 153-4.
Records, town's, 6, 38, 52, 60, 68, 72, 86, 89,
99, 100-1, 112, 118, 135, 138, 143, 147, 156,
160, 167, 182, 205, 218, 237, 250, 271, 278,
279, 281, 290, 320.
Religion, protestant, 261.

INDEX TO SUBJECTS.

341

Rents, records of land, etc., 6, 25, 27, 38, 57,
71, 86, 91, 118, 145, 182, 208, 218,
240.

to abate, 12-13, 220, 237-8.
Representatives, 10, 22-3, 28, 28, 33, 36, 37,
40, 63, 63, 73, 78, 86, 90,
95, 100, 102, 113, 114, 116,
118, 119, 122, 141, 149,
150,152,155,156, 161,162,
174, 180, 181, 188, 190,
195, 200, 212, 223, 224,
225, 232, 245, 252, 254,
263, 279, 284.

choice of, 10, 2? 23, 40, 57,
72, 73, 83, 113, 125, 141,
157-8, 176-7, 211, 244-5,
278.

address to, 36-7, 55-6,
120-2, 155, 157, 182-4,
227-30, 257-9, 285-9.
House of, 63-4, 120, 156,
180, 183, 190,
194, 239, 252,
259, 286, 289,
299, 300, 317,
325.

Agent from, to
Great Britain,
299.
Revenue, 287.

Acts, 258-9.

to repeal, 324. (See also

Taxes.)

Rhode Island, 1, 10, 16, 31, 46, 65, 79, 104,
1J9, 162, 197, 232, 252, 260, 265, 294,
302
Riots, 323.

to suppress, 169, 173, 175-fl, 187-8, 190,

192,225,308,309,316.
papers posted tending to incite, 225.
to prevent, 307.
Rolls, subscription, 225.

Romney (Man of War), 255, 256-7, 258-9,
303, 314, 316. (See also Ships, Vessels,
etc.)
Roxbury, 255, 315-16.

great road leading to, 216.
Russia, 227.
Rye. (See Breadstuff's.)

Salaries or allowance, 71, 73, 74,84, 91,111,

133, 136, 168, 199, 210, 212,

237, 271.
John Fenno, 6, 19, 37, 72, 86,

112, 168.

Benjamin Penno, 205, 237, 271.
Samuel Grant, 9, 13.
Thomas Hill, 9, 13.
Joshua Henshaw, 9, 13, 44.
Joseph Jackson, 9, 13, 44.
Thomas Cushing, 9, 13, 44, 112,

139.

Samuel Hewes, 9, 13, 44, 112, 139.
John Scollay, 9, 13, 44, 112, 139.
Peleg Wiswall, 11, 24, 42, 43, 58,
75, 94, 115, 145,
185, 200.
assistant for, 15.
John Lovell, 11, 24, 42, 58, 75, 94,

115, 145, 185, 21-2-13, 246, 283.
Abia Holbrook, 11-12, 24, 42, 59,

75, 94, 116, 146, 185, 186, 213, 246,

247.
James Lovel, 43, 59, 75, 94, 116,

126,143, 185, 213,247,283.
Zachariah Hicks, 12, 24, 42.
Samuel Holyoke, 12, 24, 43, 59,

75, 94, 115, 145, 185, 213.
John Proctor, 12, 24, 43, 59, 75,

94, 115, 145, 185, 213, 246, 283.
Nathl. Gardner, 12, 24.
John Vinal, 12, 25, 43, 59, 75, 76,

94, 116, 119.

Salaries, or allowance —

John Tileston, 12, 25, 43, 59, 75,
94, 95, 116, 146, 185, 213, 247,
283, 284.
David Jeffries, 12, 25, 43, 59, 76,

95, 116, 146, 186, 214, 247, 2S4.
Isaac Dupee, 12, 20.
Hugh MeDaniel, 13.
Edward Holliday, 20-1.
Abijah Adams, 43, 59.
Ephrm. Laugdon, 25, 43, 59, 75,

94, 116, 146.

Benj. Austin, 44, 112, 139.
Andrew Oliver, 44.
in lieu of land taken from Solomon

Koeelaod, US.
Samuel Bewail, 112, 139.
Saml. P. Savage, 112, 139.
Ezekiel Lewis, 112, 139.
James Day, 112.
Josiah Langdon, 185.
James Carter, 185, 213, 247, 283.
Duncan Clark, 212.
Samuel Hunt, 213, 246, 283.
Nathaniel Heath, 222.
James Clemmens, 237.
Mary Pratt, 238.
William Cooper, 251.
Samuel Holbrook, 283.
Assistants at writing school on

the Common, 284.
Salutation Tavern, 214, 222. (See also

Taverns.)

Scarlet's wharf, 99. (See also Wharves.)
Scavengers, work and duties, 236.

to enforce, 236, 271.
choice of, 3, 18, 34, 60, 69-70,
83-4, 110, 133, 167, 207, 236,
270.

names of, 236, 270.
Schools, 10-11, 14, 24-5, 26, 73, 145, 132, 207,

245, 271, 284.

masters, 11, 13, 14-15, 24, 54, 56, 58,
71, 73, 74, 84, 88, 92, 93, 94-5, 111,
115-16, 145-6, 185, 200, 212-13, 271,
274, 284, 291.

visitation of the, 10-11, 25, 45-6, 77-8,
95-6, 113-15, 141-2, 180-1,
211-12,245-6,284-5.
statistics, 11, 26, 46, 78, 96,
114, 142, 181, 212, 246,
283-4, 285.

ushers, 11, 13, 14, 24, 25, 43, 56, 59,
75, 94, 116, 118-19, 125, 126,
146, 185, 207, 213, 242, 247,
271,274,284.

payment of, 7, 11, 42, 54, 71,
74, 94-5, 168, 185-6, 199,
207, 212, 237, 246-7, 274.
grammar, South, 11, 12, 24, 26, 42,
43, 46, 58, 59, 75, 78, 94,
96,114,115,116,125,126,
142,145-6,181,185,209,
210, 212, 213, 246, 247,
283, 285.

North, 11, 13, 15, 24, 25,

26,42, 43,46, 5S,

59, 75, 78, 94,

96,114,116,142,

145-6, 181, 185,

209-10, 212, 213,

246, 247, 283.

master lor, 200,

208, 209,

210.

late, 200.

writing, to erect at South end, 271.
North, 11, 12, 14, 24, 25, 26,
43,46, 56,59,75,78,95,96,
114, 116,142,146,181, 185,
212, 213, 247, 283, 285.
South, 11, 12, 26, 48, 75,
78, 96, 114, 118, 142, 181,
212, 271.

342

CITY DOCUMENT No. 88.

Schools, writing, In Queen street, 11, 12, 24,
26, 43, 46, 69, 75, 78, 94,
96, 114, 115, 142, 145-6,
181, 185, 212, 213, 246, 247,
283, 285.

on the Common, 24, 25, 42,
43, 69, 94, 116, 146, 185,
186, 207, 213, 247, 283, 284.
at North End, 284.
Latin, North, 282-3.
spinning, 275.

mistresses for, 275, 276.
Sconce, the. (See Battery, South.)
Scotland, 226.

Selectmen, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 13, 14, 15, 20, 25-6,
27, 28, 31, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48,
60, 67, Gl, 62, 64, 67, 68, 71, 72,
73,76, 77-8, 88, 89, 90, 91, S3,
95, 96, 09, 102-3, 104-5, 106, 108,
111,112, 113,114, 117,118, 122,
123, 124, 125, 127, 128, 129, 130,
135, 137, 138, 139, 141, 142, 144,
146-7, 148. 150, 152, 154. 157, 158,
164, 165, 167, 170, 175, 176, 177,
180-1, 182, 186, 189, 190, 195, 196,
200,205, 206,210, 211,214,217,
218, 219, 220, 2J2, 225, 232, 235,
236, 2i7, 238, "240, 244, 245, 246,
248, 230, 251, 252, 253, 260, 263,
265, 2 .8, 270, 271, 272, 273, 274,
277,278, 280, 284, 285, '289, 290,
293, 2S»7, 300, 302, 307, 313, 316,
320, 321.

choice of, 1, 4, 16, 31, 46-7, 52-3,
65, 79, 104-5, 1*0, 149, 162, 164,
197, 262, 266.
reports of, 6, 52, 112, 272.
petition to, 64.
as committee on lists of jurors,

71, 186, 214, 250, 289.
committee to receive subscrip-
tions and enroll names of
benefactors, 140.
minute books, 251.
Ships, Vessels, etc., 15, 100, 256, 259,287,289,

308, 30i», 316.

loss of, to the French, 15.
armed, 258, 314.
Yard, l'-8-9.
Man-of-War, 255, 256-7, 258-9, 308,

311, 314, 316.
privateers, 259.
merchantmen, 259.
cargoes, 287. (See also Imports.)
Shoes, 221, 223. ( See also Imports.)
Slavery, to abolish, 183, 200.

slaves, not to import, 183, 200.
Slaves. (See Slavery.)
Small Pox, 53, 102-3, 106, 110, 112, 113, 116-17,

118,122, 123, 138, 160.
hospital, innoculating, 123.

proposal to erect, 52,

102-3.
innoculating for, by physicians,

106.

persons not inhabitants of town to

he refused innoc-

ulation for, 109.

to reconsider, 112.

Snuff, 221, 223. (See also Imports.)

samples of, 224.
South burying place, 24, 27. ( See also Burial

places.)
Carolina, appointment of governor of,

31.
end, Watch-house at the, 62. (See alto

Watch.)
writing school, to erect at, 271.

(See also Schools.)
market, landnear, 17u. (See also Mar-
ket, — Land, etc.)
Spinning. (See Schools.)
wheels, 275, 276.
Stamp Act, 152, 156-6, 162, 169, 173, 175.

Stamp Act, repeal of, 176, 186, 191, 205, 257.
rejoicings over repeal of, 175-8,

307.

notice thereof, 175-6.
illuminations, 175-6, 205.
Starch, 221, 223. (See also Imports.)

Poland, 224.
State, Secretary of (Great Britain) 157, 178,

300.

Statutes. (See Laws.)

Streets, paving of, 8, 23, 28, 49, 57,58, 73,111,
115, 128, 170, 177, 206, 214, 242, 250,
289.

incutnbrance of, 55, 302.
cleansing of, 12, 41.
widening, 39, 48, 195, 214, 222.
repairing, 189, 206, 219.
widening and repairing, 20, 27, 128-9.
tax on, 71.
land taken into street, 209, 215.

(See also the following : — )
Bacon, Battery March, Bear lane,
Bennet, Bread, Cambridge, Cross,
Dock square, Fish, liog alley,
Kilby, King, Leveret, Long lane,
Market square, Milk, Moon court,
Orange, Prince, Purcha>e, Queen,
Rawson's lane, Union, Water.
Suffolk County, 4, 48, 61, 77, 89, 148, 149, 160,

163, 187, 199, 200.
sheriff of, 160-1, 187, 188, 193,

243, 307, 312, 323.
Deputy Collector of, 187, 188.
Suits, 277, 302.

vs. Edward Holliday, 8.

, Kneeland, 20.

tax collectors, 203, 219, 243, 293.
to obtain possession of house and

land near grist mills, 294-5.
choice of persons to prosecute, in

behalf of town, 128.
John Child, praying for reimburse.

ment on account of, 170, 174.
Sureties, bonds to be given as, 5, 8, 20, 21, 36,
61, 67, 74, 81, 85, 108, 124, 134, 158, 165, 196,
202, 203, 205, 206, 231, 238, 265, 268, 276,
277, 293.
Swine, regulating of, 71.

choice of hogreeves, 3,

19, 35, 51, 70, 76, 83,

109, 133, 167, 204, 235,

269.

by-law concerning. (See

Orders, town.)
Swing bridge, 30, 58, 62. (See also Bridge.)

Tanners. (See Leather.)
Taverns : —

Golden Ball, the, 137, 144.
Salutation Tavern, 214.
near the Town House, 307.
Taxes, 6, 7, 8, 9, 21, 25, 29, 38,42, 58, 63, 64,
71, 73-t, 86, 91, 92, 93, 98, 99, 101-2,
110, 111, 121, 122, 127, 136, 137, 144,
151, 155, 170, 200-2, 2U6, 207, 223, 227,
229-30, 240, 241, 242, 243, 254, 256-7,
262, 271-2, 287, 290-3, 295, 299, 301,
303, 304, 315.
bill relating to collection of, 98.

copies of, to distribute, 98.
collectors of, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 15, 21, 25,
29, 33, 36, 38, 39, 48,
49,51, 57,66, 67,68, 71,
72, 73, 80, 81, 85, 86, 91,
92, 98, 101, 102, 107,
111, 112, 118, 129, 134,
138, 142-3, 150, 151,
158,164-5, 182, 198,199,
200-3, 205-6, 214, 215,
216-17, 218, 219, 220,
236, 238, 239, 240, 241,
242, 243, 265, 267, 268,
271-2, 290-1, 292, 293,
295, 299, 301, 303.

INDEX TO SUBJECTS.

343

Taxes, collectors of, allowance, 4, 5, 7, 13,
15, 21, 36, 61, 67, 71,
81, 107-8, 111, 134,
164-5, 206, 2*58.
books, 5, 8, 21, 67, 81,
92, 107-8, 134, 158,
164-5, 206.

premiums, 51, 67, 68,
81,91,92,93,108,134,
143, 150, 165, 200-1,
202, 203, 205, 214,
216-17, 220, 236, 238,
268, 291.

abatement of, 3, 9, 13-14, 20-1, 22,
23-4, 33-4, 38, 39, 42, 52, 57, 71-2,
84, 86, 91, 92, 111, 118, 137, 138,
143, 170, 182, 200, 206, 218, 237,
240, 270-1, 290.

polls and estates, 7, 24, 29, 33-4, 42, 58,
73, 74, 85, 93, 101, 118, 145, 185, 214,
247, 262, 293.
on streets, 71.
Province, 74, 217, 292.
County, 291, 292.
non-payment of, 302-3.

to sue, 101-2.
excise, 120, 252,
on liquors, 252.
revenue acts, 258-9, 324.

for use of the Crown, 261-3.
on paper, 324.
on glass, 324.
on paint, 324.

Thread, gold and silver, 221. (See also Im-
ports.1
Tombs, 77.
Town dock. (See Dock, the.)

house, 46, 49, 54, 56, 60, 61, 63, 65, 69,

72, 307, ;J,20.
watch house by the, 62. (See

also Watch.)

papers posted on the, 315.
taverns near the, 307. (See

also Taverns.)
clock. (6'ee Clock, town.)
meetings, 1, 5, 9, 13, 15, 16, 22, 25, 28,
29,30, 31,37, 39,46,54,56,
58,60,61, 62,63, 65,69, 71,
72,77,79,81,85,87,88, 89,
90, 93, 94, 95, 96, 98, 99, 100,
102, 103, 104, 107, 108, 111,
113, 115, 123, 124, 125, 128,
129, 135, 137, 140-1, 146,
148, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153,
157, 158, 159, 160, 161, ]62,
168, 174, 175, 176, 177, 180,
186, 190, 194, 195, 197, 198,
200, 205, 207, 209, 210, 211,
217, 218,219,220,222, 225,
226, 230, 232, 238, 242, 244,
245, 246, 248, 251, 252, 253,
254, 257, 259, 260, 261, 264,
265, 267, 270, 271, 274, 277,
279, 284, 289, 293, 294, 295,
297, 299, 301, 302, 303, 313,
314, 319, 320, 325.
warning to attend, 9-10, 15,
16, 22, 29, 31, 39-40, 46, 56,
61, 63, 65, 72, 79, 96, 104,
113, 123, 124, 129, 140-1,
148, 152, 157, 158, 162, 175,
176, 186, 194, 195, 197, 210,
211, 219, 220, 230, 232, 244,
252, 259, 264, 265, 277, 295,
301.

inhabitants, petition for, 159.
notification of adjournment,
to issue, 289.
print, 146.

warning to depart the, 117.

officers, 1, 2, 3, 5-6, 8, 10, 11, 12, 16,

17-18, 33, 35, 36, 46-7, 49, 57, 59, 60,

61, 65, 66-7, 69, 71-2, 74, 79, 80-1, 82,

86. 88, 91, 92, 95, 96, 104, 105, 106-7,

Town officers —

108-9, 113, 124, 131-2, 140, 146, 152-5,
159, 162-3, 164, IT 2, 174, 176, 177,
182, 186, 187, 190, 195, 196, 197, 198-9,
200,201,202, 203, 215,216,217, 218,
220, 221, 224, 232-3, 234-5, 239, 240,
242, 243, 244, 247, 251, 253, 259, 264,
265, 266-7, 26n, 271, 274, 277, 281,
282, 284, 290, 291, 293,300, 302, 323.
grant of money to, 109-10, 113.
general illumination of the, 175-6.
armed troops quartered upon, 278, 286.
Trade, 32, 122, 156, 169, 227, 258, 259, 273,

274, 275, 287, 289.

interests, 97, 120, 121, 149, 153, 155,
169, 183, 187, 190, 221-2, 223-4,
227-30, 257-9, 324.
regulation of, 194, 248-9.
illicit, 287.
Trades, 8, 20, 41 , 44, 59, 70.

men, 61, 153, 154, 161, 170-1, 190,
196, 224-5, 275.

Treasurer, County, 199, 200, 201, 202, 216, 220.
choice of, 2, 66, 163, 267.
votes for, 4, 19, 198, 239,

267.

Province, 91, 92, 110, 138, 143,
l'J9-200, 201, 202, 216, 217, 220,
243, 300.

Troops, armed, 258, 259, 260, 296, 307-8, 313,
314, 317-18, 319, 320, 322,
323, 324, 325.

quartered on town, 278, 286.
barracks, to provide for, 286.
(See also Halifax.)

Union street, 23, 27.

Valuation. (See Taxes.)
Votes, sealed, 4, 19, 37, 48.

War, debt contracted during, 223, 228-9.
Wards or precincts, 236, 270.

collectors for, 92.

Warrants, 8,9, 10,13, 15, 16,20,22,23,27,28,
29, 31, 33, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 53, 56, 57, 59,
61, 63, 60, 67, 68, 72, 73, 74, 76, 79, 86, 87,
88, 89, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 102, 104, 106, 110,
113, 116, 117, 118, 119, 123, 124, 126,
127, 12S, 129, 136, 137, 138, 141, 142, 144,
145, 148, 149, 150, 152, 157, 158, 162, 170,
174, 175, 176, 179, 180, 186, 187, 189, 194,
195, 196, 197, 200, 206, 207, 208, 209, 210,
211, 214, 215, 217, 219, 220, 222, 224, 225,
230, 232, 238, 239, 240-1, 243, 244, 247, 248,
252, 253, 259, 264, 265, 272, 273, 277, 278,
279, 294, 295, 297, 301, 302.
Watch, 62.

men, 8, 10, 61, 62.

number of, to reduce, 91.
allowance, 10, 61, 62, 91.
journal to be kept by head, 62.
houses, 58, 62.
Water street, land belonging to Solomon

Kneeland in, 87, 94, 98.
slip of land on north side of,

to annex to, 97.
leading from, to pave, 177,

2^6,212.

Ways, streets, etc., surveyors of, 36. 50, 70, 84,
111, 135,
167, 204,
235, 270.
law as to
choice of,
13$, 142.

cleansing of, 12, 41.
repairing, 68, 79.
Cross street, to pave, 23.
Union street, passage to,

to open, 27.

Dock square, incum.
brance to remove, 54,
65.

344

CITY DOCUMENT No.

Ways, Streets, etc., within Fortification, 68,
79.

Prince street, to pave, 8.

fronting on Orange street,
20.

Ann street, to widen, 20,
27, 39.

Neck, paving of, 20.

Water street, leading
from, to pave, 177, 206,
242. .

Water street, land on
north side of, to annex
to, 97.

Fish street, paving of, 111,

passageway (Hog alley),
leading from main street
to the Common, nui-
sance in, to abate, 97,
99.

Moon court, to pave, 115.

Cambridge street, part of,
to pave, 115.

on Beacon Hill, to pre-
serve, 119.

leading to Roxbury, 216.

Bread street, line of, to
alter, 128.

Milk street, line of, to run,
128-9.

Bear lane, to pave, 170.

from Milk street toBattery
March.to pave,
214.

to Water, to
pave, 177,242,
250.

highway near mills, 280.

Long lane, to pave, 73,
137, 289.

streets near Market
square, incumbrance to
prevent, 302.

Weights and Measures, illegal, to suppress,

210.

Wells, digging of, 58.
West Boston, 103.

West India Islands, 41. (See also Islands.)
Wharves, 89, 90, 99, 100, 101, 208, 258, 308,

309, 316.

Long, 89, 90, 98, 101.
at Lower end of King street, 89 .
Scarlet's, 99.
Leveret's, 100.
Alford's, 100.
town slip, 129.
Battery, 151.
Hancock's, 256, 309.
Wheat. (See Breadstuffs.)

surveyors of, choice of, 88, 136, 168,

204, 236, 270.
Wood, 6, 243.

purchase of, 241, 250.
for building purposes, 281. -.

surveyors of,
2-3, 18, 34,
60, 108.
cord, 24, 26.
sealers of, 77.
measurement of, 24, 26, 77.

allowance, 77.

surveyors of boards, etc., 50, 69, 82,
132, 166, 174, 203, 234-5, 242, 268-9,
289.

cullers of staves, 3-4, 19, 35-6, 50, 70,
83, 88, 95, 109, 132-3, 166-7, 204,
208, 235, 269.
Wool, purchase of, for spinning-schools, 275,

276, 277.
"Workhouse, 6, 25, 38, 87, 227, 275, 323. (See

altto Almshouse.)
burial place adjoining, 24. (See

also Burial Places.)
paupers of, to spin yarn, efc.227.
master of the, 291.
Writs, 160-1.