BOSTON
PUBLIC
IBR&RY
A VOLUME
EECOKDS
KELATINO TO THE
CONTAINING
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1784 TO 1796
BOSTON
MUNICIPAL PRINTING OFFICE
19,03
-;R
[DOCUMENT 101 — 1903.]
REGISTRY DEPARTMENT
OF THE
CITY OF BOSTON
EECOEDS RELATING TO THE EAELY HISTORY
OF BOSTON
(Formerly called Record Commissioners'' Reports)
This volume, which is the thirty-first in the series formerly
issued under the direction of the Eecord Commissioners, contains
the proceedings of the town from 1784 to 1796, completing the
eighth book of the original records of the town of Boston.
EDWARD W. McGLENEN,
City Registrar.
OLD COUKT HOUSE, BOSTON.
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS.
[SEVENTH BOOK, CONTINUED.]
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabi-
tants of the Town of Boston duly qualified and legaly warned in
publick Town Meeting Assembled at Fanieul Hall the 23 Feb-
ruary" Anno Domini 1784. 10. OClock Forenoon —
Warrant for calling the Meeting read
It was moved and Voted, that a Moderator for the Meeting be
chosen by a Hand Vote.
Stephen Higginson Esqr :
was chosen Moderator of this Meeting and took his Seat accord-
ingly —
The Petition of a Number of the Inhabitants to the Gentelmen
the Selectmen Sitting forth — "That whereas it is expected by
some People that the Town of Boston be Illuminated on the
occasion of the Ratification of the [296] Definitive treaty of
Peace ; and as in their Opinion such a Measure was not only
Expensive, but would be dangerous to the Town at this Season
of the year — they therefore requested that a Meeting of the
Inhabitants might be called in order that the Minds of the Town
may be taken on the Subject" — was read — whereupon it was
moved —
That the Question be put whether it be the sense of the In-
habitants that there should be a general Illumination of the
Town on occasion of the Definitive Treaty of Peace, and the Ques-
tion being accordingly put — Passed in the Negative by a very
great majority of the Inhabitants
But it being the sense of the Town that it was proper that the
pubh'ck Buildings should be Illuminated, it was moved and
Voted, that the Gentelmen the Selectmen be and hereby are
Authorished & requested to take order of the Illumination of
Fanuiel Hall on the Occasion
2 CITY DOCUMENT.
It was then Moved and Voted that the Thanks of the Town
be given to [297] Stephen Higginson Esqr. for his Services as
Moderator of the Meeting —
Then the Meeting was
Dissolved —
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston, duly qualified and legally warned in publick
Town Meeting Assembled at Faneiul Hall on Monday the 8th
Day of March Anno Domini 1784
Prayer was made by the Revd : Mr : Wight
Warrant for calling the Meeting read
Sundry Laws enjoined to be read at this Meeting were acftord-
ingly read
The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their
Votes, for a Moderator of this Meeting, and the same being
brought in and sorted it appeared that
John Brown Esqr :
was chosen Moderator —
William Cooper Esqr :
was chosen Town Clerk for the Year ensuing and took the Oath
of Office for the faithful discharge of his duty, which Oath was
Administred to him by
[298.] The Town having determined by a Voted to choose
Seven Selectmen, the Inhabitants were then directed to with-
draw and bring in their Votes for that number, and the same
being brought in and sorted it appeared that the following Gen-
telmen - - Viz1 : —
John Scollay Esqr. 248
Thomas Greenought - 184
Nathan Frazier Esqr. - - - - - - - 166
Ezekiel Price Esqr. 280
Cap*. William Mackay 250
Samuel Austin Esqr: excus'd - - - - 164
John Lucas Esqr. --162
were chosen Selectmen for the ensuing Year
Adjourned to 3. O'Clock in the Afternoon —
3. O'Clock, afternoon met according to adjournment
The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their
Votes for twelve Overseers of the Poor, and the Votes having
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1784. 3
been brought in and sorted it Appeared that only ten were chosen-
Viz1:
The Honble : William Phillips Esqr.
Isaac Smith Esqr.
Mr. Jonathan Mason
Cap1 : Samuel Partridge
Mr. Samuel Whitwell
John White Esqr.
Edward Procter
[299.] William Powell Esqr.
John Sweetser Esqr.
Joseph Webb Esqr.
The Inhabitants were then directed to withdraw and bring in
their Votes for two Overseers of the Poor, and the same being
brought in and sorted, it appeared that
Timothy Newell Esqr. — (excused)
Edward Payne Esqr. — (excused)
Edward Payne Esqr. chosen an Overser having desired to be
excused by the Town from serving in that Office he was accord-
ingly excused —
This being the time for the consideration of the choice of
Wardens — It was moved that the choice of Wardens be referred
to the General Town Meeting in March next — And the Ques-
tion being accordingly put — Passed in the Negative —
The Article in the Warrant. Viz* :
To consider and determin with respect to a Letter from the
Chairman of the Committee of the Town of Wrentham and Med-
way relative to a County Meeting at Dedham the third Wednes-
day in March Inst — was read whereupon
Voted, that a Committee be appointed to draught a Letter to
said Committee, and to Report at the Adjournment —
[3OO.] Voted, that Joseph Barrel Esqr.
William Tuder Esqr.
Cap'. Sarson Belcher
be a Committee for the purpose aforesaid
The Town brought in their Votes for Sixteen Fire Wards, and
the same having been sorted it Appeared, that
John Scollay Esqr. — excused
William Cooper Esqr.
Francis Shaw Esq1". — excused
Edward Procter Esqr.
Caleb Davis Esqr.
4 CITY DOCUMENT.
Mr. Thomas Tileston
Cap1. Gustavus Fellows
Joseph Webb Esqr.
Mr. John Lowell — excused
Thomas Melville Esqr. excused
Jabez Hatch Esqr.
Cap'. Isaac Phillips
Josiah Waters jur. Esqr.
Mr. Jacob Rhodes
Cap1. Ebenezer Parsons
John Coffin Jones Esqr. excused
were chosen Fire Wards for the ensuing Year
The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their
Votes, for a Clerk of Faneuiel Hall Market, and upon sorting
them it appeared, .that
Cap* : John Ballard
was chosen Clerk of Faneuiel Hall Market for the Year ensuing —
[3O1.] This being the time that the consideration of the
choice of a Committee of Correspondence should come on — It
was moved that the Question be put — Whether it be the sense
of the Town to choose a Committee of Correspondence Inspec-
tion and Safety the present Year — and the Question being
accordingly put — Passed in the Negative —
Moved and Voted, that 11. O'Clock tomorrow be the time
Assigned for the choice of a County Treasurer
Voted, that all matters relative to Grant of Money &c come on
immediately after the choice of a County Treasurer
Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to Tuesday Next. 10.
OClock Before Noon —
Tuesday March 9th. 10. OClock Forerloon, met according to
Adjournment —
The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw & bring in there
Votes for twelve Constables, & the same being brought in &
sorted it Appeared that nine only — Viz*.
Messra : William Patten sworn
Samuel Smith -------- sworn
Samuel Whitney -- sworn
Barthw : Broaders ------- sworn
Rufus Bent sworn
Isaac Wendell sworn
John Butterfield -------- sworn
George Harnlin sworn
John Jenkins --------- sworn.
were chose Constables for the Year ensuing
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1784. 5
[3O2.] Francis Shaw Esqr. having desired to be excused from
serving as a Fire Ward, he was accordingly excused, and on a
Motion
Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given
unto Francis ShawEsqr. for his long & faithful Sen-ices as a Fire
Ward —
Samuel Austin Esqr. was excused by the Town from serving
as a Selectman,
The Inhabitants- having brought in their Votes for one Select-
man in the room of Mr : Austin ; upon sorting the same it ap-
peared that
David Jeffries Esqr.
was chosen a Selectman for the Year ensuing unanimously
The Inhabitants withdrew and brought in their Votes for a
Town Treasurer and upon sorting them it appeared that
Mr. Peter Boyer
was chosen Town Treasurer for the Year ensuing unanimously
The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in there
Votes for a County Treasurer, which were received & Sealed up
in Meeting, and then delivered to Constable Smith, to be by
him returned to the Court of General Sessions of the Peace at
there next Meeting —
The Report of the Committee on the late Town Treasurers
Accounts, was read — [3O3] whereupon it was moved & Voted,
that the same be recommitted, and that
Joseph Barrell Esqr.
Stephen Higginson Esqr.
Mr. William Horskins
be Added to the Committee, who are desired to Report at the
Adjournment
Deacon Newell chosen an Overseer was excused by the Town
from serving in that Office
»
John Coffin Jones Esqr. excused by the Town from serving as a
Fire Ward the Year ensuing
On a Motion Voted, that the consideration of Money Matters,
be referred to four O'Clock Afternoon —
The Inhabitants withdrew, and brought in their Votes for two
Overseers of the Poor, and upon sorting them it appeared that —
6 CITY DOCUMENT.
Mr : Henry Prentice
Mr : Jonathan L. Austin
were chosen Overseers of the Poor for the year ensuing unani-
mously —
Adjourned to 3. OClock Afternoon
3 O'Clock Afternoon met according to Adjournment
The Inhabitants withdrew and brought ia their Votes for two
Fire Wards and upon sorting them it appeared that
Cap1 : Mungo Mack-ay
Mr. Joseph Russel Jur.
were chosen Fire Wards for the year ensuing
[3O4.] Voted, that the Gentelmen the Selectmen be requested
to lay a State of the New Emission State Tax before the Town
as soon as may be
Voted, that Mr. Peter Boyer be allowed and paid the Sum of
One hundred and fifty Pounds for his services as Treasurer the
present Year, the same to be paid him Quarterly as it shall be-
come due, and to commence the first of March Inst —
Voted, that William Cooper Esqr. be allowed and paid the sum
of One hundred & fifty pounds for all his services in that Office
the Year ensuing as Town Clerk, the same to be paid him
Quarterly as it shall become due, and to commence from the first
of March Inst :
On a Motion Voted, that the further consideration of Salaries
be referred to the Adjournment of this Meeting —
Voted, that, the Committee appointed to consider and Report
on the State of the Schools, be desired to Report at the last
Adjournment of this Meeting —
Adjourned to Wednesday next 10. O'Clock Forenoon —
Wednesday March 10th. 10 O'Clock Forenoon — met accord-
ing to Adjournment
On a Motion Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be and
hereby are given unto [3O5] Harbottle Dorr F)sqr. for his good
and faithful Services as a Selectman for Seven Years past also —
Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given
unto Tuttle Hubbart Esqr for his good & faithful Services as a
Selectman for some Years past
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1784. 7
The following Persons were chosen Clerks of the Market for
the ensuing year — Viz1. —
Mess™. Arnold Wells Junr :
Daniel Austin
Thomas Amory Junr :
Gilbert Deblois
Joseph Woodward
Thomas Rogers
Martin Sohier
Nathaniel Gardner
Samuel Gillman
James Minot
Daniel Greenleaff
Simon Eliot Jur. (all sworn)
On a Motion Voted, that Collectors of Taxes be chosen sepe-
rate from Constables
Mess™ : William McNeil
Edward How
were chosen Surveyors of Hemp for the Year ensuing
Mess1"8 : George Hamlin — sworn
Samuel Curtis — sworn
were chosen Haywards for the year ensuing
[3O6.] Mess™ : William Sharp
Jacob Edes
Josiah Simpson
John Skinner
were chosen Hogreeves for the ensuing Year
Mess18 : John Neat
Jonathan Stoddard
Daniel Brown
William dough
Samuel Todd
were chosen Fence Viewers for the year ensuing
Mess18. Nathan Green
Samuel Bangs
Joseph Hayden
Stephen Gore
were chose Sealers of Leathers for the Year ensuing
Mr. William Dawes Junr :
was chosen an Informer of Deer for the Year ensuing
8 CITY DOCUMENT.
Ward
Mess™ : John Brown N°. 1
Jedediah Parker 2
Abiel Ruddock ...3
Peter Sigorney -4
James Gary Junr 5
Foster Condy 6
Isaac Pierce 7
Zachariah Hicks 8
Shubael Hews - 9
Joseph Shed 10
[3O7.] George Langley 11
Joseph Sprague ---12
were chosen Scaviugers for the year ensuing
Messrs : Thomas Green
John Skinner
were chosen Assay Masters for the year ensuing
Voted, that the Town will not come to the choice of purchasers
of Grain —
The Selectmen
were chosen Surveyors of the High Ways for the Year ensuing
John Lucas Esqr.
Mr. Edward Tuckerman
Mr. John Jenkins
John White Esqr.
Mr. Edward Edes
were chose Surveyors of Wheat & Flour for the Year ensuing
The Town having by a Vote determined to choose seven As-
sessors— The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring
in their Votes accordingly, and the same being brought in &
sorted, it appeared that
Mess18 : William Lowder
Gyles Harris Esqr :
Moses May
John Pulling
Barthw : Kneeland — (excused)
Samuel Ruggles Esqr.
Cap*. William Fleet
were chosen Assessors for the Year ensuing
[3O8.] Adjourned to 3. OClock Afternoon then to meet
3 OClock Afternoon — Met according to Adjournment
Mr. Bartholomew Kneeland, having been excused from serving
as an Assessor the Inhabitants brought in there Votes for one in
his room — and upon sorting them it appeared that
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1784. 9
Mr. John R. Sigorney
was chosen Assessor, unanimously.
The Article in the Warrant Vizt. — " Whether the Town will
reconsider their late Vote for the Treasurer not issuing his War-
rant against Delinquent Collectors." was read, whereupon Voted,
That the Town Treasurer be and he hereby is directed to issue
his Warrant against Delinquent Collectors untill the further
Orders of the Town the Vote of the 26 of December notwith-
standing
The Town having determined to come to the choice of four
Collectors of Taxes — The Inhabitants withdrew and brought in
their Votes accordingly, when it appeared that the following
Persons — Viz1.
Mess™ : James Thompson ------ sworn
Thomas Bayley sworn
Daniel Parker sworn
Charles Williams ------ sworn
were chose Collectors of Taxes for the Year, ensuing
[3O9.] That Article in the Warrant Viz1: "To consider
what further Measures are necessary to regulate the Market " —
was read — whereupon —
Moved and Voted, that the Committee for carrying the Votes
of the Town into execution with respect to Dock Square and
the Market, be a Committee to consider what further measures
are necessary to regulate the Market, and Report at the Adjourn-
ment—
Moved and Voted, that twelve Persons be chosen as Surveyors
of Boards for the present Year —
On a Motion Voted, that the. choice of Cullers of Staves &
Hoops, and Surveyers of Boards, and Shingles, be referred to
the Adjournment of this Meeting — and that those Officers be
chosen by Ballot
Voted, that Edward Payne Esqr :
Herman Brimer Esqr :
Edward Green Esqr :
Charles Miller Esqr :
Samuel Ruggles Esqr :
be, and hereby are appointed a Committee to Audit the Ac-
compts of Mr. Peter Boyer Treasurer, and also the Accompts of
the Overseers of the Poor ; and the said Committee are impowered
when they shall Audit said Accompts, to allow such of the Over-
seers as shall have Advanced Monies [31O.] for the Relief of
the Poor, Interest on all such Sums from the Time so advanced,
10 CITY DOCUMENT.
untill they have Audited said Accompts ; and they are also
desired to Report from time to time a State of the Treasury
respecting its Debts and Credits, and on any Matters that they
may think proper —
And the Committee are also directed to examine the Draughts
of the Selectmen
Adjourned to Thursday the 18th. Day of March Inst : 10.
O'Clock in the Forenoon
Thursday the 18th Day of March 10 OClock Forenoon — met
according to Adjournment
The Committee for carrying the Votes of the Town into effect
with respect to Dock Square and the Market — Report the fol-
lowing regulations —
1st. — That the North East Corner of the Market house be
appropriated as an Office for the Clerk of the Market —
2d. That all the Stands be numbered on the Rale
3d. That the Clerk have Tickets numbered for each Stand,
agreeable to the number on the Rale, the Market Men to call,
upon him at his Office and take their proper stands by Lot —
4th. That the Clerk keep a Book of the Names of the Market
Men, and the number of their stands also that he keep a fair
Account of all the Monies he may receive from them from time
to time
[311.] 5th. — That those who do not Apply for a Stand in a
fortnight After notice is given by the Clerk, but stop in the
Streets contrary to Law shall be prosecuted
6th That the Market Men pay Weekly for their Stands, in
Ranges N°. 1. 2. 3. 4. & 5. at the rate of 3/ for their Stands, in
Ranges N°. 8 — at 2/N°. 6 & 7 for Panyards at 2/ ^ day-
The Range on the North Side the Market House for Lemmon
Sellers &c not exceeding 3/ ^ Week at the discretion of the
Clerk
7th. That the Clerk follow the directions of the Selectmen
from time to time ; that he have a reasonable Allowance for his
Services — And that the Selectmen afford him such Assistance
as he may have occasion for —
8th. That the Horses & Cattle be taken from ,the Carts and
fastned to the Rails on the South side the Market House
Henry Prentice ^ Order
9th. That the Clerk of Faneuil Hall be directed to settle his
Accounts of Monies received, with the Town Treasurer once in
three Months, and to pay him any ballance then in his hands —
The foregoing Report, having been considered the Question
was put — Whether the same shall be accepted — Passed in the
Affirmative
The Inhabitants having withdrawn and as directed by the
BOSTOX TOWN RECORDS, 1784. 11
Moderator brought in their Votes for three Constables, and the
same being sorted it appeared, that
Messrs : Isaac Tuckerman sworn
Nathaniel Henchman sworn
John Turner Hierly sworn
were chosen Constables for the Year ensuing
[312.] Col°: Proctor chosen into the Office of Fire Ward,
having desired that he may be excused from serving in that
Office, the Question was accordingly put — which passed in the
Negative
Moved, and Voted, that the consideration of all Money Matters
be referred over to the Adjournment — and that notice be given
thereof in the Publick Prints
Moved and Voted, that when this Meeting shall be Adjourned,
it shall be to the 5th. Day of April next, being Monday 3. OClock
Afternoon —
Mr. John Lowel chosen a Fire Ward having desired to be
excused from serving in that Office, he was accordingly excused —
Major Melvillee chosen a Fire Ward having desired to be ex-
cused from serving in that Office he was accordingly excused —
John Scollay, having desired to be excused from serving as a
Fire Ward, he was accordingly excused —
Col°. Proctor chosen one of the Fire Wards, for the present
year, came into Meeting and informed the Town that he should
not serve in that Office —
The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their
Votes for twelve Surveyors of Boards, and Shingles, and upon
sorting them it appeared, that
[313.] Messrs : John Champney
Joseph Butler
Henry Blaisdel
Benjamin Page
Abraham Howard
Joseph Ballard
James Rogers
Edmund Ranger
Clement Collins
Joseph Eyres
Samuel Fenno
Samuel Dyer
were chosen Surveyors of Boards for the Year ensuing —
12 CITY DOCUMENT.
Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given
unto John Scollay Esqr : for his good and faithful Services as a
Fire Ward for thirty five years Past —
Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given
unto Col°. Proctor for his good and faithful Services as a Fire
Ward for twelve Years Past
Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given
to Thomas Melvillee for his good and faithful Services as a Fire
ward for several years Past —
Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given
to Mr. John Lowel for his good and faithful Services as a Fire-
Ward for a Number of Years past
[314.] Voted, that the Thanks of the.Town be and hereby
are given unto Mr. Nicholas Bowes for his good services as an
Overseer of the Poor for a Number of Years Past
Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given
unto Samuel Barret Esqr : for his good and faithful Sen-ices as
an Overseer of the Poor, a Number of years Past
Adjourned to Monday the 5lh. Day of April next, 3. OClock in
the Afternoon —
At a Meeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston duly qualifyed and legally warned in Publick
Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Monday the 15
Day of March A. D. 1784
Warrant for calling Meeting — read
Voted — to choose a Moderator by a Hand Vote —
William Tudor Esqr. was chosen Moderator —
The Article in the Warrant Viz*. "To receive the Report of
the Committee [315.] Appointed to draught a Letter in Answer
to a Letter from the Chairman of the Committee of the Towns of
Wren th am & Medway relative to a County Meeting at Dedham
the third Wednesday in March Instant " — was read —
The Committee to draught a Letter to the Committees of the
Towns of Wrentham & Medway Reported their draught & the
same having been considered & Amniended was Accepted by the
Town — And is as follows to Viz*.
To Mr : Joshua Partridge Chairman of the Committee of the
Towns of Wrentham & Medway, and Acting by Advice of the
Selectmen of the Towns of Franklin & Bellingham
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1784. 13
Sir
The Selectmen of the Town of Boston have Received a
Letter sign'd by you as Chairman of a Committee choes by the
Towns of Wrentham and Medway (with the Advice of the Select-
men of Franklin & Belh'ngham) to write Letters in order to
procure a Meeting of the County of Suffolk, — to take into con-
sideration the Commutation to the Officers. And the Act of this
State granting an impost to Congress — This Letter Sir was laid
before a very full Meeting of this Town, legally Assembled and
After a fair Debate it was unanimously Determined, to express
the sorrow of the Town that, at a time when we have a constitu-
tion of our own chusing, and which has been approved of by the
World, there should yet remain any uneasy Persons in the com-
munity who could form the fruitless design of disturbing [316.]
the trauquility of the State by proposing the unnecessary measure
of Meeting by Counties — There was a time when we were gov-
erned by foreign Power, and a redress of grievances could be
had in no Other way ; but thank .Heaven, that time is gone, &
gone forever, unless the baneful influence of a few restless Spirits
should induce the People at Large by County Meetings and
irregular Assemblyes to raise such commotions, as might eventu-
ally Overturn the Constitution and again leave us a prey to
foreign Power, or what is worse intestine convulsions — If Con-
gress sometime err, we should remember, that being annually
elected we have it in our Power, by a better choise to prevent
the evil in future ; — the same is the case of the General Court,
they have existance but for a year ; — and there can be no doubt
the community at large would be very greatly benefitted if the
Towns in particular would exert themselves to put their most
suitable Characters into these important stations. — With respect
to the subject of your Letter Commutation, and the Act of the
State on the Impost, we must take the Liberty to express our
entire disapprobation of your intended endeavours, as they seem
clearly to us, to be not only vain but very unjust. Why should
we wish to keep from the Officers of our Army the hard earned
rewai-d they may receive from the Commutation ? It was prom-
ised most solemny by Congress in the hour of Danger. It was
then Approved of by the People, and ought on very equitable prin-
cipal to be made good in this Day of Peace, a Peace Obtained by
the perilous exertions [317.] of these very men (in conjunc-
tion with our Magnanimous, Allies) who are to receive the pit-
tance, and a pittance it is, when we consider the Money they
realise from this mighty boon, will not make good the arrearages
of their pay ; and altho your Towns, and the Towns of the Select-
men whose Advise you follow, may be Adverse to the Commuta-
tion, yet we presume they will not deny the Justice of pay for the
time they were in actual Service : If they will raise immediately
as much Money as will pay their proportion of Only two thirds of
the arrearages due to the Officers — with this Money they may
purchase the Amount of the whole, and the commutation into the
Bargain. This we think the only way for those who say they
14 CITY DOCUMENT.
are agrieved to settle the matter. — For if the States were able
to prevent paying it (and could be once so lost to a Sence of
Justice and honor as to desire it) the Commutation is so wisely
blended with the National Debt, that all the County Conventitions
upon the face of the Earth could not make the distinctions. If
therefore there are any who have the Ability, but want the honesty
to contribute their proportion they must set down contended, for
in our Opinion it is out of their power to prevent it. — With
respect to the Impost, we are of Opinion that if we ever mean to
be a Nation we must give power to Congress and funds too ; for
without them we can never pay our Debts ; and without a just
payment of our debts, in what other light can [318.] we be
possibly viewed by the World in general and every honest Man in
particular, than that of Bankruptcy or Knavery? The former
is by no means the Case, for we are Rich in recorses, and want
only the Will to bring them out — and we trust the Latter will
never be justly charged to the United States — We therefore
desire, as far as this Town has a voice in the County, that the
proposed Convention may never meet : but if they should, we
hope they will so far 'Consider the justice and propriety of sub-
mitting to those Acts which they now complain of as a grievance
as chearfully to Acquiesce in them ; and that they will then sepe-
rate, without taking any steps, that may eventually tend to bring,
this Country into contempt ; for if they should, we shall be con-
straind, as in duty bound, solemny to protest against them —
Voted, that the foregoing Letter be signed by the Town Clerk
in behalf of the Town and transmitted as soon as may be
Voted, that the Letter from the Committee of Medway to-
gether with the foregoing be published as soon as may be
then the Meeting was
Dissolved
[319.] At a Meeting of the Male Inhabitants of the Town
of Boston of twenty one years of Age and upwards qualified as
the Constitution presci'ibes, and legally warned in publick Town
Meeting Assembled at Faneuiel Hall on Monday the 5th. Day of
April Anno Domini. 1784
Prayer was made by the Revd : Mr : Clark —
Warrant for calling the Meeting read —
Paragraph of the Constitution or form of Goverment relative
to the choice of Governour Leiu* : Governour and Six Senators
for the County of Suffolk were also read —
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1784. 15
On a Motion
Voted, that the Town will now come to ye : choise of
a Governour & Lieu*. Governour and Six Senators for the County
of Suffolk —
It was then declared by the Selectmen that no Votes would be
received but such as are unfolded and that they propose the Poll
shall be closed at One. OClock — .
It was then moved and Voted, that the Bells in the Town be
set a ringing at half past Twelve OClock —
Persons Voted, for as Governour with the Number of Votes,
for each Person — Viz*.
Votes
[32O.] His Excellency John Hancock Esqr. .... 560
Honble : James Bowdoin Esqr. 10
Persons Voted for as Lieutenant Governor, with the Number
of Votes for each Person — Viz*. —
Votes
His Honor Thomas Gushing Esqr. ---- 565
Honble. James Warren Esqr. -- 3
Honble : Benjamin Lincoln Esqr. --------- 1
Honble : Elbridge Gerry Esqr. 1
Honble : Francis Dana Esqr. .- 1
Persons Voted, for as Senators, for the County of Suffolk
with the Number of Votes for each Person — Viz*. —
Votes
Honble. Samuel Adams Esqr. 525
Honble. Jeremiah Powell Esqr. 558
John Brown Esqr. 245
Honble. John Lowell Esqr. 253
Honble. William Heath Esqr. 488
Honble. Cotton Tufts Esqr. 555
Honble. Jabez Fisher Esqr. 559
Honble. Samuell Nyles Esqr. 28
Honble. Samuel Dexter Esqr. 4
Honble. John Pitts Esqr. - - 10
Richard Cranch Esqr. - - - - - 2
Honble. Caleb Davis Esqr. ------- 2
John Howe Esqr. 4
Thomas Daws Esqr. - - 1
Honble. James Sullivan Esqr. 7
Honble. "William Phillips Esqr. 22
Mr : Benjamin Edes 1
Thomas Russell Esqr. - - 9
Honble. Stephen Higgenson Esqr. - ... 18
16 CITY DOCUMENT.
[321.] Honble. Benjamin Lincoln Esqr. 5
Isaac Smith Esqr. 5
Honble. Benjamin Austin Esqr. 11
Benjamin Hitchborne Esqr - 1
Arnold Wells Esqr. -..-.. i
Attested Copies of the Persons Voted for as Governor, Lieu-
tenant Governour & Senators for the County of Suffolk, were
committed to the Secretary of this Commonwealth, and the Sne
Pasures sealed up in Town Meeting Superscribed as follows
Viz1.
For
John A very Junr : Esqr.
Secretary of the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts
The Number of Votes for the Town of Boston for a Governour
Lieutenant Governour and Six Senators for the County of Suf-
folk Certifyed within and Seald up in Town Meeting —
Then the Meeting was
dissolved
At an Adjournment of the March Meeting April the 5th. — 3
OClock Afternoon
The Comittee appointed to consider of a future Arangment
of the free Schools In this Town beg leave to Report —
That they cannot on this Occasion, avoid expressing a Vener-
ation of our Ancistors for their Wisdom, Piety and early Care in
providing for the Instruction of Children, not only in Reading,
Writing and Arithmetick which [322.] are Necessary to qualify
them for common and ordanary Employments, but also in estab-
lishing Grammer Schools in which such of them as may be
inclined may have the oppertunity of being initiated into a fur-
ther Degree of Education, whereby they may be rendered more
eminintly useful to the Community as they successively enter
upon the Stage of Life. Our free Schools seem to have been
interested for the Benefit of the Poor and the Rich ; that the
Children of all, partaking of equal Advantages and being placed
upon an equal Footing, no Distinction might be made among
them in the Schools on Account of the different Circumstances
of their Parents, but that the Capacity & natural Genious of
each might be cultivated & improved for the future Benefit of
the whole Community. The Institution appears so exceedingly
important to this great End, that it must give Pain to every one
who duly regards the future Wellfare of the Community, when
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1784. 17
any of the Children are found even in School Hours, playing in
the Streets, or still worse gathering into Clusters and inuring
their impressive Minds to the abominable Vice of gaming by prac-
ticing in the lowest Arts of it — Whether such Instances are
owing to the too fond Indulgence of Parents — or too lax a
Government in Schools, or to any other Cause the Disgrace which
it may [323.] bring on the Town in the Opinion of Observing
sensible Foreigners will be among the least of its evil Effects,
Much depends upon the Characters & moral Conduct as well as
the Abilities of those who are the Instructors of Children &
youth ; and therefore it is much to be wished, that it may be
especially recommended to the Selectmen to take Care that no
Person may be Allowed to Open a Private School without their
Approbation agreeable to a good and Salutary Law of the Com-
monwealth. —
Moreover the Practice of the School-Masters in instructing the
saine Children who are intitled to the Beniflt of the publick
Schools, at other Hours than those devoted to the Town hath a
Tendency to draw their Attention from the Publick to the private
Schools, to excite on odious Distinction between those whose
Parents can. Afford the Expence of their Attending the private
Schools & those who cannot. • — And it greatly increases the Gen-
eral Expence of Education. — It is therefore the Opinion of the
Committee that the Schoolmasters employed by the Town ought
not to teach such of the Male Children of the Inhabitants as are
under the Age of fourteen years, in the same branches of Learn-
ing at their private and the publick Schools —
If the foregoing Opinions of the Committee respecting the
Practice of the Schoolmasters shall meet the Approbation of the
[324.] Town, they will in that case be abridged of certain Per-
quisetes which they have heretofore received, with, at least the
tacit Consent of the Town ; and therefore the Committee beg
leave to recommend to the Consideration of the Town Whether
such Adition should not be made to their Salaries as to enable
them to support their own Children & Families and in the Exer-
cise of that Cardinal Virtue, Prudence to lay up for them such a
Moderate Overplus, as every industrious & provident Inhabitant
wishes to do for his own Family at the Period of Needfulness or
Life — But if the Town should think it proper that the practice
should continue with Respect to the Instruction of any of the
Children at what are called private Hours, the Committee recomend
that the terms of Instruction at such Hours be regulated by the
Selectmen or a standing Committee for regulating the Schools —
The case of the Female Children of the Town, in the Opinion
of the Committee requires particular Consideration, Whether
some Provision should not be made for them, as is necessary to
render them more useful Members of the Community ; especially
those whose Parents are unable to Afford them such Instruction. —
The Committee were at Pains to ascertain how many Children
do & how many do not, enjoy the Benifit of any Schools either
18 CITY DOCUMENT
Publick or Private, Apprehending the [325.] Number to be very
large also the Names of the Persons who are private instructors
in the Town but having failed of Obtaining this Information
which however the Committee consider as very necessary to be
Obtain 'd by the Town they have not been Able to form a Plan,
as they intended on this Ground. But they venture to recomend
for the present, that the Overseers of the Poor be Authorized, to
give Certificates to such Parents or Guardians as may Apply, or
who, they may be convinsed, are not able to bear the expence
of haveing their Children instructed in the early Stage of School
Instruction (and the Female Children of a Suitable Age in com-
mon Nedle work) for which no provision is already made, &
that they allow such Schoolmasters & Schoolmistresses as they
shall direct, the usual Sum given ^er Week for the Instruction
of each of such Children.
The foregoing Report having been read and considered, the
Town came into the following Votes. Viz* : —
Voted, that the practise of the Schoolmasters in receiving
Entrance & Fire Money (so called) be abolished as inconsistant
with that Freedom of Education which was originally intended in
the Institution of the Publick Schools and introductory of such
Distinction as injure the Minds of the Scollars & tending to
deprive many Poor Children of the Benefit of the sd. Schools
[326.] Voted, that the Publick Schools be provided with
Fire wood at the Discretion of the Selectmen to be paid for by
their Draft on the Town Treasury
Voted, that the Selectmen be directed not to employ or Con-
tinue any Person as a Publick Schoolmaster or Usher who shall
not agree to have the Terms of Instruction of the Children of the
Town at Private hours regulated by the Selectmen
Voted, that the Selectmen be directed not to approve of or
continue any Person as a Private Schoolmaster within the Town
unless such Master shall agree to be governed by such regula-
tions as to the Prise of his Instruction as the Selectmen from
time to time shall see fit to make
Voted, that a Committee be appointed to furnish the Selectmen
as soon as may be with an Account of all the Children in the
several Wards between the Ages of four & fourteen years, dis-
tinguishing the Males from the Females and knowing how many
of each are under the Age of Seven years, and also how many
are instructed at pubh'ck & how many at Private School & how
many at Both
Voted, that John R. Sigorney 1 Ward
Cap*. William Brown } No. 1
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1784. 19
Alexr. Hill
Major Parkman
Deacon Tudor
Benjamin Burk
[327.] Alexr. Hill
Deacon Tudor )
Deacon Sharp j
Col°. Syms j
Thomas Hitchborn ")
Sam1. Austin )
Joseph Hall ")
Cap'. Wm. BeU J
Deacon Newell
Capt*. Job Prince
Deacon Sirnpkins {
John Codman j
Bartholomew Kneeland )
John Proctor }
Thomas Tileston )
Cap* : Sam1 : Payne j
Col°. Waters j
Samuel Ruggles j
Cap* : Amasa Davis
Samuel May
be a Committee for the purpose Aforesaid
Voted, that the Selectmen require of the several publick &
private Schoolmasters in this Town to furnish them within 10
Days with an Account of :ill the Children by them Instructed
marking how many Attend their publick how many their private
Schools & how many both. — •
It was then moved & Voted
[328.] that the aforegoing Report of the Committee on Schools
be recommitted so far as has not been Acted upon
The Committee to Audit Accounts — reported when it was
Moved & Voted, that the consideration of said report subside for
the present
Voted, that Mr. Thomas Walley
Joseph Barrel!
Josiah Waters Junr. Esqr.
20 CITY DOCUMENT.
Ezekiel Price Esqr.
Honble : James Sullivan Esqr.
be a Committee to consider of an Adequate Provision for the
Schoolmasters & to report as soon as may be
Adjourned to Monday next being the 12th. Instant 3 OClock
Afternoon —
Monday the 12th of April — 3 OClock Afternoon Met according
to Adjournment —
The Inhabitants withdrew and brought in their Votes for one
Constable, and upon sorting them it Appeared that, —
John Pownall
was chosen Constable for the Year ensuing unanimously —
The Town brought in their Votes for four Fire Wards, and
the same having been sorted it Appeared that
Cap1. John Ballard
Andrew Symes Esqr.
Paul D. Sergent Esqr.
Mr. Joseph Clark
[329.] were chosen Fire Wards for the year ensuing —
The Committee Appointed by a Vote of the Town of the 5th.
Instant to Consider of an Adequate Provision for the School
Masters have Attended that Service & having confered with some
of the School Masters & duly considered the Matter are Unan-
imously of Opinion, the following Sums be Allowed & paid the
several Schoolmasters for their Services for the present Year
their pay to Commence the first day of March last, to be paid
quarterly —
To Mr. Samuel Hunt Master of the South Grammer
School Two hundred & thirty pounds ^ Annum
To Mr. Nathan Davis Master of ye. North Gram-
mer School Two hundred & thirty pounds ^ > 230 —
Annum
To Mr. John Tileston Master of ye. North Writing } 900 —
School Two hundred pounds ^ Annum - - - - j
To Mr. James Carter Master of ye. Writing School
in Queen Street Two hundred pounds ^ Annum -
To Mr. John Vinal Master of the South Writing | 200 —
School Two hundred pounds ^ Annum - - - - J
The Above Salarys to be Allowed Exclusive of what is allowed
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1784. 21
for House Rent to those who are Obliged to Hire — Your Com-
mittee also beg leave to Recornend to the Town that some Mode
may be Adopted that the Schoolmasters may be [33O.] punc-
tually paid their Salarys at the Experation of each quarter —
Boston April 12th. 1784. All which is submitted.
Tho8. Walley *$ Order
The foregoing Report having been read & considered a Motion
was made to reconsider two Votes passed at the late Meeting
relative to the private Hours of the School Masters but did not
Obtain —
The Town then passed the following Votes — Viz*.
Voted, that the Sum of Two Hundred & thirty pounds be Al-
lowed & paid unto Mr. Samuel Hunt for his Salary as Master of
the South Grammer School the present Year to commence the
first of March last the same to be paid him Quarterly as it shall
become due —
Voted, that the Sum of two hundred and thirty Pounds be Al-
lowed and paid unto Mr. Nathan Davis for his Sallary as Master
of the North Grammer School the present year to commence from
the first of March last the same to be paid him Quarterly as it
shall become due —
Voted, that the Sum of Two hundred Pounds be allowed and
paid unto Mr. James [John] Tileston for his salary as Master of
the North Writing School the present year the same to be paid
him Quarterly as it shall become due & to commence from the
first of March last
[331.] Voted, that the sum of two hundred Pounds be al-
lowed & paid unto Mr. James Carter for his Salary as Master of
the Writing School in Queen Street the present Year commencing
from the first of March last, the same to be paid him -Quarterly
as it shall become due —
Voted, that the Sum of two hundred Pounds be Allowed and
paid unto Mr. John Vinal for his Salary as Master of the Writing
School in the Common the present Year, the same to be paid him
Quarterly as it shall become due, and to commence from the first
of March last —
Voted, that Mr. John Tileston Master of the North Writing
School be allowed for House Rent the present Year the Sum of
Forty pounds, the same to be paid him Quarterly as it shall be-
come due & to commence from the first of March last
Voted, that Mr. Nathan Davis Master of the North Grammer
22 CITY DOCUMENT.
School be Allowed for House Rent the present Year the Sum of
Forty Pounds, the same to be paid him Quarterly as it shall be-
come due, and to commence from the first of March last —
Voted, that Mr. John Vinal Master of the Writing School in
the Common be Allowed for House Rent the present year the
Sum of Forty pounds the same to be paid him Quarterly as it
shall become due and to commence from the first of March last —
[332.] Voted, that the Selectmen be requested to provide
Ushers for the publick Schools where they shall think Necessary
& to Allow Adeque Salires therefor, not exceeding One half of
what the Several Masters have already had Voted them.
Moved & Voted, that the Town Treasurer be directed to pay
the School Masters, Sallaries as they become due out of any
Monies in his hands.
Voted, that the Town Treasurer be directed to dispose of the
New Emission Money in bis Hands, on the best terms he can the
produce thereof to be Applyed to the payment of the Watchmen,
the Schoolmasters & for the Support of the Poor —
Moved & Voted, that the Committee to Audit the Accounts of
the Town Treasurer be desired to prepare an estimate of the
Money necessary to be raised for the Servises of the Town the
ensuing Year Stating the particular Uses to which the same is to
be Appropriated & to Report at May Meeting —
Voted, that Six Shillings ^ Day be allowed by the Selectmen
to the Assessors for their servises the present Year —
Mr. Aron May's Petition read whereupon
Voted, that a Committee be appointed [333.] to consider said
Petition & enquire into the Buisness & Emoluments of the
Weigher of Hay & Report to the Town their Opinion of what
may be proper to be done thereon —
Voted, that
Charles Miller Esqr.
Mr. William Parsons
Mr. Joseph Green
be a Committee for the purpose Aforesaid
Voted, that the Town Clerk be directed to hand into the Com-
mittee to Audit Accompts, a List of all the Towns Estates the
Persons to whom they are Let & the Rents arising therefrom,
Also on Account of all the Salaries granted the present Year and
to whom —
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1784. 23
Voted, that all Matters & things which remain unfinished at
this Meeting be referred Over to the next General Town Meeting,
may be called in May next then to be Acted upon —
Moved & Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby
are given to John Brown Esqr. for his good Services as Modera-
tor of this Meeting
Then the Meeting was
dissolved.
[334.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders & Other Inhabitants
of the Town of Boston duly qualifyed and legally warned in pub-
lick Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Monday the
12th Day of April Anno Domini 1784. 3. OClock in the After-
noon —
Warrant for calling the Meeting — read
John Tudor Esqr.
was chosen Moderator of this Meeting by a Hand Vote and took
his Seat accordingly.
A Circular Letter Dated Milton March 22. 1784 and signed
Thomas Grain Chairman requesting a Meeting of Committees at
Dedham relative to a proposal of some Towns for dividing the
Count}' of Suffolk was read
The Article in the Warrant Viz1. "To take into consideration
an order of the General Assembly passed on the 31 day of Janu-
ary last respecting the Petition of Sundry Persons in the Countys
of Suffolk & Middlesex praying to be made a Sepei ate County —
also a Circular Letter from the Committee of the Town of Milton
on the same subject dated the 22d of March last " — and after
some debate the Question was put — Viz*. — Whether the Town
will now Appoint a Committee to meet Committees of other
Towns in the County of Suffolk at the House of Mr. Timothy
Gay of [335.] Dedham on the 22 Day of April 10 o'Clock
Forenoon, to consider of the Expediency or non Expediency of
dividing said County & to report to the Town at the General
Town Meeting May next — passed in the Affermative
Voted, that this Committee consist of five
Honble : Caleb Davis Esqr.
Ezekiel Price Esqr.
William Cooper Esqr.
Stephen Higgeson Esqr.
Honble. James Sullivan Esqr.
be a Committee for the purpose aforesaid
24 CITY DOCUMENT.
Moved & Voted, that the Selectmen be requested to Write a
Letter in Answer to the Letter Received from Thomas Crane
Esqr.
Then the Meeting was
dissolved
At a Meeting of the Freeholders & Other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston, duly qualifyed and legally Warned in publick
Town Meeting Assembled at Fanuiel Hall on Tuesday the 11th
day of May Anno Domini 1784 — 10 OClock in the Forenoon —
Prayer was made by the Revd. Mr. Everet —
Warrant for calling the Meeting read
That part of the Constitution or form of Government which
relates to the choice of Representatives — read —
[336.] Sundry Laws to be read at said Meeting were ac-
cordingly — read
The Town having Determined to choose Seven Persons to
represent them in the General Court of Massachusetts to be held
at the State House at Boston the last Wednesday of May Current
Agreeable to the Constitution or Frame of Government for the
Massachusetts. — The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw &
bring in their Votes, for Seven Representatives, and then it was
declared by the Selectmen that no Votes should be received but
such as are unfolded & that they propose the Poll shall be closed
at 12 OClock —
On a Motion — Voted
that all Those who Vote for Representatives shall on their giving
in their Respective Votes, enter into the Hall & there remaine
untill the Poll is closed —
The Votes being brought in for Seven Representatives the
number of the same were found to be 402 — & upon sorting them
it appeared that only the six following Gentelmen were chosen by
a Majority of Votes — Viz*.
Votes
The Honble. William Phillips Esqr. 387
Honwe : Caleb Davis - Esqr. 373
Sam1. A. Otis — Esqr. 209
Thomas Daws — Esqr. 389
JohnRowe— Esqr. 299
Sam1. Breck— Esqr. 335
[337.] Adjourned to 3 O 'Clock P : M for the choice of one
Representative
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1784. 25
3. OClock P. M. met according to adjournment —
The Inhabitants were Directed to withdraw & bring in their
Votes for one Representative, & it was proposed that the Poll be
closed at half past 3 OClock — The Votes brought in the Number
were found to be 384 — & upon sorting them it Appeared that —
That
Votes
the IIonble : James Sullivan Esqr : was chosen - - - - 314
The choice of Representatives being over & Declared by the
Selectmen, it was moved that a Moderator be chosen by hand
Vote to transact the Business enserted in the Warrant —
Thomas Daws Esqr :
was chosen Moderator of this Meeting —
The Article in the Warrant Viz*.
To Consider the Petition of a Large
Number of the Inhabitants that the sence of the Town may be
taken upon the expendcency of an Application to the General
Court, for an Act to Form the Town of Boston into an Incor-
porated City "was read & After considerable Debate it was
Moved & Voted, that a Committee be Appointed to takejuto
consideration said Petition & to report whether an Alteration in
the present Government of the Town be eligible & to report if
necessary a Plan for a Different Police
[338.] Voted, that
The Honble : Sam1. Adams Esqr.
Joseph Barrell Esqr.
HonWe : Stephen Higginson Esqr.
Charles Jarvis Esqr.
William Tudor Esqr.
Honble : Rob*. Treat Payne Esqr.
Perez Morton — Esqr.
Sam1. Brick — Esqr
Edward Payne Esqr.
Honble : James Sullivan Esqr.
Thomas Dawes Esqr.
Benja : Hitchburn Esqr.
Honble: Caleb Davis — Esqr.
be a Committee for the purpose aforesaid
Caleb Davis Esqr. — chosen a Representative sent in a Letter
Acquainting the Town that he has resign'd
Voted, that John Lucas Esqr. one of the Selectmen Acquaint
Caleb Davis Esqr. that it is the Desire of the Town that he do
not Decline Serving as a Representative —
26 CITY DOCUMENT.
Adjourned to Fryday Next
9 oClock forenoon —
•
Friday May 14th. 9. O'Clock met according to Adjournment —
Selectmen a Committee to Act upon Leist of Jurors
The Subscribers being appointed by the Town to met & confer
• with the Committee of the [339.] Several Towns in the County
of Suffolk, upon a Petition exhibited to the General Court in their
last Session for forming into one County Ten Towns in the
County of Suffolk & four Towns in the County of Middlesix,
having in consequence of the Same Appointment at Dedham on
the 22 Day of April 1784 — met in convention the Delagates from
the Towns of Roxbury, Milton, Braintree, Hingham, Stoughton,
Sharon & Brookline in Addition to the Ten Towns in the County
of Middlesex Joining in the same Petition being present & having
confer'd upon the subject matter of the same Appointment
Do Report,
That it appeared to
your Committee, that the Eleven Petitioning Towns who not in
Convention by their Delagates were by no means unanimously,
agreed in the expediency of having the sd. fourteen Towns in-
corporated into one County & that all the other Towns- then
present by their Delagates were against the Measure the reasons
offered in favour of the Measure as your Committee recollect
them were, that the Business of the Courts of Justice in the
County of Suffolk had become so extensive, that Parties Wit-
nesses, & Jurors we were commonly Oblige to attend at the
Court of Common Pleas for the Space of three Weeks together
and sometimes longer — that the Travel from the extreeme parts
of the County to the Shire Towns was longe & expensive that the
Regester of Deeds being remote from the Center of the County
rendered the securing new purchases very inconvenient — That
the Probate Court being at a Distance from the Petitioning
Towns rendered the settlement of Estates under [34O.] Admin-
istration expensive — And that the Interest & manners of the
People in the Sea Port Towns were diverse & disimelar from
those in the Country Towns — Your Committee by their Appoint-
ment being Obliged to take the aforegoing Reasons under their
consideration & Discusion, think it their duty to Submit to the
Town their Objections to the Measure of forming a New County
in the manner proposed by the aforementioned Petitioners in
any other manner at present —
your Committee upon An enquiry into the proportion of Buis-
ness done in the several Countys of Worcester Middlesex, Essex,
& Suffolk, find that there are more Actions entered in the County
of Worcester, than in the County of Suffolk, & nearly as many
in either of the Other Countys above mentioned — Whereupon
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1784. 27
they conclude that the Oppressive Attendance required of Parties,
Witnesses & Jurors in the County of Suffolk (if any such there
is,) arises from some other Cause than that of the increase of
Buisness or the multiplication of Law Suits, because the Courts
of Common Pleas in the other County s Above mentioned, do not
usually continue their Session for more than the space of one
Week -
If the Buisness of a County Court is Unreasonably protracted
it cannot be a Cause of dividing one County into several but the
grevance ought to be redressed in some other Way as the Con-
stitution of the Commonwealth has provided your Committee find
that the Probate Court is Obliged by Law to become Ambulatory,
and to [341.] set in Various parts of the County by which the
Inhabitants receive great ease & can have nothing further done
for their Benefit at present unless Countys are created by very
small & important Demensions, or the Court holden in future
nigher the center of the County, the mescheivous tendency of
the one and the Inconvenience of the Other are mentioned in
this report hereafter —
The other reasons offered excepting that of a deversety of
Interest & dissimerality of manners Apply's alike to every County
in the Commonwealth it would undoubtedly be conveniant for the
People in each part of the State to have Courts of Probate,
Regestries of Beeds & every other office of Goverment near their
own Dwellings respectivaly, but as this is in its nature impos-
sible, to render the particular Circles of Juries prudence as small
as consests with the Safety and Dignity of the State at large is
all that can be done with propriety & Wisdom —
The Particular Countys of this Commonwealth originated,
rather from the accidental settlement of the several parts of the
State than from any system which regarded the future care con-
venience or Interest of the People. And will therefore in the
course of a few years, when the State shall be more generally
covered with Inhabitants undergo such a charge & receive fresh
alterations as will render their Lives convenient & parnanent.
And should, one or more small Countys be erected at this Period,
it is very probable, that a Necessaty of a final, & equal regulation
of Countys, may in a short time render the expence now to be
borne useless, & Idle —
Your Committee conceive [342.] That when a new regulation
of Countys shall take place, the prudence & sagacity of a free &
intelligent People, wisely regarding the dignity & energy of this
Goverment will never suffer these Countys to be rendered small &
contemptable for as Goverment is the Delagation of Power from
the whole People to a few the weight & Authority of a few who
hold the Magistratical Power, Deminishes in proportion to the
28 CITY DOCUMENT.
Multiplication of Magistrates & therefore there must be in Nature
a Line, whilst if exceeded on the one Hand will lessen the Just
& necessary Weight of Goverment too much to consist with the
happiness of the People, while an Error on the other may render
Goverment Dangerous to that Interest it is intended to pre-
serve. —
Should a new County be now erected by the Limits proposed it
would introduce a precidant for making many others within the
State the consequence of which inevitably would be the Multi-
plication of Officers & detracting from that Just Authority &
Dignity of Office without which Civil Society can never be secure
& happy —
Should an Inclination for new Countys be encouraged & pre-
vail, so many wise & Able Men would be employ'd to fill Those
places which are incompatable with a Seat in the Legislature
that the Publick Councils would not possess that Wisdom &
Ability which at this time is necessary to the Welfare of the
People [343.] And your Committee take leave further to Add,
that making new Count3Ts would produce a great Number of
Other Officers, whose Buisiness though not constitutionally in-
compatable with a Seat in the Legislature yet renders them less
useful there besides as the Legislature is the place from whence
the power of the Magistrate in most instances is Derived, it
might be a Question whether there ever ought to*be a consider-
able proportion of Men Clothed with Executive Authority hold-
ing Seats in the General Court —
It is true that the Town of Boston stands remote from the
local Centre of the County, but is well known that the Center of
Interest & Buisness is more regarded by Men than the local
Center of Districts- — hence while the interior Countys which have
no Market Towns or places, peculiar, to Commerce, fix — their
Seat of Justice near the middle of their Circumferance the People
Inhabiting the Sea port Districts, in this and every other
Country, Attend the Buisness of Courts and the Metropolis of
Trade, the convenience of which is fully Evinced by the consent
& practice of Ages. To Burden the People at this time with a
New Tax, for Court Houses, Goals &c — while the publick Debt
rests so heavily upon their Shoulders, would in the Opinion of
your Committee, be discovering a Trait for innovation quite un-
becoming a Country Circumstanced as this is —
Your Committee were Obliged to Observe against the pretented
reason said to arise from a Division of Interest between [344.]
The Sea Port, and the Country Towns, that the happiness of the
People must derninish, in proportion as Trade & Agriculture shall
decline, that they go hand in hand & necessarily produce and
support each other, the Husbandman will cease his Industry when
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1784. 29
he has no Market for the Superabundant produce of his Soil, and
the Merchant will quit his Enterprize when his Country pro-
duces nothing to export ; can it be wise then even supposing
seperate uuconected Interest could exist to take Measures to
make the Separation still wider : or can it be for the Interest of
the Country at this time to originate Ideas of a diversity of Inter-
ests and to throw the Farmer into an imagination that his Country
can be rendered safe and himself happy with no incentive to raise
more from his Sale than his personal necessaity shall demand —
Corumerse must be encouraged by Agriculture & our extensive
Sea Coasts be by Ships supported, by Commerce defended against
the Insults of every hostile Foreigner wherefore your Committee
Apprehend that every Step (which tends to Cultivate an Opinion
in the People of a Diversity of Interest is Dangerous to the wel-
fare of the Commonwealth, nor is there so great a dissimerality
of Manners between the Sea port & Country Towns, as is pre-
tended, uprightness of Heart & purity of Intention seem to be
equally disseminated among the Several Towns your Committee
beg leave to conclude their Report by observing that in the late
Revolution, the People [345.] having thrown off their Ancient
Principles, & not as yet fully comprehending, the Nature or feel-
ing the force of the JS'ew Ones, they have embraced, may be a
Multiplication of novelties, be rendered restless uneasy & unhappy
under one of the best & most equal Governments with which Any
part of the human Race were ever blessed —
Caleb Davis
William Cooper
S Higginson
James Sullivan
The aforegoing Report having been read & considered it was
moved & the Question was accordingly put Viz* : ' ' Whether it is
the sence of the Town that the County of Suffolk should be
divided agreeable to the Petition of several Towns to the Gen-
eral Court — Passed in the Negative unanimously — Then the
Question was put Viz*: — Whether the Town will except of this
Report — Passed in the Affirmative —
Moved, — That a Committee be appointed to prepare Reasons
to be laid before the General Court why the Prayer of the Peti-
tioning Towns should not be granted —
Voted, that
William Tudor Esqr.
Ezek1 : Price — Esqr.
Stephen Higginson Esqr.
be a Committee for the purpose aforesaid & that the Report of
the Committee of Conference be handed into said Committee who
are desired to Report at the Adjournment —
30 CITY DOCUMPINT.
The Report of the Committee to Audit the Town Treasurers
Accounts again read and is as follows Viz* :
The Committee appointed to Audit the Accounts of the Town
Treasurer & of the Overseers of the Poor & to examine [346.]
The Drafts of the Selectmen, Report as follows Viz*.
That the Treasurers Accounts are regularly entered in the
Books & every charge properly vouched the Accounts, of the
Overseers, are likewise duly enter'd & regularly vouched —
By the Treasurers Accounts it Appears he has credited the
Town for Taxes committed to the Collectors - £9544 ,,16 . 5
Warrants on the State Treasurer for the Sup- ~\
port of their Poor & Expencies at Rainsfords >• 1177,, 12, ,8
Island j
Rents £453 ,, 12 ,, 8 for Fanuiel Hall Mar-
ket £324 „ 12 ,, 4 £ -' 778 „ 5 . 0£
For the Ballance of last Years Acco* : - - - 2436 ,, 19 ,, 9^
For Money borrowed for the Almshouse &c - 84 ,, 17 ,, 7
£14.022 ,, 8 „ of
from which is to be deducted the
following Charges —
Paid the Selectmens Drafts 6436 ,, 6 ,, 7
Overseers — d°. 2445 ,, 8 ,, 7f
Abatement on the 13th & 14th Taxes — 1737 ,, 10 ,, 7f
Loss on £6721 ,, 16 / New Emission Money sold £1330 ,, 4 ,, 4 :
Interest on Notes ----- 1057 ,, 7 ,, 0£
2 Men for the Army & Hay for the Bull - - - 95 ,, 9 ,, 6"
13.102 ,, 7 ,, 6
£920 ; - 11|
It likewise Appears by the Treasurer's Books
the Town is indebted the following Sums Viz*.
Notes Given before the War Exclusive of Inters*. £2177 ,, 13 ,, 3
Sundry Ballances due before the War - d°. 1087 ,, 6 ,, 2
Notes given since & consolidated - - d°. 8440 ,, 6 ,, 3
Sundry Ballances - - d°. - - - - d°. 146 ,, 2 ,, 4
Sundry Notes for Paper Money consolidated
the amount uncertain suppose may be
due on the Selectmen & Overseers drafts 1975 ,, 8 ,, 3
To John Erving Esqr. Ball6, of Interest — 94 ,, 1 ,, 4
Total 14.537 ,, 17 ,, 7
[347.] To discharge the aforegoing Sums there is due from
the Collectors & Others Viz*. —
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1784. 31
from F. Shaw £334 — J. Thompson £1423. Sumner £1240 —
Fallass - - 391 — Williams— 497 Parker 81-
Baylay - - 909— Thomas - 1264 - - - 6140-
Abaternents on one year & premium on three Taxes 2640 —
£3500 —
from Ruddock, Savage, Gray & Cudworth £959 —
of which the greatest part will be lost —
Due from the State Treasurer charg'd to P. Farmer
£1047 ,, 17 ,, 3 —
from Tewksbury£70 ,, 5 ,, 4. E. May £51 . 3 - 121 ,, 5 ,, 7
from Sundry Others £1 74 of which may be recd. £1 10 - - 1 10
£38,200 in Bills of the Old Emission ) recd. 75 . l£
10,575 in Bills of the New Emission j £ 6096 ,,1.4
By the Selectmens Drafts it appears that the School
Masters Pay, is £1208 the Watchmen £701 . 2 - £1909 ,, 2
The Town Clerk for 1780. 81 & 82 - ... 995 ,, 8 . 7
Assessors for l£ year £597 ,, 13 ,, 5 Treasurer
l£ year £300 897 ,, 13 . 5
Mathew Nazro for Attendance on Selectmen, }
Assessors, Cornmee : of Correspond & Clark >- 119 ,, 8 —
of ye Market )
£3921 . V2 —
The Committee in part for filling up the Dock — 702 , , 1 7
Repairs of the Schools & Dwelling Houses — 620
Lumber, Carpenter, Masons & Smiths Accote : — 215
Glaziers Accounts for Schools & Fanuiel Hall — 130
Pavers Acco*. for Gravel & Paving - - - - 225
Repairs for Deer Island & Fanuiel Hall - - - 90
Printing Letters &c for the Commee : & Notifications 105
Repairing Engine & Engine House 71
Expeucies Visiting the Schools, Deer, Island
Books, Paper, Ink, necessary for the Hospitals,
allowed to J. Warren & Others & Sundry ) 355 ,,17
petty Charges -----___.}
£6436 ,, 6 ,, 7
[348.] By the Accounts of the Overseers of the Poor it Ap-
pears there has been paid for Provisions and Necessaries
for about 150 Persons in the House - - £1471 , 15 . 7.
pd. Stephen Hall & Others for Wood - - - 417 ,,
pd. for Assistance to the Poor in the several
Wards ----------- 130
4 . 3.
8 . 6 —
9 .11
pd. for boarding sundry Persons out of the
House --------- 110
pd. Carpenters & Masons for Repairs & La- ) 166 .
hnnr fnr rh'rrrrinrr a. Vault, Ar.r>. . f
£2445
32 CITY DOCUMENT.
In this Account is Included the Poor belonging to the State
which is reparied by a Warrant on the State Treasureys and car-
ried to the Credit of the Town in the Town Treasurers Books —
In the Treasurers Books, the Account of Powder is Debited £312
& by the Powder house Keepers Accounts there remains only Six
& an half Barr18 : & Eight Boxes of Musqueit Cartridges — By the
State Treasurers Certificate herewith presented it appears there
remained unpaid in the 10th of March of the Specie Tax at If
from Francis Shaw Esqr. £385 ,,7.7 On the Continental Tax
N°. 2 £6896 . 18/ from Wm. Fallass £1532 .0.5
Charles Williams £1639 . 17 . 3 Daniel Parker £2301 . 0 8f
Thomas Bayley £1429 . 19 . 7£ —
These Taxes your Committee are of Opinion ought to be paid
into the Treasurey immediatley and that Measures should be
taken to Oblidge the Collectors to do it — It does not Appear
that Mr. Simpkins Col°. Hatch or the Committee for purchasing
Grain have yet Accounted for the Money they have receiv'd out
of the Treasurey, these Accounts should be immediately closed,
that the Town may be acquainted with the true State of their
Finances — The Fire [349.] Arms belonging to the Town &
carried to Cambridge before the 19th. April 1775 & there Deliv-
ered out for the Use of the Army have not been accounted for by
the State, nor does it appear the Arms recd : of the Board of War
& delivered to the Officers of Militia have been returned or ac-
counted for & your Committee propose to the consideration of
the Town whether it would not be for their Interest that the
Town Tax should be Delivered to Other Persons to Collect, than
those Appointed to Collect the State Tax —
Edward Payne ^ Order
Boston April 3d. 1784 —
The Committee appointed to prepare an Estimate of the Money
Necessary to be raised for the service of the Town the year ensu-
ing, stating the particular Uses to which the same is to be appro-
priated — Report as follows — Viz*. —
1st. that the whole Debt of the Town for Money)
borrowed &c Amount to About ------ j
Interest due on those Debts 2,770 —
unpaid of the Selectmen & Overseers raisd. 1783 2.070
Total Amount of Debts & Interest £17.340 —
2d. — That the Ordinary Expencies for the year ensuing for
Salarys to the Schoolmasters, Rent for their Houses and of
Wood £1600-
pay to the Watchmen £700 fixing Lamps £600 1300 -
two years Salary to the Town Clark and 1 year ye.Treasurr.450 —
Pay of the Assessors & Clark of Fanuiel Market — 450 —
Paying, Repairs, Tradesmens Bills, Lumber for Re- \
pairs & all other Incidential Charges - - - - j
Overseers Drafts for Supply of the Poor - - - - 2400
To discharge the aforegoing Sums £25.340
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1784.
33
[35O.] 1*. There Appears due from the late Collectors
- --- ...... £3500 —
from the State Treasurer & Others - - 1200 -
4.700 —
2d. the Bills of the New Emission £10575
from Rents of Houses, Stores, Hay,
Engine
Markett & Stands
£3525 —
675
3d. To be raised by a Tax on the Inhabitants -
4,200 —
8,000 —
£16.900 —
N. B. The Granary has been improved by the State 6. or 7
years & no rent Demanded —
The Above Sums Amountg. to £16.900 — your Committee have
Appropriated as follows —
1st. To pay the Ballce : due on the drafts drawn
in 1783 .......... £2070-
the Overseers Draft to Farmer - ... 1000 —
towards the principal & Interest
of the Debts ......... 1630-
-- £4700 —
2d. To pay the Schoolmasters & Watchmen £2300
the Overseers draft for Supply of ye. Poor — 1400
the remainder of the Bills are all sold to pay
Inters1. 500
£4200 —
To pay the Selectmens drafts for the pay of
the Assessors, Treasurer, Town Clerk I ,,„
fixing Lamps, Tradsmans Bills and all
the incidentell Charges —
the remainder of the Tax to be Apply'd to
make good any difficiencys on the 2d. & \
3d. Articles & the residue to pay the prin-
cipal & Interest of the Debts of the
Town ........... j
4.500
8.000
£16.900
By this Arangement Provision is made —
1st. to discharge what remains due on the drafts of the last
year ...----___-.____._.
2d. to pay all the Expence of the Year ensuing
[351.] 3d. To pay the whole of the Interest on the Debts
due from the Town &c —
4th. To pay off upwards of £4000, of the principal provided all
the New Emission Bills can be sold at three for one
34 CITY DOCUMENT.
The Committee in order to carry the foregoing Appropriation
into Effect purpose the following Votes to be passed —
Voted, that the Moneys due from the Collectors of Taxes for
the last year & from the State Treasurer & Others be Appropri-
ated as follows
To discharge the Sums due on the Selectmen & Overseers
drafts in 1783 £2070 —
to pay the Overseers drafts to P. Farmer in 1784 - - 1000 —
Towards Paying the Principal & Interest
of the Debts 1630 —
£4.700 —
And that the Treasurer be directed not to receive from said Col-
lectors any Drafts or Orders Drawn since March last in payment
of the Taxes committed to them in 1783. except those drawn for
Abatement of those Taxes ; and their Premium for collecting
them —
Voted, that the Money Arising from the Sail of the Bills of the
New Emission & from the Rents of the Buildings belonging to
the Town be Appropriated —
1st. to pay the Selectmens drafts of the Watchmen £700 —
2d. to pay the Salarys of the Schoolmastei's )
their Rent & Wood - j 1600-
[352.] 3d. To Pay the Overseers drafts for the
Support of the Poor £1400
4th. Towards paying the Principal & Interest
of the Towns Debts 500
£4200 —
Voted, — That the Treasurer be directed to furnish the Select-
men every Month with, an Account of the Moneys he has re-
ceived & paid on Acco*. of the Tax clue from the Collectors for
the Year 1783 — for the New Emission Bills sold & for Rents —
and to be careful that no part thereof be Apply'd to any other
purposes than those to which they are Appropriated — and that
he use his endeavour to Obtain payment from said Collectors, as
soon as possible to enable him to pay the Drafts that are or may
be drawn on Acco*. thereof —
Voted, that the Sum of £8000 — be raised by a Tax to be
Assessed on the Pole & the Estates of the Inhabitants to pay the
Charges of the Year ensuing & the Debts due from the Town &
whereas the Premiums for Collecting & the Abatements made on
the Town, County & State Taxes (which on the late Taxes
amounted to upwards of 20 ^ Cl. on the Town Tax, are all paid
BOSTON TOWN RECOKDS, 1784. 35
out of the Town Tax & Often renders that insufficient to Answer
the purposes intended when the same was Granted therefore
[353.] Voted, that the further Sum of £2500 be Added to
the Tax mentioned in the proceeding Vote, to make Good such
difficiencys as may arise from abatements of the Premiums & for
Collecting the Overplus if any to be Appropriated towards paying
the Debts due from the Town
Voted, that the Sum of £2500 be Appropriated out of said Tax
to pay the Selectmens drafts, for the payment of the Treasurer,
Town Clerk & Assessors for fixing Lamps, Paving, Repairs &
all other Incidental Charges —
Voted, that the remaining £4500 of said Tax be appropriated
to pay the Debts due from the Town & to make good any deffi-
ciencys that may Arise on Acco*. of the Money due from the
Collectors or the New Emissiond Bills not being Sold —
Voted, that the Selectmen be directed in all their Drafts on the
Treasurer to particularise the Appropriation out of which each
sums is to be paid & that all their Drafts for Services done since
March except the pay of the Watchmen & Schoolmasters are to
be paid out of the Taxes now Voted — And whereas it Appears
by the late Treasurers Accote : that on the 10th. of March Iheire
remained unpaid of the Continental Tax — N°. 2 £6896 — 18
Voted, that the Selectmen be desired to inform Treasurer I vers
that the Town is Anxious to have these Arreages Paid & to Ac-
quaint him to Oblidge those Collectors that [354.] are Deficient
immedatley to pay what remains due from each of them — The
Town will remaine upwards of £8000 — in Debet in Case all the
Sums enumerated in this Report are received & paid agreeable to
the Appropriations
In Behalf of Comm66.
Edwd : Payne
The foregoing Report having been considered Paragraph by
Paragraph the Question was put Viz*. — Whether the same shall
be Accepted passed in the Affairniitive
Adjourned to 3 O'Clock P M -
3 OClock P. M. Met According to Adjournment
The Petition of a Number of Inhabitants Proprietors of the
School at the South End of the Town — Read — whereupon
Moved & Voted, that a Committee be Appointed to take this
Petition into consideration and Report at the Adjournment what
is proper to be done thereon —
36 CITY DOCUMENT.
Voted, That Sam1. A. Otis Esqr.
Christopr. Gore Esqr.
Mr. Sam1. Wbitwell
be a Committee for said Purpose
The Article in the Warrant relative to the request of Mr. Jar-
vis & Others for a Compensation for filling up the Dock — again
read — whereupon —
[355.] Voted, that the Selectmen be desired to pursue the
Vote passed Sepr. 3. 1783. with respect to settling this Matter
by Arbitration —
Mr. John Marys Petition for establishing a french School —
read — whereupon Voted, that he have leave to withdraw his
Petition —
The Article relative to a New Choice of Assessors — read —
whereupon it was moved & Voted, that the consideration thereof
subside —
Moved & Voted, that the foregoing Vote be reconsidered —
Mr. McNeils Petition read — whereupon Voted that he have
leave to withdraw his Petition
The Inhabitants having withdrawn as directed to bring in their
Votes for seven Assessors & the same having been brought in &
sorted it appear'd that —
Mess1"8 : William Lowder
Gyles Harris Esqr.
Moses May
John Pulling
Sam1. Ruggles
William Fleet
J. R. Sigourney
Report of Committee relative to Mr. Aron Mays Petition — read
& as it stand altered was Accepted by the Town — Viz*.
[356.] The Committee apointed by the Town to consider of
Mr. Mays Petition, to enquire into the emoluments of the Weight
of Hay & to report their Opinion thereon, have attended that
Service, they have examined Mr. Mays Books from the Year
1773 to 1783 — & find that he has recd : the following Sums Viz*.
In the Year - - - 1773 - - -£114,, 8 ,, 5
1774 - - - 142 ,, 0 „ 4
4 Months - --- 1775) q. 9 ^
8 Months - - - - 1776 \
... 77 19 6
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1784. 37
1778 - - -
118,, 3 ,
, 2
1779 - - -
102,, 7
3
1780 - - -
136 ,, 18
11
1781 - - -
197 ,, 12
10
1782 - - -
258 ,, 6
10
1783 -
246 ,, 18
5
i
485 .. 18 .. 1
Boston May 14th. 1784
Char8 Miller ^ Order
Voted, that the Town Treasurer be directed to credit Mr.
Aaron May ye. Sum of £63 ,, 2 ,, 6, being a ballance Due from
him to the Town, 19th. Ap1 : 1775, which he now stands charged
for
Voted, that the Gentlemen the Selectmen be directed that as
soon as the New Hay Market is finished they Publish an Adver-
tizement that the Scales for weighing of Hay is to be leased for
the term of One Year & [357.] that it will be leased to the
Person who will give the highest rent for the same & they shall
apprehend him to be one who is capable of the Buisness & will
faithfully discharge the duty of that Office —
Voted, that the Adjournment of this Meeting be notifyed in
the Thursdays News Papers
Adjourned, to Friday next 9 — OClock in the Forenoon —
Friday May 21st. — 9 OClock Forenoon — met according to
Adjournment —
The Moderator informed the Town that the Committee relative
to a Corporation were not ready to report at this Adjournment —
Moved & Voted, that when this Town Meeting is Adjourned it
be to Friday y6. 28 Ins1: 9 oClock Forenoon — And the Meeting
was Adjourned accordingly —
At a Meeting of the Freeholders & Other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston duly qualifyed & legally warned in publick
Town Meeting Assembled at Fanuiel Hall on Friday the 21st of
May A D 1784
Warrant for calling the Meeting — read
Col° : Dawes
chosen Moderator — by a hand Vote
[358.] Article in the Warrant Viz*. —
38 CITY DOCUMENT.
"Whether the Town will reconsider their late Vote relating to
the Pay of the Assessors & Determine their Allowance the ensu-
ing year " — was read —
Whereupon it was Moved — to reconsider said Vote, the Ques-
tion being put & it passed in the Affermative —
Voted, that the allowance to the Assessors to be nine shillings
^ Day for the Days they may set in doing the Buisness of their
Office —
Then the Meeting was
Dissolved
Friday May 28'- 9 OClock forenoon Met According to Adjourn-
ment—
The Committee to prepare a Petition to the General Court
against dividing the County report the following Draught Viz*.
Commonwealth of
Massachusetts —
' To the Houble : the Senate and the Honble :
the House of Representatives of sd. Com-
monwealth in General Court Assembled at
Boston May 1784 —
The Inhabitants of the Town of Boston beg leave most respect-
fully to Submit to the following Objection the Petitions of the
[359.] Towns of Dedham, Medfield, Wrentham Needham,
Medway, Bellingham, Foxbourough, Sherburne, Hopkington, Hol-
liston & Natick, Praying for a Division of the present County of
Suffolk & the requesting the creating a New one, to the consider-
ation of this Honble : Court & pray the proposed Disinernberruant
of this County may not be Adopted —
The reasons assigned in the Petition are 1st. That the Business
of the Courts of Justice in the County of Suffolk had be come so
extensive that Parties, Witnesses & Jurors are commonly obliged
to Attend at the Court of Common Pleas for the space of three
Weeks together & sometimes longer & that the Travel from the
extreme parts of the County to the shire Town is large & expen-
sive—
2d. That the Registry of Deeds being remote from the Center
of the "County renders the Securing new Purchases very incon-
venient
3d. That the Probate Court being at a Distance from the
Petitioning Towns, renders the settlement of Estates under Ad-
ministration expensive —
In Answer to which suggestions your Memorialists beg leave
to Observe, That upon an enquirey into the proportion of Business
done in the several Counties of Worchester, Middlesex, Essex &
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1784. 39
Suffolk, it will be found that there are one third more Actions
entered annually in the County of [36O.] Worcester than in
the County of Suffolk, & nearly as many in either of the Other
Counties above mentioned. Wherefore your Memorialists con-
clude, that the Oppressive Attendance required of Parties, Wit-
nesses & Jurors in the County of Suffolk, if any such therein)
arises from some Other Cause than that of the Increase of Buis-
ness, or the multiplication of Law suits, because the Court of
Common Pleas in the other Counties above mentioned, do not
usually continue their session for more than the space of one
Week — If the Business of any County Court is unreasonably
protracted it cannot be a Cause of dividing one County into sev-
erall but the Greviance ought to be redressed in such Other way
as the Constitution has provided —
That by Law the Probate Courts is now made ambulatory &
accordingly sets in different parts of the County by which the
Inhabitants receive great ease or can have nothing further done
for their benefit at present unless Counties should be reduced to
very small & unimportant Dimensions or the Court holden in
future nearer the Center of the County the mischeivous tendency
of the One & the inconveniancy of the Other shall be presently
pointed out —
[361.] The other reason offered Applies alike to every
County in the Commonwealth, it would undoubtedly be con-
venient for the People in each part of the State to have Courts
of Probate Register of Deeds & every other Office of Govern-
ment nearer their own Dwellings respectively but as this is in its
nature impossable to render the particular Circles of Jurispru-
dence as small as consists with the Safety & Dignity of the State
at Large, is all that can be done with propriety & Wisdom —
The particular Counties of this Commonwealth originated
rather from the Accidental settlement of the several parts of the
State, that from any systym which regarded the future ease
interest or convenience of the People & will therefore in the
course of a few Years when the State shall be more generally
covered with Inhabitants, undergo such a Change & receive such
Alterations as will render their lines convenient & parmanent, &
should one or more Counties be established at this period, it is
very probable that the necessity of a final & equal regulation of
Counties, may in a short time render the expence now to be borne
Useless & Idle
Your Memorialists conceive that when a New regulation of
Counties shall take place the prudence & Sagacity of a free
[362.] & intelligent Peoples wisely regarding the Dignity &
Energy of this Goverment will, never suffer their Counties to be
rendered small and contemptable, for a Government in the Delega-
tion of Power from the whole People to a few who hold the Mag-
istratical Power Deminishes in proportion to the Multiplication of
Magistrates & therefore there must be in nature a Line which if
exceeded on one hand will lessen, the part & necessary weight of
40 CITY DOCUMENT.
Goverment two much to consist with the happiness of the People
while an Error on the other may render Goverment Dangerious to
that Interest it is intended to procure — Should a new County be
established according to the Lemits preposed it would introduce
a president for making many others without the State, the conse-
quence — of which inevitably would be Multiplication of Officers
& detracting from that Just Authority & Diginity of Office with-
out which Civil Society can never be secure or happy —
Another Argument against this Project is that as so many Ad-
ditional Officers as would be wanted must be commissioned by
the Governour & Council it would thro' a weight into the supreme
Executive which might Operate in creating an undue influance
Should an Inclination for new Countes be encouraged & prevail,
so many wise & [363.] able men would be employed to fill
those places which are incornpatable with a Seat in the Legisla-
ture that the Publick Councils would not possess that Wisdom &
Ability which at this time is necessary to the Welfare of the Peo-
ple. And your Memorialists beg leave further to Add that mak-
ing new Counties would produce a great number of Other Officers
whose Business tho' not constitutionally incompatable with a
Seat in the Legislature, yet renders them less needfull there, be-
sides as the Legislature is the place from whence the Power of
the Majestrates in most instances is derived it might be a Question
whether there ever ought to be a considerable proportion of Men
Cloath [ed] with Executive Authority holding Seats in the Gen-
eral Court —
It is true that the Town of Boston stands remote from the
local Center of the County but it is well known that the Center of
Interest & Buisness is more regarded by Men than The local
Center of Districks. Hence while the interior Counties which
have no Market Towns or places pecular to Commerce — fix the
Seats of Justice near the middle of their Circumference the
People Inhabiting the Sea Port Districts in this & every other
County Attend the Business of Courts in the Metropolis of Trade,
The conveniance of this is fully evinced by the consent & practice
of Ages —
[364.] To burden the People at this time with a new Tax
for Court Houses Goals &c — while the publick Debt rests so
heavily on their Shoulders would be in the Opinion of your
Memorialists discovering a taste for Inovation quite unbecoming
A Country Circumstanced as this is —
For the beforegoing & other reasons that may be offered they
pray that sd. Petition may not be sustained —
Voted, that the aforegoing Report be taken into a fair Draught
& Signed by the Town Clerk in behalf of the Town & then de-
livered the Gentlemen who Represent the Town in the General
Court —
The Committee relative to a Corporation not being Able to re-
port at this Meeting —
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1784. 41
It was moved & Voted that when this Meeting is Adjourned it
is to be Friday next 9 OClock beforenoon being the 4th. of
June —
The Report of the Committee relative to a New School — read
— whereupon —
Voted, that the consideration of this Report be refered to the
Adjournment —
Mr : Ballard the Clerk of Fanuiel Hall Market handed in a
Memorial which [365.] was read — whereupon — Moved &
Voted —
That a Committee be appointed to take the Memorial of Mr.
Ballard into consideration & report at the Adjournment
Voted, that Mr. Tho8 : Walley
Wm. Tudor Esqr. Excused
Tho8 : Daws Esqr. D° : -
Col°. Joshua Davis
Cap* : Henry Prentice
be a Committee for the purpose aforesaid and that the Committee
report what they may Judge to be a reasonable allowance for his
services as Clerk of Fanuiel Hall Market —
The Petition of Daniel Sigourney read — whereupon Voted —
That the same be referred to the consideration of the Gentel-
men the Overseers of the Poor, to make report at the Adjourn-
ment
Adjourned to Friday next the 4th. of June 9 OClock forenoon —
Friday June 4th. 9. OClock Forenoon met according to Ad-
journment —
Vote, relative to Assessors setting for abatement of Taxes the
same as last year Viz* :
Voted, that the Assessors be and hereby are impowered & di-
rected to set for [366.] such Abatement of Taxes as they shall
Judge reasonable ten days following the Date and Delivery of the
Tax Bills (Lords Days excepted) & no longer saving that they be
allowed to set two Days the last Week in February for the
Abatement of the Taxes of such Persons as had not an Opper-
tunity of Applying in the above limited time, by reason of their
being not of the Commonwealth or any other unavoidable hin-
drance at which time they are also allowed & impowered to Abate
the Taxes of such Persons as may have died Insolvent before the
said time —
42 CITY DOCUMENT.
The Petition of Mr8 : Katharine Gray Read — whereupon Voted,
that
Mr. Nath1. .Balch
Mr. Joseph Russell Printer
Honble : Stephen Higgenson
be a Committee to take the same into consideration & report as
soon as may be —
The Committee relative to a Corporation Reported two Plans
of a Corporation both of which were read —
It was Moved, that the sence of the Town be taken with respect
to the expedience of making any Alterations in the present form
of the Goverment of the Town —
It being determined that the consideration of this Motion be
refer'd to the Adjournment of this Meeting it was then, moved &
Voted,
That the Plans now laid befor the Town [367.] be printed
& a Sufficient number ordered by the Selectmen to be sent to the
House of every Inhabitant by the Constable with a Minuet of the
Adjournment at the bottom of said Plans —
Voted, that when this Meeting is Adjourned it shall be to next
Thursday the 17th of June Current 3 OClock Afternoon then to
meet in this Place —
And the Meeting was accordingly Adjourned —
3 'OClock in the Afternoon — Met according to Adjournment —
The Motion made at the last Meeting — Viz*. — That the sense
of the Town be taken with respect to the expediency of making
any Alterations in the present form of the Goverment of the
Town — was again read, but the impatiance of the Inhabitants
for the Question being immediatley put prevented any Debate
thereon —
After some warm altercations it was moved and seconded,
"that the sense of the Town be now taken, whether it is ex-
pedient that any alteration should be made in the present form
of the Goverment of the Town — and the Question being ac-
cordingly put Passed in the Negative by a great Majority
It was then Moved and contesated for that the Meeting should
be immediately dissolved — and the Meeting was accordingly
dissolved
[368.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabi-
tants of the Town of Boston duly qualified & legally warned in
public Town Meeting Assembled at Faneiul Hall on Monday the
5th: Day of July Anno Domini 1784. 10 O'Clock in the Fore-
noon—
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1784. 43
Warrant for Calling the Meeting was read
The Town having Voted to choose a Moderator by a Hand
Vote —
Thomas Daws Esqr.
was chosen Moderator of this Meeting —
The Committee Appointed by the Town the 4th of July last to
apply to a proper Gentelman to deliver an Oration of the 4th of
July Instant (in such place as the Town shall determine to be a
Most convenient for the purpose) it being a Day ever memorable
in the Annals of this Country for the Decleration of our Inde-
pendance —
Reported
That having met several times for the purpose mentioned in
the Town Vote, that they have unanimously made choice of Ben-
jamin Hitchburn Esqr. to deliver an Oration on the fourth of July
Instant, who had accordingly Accepted of that service —
The foregoing Vote having been read, the same was accepted
by the Town —
[369.] The Town having took into consideration when would
be the best time to have the Oration pronounced ; as also what
place would be most suitable for the purpose — It was
Voted, that the Oration be delivered at the Old South Meeting
House, consent having been obtained therefor, the Hall not
being capacious enougji to receive the Inhabitants that attend
upon the Occasion — also
Voted, that Mr : John Lowel
Ebenr. Hancock Esqr.
John Gardner Esqr.
be a Committee to wait upon Benjamin Hitchburne Esqr. and
Acquaint him that it is the desire of the Town, that the Oration
may be delivered at the Old South Church at 12. O. Clock —
Then the Meeting was Adjourned to 12. O 'Clock then to meet
at the Old South Church —
12. O'Clock, Town met according to Adjournment —
AN ORATION
To commemorate the Independance of the United States of
America, was delivered by Benjamin Hitchburne Esqr : at the
Old South Church to a large & Crowded Assembly
[37O.] On a Motion Voted, that
The Selectmen
44 CITY DOCUMENT.
be and hereby are appointed a Committee to wait on Benjamin
Hitchburn Esqr. and in the Name of the Town to thank him for
the Learned & elagant Oration this Day delivered by Mm at the
Request of the Town upon the Anniversary of the Independance
of the United States of America in which according to the Insti-
tution of the Town he considered the felings manners and prin-
caples which lead to that great National Event — and to request
of him a Copy thereof for the Press —
On a Motion Voted, that the Gentelmen the Selectmen — be
and hereby are appointed a Committee to Apply to some one
Learned and able Gentelman to deliver an Oration on the 4th. of
July 1785, that Day being the Anniversary of the INDEPENDANCE
of the United States of America, wherein the Orator is to con-
sider the feelings Manners, and principles which lead to this great
National Event ; as well as the important and happy effects
whether general or domistick which have already and will forever
continue to flow from that Auspicious Epoch —
Then the Meeting was
dissolved
[371.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders & Other Inhabi-
tants of the Town of Boston duly qualified and legally warned in
publick Town Meeting Assembled at Faneiul Hall on Tuesday
the 17th Day of August A : D. 1784 —
Warrant for calling the Meeting — read
It was moved & Voted, that a Moderator be chosen by a Hand
Vote —
Honble : Samuel Adams Esqr. was chosen but could not attend —
Ezekiel Price Esqr. also chosen but on his Motion was excused
by the Town
Joseph Greanleaff Esqr.
was chosen Moderator of this Meeting and took the Chair accord-
ingly —
Adjourned to 3. O'Clock in the Afternoon —
3 O'Clock Afternoon Town met according to Adjournment
The Article in the Warrant relative to Choosing Cullers of
Staves was read, and on a Motion Voted to defer the Choice of
said Officers —
[373.] Voted, that the Sum of twelve pence on the Pound
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1784. 45
be and hereby is allowed to such Persons as are or may be
chosen Collectors of Taxes for the year ensuing of all such Sums
as they shall Collect and pay into the several Treasuries of the
Sum committed to them to Collect ; within eight Months from the
receit of the Tax Books ; Six pence on the pound on all such
other Sums as they shall have paid in within twelve Months, and
four pence upon all Afterwards — Also that such Collectors shall
give Bond with sufficient Sureties to the Satisfaction of the Select-
men for the faithfull discharge of their duty in said Office, and
complying with this Vote — And that they will not receive any
Premium or gratuity for discounting any Order, Note or Receipt
from the Treasurer of the State or the Treasurer of the Town —
The Selectmen having communicated to the Town a Letter of
William Foster Esqr. to the Selectmen presenting the Town with
thirty eight Glob Lamps to light the Streets —
Voted, that the Selectmen except the same, and that they pre-
sent the Thanks of the Town to Mr. Foster for his generous
Donation —
[373.] Mr. Hermon Brimmer appointed one of the Commit-
tee to consider what may be due to the late Treasurer in the
room of Mr. Joseph Barrel who declines serving
On the Report of the Committee to consider the Memorial of
Cap*. John Ballard Clerk of Faneuil Hall Market —
Voted, that Cap*. John Ballard Clerk of Fanuiel Hall Market
be and hereby is impowered to receive the whole of the Rents for
the Stalls both within and without the Market Building, and to
pay the same into the Treasury once in every three Months
The Article in the Warrant Viz*. " To consider whether there
shall be a Revision of the By Laws, and such Additions or alter-
ations made as may be Judged proper by the Town — where-
upon
Voted, that the Honble. Robert T. Payne
John Lowell Esqr.
James Sullivan Esqr.
Benjamin Hitchbourn Esqr.
Ezekiel Price Esqr.
be a Committee to Revise the By Laws and to Report whether
any further Laws can be made to regulate the Market —
[374.] The Article in the Warrant — Viz1: " To consider
what further measures are necessary to regulate Faneuil Market
— was read whereupon
Voted, that Col° : Daws
Mr. Thomas Walley
Cap*. John Ballard
46 CITY DOCUMENT.
be a Committee to Erect such Stalls on the Towns Land near
Faneuil Hall as they may Judge useful — and to persue such
Measures in performing the Business as shall appear to them the
least expensive to the Town —
On a Motion Voted, That the Vote passed at last March Meet-
ing assigning the Range on the North side of the Market House
for the use of Lemmon Sellers be Reconsidered —
Adjourned to Tuesday next being the 24th Inst : — 3. O'Clock.
P: M:
Tuesday August 24th. 3. O'Clock P. M. met according to Ad-
journment—
On a motion, Voted, that
Cap* : Isaac Phillips
be Appointed one of the Committee on the late Treasurer's
Accounts, in the room of Mr. Herman Brimmer who declines
serving —
The Articles in the Warrant for the choice of Cullers of Staves
— read whereupon it was moved & Voted, that the choice of Cul-
lers of Staves & Hoops be Suspended —
[375.] The Report of the Committee on Mr. Grays Petition
— read whereupon it was moved & Voted, that the choice of Cul-
lers of Staves & Hoops be suspended
The Report of the Committee on Mr. Grays Petition read &
considered — and the Question being put Whether the same shall
be Accepted passed in the negative —
The Report of the Committee relative to a new School was
read & considered — whereupon it was. Voted, that the Town
hire at the Public charge the Schoolhouse mentioned in the Peti-
tion of the Propriators, and Appoint a School Master to Educate
as many Children as the Same School will hold, he to be paid at
the publick Expence from and After the 1st. of September next
untill such time as Another School House can be Obtained fitted
for the purpose of educating all the Children in that Quarter —
and that the same pay and Allowance shall be made the Master
as is allowed the others of the Town writing School Masters —
The Article in the Warrant Viz*. — " To consider what meas-
ures the Town will take respecting their Land on which the South
Battery stands, and the Land Adjacent" — was read where-
upon —
Voted, that the Honble : James Sullivan Esqr.
Honble. Caleb Davis Esqr.
Samuel Henshaw Esqr.
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1784. 47
be a Committee for the purpose aforesaid to Report at the Ad-
journment —
[376.] The Article in the Warrant Viz1— To consider
whether the Town will take any further steps with respect to
their Lands on the Neck" — was read — whereupon —
Voted, that Samuel Brick Esqr.
Nath1 : Barber Esqr.
Nath1 : Appleton Esqr.
William Tuder Esqrr
Edward Proctor Esqr.
be a Committee to consider what measures may be taken to pre-
serve the Lands on both sides of the Neck leading to Roxbury,
and to Report how in their Opinion, the several parts of the same
may be leased to the greatest Advantage, as well as to preserve
the same as to render it beneficial hereafter to the Town
The Committee of the Revision of the By Laws Reported —
and the same being read it was moved & Voted, that the consid-
eration of this Report be referred over to the Adjournment &
also. Voted, — That said Committee be desired to draw up By
Laws for the regulation of the Market agreeable to their said
Report —
Adjourned to this Day three Weeks being Tuesday the 14th
Day of Septemr. next 3. O'Clock Afternoon^ —
[377.J Tuesday the 14th Day of September 3. O'Clock
Afternoon — Met according to Adjournment
The Committee Appointed to revise the By Laws of the Town,
Reported one, relative to Surveyors which was read, and accepted
save the two last Paragraps, and the same was referred to the
Committee for their further consideration — also Voted, that
Joseph Greenleaf Esqr : be added
to said Committee
•
The Report of the Committee at large (as Letters C — on file)
was then read — whereupon it was moved and Voted, that this Re-
port lay for further consideration, and that the Committee be de-
sired to revise such of the Towns By Laws which have been made
before or since the Year 1758. and if they are of Opinion that
any of such Laws should still be in force that they Report the
Same to the Town at the Adjournment of this Meeting, and that
the Town Clerk be directed to examine the Town Records and lay
before said Committee such Laws if any there be as have been
made since the Year 1758 — And Report at the Adjournment —
The Committee relative to Lands on the Neck Reported, and
the same being read it was moved & Voted, that the further con-
sideration be referred to the Adjournment
48 CITY DOCUMENT.
[378.] Voted, that the Town Clerk be directed to Apply to
Ezekiel Price Esqr. the Clerk of the Sessions for Copies of such
By Laws as have been passed by the Town and allowed by the
Court of General Sessions of the Peace since the last printed
Code —
Voted, that the Town Clerk be directed to Notify the Inhabi-
tants by printed Notifications of the Business of the Meeting
Voted, that when this Meeting is Adjourned it shall be to this
Day four Weeks being the 12th of October next. 3. O'Clock P.M.
And the Meeting was accordingly Adjourned —
October 12th — 3. OClock in the Afternoon — Met according
to Adjournment —
The Report of the Committee appointed to devise Methods for
preserving and Leasing the Towns Lands on the Neck — ware
again — read — and some consideration thereon, moved &
Voted, that the Report be recommitted, and that said Commit-
tee be desired to confer with the Persons whose Land is con-
nected with this Report, and that the Committee be desired to
consider and Report another Plan for the more [379.] speedy
preservation of the Neck —
One gentelman of the Committee for revising By Laws — Re-
ported that the Committee were not ready to Report, whereupon
it was moved and
Voted, that said Committee be directed to make — Application
to the General Court for larger Powers in the making of By
Laws —
Moved & Voted, that all Matters unfinished at this Meeting be
referred-over to the next General Town Meeting that may be
called —
Then the Meeting was
dessolved
At a Meeting of the Freeholders & Other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston duly qualified and legally warned in publick
Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuiel Hall on Tuesday the 11th
Day of January A.D. 1785 — 3 O. Clock Afternoon —
Warrant for calling the Meeting — read
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1784. 49
The Honble : Samuel Adams Esqr. was chosen Moderator of
this Meeting by a hand Vote —
The Article in the Warrant — Viz*. To consider "& make
answer to a Petition [38O.] of thirteen Towns in this Com-
monwealth for repealing or altering the Act of the General
Court, for regulating the Market in Boston" was read. — On a
Motion, the Act of the General Court was also read. — where-
upon, the Question was put Viz1. — Whether it be the sense of
the Town that said Act should be Repealed — passed in the
Affirmative —
It was then Moved & Voted, that the Gentelmen the Select-
men together with the Honble : Robert Treat Payne Esqr : Mr.
Thomas Walley & Joseph Greenleaf Esqr : be a Committee to
make Answer to the Petition referred to —
On a Motion Voted, that there shall be an Adjournment of the
present Meeting
Voted, that the Committee aforenamed be directed to make
Report at the Adjournment of this Meeting, the draught of an
Answer to the Petition aforesaid, as also to lay before the Town
at the same time an Account of what Moneys have been collected
for stands, without the Market — And that the Clerk of the
Market be instructed to furnish the Said Committee with an
Account of all the Moneys which has been collected by him with-
out the Market House —
Voted, that when this Meeting is [381.] Adjourned, it shall
be to Tuesday the 18th of January Ins1. 3. O.Clock in the After-
noon—
And the Meeting was accordingly Adjourned —
Met According to Adjournment Tuesday the 18th of January
3. O'Clock P: M:
A Motion was made & the Question put. Viz*. — . Whether
the consideration of those Matters unfinished at the March Meet-
ing which stood referred over to this Meeting be further referred
to the Next Town Meeting — Passed in the Affirmative
The Committee Appointed to prepare an Answer to the Peti-
tion of thirteen Towns in this Commonwealth for repealing or
altering the Act of the General Court for regulating the Market
in Boston — Report as follows Viz*. —
%
To the Honble Senate & House of Representatives in General
Court Assembled at Boston — January 1785 —
50 CITY DOCUMENT.
The Town of Boston having been favor 'd through the medium
of their Selectmen with a Copy of the Petition of the Towns of
Roxbury, Braintree & Other Towns, respecting the Honourable
Court either to repeal or alter a late Law relative to the Market
in Boston and have also been notified to Appear before the next
said Court to make Answer to said Petition [382.] if they see
Cause, in consequence of which Notification the said Town of
Boston by their Committee Viz*: the Selectmen appear & beg
leave to take notice of the Reasons given in the said Petition
why the said Law should be repealed or altered —
In the first place the Petitioners say that Considerable Sums
of Money have been demanded for the Inconsiderable priviledge
of standing on the same " that is the Market ground " this they
deem to be contrary to that freedom of appropriating their own
Towns properity by their own consent & consequently unconsti-
tutional and Oppressive —
In Answer to which we say that whatsoever Sums have been
demanded, but a trifle has been paid even not sufficient to pay
the daily expence of the Market, But that this Demand is contrary
to the Intent of the Legislature, doth not appear, if we are to
Judge by a fair and candid perusal of the Market Law, and to
say that paying Money for a priviledge (as they own it to be in
their Petition) is contrary to that freedom of Appropriating
their own "properity by their own consent, & unconstitutional
and " oppressive," is as we conceive contrary to common Sense,
If they enjoy a Priviledge its fit they should pay for it, to procure
them this Priviledge the Town have been at the [383.] Expence
of near two Thousand Pounds in filling up the Docke and are
annually at the expence of a Clerk to accomodate the Market
Men & a Labourer, who every Day after the Market is over,
clears away the Dung & rubish better to accomodate them,
Their own Properity they dispose of as they please, & do what
they will with their money when received & how this can be
deem'd unconstitutional, or oppressive cannot be concived but
by the Framers of said Petition
The next thing the Petitioners complain of is being restrained
from standing more than half an " houre in any public place or
Street, in Boston under "the penalty of two Shillings for every
offence "which they concieve to be an abridgment of that Liberty
which every good Citizen ought to enjoy," —All that need be
said in answer to this is, that by the paragraph referred to in-
stead of Abridging it is an enlargement of their liberty — before
the Law, Teams, Carts, Trucks, Chaise &c Standing a less space
of time in the Street, road or high way would be deem'd a com-
mon Nuisance & might be punish'd as such 'tis a Priviledge that
no Inhabitant of this Commonwealth either in Boston or in any
other Town is allowed. —
The Petitioners also Complain of it as a hardship that Common
Street is set a part as a market place for the sale of Hay, Wood
&c — Instead of a greivance this is another Priviledge, there they
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1785. 51
may stand all Day, without being liable to be presented [384.]
for obstructing the road, as an Inhabitant of Boston might be. —
We have this further to say Viz* : that the Law which they
complain of doth not Compel them either to go into Common
Street with their Lumber or the Market with their Provisions,
it leaves them at free Liberty to pass and repass, thro' all the
Streets in Boston so as they do not Obstruct the passage or
make it inconvenient for other passangers thus it appears that
their Blood & Treasure "has not in this respect been spent in
vain —
We know of no Jealousy or Cause of Jealousy subsisting be-
tween Town & Country ; We are one People, Brothers ; our Inter-
ests are one ; and to convince our Friends in the Country, espe-
cially those in the Petitiononing Towns, that we wish to live in
perfect Harmony with them, we shall make no oppositions to a
Motion for a Total repeal of this Act which they complain off
however mistaken we think they have been in the construction
of it. —
It was then moved and Voted, that the Town do accept of this
Report, and that the sd : Committee Viz*. " The Gentelmen the
Selectmen & the Honb!e : Robert T. Payne Esqr. MP. Thomas
Walley and Joseph Greenleaf Esqr. be and hereby are instructed
to lay the Same before the General Court as the Answer of the
Town to the Petition aforesaid
Then the Meeting was dissolved
[385.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants
of the Town of Boston duly qualified and legally warned in public
Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Thursday the 10th
Day of February Anno Domini 1785. 3. O'Clock P. M.
Warrant for calling the Meeting — read
Honble : Samuel Adams Esqr.
chosen Moderator of this Meeting, by a hand Vote —
The Petition for calling the Meeting Signed by five hundred
of the Inhabitants was read
The I8t. Article in the Warrant Viz*. — "To consider & de-
termine (on the request of a Number of the Inhabitants) Whether
the Town will prefer a Petition to the Honourable the General
Court, that the Petition of Thomas Russel Esqr. & Others, who
pray for liberty to build a Bridge over Charles River where the
Ferry between Charlestown & Boston is now kept' — may be
granted" was read and considered, whereupon the Question
was put Viz* : — Whether such a Petition shall be preferred to the
52 CITY DOCUMENT.
General Court — Passed in the Affirmative, with but two Dis-
sentients there being 1300 Voters present —
[386.] The 2d : Article in the Warrant Viz*. " Whether the
Town will give Instructions to their Representatives to support
& use their endeavours to have the same Petition granted ' ' —
was read, and the Question being accordingly put — Passed in
the Affermative unanimousley
Voted, that Benja. Hitchbourn Esqr.
Honble : John Lowel Esqr.
AVilliam Tudor Esqr.
Honble : Stephen Higginson Esqr.
Thomas Dawes, Jur. Esqr.
be and hereby are appointed a Committee to prepare a Draught
of a Petition accordingly
Moved & Voted, that all matters referred over to this Meeting
be referred to the Annual Meeting in March next —
The aforegoing Committee Reported the Draught of a Petition
to the General Court as directed ; and the same having been read
the Question was put — ' ' Whether the Town do approve of the
same — Passed in the Affirmative unanimously —
Moved & Voted, that said Petition be signed by the Town
Clerk in the Name & behalf of the Town — and that he hand in
the same to the Gentelmen who Represent this Town in the
General Court — also
[387.] Voted, that the Town Clerk serve each of said Gen-
telmen with an Attested Copy of the aforegoing Instructions for
the Support of said Petition
Then the Meeting was
dissolved
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston, duly qualified, and legally warned in publick
Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Monday the 14th
Day of March — A :M
Prayer was made by the Revd. Mr. Eckley
Warrant for calling the Meeting — read
Sundry Laws enjoined to be read at this Meeting — were ac-
cordingly read —
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1785. 53
The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their
Votes for a Moderator of this Meeting, and the same being
brought in and sorted it, appeared that the
Honble : Stephen Higginson Esqr.
was, chosen Moderator —
William Cooper Esqr.
was chosen Town Clerk for the Year ensuing and took the Oath
of Office for the faithful discharge of his Duty which Oath was
Administered to him by Mr. Justice Price —
[388.] The Town having determined by a Vote to choose
nine Selectmen, the Inhabitants were then directed to withdraw
and bring in their Votes for that number, and the same brought
in and sorted, it Appeared that the following Gentelmen — Viz1.
John Scollay Esqr.
Nathan Frazier Esqr. declines serving
Ezekiel Price Esqr.
Cap1. William Mackay
Tuttle Hubbart Esqr.
John Brown Esqr.
Mr. Bossinger Foster — declines serving
Cap*. Edward Tyler
Cap*. Amasa Davis
were chosen Selectmen for the Year ensuing
On a Motion Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be and
hereby are given unto Deacon Thomas Greenough, for his faith-
ful Services as a Selectman a Number of years past
On a Motion Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be and
hereby are given unto David Jeffries Esqr. for his faithful Ser-
vices as a Selectman a number of years past —
The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their
Votes for twelve Overseers of the Poor, and the Votes having
been brought in and Sorted, it Appear'd that —
[389.] The Honble: William Phillips Esqr.
Isaac Smith Esqr.
Mr. Jonathan Mason
Mr. Samuel Whitwell
John White Esqr.
Edward Proctor Esqr.
William Powell Esqr.
John Sweetser p]sqr.
Joseph Webb Esqr.
Mr. Henry Prentice
Mr. Jona : L. Austin
Mr. Samuel Parkman
were chosen Overseers of the Poor for the Year ensuing —
54 CITY DOCUMENT.
The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their
Votes, for Sixteen Fire-Wards ; and the same being brought in
and Sorted it Appeared
On a Motion Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be and
hereby are given unto Cap1. Samuel Partridge for his faithful
Services as an Overseer of the Poor a Number of years past
Adjourned to 3 : OClock in the Afternoon
3 : OClock Afternoon met according to Adjournment —
The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their
Votes for Sixteen Fire- Wards ; and the same having been brouhgt
in & Sorted it Appeared that —
[39O.J AVilliam Cooper, Esqr.
Edward Procter Esqr.
Mr. Thomas Tileston
Cap1. Gustavus Fellows
Mr. John Lowell
Andrew Syms Esqr.
Cap*. John Ballard
Mr. John Wintroop
Thomas Melville Esqr.
Cap1. Isaac Phillips
Col°. Jabez Hatch
Mr. Jacob Rhoades
Mr. Joseph Clark
Major Robert Davis
Samuel Brick Esqr.
Mr. Henry Bass
were chosen Fire Wards for the Year ensuing
The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their
Votes for a Clerk of Faneuil Hall Market, and upon sorting them
it Appeared, that
Mr. Matthew Nazro
was chosen Clerk of Faneuil Hall Market for the Year ensuing
To Morrow 10. OClock Fore Noon assigned for corning to the
choice of a County Treasuerer —
On a Motion Voted, that the choice of Wardens be postponed —
[391.] The Inhabitants withdrew & brought in their Votes
for a Town Treasurer, and upon sorting them it Appeared that —
Mr. Peter Boyer
was chosen Town Treasurer for the Year ensuing unanimously —
On a Motion Voted, that Collectors of Taxes be chosen sepe-
rate from Constables —
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1785. 55
The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for twelve Constables,
and the same being sorted it Appeared that the following Persons
were chosen Viz*.
Messrs : John Lampson
John Pownal -------- sworn
Nathaniel Henchman d°.
Samuel Whitney
Samuel Smith — Sworn
George Hamlin
Isaac Wendell - -- Sworn
Francis Booth Sworn
George Butterfield (excused)
John T. Hurley Sworn
William Patten - Sworn
Moses Bass ----____ (excused)
Adjourned to to Morrow Morning 10. O'Clock —
Tuesday March 15th. 10-OClock in the Forenoon — met accord-
ing to Adjournment
[392.] The following Persons were chosen Clerks of the
Market for the year ensuing Viz*.
Cap* : William Donnison sworn
Mr. Benjamin Cutler sworn
Mr. Thomas L. Winthrop
Mr. John Erving sworn
Mr. Benjamin Austin Jur.
Mr. Samuel Blag — sworn
Mr. John Marston Junr.
Mr. Thomas W Russell sworn
Mr. John Goreham Rogers sworn
Mr. Syluester Bourn sworn
Mr. William Fisher — sworn
Mr. David Spear Jur. — sworn
Cap*. William McNeil
Edward How — sworn
were chosen Surveyors of Hemp for the ensuing Year —
Messrs : George Hamlin sworn
Samuel Curtis — sworn
were chosen Haywards for the Year ensuing
Mess1"8 : William Sharp
Jacob Edes
Josiah Simpson
John Skinner
were chosen Hogreeves for the Year ensuing
Mess18 : John Neat
Jonathan Stoddard
56 CITY DOCUMENT.
Andrew Townsend Jur. Sworn
[393.] Benjamin White— sworn
William Todd
were chose Fence Viewers for the ensuing Year
Messrs : Nathan Green (deli ties)
James Bruce — sworn
James Williams - - - sworn
Samuel Bangs _ . _ sworn
were chose Sealers of Leather for the year ensuing —
Mr. William Daws Junr
was chosen an Informer of Deer for the year ensuing
Messrs : Thomas Green
John Skinner
were chose Assay Masters for the year ensuing
The Selectmen
were chose Surveyors of High Ways for the Year ensuing —
John Lucas Esqr
John Jenkins
Mr. Edward Tuckerman
John White Esqr.
Mr. Edward Edes
were chosen Surveyors of Wheat & Flour for the Year ensuing —
Messrs : Isaac Tuckerman sworn
Jacob Goold sworn
where chose Constables for the Year ensuing
Ward
[394.] Messrs. Jonathan Farnum N° 1
Thomas Bradford 2 Sworn
Nathaniel Hill 3
Benjamin Henderson - - - - 4
Jacob Edes 5
Benjamin Curtis ------ 6
William Breed 7
Jasiah Simpson 8 Sworn
William Rogers ------ 9 sworn
Adam Colson -------10
William Sharp _--_--ii sworn
Ephraim Thayer 12
were chose Scavingers for the year ensuing
Voted, that the Sum of twelve pence on the Pound be and
hereby is allowed to Such Persons as are or may be chosen Col-
lectors of Taxes for the Year ensuing, for all such Sums as they
shall Collect and pay into the several Treasuries of the Sum com-
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1785. 57
mitted to them to Collect within eight Months from the Receit of
the Tax Books ; six pence on the Pound on all such Other Sums
as they shall so have paid in within twelve Months and four
pence upon all Afterwards — Also that such Collectors shall give
Bond with Sufficient Sureties to the Satisfaction of the Selectmen
for the faithful discharge of their Duty in said Office and com-
plying [395.] with this Vote ; and that they will not receive
any Premium or Gratuity for discounting any Order Note or
Recepts from the Treasurer of the State or the Treasurer of the
Town —
On a Motion Voted, that the Allowance to the Assessors be
seven shillings & Six Pence "$ Day for the time they may sit in
doing the Business of their Office
Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given
unto Nathan Frazier Esqr. for his faithful Services as a Select-
man for a Number of years past
Voted, that the Assessors be and hereby are impowered and
directed to set for Such Abatement of Taxes as they shall
Judge reasonable, ten Days following the date & delivery of the
Tax Bill (Lord Days excepted) and no longer saving that they
be allowed to set two Days the last Week in February for the
Abatement of the Taxes of such Persons as had not an Oppor-
tunity of Applying in the Above limitted time, by reason of their
being out of the Commonwealth, or any other unavoidable hin-
drance ; at which time they are also allowed and impowered to
Abate the Taxes of such Persons as may have died Insolvent
before the said time —
[396.] Voted, that Edward Payne Esqr.
Edward Green Esqr.
Joseph Russel Esqr.
William Parsons
Samuel Ruggles Esqr.
be and hereby are Appointed a Committee to Audit the Accompts
of Mr. Peter Boyer Treasurer and also the Accompts of the Over-
seers of the Poor ; and the said Committee are impowered when
they shall Audit said Accompts, allow such of the Overseers of
the Poor as shall have Advanced Monies for the Relief of the
Poor Interest on all such Sums from the time so Advanced,
untill they have Audited said Accompts and they are also desired
to Report from time to time a State of the Treasury respecting
its Debts and Credits, and on any matters, that they may think
proper —
And the Committee are also directed to examine the Draught
of the Selectmen
58 CITY DOCUMENT.
The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their
Votes for twelve Survey ers of Boards & Shingles ; and upon
sorting them it appeared, that
[397.] Messrs: John Cham pney sworn
Joseph Butler d°.
Henry Blaisdel - , d°.
Benjamin Page d°.
Abraham Howard ------ d°.
James Rogers d°.
Joshua Bently d°.
Joseph Eyres d°.
Clement Collins ------- d°.
Samuel Dyer -- d°.
Samuel Fen no d°.
Edmund Ranger ------- d°.
were chose Surveyors of Boards for Year ensuing
Adjourned to 3. OClock in the Afternoon —
3. O'Clock Afternoon Met According to Adjournment —
The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their
Votes for a County Treasurer, which were received, and sealed
up in Meeting and then delivered to Mr. Constable Smith to be
by him returned to the Court of General Sessions of the Peace at
their next Meeting : —
[398.] The Inhabitants withdrew and brought in their Votes
for Seven Assessors and the same being sorted it Appeared that
Mess1"9 : William Lowder - Sworn
Glyes Harris d°.
Moses May - - - - - d°.
John Pulling d°.
Samuel Ruggles Esqr. d°.
Cap*. William Fleet
John R. Sigorney sworn
were chose Assessors for the Year ensuing
The Inhabitants were desired to withdraw and bring in their
Votes for four Collectors when it Appeared that —
Messr8 : James Thompson sworn
Thomas Bayley sworn
Daniel Parker
Charles Williams sworn
were chose Collectors of Taxes for the Year ensuing —
The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw & bring in their
Votes for four Selectmen in the room of such as had declined
BOSTON Towx RECORDS, 1785. 59
serving and the same being brought in accordingly it Appeared
that
[399,] Mess™ : John Andrews
Henry Jackson Esqr. declines
Hermon Brimmer - - d°.
Cap1. William Brown
were chose Selectmen for the Year ensuing
Col°. Josiah Waters — declines
was chosen a Fire Ward for the Year ensuing
The Article in the Warrant Viz*. " To consider the request of
Governor Hancock respecting Beacon Hill — was read — where-
upon
Voted, that William Tuder Esqr.
Samuel Barret Esqr.
Stephen Higginson Esqr.
Benja. Hitchbourn Esqr.
Nath1. Appleton Esqr.
be a Committee to take this Article into consideration : to confer
with Governer Hancock and Report as soon as may be —
The Request of a Number of the Inhabitants " that Measures
may be taken for making a Road from West Boston to the North
End, where the Causeway is or near it " — was read whereupon —
[4OO.] Voted, that Col°. John May
Cap1. Isaac Phillips
Col°. Daws
Deacon Sharp
William Tuder Esqr. excused
Honble : John Lowell Esqr.
be a Committee to take this Request under consideration, and to
Report as soon as may be
The Article in the Warrant Viz*. " To consider the request of
the Inhabitants that spnie effectual Measures may be taken, as
well as to prevent the Inroads of the Sea on each side of the
Neck as for the safety of Passengers passing & repassing the
same " — was read — whereupon
Voted, that Samuel Brick Esqr.
Nath1. Barber Esqr.
Nath1. Appleton Esqr.
William Tuder Esqr.
Edward Proctor Esqr.
John Lucas — Esqr.
Col°. Daws - - - Esqr.
Josiah Waters — Esqr.
Honble. Caleb Davis Esqr.
60 CITY DOCUMENT.
[4.O1.] be a Committee to consider this Matter, and Report
as soon as* may be —
The Article in the Warrant Viz*. — "That the sense of the
Town may be taken as to the Appointment of a Master for the
Southermost Writing School " — was read, as also the Petition
to the Selectmen relative thereto whereupon it was moved, and
Voted, unanimously, That the same be left to the Selectmen for
them to consider and Act thereon as they shall Judge best
The Request of a Number of the Inhabitants "that a Watch
may be established as formerly in State Street — was read, where-
upon
Voted, that said Request be granted, and that the Selectmen
be directed to take order for establishing a Watch at the Place
prayed for
Adjourned to to Morrow Morning 10 O'Clock Forenoon —
10 — O Clock March 16. Town Met According to Adjourn-
ment —
Mess1"8 : Joseph Spear
Cap*. Manassah Maston sworn
Joshua Pico
Caleb Hayden ....... sworn
John Owen
Edward Burt ........ d°.
Cap*. David Spear
Joseph Loring
Robert Hitchbourn
John McElroy
Daniel Bell ........ d°.
William Marston
were chose Cullers of Staves and Hoops for the Year ensuing —
The Article in the Warrant Viz1. The "Request of a Number of
the Inhabitants ' ' that the Town would take Measures for a
supply of Bulls on the Common" — was read — whereupon
Voted, that this matter be referred to the Selectmen, for them
to Act thereon, as they shall Judge proper
The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for two Selectmen, and
upon sorting them it Appeared that —
[4O3.] Mr. Joshua Henshaw Jur.
Mr. Moses Grant —
were chosen Selectmen for the Year ensuing
BOSTON TOWN RECOKDS, 1785. 61
The Request of a number of the Inhabitants that the Town
would consider what shall be done with regard to the Admeasure-
ment of Wood on the Wharves &c — was read whereupon
Voted, that Deacon Sharp
William Story Esqr.
Mr. Jeremiah Belknap
be a Committee to take this matter into consideration and to Re-
port thereon as soon as may be —
The Article in the Warrant Viz*. ' ' To consider relative to
Monies due from the Collectors of Taxes " — was read — where-
upon —
Voted, that Edward Payne, Esqr.
Edward Green Esqr.
Joseph Russell Junr.
Mr. William Parsons
Samuel Ruggles Esqr.
the Committee to Audit the Account of the Town Treasurer be a
Committee to consider this Matter and to Report at the Adjourn-
ment —
Voted, that the Committee to Audit [4O4.] The Accompt of
the Town Treasurer be desired to prepare an Estamate of the
Money necessary to be raised for the services of the Town the
Year ensuing, stating the particular uses to which the same is to
be Appropriated, and to Report at the Adjournment —
Voted, that the consideration of all Money matters be referred
to the time the Above Committee make Report —
The Article in the Warrant Viz1. " To consider what Measures
the Town will take respecting the Market " — was read, as also a
Memorial of Cap*. John Ballard — whereupon —
Voted, that Mr. John Andrews
Mr. Samuel May
Mr. Thomas Walley
Christ0. Gore Esqr.
John Lucas Esqr.
be a Committee for the purpose aforesaid, to Report as soon as
may be —
The Memorial of Mr. Alexander Hill relative to Monies he had
lent the Town, was read whereupon —
Voted, that Mr. Cristopr. Gore Esqr.
Nath1. Appleton Esqr. excused
John Lucas Esqr.
[4O5.] Mr. Jonathan Mason excused
Joseph Russel Junr.
62 CITY DOCUMENT.
be a Committee to consider & Report at the Adjournment
The Petition of John Lambert, " that a further allowance may
be made him for work done on the Common & Repairs at North
Battery Wharf — was read — whereupon
Voted, that said Petition be left to the Selectmen for them to
Act thereon as they shall Judge proper —
The Article in the Warrant Viz*. " To consider whether Appli-
cation shall be made to the General Court to Authorise the Town
to choose an Additional Number of Selectmen — was read —
whereupon —
Voted, that the Honble : Stephn. Higginson Esqr.
Christ1. Gore Esqr.
Benjamin Lincoln Esqr.
be a Committee to consider this Article and Report thereon at
the Adjournment —
The Article in the Warrant relative to Fire Insurance Company
was read — and
[4O6.] After some debate it was Moved and Voted that the
further consideration of this Matter be referred over to the Ad-
journment of this Meeting —
Moved that this Meeting be Adjourned to the first Monday in
April next, 3. OClock in the Afternoon —
And the Meeting was Adjourned Accordingly
Prayer was made by the Revd : Mr : Peter Thatcher —
Warrant for calling the Meeting — read
Paragraph of the Constitution or Form of Government relative
to the choise of Governor Leiv*. Governor, and Six Senators for
the County of Suffolk was also read —
On a Motion Voted, that the Town will come to the choice of
a Governor Lev*. Governor and Six Senators for the County of
Suffolk —
It was then declared by the Selectmen that no Votes would be
received but such as are unfolded —
[4O7.] At a Meeting of the Male Inhabitants of the Town
of Boston of twenty One Years and upwards qualified as the Con-
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1785. 63
stitution prescribes, and legally warned in publick Town Meeting
Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Monday the 4th. Day of April
Anno Domini, 1785 — 9. OClock A : M :
Prayer was made by The Revd : Mr : Peter Thatcher
Warrant for calling the Meeting — read —
Paragraph of the Constitution or Form of Goverment relative
to the choice, of Governor Lev1 : Governor and Six Senators for
the County of Suffolk was also read —
On a Motion Voted, that the Town will now come to the choice
of a Governor Lev* : Governor and Six Senators for the County
of Suffolk -
It was then declared by the Selectmen that no Votes would be
received but such as are unfolded, and that they [4O8.] Propose
the Poll shall be closed at One O'Clock
On a Motion, Voted that the several Bells in the Town be set
a Ringing at half past Twelve O'Clock and to continue Ringing
untill O' 1 Clock —
Persons Voted for as Governor with the number of Votes for
each Person Viz* : —
Votes
His Honor Thomas Gushing Esqr. 337
Honourable James Bowdoin p]sqr. 574
Honble : Tristram Dalton Esqr. 7
Honble: Benjamin Lincoln Esqr. 23
Honourable John Hancock Esqr. _.. '5
Honble: Samuel Adams Esqr. - ---- 4
Honble : Francis Dana Esqr. 1
Persons Voted for as Lievetenant Governor with the Number
of Votes for each Person Viz1.
Votes
His Honor Thomas Gushing Esqr. 665
Honble : Samuel Adams Esqr. 259
Honble: Tristram Dalton Esqr. --------- 5
Honble : James Warren Esqr. _._ 1
Honble: Benjamin Lincoln Esqr. .--__ l
James Swan Esqr. 1
Thomas Russell Esqr. 1
[4O9.] Persons Voted for as Senators for the County of
Suffolk with the Number of Votes for each Parson — Viz1. —
His Honor Thomas Gushing Esqr.
The Honble : John Lowell Esqr. -
64 CITY DOCUMENT.
Honble: Samuel Dexter Esqr. ------ -~~. 153
Honble: Gotten Tuff ts Esqr. 901
Honblei Benjamin Lincoln 126
Houble: William Heath Esqr. 407
HonMe : Samuel Adams Esqr. 692
Honble: William Phillips Esqr. 739
Stephen Metcalf Esqr. 590
Richard Cranch Esqr. 408
Honble: Benjamin Austin Esqr. ._._ 368
John Brown Esqr. 191
Ebenezer Wales Esqr. 51
Honble: Samuel Nyles Esqr. 91
Samuel Brick Esqr. - .-.._.. 55
Honble: Stephen Higginson Esqr. 61
Honble: Samuel A. Otis Esqr 23
Honble. T. Dalton Esqr. 4
John Coffin Jones Esqr. - 3
Lemuel Hollock Esqr. 9
Honble : Caleb Davis Esqr. 6
Isaac Smith Esqr. .----... 2
Honble : James Sullivan Esqr. 4
[41O.] Honble: Jobez Fisher Esqr. 10
Thomas Daws Esqr. - - - - 3
John Lucas Esqr. 1
Dr. Charles Jarvis -.-___. 2
Thomas Russell Esqr. 5
William Powell Esqr. 1
Edward Payne Esqr. 1
Attested Copies of the Persons Voted for as Governor & Lieu1.
Governer & Senators for the County of Suffolk were committed
to the Secretary of this Commonwealth & the Inclosures Sealed
up in Town Meeting, Superscribed as follows — Viz*.
For
John Avery Esqr.
Secretary of the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts
The Number of Votes of the Town of Boston for a Governer
Liev* : Governer & Six Senators for the County of Suffolk Certi-
fied within and sealed up in Town Meeting —
Then the Meeting was
dissolved
Adjournment of March Meeting Monday the 4th. of April.
3. OClock Afternoon met according to Adjournment —
The Moderator being Absent Col°. Daws was chosen Modera-
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1785. 65
tor Pro. Tern0. — [411.] but the Moderator Appearing, he took
the Chair ; when it was moved that this Meeting be Adjourned to
to Morrow. 3. O'Clock Afternoon — and the Meeting was accord-
ingly Adjourned
Tuesday the 5th Day of April 3. OClock Afternoon — Met ac-
cording to Adjournment —
The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for one Selectman for
the year ensuing, and upon sorting them it Appeared that
Mr. William Cunningham
was chosen —
The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their
Votes for one Fire Ward, and the same being brought in and
sorted, it appeared that —
The Honble : Caleb Davis Esqr. — excused was chosen a Fire
Ward for the Year ensuing
The Report of the Committee relative to the Market & Cap*.
Ballards Petition, read, whereupon moved and carried that, that
part of the Report which relates to Monies received by Cap*. Bal-
lard, and Accounts to be settled, be referred to the Selectmen for
Settlement —
Also Voted, that the further [412.] consideration of the lat-
ter part of said Report which relates to the Erecting Buildings
&c — be referred to May Meeting — and that the same be inserted
by the Selectmen in the Warrant that shall be issued for said
Meeting —
The Article of the Warrant relative to the Neck, was read as
also the Report of the Committee to take the same under consid-
eration — was read and the Report having been considered — the
Question was put — Whether the same shall be Accepted —
Passed in the Affirmative — and said Report is as follows Viz*.
The Committee Appointed by the Town at their Annual Meet-
ing 14th. Day of March last " to consider the request of a Num-
ber of the Inhabitants that some effectual Measures as well to
prevent the Inroads of the Sea on each side of the Neck as for
the Safety of Passengers passing or repassing the same " and to
whom was recommended the Report of a Committee made on the
same subject at a Town Meeting on the 14th. Day of September
last they have Attended the Business & Report
That After mature consideration of the Report submitted to
the Town by the [413.] Committee on the 14th Day of Septem-
ber they are of Opinion that the plan then reported involved in it
66 CITY DOCUMENT.
an Object of too great Magnitude to be carried into effect under
the present straitened Finances of the Town & was calculated on
two large a scale for Private Individuals to have engaged in ;
Your Committee therefore think it not Advisable at present that
any part of the Report referred to should be Adopted But as the
present exposed situation of the Neck Demands that some imme-
diate Measures should be persued to check the Inroads of the Sea
which prevails daly & distructive Advances must in a little time
produce the most runious Effects they propose
"First that a Sea Wall shall be erected from the Soiitheast cor-
ner of the Fortification to run fourteen hundred feet to & on the
out side of Hills Dam (so caUed) to be built of stone with a double
Capstan to be at least 3£ feet at Bottom — 2^ feet at Top & to
be bedded two feet and the Stone Work to be five feet high in-
cluding the bedding this Wall to be Well backed & secured & to
be kept in good repaire as a Barrier against the Sea forever —
Secondly the Wall on the Northwest side of the Neck being in a
very disjointed & tottering State, it is become exceeding neces-
sary to have a range of Stronge Pickets 1 1 feet longe & well se-
cured by being placed three feet in the Clay & at the distance of
18 Inches from the Wall, which [4:14.] Space should be filled in
with Roxbury Chips or small stones — These Pickets ought to be
five feet Above the Wall as it now stands all of the same heigth
to be pointed & ribbarded near the Top. And to defrey the ex-
pence Attending these Two pieces of Work it is proposed that the
Town shall grant in fee to such Person or Persons as will undertake
& finish in a substantial manner these two Important Barriers, all
the Land and Flatts lying on the Southeast side of the Neck ex-
tending 1400 feet from the Fortification to the end of the proposed
Wall on that Side ; As Also all the Flatts on the Northwest side
included within the Wall now standing & a line to be run par-
rallel with said Wall at the distance of two hundred feet there-
from, Subject however to the Grantees & their Heirs .& Assigns
forever, hereafter keeping the said Barriers in good repair ; as
also preserving the Passage way on each side the Pavement in suit-
able Order for Travelling in the same manner that the Abutters
on the publick Streets do in other parts of the Town — The Grant
above is Also to reserve to the Town forever a Street between
the Premisses of Eighty feet wide. — The Grantees are also to
Covenant to each a Rale Fence on the Southeast side of the
Above extent of 1400 feet [415.] as also the Picket work on
the Northwest side, on or before the first day of November next
for the security of Passangers and likewise to contract for the
Building & compleating the Sea Wall by the first of Novr: 1786
— Thirdly That the safety of Travellers & the Inhabitants, as
well as the preservation of Sixty Acres of Upland & Marsh be-
longing to the Town, make it exceeding necessary that the rest
of the Land should be immediately inclosed by an Open Fence of
Posts & two rails, similar to the one round the Common — And
to effect this purpose your Committee think it for the Interest of
the Town to lease the same for the Term of Twelve years to such
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1785. 67
Person or Persons as will contract to raise such a Fence, keep
the same in repair, & so leave the same at the expiration of said
Term for the Use of the Town, & also engage to" set out suitable
Elm Trees at 50 feet distance on each side of the Neck the whole
extent of the Town Land & from time to time replace them when
they decay or are destroyed — This Bargain to be at the refusal
of the Persons who shall undertake the Stone Wall & Picketing
— Fourthly — It is become necessary that the sunking Pavement
on the Center of the Isthmus should be [416.] raised two feet
high for 450 feet extent that the Other parts of the Pavement
should be repaired & that one Thousand Load at least of Gravil
should be laid on the defective parts of the Cartway on the East
Side of the Pavement — The Expence of this said Work the Com-
mittee compute to Amount to £500 — & to defrey which they
recomend it to the consideration of the Town to dispose of the
Land Annexed to & Adjoining the Fortification within on both
sides — The sale of which they are of Opinion will raise the Sum
wanted — The Committee recomend that the Selectmen be Author-
ized, or a Committee be Appointed to execute the Above Buisness
on the best Terms & in the most expedious way possable & to
make & execute proper Deeds to effect the purposes aforemen-
tioned.— The foregoing was unanimously Agreed &c
Boston 4th April 1785 Samuel Brick ^ Order
The Committee relative to Land at S5 Battery, Reported —
and the same being read, it was on a Motion Voted, that the
consideration of said Report be reffered to May Meeting ; and
the Town Clark is directed to furnish the Honble : Oliver Wendell
Esqr. [417.] with a Copy of said Report —
The Committee on the Petition of the Fire Insurance Com-
pany Reported — on a Motion Voted, that the consideration of
said Report be referred to May Meeting
The Committee on Mr. Hills Petition Reported — and the same
being read and considered — the Question was put — Whether
the same shall be accepted — Passed in the Negative —
Moved & Voted, that Mr. Hill have leave to withdraw said
Petition —
The Committee relative to enlarging the present Number of
Selectmen having Reported — It was moved & Voted that the
consideration of said Report be referred to May Meeting
Voted, that all Matters and Things which remain unfinished at
this Meeting be referred over to the General Town Meeting in
May next then to be Acted upon —
Then the Meeting was
dissolved
G8 CITY DOCUMENT.
[418.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabi-
tants of the Town of Boston duly qualified and legally warned
in publick Town Meeting Assembled at Fanuiel Hall on Tuesday
the 26th Day of April A. D. 1785. 1 1 . O'Clock in the Forenoon —
Warrant for calling the Meeting - - read —
On a Motion —
The Honble : Samuel Adams Esqr. was chosen Moderator of
this Meeting by a Hand Vote —
Warrant again read, and on a Motion the Printed Resolution
of the Merchants — relative to some late Importation, was also
read —
The first Clause of the Article in the Warrant — Viz*: "To
take into consideration the propriety of the Selectmen Acting
agreeably to the Votes and Agreement of a late Meeting of a large
Number of Merchants & Traders of the Town" — was read, and
After some Debate it was moved and carried that this Clause be
passed Over — and then the latter Clause of the Article in the
[419.] Warrant — Viz1. Whether the Town will take any meas-
ures relative to said Business" — was read, and considered —
whereupon the Question was put accordingly and passed in the
Negative by a very large Majority
It was then moved, that this Meeting be dissolved, and it was
accordingly
dissolved
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston duly qualified and legally warned, in publiek
Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall the 10th Day of May
Anno Domini 1785 — 10. O'Clock before Noon —
Prayer was made by the Revd. Mr. Howard
Warrant for calling the Meeting — read
That part of the Constitution or form of Government which
relates to the Choice of Representatives - - - - read
Sundry Laws to be read at said Meeting were accordingly
- read -
[42O.] The Town having determined to choose seven Persons
to represent them in the General Court of Massachusetts to be
held at the State House at Boston upon the last Wednesday of
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1785. 69
May Current Agreeable to the Constitution or Frame of Govern-
ment for the Massachusetts — The Inhabitants were directed to
withdraw and bring in their Votes for Seven Representatives,
& then it was declared by the Selectmen that no Votes should be
received but such as ware unfolded, and that they propose that
the Poll should be closed at 12 — O'Clock — the Assessors were
requested to stand at the Door while the Inhabitants were giving
in their Votes —
On a Motion Voted, that all those Persons who Vote for 'Rep-
resentatives shall in their giving in their respective Votes, enter
into the Hall, and there remaine untill the Poll is closed —
The Votes being brought in for Seven Representatives, the
number of the same were found to be 502 — And upon sorting
them it Appeared that [421.] only the Six following Gentelmen
were chosen by a Majority of Votes — Viz1 :
Votes
The Honble. John Hancock Esqr. 315
3 Honble. Allen Otis Esqr. - 502
2 Honble : Caleb Davis Esqr. 333
Thomas Daws Ksqr. 502
Samuel Brick Esqr. - 502
Honble : Benjamin Austin Esqr. 277
On a Motion Voted, that 3. O'Clock Afternoon be Assigned
for the choice of Another Representative — The Poll to be closed
at 4 O Clock —
Adjourned to 3. O'Clock P : M :
3 O'Clock P : M : Met according to Adjournment —
The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their
Votes for one Representative — The Votes being brought in and
sorted the Number was found to be 394 — And that no one of the
Persons Voted for had a Majority of said Votes —
The Inhabitants as directed, again withdrew and brought in
their Votes for a Representative — the Number of Votes 429 —
and upon sorting them it Appeared that there was no choice —
[422.] The Inhabitants withdrew again as directed, and the
Votes being brought in the Number was found to be 484 — and
upon sorting the Votes-it appeared that
Benjamin Hitchborn Esqr :
was chosen by a Majority of Votes —
The choice of Representatives being over and declared by the
Selectmen, it was moved that a Moderator be chosen to transact
the other Business mentioned in the Warrant —
70 CITY DOCUMENT.
The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their
Votes for a Moderator of this Meeting the Votes being brought
in and sorted it appeared that
Thomas Dawes Esqr.
was chosen —
The Committee to Audit the Accompts of the Town Treasurer
gave in the following Report —
That the Treasurers Books are well kept, his Accote : well
Vouched and the Appropriations made last year has been At-
tended to —
By the Report of the Committee last year the Debts then due
from the Town Amounted to £17340. since which time, [423.]
They have been reduced About £1750 had the Collectors paid in
all the Taxes that have been granted those Debts would have
been reduced to £8825 —
The Tax granted last year was £10,500 this with the Premium
for Collecting has been expended in the year as Appears by the
Selectmen & Overseers Drafts Viz*.
For School Masters Salarys £1781 ,, 10 ,, -
Repairs of the Schools - 77, ,6, ,10
Visitation of - - D° ------- 49 ,, 14 ,, 4
Watchmen - 652 ,, 11 ,, 5
Lamps Oyl &c 320 ,, 6 ,, 5
Town Dock 363 ,, 6 ,, 7
Gravel & Labour on Neck 100 ,, 7 ,, 10
Common & Beacon Hill -------- 168, ,5, ,2
Pay to the Assessors - --- 586 ,, 17 ,, 0
Premium to Collectors -------- 381 ,, 15 ,, 1
Treasurer & Town Clark - 300 ,, -
Nazro's Salary - 50,, —
Hay Market - 75,, 13
Engines 10 ,, 11 ,, 7
Paving 168 ,, 13 ,, 7
Printers Acco*. & Stationary - 101,, 3,, 3
Repairs of Burying Places 62, ,11, ,3
Ditto of Estate by Concert Hall 80 „ 16 „ 11
Lumber of Samuel May -------- 80, ,4, ,8
State Account 22,, 11,, 4
Contingencies ----------- 738 ,, 5 ,, 6
Am0, of the Selectmens Drafts £6172 ,, 11 ,, 9
The Overseers Drafts for the Support of the ") „_.. _ ,
-r> f ' * '48 j) • 1» *
Poor ----- j
£8917 ,, 19 ,, 1
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1785. 71
[424.] The whole of these Drafts have been paid by the
Treasurer, except £1024 ,, 11 ,, 4 which Sum is in the Estimate
of the Debts now due from the Town most of the Money recd :
on the last Tax has been paid by Messr8 : Bayley & Thompson
had the Other Collectors Messrs : Williams & Parker paid in the
same proportion, the whole of those drafts would have been
paid —
The Debts that Appear to be now due from the Town (exclusive
of the Demands from the State & some small Debts, which the
Treasurer will be Able to discharge from those due to the Town
are as follows Viz1. —
Notes for Money borrowed before the Year —
1775 £1427 ,, 16 ,, 4
Notes of Money borrowed since ----- 9647 ., 6 ,, 4
Due to Sundry Creditors before and — since ) inQQ '
1775 __-___--_...(" J8y " 18 "
Unpaid of the Selectmen & Overseers — }
T^ Ct. • 1-70 A C 1024 ,, 11 ,, 4
Drafts ml/ 84 j
Interest due on the Above Debts 2400 ,, 7 ,, 9
suppose .-.-
£15590
besides these Debts there Appears to be due to a Number of
Persons for Paper Money borrowed, the Amount of which can-
not be Ascertained as no Application has been made for Payment
nor any date when received —
»
[425.] To discharge the Above Debts there Appears to be
due from the several Collectors the following Sums Viz1 : —
From Francis Shaw Esqr £334 ,, 2 „ 6
James Thompson Tax 1783 £560 „ 19 „ 9\ 4ne 1Q 0
= deduct £152 „ 6/ Premium j »»•*««'
Thomas Bayley d°- 402 „ 17 ., 2- -299,, 7 103 „ 10 „ 3
Benjamin Sumner d°- 255 „ 5 „ 4 - - 181 ,, 10 73 ,, 15 ,, 4
Daniel Parker d°- 93 „ 9 „ 10 93,, 9 „ 10
Alexander Thomas 439 ,, 13 „ 7 - - - 163 „ 16 „ 9 275 „ 16 „ 10
£1289 „ 8 „ 6
due on the last Town Tax 1784 viz4-
From Thomas Bayley 1050 ,, 19 ,, 10
James Thompson 1318 ,, 14 ,, 5
Cha"- Williams 2167 „ 6 " 0
Dan1- Parker 2259 „ 18 ,, 3
6796 " 18 „ 6
deduct for Abatements ------ 1323
5473 „ 18 „ 6
Due from the State Treasurer for the — Support of ) ~RAA - fi
their Poor \ l " 5 " *
£9407 „ 13 ,, 8
72 CITY DOCUMENT.
These Sums together with the Rent of the Market and Other
Buildings belonging to the Town, & Bills of New Emission re-
maining in the Treasurey Amounting to £3047 ,, 81— if Sold to
be Appropriated to pay the Interest and principle of the Towns
Debts — The Charges of the Year ensuing to be paid out of the
Tax to be raised for that purpose, but as Money cannot be pro-
cured in time [426.] to pay the immediate demands of the Over-
seers, the Watch and the School Masters Salarys the Treasurer
may be Allowed to pay the drafts on these Accounts out of the
first Money he receives & to replace the Same out of the Money
received on the Tax now to be levied. —
Besides the Above Sums due from the present Collectors, there
Appears to be due from former Collectors, and others, not
brought into the Above Estimate as premiums may be due to
some of them, but these Accounts Ought to be immediately
settled Viz*. —
From the Estate of John Ruddock Esqr. a ballce : -
Faneuil Hall Lotterys £50 ,, 19 ,, 9
Abraham Savage on a/c of Tax for 1773- 529 ,, 2 ,,' 3
Benf: Grays Estate — D°. — D°. — 347 ,, 11 ,, 0
Benja : Cudworth for Taxes since ye. time 31 ,, 11 ,, 9
<t9o9 ,, o , , LI
It Appears by the Treasurers Books that several Sums have been
paid out of the Treasurey in 1779. 1780. & 1781 viz*, to Mr.
Rowe & Others a Committee for purchasing Grain ; To Col° :
Symmes ftfr Mileage. To Col°. Crafts for Ditto & those Accounts
still remain unsettled in the Treasurers Books the two last were
to be reimbursed by the State, but it does not Appear that the
Town have been paid —
[427.] The Rents of the Market the last year has not been
'received by the Treasurer —
The Board of War have made a Demand on the Town for About
£2500 — the greatest part of which is for Arms &c. delivered to
the Officers of Militia, & by them to the Men; some of them
have been returned to the Selectmen, & some are Missing, but
none of them have been returned to the Board of War — if Money
can immediately be procured, these Arms can now be purchased
on such Terms as would save the Town upwards of £1000 — It
likewise Appears by Treasurer Iver's Account that there remained
due to the State on the 16th of March from the Several Collectors
as follows Viz* : —
From Abraham Savage on the Tax for Tax — ) ,,,, .
in 1773 ! j £64,,!.,, 3
Benf: Cudworth d°. — 1778 - - - 681,, 4 ,, 10
Eight Men deficient on Class Tax @ 74 ,, £ 592, ,13,, 4
1338 ,, 15 ,, 0
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1785.
73
Daniel Parker Continental Tax N°. 2 - - - - 1090 ,, 2 ,, 2
B. Sumner on Commonwealth Tax N°. 3 - - - 633 ,, 15 ,, 2
Alexr. Thomas on Ditto - - - D°. - - - 504 ,, 2 ,, 2
£2227 ,, 19 ,, 4
£3566 ,, 14 ,, 9
As the Town is Oblidged to make good all Arrages due to the
State in case the Collectors fails And are now paying Interest on
the Sums they Owe — your Committee are of Opinion that effec-
tual Measures should be immediately taken to Oblidge [428.]
The Collectors, & all other Indebted to the Town to pay their
respective Ballances —
The whole of the Tax granted last Year has been expended for
Charges incurred in the Year the same Sum will be necessary for
the Service of the Ensuing Year, if the Selectmen can make any
saving the Overplus to be Appropriated to pay the Towns Debts
Amount of Arreages due from ye. Collectors — Vizt :
From Abraham Savage on the Tax for
Town Treasurer
State Treasr-
Total
— Tax
in 1773 - -
£529 , 2 ,,
3
£64,,
17,,
3
593
,,
19
,,11
Benja :
Cudworth -
- 31,
11,,
9
681,,
4,,
10
712
,,
16
„ 7
Benja :
Gray
-347,
11—
347
,,
11
—
Benja :
Sumner - -
- 73,
15,,
4
633,,
15,,
2
707
,,
10
„ 6
Alexr :
Thomas - -
-275,
16,,
10
504,,
2,,
2
779
,,
1(.»
—
Daniel
Parker
2028, ,18,,
4
1090,,
2,,
2
3119
On the
Class Tax
-
-
592,,
13,,
4
592
j»
13
. 4
3566, ,14,, 9
Char18 : Williams - 1842 „ 16 ,, 0 on last Tax 1842 ,, 16 ,, -
James Thompson - 408, ,13,, 9&994,, 4,, 5 1402, ,18,, 2
Thomas Bayley - - 103 ,, 10 „ 2 &726 . 9 ,, 10 - 830.
£10929,, 4,, 9
Upwards of £1300 — of these Arrages are already lost to the
Town as neither the Collectors nor their Bondsmen are able to
make Payment & more may be lost if not speedilly Attende to —
Edward Payne ^ Order
The foregoing Report having been read and considered —
[429.] Voted, unanimously, that the Report be Accepted,
and that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given to said
Committee for their good services therein —
Moved & Voted, that
John Gardiner Esqr.
Samuel Brick Esqr.
Benjamin Hitchborn Esqr.
74 CITY DOCUMENT.
be a Committee to consider this Report and to Report to the
Town what is expedient to be done thereon —
Adjourned to Thursday next 3. O'Clock Afternoon —
Thursday the 12th Day of May 1785 — 3' OClock P : M : Met
according to Adjournment
The Petition of Nathaniel Cobbit read and after debate it was
moved & Voted that he have leave to withdraw his Petition
The Petition of Cap* : John Ballard was read, also the Report
of the Committee relative to Faneuil Hall Market — and after
debate had thereon it was moved & Voted, that the Petitioner
have leave to withdraw his Petition —
The Petition of a Number of the Inhabitants relative to the
North Chocolate Mills — read, whereupon —
[43O.] Voted, that Samuel Barret Esqr.
Thomas Daws Junr. Esqr.
Mr. John R. Sigorney
be a Committee to consider this Petition and to Report at the
Adjournment —
The Article in the Warrant Viz*. Whether the Town will make
provision for the Building one or more Schools for the further
Accommondation of youth " was read, whereupon
Voted, that John Lucas Esqr.
John Switcher Esqr.
Perez Morton Esqr.
Christ1. Gore — Esqr.
Mr. Edward Tuckerman
be a Committee to consider the Articles and to report as soon as
may be —
The Article in the Warrant Viz*. What Measures shall be
taken relative to the North Battery." read and considered, where-
upon
Voted, that the Gentelmen the Selectmen be and hereby are
Authorised and impowered to make Sale of the North Battery
with the Lands & Flats Adjoining for the most the same will
fetch with this restriction that the Materials be not removed off
the Land
[431.] On a Motion Voted, that
Dr. Charles Jarvis
Samuel Barret Esqr.
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1785. 75
John C Jones
William Tudor Esqr.
Thomas Daws Junr. Esqr.
be a Committee to prepare Instructions for the Gentelmen who
Represent this Town in the General Court the present Year — to
make Report at the Adjournment of
The Petition relative to Fire Office Insurance Company was
referred to the Gentelmen Fire Wards for the present year, for
their consideration to Report as soon as may be
The Honble. Caleb Davis Esqr. having declined serving as a
Fire Ward — on a Motion
Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be & hereby are given
him for his faithfull & Judicial services as a Fire Ward a number
of Years past
The Committee relative to the South Battery Report as fol-
lows — Viz*.
The Committee Appoint'd in August last ' ' to consider what
Measures the Town will take respecting their Land [432.] on
which the South Battery stands and the Land Adjacent " beg
leave, to Report
That they have Attended the business Assigned them — have
heard the Plea of the Honble : Oliver Wendell Esqr. respecting
bis Title to the Land on which said Battery stands — have ex-
amined the Records of the Town & the Report of Committees
relative to said Lands, and Advise that the Town give a Quit
Claim Deed to the Honble ; Oliver Wendell Esqr. of the Land on
which the Spermaictia Works stand, and the Wharf & Flats
property belonging to the same in the Judgement of the Select-
men, on Condition that the said Oliver Wendell Esqr : relinquish
to the Town all the Right & Title which he supposes he has to
every other part of said South Battery. The Committee also
Advise that the Town impower the Selectmen to sell at public
Auction or at private Sale the remaining part of said Lands Viz1 :
All the Land between said Spermacite Works & Mr. Rows
Wharff with all priviledges and Appurtenances belonging to the
same. — also all the Land Adjacent belonging to the Town and
to give good and Sufficient Deeds to the Purchaser in the Name
and behalf of the Town
[433.] Caleb Davis
J Henshaw
major part of the Committee
The aforegoing Report having been read and considered, the
Question was put — Viz1. Whether this Report shall be Accepted
— Passed in the Affermative
76 CITY DOCUMENT.
Adjourned to Thursday next being the 19th of May Ins*: 3.
O'Clock P: Mi-
Thursday the 19th Day of May 1785 3. O'Clock P: M: Met
According to Adjournment —
The Selectmen having Acquainted the Inhabitants that Joseph
Barrel Esqr : had generously given the Town a Deed of a Piece
of Land of twelve feet six Inches leading from Dock Square to
the Revd. Mr: Thatchers Church —
Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given
to unto Joseph Barrel Esqr. for said Donation, whereby a narrow
tho.' much frequented Passage way will be inlearged to the better
accommodation — and safety of the Inhabitants
The Committee to prepare Instruction for the Gentelmen who
Represent this Town in the G-eneral Court, Reported a Draught,
[434.] which being read & considered Perageraph two was
amended and accepted by the Town
To Honble : John Hancock Esqr. Honble : Samuel Allyne Otis
Esqr : Honble : Caleb Davis Esqr : Thomas Daws Esqr : Samuel
Brick Esqr. Honble : Benjamin Austin Esqr : Benjamin Hitchborn
Esqr. —
Gentelmen.
It is not from any distrust either
of your Zeal or Abilities that we have thought proper to give you
our Instructions on some of the many important Objects which
must arrest your Attention in the Approaching Assembly of the
State ; on the Other hand we are fully persuaded that no Exer-
tions on your part will be wanting to promote the true Interest of
this Town, as well as that of the Community at large, but at so
important a period we wish to Afford you our suport and Assist-
ance under the thorough conviction that nothing short of our,
united Effects, can perfict or secure the Blessings of Peace &
Independance —
During the Danger & Calamites of War we were led naturally
to expect that the return of Peace would have brought with it
Prosperity as well as Safety Depending on this, too much has
been left to the uncertainty [435.] of Chance, where the Wis-
dom of the Laws or the Obligations of Treaty, might have been
Applied with Advantage. — To this unfortunate Defect of Sys-
tem in the Public Conduct it has been owing, that the greatest
part of our circulating Medium has been exchanged for British
Luxuries, that our Trade has been so unequal, and unproductive,
& that most of the means of remittance wether directe, or cir-
cuitous have been cloged by Alien Taxes, & Restrictions, or else
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1785. 77
totally excluded in foreign Ports : And in Addition to this
ruinous situation, we find the Agents and Factors of British Mer-
chants Assidiously gleaning the Remains of our Money & thret-
ining a Monopely of the whole Trade — Thus between the Artifice
of Forreign Individuals, & the Policy of their Government are our
Citizens impoverished & the Country most essentiallv injured —
If these were the Only Difficulties that Demanded your Atten-
tion, our Complaints would be less Urgent, but our Carrying
Trade that great Nursary of Seamen and one of the Principle
Sources of National Strength & Opulence is menaced with An-
nihilation ; With ample Internal resources & place it on a respect-
able [436.] Footing. We have with the most passive Indeferance
seen the Ships of Other Countrys but of the British in particular
crowding our Ports with all the Advantages of our own, at the
same time that the Navigation of these States is in their Har-
bours either restrained, or subjected to the Several Exactions.
As the Encouragement & Protection of our Fisheries are Ob-
jects of primary Concern, we are Alarmed at finding the Indus-
trious & hardy Seamen of this Commonwealth decoyed into
British service and contributing to errect a rival Establishment
on the Ruin of our Wale Fishery —
We most earnestly wish to see the internal Trade of these
Several States in the Union fixed and confirmed on principles of
the most perfect equality by such Policy, one great Cause of
Jealousy and Dissention will be removed ; and it is under God
on the Harmoney & Coincidence of the several parts of our Con-
federacy that the general Happiness and Security must depend —
In a Country where the real Wants of the Inhabitants may be
generally supplied by their own Industry we are Anxious to turn
the Attention of Government to the encouragement of Agriculture
and to the present reduced and declining State of many of our
[437.] Manufactures; the relief & Protection of which are
Objects of the most extensive Utility
The State of Public Credit on every principal demands the
Closest Application ; When an Appropriated Revenue derived from
the Commodities & Luxuries of other Countries might have pre-
served & perpetuated our National Faith, a total neglect of this
Salutary expedient has already been productive of Injury & Dis-
honour to the Government & of Distress & Oppression to the
Public Creditors ; Policy as well as Justice then unite to dem-
onstrate necesity of some permanent & National Establishment
on this important Subject When thus engaged Gentelmen you
cannot fail to recollect that as Economy in our private Expendi-
tures is one of the Cardinal Virtues of a Repiiblic, the Prevalence
of Luxury & Dissipation should be watched throughout the Com-
78 CITY DOCUMENT.
monwealth & by progressive Excises be rendred tributary to the
State -
But Gentelmen while we recomend these Circumstances to your
Consideration, and while we contemplate some of the numerous
Difficulties of our present situation, we look in vain for a [438.]
Power in the Government Adequate to their removal ; For it is
Politically impossible, from our different views and local Attach-
ments that there should be either concert or Decision on great
National Questions, as the measures of any Single State will
probably be opposed & defeated by those of its Neighbours till
at length the Fabric of our Confederacy by internal Dissention,
may be convulsed and subverted —
To correct these Evils and to Add Dignity & Efficiency to the
Federal Government your Constituents are anxiously Solicitous
to see the Congress invested with Power competent to our com-
mon necessities, to the Regulation of our Commerce and to the
Adjustment and discharge of the Public Debt, and in order to
this we enjoin upon you to exert your utmost influence with the
Legislature to request the Suprem Executive, to open a Corres-
pondence with the Supreme Executive of the Other States to
concert the means of National Unanimity & exertion for it is
from their Influence that we have derived our freedom, & it is to
them alone that we must be indebted for the improvement and
Extention of its Blessings —
The Committee to consider the Report of the Committee to
Audit Town [439.] Treasurers Accounts Reported and After
some consideration of said Report, it was recommitted for Amend-
ments —
Adjourned to Monday next 3 ' O : Clock Afternoon —
Monday 23d of May 3 'OClock P : M : Met according to Adjourn-
ment—
The Inhabitants as directed brought in their Votes for one
Fir Ward, and upon sorting them it Appeared, that
Col° : John May
was chosen a Fire Ward for the year ensuing
The Committee to whom was referred the consideration of the
Petition of a Number of Gentelmen for being Incorporated as a
Fire Insurance having met several times and considered said
Proposal Give it as their Opinion, that it will not be for the
Advantage of the Town, that such an Institution should be
established —
William Cooper f) Order
The aforegoing Report having been read & considered — the
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1785. 79
Question was put ' ' "Whether the same shall be accepted ' '
Passed in the Affirmative —
[44O.] The Committee Appointed the 12th Inst1: to take
into consideration the expediency of erecting one or more new
Schools — Report —
They have Attended that Business and in order to obtain the
best information they on Tuesday last made a visit to the several
Schools in Town, and find as follows
Present more
At Mr. Vinals - - - - -119 will Accomodate - - - 81
At Mr. Cheneys 81 - - ditto 19
100
Master Carters . - - - -150-- full
Mr. Tileston 150 wants room for 18
82
Visited Mr. Hunts School - - 52 will contain 100
Master Davis - - - 12 ditto - - - - 100
Upon the whole your Committee are of Opinion from the best
information they can obtain that the present "Writing Schools
taken Collectively, will Admit of 80 more Scholars and that it is
not necessary for the Town to erect any more Schools at present
all which is submitted —
John Lucas ^ Order
The foregoing Report, having been read & considered — your
Committee think it necessary that no Children be Admitted to a
Writing School under 7 years of Age, and that the Selectmen be
requested to give such Instructions to the Masters and that they
Govern themselves accordingly — [441.] The Question was
put — Whether the same shall be Accepted — Passed in the
Affirmative —
The Committee on the Petition of Sundry Inhabitants respect-
ing the Danger to which the Town is exposed by the several
Chocolate Mills Erected within the same, beg leave on careful
Examination thereof to Report the following Vote for their con-
sideration — Viz*. —
Whereas a certain Act made & passed in the 4th Year of the
Reign of William <fc Mary, intittled and Act for Building with
Brick or Stone in the Town of Boston & for preventing Fire ' '
and an Act in Addition thereto, made & passed in the 11th
Year of the same Reign have been found ineffectual to the Sal-
utary purposes thereof — inasmuch as Wooden Chocolate Mills
have notwithstanding been, erected with Machines for resting
Cocoa, under Circumstances hazardous to the Dwellings and
80 CITY DOCUMENT.
Persons of the Inhabitants, and Fires, have in fact more than
once happened thereby — Therefore the Town taking the Prem-
isses into consideration Agree, and it is accordingly — Voted,
That the Selectmen prevent [present ?] on behalf of the Town a
Petition to the General Court at their next Session praying for
leave to bring in a Bill for preventing under [4:42.] sufficient
penalty, such use of the said Buildings & Machines in the Neigh-
bourhood of other Buildings, and directing also under penalty
such Buildings & Machines to be constructed, if erected in such
a manner & with Brick & Stones as to prevent the Danger inci-
dent to their present situation & Construction — all which is
humbly submitted
Samuel Barret ^ Order
The foregoing Vote having been read & considered — the
Question was put — Whether the same be Accepted — Passed in
the Affirmative
The Committee relative to Fire Wood, Reported which Report
being read; it was Moved & Voted — that the same be recom-
mitted, & the Committee are requested to make enquirey whether
there is not a law or Laws still in force for the purpose mentioned
in said Report
Voted, that John Lucas Esqr.
Honble : Caleb Davis Esqr. excus'd
Cap*. Amasa Davis
John Swatser Esqr.
John C Jones Esqr.
Thomas Dawes Jur. Esqr.
be a Committee to consider what Salaries shall be Allowed the
School Masters & other [443.] Servants of the Town, and the
Sum Necessary to be raised by the Town to defrey the Charges
of the present Year & Report at the Adjournment —
On a Motion Voted, that
William Storey Esqr.
Mr. Samuel Deming
Mr. John Vinal
be a Committee to consider and Report what is necessary to be
done relative to the Dogs in this Town, and to Report at the
Adjournment —
Adjourned to Thursday the 2 of June 3. OClock Afternoon —
Thursday the 2d of June 1785 3. O Clock P: M: Met Ac-
cording to Adjournment —
Col°. Daws the Moderator not being Able to attend —
William Tudor Esqr.
was chosen by a Hand Vote, Moderator Pro. Tern.
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1785. 81
The Committee Appointed by the Town at their last Meeting
on the 10^ of this present Month May " to consider the Report
of the Committee Appointed to Audit the Accompts of the Town
Treasurer and to Report to the Town what is expedient to be
done thereon " have duly and Carefully Attended to that Business,
& accordingly now Report
[444.] That they fully Approve of the perspicuous and
Judicious Report of that Committee of Auditors, and conceive
the same to be so important and interesting to the Town that
material Advantage may result from having the same faithfully
entered at large upon the Towns Books as a Memorial of the
present Town Debts, and how the same has Arisen, and to which
recourse may be had hereafter, if occasion should so require;
wherefore your Committee beg leave to recomend, that the
same may be ordered so to be entered —
That it Appears from such Report of those Auditors, that all
the Town Collectors of the Taxes excepting James Thompson
and Thomas Bayley are Deafulters, and that. two of such Col-
lectors are greatly in Arrears to the Town, one of them about
£3000, the other above £1800, and that three Others of such Col-
lectors are respectively Defaulters to the Town for several Sums
none of which are so small as seven hundred pounds. —
That they Agree with the Auditors aforesaid that the Accounts
with the Estate of the late John Ruddock Esqr. deceased, and
with the several other Persons and Estates specified in the report
of such your Auditor's the several ballances of which is stated in
such their [445.] Report make up in the Aggregate the Sum of
£959 ,, 5 ,, 2 — ought to be immediately settled and closed, the
same in the Opinion of this Committee having been too long left
Open —
That they submit to the Consideration of the Town, whether a
Committee for settling and closing the same forthwith ought -not
be chosen and invested with full power for that purpose, and that
the Treasurer be directed to sue for and recover the several Bal-
lances which upon final settlement may Appear to be due to the
Town, in case the same cannot without delay, be called in and
received in some easier and less expensive mode, And that such
Committee do duly report their proceedings therein to the Town
at such time or tunes as the Town shall see fit to order and
direct —
That the same Committee be also impowered to call upon John
Rowe Esqr. and the Other members of the Committee Appointed
for purchasing Grain in 1779. in 1780 — and in 1781 — and who
are particularly, Named in such the report of your Auditors, and
they Adjust and settle those Accounts likewise with all convenient
82 CITY DOCUMENT.
speed, and report their doings thereon also to the Town at such
time or times as the Town shall order or Appoint for that pur-
pose—
[446.] That as it Appears from the aforesaid Report of
your Auditors of the Accounts of your Town Treasurer all your
Collectors of Taxes (excepting James Thompson and Thomas
Bayley) are greatly in Arrears, and that two of them in particu-
lar are defaulters for very Large Sums. It is submitted by your
Committee whether the Town Treasurer should not be ordered
immediatley to Isue Executions against all the Delequents to
compel payment without delay of all arrears except the last Tax,
for the collecting of which never, the less, only Six Months from
this day shall be allowed, at the expiration of which Period, if
the same be not then duly Accounted for to the Town Treasurer,
that he be directed, to issue Executions against all such as then
shall be found in default in order to ease the Inhabitants from
paying two Taxes instead of one-—
J. Gardiner *$ Order
The foregoing Report having been read and considered, the
Question was put Viz*. Whether the Report be Accepted —
Passed in the Affirmative — Also Voted,
That the Selectmen be a Committee to settle the Accounts, &
other Matters recommended in the proceeding Report —
*
[447.] The Committee Appointed to consider of the danger
the People at large are continually exposed to, by the large num-
ber of Dogs, going at large in this Town, have attended that ser-
vice— And as many Persons, not only in the Town, but in other
parts of this Commonwealth, have been bit by that Animal, and
some have lost their lives, & others in great Danger — therefore
your Committee apprehend it of great consequence to the People,
at large that some effectual method be taken to prevent, the grow-
ing evil complained of —
Your Committee do therefore propose to the Inhabitants that
they would give Instructions to their Committee now revising the
By Laws of this Town to Frame a Law respecting Dogs that are
or may be among us
Wm : Storey f Order
The aforegoing Report as amended in this Meeting was ac-
cepted by the Town —
Moved and Voted, that
John Gardner
Thomas Daws Junr. Esqr.
be added to the Committee for revising the By Laws, and that
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1785. 83
said Committee be desired to Report a Law relative to Dogs as
soon as may be —
[448.] The Report of the Committee relative to Salaries
&c — referred over to the Adjournment for consideration — and
the Town Clerk is to Notify in the News Papers that all Money
Matters are then to be Acted upon —
Adjourned to Thursday the 9th of June Ins*. 3. O'Clock P : M :
then to Meet at Faneuil Hall —
Thursday the 9th. Day of June 3'OClock in the Afternoon met
according to Adjournment —
The Committee for revising the By Laws are desired to Report
one relative to Dogs at the General Town Meeting — also
Moved & Voted, that
Dr. Charles Jarvis
Dr. John Warren
be Added to said Committee for the purpose aforesaid —
The Report of the Committee relative to Salaries and the Sum
necessary to be raised for the service of the present Year —
again read and considered and the Question put Whether said
Report be Accepted — Passed in the Negative —
[449.] Voted, that the Sum of two hundred & thirty
Pounds be allowed & paid unto Mr. Samuel Hunt for his Salary
as Master of the South Grammer School the present year the
same to commence from the first of March last and to be paid
him Quarterly as it shall become due —
Voted, that the Sum of two hundred & thirty Pounds be Al-
lowed and paid unto Mr : Nathan Davis for his Salary as Master
of the North Grammer School the present year, the same to be
paid him Quarterly as it shall become due and to commence from
the first of March last —
Voted, that the Sum of two hundred Pounds be allowed and
paid unto Mr. John Tyleston for his Salary as Master of the
North Writing School the present Year, the same to be paid him
Quarterly as it shall become due and to commence from the first
of March last
Voted, that the Sum of two hundred Pounds be Allowed and
paid unto Mr. James Carter for his Salary as Master of the Writ-
ing School in Queen Street the present year the same to be paid
him Quarterly as it shall become due & to commence from the
first of March last —
84 CITY DOCUMENT.
[45O.] Voted, that the Sum of two hundred Pounds be al-
lowed & paid unto Mr. John Vinal for his Salary as Master of
the "Writing School in the Common the present year, the same to
be paid him Quarterly as it shall become due, and to commence
from the first of March last
Voted, that the Sum of two hundred Pounds be allowed and
paid unto Mr. Samuel Cheney for his Salary as Master of the
Southermost Writing School the present Year, the same to be
paid him Quarterly as it shall become due and to commence from
the first of March last —
Voted, that Mr. John Tileston Master of the North Writing
School be allow 'd for House Rent the present year the Sum of
Forty Pounds the Same to be paid him Quarterly as it shall be-
come due and to commence from the first of March last
Voted, that Mr. Nathan Davis Master of the North Grammer
School be allowed for House Rent the present Year the Sum of
Forty Pounds the same to be paid him Quarterly as it shall be-
come due, and to commence from the first of March last —
[451.] Voted, that Mr. John Vinal Master of the Writing
School in the Common be allowed for House Rent the present
year the Sum of Forty Pounds the same to be paid him Quarterly
as it shall become due and to commence from the first of March
last —
Voted, that Mr. Samuel Cheney Master of the Writing School
in Plasant Street be allowed for House Rent the present Year
the Sum of Forty Pounds, the same to be paid him Quarterly as
it shall become due, and to commence from the first of March
last —
Voted, that Mr. Peter Boyer be allowed & paid the Sum of One
hundred & fifty Pounds for his services as Treasurer the present
Year the same to be paid him Quarterly as it shall become due,
and to commence from the first of March last
Voted, that William Cooper be allowed and paid the Sum of
One hundred & fifty Pounds for his services in that office as Town
Clerk, the same to be paid him Quarterly as it shall become due
and to commence from the first of March last
[452.] Voted, that the Selectmen be requested to provide
Ushers for the publick Schools where they shall think necessary,
and to allow Adequate Salaries therefor, not exceeding one half
of what the Several Masters have Already had Voted them —
Voted, that the Sum of one Shilling and Six pence ^ Day be
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1785. 85
allowed by the Selectmen to the Assessors in Addition to the Seven
Shillings & Six Pence, Voted, for them in March last for their
Services the present Year
Voted, that the Sum of Ten Thousand Pounds be raised by a
Tax to be Assessed on the Poles and Estates of the Inhabitants
of this Town to defray the Charges of the Year ensuing —
Voted, that all Matters & Things which remain unfinished at
this Meeting be referred over to the Next General Meeting that
may be called then to be Acted upon
Then the Meeting was
dissolved
[453.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders & Other Inhabi-
tants of the Town of Boston duly qualified & legally warned in
Publick Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Monday
the 4th Day of July Anno Domini 1785 — 10 O : Clock in the
Forenoon —
"Warrant for calling the Meeting — read
The Inhabitants having brought in their Votes for a Moder-
ator as directed by the Selectmen and the same having been
sorted, it appeared that
The Honble : John Hancock Esqr : was chosen Moderator of
this Meeting unanimously
The Committee Appointed by the Town the 5th. of July last to
Apply to a Proper Gentelman to deliver an Oration on the 4 of
July Instant (in such place as the Town shall determine to be
most convenient for the purpose) it being a Day ever Memorable
in the Annals of this Country for the Declaration of our Inde-
pendance
Reported,
That they had made choice of John Gardiner Esqr. to deliver
an Oration on the 4th of July Instant, who had accordingly Ac-
cepted of that service —
The Town having taken into consideration when and where,
would be the best time & place to have the Oration pronounced
Voted, that the Oration be delivered at the Chappel at 12
O'Clock leave having been Obtained therefor —
[454.] Voted, that John Brown Esqr.
John Andrews
William Cunningham
86 CITY DOCUMENT.
be a Committee to waite on John Gardiner Esqr : & Acquaint
him that it is the desire of the Town, that the Oration may be
delivered at the Chappel at 12. O. Clock
Then the Meeting was Adjourned to 12. OClock, then to Meet
at the Chappel —
12 O. Clock Met at the Chappel according to Adjournment —
AN ORATION
To commemorate the Independance of the United States of
America, was delivered by John Gardiner Esqr : at the Stone
Chappel Church to a large & crowded Assembly —
On a Motion Voted, that the
Selectmen
be and hereby are Appointed a Committee to wait on John Gard-
iner Esqr : and in the Name of the Town to thank him for the
learned & elegant Oration this Day delivered by him at the
request of the Town upon the Anniversary of the Independance
of United States of America in which according to the Intention
of the Town, he considered the feelings Manners and principles
which lead to that great National Event — And to request of him
a Copy thereof for the Press
On a Motion Voted, that the
Gentelmen the Selectmen
be and hereby are appointed a Committee to Apply to some one
Learned and Able Gentelman to deliver an Oration on the 4th of
July 1786. that Day being the Anniversary of the INDEPENDANCE
of the United States of America, wherein the Orator is to con-
sider [455.] the feelings, Manners, and principles which lead
to this great National Event as well as the important & happy
effects whether general or domestic, which have Already and will
forever continue to flow from that Auspicious Epoch
Then the Meeting was
dissolved
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston duly qualified & legally warned in Public Town
Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Fryday the 2d Day Sep-
tember Anno Domini 1785 — 3 O'Clock Afternoon —
Warrant for calling the meeting - - - - read
Thomas Daws Esqr :
chosen, Moderator of this Meeting by a Hand Vote
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1785. 87
The Committee to Revise the By Laws of this Town not being
ready to Report, it was moved & Voted, that said Committee be
desired to Attend that Business immediately ; and Report at the
Adjournment
The Article in the Warrant, Viz* : To consider the Applica-
tion of a Number of the Inhabitants for Widening the Street
leading from Faneuil Hall to State Street," was read — where-
upon Voted,
That, Mr. William Powell
Mr. Brown
Mr. Miller
be a Committee to Confer with Mr. Wendell & Mr. Tisdell rela-
tive to the Land to be given for the enlargement of the Street &
to Report immediately
The Committee to wait on Mr : Tisdale gave in his proposals
in writing, which are as follows. Viz*.
[456.] Boston September 2^ 1785 — This is to Certify that
I Will engage to give to the Town as much of my Land as to range
from the North Corner of my Store to the Store belonging to the
Town now occupied by Mr. Henry Prentice ; that is on considera-
tion Mr : Wendell's Store is set back on the same line as is above
mentioned or in range with Mr. Austin's Store —
Judge Wendell Appeared in the Meeting & declared to the
Inhabitants his rediness to give in for widining the Street, the
Land allowed for by Mr. Scollay, on condition that he receives
for the same the Sum that three Gentelmen mutually chosen
shall determine to be reasonable for the Expence of taking down
& repairing the front Wall of his Store which proposals were
Approved of and Accepted by the Town —
The Article in the Warrant Viz* : " To consider what improve-
ment shall be made of the Building on the East End of Market
Square " — was read, and after debate it was
Voted, that it be left to the Selectmen to make such improve-
ment of said Building for a Market as they shall Judge to be
most for the interest of the Town —
The Petition of Benjamin Sumner Junr. for an abatement of
Taxes was read & after debate it was moved & Voted, that said
Petition together with the request of the Collectors be referred to
the Assessors, for them to Act thereon as they shall Judge
proper
The Report of the Committee relative to Mr. John Ballard late
Clerk of Faneuil Market 'was read & considered — whereupon
88 CITY DOCUMENT.
moved & Voted, that this Report be Accepted [457.] and that
the same together with the other Papers & Mr. Ballard Account
in the Hands of the Selectmen be referred to them for a final
Settlement, provided Mr. Ballard shall do and perform what the
Selectmen may Judge necessary on his part for the receving of
the Market Debts yet ' outstanding —
Moved & Voted, that
John Sweetser
Edward Payne Esqr.
be Added to the Committee to consider what Money is still due
to David Jeffries Esqr. late Town Treasurer, they to Report at
the Adjournemenent
Adjourned To Fryday the 16th Day of September Inst : 3.
O'Clock Afternoon —
Fryday the 16th September 3 O'Clock P : M : Met according to
Adjournment —
The Committee for revising the By Laws not being ready to
Report — The Town came into the following Vote — Viz1 : —
Whereas it Appears to the Town that the Committee Appointed
to revise the By Laws of the Town, consist of a Number much
too large and that the Grentelmen composing said Committee by
reason of their Publick ingagements in addition to their necessary
private avocations, will not probably be able to compleat the
business in any reasonable time [458.] without injury either to
the Publick or Others therefore
Voted, That the Members of said Committee be and hereby
are excused from any further service relative to the said Affair
also
Voted, that a Committee be appointed to revise the By Laws
of the Town, and such Additions or alterations as may be Judged
proper, the same to be laid before the Town as soon as may be —
Voted, that the Honble : Samuel Adams Esqr.
Joseph Greenleaff Esqr.
Honble : James Sullivan Esqr.
Honble: Robert T. Payne Esqr.
John Gardner Esqr.
be a Committee for the purpose aforesaid —
The Article in the Warrant — Viz*. " To consider whether Ap-
plication shall be made to the General Court for their impowering
Benjamin Henderson to Collect the Outstanding Taxes due to
Abraham Savage a late Collector " — was read — whereupon —
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1785. 89
Voted, that Application be made to the General Court to im-
power Benjamin Henderson to Collect the Outstanding Debtes
committed to Mr. Abraham Savage to Collect for the Year 1772
& 1773, also,
Voted, that the Selectmen be Authorised and impowered to
make Application accordingly
[459.] The present Committee on the late Town Treasurers
Accompts, are desired to make Report relative to the Sum due to
him as soon as may be —
That Clause in the Warr* : Viz*. ' ' Whether the Town will en-
large the Premium to the first Engine at a Fire " — was read &
considered — whereupon Voted, that said Premium be enlarged
from thirteen shillings & 4d. to twenty shillings lawful Money —
The Petition of Mr. Peter Edes "praying an Allowance on
Paper and Printing the Proceedings of the Merchants Traders &
Others of the Town of Boston" —was considered — whereupon
Voted, that it be left to the Selectmen to make him such Allow-
ance as for the work done as they shall Judge proper —
Voted, that all Matters & things which remain unfinished at
this Meeting be & hereby are referred to the next General Town
Meeting that may be called, then to be acted upon —
Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given
to Thomas Daws Esqr. for his good services as Moderator of this
Meeting.
Then the Meeting was
dissolved
[46O.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhab-
itants of the Town of Boston duly qualified & legally warned in
public Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Wednesday
the 26th Day of October Anno Domini 1785. 10, O'Clock. A :M :
Warrant for calling the Meeting — read
The Inhabitants having as directed brought in their Votes for
a Moderator, it Appeared, that the Honble : Samuel Adams Esqr.
was chosen Moderator of this Meeting unanimously —
A Petition, that it might be made a Question, " Whether this
Town shall be Incorporated with City Priviledges " — was read
and a Motion made for its being dismissed — did not Obtain —
90 CITY DOCUMENT.
It was then moved that a Committee be Appointed to take this
Petition into consideration — And to Report a Plan for the future
Government of the Town, to be laid before the Town for their
consideration — the Question being put — Passed in the Affirma-
tive—
Voted, that the HonWe: Samuol Adams Esqr.
Dr. Charles Jarvis Esqr.
John Lucus Esqr.
Thomas Daws Junr. Esqr.
John Gardiner Esqr.
Joseph Barrell Esqr.
[461.] William Tudor Esqr.
Ezekiel Price Esqr.
Thomas Crafts Esqr.
be a Committee for the purpose aforesaid
Adjourned to 3. O'Clock P : M :
3. OClock P : M : Met according to Adjournment —
The Petition of Alexander Thomas with the Papers accompany-
ing it was red — whereupon
Voted, that Ezekiel Price Esqr.
Mr. Alexander Hill
John Gardiner Esqr.
be a Committee to take said Petition & Papers under considera-
tion, and Report to the Town at the Adjournment —
The Article in the Warrant Viz* : ' ' To consider whether any
Measures shall be taken respecting the Granary — was read,
whereupon
Voted, that Mess™ : John Andrews
Thomas Wai ley
Jeremiah Belknap
be a Committee to take this matter into consideration, and to
Report at the Adjournment
The Article in the Warrant Viz*. —
Whether Lynn Street and Ferry way Street shall be widned" —
was read — whereupon moved, and
Voted, that a Committee be Appointed to take this matter into
consideration and Report to the Town what is best to be done at
the Adjournment
[462.] Voted, that the Gentelmen the Selectmen be a Com-
mittee for the purpose aforesaid —
Moved & Voted, that the consideration of the Committee ap-
BOSTON Towx RECORDS, 1785. 91
pointed to Revise the By Laws be referred untill the Committee
Appointed in the Forenoon to take into consideration the Report
of a Number of the Inhabitants, that it might be a Question —
"Whether the Town shall be made a Corporation with City
Priviledges shall make their Report — also
Voted, that the Committee to make a Revision of the By Laws
be desired to have a fair Draught taken at the charge of the
Town —
Voted, that when this Meeting is Adjourned, it shall be to this
Day fortnight being Wednesday the 9th of November next,
10' O'Clock A : M : and that the Committee to consider the Report
of the Inhabitants this Day Appointed be desired to Report at
the Adjournment —
Then the Meeting was accordingly Adjourned —
Wednesday 10th. O'Clock A : M : Met according to Adjourn-
ment
The Committee Appointed to take into consideration the Peti-
tion of a Number of the Inhabitants that it may again be made a
Question, Whether the Town shall be Incorporated with City
Priviledges — Reported
[463.] That the Committee having repeatedly met and con-
sidered the said Petition could not agree upon any Plan for the
future goverment of the Town —
It was moved, & the Question being accordingly put, Whether
the Report of the Committee to make Revision of the By Laws
be now read did not obtain —
The Above Question being again put Passed in the Affirmative
It was then moved & Voted, that a Committee be appointed to
state the defects in the present Constitution of the Town and to
Report how far the same may be remedid without having the
Town Incorporated as a City, & how far and in what manner
they or any of them may be cured by such Incorporation —
Voted, that the Honble. Samuel Adams Esqr.
Honble : James Sullivan Esqr.
William Tudor Esqr.
Dr : Charles Jarvis
Joseph Barrel Esqr. (excused)
John Gardiner Esqr.
Stephen Higginson Esqr.
Thomas Crafts Esqr.
92 CITY DOCUMENT.
Ezekiel Price Esqr. (excused)
Perez Morton Esqr.
John Sweetser Esqr.
Thomas Daws Junr. Esqr.
Benja : Hitchbourn Esqr.
John Lucas Esqr.
Mr. Joseph Eussell
be a Committee for the purpose aforesaid
[464.] The Committee Appointed to take into consideration
the Petition of Alexander Thomas Collector with the Papers Ac-
companying them — Report
That having met and heard the Petitioners and taking the
Papers accompanying the same under consideration are of Opinion
that the Town cannot by Law Liberate the Petitioner from present
confinement, he standing committed by force of an execution
issued by the State Treasurer for the Sum of £504 ,, 2/ — part
of the State Tax committed to him to Collect — The Committee
are further of Opinion should the Town interfere in Matters of
this kind, it might involve them in great difficulties —
The aforegoing Report having been read & considered, the
Question was put whether the Same shall be Accepted — passed
in the Affirmative —
Adjourned to Wednesday the 30th of November Ins4: 10 —
O'Clock A : M : then to meet at this Place
Wednesday November 30th — 10 — O'Clock A:M: Met Ac-
cording to Adjournment —
The Committee Appointed to State the Defects in the present
Constitution of the Town, and to report how far the same may be
remedid without having the Town Incorporated as a City, and
how far and in what Manner they or any of them may be cured
by such Incorporation — " Reported, that having had three Meet-
ings & fully considered the Matter contained in their Commis-
sion, have directed me to Report as follows Viz*: — That the
Committee do not Report any [465.] defects in the present
Constitution of The Town " —whereupon, it was moved & Voted,
that the consideration of said Report be deferred for 15 Minuetes,
in expectation that the Meeting will then be fuller —
The Committee to whom was committed the several Reports of
Other Committees, relative to a settlement of what was due to
David Jeffries Esqr. for all his past services, have Attended that
business, and After examining the Reports of the Other Commit-
tees, & the Accompts settled by the last Committee, and having
duly considered the same are of Opinion that there is Justly due
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1785. 93
to David Jeffries Esqr. late Town Treasurer for all his past ser-
vices, "till the time he resigned, the Sum of Six hundred &
eighty Pounds 8/4d Specie, which he ought to have received in
December 1783, which was the time the last Committee made
their Report — and that the present Treasurer be directed to give
him Negotiable Notes on Interest for the same —
All which is submitted
Thomas
The aforegoing Report having been read & Amended in Meet-
ing — the Question was put. Viz*. Whether the Town Accept of
said Report thus Amended — Passed in the Affermative — Mem0.
Interest to commence the 30th November 1785
The Report Relative to Incorporation again taken up, and
After debate had thereon the Question was put — Whether the
Report shall be Accepted — Passed in the Affirmative
On a Motion Voted, that the Petitioners for an Incorporation
of the Town have leave to withdraw their Petition —
[466.] The Committee to revise the By Laws of the Town
Reported a Revision — after debate it was moved that the same
be printed passed in the Negative —
Moved and Voted that when this Meeting is Adjourned it shall
be to Tuesday next being the 6th of December next 9 O'Clock in
the Forenoon for the consideration of the By Laws Reported —
and that the reading of said Report commence precisely at 10
O'Clock —
And the Meeting was accordingly Adjourned —
Tuesday the 6th Day of December 9 O'Clock, Forenoon, Met
according to Adjournment —
At 10. O'Clock the reading of the By Laws commenced, and
several of them having been considered by paragraphs and ap-
proved of, at 7 O : Clock in the Evening, Adjourned to to Morrow
Morning 9. O'Clock before noon —
Wednesday the 7th Day of December 9 O'Clock A : M : Met
According to Adjournment
The consideration of the By Laws Again taken up —
It is Voted, and Ordered that the Selectmen be and hereby
are Instructed [467.] to prepare a By [law] relative to the
regulation of the Market and Report the same to the Town as
soon as may be —
94 CITY DOCUMENT.
Adjourned to 3. O 'Clock in the Afternoon
3. O'Clock P : M : Met according to Adjournment —
The By Laws still under consideration
Adjourned to to Morrow Morning 9 O'Clock —
Tuesday 9 O'Clock, Forenoon met According to Adjournment —
The reading and consideration of the By Laws continued and a
Number of the Laws approved of as by the Original Draught of
By Laws will appear —
All the foregoing By Laws having been severally read and
debated in paragraphs & passed by the Town, ORDERED, that
the Selectmen together with the Honble : T. Payne Esqr. Honble.
James Sullivan Esqr. be a Committee to present them to the
Court of Quarter Sessions next to be holden at Boston for the
County of Suffolk in order for their approbation —
It is Ordered that this Meeting be Adjourned to Wednesday
the 28th of December Instant at 10 'O'Clock A : M : and that the
Committee for revising and Amending the By Laws of the Town
do in the mean time prepare such other Orders or JBy Laics to
be laid before the Town as are already directed, with [468.]
such Others as they shall think for their necessary for the future
good goverment of the Town, & that they Report the same to the
Town at such Adjourned Meeting — and that they cause such
By Laws as have now passed the Town and have been so altered
as to require to be recopied fair in their Opinion to be so recopied
fair in their Opinion & be so recopied at the expence of the
Town —
And the Meeting was Adjourned accordingly —
Wednesday the 28th of December 10. O'Clock A : M : Met ac-
cording to Adjournment —
The Committee to prepare a New Code of By Laws for the
good goverment of the Town, Reported, other By Laws, which
were Accepted by the Town, and the Committee chosen at the
last Meeting were directed to present them to the Court of Ses-
sions for their Approbation, as by Attested Copies of said By
Laws on file will Appear
Moved & Voted that all Matters & things unfinished at this
Meeting unfinished at this Meeting be referred over to the next
General Town Meeting that may be called —
Then the Meeting was
dissolved —
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1786. 95
[469.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants
of the Town of Boston duly qualified & legally warned in public
Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Wednesday the 25th.
Day of January A : D : 1786 —
Warrant for calling the Meeting — read
Requirement of two Justices of the Peace Quorum Unus
Honble : Joseph Greenleaff & John Brown Esqr : for convening
the Inhabitants, for the choice of a County Treasurer, in the
room of David Jeffries Esqr. deceased — also, read —
The Hon.ble : Samuel Adams Esqr.
was chosen Moderator of this Meeting by a Hand Vote —
Votes, for a County Treasurer were received and sealed up in
Town Meeting, and then delivered to Mr. Constable Smith, to be
by him returned to Joseph Greenleaf & John Brown Esqrs : at the
Court House in Boston on the first Day of February next
The Article in the Warrant Viz1. — " To Act upon such of the
By Laws as have not met with the Approbation of the Honble :
the Justices of the Court of General Sessions of the Peace — was
read — whereupon Moved &
Voted, that John Gardiner Esqr.
Joseph Greenleaff Esqr.
be a Committee to enquire of Ezekiel Price Esqr. [47O.] Clark
of the Sessions, which of the By Laws, if any such there be
which have been presented for their Approbation, have not been
Approbated by them —
Then the Meeting was Adjourned to Fryday nex — 3- O'Clock
P : M : before which the Town Clark was directed to give to the
Assessors an Other Attested Copy of a Town Vote relative to
Benja : Sumner Jur. & Other Assessors which passed the 2d. of
Septemr. last
Fryday, 3, O'Clock P : M : Met according to Adjournment —
The Committee to enquire of the Clerk of the Sessions, what
By Laws had been disapprobated Reported — wereupon
The By Laws relative to Carriages Drawn thro' the Town,
which was disapproved of by the Sessions, being read and
amended, the Committee Appointed at a former Meeting, was
directed to present this Order or By Law as thus amended to the
Court of Sessions for their Approbation —
The Law relative to Cart & Truck Wheels which had been dis-
approved, was also read & as amended, the said Commee : were
directed to present it to the Sessions for their Approbation
96 CITY DOCUMENT.
It was moved & Voted, that the Committee aforesaid present
again the Law relative to Strangers, and in case it should be dis-
approved by the Sessions that the Law now in force be inserted
in the Codes of Laws ordered to be printed —
[471.] Moved & Voted, that the Committee for revising &
preparing a Code of By Laws for the Goverment of this Town be
directed that in case it shall Appear that in case it shall Appear
that any of the Laws of this Commonwealth or the former By
Laws of the Town, which they may Apprehend to be Necessary
for the better goverment of the Town & which they may have
overlooked be by them inserted in the Code of Laws, which the
Town have passed, and ordered to be Printed —
Then the Meeting was
dissolved
[Pages 472 & 473 are repetitions (in original) of page 470 &
471.]
[474.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhab-
itants of the Town of Boston duly qualified & legally warned in
publick Town Meeting Assembled at Fanuiel Hall on Monday
the 13th Day of March Anno Domini 1786 — 10 OClock Fore-
noon
Prayer was made by the Revd : Mr : Stillman
Warrant for calling the Meeting — read
Sundry Laws for enjoined to be read at this Meeting were ac-
cordingly — read
The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their
Votes for a Moderator of this Meeting, and the Same being
brought and Sorted
It appeared, that the
Honble : Samuel Adams Esqr.
was chosen —
William Cooper Esqr.
was chosen Town Clark for the Year ensuing and took the Oath
for the faithful discharge of his Duty, which Oath was adminis-
tered to him by Mr. Justice Price
The Town having determined by a Vote to choose nine Select-
men the Inhabitants withdrew & were then directed [475.]
to bring in their Votes for that Number, and the same being
brought in and sorted ; it Appeared that the following Gentle-
men — Viz*. —
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1786. 97
John Scollay Esqr :
Ezekiel Price Esqr :
Harbottle Dorr Esqr :
John Brown Esqr :
Cap* : Edward Tyler
Mr. John Andrews
Mr. Moses Grant
Mr. William Cunningham
Thomas Walley Esqr.
Moved & Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby
are given to the Gentelmen Who served the Town the last year
(as Selectmen) for their good and faithful services the last year
in that Office —
The Inhabitants withdrew and brought in their Votes for a
Town Treasurer and upon sorting them it appeared, that
Mr : Peter Boyer
was chosen Town Treasurer for the Year ensuing
The following Extract from the Will of the late worthy Treas-
urer David Jeffries Esqr. was handed into the Moderator of the
Meeting by the [476.] Executor, and being read to the Inhab-
itants, it was moved & Voted that the same be entered on the
Records of the Town —
Tfce EXTRACT is as follows — Viz* : —
" For as much as the Town of Boston has done me the honor
of Electing me to the Office of Toimi Treasurer in constant suc-
cession from the Year of our Lord 1750 to 1781 — inclusive, and
whereas the said Town of Boston have also honored me with
their suffrages for the Office of Treasurer for the County of Suf-
folk, since the Year 1778 my Will is and I do Give Divise &
Bequeath to the said Town of Boston two hundred Acres of my
Lands, at Kennebeck — Viz*. — The Lot of Land in Pond Town
(so called) in the County of Lincoln, being one Mile long and
one hundred Poles wide, and contains two hundred Acres, more
or less, and is called Lot No. 39 — and was assigned by the
Kennebeck Proprietors as by their Vote & Grant the 12th Day of
December 1770 and their Plan dated June 11th. 1776 may more
fully Appear the said Land to be wholly under the directions &
care of the Overseers of the Poor for the time being, or the Major
Part of them who are hereby Authorized & impowered to Sell or
Let the same or otherwise improve the said Land as they shall
Judge to be most for the benefit of the Town, the Monies or
Profits, arrising from the Rent or the Interest of the Money or
or Profits arising from the Sale of said Lands to be applied An-
nually forever to purchase [447.] Tea Chocolate e# Sugar for
the refreshment of those Persons who in the Providence of God
98 CITY DOCUMENT.
are or shall be reduced & obliged to take shelter in the Alms-
house after having lived respectably, the Overseers of the Poor
to be the Judges as to the Persons, but always giving the prefer-
ence to the Pious Poor " —
Adjourned to 3 O 'Clock P. M.
3 O'Clock P : M : Met according to Adjournment —
The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for twelve Constables,
and the same being sorted, it appeared, that
Mess18 : Benjamin Romans
Samuel Whitney
Pool Spear
Shubael Hews
William Patten
Jacob Good
James Williams
John Cade
John Bartlet
Francis Booth
Samuel Smith
John Butterfield
were chosen Constables for the Year ensuing.
[478.] Person Voted, for as a County Register with the
Number of Votes for each Person Viz* —
Votes
Joshua Henshaw Esqr. -------- 350
Mr. Nathaniel Green -------- 470
Thomas Crafts Esqr. 2
Samuel Ruggles Esqr. --- 1
Mr. Jacob Cooper - 13
Attested Copies of the Persons Voted for as a County Register
for the County of Suffolk were committed to the Clerk of the
Sessions, and the Inclosures sealed up in Town Meeting sub-
scribed as follows — Viz* —
To the Clerk of the Sessions for the County of Suffolk —
The Number of Votes of the Town of Boston for a County
Register for the County of Suffolk Certified within and sealed up
in Town Meeting —
Votes, for a County Treasurer, were received & sealed up in
Town Meeting and then delivered to Constable Smith to be by
him returned to the Court of General Sessions of the Peice at
their next Meeting —
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1786. 99
Voted, that John Sweetser Esqr.
Nath1. Appleton Esqr.
Col°. Tuder —
Col°. Dudley Sergeant
Thomas Walley Esqr.
[479.] be a Committee to Estimate what may be the Expences
of the present year ; as also to enquire into the services of the
several Salary Men, — to Report at the intended Adjournment of
this Meeting next Wednesday seven Night 10 O'Clock — A. M —
and the Town Clark is directed to give Notice thereof in the
Public Papers —
Selectmen
Appointed a Committee to visit the Public Schools the ensuing
Year —
Mr. Josiah . Torrey's Petition — read — whereupon — Voted,
that the same be referred for consideration to the Committee
Appointed to bring in an Estimate — to Report at the Adjourn-
ment the 22d. March Ins1.
The Petition relative to Sea Street read — whereupon Voted, —
that
Mr. Thomas Denny
Shrimpton Hutchinson Esqr.
Mr. William Parsons
be a Committee to enquire who are the Proprietors of the Wharff
and Report what may be proper to be done thereon
Mrs: Margaret Parker's Petition — read whereupon, Voted
that
Honble : James Sullivan Esqr :
John Gardiner Esqr.
William Tudor Esqr :
be a Committee to consider the same and to Report thereon at the
Adjournment the 22 March Ins* : —
[48O.] Adjourned to to Morrow 9. O'Clock
Tuesday 9. O : Clock Met According
The Request of Alexander Thomas late Collector was read —
whereupon —
Voted, that the Honble : James Sullivan Esqr :
John Gardiner Esqr :
William Tudor Esqr :
be a Committee to consider the same & Report at the Adjourn-
ment—
The Article in the Warrant, relative to the Inchroachments on
100 CITY DOCUMENT.
Towns Land near Olivers Dock Together with the Petition
handed in on that matter to the Selectmen for calling a Meeting —
read — whereupon Voted, that, the Selectmen together with Judge
Sullivan, be a Committee to take this Matter up at large and
Report at the Adjournment —
The Article in the Warrant Viz*. Whether Measures shall im-
mediately be come into for widening the Street leading from
Charlestown Ferry to Winnesimit Ferry " — read and committed
to the Selectmen — to Report at the Adjournment
The Request of the Proprietors of Land on the Neck" that
their bounds on the West side of the Neck should be extended,"
— read, and committed for consideration to the Selectmen, they
to Report at the Adjournment
[481.] The Petition of a Number of the Inhabitants, " that
the Town will take into consideration the mode of letting the Hay
Engine" — read & committed to the Selectmen they to Act
thereon as in their Judgment they shall think meat conducive to
Justice & for the benefit of the Town
The Article in the Warrant Viz* : — What measures shall be
taken relative to the old Continental Bills now in the Treasurey " —
read whereupon Voted that
Nath1 : Appleton Esqr :
Edward Payne Esqr.
Stephen Higginson Esqr.
a Committee to take this matter into Consideration — & Report
at the Adjournment
The Article relative to Deliquent Collectors — read & on a
Motion, referred for consideration to the Adjournment —
Moved & Voted, that the choice of Wardens, be referred to
the Adjournment as also of Another Constable - -
The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their
Votes for sixteen Fire Wards ; and the same being brought in
and sorted, it Appeared that —
William Cooper Esqr :
Honble : Caleb Davis Esqr :
Edward Proctor Esqr.
Mr. John Lowell
[482.] Mr. James Tileston
Cap*. Gustavus Fellows — excused
Thomas Melville Esqr.
Mr. John Winthrop
Jabez Hatch — Esqr.
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1786. 101
Cap*. John Ballard
Andrew Syms Esqr.
Mr. Joseph Clark
Mr. Jacob Rhodes
Samuel Brick Esqr.
Mr. Henry Bass
Col°. John May
were chosen Fire Wards for the Year ensuing
The following Persons were chose Clerks of the Market for the
year ensuing —
Mess™. Moses Black
Francis Wright
"Richard Codman
Nath1 : Glover — declines
Daniel Sears
Sam1. W. Hunt
Elisha Doane
Thomas Appleton
William Gray
John Wells
Thomas Perkins
Jonathan Freeman Jur.
The Town having determined that five Collectors of Taxes
should be chosen the Inhabitants as directed withdrew & brought
in their Votes accordingly & upon sorting them it Appeared that —
[483.] Mr. William Lowder
Gyles- Harris Esqr.
Mr. Moses May
Samuel Ruggles Esqr.
Cap*. William Fleet
were chosen Assessors for the Year ensuing
The Votes, being brought in for a Clerk of Fanuiel Hall Market,
upon sorting them it Appeard that
Mr. Matthew Nazro
was chosen Clerk of said Market — unanimously
Moved & Voted, that the Clerk of Faneuil Hall Market, shall
receive as a recompence for his sendees one third part of the
Money he shall Collect the ensuing Year of the Market People
without Doors — and also the same for what he Collected the last
Year —
Moved & Voted, that
Col° : Dudley Sergeant
John Sweetser Esqr.
Mr. John Andrews
102 CITY DOCUMENT.
be a Committee to wait on the State Treasurer and to desire him
to Acquaint the Town what Sums are still due from the several
Collectors
The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their
Votes for twelve Overseers of the Poor, and the Votes having
been brought in and sorted, it appeared, that
The
[484.] Honble. William Phillips Esqr.
Isaac Smith Esqr.
Mr. Jonathan Mason Esqr.
Mr. Samuel Whitwell
John White Esqr.
Edward Proctor Esqr.
William Powell Esqr.
John Sweetser Esqr.
Mr. Henry Prentice
Mr. Jonathan L. Austin
Mr. Samuel Parkman
Mr. Edward Edes
were chosen Overseers of the Poor for the year ensuing —
Messrs. John Champney
Joseph Buttler
Henry Blaisdell
Joseph Ballard
Benjamin Page
James Rogers
Joseph Rogers-Eyres
Clement Collins
Abraham Hayward
Samuel Fenno
were chose Surveyor's of Boards for the Year ensuing —
Messra. Benjamin White •
Andrew Townsend Jur.
[485.] Thomas Uran
Edmund Ranger
Abijah Crane
were chosen Fence Viewers for the Year ensuing
Mess1*. Samuel Bangs
James Bruce
Thomas Bradley
Samuel Hicks
were chosen Sealers of Leather for the year ensuing —
Mr. Adam Colson
was chosen an Informer of Dear for the year ensuing —
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1786. 103
Mess18 : Samuel Harris
Arthur Langford
John McElroy
Cap*. Manassah Master
Daniel Bell
Caleb Hayden
John Owen
Job Wheelwright
Samuel Healey
Edward Burt
Henry Parks
Joshua Pico
were chose Collectors of Staves for the Year ensuing —
Mess18 : John Skinner
Jacob Edes
William Tate
were chosen Hogreeves for the Year ensuing
[486.] Messrs : George Hambleton
Samuel Curtis
were chosen Haywards for the year ensuing
The Committee to waite on the State Treasurer, Reported as
on file —
Adjourned to 3. O 'Clock in the Afternoon —
3. O Afternoon, Met According to Adjournment —
Voted, that Edward Payne Esqr.
Mr. Joseph Russel
Cap*. William Parsons
Stephen Higginson Esqr.
Samuel Ruggles Esqr.
be and hereby appointed a Committee to Audit the Accompt of
the Town Treasurer and also the Accompt of the Overseers of
the Poor, and that they make Report at the next March Meeting,
and the said Committee are desired to Report from time to time
a State of the Treasurey and many Matters relating to the Treas-
urey or Overseeres of the Poor which they may think proper, and
the said Committee are also desired to examine the Draughts of
the Selectmen and the Vouchers for the same and its further
[487.] Voted that Interest be allowed to such of the Over-
seers of the Poor as shall advance Money for the Use of the Poor
for the expiration of the year untill paid —
Selectmen
Appointed Sur[ve]yers of High Ways
Mess" : Thomas Green
John Skinner
were chosen Assay Masters for the year ensuing —
104 CITY DOCUMENT.
Moved & Voted that the Selectmen be directed to make suita-
ble provision for the impounding of Horses & also Hogs for the
North part of the Town, the Northward of the Bridge — and
John Skinner
was chosen a Hayward for said District for the purpose of im-
pownding Horses
John White Esqr.
John Sweetser Esqr.
were chosen Surveyors of Wheat & Flour for the Year ensuing —
Consideration of Collectors Premium and what shall be allowed
the Assessors referred to the Adjournment —
Moved & Voted, that
Dudley Sargeant Esqr.
Thomas Walley Esqr.
Thomas Crafts Esqr :
Ezekiel Price Esqr.
Edward Procter Esqr.
[488.] be a Committee to confer with the Assessors with respect
to the time the Assessors should set to make Abatements — to
Report at the Adjournm*. —
Adjourned to Wednesday the 22d of March Ins* : —
Wednesday the 22d of March, lO.'O'Clock A : M : Met accord-
ing to Adjournment
Mr. John McLane
was chosen a Constable for the Year ensuing
Mr : Joseph Dyer
was chosen a Surveyer of Boards for the ensuing Year —
Paul D. Sergeant Esqr.
was chosen a Fire Ward — unanimously —
Mess™ : Samuel Cobb
Thomas L Wenthrop — excused
were Chosen Clerks of the Market for the Year ensuing —
The Committee Appointed to consider what Measures shall be
immediately taken for widening the Street leading. from Charles-
town Ferry to Winnesimet Ferry Report that the Town widen the
same Street so as that said Street be fortey feet in wedth pro-
vided the Abutters on said Street release their right in the Lands
Necessary for that purpose without any Expence to the Town for
the said Land —
[489.] The foregoing Report having been read & Amended
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1786. 105
— Voted, that the same be Accepted and the Selectmen Author-
ised & empowered to proceed in widing said Street —
The Committee on the request of the . Proprietors of Land on
Boston Neck —
Report —
That said Proprietors, have ever Since run Parallel thro' their
Lots on both sides the Street on condition that said Proprietors
at their own Expence built a sufficient Stone Wall on the West
side of the Neck to secure the same & prevent the inroads of the
Sea from the Street to the Bluffs near Gravelly Point so called,
and that said Proprietors keep the same Wall in good Repair at
all times hereafter —
The foregoing Report having been read & considered. Voted,
that the same be accepted and the Selectmen are hereby Author-
ised & impowered to give a Deed of said Land in behalf of the
Town Accordingly —
The Commee : to Audit Town Treasurer Accounts & having
Reported — the Report was read
The Committee to Estimate the Sum necessary to be raised to
defrey the Expencies of the Present Year & to consider [49O.]
what Sums will be proper to grant, to the several Officers, in pay
of the Town — Reported, and the same being considered — as
also the Report of the Committee to Audit the Accounts of the
Town Treasurer, the Town came into the following Resolutions —
Voted, that the Sum of One hundred Ninety five Pounds be
allowed & paid unto Mr. Samuel Hunt for his Salary the 'present'
Year the same to commence the 1st : of March Ins* : and to be
paid him Quarterly as it shall become due —
Voted, that the Sum of one hundred Ninety five Pounds, be
allowed and paid unto Mr. Nathaniel Davis for his Salary the
present Year, the same to commence the 1st. of March Ins* : and
to be paid him Quarterly as it shall become due —
306 Persons present.
Voted, that the Sum of one hundred & Seventy pounds be
allowed & paid unto Mr. John Tyleston for his Salary as Master
of the North Grammer School the present Year, the same to be
paid Quarterly as it shall become due & to commence from the
1st. of March Ins* :
Voted, that the Sum of One hundred and Seventy Pounds be
allowed & paid unto Mr. James Carter, for his Salary as Master
of the Writing School in Queen Street the present Year the same
to be paid him Quarterly & to commence from the I1, of March
Ins1.
106 CITY DOCUMENT.
[491.] Voted, that the Sum of One hundred & Seventy
Pounds be allowed and paid unto Mr. John Vinal for his Salary
as Master of the Writing School in the Common the present
Year, the same to be paid him Quarterly as it shall become due
& to commence the 1*. of March Ins*. —
Voted, that the Sum of One hundred & Seventy Pounds be al-
lowed & paid unto Mr. Samuel Cheney for his Salary as Master
of the New Writing School at the North End, the present Year
the to be paid him Quarterly as it shall become due, & to com-
mence the 1st. of March Ins1.
Voted, that Mr. John Tileston Master of the North Writing
School be allowed for House Rent the present year the Sum of
forty Pounds, the same to be paid him Quarterly as it shall be-
come due & to commence the first of March Ins* : —
Adjourned to 3'O'Clock P : M
3'0'Clock. Town Met
Voted, that Mr. Nathaniel Davis Master of the North Gram-
mer School be allowed for House Rent the present Year, the Sum
of Forty Pounds the same to be paid him Quarterly as it shall
become due, and to commence at the expiration of the last
Quarter —
Voted, that Mr. John Vinal Master of the Writing School in
the Common be allow'd [492.] for House Rent the present
Year, the Sum of Forty Pounds, the same to be paid him Quar-
terly as it shall become due, and to commence from the 1*. of
March Ins1. —
Voted, that Mr. Samuel Cheney Master of the New Writing
School at the North End, be allowed for House Rent the present
Year, the Sum of Forty Pounds, the same to be paid him Quar-
terly as it shall become due, and to commence the 1st. of March
Ins1. —
Voted, that Mr. Samuel Payson Usher of the South Grammer
School, be allowed & paid the Sum of Ninety Seven Pounds ten
Shillings for the present the same to be paid him Quarterly as it
shall become due —
Voted, that the 3 Ushers of the Writing Schools Viz* : Mr :
Tileston Mr. Carter's & Mr. Vinals be allowed for their Salaries
Eighty five Pounds ^ Annum each the same to be paid Quarterly
as it shall become due & to commence from the 1st. of March
Ins* : —
Voted, that the Six Masters of the Public Schools have ten
Cords of Wood each provided for them by the Selectmen —
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1786. 107
[493.] Voted, that one of the Town Watches be laid aside,
and that the Selectmen settle it with the other Watchmen the
allowance they are to receive —
Voted, that the Allowance to the Assessors be seven Shillings
& Six pence *$ Day, for the time they may set in doing the Busi-
ness of their Office
Voted, that William Cooper be allowed & paid the Sum of One
hundred & thirty Pounds for his services as Town Clerk the Year
ensuing the same to be paid him Quarterly as it shall become due
& to commence the 1st. of March Ins*.
Voted, that Mr. Peter Boyer be allowed and paid the Sum of
One hundred and thirty Pounds for his services as Treasurer the
prest Year the same to be paid him Quarterly as it shall become
due & to commence the 1st. of March Ins*. —
Voted, that the Director of Lamps be allowed for his services
Five Pounds ^ Month untill further Orders of the Town —
280 Persons present
[494.] Voted, that the Sum of Seven thousand Pounds be
raised by a Tax to be Assessed on the Polls & Estates of the
Inhabitants of this Town to defrey the Charges of the Year
ensuing —
Moved & Voted, that that paragraph of the Report of the
Committee to bring in an Estimate & which relates to the choice
of Collectors, and if they find their Premium be referred to the
Adjournment for consideration The Town Clerk is to give notice
of this in the public Papers — and that the choice of Collectors of
Taxes, be referred to the Adjournment
Mr. Benjamin White
was chosen a Surveyer of Boards & Shingles for the Year ensu-
ing—
Mr. Jacob Eustes
chosen Clerk of the Market for the year ensuing •
Moved & Voted, that the Constables be requested to Walk the
Streets of this Town on the Lords Day's agreeably to a former
practice, taking with them some of the Inhabitants on those
Walks as a means to prevent disorders on the Sabbath more
especially in the time of Divine service —
The Report of the Committee relative to Sea Street read where-
upon—
Voted, that the Selectmen [be] requested to enquire into the
108 CITY DOCUMENT.
Nature & Tenor of the Deeds of the Abuttors, and if they find
that they then Report the same to the Town but if otherwise,
that they then proceed in making necessary Repairs in the Usual
manner —
[495.] The Report of the Committee on the Petition of
Margaret Parker — read — and recommitted, and Mr. James
Bayley added to said Committee ; who are desired to Report at
the Adjournment —
Adjourned to Tuesday next 9. O'Clock, in the Forenoon —
Tuesday the 28th. of March 9. O. Clock A: M : met according
to Adjournment —
Cap* : William McNeil
Mr. Edward How
were chose Surveyors of Hemp for the Year ensuing
Voted, that the Assessors be and hereby are empowered &
directed to sit for such Abatement of Taxes as they shall Judge
reasonable two Days in each Week for the delivery of the Tax
Bills to the Collectors for the space of six Weeks, and no longer,
saving that they be allowed to set the last Week in February
Lords Day excepted for the Abatement of the Taxes of such
Persons as had not an Oppertunity of applying in the Above
limetted time, by reason of their being out of the Common-
wealth, or any other unavoidable hinderance, and that the As-
sessors determin upon the said two Days, which is to be noted
on the Tax Bill to be delivered the Inhabitants —
On the Report of the Committee on M1"8 : Margaret Parker's
Petition —
[496.] Voted, that it is the sense of the Town that the
Assessors pursue the Measures prescribed in the Law respecting
the case of the late Mr. Daniel Parker one of the Collectors of the
Town of Boston for the Year 1784 & 1785
On the Report of the Committee on Mr. Alexander Thomas's
Petition which was read & as part Accepted —
Voted, that the Town Treasurer be directed to prosecute the
Bondsmen of Mr. Alexander Thomas one of the late Collector of
Taxes for such Taxes committed to him to Collect, as he has
been deficient in Collecting
Voted, that the Assessors be directed to proceed with respect
to the late Collector Alexander Thomas, in taking a List &c as
the Law directs
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1786. 109
Voted, that the Town Treasurer be directed to suspend prose-
cuting Mr. Thomas's Bondsmen untill he shall have received, the
Returns from the Assessors respecting the Taxes uncollected,
which the Law directs
On Report of the Committee to Audit Accounts Moved &
Voted, that a Committee be appointed to make enquirey whether
the Justices of the Town have paid into the Town Treasurey the*
proportion of Fines the Town by Law is to receive from said
Justices
[497.] Voted, that Mr. Jeremiah Belknap
William Story Esqr.
Mr. Samuel Whitwell
be a Committee for the purpose aforesaid —
Voted, that the Town Treasurer be directed to put in Suit the
Bonds of all such Collectors as have been deficient in paying in
the Sums committed to them to Collect previous to 1785 —
Voted, that no Person be chosen into the Office of a Collector
that has not settled and paid into the State & Town Treasurey all
the Taxes committed to him to Collect, prior to the Tax granted
in 1785 —
The Question being put on that Paragraph of the Report of the
Committee as Audit Town Treasurer's Accounts relative to a
motion made of Collecting Taxes, passed in the negative —
Adjourned to 3. O'Clock P. M
3. O : Clock P : M : Met according to Adjournment —
On Mr. Jonaah Torreys Petition
Voted, that the Town Treasurer be impowered & directed to
give Jonah Torrey a late Collector one or more Notes bearing In-
terest from the date of his settling his Accounts with the Select-
men for the Sum due to him from the Town on said Settlement
[498.] Mr : Samuel Ballard -
chosen a Hay ward for the Year ensuing.
The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their
Votes for twelve Wardens, & the same being brought in & sorted
it appeared that —
Mess1"8 : James Allen ------- declined
Nathaniel Jarvis - - - - - d°.
Jacob Eustis d°.
110 CITY DOCUMENT.
Benjamin Jarvis ----- d°.
Sylvanus Bourn d°.
John Lovel ------- d°.
Simeon Mayo d°.
Simeon Eliot Junr. - - - - d°.
Martin B. Sohier - - d°.
Gilbert Deblois ------ d°.
James Carter ------- d°.
Benjamin Austin Jur. - ... d°.
were chose Wardens for the Year ensuing
Voted, that a Committee be appointed to take into considera-
tion what Premium shall be allowed the Persons who shall be
chosen Collectors of Taxes for the year ensuing
Voted
Col°. D Sergeant
Samuel Ruggles
Edward Payne Esqr.
be a Committee for that purpose to Report at May Meeting —
[499.] Messrs : Thomas Bayley
James Thompson
Charles Williams
Benjamin Henderson
were chose Collectors of Taxes for the year ensuing
Adjourned to Monday next to meet in this Place immediately
after the choice of Goverment & is declared — ,
3 O'Clock P : M : Met According to Adjournment —
All the Persons who were chosen into the Office of Wardens at
the Adjournment having declined Serving they were by the Town
the Day upon Application to them excused from serving in that
Office —
Moved & Voted, that a Person Elected and empowered to Col-
lect the Outstanding Taxes which have been committed to Mr.
Alexander Thomas to Collect and which by reason of his being
taken by execution he has been unable to compleat provided the
Person so elected gives Bond for the faithful discharge of his
Trust, to the Selectmen
Mr : Benjamin Henderson
was chosen by Ballot a Collector of Taxes for the purpose afore-
said—
Moved & Voted, that the Town Treasurer be desired to sus-
pend putting Mr. Cudworths Bonds in Suit untill July term
[5OO.] Moved & Voted, that there be allowed & paid for
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1786. Ill
the said Benjamin Henderson five *$ Cent for Collecting Mr.
Thomas's outstanding Debts —
Moved & Voted, that the Town Treasurer be desired to sus-
pend putting Mr. Cudworths Bonds in Suit untill July term
Moved & Voted, that the Town so far reconsider the Vote
lately passed directing the Town Treasurer to put Mr. Grays
Bonds in Suit, as that the Treasurer be now directed to suspend
the same untill May next upon Condition that the Bondsmen
shall pay all the Charge that may have arisen as to this Suit
It was moved that the same direction be given the Treasurer
with respect to Mr. Thomas's Bonds — and the Question being
put — passed in the Negative
about 165 Persons present
Voted, that the Assessors be directed to receive of Mrs.
Catharin Gray a List of her late Husband Benjamin Grays out-
standing Taxes, and make such Abatements thereon as they shall
Judge reasonable —
Voted, that all matters & things which remaine unfinished at
this Meeting be referred over to the General Town [meeting]
in May next then to be Acted upon —
Then the Meeting was
dissolved —
[5O1.] At a Meeting of the Male Inhabitants of the Town
of Boston of Twenty one Years of Age and upwards, qualified as
the Constitution prescribes and legally warned in public Town
Meeting Assembled at Faneiul [Hall] on Monday the 3d Day of
April Anno Domini 1786 9. O'Clock A : M :-
Prayer was made by the Eevd : Mr : Lothrop
Warrant for calling the Meeting read
Paragraph of the Constitution or Frame of Goverment, relative
to choice of Governor & Senators, also read —
On a Motion Voted, that the Town will now come to the choice
of a Governor Leu*. Governor and six Senators for the County
of Suffolk —
It was then declared by the Selectmen that no Vote would be
received but such as are unfolded, and that they propose the Poll
shall be closed at 12. O'Clock —
112 CITY DOCUMENT.
On a Motion Voted, that the severall Bells in the Town be set
aringing ten Minutes befor 12. O'Clock
Persons Voted, for as Governor with the number of Votes for
each Person Viz*.
Votes
His Excellency James Bowdoin Esqr. 765
Honble : Samuel Adams Esqr. 1
Honble: John Hancock Esqr. 13
Cap1. Job Prince _.. 1
[5O2.] Persons Voted, for Lieu*: Governor, with the Num-
ber of Votes for each Persons Viz*.
Votes
His Honor Thomas Gushing Esqr. 505
Honble : Samuel Adams Esqr. 267
Honble : James Warren Esqr. ---- 8
Honble : Benjamin Lincoln Esqr. --- 1
John Lucus Esqr. ..._.. i
Mr. Amos Hovey -_.-..._.___. i
Persons Voted, for as Senators for the County of Suffolk with
the number of Votes for each Person — Viz* : —
Votes
His Honor Thomas Gushing Esqr. 278
Honble: Samuel Adams Esqr. 720
Honble: William Phillips Esqr 744
Honble: Benjamin Austin Esqr. ..._37o
Honble: Richard Cranch Esqr. 771
Honble : Cotton Tuffts Esqr. 762
Honble: John Lowell Esqr. 313
Honble: Stephen Metcalf Esqr 439
Honbie. William Heath Esqr. 44
Honble: Benjamin Lincoln Esqr. 99
Honble : Jabez Fisher Esqr. - ... 2
Honble: Caleb Davis Esqr 27
Honble: Jonathan Jackson Esqr. a
Honble: Samuel A. Otis Esqr. 7
Thomas Dawes Esqr. - _...... 5
Honble: James Warren Esqr. 3
Honble: Samuel Nyles Esqr. 1
Benjamin Hitchborn Esqr. ---- 1
Thomas Russell Esqr. 1
John C. Jones Esqr. _.._._ i
Mr. Elias Parkman 1
Mr. John Wear 1
Cap*. John Hinckley -.._._ i
[5O3.] Mr. Samuel Whitwell 1
Mr. Jacob Edes 1
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1786. 113
Votes
Mr. Benjamin Hall 1
Leonard Jarvis Esqr. 1
Mr. Ebenezer Bridge ------------ 1
Attested Copies of the Persons Voted for as Governor, Liev*.
Governor and Senators for the County of Suffolk were committed
to the Secretary of this Commonwealth, and the Inclousers sealed
up in Town Meeting Superscribed as follows — Viz*. —
For
John Avery Esqr.
Secretary of the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts
The number of the Votes of the Town of Boston for a Gover-
nor Lieu1. Governor & Six Senators for the County of Suffolk
Certified within & Sealed up in Town Meeting —
Adjourned to 3. O 'Clock P : M
Met accordingly & then the Meeting was
dissolved
At a Meeting of the Freeholders & Other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston duly qualified and legally warned in Public Town
Meeting Assembled at Faneuiel Hall on Tuesday the 9th. Day of
May Anno Domini 1786 10. O : Clock A. M :
Prayer was made by the Revd : Mr. Wight
[5O4.] Warrant for calling the Meeting read
That part of the Constitution or Frame of Goverment which
relates to the choice of Representatives - - - - read —
Sundry Laws to be read at said Meeting were Accordingly
read —
The Town having determined to Choose Seven Persons to Rep-
resent them in the General Court of Massachusetts to be held at
the State House at Boston the last Wednesday of May Currant
Agreeably, to the Constitution or Frame of Goverment for the
Massachusetts — The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and
bring in their Votes for Several Representatives and then it was
declared by the Selectmen that no Votes should be received but
such as were unfolded and that they propose the Poll should be
closed at 12' O'Clock — the Assessors were requested to stand
at the Door while the Inhabitants were giving in their Votes —
On a Motion, Voted, that all those Persons who Vote for Rep-
resentatives shall on their giving in their respective Votes, enter
into the Hall and there remaine, untill the Poll is closed —
114 CITY DOCUMENT.
The Votes being brought in for Seven Representatives, the
number of the same were found to be Seven hundred sixty two
[5O5.] And upon sorting them it appeared that the following
Gentlemen were chosen by a Maiority of Votes — Viz*.
Votes
Honble. Caleb Davis Esqr. — 730
Samuel A. Otis Esqr. — 667
Thomas Dawes Esqr. — 750
Leonard Jarvis Esqr. — 531
Samuel Brick Esqr. — 630
Jonathan Mason Sen1". Esqr. — 454
John Coffin Jones Esqr. — 570
Men0. An Attested Copy did
Caleb Davis Esqr.
The choice of Representatives being over and declared by the
Selectmen, it was moved that a Moderator be chosen to preside
at the Meeting for the choice of a County Register —
John Brown Esqr.
was chosen Moderator by a Hand Vote
Moved & Voted, that 4. o Clock P : M : be Assigned for bring-
ing in & receiving Votes for a County Register —
Adjourned to 3. O'Clock P. M be Assigned for bringing in &
examining Votes
3 O'Clock P. M. Met according to Adjournment —
Moved & Voted, that the Selectmen be a Committee to collect
count & sort the Votes in Town Meeting that shall be brought in
for a Register of Deeds for the County of Suffolk (error)
[5O6.] John Scollay Esqr.
Harbottle Dorr Esqr.
Ezekiel Price Esqr.
John Brown Esqr.
Cap1. Edward Tyler
Mr. John Andrews
Mr. Moses Grant
Mr. William Cunningham
Mr. Thomas Walley
were chosen to Collect sort & count the Votes for a Register of
Deeds for the County of Suffolk the written Votes of each Person
as were qualified by the Constitution to Vote for Representatives
having been by the said
John Scollay
Harbottle Dorr
Ezekiel Price
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1786. 115
John Brown
Edward Tyler
John Andrews
Moses Grant
William Cunningham
Thomas Walley
collected, sorted and counted it appeared that the following
Persons were Voted for as Register of Deeds for the County of
Suffolk and had the number of Votes set against their respective
Names — Viz1.
Votes
Joshua Henshaw Esqr. - - - - 267
Mr. Nathaniel Green 426
Stephen Miller Esqr. 3
Mr. Jacob Cooper 3
[5O7.] The aforegoing Record was read in Town Meeting
and exactly Copied, & Attested by the Town Clerk, & then sealed
up in Town Meeting — On the Outside of the Paper the following
was written Viz* :
This Paper contains a Copy of the Records of the Votes of the
Town of Boston for a Register of Deeds for the County of Suf-
folk taken from the Town Book and sealed up by William Cooper
Town Clerk —
To the Court of General Sessions of the Peace to be held within
& for the County of Suffolk on the first Tuesday of July A. D.
1786
Mem0, said Paper was then delivered to Ezekiel Price Esqr.
Clerk of the Court of General Sessions —
Then the Meeting was dissolved
There being other Articles contained in the Warrant, it was
moved that a Moderator be chosen to preside while said Business
was, transacting —
John Brown Esqr.
was chosen Moderator of the Meeting by a Hand Vote —
The Article in the Warrant — Viz*. To consider whether In-
structions shall be given the Gentelmen who may be chosen to
Represent this Town in the General Court the present Year "
was read whereupon — the Question was put — Passed in the
Negative, About 300 Persons present
[5O8.] The Article in the Warrant relative to Cap*. Silas
Atkens House was read — whereupon
116 CITY DOCUMENT.
Voted, that Thomas Dawes Esqr.
Deacon Sharp
Timothy Newell Esqr.
be a Committee to view said House & Report what is proper to
be done ; at the Adjournment of this Meeting
The Petition of Thomas Beals, read & considered, whereupon
Moved & Voted, that he have leave to withdraw his Petition —
also Voted, that the Selectmen be directed to proceed in carrying
the design of the Governors Donor into execution —
The Article in the Warrant Viz*. Whether the Town will take
Measures for building a Sea Wall on Ferry Street ' ' — read —
whereupon —
Moved & Voted, that a Committee be Appointed to view said
Street, and confer with the Proprietors of the Bridge -and the
Abuttors, as to the proportion they will bear of the charge of
said Wall ; to Report the same at the Adjournment togethear with
an Estimate of the Expence that will be occasioned by building
said Wall —
Voted, that Thomas Craft Esqr.
Paul D Sergeant Esqr.
William Tudor Esqr.
Thomas Dawes Esqr.
Nath1. Barber Esqr.
[5O9.] be a Committee for the purpose aforesaid
The Petition of the several Sextons was read, and after debate
the Question was put as moved for viz1. Whether they shall
have leave to withdraw their Petition — Passed in the Negative —
Adjourned to Fryday next being the 12th Ins1 : 3 : O : Clock
Afternoon —
Fryday the 12th Day of May Anno Domini 1786 — Met accord-
ing to Adjournment
The Sextons Petition, again taken up and after, debate, the
Question was put Viz*. — Whether the Petitioners shall have leave
to withdraw their Petition — Passed in the Affirmative —
The Committee Appointed to consider the Article in the War-
rant relative to Cap1. Atkins ; House — Reported as their Opinion
That it is not expedient for the Town to Adopt any measure —
relative thereto — and the Question being put — Whether said
Report shall be Accepted — Passed in the Affirmative
The Committee relative to Ferry Street & Reported verbally
and gave in an Estimate of the charge, the building a Sea Wall
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1786. 117
would Occasion — After some debate It was moved that said
Committee be desired to Report again in writing at the Adjourn-
ment. [51O.] also an Estamate of the charge of the Sea Wall
— the Question was put for said referance but did not Obtain —
It was then Moved & Voted that the aforegoing Vote be re-
considered & that the Committee, Report as first moved at the
Adjournment of this Meeting —
Moved & Voted, that when this Meeting is Adjourned it shall
be to Wednesday the 17th Ins*. 3. O 'Clock P : M —
And the Meeting was accordingly Adjourned
Wednesday the 17th of May 3. O Clock P: M Met according
to Adjournment —
The Report of the Committee relative to Justices Fines — read
— whereupon, moved & Voted, that the Town Accept the Report
& that the Report be Accepted & the Town Treasurer directed to
Apply to the several Official Justices for payment of the Fines
they have received as belongs to the Town
Mr. John Vinal's Petition read where
Voted, that Thomas Crafts Esqr.
Mr. John Deming
Thomas Dawes Esqr.
be a Committee to take the same into consideration and Report
as soon as may be
Moved & Voted, that Mr. Benjamin Henderson be allowed five
*$ Cent for Collecting the Outstanding Debts of Mr. Daniel
Parker a late Collector, deceased on all the Monies he shall Col-
lect-
Moved, that this Meeting be Adjourned to 5. O. Clock this
Afternoon —
[511.] At a legal Meeting of the Freeholders & Other In-
habitants of the Town of Boston at Faneiul Hall Wednesday the
17th. of May 3 'O'Clock P : M :
Warrant for calling the Meeting — read —
John Brown Esqr : —
was chosen Moderator of this Meeting
The Article in the Warrant Viz*. " To consider and determin
whether the Town will purchase any Part of Copes Hill with the
118 CITY DOCUMENT.
Beach or Flatts contigieous for the purpose of widening and re-
pairing of Ferry Way Street — was read — whereupon
Moved & Voted, that the Selectmen be empowered and directed
to purchase of the Artillery Company four Lots of Land on Cops
Hill, for the purpose of widening & reparing of Ferry way Street ;
and for the further use of the Town ; provided the Treasurer of
the Company will convey to the Town all their Right Title &
Interest to said Land Beach & Flatts for a Sum not exceeding
two hundred Pounds — and that the Town Treasurer be directed
in case the Selectmen purchase the same to give his Note to the
Artillery Company on Interest for said Sum — and the Question
being put passed in the Affirmative —
Then the Meeting was
dissolved
[512.] Adjournment of March Meeting
3. O : Clock P : M : Met according to Adjournment
The Committee relative to Ferry way Street; Reported — &
handed into the Town an Estimate of the charge of a Sea Wall —
the same having been read & considered it was moved &
Voted, That the Selectmen he Authorised and directed to pro-
ceed in building a Stone Wall on Ferry Street with Capstons on
the Top west to exceed ten feet from the present Wooden Wharff
or Head, if the Abuttors previous to the being built will give
from under hand & Seal, so much of their Land as to make the
said Street forty feet in width including the aforementioned Stone
Wall & Earth sufficient to fill up the same, and that the said Sea
Wall shall begin at the New Ferry House & extend so far as
Mr. Goodings Wharff which will make 470 feet in Length —
Moved that the Vote passed, not to Instruct the Representa-
tives, be reconsidered — the Question being put — Passed in the
Negative —
about 350
The Report of the Committee relative to Collectors Premium —
read, whereupon —
Voted, that the consideration of this Report be referred to the
next Town Meeting to be Notifyed thereof in the News Papers —
Moved, that that part of the By Law relative to Sextons,
which requires a Badge be suspended — The Question being put
Passed in the Affirmative
[513.] Voted, -that all Matters & Things which remain un-
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1786. 119
finished be referred over to the Next General Town Meeting to be
called
Then the Meeting was
dissolved
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other 'Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston duly qualified and legally warned in public Town
Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Tuesday the 4th Day of
July Anno Domini 1786 — 10. O'Clock in the Forenoon
Warrant for calling the Meeting — read
TheHonble: Samuel Adams Esqr.
was chosen Moderator by a Hand Vote —
The Town being informed that Mr. Adams could not on Ac-
count of urgent business leave the Senate —
John Brown Esqr.
was chosen Moderator of the Meeting
The Committee appointed last year to make choice of a Gen-
telman to deliver an Oration on this Anniversey of Independance
Reported
That they had made choice of Mr. Jonathan Loring
Austin for the purpose aforesaid, who had Accepted to that ser-
vice —
[514.] On a Motion Voted, that the Oration for the pur-
pose aforesaid be delivered at the Chapel Church the 12th.
O'Clock leave having been given for the same —
Voted, that Messrs : John Andrews
Ebenzr : Hancock
Thomas Walley Esqr.
be a Committee to wait on Mr. Austin and Acquaint him with the
aforegoing Vote —
The Meeting was Adjourned to Chapel Church —
12. O'Clock Met at the Chapel Church According to Adjourn-
ment—
AN ORATION
to commemorate the Independance of the United States, was de-
livered by Mr. Jonathan L. Austin at the Chapel Church to a
large and crouded Assembly —
On a Motion, Voted that the
Selectmen
120 CITY DOCUMENT.
be and hereby are Appointed a Committee to wait on Mr. Jona-
than Loring Austin and in the Name of the Town to Thank him
for the Spirited & elagant Oration this Day delivered by him at
the request of the Town upon the Anniversary of the Independ-
ance of the United States of America, in which According to the
[515.] Institution of the Town, he considered the felings Man-
ners and Principles which led to that great National Event —
And to request of him a Copy thereof for the Press —
On a Motion Voted, that
The Gentelmen the Selectmen be and hereby are appointed a
Committee to Apply to some one learned and able Gentelman to
deliver an ORATION on the 4th of July A. D. 1787 that Day being
the Anniversary of the Independance of the United States of
America, wherein the Orator is to consider the feelings manners
& principles which led to this great & National Event, as well as
the important and happy Effects whether general or Domestick,
which have already, and will forever continue to flow from that
Auspicious Epoch
Then the Meeting was
dissolved —
[516.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders, and other Inhab-
itants of the Town of Boston duly qualefied & legally warned in
public Town Meeting Assembled at Fanuiel [Hall] on Thursday
the 27S of July A. D 1786 — 9. O'Clock A : M —
Warrant for calling the Meeting — read
The Honble : Samuel Adams Esqr.
was chosen Moderator by a Hand Vote —
On a Motion ,4 O'Clock assigned for receiving the Votes for a
County Treasurer & the Poll to be closed at 5 . O 'Clock P : M —
The Article in the Warrant relative to setting Fire to a Public
Building on Dock Square on the Night of the 20th Ins* : — was
read whereupon
Voted, that John Gardiner Esqr.
Thomas Dawes Esqr.
Mr. Joseph Russell
be a Committee to prepare a Vote which they may Judge proper
for the Town to Pass, & to Report as soon as may be
The Report of the Comm*6 : relative to the Collectors Premieum
for Collecting, referred for consideration to the Adjournment,
was read & considered & the Question being put whether the
same shall be Accepted — passed in the Negative
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1786. 121
[517] The Report of the Comm66. relative to the Collectors
Premium for Collecting referred for consideration to the Adjourn-
ment was read & considered & the Question being put whether
the same shall be accepted — Passed in the Negative —
The Article in the "Warrant Viz*. ' ' To consider & determine
what Premieum shall be Allowed the Collectors of Taxes for the
present Year, was read & considered, whereupon the following
Vote as Altered at the Adjournment was passed by the Town
Viz*.
Voted, that four per cent be allow'd and hereby is allowed to
the Collectors of Taxes for the Year ensuing, for all such Sums
of Money & public Securities as they shall Collect and pay into
the several Treasuries of the Sums committed to them to Collect
within ten Months from the Recept of the Tax Books, and three
per Cent on all such other Sums as shall afterwards be Collected,
— also that such Collectors shall give Bond with sufficient Sure-
ties to the Satisfaction of the Selectmen for the faithful dis-
charge of their Duty in said Office and complying with this Vote ;
and that they will not receive any Premieum or Gratuity for dis-
canting Any Order, Note or Receipts from the Treasurer of the
of the Town —
[518.] On a Motion, 3. O'Clock assigned for receiving an
Answer from the Collectors, whether they accept to serve on the
foregoing Terms —
The Committee Appointed to consider what Measures shall
be adopted for the more effectual & speedy Discovery of the
Perepatrers or Pereptrators of that premedatated & daring Act
of Villainy, in setting Fire to a publick Building on Market
Square " — Reported as follows Vizt4.
Voted, that this Town view with Abhorance and Detestation,
the execrable Act committed by some daring and lawless Incen-
diary or incendiaries on the Night of Thursday the 20th Day of
this present Month of July, in willfully setting Fire to the Build-
ing then intended for a Fish Market belonging to the Town, and
then erected for a Fish Market belonging to this Town, and then
erected in Dock Square whereby the Town was not only injured in
its property, but the Safety of the Neighbourhood was endan-
gered, and the peace & quiet of the Inhabitants were greatley
disturbed — And it is further Voted, that this Town do much
Approve of the conduct of their Selectmen in the Steps which
they have taken to discover the Perpetrator or Perpetrators of so
daring an Act of lawless Villainy ; and that nothing may be
Wanting on the part of the Town to bring to Justice [519.] and
condign Punishment the Incendiary or Incendiaries aforesaid —
It is further Voted, that the Selectmen and they are accordingly
122 CITY DOCUMENT.
hereby impowered to increase the reward for the Discovery of
such Incendiariys or Incendiaries so that the same exceed not
the Sum of Five hundred Dollars to be paid by the Parson or
Parsons making such discovery excepting however the Incendiary
or Incendiarie who actualy set the same on fire the same to be
paid out of the Town Treasurey upon conviction of any one or
more of such Incendiaries that the Selectmen do apply
to his Excellency the Governor & the Council and request his
Excellency with the Advice and consent of the Council to Issue
his Proclamation offering a full Pardon to any one Accomplice
or any of the Accomplices concerned [in] such Act of burning
such Building excepting however the Incendiary or Incendiaries
who Actualy set the same on fire upon his or their discovery [of]
such Incendiary or Incendiaryes who so actually set fire to the
same
The foregoing Votes having been read and amended in the
Meeting were Adopted by the Town —
[5 2O.] The Article relative to Ferry Way Street read and
the consideration thereof referred to 3' O'Clock when Mr. Newman
is desired to give his Attendance —
The Committee on Master Vinals Petition Reported verbally,
whereupon —
Voted, that the Town Treasurer be directed to give order for
the Payment of Mr. John Vinal one of the Schoolmasters of this
Town on Mr. Benjamin Henderson of Such Sums as are now due
from the Town to the said Vinal out of the first Monies which the
said Collector shall receive in his capacity of Collector after he
shall have discharged the Order already drawn upon him in favor
of several Persons Amounting to £687 ,, 4 ,, 10d —
Adjourned to 3. O'Clock P : M
3'O'Clock P : M : Met according to Adjournment
Voted, that it is the sense of the Town that no Money shall be
paid by Mr. Henderson untill Mr. Vinal is paid, except Drafts
for what is due from the Town to those who owe Taxes to Mr.
Henderson and are willing to discount the same —
Article in the Warrant relative to Ferry Street read — where-
upon
Voted, that this Article together with the business connected
with it be referred to the Selectmen at large, they to make the
best Agreement [521.] they are Able with Mr. Newman and to
Report at the Adjournment —
Moved that the Poll for choice of a County Register be as-
signed at half past 5' O'Clock this Afternoon —
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1786. 123
John Scollay
Harbottle Dorr Esqr.
Ezekiel Pierce
John Brown Esqr.
Cap'. Edward Tyler
Mr. John Andrews
Mr. Moses Grant
Mr. William Cunningham
Thomas Walley Esqr.
were chosen to Collect sort & count the Votes for a Register of
Deeds for the County of Suffolk the written Votes for each Person
as are qualified by the Constitution to Vote for Representatives
& having been by the said
John Scollay
Harbottle Dorr
Ezekiel Price
John Brown
Edward Tyler
John Andrews
Moses Grant
William Cunningham
Thomas Walley
Collected sorted and counted, it appeared that the following Per-
sons, were Voted for as a [522.] Register of Deeds for the
County of Suffolk and had the number of Votes set against their
respective Names —
Votes
Joshua Henshaw Esqr. 276
Mr: Nathaniel Green 374
The aforegoing Record was read in Town Meeting and exactly
Copied & Attested by the Town Clerk and Sealed up in Town
Meeting & on the Other side of the Paper a Return was made the
Honble : the Clerk of the General Court of Sessions of the Peace
& the Paper delivered Ezekiel Price Esqr. Clerk of the Sessions,
to be by him delivered Said Court
Then the Meeting was Adjourned to Thursday next the 3d. of
August 3 O'Clock Afternoon
3. O Clock P : M : Met according to Adjournment —
A Petition of Mr. Thomas a late Collectors Bondsmen, was
read —
whereupon the following Votes drawn up by one of the Selectmen,
was laid before the Town & by them Accepted Viz*.
On a Petition of Mr. Elisha Sigoney & Mr. John Hinkley rel-
ative to a Suit now depending in Law brought by Peter Boyer
Esqr. Town Treasurer against Elias Parkman and the Executors
124 CITY DOCUMENT.
of William Burbeck deceased as Bondsmen to Mr. Alexander
Thomas a late [523.] Collector of Taxes for the Town, and
whereas the Affair relative to Mr. Thomas was not entirely com-
pleated at the March Meeting, and stands referred over to this
Meeting, therefore
Voted, that the Town Treasurer be and he hereby is directed
to Stop all former proceeding in said Action, and lie is also
directed to receive of said Bondsmen the Sums of Ninety five
pounds thirteen Shillings & ten pence in , which thr°.
Mistake was paid to the late State Treasurer & also the Sum of
£10 ,, 18 ,, 9 in Specie, which two Sums will be in full of all de-
mands the Town have against said Alexander Thomas or his
Bondsmen; and the Treasurer is further directed on receving
said two Sums to discharge them Accordingly they paying all
charges which have arisen on said Suit to discharge the said
Bondsmen — Also —
Voted, that the Town Treasurer retaine in the Treasurey the
aforementioned Sum of £95 ,, 13 ,, 10d. untill the further Orders
of the Town unless he cannot avail himself of an exchange with
any of the Collectors of the Town for Silver or Gold at par
The Committee relative to Ferry Street reported verbally —
and also handed in to the Town Mr. Newmans written Proposals
relative to Ferry Street, which being read, and the Question put
whether said Proposals be Accepted — Passed in ye. Negative —
On a Motion the Question was put viz*. Whether the Town will
take any further order relative to Ferry Street Passed in the
Negative —
[524.] Voted, that the Selectmen be directed to proceed in
compleating the Sea Wall & Ferry Street Agreeably to the Vote
passed by the Town the 17th of May last
Then the Meeting was
dissolved
At a Meeting of the Freeholders & Other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston duly qualified and legally warned in Public Town
Meeting Assembled at Fanuiel Hall September 8th A. D. 1786 —
10 O'Clock A : M : —
Warrant for calling the Meeting — read
*
Honble : Samuel Adams Esqr. chosen Moderator by a hand
Vote —
The Article in the Warrant or Notification together with the
BOSTON TOWN RECOEDS, 1786. 125
request of a Number of the Inhabitants "for calling the Meeting
— read whereupon moved & Voted, that a Committee be chosen
to consider the Articles in the Warrant and the Request at large,
and to draw up the form of an Address to his Excellency the
Governor and to Report the same together with what they think
may be further necessary to be done at this critical conjuncture
On a Motion, the Governours late Proclamation was read
[525.] Voted, that the Honble : Sam1 : Adams Esqr.
Honble : James Sullivan Esqr.
Dr. Charles Jarvis
Honble : Stephen Higginson Esqr.
Edward Payne Esqr.
Jonathan Jackson Esqr.
Jonathan L. Austin Esqr.
be a Committee for the purpose aforesaid
Adjourned to Monday next 8. O Clock P. M.
Monday 11th of September 3. O'Clock P. M. Met according
to Adjournment
The Committee to draw up the form of an Address to his Ex-
cellency the Governor and Report together with a Circular Letter
which they propose to be sent to the Selectmen of the several
Towns in this Commonwealth which being both read & considered
— the Question was put — Whether the form of an Address to
the Governor, be accepted — Passed in the Affirmative — It was
then
Voted, that the Committee who Reported said Address, be a
Committee to present the same to his Excellency James Bowdoin
Esqr. Governor of this Commonwealth
Moved & Voted, that the Circular Letter be Accepted, and that
the Selectmen be desired to get a Suitable number printed and
sent to the Several Towns in this State
[526.] The Address & the Circular Letter are as follows —
Viz1.
May it please your Excellency
The Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston legally Assembled in Faneuil [Hall] beg leave to
express to your Excellency their Anxious concern for the Uneasi-
ness that has arisen & to bear their United Testimoney against
those illegal Steps which have been unfortunately & we are in-
clined to believe by some inconsiderately taken to prevent the
due execution of the Laws within several of the Counties of this
Goverment or Commonwealth Whatever may be the source of
126 CITY DOCUMENT.
these Commotions the Inhabitants of the Town are Clearley of
Opinion that they are equally repugnant to the Constitution as
they are obstructive of the Peace & Order of Society — But as
they feel themselves bound by every tie of Affection Interest &
Religion to their Fellow Citizens throughout the State, wherever
they are situated & have bled, & are willing again to bleed by
their side in defence of Liberty & the Constitution, they depre-
ciate every possible Misunderstanding among Friends, who are
thus tenderly United ; They rely therefore on the Wisdom Zeal
& Patriotism of your Excellency & of the legislative Body, which
they are happy in finding is so early to be convened that the true
causes of these difficulties will be fully explored & Speedily re-
moved, in order that Peace & Unanimity may be restored, & that
the constitutional Securiety of the Lives, Liberties & Property
[527.] of the People of this State may remaine unimpared —
But while they thus most earnestly wish for the restoration of
Harmony & that no mild & lenient Measures may be omitted to
Accomplish so happy an Event, they Assure your Excellency of
their unvaried determination, to cooperate in support of constitu-
tional Govermant. In the firm belief that the true happiness of
the People at Large is indissolubly connected with the unmolested
Enjoyment of this inestimable Blessing & that Reverence & Sub-
mission to the Laws are our great Security, as well as the bright-
est Ornaments in the character of good Citizens —
To the Inhabitants of the Town
Friends & Fellow Citizens
The Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston can never remaine the unconserned Spectators
of the distress and calamity of their Fellow Cityziens in any part
of the Commonwealth your generous Friendship to us Evidenced
as well by your Liberal donations as Otherwise, when we were
peculiarly Suffering in the great Cause of our Country can never
fail to warm our hearts with the highest Sentiments of Friendship
for you ; and we are perswaded that the Exertions we were then
called to make for our own common Safety, have got a place in
your kind remembrance [528.] Thus united as we conceive in
Sentement, and Affection as well as in Interest with that cordial-
lity, which must and ever will Subsist amongst a Virtuous and
enlightned People in a free Country we take the Liberty to Ad-
dress you as those Commotions which have two widley Spread
within the Commonwealth you will Suffer us to reason on this
Occasion with a freedom which is the part of sincere Friendship ;
for we do Assure you that our Country can never feel a Political
or civil evil, which we will not Chearfully bear a part of untill
our Joint Exertions can obtain a Constitutional Redress We do
not conceive it to be our duty to decide, whether the greviances
mentioned by the Conventions in some of the Counties in the
State really exist, or not ; but we beg leave to Submit it, dispas-
sionate, and candid decision, whether if they have a real Exist-
ance the Tumultious Methods Adopted by some Assemblies of
BOSTON TOWN PIECORDS, 1786. 127
Men within the Goverment are proper Measures to Obtain a Re-
dress. When we dissolved our conexion with the EmpL-e of
Britain, we then (politically speaking) had it in our election to
remaine in a State of Nature or to ordain for ourselves such form
of Goverment, as we chose, we were then in a State recognized
by the first Article of the decleration of Rights free and equal, and
nothing but our own voluntary consent, given in a Solemn Com-
pact, could [529.] reduce us to a form of civil Goverment it
required no great share of Wisdom however to discern, that unless
we threw ourselves into that State, we could Neither defend
ourselves against a foreign invasion or be preserved from the
depredations of wicked and abandoned Men Amongst ourselves,
therefore the People inhabiting the Territory called the Prov-
ince of Massachusetts Bay by a voluntary Affection formed a
Solem Compact, and in a Solem Appeal to the great Legis-
lator of the universe, the whole People convenated with each
Citizen and Each Citezen with the whole People to be governed
by certain known and Established Laws for the common good &
Security, of all by the same solemn compact, the powers of Legis-
lation, and the Authority for due Execution of the Laws were
provided, and Established and we then did, and as yet do con-
ceive that all was alone with such caution, and restrictions that
no Man or body of Men, who shall Oppress or invade the rights
of the smallest Individual, can express with impunity in the same
compact, the People solemnly agreed, to support the Constitution
for the space of fifteen years, and made Ample provision for the
revision df it, at the end of that Period if it should then be
thought necessary, their is no officer Either high or low within
the Commonwealth [53O.] who does not derive his whole
Authority from the People, and who is not amenable to a proper
& Adaquate tribunal for his Conduct — There are indeed evils
which are common to the whole human Race, founded in the
depravity an imperfections of Mankind and there are others the
unhappy lot of some Countries arising from their situation, or the
deep revolted habits of the people possessing them, both which
are alike incapable of being cured by any Acts of Goverment, or
exertions of human Power; but must be left to the Accedents
and Changes of time for a remidy ; should corrupt, and dissigning
Men inflame the Spirits of the People, to demand of their Rulers
the removal of such evils, their own reflections would sooner or
later point them to their Mistake. If greviances have arisen in
the Goverment, surely the Voice of the People may be taken
128 CITY DOCUMENT.
without flying to Arms : and no one can wish to dissolve our
happy Constitution unless Another is substituted in its place ; for
a State of Anarchy is to be dreaded Above all other Calamities,
because theire is no evil which it does not involve but to us as we
shall take leave by and by to submit to your consideration conse-
quences would flow from such a State, which would Cause each
true American within the Commonwealth, ever to regret, that he
had ever tasted the Sweets of evil freedom.
[END OF BOOK SEVEN.]
[CONTINUED IN BOOK EIGHT.]
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1786. 129
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS.
[EIGHTH BOOK.]
[1.] If the Citizens of the State Labor under Greivances
which can be redressed by the Acts of the Legislature, we conceive
that their Priviledges in this case, can never be enlarged, for the
General Court are chosen Annually by the People & though in
one Year, our Complaints are not Attended to, Yet we can in the
next Election ; place Men in power who will Answer our reason-
able expectations, and we are constrained to say, that we are
ignorant of the Time, when the Representatives of the People in
this State, have not duly Attended to the Instructions of their
Constituents, some Towns have Indeed, given instructions con-
trary to the Sentements of the Majority in the State and they
therefore have not succeeded, but is not this Always the case,
where, in society the Compact is, for the Minority to submit to
the Majority? let the Majority be ever so much in the wrong, is
there Any remedy within the reach of Nature, compatible with
the Ideas of Society, and Goverment to say the Majority shall
not Govern, is saying either, that we will reduce Ourselves to a
State of Nature, reject the Ideas of civil Liberty, Establish a des-
potism, and be subject to the Sovereign Pleasure of one Man.
We then beg You to consider whether instructing Our Represent-
atives who serve us in the Legislature is not our great remedy
against any ills we Suffer ; and which are within the Compass of
human power to redress. As we have taken leave to hint to you
the Mode in which, under the Goverment Established by our
common consent, we conceive all grievances ought to be reme-
died ; we will now beg your Patience and Earnestly solicit your
candor while we mention some of the consequences, which we
think must flow from a Continuance of the present Commotions
as an Introduction [2.] to this part of our Address, we will take
a restrospective view of our late situation, and compare our
present, with that in which we should have been, had not the
noble Exertions of America, in defence of the dearest rights of
mankind prevented it. — Taxed by great Britain, unconstitution-
ally, and illegally, the quantity demanded, was not the Object of
the important stand then made, but the obvious intention, of
130 CITY DOCUMENT.
reducing to Absolute Slavery to a Prince on an Island, at three
thousand Miles distance, the People of an whole Continent : de-
manded an Opposition worthy of the blood and treasure expended
in it. our public Assemblies in Towns, and elswhere, were pro-
hibited : and every precaution taken to deprive us, of the enjoy-
ment even of Social Pity, and joint complaint a standing Army,
cruelly hostile as well from their deep rooted prejudices, as
the sanguinary nature of their Errand, supported at our own Ex-
pence, was employ 'd, to prostitute us before each haughty Minion
who chose to insult or plunder us, where then was the dignity of
Man ! and where, had they succeded, could the Heaven born ideas
of Civil freedom be Entertained ; even a Sigh for the sweets of
Liberty, icould have been treason,' how reverse of this is our now
happy situation ! subjected to no Laws but such as are made by
a Legislature of our own election Agreeably to the form of Gov-
erment Established by our own consent, taxed by our own Repre-
sentatives only, and controuled by no Authority but what is de-
rived from ourselves While we contended for a Jewell of this
immense value, still invaded on every side by the Scourging Arm
of despotism ; how solemnly did we Appeal to that Being, who
sees the inmost recesses of our hearts, and how sacredly did we
pledge [3.] our Lives, and fortunes to each other, and to our
Congress, in the glorious Contest & shall we now Accomplish
the wishes, and fulfill the prediction of our Enemies, in meanly
receding from all our engagements. It is possible that any con-
siderate man should suppose, that we as a people ought to, or
can be Exempted from the calamities, and difficulties incident to
human Life? were we not at all times aware that there is no
Medium between a State of Government and a State of Nature,
and that the latter at all times is a State of Warfare, where no
man has a property in even the produce of his own Labor but
only a precarious possession, maintained by force? or did any
among us vainly believe, that we could enjoy the blessings of Gov-
erment without an expence Attending it ? as well might they Ex-
pect that the Earth would yield her fruits without tillage, and
that Man could subsist without Labor & pain the unalterable
Laws of Nature have fixed it, that the path to political, public
or private happiness is directed Alone through industry and
frugality, and we surely ought to submit to the common lot of
humanity, without repining because it is one of the first dictates
of religion, We are very sensible that the habits of Luxury con-
tracted in the Late War ; from the vast quantity of Goods im-
ported, and the too great profusion of Money together with
receiving, and giving unlimitted Credit have involved many fami-
lies in distress, and have much diminished our Ability for paying
those Just debts contracted in the day of our distress, As the
price of our freedom, [4.] but shall we because Many of us are
now distressed Entail Ruin upon our Posterity ; let us lay aside
the destructive fashions and expensive superfluities of the day,
be sober, temperate and industrious, and by the blessings of
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1786. 131
propitious Heaven we shall soon retrieve our circumstances, and
Establish our public Credit. When we consider the Nature of
the present commotions, it presents to us the very important
question whether we shall exist as a Nation upon the Earth ? for
we are by no means ignorant, that Congress by our Consent, and
to our inexpressible Joy, & Satisfaction procured from our
Allies, A loan of Specie the Interest whereof, we are Obliged
Annually to discharge : the Shutting up the Courts of Justice pre-
venting the due Execution of the Laws and Arresting the Collec-
tion of Public Taxes Anihilates our Goverment, and loudly pro-
claims to our foreign Creditors, their Total insecurity should
their Patience, and Lenity supported by a hope of our reclaiming
ourselves, and correcting our Error, keep their Sword in the
Sheath, yet we may have an Enemy, who will Embrace the un-
lucky Moment, should their ever be one, when he finds us with-
out RESOURCES, without Credit and without an Ally, and deeply
revenge himself, for the disgrace his Arms have sustained. Were
there any among us so depraved, as to wish to return to the
Domination of great Britain, they may easily perceive that the
Nations of Europe, would never permit such a Union of Power ;
but divide us Amongst them. Our feelings would indeed on such
an Occasion point us to a remedy perhaps less disgracefull ; the
Establishment of a [5.] domestic, instead of a foreign Despot-
ism : supported by a standing Army, maintained by our own
toil to awe us into such Submission that every idea of freedom,
shall be finally and totally Eradicated. When we have seen the
Patriot close his Eyes in death, with gratitude, and rapture
committing his posterity to the Arms of Liberty shall we see
others Agonising in their last moments, at yeilding their Chil-
dren to the chains of Vassalage ? forbid it that Spirit of free-
dom which has so long, annimated and enlightened America !
forbid it Heaven. Finding that his Excellency the Governor, pur-
suant to the duties of his Office by Advice of Council, has called
upon all the good People of the State to lend their Aid, in pre-
venting the impending ruin we can do no less than to recognize
Anew our Solemn Engagements to support the Goverment we
have so lately, and deliberately Established and we feel ourselves
Assured, that our Numerous well Affected fellow Citizens in
every Town will shew their readiness to join in an Effort, so
clearly pointed out, as the first duty in Society. — We are con-
vinced that the present disturbances, arise from British Emis-
saries residing Among us, whose every wish is for our Overthrow
and ruin, or from the Machinations, of Wicked, and unprincipled
Men who seek their own Emoluments to the destruction of their
Country, or from a Combination of both : but though many of our
fellow Citizens, are deceived by them ; and betrayed into a dan-
gerous Mistake, yet we trust that they will on recollection, Spurn
from their Councils such base and infamous Men ; and that a care-
ful discrimination will be made in every Town, between those
who are and those who are not for the support of a Goverment
132 CITY DOCUMENT.
no less Necessary, to the happiness, than to the security, [6.] of
the Lives Liberty, and properties of the people. Fellow Citizens.
We now intreat you by the Mutual ties of friendship, and Affec-
tion by the Sacred compact which holds us in one Society — by the
blood of our Brethren Shed to Obtain our freedom — by the tender
regard we feel for our rising Offspring Claiming freedom from
our hands as their Inheritance, by the grant of Heaven to use
your endeavours that redress of greviances be sought for in, A
constitutional and Orderly way only : and we pledge ourselves to
join our Exertions with yours in the same way, to Obtain redress
for any such as do really exist
Then the Meeting was
dissolved
[7.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants,
of the Town of Boston duly qualified & legally warned in Public
Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall December 11 A. D.
1786. 10 OClock before Noon —
Warrant for calling the Meeting - - read
Isaac Smith Esqr :
chosen Moderator by a Hand Vote —
The Meeting being Attended by very few of the Inhabitants,
it was moved & Voted, that it be Adjourned to Tuesday the 12th
Ins* : 10 O'Clock A : M : — Met according to Adjournment
The Article in the Warrant relative to the State of the Alms
house, was read & considered whereupon —
Voted, that John Lucas Esqr.
Josiah Waters Esqr.
Col°. Bradford
Cap1. Soams
John R. Sigorney
Gibbins Sharp
Deacon Simpkins '
Mr. John Parker
Cap*. Mongo Mackay
be and hereby are Appointed a Committee to procure hands to
the following Subscription Viz*.
Whereas the Poor in the Almshouse are suffering for Want of
Bread & the Subscribers in order for their Relief, promise to pay
the Sums [8.] Affixed to our several Names, upon being served
with Receipts therefor from the Town Treasurer as part of the
Tax due from us to the Town —
The Article in the Warrant relative to Beacon Hill — was —
read & considered — whereupon —
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1787. 133
Voted, that it be Left to the Selectmen to treat About the sd.
Land & Report at March Meeting —
Then the Meeting was
dissolved
[9.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders & Other Inhabitants of
the Town of Boston duly qualified & legally warned in Public
Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Monday the 12th
Day of March Anno Domini 1787. 10 °Clock Forenoon
Prayer was made by the Revcl. Mr : Everett
Warrant for calling the Meeting — read
Sundry Laws enjoyned to be read at this Meeting were accord-
ingly - - - read
The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their
Votes for a Moderator of this Meeting, and the same being brought
in and sorted
It Appeared that the
Honble : Samuel Adams Esqr :
was chosen —
William Cooper Esqr :
was chosen Town Clerk for the Year ensuing and took the Oath
of Office for the faithfull discharge of his duty, which Oath was
Administered to him by Mr. Justice Price — & the Oath of Al-
ligance which was Administered by Samuel Barrett Esqr
The Town having determined by a Vote to choose Nine Select-
men the Inhabitants were then directed to withdraw & bring in
their Votes for [1O.] that Number, and the same being brought
in and sorted it Appeared that the following Gentelmen Viz1.
John Scollay Esqr.
Harbottle Dorr Esqr.
Ezekiel Price Esqr.
John Brown Esqr.
Cap*. Edward Tyler
Mr. John Andrews
Mr. Moses Grant excused
Mr. William Cunningham - - excused
Thomas Walley
were chosen Selectmen for ye. Year ensuing —
Adjourned to 3 O'Clock P. M —
3 O'Clock Met according to Adjournment
The Inhabitants, were directed to withdraw and bring in their
134 CITY DOCUMENT.
Votes for twelve Overseers of the Poor, and the Votes having
been brought in sorted, it Appeared that
The Honble : William Phillips Esqr. excused
Isaac Smith Esqr.
Jonathan Mason Esqr.
Mr. Samuel Whitwell
John White Esqr.
Edward Proctor Esqr.
William Powell Esqr.
John Sweetser Esqr.
Mr. Henry Prentice - ... excused
Mr. Jonathan L. Austin
Mr. Samuel Parkman
Mr. Edward Edes
were chosen Overseers of the Poor for the Year ensuing
[11.] The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in
their Votes for sixteen Fire Wards ; and the same having been
brought in and sorted, it Appeared that —
William Cooper Esqr.
Honble : Caleb Davis Esqr. — (excused)
Edward Proctor Esqr.
Mr. John Lowell
Mr. Thomas Tileston
Thomas Melvill Esqr.
Mr. John Winthrop
Jabez Hatch Esqr.
Cap*. John Ballard
Andrew Syms Esqr.
Mr. Joseph Clark
Mr. Jacob Rhodes
Samuel Brick Esqr.
Mr. Henry Bass
Col°. John May
Paul D. Sergant Esqr.
were chosen Fire Wards for the Year ensuing.
The Article in the Warrant Viz*. To consider the Proposals to
the Honourable John Hancock Esqr. that a Committee may be
Appointed to confer with him, relative to an Exchange of Prop-
erty claimed by him on Beacon Hill, for the House called the
Granary, and the Spot of Land on which it stands" — was read
— whereupon moved & Voted that
James Sullivan Esqr.
Thomas Dawes Esqr.
John Scollay P^sqr.
Edward Payne Esqr.
Hobble. Samuel Adams Esqr.
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1787. 135
be a Committee to confer with Mr. Hancock relative to the same,
& they are directed to Report as soon as may be
The Votes being brought in for a Clerk of Fanuiel Hall Market,
upon sorting them it Appeared that
Mr. Matthew Nazro
was chosen Clerk of said Market
The Inhabitants withdrew and brought in their Votes for a
Town Treasurer and upon sorting them it appeared that —
Mr. Peter Boyer
was chosen Town Treasurer for the Year ensuing — who took
the Oath of Office & the Oath of Alligance which were Admin-
istered by the Town Clerk -----
Votes, for a Treasurer of ye. County of Suffolk brought in, and
counted by the Moderator & Town Clerk when it Appeared that
the whole number was three hundred seventy Nine & that they
were all for Mr. Alexander Hodgdon a discreet suitable Person
being a Freeholder & Resident in the same County —
On the Representation of the Overseers of the Poor. Moved that
a Committee, be Appointed to confer with the Overseers, relative
to the Annual Expence of the Alms House & to lay a Statement
thereof before the Town also to devise ways and means for de-
fraying said Expence & to Report as soon as may be
Voted, that Honble : James Sullivan
Thomas Walley Esqr.
[13.] Nathaniel Appletou Esqr.
Thomas Dawes Esqr.
Ezekiel Price Esqr.
be a Committee for the purpose aforesaid
The Article relative to the choise of Wardens read whereupon
Moved, that the consideration of the choise of "Wardens be refered
to the Meeting of this Town that may be called next After the
setting of the General Court in May next - - - -
And the Question being Accordingly put — Passed in the
Affermative
Mess18 : James Thompson
Thomas Bayley
Benjamin Henderson
Charles Williams
were chose Collectors of Taxes for the Year ensuing & took &
signed the Oaths prescribed by Law which Oaths were Admines-
tred by the Town Clerk —
Adjourned till to Morrow Morning
136 CITY DOCUMENT.
Tuesday 10'OClock A M. Met According to Adjournment —
The Petition of William Davis read — whereupon, Voted, that
the Selectmen be & hereby are instructed & impowered to Ap-
point a Referre, or Refferees to meet with such Referre or Ref-
ferees as may be Appointed by the Heirs of the late Dr. William
Davis upon the Subject of the said Petition & to Abide by the
Award or determination of the sd. Referres in behalf of the Town
N B Mr. William Davis one of the Heirs aforesaid, was present
in the Meeting & agreed on the Part ot the Heirs aforesaid, to
abide by said determination —
[14.] Voted, that the Above Vote be reconsidered, And the
Petitioner has leave to withdraw his Petition.
The Town having determined that five Assessors should be
chosen the Inhabitants as directed withdrew & brought in their
Votes accordingly & upon sorting them it Appeared that —
Messrs : William Lowder
Gyles Harris
William Fleet
Moses May
Samuel Ruggles
were chosen Assessors for the Year ensuing — & took & signed
Oaths According to Law. Oaths Administered by the Town
Clerk —
Voted, that the Allowance to the Assessors be six Shillings *$
Day for the time they may set in doing the buisness of their
Office
Voted, that four per cent be Allowed and hereby is allowed to
the Collectors of Taxes for the Year ensuing for all such Sums
of Money & public Securities as they shall Collect and pay into
the several Treasuries of the Sums committed to them to Collect
within ten Months from the Receipt of the Tax Books, and three
Per Cent on all such other Sums, as shall Afterward, be Col-
lected, Also that such Collector shall give Bond with sufficient
Sureties to the Satisfaction of the Selectmen for the faithful dis-
charge of their Duty in said Office and complying with this Vote ;
and that they will not receive Any Premium or Gratuity for dis-
counting any Order, Note or Receipts from the Treasurer of the
State or the Treasurer of the Town —
[15.] Mr. Grant & Mr. Cunningham having declined serving
a Selectman the present Year 3. O'Clock P. M. Assigned for
filling up the Vacancies. —
Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1787. 137
to Mr. Moses Grant & Mr. William Cunningham for their faith-
full Services, as Selectmen the last Year —
Voted, that The Honble : Samuel Adams Esqr.
Isaack Smith Esqr.
Edward Payne Esqr.
Nathaniel Appleton Esqr.
Thomas Dawes Junr. Esqr.
be a Committee to Estimate what Sums will be Necessary to be
raised by the Town, for the Expencies of the Current Year, As
Also to consider, what Sums will be proper to Allow the Several
Salary Men for their Services the present Year, Also to devise
ways & Means for the discharge of ye. Arrearages due to the
School Masters & the more punctual payment of their Salarys in
future.
Moved & Voted, that the Election of Surveyors of Boards &
Staves be by Ballot & that the choise come on After the Select-
men —
Mr. William McNeil
chosen Surveyor of Hemp for the Year ensuing
Messrs : Benjamin White
Edmund Ranger
James Ridgway
Andrew Townsande Junr.
William Todd
were chose Fence Viewers for the Year ensuing
[16.] Mess1*: John Fenno Junr. declines
William Billings
Thomas Bradley
Sam1. Bangs
Nathan Green
were chose Sealers of Leather for the Year ensuing
Messrs : Adam Colson
Abraham Adams
were chose Informer of Deer for the Year ensuing
Mess™ : John Skinner
George Hamlin
William Sharp
William Billings
were chose Hogreeves for the Year ensuing —
Messre : George Hamlin
Samuel Curtis
John Skinner
for North Department
were chose Haywards for the Year ensuing
138 CITY DOCUMENT.
Mess™ : Thomas Green
John Skinner
were chose Assay Masters for the Year ensuing
Mess™ : John White Esqr.
John Sweetser Esqr.
were chose Surveyors of Wheat for the Year ensuing —
Voted, that Mr. Herman Brimmer
Edward Payne Esqr.
Joseph Russell Junr.
Mr. Alexander Hill
Mr. William Parsons
[17.] be and hereby are Appointed a Committee to Audit the
Accompts of the Town Treasurer & also the Accompts of the
Overseers of the Poor, and that they make Report at the Next
March Meeting ; and the said Committee are desired to Report
from time to time a State of the Treasury and on Any Matters
relating to the Treasurey or Overseers of the Poor, which they
may think proper, and the said Committee are also desired to ex-
amine the Draughts of the Selectmen, and the Vouchers for the
same and if is further Voted, that Interest be Allowed to such of
the Overseers of the Poor as shall Advance Money for the Use of
the Poor, from the expiration of the Year untill paid —
Mr. Tilestons Petition read &
committed to the Committee to prepare an Estimate & devise
ways means &c. and to report as soon as may be —
Adjourned to 3 OClock P : M : 3 O'Clock P. M. Met Accord-
ing to Adjournment.
The Article in the Warrant Viz1. Whether the Selectmen shall
be Authorized to execute Deeds of certain Lands in order to be
sold or near on the Neck - - - was read ------
- - - Whereupon
Voted, That whereas the Selectmen in pursuance of a Vote of
this Town of the Fifth of April 1785. have made certain Agree-
ments touching Lands mentioned in said Vote and have made
certain Deeds of part of said Lands — and promised further
Deeds of Other Parts of said Lands
[18.] Therefore Voted, that the Deeds already made as
aforesaid be & hereby are confirmed and also that the Selectmen
be & they are hereby Authorized to execute such further Deeds
as may be necessary to convey all the Lands meant to be con-
veyed in the Vote of April 5th Above Mentioned
Petition relative to the Moneys due to the Heirs of the late
David Jeffries Esqr. read whereupon
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1787. 139
Voted that
Mr. Jonathan Mason Esqr.
Mr. Alexander Hill
Mr. Alexander Hodgdon
be a committee to take the Petition into consideration & Report
as soon as may be what may be proper to be done thereon —
The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw & bring in their
Votes for two Selectmen and the same being brought in and
sorted it Appeared that —
Deacon William Boardman
Mr. Ebenezer Sever see Page 10
were chose Selectmen for the Year ensuing and took the Oath
enjoined by Law which were Administred by the Town Clark to
them & the Other Selectmen —
The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for twelve Constables,
and the same being sorted it Appeared that
Mess18 : William Cooper the 2d.
Samuel Smith
John McLane
Sam1. Whitney
[19.] Pool Spear
Shubael Hewes
Benjamin Homans
John Butterfield
James Williams
Francis Booth
John Bosson
James Perkins
were chose Constables for the Year ensuing
The following Persons were chose Clerks of the Market for the
Year ensuing
Mess™ : Caleb Gibbs
Thomas Englisn
Nath1. Bethune
James Price Junr.
Charles Bulfinch
William Deblois
James Lovel Junr.
Samuel Cabot
James Perkins Junr.
Andrew Hall
Samuel Williams Junr.
Isaac Winslow
The Petition of Richard Salter one of the late Collector Grays.
Bondsmen read whereupon
140 CITY DOCUMENT.
Voted, that Alexander Hill
Joseph Russell Junr.
Joseph Greenleaf Esqr.
be a Committee to take this Petition into Consideration & Report
what is proper to be done thereon at the Adjournment
[2O.] Messre : Joseph Ballard
Henry Blaisdel
John Champney
Benjamin Page
Joseph Ayres
Benjamin White
Abraham Howard
Clement Collins
Joshua Bently
Samuel Dyer
James Rogers
Edmund Ranger
were chose Surveyors of Boards for the Year ensuing
Mess1"8 : Job Wheelwright
Joshua Pico
Manassah Marston
Arthur Langford
John Owen
Caleb Hayden
Joseph Basset
The Consideration of the Boundary Line refered to the Ad-
journment —
Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be & hereby are given
to the Honble. William Phillips Esqr. for his faithful Services as
Overseer of the Poor a Number of Years.
Adjourned to Tuesday next the 20th Instant 10 OClock —
Tuesday the 20th Day of March 10 OClock Forenoon
— Met According to Adjournment —
Mr. Henry Prentice having excused himself from serving as an
Overseer of the Poor the ensuing Year
Voted that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given
to Cap*. Henry Prentice for his faithful Services as Overseer of
the Poor for several Years past
Upon the Report of the Committee Appointed to prepare an
Estimate &c —
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1787. 141
Voted, that said Committee be desired to make Report at the
May Meeting — the Above Vote reconsidered
Joshua Henshaw Esqr : Appointed one of the Committee on the
late Treasurer Jeffries Esqp. Executors Petition in the room of
Mr. Hill who declined serving ; & said Committee are desired to
Report at May Meeting
The Committee on Mr. Hancocks Petition are desired to Report
at May Meeting —
The Question being put Viz1, whether the Town will Act upon
the Article in the Warrant relative to choosing a Representative
for the Remainder of the Year in the room of Leonard Jarvis
Esqr : — passed in the Negative —
The Committee Appointed to confer with the Overseers of the
Poor relative to the Annual expence of the Alms House, and to
lay a State before the Town Also to devise ways and means for
defraying the [22.] Expence in future — Report as follows that
they find the Annual Expence to be about three thousand Pounds,
that several of the Overseers have since the Year 1780, Ad-
vanced their own Money to defrey a part of the said Charges, and
ought to have the interest of such Sums as they have Advanced
paid them as soon as possible, and that the Town ought to Adopt
some sure & Special Plan for defreying the expence of the Alms
House in future — And the Committee thereupon Submit the fol-
lowing form of a Vote to the Consideration of the Town — Voted,
that the Sum of three thousand pounds be raised to defrey the
expence of the Alms House for the present Year : And that
Eighteen hundred pounds thereof be Assessed in the Manner fol-
lowing Viz*. — the Assessors when they Assess the Town Tax
shall make a Special & Seperate Colum, in the rate list, and
therein set down as much per Centum proportionally on Each
Persons Tax as shall in the whole Amount to the said Sum of
eighteen hundred pounds, and that the Collectors shall receive
the Sums contained in said Colum in Specie only, and the same
shall be paid into the Town Treasurey & sacredly Appropriated
to the support of the Towns Poor & the payment of Interest due
to the Overseers, for Moneys Advanced by them for the use of
the Poor.
James Sullivan ^ Order
The aforegoing Report having been Considered, the Question
being put Viz*. Whether said Report shall be Accepted & passed
in the Affermative —
[23.] The Vote relative to the Committee to prepare an
Estimate and to Report at May Meeting reconsidered, and said
Committee are desired to Report at the Adjournment the 1s* Mon-
day of April next 3 O Clock
142 CITY DOCUMENT.
Moved & Voted, that when this Meeting is Adjourned it
shall be to the I8t Monday of April next 3 O Clock M. P.
Mess18. Edward Burt
Cap*. Joseph Loring
Mr. John Bray
Mr. Lemuel Gardner
Mr. Henry Purket
were chose Cullers of Staves & Hoops for the Year ensuing
see page 20
The Honble : Caleb Davis Esqr. having declined serving as a
Fire Ward
Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given to
the HonMe : Caleb Davis Esqr. for his faithful Services as a Fire
Ward for a JS umber of Years past —
Thomas Dawes Esqr. (declined)
Henry Hill Esqr.
were chosen Overseers of the Poor for the Year ensuing
The Selectmen
were chosen Surveyors of High Ways for the Year ensuing —
Mr. Ebenezer Hancock
was chose a Fire Ward for the Year ensuing
Adjourned to 3 O Clock P M
3 O Clock P : M : Met According to Adjournment
Adjourned to 4 O Clock
[24.] Met According to Adjournment 4 O'Clock P. M.
The Committee relative to Olivers Dock Reported as follows —
Viz1. —
The Selectmen together with Judge Sullivan being Appointed'
a Committee to examine into the encroachments Apprehended to
be made upon the Towns Land on & near Olivers Dock, have ex-
amined the circumstances respecting the same & find that Mr.
Woodwards claim to a right in Olivers Dock, is in their Opinion
without foundation — the Property of the same being vested in
the Town, and never by them convey' d to any Other Person - - -
And that Mr. Fowle by permision from the Selectmen now im-
proves a Part of the Drain belonging to the Town, by running a
floor over the same till such time as the Town may order Other
ways or receive an Adequate rent for the same —
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1787. 143
The Report aforesaid having been read. Moved & Voted, that
the 1st part of the Report be taken up & the same having been
considered — Voted, That the Selectmen be and hereby are directed
& itnpowered to Maintain & defend the Rights of the Town to
Olivers Dock so called Against the Claims of Any Person or
Persons whatsoever — then the 2d part of the Report was taken
up & considered whereupon Voted, that the same be Accepted by
the Town.
The Article in the Warrant Viz*. "Whether the Town Approve
of a proposed new Boundary Line to be run between Boston and
Roxbury, Agreeable to a plan which will be laid before the
Town " was read [25.] Whereupon Voted, that the Town
Approve of the Boundary Line as Agreed upon by the Selectmen
of the Town of Roxbury & Boston provided that by their joint
Application to the General Court they can Obtain a Confirmation
of the same -------
The Committee relative to Mr. Thompson's Land near Beacon
Hill Report verbally that Mr. Thompson is willing to sell the
Town the Land he owns contiguous to the North west side of
Beacon Hill at such a price as any two Persons Appointed by the
Selectmen & himself say it is reasonably worth ------
whereupon Voted, that the Consideration of this Report be sus-
pended —
Moved & Voted, that the Committee Appointed to confer with
Mr. Hancock on his Claim to Part of Beacon Hill be further
instructed to examine into & ascertain the Estate which the Town
hath in that Hill from its Base to the Summit & Also to State
the different Claims of all Persons to Any Part of the same & to
Report a Plan of the Town's Right & Any Other Person to the
said Hill • - and that William Tudor Esqr. be
Added to said Committee
Voted, that the Assessors be and hereby are impowered &
directed to set for such Abatements of Taxes as they shall Judge
reasonable two Days in each Week After the Delivery of the
Tax Bills to the Collectors for the space of Six Weeks, and no
longer, saving that they be Allowed to set the last Week in
February Lords Days excepted for the Abatement of the Taxes
of such Persons as had not an Opportunity of Applying in the
Above limitted time by reason of [26.] Their being out of the
Commonwealth, or any Other unavoidable hindrance. And that
the Assessors determine upon the said two Days, which is to be
noted on the Tax Bills to be delivered the Inhabitants
Voted, that the Selectmen be Impowered & directed to continue
the Suit commenced Against the late Collector Grays Bondsmen
to July term —
144 CITY DOCUMENT.
The Article in tbe Warrant Viz4. Whether the Town will take
further Measures for the Sale of the Land and Wharff at the
North Battery " - - - - was read and considered whereupon
Voted, that the Selectmen be impowered to make Sale of said
Battery by Auction unless it can be disposed of by private Sale
& that they be Authorized and impowered to Give & execute
good & Sufficient Deeds, for the same conditioned that none of
the Stones be removed & that the Pier be kept in good Repaire &
that the Selectmen be also impowered to Agree that any Publick
Securities of this Commonwealth be received in payment
Adjourned to Monday April 2d.
3. O'Clock — P. M. —
At a legal Meeting of the Freeholders & Other Inhabitants of
the Town of Boston in Fanuiel Hall Assembled March 20th A. D.
1787 — 3 O'Clock P. M. —
Warrant for calling the Meeting — read
Honble : Samuel Adams Esqr.
chosen Moderator by a Hand Vote
The Article in the Warrant Viz*.
to consider the request of Joseph Palmer Esq1'. that the Town
would sell the Fee of the Land lying on the Easterly side of Bos-
ton Neck for the purpose of setting up several sets of Large
Works for making Bay & White Salt — was read whereupon
[27.] Voted, that Mess™ : Nathaniel Appleton Esqr.
Thomas Dawes Junr. Esqr.
Nath1. Barber Esqr.
Jonathan Mason Esqr.
Mr. Samuel Parkman
be a Committee to take this Article and the Representation of
Mr. Palmer into consideration and report what is best to be done
thereon at the Adjournment of March Meeting the 2d Day of
April 3 O Clock P. M.
then the Meeting was
dissolved
At a Meeting of the Male Inhabitants of the Town of Boston
of twenty One Years of Age & Upwards qualified as the Con-
stitution prescribes & legally warned in public Town Meeting
Assembled at Fanuiel Hall on Monday the 2 Day of April Anno
Domini 1787 9 O Clock A: Mi-
Prayer was made by the Revd. Mr. Eliot
Warrant for calling the Meeting — read
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1787. 145
Paragraph of the Constitution or Frame of Goverment, relative
i,o choise of Governors and Senators, also read
It was declared by the Selectmen no Vote would be received
but such as are unfolded, & that they propose the Poll shall be
closed at 12 O'Clock
On a Motion Voted, that the Bells in the Town be set a tolling
£ an Hour before 12 O'Clock
[28.] Persons Voted, for as Governor with the Number of
Votes for each Person — Viz*.
Votes
His Excellency James Bowdoin Eaqr. ------- 724
Honble : John Hancock Esqr. --- ,775
Persons Voted for as Lieu*. Governor with the Number of
Votes for each Person ------ Viz*.
Votes
His Honor Thomas Gushing Esqr. -------- 880
Honble : Samuel Adams Esqr. 179
Honble : Benjamin Lincoln Esqr. ---------424
Honble : Tristam Dalton Esqr. ----- 1
Persons Voted for as Senators for the County of Suffolk with
the number of Votes for each Person Viz*.
Votes
His Honor Thomas Gushing Esqr. 460
Honble. Samuel Adams Esqr. 1373
Honble. William Phillips Esqr. 1101
Honble. Cotton Tufts Esqr. 1463
Honble. Stephen Metcalf Esqr. 1395
Honble. John Lowell Esqr. 442
Thomas Dawes Esqr. 1017
Honble : Richard Cranch Esqr. 47
Honble : Benjamin Austin Esqr. -* - - 407
Honble : Jabez Fisher Esqr. - - - - 677
Honble : John Hancock Esqr. - 3
Honwe . William Heath Esqr. 280
Honble : Benjamin Lincoln Esqr. 8
John Read Esqr. 15
Honble : Caleb Davis Esqr. 3
Honble : Ebenr : Wales Esqr. 2
Honble : Stephen Higginson Esqr. -------- i
[29.] Joshua Henshaw Esqr. - 3
Honble. James Warren Esqr. ----- 4
Theophilus dishing Esqr. 4
Mr. Richard Gridldey 1
Dr. John Metcalf 2
Christopher Gore Esqr. • 1
146 CITY DOCUMENT,
Votes
Honble. Jonathan Jackson 1
John C. Jones Esqr. 1
Samuel Breck Esqr. 1
Joseph Barrel Esqr. - 1
Attested Copies of the Persons Voted for as Governor Lieu*.
Governor and Senators for the County of Suffolk, were committed
to the Secretary of this Commonwealth & the luclosures sealed
up in Town Meeting Superscribed as follows — Viz*.
For
John Avery Esqr.
Secretary of the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts
The Number of Votes for the Town of Boston for a Governor
Lieu*. Governor & Six Senators for the County of Suffolk, Cer-
tifyed within & sealed up in Town Meeting
Then the Meeting was
dissolved —
[3O.] Adjournment of March Meeting_
April 2d. 3 O Clock P : M : Met According to Adjournment
On a Motion Adjourned to Thursday next 10 O Clock. A : M
April 5th. 9 O Clock A : M, Met According to Adjournment
Thomas Dawes Esqr. Acquainted the Town that he declines
serving as an Overseer
The Committee to Report an Estimate & Reported whereupon
Moved & Voted, that this Report be recommitted
Voted, that the Committee Appointed to Audit Town Treasurers
Accounts &c - - - - be Notified by the Town Clerk that
they were directed to make Report at the Adjournment
The Committee Appointed to consider General Palmers Peti-
tion praying that the Town would sell him the fee of certain
Lands on Boston Neck for the Salt Manufacture, beg Leave to
Report
That as the Town have only the reversion of said Lands After
the expiration of a long lease, and as After that Lease, said
Lands may probably, be settled with Inhabitants to the great
benefit & ornament of the Town, and further, as General Palmer,
by his own declaration is under the Necessity of having upwards
of Twenty Acres if any, and can Obtain Other Lands, which
will promote his Manufacture & Answer his purposes nearly as
well as those petitioned for — The Committee are of Opinion that
for the Above and many other reasons it is not for the Interest of
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1787. 147
the Town to sell their [31.] said Lands According to the Prayer
of said Petition
Nath1. Appleton
Boston 2d April 1787 f Order
The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw & bring in their
Votes for an Overseer of the Poor and the same being brought in
& sorted it Appeared that
John Codman Junr.
was chose Overseer of the Poor for the Year ensuing
Adjourned to Friday the 13 Ins* : 3 O Clock. P. M. - - - -
Friday April 13th — 3 O Clock P. M Met According to Ad-
journment —
Mr. John Cade, was chosen a Constable for the Year ensuing —
The Question was put Viz* Whether the lighting of the Lamps
shall be discontinued from the 1st of May next till further Orders
Passed in the Affirmative
Moved and Voted, that the Constables be requested to walk the
Streets of this Town on the Lords Day, Agreeable to a former
practice, taking with them some of the Inhabitants on Those
Walks ; as a means to prevent disorder on the Sabbath more
especially in the time of Divine servise
Moved and Voted, that the Committee Appointed in March
1786 — to -Audit the Accounts of Town Treasurer, Selectmen &
Overseers of the Poor, & on all other Matters, be directed to
Report the 1st Day of the May Meeting
[33.] Moved and Voted, that the Town reconsider their
Votes of March 1787 — & discontinue the Committee Appointed
by said Vote to Audit the Accounts of the Town Treasurer Select-
men & Overseers of the Poor
Voted, that the Selectmen be directed to lay their Drafts for
the present Year the Town Treasurer his Accounts, and the Over-
seers of the Poor their Accounts before the Town at the next
Meeting. —
Moved, & Voted, that all Matters & Things unfinished at this
Meeting be refered over to the General Town Meeting in May
next
Then the Meeting
was Dissolved
148 CITY DOCUMENT.
[33.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants
of the Town of Boston duly qualified & legally warned in public
Town Meeting Assembled at Fanuiel Hall on Tuesday the 8th Day
of May Anno Domini 1787
Prayer was made by the Revd. Mr. Clark
Warrant for calling the Meeting ... read
That part of the Constitution or Frame of Goverment which
relates to the choise of Representatives — read —
Sundry Laws to be read at said Meeting were Accordingly
-------- read
The Town having determined to choose Seven Persons to Rep-
resent them in the General Court of Massachusetts to be held at
the State House at Boston on the last Wednesday of May Cur-
rent, Agreeably to the Constitution or Frame of Goverment for the
Massachusetts - - - The Inhabitants were directed to with-
draw and bring in their Votes for seven Representatives and then
it was declared by the Selectmen that no Vote should be received
but such as were unfolded and that they propose the Poll should
be closed at 12 O Clock The Inhabitants were directed After
giving in their Votes to remain in the Hall till the Poll is closed —
The Votes being brought in for seven Representatives, the
number of the same were found to be Six hundred & thirty.
And upon sorting them it [34.] Appeared that the following
Gentlemen were chosen by a Majority of Votes - - - - Viz*.
Honble : Caleb Davis Esqr. 382
Honble : Samuel A. Otis Esqr. 600
Thomas Dawes Esqr. - 614
Charles Jarvis Esqr. - - 595
Samuel Brick Esqr. 590
John Coffin Jones Esqr. . . - - - - 570
Mr. John Winthrop 356
The choice of Representatives being over & declared by the
Selectmen, it was moved that a Moderator be chosen to preside
at the Meeting for transacting the other matters mentioned in the
Warrant —
Honble : Samuel Adams Esqr.
was chosen Moderator by a Hand Vote
The Petition of the Constables
whereupon Moved & Voted, that
Mr. Jeremiah Belknap
Majr. Ephraim May
Mr. Alexander Hill
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1787. 149
be a Committee to consider the Petition and Report as soon as
may be —
The Article relative to Instruction — read And the Question
was put Viz1. " Whether the Town will Instruct their Represen-
tatives " - - - - Passed in the Negative
The Committee Appointed to Audit the Accounts of the Town
Treasurer & Reported and the same having been read & Accepted
the Town Clerk was directed to Record the Same & hand [35.]
said Report to the Committee Appointed to Estimate the Expen-
ces of the Town the ensuing Year, which Committee are desired
to make Report at the Adjournment —
The Report is as follows
The Committee Appointed to Audit the Accounts of the Town
Treasurey & examine the draughts of the Selectmen and Over-
seers, report that the Treasurer Accounts are right cast and the
Charges Well Vouched, the General State of the Treasurey is as
follows Viz*.
Dr.
To Ballance of the Towns Account for Or- ) O^K
ders on the Treasurer &c j
To Notes payable for the Treasurer Notes ) 19077 17
to Sundry People f
due to Sundry Creditors 558 .17 —
due to the Jeffries Estate 158. 9. 8
due for Interest part of which has been) ,.„,>
due 14 years
18,049 ,, 4 ,, 10
Cr.
due from sundry Persons mostly Bad - -
356
. 14 .
10
due from Savage Gray & Cudworth - - -
632
n *1 11
4
-| O 1 Q
1 ^
c\
• i • > •
2307
Charles Williams for 85 - - 103 ,, 2 ,, 6
Ditto - - - 86 - - 914 . 19 . 10
Benja. Henderson - - - - 839 . 18 ,, 8
J. Thompson 549 . 16 . 3
T. Bayley 220 ,, 8 -
2628 ,, 5 ,, 3
due from the State 6471 ,, 16 . 8
Old Continental Money on hand
@ 75 for one the rate of which it was received 554 ,, 0 . 9
£11,962 ,, 2 ,, —
[36.] By this Statement it Appears that the debts due from
150 CITY DOCUMENT.
the Town Amount to £18.049 ,, 4 . 10 and that there is Little or
no dependance on receiving Any debts due to the Town to dis-
charge them, those due from Former Collector's and from others
for rents — are Supposed to be Irrecoverable & those due from
the present Collectors the Treasurer informs us will be if not
wholly discharged by Abatements & Premiums to the Collectors
so that there remains only the debt due from the State ; towards
discharging these debts — and the State debt Cannot be paid but
by Orders on the Collectors which are now Selling at 8/ in the
pound. —
The Committee have received from the Selectmen the Follow-
ing Accounts of their Expenditures for the Year past from March
86 — to March 1787 — Viz*.
Watchmen Wages &c £707 , 2 ,, 10
13 . 2
14,, 5
19
14
10
18
13
7*
1
9
4 —
repairing the Towns Estate ------ 307
repairing Engines &c -------- 104
Paving & Gravel on the Neck - - - - 818
Assessors Wages --------- 401
Lamps Lamp lighters & Oil 479
Sundrys to be paid by the State 107
Paving & Gravel within the Town - ... 1079
Premiums for Engine men being first at a ) 1 ~
Fire - j
Schoolmasters & Ushers 1684 ,, 3 ,, 3
Collectors of Taxes 337 ,, 19 ,, 4
Ferry Street Wall 738 ,, 6 ,, —
Premium to Nazro for Collecting the dues | _n 1 ,, -
of the Market £ --------- j
Printing the By Laws 78,, 15-
Printing & Stationary 112 ,, 2 ,, 10
[37.] Town Clark his Salary - - - - 130,,
Ditto for Services 1783- - - 50,,
Town Treasurer 130 ,,
Nazro for Attending the Selectmen - - - - 50,,
repairing Burial Place -------- 29, ,8, ,6
Visitation of the Schools 45, ,14,, —
repairs of the Town Clocks 29, ,13,, 6
Constables for Servises 5 ,, 2 ,, 2
Pump at Dock Square - 2 ,, 8 ,, -
Town Bulls 13 ,, 10 ,, -
Ringing the Bells 32 ,, 13 ,, 9
Fanuiel Hall Market 9,,0.10
Visitation Deer Island 17 ,, 18 ,, 2
Preambulation with Roxbury 5, ,9,, —
repairs Beacon Hill 57,, 17 —
Storage of Powder 4 ,, 11 ,, llj
Badges for Chimney Sweepers & Porters - - 5 ,, 18 —
Hospital at West Boston to be Charged the State 14 ,, 9 ,, 6|
Survey ing the Town Land 4, ,3,, —
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1787. 151
Coals for the Selectmens Room ----- 6, ,2,, —
Expences at Town Meeting 11, ,6. 5
Sundry Towns for sending out their Poor - - 7 ,, 9 ,, —
Clerks of the Market their Expences ... 10 ,,
£7,700 ,, 7 ,, 11£
The Amount of Selectmens draughts for
the Last year Brought Over 7,700 . 7 ,, 11^
£2657 ,, 12 ,, 4£ of the Above Expences the
Selectmen Suppose will not be incurred the
Ensuing Year —
But the Committee are of Opinion that Other Expences will
Arise to the Town perhaps to as Large an Amount as for many
Years past ; there has been Sundry Expences, which at the time
of Granting the Money were not in the Calculation —
[38.] The Amount of the Overseers draught
from March 86— to March 1787 — was - - 2,972 ,, 14 ,, 4
£10673 ,, 2 ,, 3j
The Town the Last Year Voted, £7,000 a Considerable part of
that Sum must be deducted for Abatements &c — as the Treas-
urer has paid from March 86 — to May 1787 -------
£1902 ,, 16 . 3 for Abatements and Premiums to the Collectors
which Leaves Only About £5,000 — therefore the Town is near
£6000 more in debt than they was in March 1786 besides the In-
terest due in the £12,377 ,, 7 ,, 1 — Only part of that having
been paid the Last year - - - The Town will also see by the
General Statement that they are Indebted £2478 ,, 7 ,, 10 for
Interest on the Treasurers Notes for £12,377 ,, 7 ,, 1 - - part
of which has been due 14 Years and much the Greater part from
5. to 12 Years —
Joseph Russell Junr. ^ Order
Voted, that the Committee Appointed to Estimate the Sum
Necessary to be raised to defrey the Expences of the Current
Year, take into their consideration what Steps are necessary to
be taken to Obtain the Debt due from the Commonwealth &
Report the same to the Town
Moved & Voted, that the Town Treasurer be directed to put
the Bonds given by Mr. Parker a late Collector for the Years
1784 & 1785 in Suit at a Court properly Authorised to try the
same as soon as may be
Moved & Voted that the Town Treasurer be directed to settle
with Col°. Symms relative to What he stands indebted on the
Town Treasurer's Books & to Report at the Adjournment
152 CITY DOCUMENT.
[39.] Adjourned to Wednesday
May 16th. 3 O'Clock P. M
Wednesday the 16th of May 3' O Clock Afternoon
Met According to Adjournment —
The Committee on Constables Petition not being Able to
Report, moved & Voted, that said Committee be desired to
Report at next Town Meeting
The Committee to estimate the Sum necessary to be raised to
defray the Expenses of the present Year & to consider what Sums
will 'be proper to grant to the several Officers in the pay of the
Town - - - Reported, and the same being considered - -
The Town came into the following Resolutions - - - -
Voted, that the Sum of One hundred Ninety five Pounds be
allowed & paid unto Mr. Samuel Hunt for his Salary the present
Year the same to commence the 1st. of March Ins1, and to be paid
him Quarterly as it shall become due —
Voted, that the Sum of One hundred Ninety five Pounds be
allowed & paid unto Mr. Nathan Davis for his Salary the present
Year the same to commence the 1st. of March Ins1 : and to be
paid him Quarterly as it shall become due
Voted, that the Sum of One hundred & Seventy pounds, be
allowed & paid unto Mr. John Tileston for his Salary as Master
of the North Writing School the present Year the same to be
paid him Quarterly as it shall become due & to commence from
the 1st. of March Ins* :
Voted, that the Sum of One hundred and Seventy Pounds be
Allowed & paid unto Mr. James [4O.] Carter, for his Salary as
Master of the Writing School in Queen Street the present Year
the same to be paid him Quarterly & to commence the 1st. of
March Ins* :
Voted, that Mr. John Vinal Master of Writing School in the
Common have the Sum paid in the like manner —
Voted, that the Sum of One hundred and Seventy Pounds be
allowed & paid unto Mr. Samuel Cheney for his Salary as Master
of the New Writing School at the North End, the present Year,
the same to be paid him Quarterly as it shall become due, & to
commence from the 1st. of March Ins*. —
Voted, that Mr. John Tileston Master of the North Writing
School, be allowed for House Rent the present Year the Sum of
BOSTON TOWN RECOUDS, 1787. 153
Forty Pounds the same to be paid him Quarterly as it shall become
due, & to commence the 1st. of March Ins1.
Voted, that Mr. Nathan Davis Master of the North Grammar
School be allowed for House Rent the present Year, the Sum of
Forty Pounds the same to be paid him Quarterly as it shall be-
come due & to commence from the 1st of March Ins1. —
Voted, that Mr. John Vinal Master of the Writing School in
the Common be allowed for House Rent the present Year the
Sum of Forty Pounds, the same to be paid him Quarterly as it
shall become due & to commence from the 1*. of March Ins* :
Voted, that Mr. Samuel Cheney Master of the New Writing
School at the North End be allowed for House Rent the present
Year the Sum of Forty Pounds the same to be paid him Quarterly
as it shall become due & to commence the 1*. of March Ins1.
Voted, that Mr. Amasa Dingley Usher of the South
Grammer School be Allowed and paid the Sum of Ninety Seven
pounds ten shillings the same to be paid him Quarterly
Voted, that the Ushers of the Writing Schools be Allowed for
their Salaries as Ushers Eighty five pounds ^ Annum each, the
same to be paid Quarterly as it shall become due & to commence
from the 1*. of March Ins1. —
Voted, that the Six Masters of the public Schools, have ten
Cord of Wood each provided for them by the Selectmen —
Voted, that William Cooper be allowed and paid the Sum of
One hundred & thirty Pounds for his Services as Town Clerk the
Year ensuing the same to be paid him Quarterly as it shall become
due & to Commence the 1st. of March Ins1. - - - -
Voted that Mr. Peter Boyer be allowed and paid the Sum of
One hundred and thirty Pounds for his Services as Treasurer the
present Year the same to be paid him Quarterly as it become due
& to commence the 1st. of March Ins*.
On a Motion — Voted, that the Remaining part of ye. Report
of the Committee on the Sum necessary to be raised for the
ensuing Year be recommitted in Order that they make a Particular
Estimate of the Sums necessary to be raised for the ensuing
Year, & that the Selectmen & Overseers be directed to Give said
Committee all the Assistance & information in their Power rela-
tive thereto — The Committee are also to report on Mr. Tilestons
Petition —
[42.] The Town Clerk directed to Notify the Inhabitants in
154 CITY DOCUMENT.
all the Papers that a Motion has been made for a very large Sum
to be raised to defray the Expences of the present Year & that
for the Consideration of said Motion the Meeting is adjourned to
next Monday Seven night, when it is expected there will be a very
general Attendance of the Inhabitants —
Adjourned to Monday the 28th. Inst : 3 O Clock P. M.
Monday the 28th of May 3 O Clock P. M. Met According to
Adjournment -------
Govr : Hancocks Letter praying that he may have leave to
withdraw his Petition relative to Beacon Hill was read & leave
granted Accordingly —
The Committee to Estimate the Sum Necessary to be raised for
the Expences of the Town Reported again, whereupon —
Voted, that the Sum of £12,000 including the £3000 Voted for
in March last for the Overseers of the Poor be raised by a Tax
to be Assessed on the Polls & Estates of the Inhabitants of this
Town, to defrey the Expences of the Current Year —
Voted, that the Town Treasurer be directed to give order for
payment to Master John Tileston for the Sum of £396 — now
due to him on Mr. Williams & Mr. Henderson with Orders for
them to be as speedy as possible in discharging the same from
the first Monies that may come into their hands not militating
with Orders that may Already be drawn upon them, or making
such discounts as may Necessarily rise in favour of Persons
Owing Taxes —
[43.] Moved, That the Town Treasurer be and hereby is
directed in future not to draw any Orders upon the Collectors to
discharge any debts due from the Town Except to Discount a
Tax due from the Person in whose favor the order is drawn - - -
whereupon. Voted, that the Selectmen be directed to insert the
substance of the -Above Motion in the next Warrant for a Town
Meeting —
Moved & Voted, that all Matters & things unfinished at this
Meeting be referred over to the next Town Meeting —
Then the Meeting was
Dissolved
At a Meeting of the Freeholders & Other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston duly qualified & legally warned in public Town
Meeting Assembled at Fanuiel Hall on Wednesday the 4th Day of
July A. D. 1787. 10 0 Clock A. M.
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1787. 155
Warrant for calling the Meeting ... read
John Brown Esqr :
was chosen a Moderator by a Hand Vote
The Committee Appointed the last Year to make Choise of a
Gentleman to deliver an Oration on this Anniversary of Inde-
pendence
Reported,
[44.] That they had made Choise of Thomas Dawes
Junr. Esqr. for the purpose aforesaid who had Accepted of that
Service —
On Motion Voted, that the Oration be delivered at the Chapel
Church 10 O Clock leave having been given for the same —
Voted, that the Selectmen Acquaint Mr: Dawes with the afore-
going Vote
The Meeting was Adjourned to Chapel Church
10. O Clock, Met, at the Chapel Church According to Adjourn-
ment—
AN ORATION
to commemorate the Independence of the United States, was de-
livered by Thomas Dawes Junr. Esqr. at the Chapel Church to a
large and crouded Assembly
Voted, that the
Selectmen
be and hereby are Appointed a Committee to wait on Thomas
Dawes Junr. Esqr. and in the name of the Town to Thank him for
the Spirited and pertinent Oration this Day delivered by him at
the request of the Town upon the Anniversary of the Independ-
ence of the United States of America in which According to the
institution of the Town, he considered the feeling Manners &
Principles which led to that great National Event — And to
request of him a Copy for the Press
On Motion Voted, that
The Gentlemen the Selectmen be and hereby are Appointed a
Committee to Apply to some learned an Able Gentleman to de-
liver an ORATION on the 4th of July A. D. 1788. that Day being
the Anniversary of [45.] Independence of the United States of
America wherein the Orator, is to consider the feelings manner
& principles which led to this great National Event, as well as
the important and happy Effects, whether General or Domestic
156 CITY DOCUMENT.
which have Already and will forever continue to flow from that
Auspicious Epoch
Then the Meeting was
Dissolved
At a Meeting of the Freeholders & Other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston duly qualified & legally warned in public
Town Meeting Assembled at Fanuiel Hall on Monday the 9th Day
of July A. D. 1787
Warrant for calling the Meeting - - - read
The Town having determined to come to the choise of a Repre-
sentative Agreeably to a Precept received for that purpose the
Inhabitants brought in their Votes, when it Appeared that
Thomas Dawes Junr. Esqr.
was chosen a Representative for the remainder of the Year, by a
Majority of Votes
The choise of Representative being over
The Hon le : Samuel Adams Esqr. was chosen Moder-
ator to transact other Matters Mentioned in the Warrant
The Article relative to Treasurers Draughts read
Whereupon
[46.] Voted, That Whereas the Negotiating Draughts or
Orders drawn by the Town Treasurer is found to be greatly
detrimental to all the Officers & Servants of the Town, as well
as to all who are employed by the Selectmen to do any business,
or furnish any Materials, and consequently is ruinous to the
Credit of the Town at Large —
It is therefore
Voted, That the Treasurer be and hereby is di-
rected not to issue any Orders on any of the Collectors of Taxes
in future unless in favor of such Person as are or may be Credit-
ors to the Town & in that case to the Amount only of their
Taxes & the Treasurer is further directed not to Accept of any
Order that may hereafter be drawn upon him by any Creditor,
whatsoever
The Article relative to Negroes — read
whereupon it was Moved & Voted, that the further consideration
of this Article subside —
All Matters, unfinished referred over to Next General Town
Meeting —
Then the Meeting was
Dissolved
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1787. 157
. [47.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders & Other Inhabi-
tants of The Town of Boston duly qualified & legally warned in
public Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Wednesday
Sept'. 19th. 10 OClock Forenoon —
Warrant for calling the Meeting read
Mr. Nath1 : Appleton, chosen Moderator & excused from serv-
ing - - - -
Honble : Samuel Adams chosen Moderator excused being con-
fined by a Cold —
Honble : Sam1 : A. Otis Esqr :
chosen Moderator
' ; The Article in the Warrant — Viz'.
To consider whether a more convenient place for the holding
of the General Court than the present can be procured, in the
Town, was read whereupon
Voted, that Honble: Sam1. A. Otis Esqr.
Honbie . wiHiam Phillips Esqr.
Honble: Thomas Dawes Esqr.
Charles Jarvis Esqr.
Nath1. Appleton
Perez Morton Esqr.
Sam1. Breck Esqr.
Thomas W alley Esqr.
Joseph Russell Esqr.
be a Committee to consider this Article at large & Report at the
Adjournment of this Meeting what [48.] They may Judge will
be for the Interest of the Town to be done thereon - -
Moved & Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to Wednes-
day the 3d. Day of October next this Day fortnight 10 O Clock
Forenoon —
Wednesday 10 O Clock Forenoon —
Met According to Adjournment —
The Report of the Committee on Article in the Warrant read —
& then Adjourned to 3 O Clock P : M :
3 0 Clock P : M : Met According to Adjournment
The Committee Appointed by this Town on the 19th of Sep-
tember to Consider at Large whether a more convenient Place for
holding the General Court, than the present can be procured in
this Town — Reported, which Report as amended and Accepted
by the Town is as follows Viz. :
158 CITY DOCUMENT.
That they have Attended the Business and examined the
several Squares & Platts of Ground belonging to the Town,
which Appeared Suitable for the purpose of erecting a Building
to Accommodate the respective Branches of the Goverment, and
are of Opinion that there are many such which are more con-
venient than, the Place on which the Town House now stands;
and they submit to the Town whether it will not be for the Inter-
est & Honor of the Inhabitants to make an offer to the Gover-
ment of either of these, which the Honourable Court may select
for this end Except the Common which is already Appropriated
to Other [49.] Public purposes, Together with a Sum not ex-
ceeding Three Thousand Pounds to be Credited upon the War-
rants the Town has now on the Treasury of the Commonwealth
and to be Appropriated as Above described
And your Committee Further report that the Pasture now in
Possession of Mr. Wm : Foster Appears An eligble Situation for
such Building and recomend to the Town, to Appoint a Com-
mittee to make a Purchase of the same by Exchanging any other
of the Towns Property or in any way which shall Appear to said
Committee most conducive to the Towns Interest —
Sam1. A : Otis "$ Order
Voted, that the Honble : William Phillips Esqr. be and hereby
is Appointed and Authorized to purchase a Pasture now in pos-
session of Mr. Wm. Foster by exchanging any other of the Towns
property or in any Way which shall Appear to him most condu-
cive to the Towns Interest —
Voted, that the Committee who have Reported to the Town be
a Committee to confer with a Committee of the General Court
relative to the Subject Matter of said Report
Voted, that all Matters and Things that remai unfinished be
refered over to the next General Town Meeting —
Then the Meeting was
Dissolved —
[5O.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders & Other Inhabitants
of the Town of Boston duly qualified & legally warned in public
Town Meeting Assembled at Fanuel Hall on Friday the 7th Day
of December A. D. 1787 —
Prayer was made by the Revd. Mr. Clark
Warrant for calling the Meeting — read.
The Resolves of Congress & the General Court of this Com-
monwealth read
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1787. 159
The Town having determined to Choose twelve Persons as
Asserting to & ratifying the Constitution the Inhabitants were
directed to withdraw & bring in their Votes, for Twelve Persons,
for the purpose Aforesaid & that it was Declared by the Select-
men, that the Poll would be Closed at half past twelve O Clock
The Votes, being brought in for Twelve Persons the Number
of the same were found to be 763 & upon sorting them it Ap-
peared that the following Persons where Chosen by a Majority of
Votes — Viz1. —
Votes
His Excels : Honble : John Hancock Esqr. 751
Honble : James Bowdoin Esqr. 760
Honble : Samuel Adams Esqr. 628
Honbie . William Phillips Esqr. -------- 740
Honble : Caleb Davis Esqr. 603
Charles Jarvis Esqr. ----- 714
John C. Jones Esqr. - - - - 635
John Winthrop Esqr. 661
Thomas Dawes Junr. Esqr. 749
Revd. Samuel Stillman - 739
Thomas Russell Esqr. - 610
Christopher Gore Esqr. 517
Adjourned to Monday next 10 OClock Forenoon
[51.] Monday, the 10th Day of Decemr. 1787 — 10. O Clock
Met According to Adjournment —
The consideration of the Choice of a Representative referred to
12. O Clock —
Honble : Samuel Adams Esqr.
Chosen Moderator in Order to preseed to the Other Bussiness
Mentioned in the "Warrant —
On the Petition of the Constables for Allowance for their Ser-
vices, Voted, that it be referred to the Selectmen as a Committee
to consider & Allow from time to time such reasonable Sums as
they may think Adequate for services performed —
The Article in the Warrant relative to William Phillips Esqr.
read, whereupon —
Voted, that the Town hereby ratify & confirm the Agreement
he made with Mr. William Foster in the exchange of two Stores
belonging to the Town for a Pasture at the Bottom of the Com-
mon & confirm the Deed given for the same in consequence of
said Agreement for two Warehouses, mentioned as Above bear-
ing date the 6th Day of October last —
The Inhabitants, were directed to withdraw & bring in their
160 CITY DOCUMENT.
Votes for an Overseer of the Poor & on sorting them it Appeared
that Mr. William Smith, was Chosen —
Voted, that all matters not acted upon be referred over to the
next Town Meeting —
Selectmen Preside
Precept for the choice of a Representative, read, whereupon —
The Town having determined to come to the Choice of a
Representative Agreeably to a Precept for that purpose the
Inhabitants brought in their Votes, when it Appeared that the
whole number were 165 —
Jonathan Mason Esqr.
was chose a Representative for the remainder of the Year by a
Majority of the Votes —
Then the Meeting was Dissolved
[52.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders & Other Inhabitants
of the Town of Boston duly qualified and legally warned in public
Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Monday the 10th
Day of March Anno Domini 1788 — 10. O Clock Forenoon —
Prayer was made by the Revd : Mr : Belknap
Warrant for calling the Meeting — read —
Sundry Laws to be read at this Meeting were accordingly
- read —
The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their
Votes for a Moderator & the same being brought in & sorted, it
Appeared, that
The Honble : Thomas Dawes Esqr :
was chosen —
William Cooper —
was chosen Town Clerk for the Year ensuing and took the Oath
of Office for the faithful discharge of his Duty, which Oath was
Administred to him by Mr. Justice Crafts — Also the Oath of
Allegiance which was given him by Mr. Justice Barret ; and signed
as the Law directs —
TKe Town having determined by a Vote to Choose Nine Select-
men— the Inhabitants were then directed to withdraw & bring in
their Votes for that Number ; and the same being brought in and
sorted ; it Appeared that the following Gentelmen. Viz*.
[53.] John Scollay Esqr.
Harbotle Dorr Esqr.
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1788. 161
Ezekiel Price Esqr.
John Brown Esqr.
Cap*. Edward Tyler
John Andrews Esqr.
Thomas Walley Esqr.
Deacon William Boardman
Mr. Ebenezer Sever —
were Chosen Selectmen for the year ensuing and had the Oath of
Allegiance Administred to them by the Town Clerk — the same
was also sign'd by them as the Law directs —
Votes for a County Treasurer of the County of Suffolk, brought
in and counted by the Moderator and Town Clerk, when it Ap-
peared that the whole number was two hundred eighty one, and
that they were all for Thomas Crafts Esqr : a discret Suitable
Person, being a Freeholder & Resident in the same County —
The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their
Votes for twelve Overseers of the Poor, and the Votes having
been brought in & Sorted it Appeared, that
Jonathan Mason Esqr.
Mr. Samuel Whitwell
John White Esqr.
Edward Proctor Esqr.
John Sweetser Esqr.
Jona: L. Austin Esqr.
,.Mr. Samuel Parkman
Mr. Edward Edes
[54.] Henry Hill Esqr.
Mr. John Codman Junr.
Mr. William Smith
Mr. William Phillips Junr.
were Chosen Overseers of the Poor for the Year ensuing
The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their
Votes for sixteen Fire Wards, and the same having been brought
in and sorted, it Appeared that —
William Cooper
Edward Proctor Esqr.
Mr. John Lovell
Mr. Thomas Tileston
Thomas Melville Esqr.
Mr. John Winthrop
Jabez Hatch Esqr.
Cap*. John Ballard
Andrew Symrns Esqr.
Mr. Joseph Clark
Mr. Jacob Rhodes
Samuel Brick Esqr.
Mr. Henry Bass
162 CITY DOCUMENT.
Col°. John May
Paul D. Sergeant Esqr-
Ebenezer Hancock Esqr.
were Choose Fire-Wards for the Year ensuing
The Inhabitants withdrew & brought in their Votes for a Town
Treasurer, and upon sorting them it Appeared that —
Peter Boyer Esqr.
was chosen Town Treasurer for the Year ensuing, who took the
Oath of Office, also the Oath of Allegiance & subscribed to the
same which Oaths were Administred to him by the Town Clerk
[55.] The Votes being brought in for a Clerk of Faneuil
Hall Market upon sorting them it Appeared, that
Mr. Matthew Nazro
was chosen Clerk of said Market for the Year ensuing
The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for 12 Constables, and
upon sorting them it Appeared that
Messrs : Subael Hews ------- Sworn
Samuel Whitney d°.
John Butterfield d°.
Benjamin Homans d°.
John Cades - d°.
James Perkins --_--- d°.
John Bosson d°.
James Williams ------ d°.
Samuel Smith ------ d°.
Francis Booth d°.
William Cooper the 2d. - - - d°.
were chose Constables for the Year ensuing & were all qualified
as the Law directs —
Adjourned to 3. O : Clock P : M :
3. O Clock P : M : Met According to Adjournment
Messrs : Joseph Ballard Sworn
Henry Blaisdel d°.
Benjamin Page d°.
James Rogers d°.
Samuel Dyer ------- d°.
John Champney d°.
Joseph Ay res ------ d°.
Benjamin White ------ d°.
Abraham Howard d°.
[56.] Joshua Bentley Sworn
Edmund Ranger d°.
Clement Collins d°.
were chose Surveyors of Boards & Shingles for the Year ensuing —
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1788. 163
Messrs : Samuel Harris - - - - - - Sworn
Job Wheelwright d°.
Joseph Basset d°.
Henry Purket d°.
Joseph Whittemore d°.
William Parkman ----- d°.
Lemuel Gardner .----- d°.
Joseph Loring - d°.
Thomas Fooler ------ d°.
Caleb Hayden d°.
Joshua Pico - d°.
John Bray d°.
were chose Cullers of Staves & Hoops for the Year ensuing
The Selectmen
were chose Surveyors of High Ways for the Year ensuing
Messrs : Benjamin White Sworn
James Ridgway ------ d°.
Edmund Ranger ------ d°.
Andrew Townsend d°.
William Crafts d°.
were chose Fence Viewers for the Year ensuing
Messr8 : Adam Colsen
Abraham Adams
were chose Informers of Deer for the Year ensuing
[57.] Mess™ : George Hamlen - - - - - Sworn
John Skinner- - d°.
William Sharp d°.
were chose Hogreeves for the Year ensuing
Messrs : William Billings Sworn
Samuel Bangs d°.
Nathan Green - d°.
Thomas Bradlee - d°.
James Bruce ------- d°.
were chose Sealers of Leather for the Year ensuing
Mess™ : George Hamlin Sworn
Samuel Curtis ------ d°.
John Skinner ------ d°.
were chose Haywards for the Year ensuing
Mess" : Thomas Green
John Skinner
were chose Assay Masters for the ensuing Year
John White Esqr.
John Sweetser Esqr.
were chose Surveyors of Wheat for the Year ensuing
164 CITY DOCUMENT.
Mess18 : William Mc.Neil
John Gray
were chose Surveyers of Hemp for the ensuing Year
Mess™ : William Lowder Sworn
Gyles Harris Esqr. d°.
Samuel Ruggles Esqr. - ... <J°.
John R. Sigorney d°.
Mr. Edward Davis d°.
[58.] were chose Assessors for the Year ensuing, who all took
the Oath of Office & Allegiance & signed the latter as by Law
directed, which Oaths were Administred by the Town Clerk —
The Selectmen, chosen
a Committee to Visit Schools —
Voted, that Joseph Barrel Esqr.
Mr. Herman Brimmer
Mr. Joseph May
Joseph Russell Junr. Esqr.
Mr. Bossinger Foster
be and hereby are Appointed a Committee to Audit the Accounts
of the Town Treasurer and also the Accounts of the Selectmen
and Overseers of the Poor, — and Report as soon as may be —
(Memorandum — the aforegoing Vote respecting the Auditors
of Town Treasurers Accounts, is not altogether similar, to the
one Appointing Auditors the last Year —
The Article in the Warrant — Viz*. " Whether the Selectmen
shall be empowered to give Names to such Streets as have gone
by different Names since the Revolution and to Record the same
in the Town Books, as also the Names of such Streets as have
not yet been Recorded ' ' — was read and considered — where-
upon —
Voted, that the Selectmen be a Committee to give Names to
the Streets. & to Record the same Agreeably to said Articles in
the Warrant —
[59.] The Article in the Warrant relative to Sign Boards,
read, when it was moved & Voted that the consideration thereof
be referred until After the Town have Acted upon the Article
relative to a Revision of the By Laws —
The Petition of Joseph Cunningham & Mary his Wife, read, —
whereupon
Voted, that a Committee be appointed to consider said Petition,
hear the Abuttors and Report thereon at the Adjournment —
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1788. 165
Voted, that Thomas Dawes Esqr.
Mr. Samuel Parkman
Thomas Crafts Esqr.
Mr. John R Sigorney
Deacon Sharp
be a Committee for the purpose aforesaid —
Moved and Voted, that a Committee be Appointed to take into
consideration what Steps may be best taken for the choice of
Clerks of the Market
Voted, that Col°. Dawes
Col°. Proctor
Mr. Moses Grant
be a Committee for the purpose aforesaid & to Report at the Ad-
journment —
Voted, that the Assessors be and hereby are impowered &
directed to set for such Abatement of Taxes as they shall Judge
reasonable two Days in each Week After the delivery of the Tax
Bills to the [6O.] Collectors for the Space of six Weeks and no
longer; saving that they be allowed to set the Last Week in
February, Lords' Days excepted, 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 Com-
monwealth or any other unavoidable hindrance, and that the
Assessors Determine upon the said two Days, which is to be de-
livered the Inhabitants —
Voted, that the Allowance to the Assessors be six shillings f^
Day for the time they may Set in doing the Business of their Office
Voted, that four Per Cent be Allowed and hereby is Allowed
to the Collectors of Taxes for the Year ensuing for all such Sums
of Money and public Securities as they shall Collect & pay into
the several Treasuries of the Sums committed to them to Collect
within ten Months from the receipt of the Tax Books, and Three
^ Cent on all such other Sums as shall afterwards be Collected,
also that such Collectors shall give Bond with Sufficient Sureties
to the Satisfaction of the Selectmen for the faithful discharge of
their duty in said Office & complying with this Vote — and that
they will not receive any Premium or Gratuity for discounting
any Order Note or Receipt from the Treasurer of the State, or
the Treasurer of the Town —
Mess™ : James Thompson Sworn
Thomas Bayley — Sworn
Benjamin Henderson sworn
Charles Williams sworn
Were chose Collectors of Taxes for the Year ensuing
166 CITY DOCUMENT.
[61.] On a Motion Voted, that the choice of Wardens be
referred to the Meeting of this Town that may be called next
after the setting of the General Court, in May next —
On Motion Voted, that
Jonathan Mason Esqr.
Col°. Crafts
Mr. Ebenezer Dorr
Col°. Sergeant
Cap*. Nathaniel Somes
be a Committee to consider what the Collectors of Taxes have to
offer relative to some embarassments which they are under with
respect to paying in the State Taxes, and Report at the Adjourn-
ment
The Petition of a Number of the Inhabitants relative to a New
School, was read & considered whereupon —
Voted, that the Prayer of the Petition be so far granted as that
the Selectmen be Authorised and empowered to hire the School of
the present Proprietors, and that they be requested to Appoint
Mr. Ticknor the* Master of said School at the expence of the
Town — Also
Voted, that Christr : Gore Esqr.
Col°. Sergeant
Col°. Crafts
Col°. Waters
Mr. Ebenezer Dorr (excused)
Deacon Bates
be a Committee to enquire of the Circumstances of the [62.]
South Quarter of the Town, and Determine what is also Necessary
to be done to Accommodate that part of the Town with a Public
School —
Adjourned To Wednesday the 19th of March Current 10.
O Clock A : M.
Wednesday the 19th of March. 10. O'Clock Fore-Noon — Met
According to Adjournment —
Messrs : Manassah Marston sworn
Edward Burt sworn
John Owen ------- Sworn
William Foot Sworn
were chose Surveyors of Hoops for the Year ensuing
Messrs : Joshua Davis sworn
John Cogswell d°.
Moses May d°.
were chose Surveyors of Boards for the Year ensuing
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1788. 167
On a Motion — Voted, that the Choice of such Officers as are
wanting & have not qualified themselves as the Law directs, be
referred untill May Meeting
The Committee to whom was referred the Application of the
Collectors for relief on the Abatements in the late State Tax —
Reported
That After conferring with the Collectors and debating the
Several proposals are of Opinion —
That by empowering the Town Treasurer, with such other Per-
sons as the Town may think best to Add, to be a Committee to
procure on the best Terms such kind of Paper as will discharge
said Tax & empower the Treasurer to give his Notes to the
Lenders payable out of the next Tax with Interest, And that a
Tax of four hundred pounds be Added to discharge said Notes —
[63.] The aforegoing Report having been read —
Voted, that the same be accepted, and that Jonathan Mason
Esqr : Thomas W alley Esqr. & Joseph Russell Junr. Esqr : be a
Committee to Assist the Treasurer in this Business —
On a Motion Voted, that
Mr. John Fenno
Deacon Sharp
Mr. Moses Grant
be a Committee to prepare an Estimate of the Sum necessary to
be raised for the Expences of the Current Year, and that they
confer with the Committee to Audit the Town Treasurers Account
& Report as soon as may be —
The Committee to whom was referred the Petition of Joseph
Cunningham & Mary his Wife have attended the service Assigned
them — And conferred with the Gentlemen Selectmen, heard the
Abutters, viewed the Premises ; and take leave to Report as
their Opinion : That if the Land whereon the Building mentioned
in the said Petition was now Vacant ; the Town have a right to
Erect Buildings, so as to cover the same — That the Abutters are
injured by the present Buildings only under the Idea, that if the
Land was now Vacant, the Town would not Build thereon —
Therefore that the whole Business be left with the Gentlemen the
Selectmen, either to order the Buildings down so far as the In-
croachment is made ; or dispose of the Land, as they shall Judge
most for the benefit & Advantage of the Town — And further
that the remaining Part of the Land belonging to the Town,
lying South West of and butting on the said JCunningham House
be given into the Streets and Alleys for the better Accomodating
the Inhabitants in that Neighbourhood
Thomas Davis " Order
168 CITY DOCUMENT.
[64. J The aforegoing Report having been read & considered,
Voted, that the same be Accepted, also
Voted, that the Selectmen be & hereby are Authorised & em-
powered in Case they should Judge it best to dispose of said
Lands & to give and execute good and sufficient Deeds — there-
fore—
The Petition of a Number of Blackmen was read — whereupon
Voted, that the Petitioners have leave to withdraw their Peti-
tion—
William Scollay Esqr. - - - - sworn
Mr. Samuel Cabot excused
Mr. Elisha Sigorney ----- sworn
Mr. Joseph Laughton .... d°.
Mr. Lemuel Cravath d°.
Mr. John Winslow d°.
Mr. Joseph May ------ d°.
Mr. Henry Prentiss - - Absent excused
Mr. John Parker d°.
Mr. Joseph Howard ----- d°.
Mr. Benjamin Hammet Junr. - - d°.
Mr. Samuel Gore - d°.
were chose Clarks of the Market for the Year ensuing, by a writ-
ten Vote — The Committee relative to Clerks of Market Report-
ing as by their Report on file, that it was best for the present
Year or at least, that they should be chose by a written Vote —
The Article in the "Warrant — Viz4. — " That a Revision of the
By Laws of the Town may be had, and that such Additions and
Amendments may be made thereon as shall be Judged proper
was read — Whereupon —
[65.] Voted, that Thomas Crafts Esqr.
Christopher Gore Esqr.
William Tudor Esqr.
Mr. John Fenno
Thomas Dawes Junr. Esqr.
be a Committee for the purpose aforesaid, and they are to con-
sider the Article in the Warrant relative to Sign Boards, project-
ing into the Streets — Also of any other Incumbrances — And to
Report as soon as may be
On Motion, Voted, that the Committee Appointed to prepare
an Estimate of the Sum Necessary to be raised, the present Year,
be a Committee to Consider of the Salaries and Grants necessary
for the School-Masters ; & that said Committee Notify the School
Masters, Town Clark, Town Treasurer & Other Salary Men, who
have not had their pay Voted them, of their time of setting that
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1788. 169
they may be heard by said Committee, before they Report thereon
to the Town
Moved & Voted, that all Matters and Things which remain
unfinished at this Meeting be referred over to the General Town
Meeting in May next —
Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given
to the Honble : Thomas Dawes Esqr. ye. Moderator for his good
services in forwarding the Business of this Meeting
Then the Meeting was
Dissolved —
[66.] At a Meeting of the Male Inhabitants of the Town of
Boston of twenty one Years of Age and upwards qualified as the
Constitution prescribes, and legally warned in public Town Meet-
ing Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Monday the 7th Day of April
Anno Domini 1788 — 9 O Clock A : M —
Prayer was made by the Revd. Mr. Parker
"Warrant for calling the Meeting - - - read
Paragraph of the Constitution or Frame of Goverment, relative
to choice of Governor IA Governor and Senators - - - - -
also Read —
It was declared by the Selectmen that no Votes, would be re-
ceived but such as are unfolded, and that they propose the Poll
shall be closed at 12 0 Clock
On a Motion, Voted, that the Bells in the Town be set a Toll-
ing yz an Hour before 12 O'Clock
Persons Voted for as Governor, with the number of Votes for
each Person Viz*.
Votes
His Excellency John Hancock Esqr. - - - 1427
Honble: James Bowdoin Esqr. 5
Honble : Elbridge Gerry Esqr - 5
Persons Voted, for Lieu* : Governor with the Number of Votes,
for each Person — Viz*.
Votes
[67.] Honble: Samuel Adams Esqr. 814
Honble : Benjamin Lincoln Esqr. 630
Honble : James Warren Esqr. 1
Honble : William Phillips Esqr. 1
170 CITY DOCUMENT.
Persons Voted for as Senators for the County of Suffolk, with
the number of Votes, for each Person — Viz1.
Votes
Honble: Samuel Adams Esqr. 1450
Honble : William Phillips Esqr. 1360
Honble : Cotton Tufts Esqr. 1439
Honble. Stephen Metcalf Esqr. - ... 1429
Honble: Thomas Dawes Esqr..- ----- 1428
Honble : Elijah Dunbar Esqr. 1261
Honble: Benjamin Austin Jur. Esq1'. - - - 181
Honble: Benjamin Lincoln Esqr. ----- 86
Honble : William Heath Esqr. 11
Samuel Breck Esqr. --------- 4
Honble: Richard Cranch Esqr. 15
Honble : Caleb Davis Esqr. 2
Honble : Stephen Higginson Esqr. - - - - 1
Jonathan Mason Esqr. 1
Honble: Benjamin Austin Esqr. ----- 1
Honble: John Fisher Esqr. 1
Dr. John Metcalf -- - - 4
Attested Copies of the Persons Voted for as Governor Lieu*.
Governor and Senators for the County of Suffolk, were committed
to the Secretary of this Commonwealth, and the Inclosures sealed
up in Town Meeting Superscribed as follows — Viz*.
For
John A very Esqr.
Secretary of the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts
[68.] The number of Votes of the Town of Boston for a
Governor Lieu*. Governor and Six Senators for the County of
Suffolk, Certified within and Sealed up in Town Meeting
Then the Meeting was
Dissolved
At a Meeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston duly qualified & legally warned in Public Town
Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Tuesday the 13th. Day of
May. A : D : 1788—10 O'Clock A : M
Prayer was made by the Revd : Mr. Geyer
Warrant for calling the Meeting — read
That part of the Constitution or Frame of Goverment which
relates to the choice of Representatives ----- read
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1788. 171
Sundry Laws to be read at said Meeting or parts of them were
Accordingly read
The Town having determined to Choose Seven Persons to
Represent them in the General Court of Massachusetts to be held
at the State House at Boston on the Last Wednesday of May
Current Agreeably to the Constitution or Frame of Goverment
for the Massachusetts — The Inhabitants were directed to with-
draw and bring in their Votes for Seven Representatives, and
then it was declared by the Selectmen [69.] that no Votes
should be received but such as were unfolded, and that they pro-
posed the Poll should be Closed at 12 O'Clock —
The Votes being brought in for Seven Representatives, the
number of the same were found to be eight hundred & fifteen ;
and upon sorting them it Appeared that the following Gentlemen
were Chosen by a Majority of Votes — Viz1.
Votes
Honble: Caleb Davis Esqr. .... 576
Samuel Breck Esqr. - 805
Jonathan Mason Esqr. 801
John Coffin Jones Esqr. 580
Charles Jarvis Esqr. 810
Thomas Dawes Junr. Esqr. - ... 812
Thomas Russell Esqr. 565
The choice of Representatives being over and declared by the
Selectmen, it was moved & Voted, that a Moderator be chosen
to preside at the Meeting for Transacting the Other Matters
mentioned in the Warrant
Hon le: Samuel Adams Esqr.
was chosen Moderator by a Hand Vote —
The Petition for Paving Battery March Street was read, and
four Other Petitions for paving or Repairing other Streets, were
laid before the Town — whereupon
Voted, that the Honble : Thomas Dawes Esqr.
William Bell Esqr.
[7O.] Deacon Gibbons Sharp Esqr:
Charles Miller Esqr.
Mr. Rufus Sturgis
be and hereby are Appointed a Committee to consider said Peti-
tions together with the representation of the Selectmen on the
same Subject and to Report their Opinion at the Adjournment as
to the expediency of paving or repairing any of said Streets
Also an Estimate of the expence thereof —
Adjourned to Wednesday the 21st Ins* : at 10 O Clock A : M j —
Wednesday the 21st of May 10: O'Clock — Town Met Ac-
cording to Adjournment —
172 CITY DOCUMENT.
Mr. Prentice excused from serving as a Clerk of the Market —
Mr. John Cabot excused from serving a Clerk of the Market —
Mr. Jacob Curtis
Mr. John Barret
were chosen Clerks of the Market for the ensuing Year
Moved & Voted, not to choose three Constables, for the present
number nine are Judged by the Town to be sufficient —
The Committee Appointed to audit the Accompts of the Town
Treasurer, and examine the Draughts of the Selectmen & Over-
seers — Report
That the Town Treasurers Accompts are right cast & the
Chares well Vouched
The General State of the Treasury is as follows —
Dr. Town Treasurer Accote from March 87 to March 88 — Cr. -
Sundry Lands Sold ........ £381,, 9,, 9
Two Warrants on the State Treasurer - - 3788 ,, 16 . 9
Recd : of J Prince for Potatoes & sold in 80 - - 1 ,, 11 —
To Tax granted in 1787 ...... 12.000,,-
Received for Fines - - - - - - - - - - 1 ,, —
The Commonwealth for Supplying Troops j _ „„ ,^ 1f)
- - - - in suppressing the Rebellion - - )
Received of William Foster in exchange ) n nft
of Real Estate ......... j
Received for Rents -- ...... 3 74, ,9, ,2
Ditto for Fanuiel Hall for the Market - - 223 ,, 6 ,, l
£16,958 ,, 3 ,, 73
By Ballance of last Years Accounts - - - £344 ,, 14 ,, 1 j
Abatements on Benjamin Henderson )
- - - Taxes committed to D. Parker and >- 396 ,, 13 ,, 7f
A. Thomas late Collectors )
Ditto to D. Parker 74 ,, 11 ,, 4
Ditto to the several Collectors for State )
Tax --- for 1786 j )42 " 6 "
Selectmens Draughts - 4657 ,, 2 ,, 1£
Overseers - - Ditto -- £887 ,, 14 ,, l£
Paid Interest - - - -* 910 ,, 5 ,, 6£
Paid Treasury Jeffries Notes brought in - 14 ,, 11 ,, —
£10,927 ,, 19 ,, Oi
Ballance 6,030 ,, 4 ,, 7
£16,958 ,, 3 „ 7f
The Above Account being the State of the Treasury
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1788. 173
Accounts for the last year, the Committee have made an Estimate
of the (General State of the Treasury as it now stands — Viz1 :
To Ballance due sundry Creditors ... £45
Ditto - - - ditto 537
To D Jeffries Estate 110
4
13
7
15
To Partridge & Hammeatt 699
To Nazro - -- 54
To the several Collectors for Premium on
Taxes in 86 651 ,, 10
To Ballance due on the Selectmen & Over-
10
4
9
~A
seers Draughts j L " ld
Treasurers Accounts to Several People on )
f 12,410 ,,!/,, 7*
Interest j
A considerable Sum of Interest yet due for
the Last Year say £1570 exclusive of the
Interest on the £12,410 ,, 17 ,, 7£ since
March 1787 Premiums to the Collectors and
Abatements on the £12000 — Tax —
' for the Charges Above say - 2900 —
£20,031
By Towns Powder ........ £312 ,, 11 ,, 8
Abraham Savage ........ 412 ,, 4 ,, 4
Sundry Small Debts due to Town, Bad - - 58 ,, 16 ,, 1
Andrew Tukesbury ........ 100 ,, 10 ,, 10
Benja : Cudworth ......... 81 „ 11 „ Si-
Col0 : Symms who has since Settled - - - 167,, 1 ,, 2
Thomas Green for Rent - - ..... 15,,—
W" : Foster who has Since settled - - - 35 ,, 15 ,, 10
Sundry Notes part bad ...... - 42, ,9, ,2
Sundry Rents .......... 9 ,, 19 ,, 2
Daniel Parker for Taxes in 84 & 85 - - - 1318 ,, 10 ,, 4£
[73.] SamuelJepson ....... 20,, 5 —
Due from Thomas Bayley for 87 Tax - - 2082 ,, 11 ,, 0|
Ditto James Thompson ....... 2333 ,, 4 ,, 9£
Ditto Charles Williams ....... 2800 ,, 11 ,, l}
Ditto Benjamin Henderson ...... 2390 ,, 14 ,, 6f
Cash on Hand .......... 29 ,, 6 ,, 5£
Due from the Commonwealth ..... 10346 ,, 14 ,, 1-J-
£22,608 ,, 1 ,, 8
Old Paper Money at 75 for one which
..... it was received ------ £554 ,, 0 ,, 9
The Committee having stated the Account & Given a General
State of the Towns Accounts as above They will only Add that
the Selectmens Draughts the Last Year was £4,657,, 2,, 1£
And the Overseers Draughts - - - - - 2, 88 7, ,15,, l|-
£7544 „ 16 „ 2f
174 CITY DOCUMENT.
Which was the expence of the Town
the Last Year
Joseph Barrell
^ Order of the Committee
The Committee to Estimate the Sum Necessary to be raised to
defray the Expences of the present Year & to consider what Sums
it will be proper to grant to the Several Officers in the pay of the
Town — Repoi'ted and the same being, considered, the Town
came into the following Resolutions, — Viz1. (mem°. about 60
persons present)
Voted, that the Sum of One hundred eighty five pounds, be
allowed & paid unto Mr. Samuel Hunt for his Salary the present
Year, the same to commence the 1st. of March last & to be
paid him Quarterly as it shall become due —
Voted, that the Sum of one hundred eighty five Pounds be
Allowed & paid unto Mr. Nathan Davis for his Salary the present
Year the same to commence [74.] the 1st. of March last, and
to be paid Mm Quarterly as it shall become due
Voted, that the Sum of One hundred & Sixty Pounds be
allowed and paid unto Mr. John Tileston for his Salary as Master
of the North Writing School the present Year, the same to be
paid him Quarterly as it shall become due & to commence the 1st :
of March last —
Voted, that the Sum of One hundred & Sixty Pounds be
allowed & paid unto Mr. James Carter for his Salary as Master
of the Writing School in Queen Street the present Year and the
same to be paid him Quarterly as it shall become due & to com-
mence from the 1st. of March last —
Voted, that the Sum of One Hundred & Sixty Pounds be
allowed & paid unto Mr. John Vinal as Master of the Writing
School in the Common the present Year, the same to be paid
him Quarterly as it shall become due & to commence the 1st. March
last — j
Voted, that the Sum of One hundred & Sixty Pounds be
allowed & paid unto Mr. Samuel Cheney as Master of the New
Writing School at North End, the present Year the same to be
paid him Quarterly as it shall become due, & to commence the
1st. March last
Voted, the Sum of One hundred & Sixty Pounds, be allowed
& paid unto Mr. Elisha Sticknor for his Sallary as Master of
the New [75.] S°. Writing School, the present Year, the same
to be paid him Quarterly as it shall become due & to commence
the 1st. of March last —
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1788. 175
Voted, that Mr. Amasa Dingley Usher of the South Grammar
School be Allowed & paid the Sum of Ninety two Pounds ten
shillings for his Salary the present Year, the same to be paid him
Quarterly as it shall become due, and to commence the 1st. of
March last— <-
Voted, that the Ushers of the "Writing Schools be allowed for
their Salaries, as Ushers Eighty Pounds ^ Annum each, the
same to be paid them Quarterly as it shall become due & to com-
mence the 1st. March last
Voted, that the Selectmen be & hereby are Authorised & im-
powered to make according to their discretion an Additional
Allowance to any of the Ushers not exceeding ten Pounds —
Voted, that the Master of the Public Schools have ten Cords
of Wood each provided for them by the Selectmen —
Voted, that Mr. John Tileston Master of the North Writing
School be allowed for House Rent the present Year the Sum of
Thirty Pounds, the same to be paid him Quarterly as it shall
become due & to commence from the 1st : of March last —
[76.] Voted, that Mr. Nathan Davis Master of the North
Grammer School be allowed & paid for House Rent the present
Year the Sum of Thirty Pounds the same to be paid him Quarterly
as it shall become due & to commence the 1st; of March last —
Voted, that Mr. John Vinal Master of the Writing School in
the Common be Allowed for House Rent the present Year the
Sum of Thirty Pounds the same to be paid him Quarterly as it
shall become due, and to commence the 1st: of March last —
Voted, that Mr. Samuel Cheney Master of the New Writing
School at the North End be Allowed for House Rent the present
Year the Sum of Thirty Pounds, the same to be paid him Quar-
terly as it shall become due & to commence the 1st : of March
last
Voted, that Twenty Pounds be Allowed for providing Ink for
the five Public Writing Schools
Adjourned to 3 : O Clock P. M
3 ; O : Clock P : M : Met According to Adjournment
Voted, that William Cooper be allowed & paid the Sum of One
hundred & Twenty Pounds for his Services as Treasurer the pres-
ent Year, the same to be paid him Quarterly as it shall become
due and to commence the 1st. of March last —
176 CITY DOCUMENT.
Voted, that Peter Boyer Esqr. be allowed & paid the Sum of
One hundred & Twenty Pounds for his Services as Treasurer the
present Year the same [77.] to be paid him Quarterly as it shall
become due and to commence the 1st : of March last —
Voted, that there be a deduction of one Man from each Watch
House which will Leave four common Men and one Constable to
each, they to be paid at the rate of six Dollars ^ Month for each
common Man and eight Dollars ^ Month for the Constable. —
The Committee to whom was referred the several Petitions for
paving & repairing several Streets, have attended the Business
Assigned them — View'd the Streets — Conferred with the Gentle-
men Selectmen on the Subject and Obtained an Estimate of the
Expence And take leave to Report as their Opinion —
That the several Streets mentioned in the said Petition and as
many more not mentioned, want to be now paved and repaired
— but the Abilities of the Town at present will not Admit of it
only in Part — Therefore that the Selectmen make such Repaires
in some of the Streets as are Absolutely necessary not to exceed
the sum of two hundred Pounds ; and that when a Petition is pre-
ferred for a Street to be paved, it is expected the Petitioners or
Abuttors in said Street lay on an Accurate Estimate of the Ex-
pence before the Town & the Sums or proportion which they, the
Petitioners and Abutters will be held to pay, the Town will then
Judge of their Ability to Advance their proportions, as they have
heretofore done in similar Cases of Applications — All which is
submitted
Thomas Dawes f2 Order
The aforegoing Report having been read and considered — the
Question was put — and the Report Accepted —
[78.] On a Motion Voted, that the Selectmen be a Commit-
tee to examine and enquire with whom ye. charge and duty lays,
of paving and repairing the lower end of State Street from Admi-
ral Vernons Head to the Long Wharff —
Moved, and obtained, that the Sum of Ten Pounds be deducted
from — Mr. Nazro's Pay for his Attendance on the Selectmen —
Voted, that the Sum of Seven Thousand five hundred Pounds
be raised by a Tax to be Assessed on the Polls and Estates of
the Inhabitants of this Town, to defray the Expences of the Cur-
rent Year — Also
Voted, that when the Assessors Assess the Town Tax, as Voted
Above, they make a special and Separate Column in the Rate
List and therein set down as much ^ centum proportionally on
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1788. 177
each Persons Tax as shall in the whole amount to Eighteen hun-
dred seventy five Pounds, being the one quarter part of the
£7,500 — to be raised for the expences of the Year ensuing and
that the Collectors shall receive the Sums contained in said
Column in Specie only and the same shall be paid into the Town
Treasury & sacredly Appropriated to the support of the Town
Poor and the payment of Interest due to the Overseers for Monys
Advanced by them for the use of the Poor —
Moved, and Voted, that all Matters and things unfinished at
this Meeting be referred over to the next General Town Meeting
that may be called —
Then the Meeting was
Dissolved
[79.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhab-
itants of the Town of Boston duly qualified & legally warned in
Public Town Meeting Assembled at Faneiul Hall on Friday
the fourth of July A. D . 1 788 — 9.0 'Clock — A : M —
Warrant for calling the Meeting — read
John Brown Esqr :
was chosen Moderator by a Hand Vote
The Committee Appointed the last year to make choice of a
Gentleman to Deliver an Oration on the Anniversary of Inde-
pendence
Reported
That they had made Choice of Harrison Gray Otis
Esqr. for the purpose aforesaid —
On a Motion Voted, that the Oration be delivered at the Old
South Church 1 1 . O'Clock leave having been given for the same —
Voted, that the Gentlemen Selectmen Acquaint Mr. Otis with
the aforegoing Vote —
The Meeting was then Adjourned to the Old South Church,
there to- Meet at 11. O'Clock —
11. O'Clock Met at the Old South Church According to Ad-
journment —
AN ORATION
To commemorate the Independence of the United States was de-
livered by Harrison Gray Otis Esqr. at the Old South [8O.]
Church, to a large & crowded Assembly
Voted, that the Selectmen be and hereby are Appointed a
Committee to wait on Harrison Gray Otis Esqr : and in the Name
178 CITY DOCUMENT.
of the Town to thank him for the Spirited & elegant Oration this
Day delivered by him at the request of the Town, upon the Anni-
versary of the Independence of the United States of America, in
which, according to the Institution of the Town he considered the
feeling manners and principals which led to that great National
Event — And to request of him a Copy thereof for the Press
On a Motion, Voted, that the Gentlemen the Selectmen be
and hereby are Appointed, a Committee to Apply to Some one
learned and able Gentleman to Deliver an Oration on the 4th of
July A. D 1789, that Day being the Anniversary of the Inde-
pendence of the United States of America wherein the Orator is
to consider the feelings manners and principals which led to this
great National Event; as well as the Important and happy
Effects whether General or Domestic, which have already and
will forever continue to flow from that Auspicious Epoch —
Then the Meeting was
dissolved —
[81.] Conformably to a Vote of the Town passed the 10th of
March 1788. Impowering the Selectmen "to give names to such
Streets as have gone by different Names since the revolution and
to record the same in the Town Books, as Also the Names of
such Streets as have not been recorded " — the following Names
given by the Selectmen to such Streets — are here accordingly
Recorded & the Names of the Other Streets — may be seen in
Town Book N°. 2. Page 293
The way leading from Cambridge Bay be- ~)
tween Doctor Spragues Estate and Mr : |
Harris, cross Orange Street, easterly by j> Castle Street
William Marshall Estate into the Har- |
bour ---- .--J
From Orange Street by the South Writing ^
School, through what was called Tilley's ! TO
T-,,, c i.\, r\ j r Pleasant Street •
Land, to the bottom of the Common and [
to Frog Lane ---------J
From Orange Street by the Revd : Dr : ) XT
TJ i , 5 11. TT T? T r Nassau Street
Boyles s dwelling House to Frog Lane - j
From Orange Street Opposite Nassau j A11 T
04 i 4.u TT u r Aliens Lane
Street easterly to the Harbour - - - j
From Orange Street Easterly by D' : Phil- > Bennet
lips House to the Sea - )
From Orange Street, Westerly by Mr. ) TT ,,. „,
TIT- i .. TIT *.- TT TVT OA L r HOLDS Street
Wights Meeting House, to Nassau Street )
From Orange Street, easterly by Cap*, j Harvard Street
Fellows's House to the Sea - - - - j
[82.] From Orange Street Westerly by \
Mrs. Inches House and crossing Nassau >- Eliots Street
Street to Pleasant Street - - - - - j
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1788. 179
From Orange Street easterly by Mr. ") T^ , , T
*r i j> -v 4. ±1 TT u f Kneelands Lane
Kneeland s Estate to the Harbour - - j
From Newbury Street near the White ^
Horse Tavern, Westerly into the Com- > Sheafs Lane
mon by Mr. Holbrooks House - - - )
From the Bottom of Summer Street to ^
near the Bull Tavern, to the bottom of [-Purchase Street
Gridley's Lane --------)
From Purchase Street to Battery March - }> Belchers Lane
From Milk Street passing by the Loan "j
Office, crossing Cow Lane down to > Atkinson Street
Purchase Street --------)
From Cow Lane Easterly by Mr. Gray's f ^
-wr 11 4 nr-ii Q*. 4- r Grays Lane
Rope Walk to Milk Street - - - - \ J
From Atkinson Street to Mr. Belknap's | -p , T
Meeting House in Federal Street - - j *
From Milk Street by Mr. Belknaps Meet- \
ing House up to Cow Lane formerly j- Federal Street
Longe Lane ---------)
From Federal Street, by Deacon Williarns's ) ^
• 4. A 4-1 • a 4. t Barrack Lane
house into Atkinson Street - j
From Milk Street Opposite Tanner's Lane )
southerly by the Rope Walks to Cow > Palmer Street
Lane )
From the bottom of Water Street into ) A , 0,
Milk Street | Adams Street
From Water Street opposite Leveret's ) -^ ,,
Lane into Milk Street - } Dalton Street
From Cornhill, each side of the State ^
House downe to the Longe Wharf for- >• State Street
merly King Street -------)
[83.] From State Street by Oliver 1
Dock, to Daffornes corner in Milk Street >• Kilby Street
(formerly Mackrel Lane) -----)
From Leveret's Lane opposite the Quaker's ) T , „ T
Meeting House to Kilby Street - - . ) Lyndalls Lane
From State Street near the State House )
to Water Street (formerly Pudding > Devonshire Street
Lane) -----------)
From Cornhill. eastward by Concert Hall ) r . „
to Cambridge ( formerly Queen Street - J L
From Court Street opposite the Orange \
Tree Westward to Dr. Bulfinchs Pas- >• Southacks Court
ture -----------_)
From Cambridge Street, to Mr. Pitt's ) ^.. , , T
House in Southacks Court } Fltch 8 Lane
From Beacon Street in the Common by ^
Govr : Hancocks tending northward over |
the hill, from Govr. Hancocks garden [> Hancock Street
down to Cambridge Street formerly
George Street and Davis Lane - - - J
180 CITY DOCUMENT.
From Hancock Street, southerly by Mr. ~)
Austin's Ropewalk and by the Powder > Warren Street
House down to Cambridge Bay - - - )
From Cambridge Street, northerly by ) rhambprs Sfrppt
the Marsh, to Mr. Allen's House - - } L
From Green Street up the Hill to Mr. j 0
Russell's Rope Walk j Shute Street
From Shute Street Westerly by Cap*. Job \ A11 c,
Princes to Cambridge Street - - - - j A
From Green Street Northerly to Bartons ) T
Point :....} Leverets Street
From Cambridge Street Northerly by Mr. ")
Howards Meeting House, to Green >• Lynde Street
Street j
From Cambridge Street by Cap*: Cheever's )0 ... , „.
to Green Street - - - - j Staniford Street
From Leveretts Street by Mr. Piercies j ,...,, Q
Distill House to the Causeway - - - j ^
[84.] From Green Street by Mr. Gooches 1 -p. , T
to Mill Pond - }.*
The Square before Dr : Bulfinches and ) ^
Deacon Newells - - | Bowdoms Square
From Bowdoins Square easterly to Nath. \
Halls House, and from thence to Sud- > Hawkins Street
bury Street - -- - - - - - - -)
From Cambridge Street- by Mr. Copelands ) A1,
o ^i 04. 4. t Aldens Lane
House-to Sudbury Street j
From Hawkins Street, passing by Mr. )
Scollays Distill House to the Mill Pond [• Distill House Square
and Southerly to Sudbury Street - - - j
From Cambridge Street by Mr. Callenders ) ^T. , ,,
^ & TT.n J > Middlecot Street
House to Beacon Hill ------ j
From Middlesex Street, round the bottom ^
of Beacon Hill into Hancock Street [• Hill Street
opposite Mr. Austin's Rope Walk - - )
From Cambridge Street opposite Staniford ) ^ ,
o, ,1 i TT-n c lemple Street
Street southerly to Beacon Hill - - - j
From Hill Street Northerly passing by ^
Deacon Landman and Mr. Breed's >• Ridgway Lane
Estate into Cambridge Street - - - - )
From Hanover Street by Dr. Packers to ) ^ .
,, ,,.,, ^ , J }• Friends Street
the Mill Pond - j
From Friends Street, opposite Mr. Spears ) ^
r, ,, ^Deacon's Street
House, to Cold Lane j
From Ann Street North of the Bridge into ) „
•MT- 1 11 cn. c Center Street
Middle Street j
From North Street by Dr. Eliots Meeting ) ri k St f
TT • j_ 01 • 0^ j_ C Vyl«»Ili."o OUCCL
House into Ship Street j
Washington Street from Orange Street ^
at Fortification - - - to the Bounds > Washington Street
of the Town at the Roxbury Line - - )
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1788. 181
[85.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabi-
tants of the Town of Boston duly qualified and legally Warned
in Public Town Meeting Assembled at Fanuiel Hall on Thurs-
day the 25th September Anno Domini 1788 - - 3 0. Clock
P:M:-
Warrant for calling the Meeting
Moved & Voted, that a Moderator be chosen by a Hand Vote —
Honble: Samuel Adams Esqr : chosen Moderator of this Meet-
ing — read —
The Article in the Warrant read, together with the Petition of
a Number of the Inhabitants for calling this Meeting - - - read
The Selectmen also laid before the Inhabitants a State of the
Small Pox for some time past, whereby it Appeared that the
Small Pox was not now in any Family in this Town, save at the
Hospital at New Boston — whereupon the following - - - -
Voted, that the Selectmen of this Town be & hereby are Ap-
pointed a Committee to waite upon the Gentlemen Selectmen of
Brookline & other Towns in the Vicinity in which Hospitals for
the Practice of Inoculation have been permitted, to request that
every precaution should be taken to Inure the strictest observance
of the respective regulations and at the same time to prevent all
unnecessary intercourse between the Inhabitants of this Town
and any of the Patients or Persons belonging to such Hospitals,
from whom any danger of Infection may be reasonably Appre-
hended, in order as far as possible to guard against any future
Alarm from this quarter
[86.] On a Motion Voted, that the Petitioners relative to
the small Pox have leave to withdraw their Petition —
Voted, that the Selectmen be requested to publish the State of
the small Pox in all the Public Papers in this Commonwealth
The Meeting was
dissolved —
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston duly qualified and legally warned in public Town
Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Wednesday the 8th. Day
of October A. D. 1788 10. O Clock : A : M :
Warrant for calling the Meeting - - - read
The Inhabitants having determined to choose two Representa-
tives Agreeably to the Precept received for that purpose — it was
182 CITY DOCUMENT.
moved & Voted — that this Meeting be Adjourned for that pur-
pose to 3 O'Clock : P : M -
3 O'Clock P : M : Met according to Adjournm1.
The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their
Votes for two Representatives and then it was declared by the
Selectmen that they proposed the Poll should be closed at half
past 4 O'Clock -
The Votes being brought in for two Representatives, the Num-
ber of the same were found to be two hundred & sixty two
and upon sorting them it Appeared, that the following Gentlemen
were chosen by a Majority of Votes — Viz*. —
Votes
[87.] Honble : Oliver Wendell Esqr. 252
Christopher Gore Esq. 154
The choice of Representatives being over and declared by the
Selectmen — It was moved & and Voted, that a Moderator be
chosen by a Hand Vote, to preside in the Meeting for transacting
the other Matters mentioned in the Warrant
Honble : Samuel Adams Esqr.
was chosen Moderator, and took his Seat
The Article in the Warrant relative to the Assise of Bread —
was read, and After debate had thereon, it was moved and Voted,
that the further debate on this Matter shall subside
The Committee relative to a New School at the South part of
the Town — Reported — whereupon
Voted, that this Report be recommitted, and said Committee
are Instructed to prepare a plan of the Land and School House
together with an Estimate of what may be the expence of the
proposed Undertaking, and Report at the next Town Meeting
Copy & Papers dl'd Mr. Gore
On a Motion Voted, that this Meeting be Adjourned to Thurs-
day Next the being the 16th Ins1, at 3. O'Clock P : M —
Thursday the 16th of October 3. 0 Clock P : M : Met according
to Adjournment
The Selectmen Committee relative to the Lower End of State
State Street Report, that they have examined the Records of the
Town and made enquiry with whom the charge and duty lays of
paving and repairing the lower end of State street, from Admiral
Vernons Head to the Long Wharff, are of Opinion, that it is the
BOSTON TOWN RECOEDS, 1788. 183
duty of the Town to do the same, the Abutters paying their pro-
portionable part ^ Order John Scollay Chairman
[88.] The aforegoing Report having been considered, it was
Voted that the same be accepted and that the Selectmen be In-
structed to order such Repairs to said Street & in such Manner
as they may Judge expedient and with as much speed as may be
Voted that all Matters unfinished at this Meeting be referred
over to the Next Town Meeting
Then the Meeting was
Dissolved
At a Meeting of the Male Inhabitants of the Town of Boston
of Twenty one Years and upwards, qualified as the Constitution
prescribes legally Warned in public Town Meeting Assembled at
Faneuil Hall on Thursday the 18th Day of December Anno
Domini 1788. 10 O Clock A. M.
Prayer was made by the Revd. Mr : Freeman ,
"Warrant for calling the Meeting — read
Resolve of the General Court for calling the Meeting for the
Inhabitants to give in their Votes for One Person to Represent
the People in Congress & was — read
. The Selectmen after taking the sense of the Town directed the
Inhabitants to bring in their Votes for a Representative in Con-
gress It was then declared that no Votes would be received but
such as are unfolded & that the Poll was to be Closed at 12.
O Clock ; Bells to be rung at £ past 11 O'Clock "
3 O Clock P : M Assigned for bringing in Votes for Electors of
President —
[89.] Persons Voted, as Representatives for the District of
Suffolk with the Number of Votes for each Person — Viz1.
Votes
Honble : Samuel Adams Esqr. 439
Honble: Samuel A. Otis Esqr. ----- 15
Fisher Ames Esqr. 445
Honble : James Bowdoin Esqr. 2
Adjourned to 3. O'Clock P: M
3 O'Clock P : M : Met According to Adjournment
184 CITY DOCUMENT.
Persons Voted, for as Candidates for an Elector of President
& Vice President for the United States, with the Number of
Votes for each Person Viz*.
Votes
Honble: Jabez Fisher Esqr. 369
Honble : Caleb Davis Esqr. 289
Honble: Thomas Dawes Esqr. 85
Honble : James Bowdoin Esqr. ----- 3
Cap'. Norton Brailsford ------- l
Cap*. Elias Parkman _.. l
Attested Copies of the Persons Voted for as Representatives
for the District of Suffolk & Candidates for an Elector of Presi-
dent & Vice President for the United States, were committed to
the Secretary of this Commonwealth, and the Inclosures sealed
up in Town Meeting Subscribed as follows Viz*.
For
John Avery Esqr :
Secretary of the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts
The Number of the Votes for the Town of Boston for a Person
to Represent the. People in the Congress of the United States &
for two Persons as Candidates for an Elector of the President
and Vice President of the United States Certified & Sealed up in
Town Meeting —
Then the Meeting was
Dissolved
[9O.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders & Other Inhabitants
of the Town of Boston, duly qualified & legally warned in pub-
lic Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Monday the
9th of March Anno Domini 1789 — 10 O Clock Fore-noon —
Prayer was made by the Revd : Mr : Montague
Warrant for calling the Meeting - - read
Sundry Laws to be read at this Meeting were accordingly - - -
read
The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw & bring in their
Votes for a Moderator of this Meeting, & the same being brought
in & sorted it Appeared that
The Honble : Samuel Adams Esqr.
was chosen. —
William Cooper
was chosen Town Clerk for the Year ensuing and took the Oath
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1789. 185
of Office for the faithful discharge of his Duty, which Oath was
Administered to him by Ezekiel Price Esqr : As Also the Oath of
Allegiance, which was signed as the Law directs —
The Town having determined by Vote to choose Nine Select-
men the Inhabitants were then directed" to withdraw & bring in
their Votes for that Number ; and the same being brought in and
sorted it Appeared that the following gentlemen Viz*.
[91.] John Scollay Esqr :
Harbottle Dorr Esqr :
Ezekiel Price Esqr :
John Brown Esqr :----- (Dead)
Cap*. Edward Tyler
John Andrews P^sqr :
Thomas Walley Esqr :
Deacon William Boardman
Mr. Ebenezer Seaver
were chose Selectmen for the Year ensuing and had the Oath of
Allegiance Administred to them by the Town Clerk — the same
was also signed by them as the Law directs —
The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their
Votes for Twelve Overseers of the Poor, and the Votes being
brought in and sorted it Appeared that
Jonathan Mason Esqr :
Mr. Samuel Whitwell
John White Esqr :
Edward Procter Esqr.
John Sweetser Esqr.
Jonathan L. Austin Esqr :
Mr. Samuel Parkman
Mr. Edward Edes
Henry Hill Esqr.
Mr. John Codman Junr.
Mr. William Smith
Mr. William Phillips Jur.
were chosen Overseers of the Poor for the Year ensuing
[92.] Votes, for a Treasurer of the County of Suffolk
brought in and counted by the Moderator and Town Clerk,
when it Appeared that the whole Number was two hundred eighty
Six, and that they were all for Thomas Crafts Esqr : A discreet
Suitable Person being a Freeholder, and Resident in the same
County — Mem0 : the Attested Copies dl'd y1. Clerk of Sessions
On a Motion Voted, that the choice of Wardens subside —
The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their
Votes for sixteen Fire Wards and the same having been brought
in and sorted, it Appeared that —
186 CITY DOCUMENT.
William Cooper
Edward Proctor Esqr. - - - - excused
Thomas Tileston
Thomas Melville Esqr.
Jabez Hatch Esqr.
Hon*le : Caleb Davis Esqr.
Joseph Russell Junr. Esqr-
John Winthrop Esqr.
John May Esqr.
Mr. Jacob Rhodes
Samuel Brick Esqr.
M*. Joseph Clarke
Paul Dudley Sergeant Esqr. excused
Thomas Russell Esqr.
Mr. Samuel Parkman
Mr. Daniel Hubbard
were chose Fire Wards for the Year ensuing
[93.] On a Motion Voted, that the Clerk of Faneuil Hall to
be chosen, shall give Bond to the Selectmen, and be sworn to the
faithful discharge of his Trust ; and to Account and Settle with
the Selectmen once a Week —
Voted, that the pay of the Person that shall be chosen the
Clark of Faneuil Hall Market be left to the Selectmen —
The Vote being brought in for a Clerk of Faneuil Hall Market
it appeared that —
Mr. Matthew Nazro
was chosen Clerk of Faneuil Hall Market for the Year ensuing —
Adjourned to 3. O'Clock P. M.
3. O. Clock P. M : Met According to Adjournment —
The Selectmen were chosen surveyors of the High Ways for the
year ensuing —
John White Esqr.
John Sweetser Esqr.
were chose Surveyors of Wheat for the year ensuing
Mess18 : Thomas Green
John Skinner
were chose Assay Masters for the Year ensuing
Messrs : Benjamin White
Samuel Dyer
William Crafts
Andrew Townsend
William Todd
were chose Fence Viewers for the year ensuing
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1789. 187
[94.] Messrs : William Billings
Samuel Bangs
Nathan Green
Thomas Bradlee
Jacob Holland
were chose Sealei'S of Leather for the Year ensuing
Mr. Adam Colson
was chose an Informer of Deer for the Year ensuing.
Messrs : George Hamlin
John Skinner
Francis' Booth
were chose Hogreeves for the ensuing Year —
Messrs : Francis Booth
Cap'. Samuel Ballard — (resigned)
Cap'. John Ballard Senr.
were chosen Haywards for the ensuing Year
On a Motion Voted, that Col° : Crafts be a Committee to revise
the By Law of the Town and be desired to revise the Law relative
to Bulls & Report at the Adjournment —
Voted, that the Selectmen be directed to procure two Bulls, to
go at large on the Common untill the 5th of April next —
Voted, that four per cent be Allowed and hereby is allowed the
Collectors of Taxes for the year ensuing for all such Sums of
Money and public Securities of the Sums committed to them to
Collect within Ten Months from the Receipt of the Tax Books
and three per cent on all such other Sums as shall Afterwards be
Collected also that such Collectors shall give Bond [95.] with
Sufficient Sureties to the Satisfaction of the Selectmen, for the
faithful discharge of their Duty in said Office and complying with
this Vote — and that they will not receive any Premium or Gra-
tuity for discounting Any Order, Note or Receipt from the Treas-
urer of the State, or the Treasurer of the Town —
Messrs : Benjamin Henderson
James Thompson
Thomas Bayley
Charles Williams
were chose Collectors of Taxes for the Year ensuing & qualified
themselves as the Law directs —
Voted, that the Assessors be and hereby are empowered &
directed to set for such Abatement of Taxes as they shall Judge
reasonable, two Days in each Week, After the delivery of the
Tax Bill's to the Collector's for the space of six Weeks and no
188 CITY DOCUMENT.
longer, — Saving that they be Allowed to Set the last Week in
February, Lords Days excepted 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 Com-
monwealth or any other unavoidable hindrance, and that the
Assessors determine upon two said Days which is to be Noted on
the Tax Bills to be delivered to the Inhabitants
Voted, that the Allowance to the Assessors be five shillings ^
Day, for the Time they may set in doing the Business of their
Office —
[96.] Voted, that Mr. William Lowder
Gyles Harris Esqr.
Samuel Ruggles Esqr.
John R. Sigorney
Mr. Edward Davis
were chose Assessors for the Year ensuing & qualified themselves
as the Law directs
Voted, that the
Honble : Thomas Dawes Esqr.
Joseph Russell Junr. Esqr.
Maf. William Bell
Samuel Brick Esqr.
Cap*. James Prince
be a Committee on the Article in the Warrant Viz* : "To con-
sider the Application of John May Esqr : that a Common Shore
may be carried from Boston Neck into the Bay at the Expence of
the Town " —Also the Estimate presented — And said Committee
are desired to make enquiry, how far the Proprietors have com-
plied with the Terms of their Purchase and to Report at the
Adjournment what they shall Judge proper to be done
The Petition of Dr. Joseph Whipple by Cap*. Samuel Laha
relative to improving a house at Rainsford Island, was read
whereupon — Voted that the Petition be granted, and that the
Town do Approve of their request —
[97.] The Petition of Samuel Abbot Esqr : was read, where-
upon —
Voted, that the same be referred to the Committee hereafter to
be Appointed to consider what Sum it is necessary should be
raised for the Expences of the Town and to Report at the Ad-
journment. —
Joseph Barrel declines
Honble : Thomas Dawes Esqr.
Jonathan Mason Senr. Esqr.
Joseph Russell Junr. Esq8.
Thomas Crafts Esqr.
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1789. 189
were then Appointed a Committee to take this Petition and the
State of the Other Creditors of the Town into consideration & to
Report at the Adjournment the Sum necessary to be raised for
the service of the present Year
Also Voted, that the Town Treasurer's Accompts be referred
to said Committee for their examination
Adjourned to Tuesday fortnight 10' OClock Forenoon —
Tuesday the Seventeenth Day of March 10. O'Clock Forenoon,
Met According to Adjournment —
The following Officers were chosen and should have followed
the choice of Fire Wards for Town Treasurer —
Peter Boyer Esqr :
was chosen Treasurer for the Year ensuing who took the Oath of
Office also the Oath of Allegiance and Subscribed the same which
Oath were Administered to him by the Town Clerk —
[98.] The Inhabitants having brought in their Votes for
Twelve Constables upon sorting them it Appeared that —
Messrs : Benjamin Homans
Samuel Whitney
Shubael Hewes
John Bosson
John Butterfield
James Perkins
John Cades
John Mc.Lane ------ declines
Samuel Smith
Henry Crompston
James Williams declines
Edward Wentworth
were chose Constables for the Year ensuing, and were all quali-
fied as the Law directs —
Saving Mr. Mc.Lane &
Mr. James Williams
who decline serving as Noted Above —
The Moderator of this Meeting having Acquainted the Town
by Letter, that the business of the Council then Setting prevented
his Attendance —
The Honble : Thomas Dawes Esqr.
was chosen Moderator of the Meeting Pro. Tern0.
Col°. Proctor, & Col°. Sergeant who were chosen Fire Wards
having declined Serving in that Office —
190 CITY DOCUMENT.
[99.] Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be & hereby are
given to said Gentlemen as also to Mr. John Lowell, Andrew
Symmes Esqr : Mr. Henry Bass & Ebnr. Hancock Esqr. for their
good & faithful service in the Office of Fire Wards a Number of
Years Past
Tbe Inhabitants were directed to withdraw & bring in their
Votes for two Fire Wards, & the same having brought in and
counted it Appeared that
Cap4. John Ballard
Mr. Edward Edes
were chosen —
Mr. William McNeil
John Gray Esqr :
were chose Surveyors of Hemp for the Year ensuing
Messr8 : Henry Blaisdel
John Champney
Benjamin Page
Joshua Bentley
Samuel Dyer
James Rogers
Abraham Hayward
Edmund Ranger
Clement Collens
Moses May
John Cogswell
Benjamin White
were chose Surveyers of Boards & Shingles for the Year ensu-
ing-
Mess18 : Job Wheelwright
Joshua Pico
Thomas Purkett
[1OO.] William Parkman
Lemuel Gardner
Joseph Loring
Thomas Foster
John Bray
Edward Dolbeare
Caleb Hayden
Edward Burt
Manassah Marston
Samuel Harris
John Owen
Samuel Avis
Ebenr : Woodward
David Marston
Arther Langford
were chose Surveyers of Hoops & Staves for the Year ensuing —
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1789. 191
Mr : Edward Jones
was chosen a Hay ward in the Room of Cap1 : Samuel Ballard, who
declined serving —
The Vote for choosing four Clerks of the Market, reconsidered,
& it was Voted that the Matter as to Clerks of the Market, be
referred to the Adjournment
The Report of the Committee on the Petition of Samuel Abbot
Esqr: read whereupon — Voted that when this Meeting is Ad-
journed it shall be to Monday next, 10 O 'Clock A : M : for the
purpose of taking up this Report, and all Money Matters —
The Town Clerk is directed to give Notice thereof to the Town
in all the Public Papers
The Committee relative to Bulls Reported : on Motion said Re-
port was committed to the Committee [1O1.] for revising the
Code of By Laws — who are desired to Report a By Law for the
purpose aforesaid at the Adjournment — Voted that
Joseph Russell Junr. Esqr.
Cap1. James Prince
Majr. William Thompson
be and hereby are Appointed a Committee to Audit the Accompts
of the Town Treasurer & also the Accounts of the Selectmen and
Overseers of the Poor — And to Report as soon as may be —
On a Motion Voted, that it be recommend to the Constables
that they Walk on the Lords Day as Usual in Order to prevent
disorders on that Day
Adjourned Agreeable to the presiding Vote to Monday next
being the 23d. Ins1 : 10 O'Clock A : M.
Monday the 23d March 10 O'Clock A : M : Met According to
Adjournment —
Moved & Voted, to Choose 12 Clerks of the Market, as usual —
The Committee relative to Mr. Abbots Petition, and other
Money Matters, having Reported the Sum Necessary to be
Raised by the Town for to defray the Expences of the Current
Year — It was moved & Voted, that this Report be recommitted
and that said Committee be directed to confer with the Committee
Appointed to Audit the Town Treasurers Accompts, and to Re-
port again at the General Town Meeting in May next. Also
Voted that the said Committee who are Appointed to prepare an
Estimate of the Town Necessary to be raised the Present Year
be a Committee to Consider of the Salaries & [1O2.] Grants
Necessary for the School Masters & Other Salary Men, and that
192 CITY DOCUMENT.
the said Committee Notify the School- Masters, Town Clerk,
Town Treasurer and Other Salary Men who have not had their
pay Voted Them, of their Time of Setting that they may be
heard by said Committee before, they Report thereon to the
Town
The Petition of Paul D. Sergeant Esqr. & Mr. George Make-
peace were read, whereupon Moved & Voted, that said Petition
be committed —
Jonathan Mason Junr :
Honble : Caleb Davis Esqr.
Mr. Joseph May
Honble: Stephen Higginson Esqr.
Majr. William Thompson
and the Committee are Instructed to enquire into the Circum-
stances of the Petitioners, and Report to the Town what they
shall Judge Reasonable and best to be done on those Petitions —
Mr. Bayley One of the Collectors of Taxes for the present Year
having proposed a Check on the Collectors for the Consideration
of the Town — It was moved & Voted, that said proposal be re-
ferred to the Committee on Mr. Seargeants & Mr. Makepeaces
Petition for their Consideration, who are desired to Report to the
Town what they shall Judge best to be done thereon —
Cap*. James Prince
Mr. Samuel Hunt
Mr. Jeremiah Williams
Mr. Benjamin Green Jur.
Mr. David Spear Junr.
Mr. Caleb Blodget
[1O3.] Mr. Joseph Callender Junr.
Mr. Samuel Torrey
Mr. William Morrel
Mr. Thomas Boardman
Col°. Samuel Bradford
Mr. Nathan Bond
Mr. Andrew Oliver
were chose Clerks of the Market for the Year ensuing
Mr. Jacob Bucknam
chosen Hayward for the Year ensuing
Mess18: Joseph Ayres
Josiah Nottage
Majr. Joshua Davis
were chose Surveyors of Boards for the Year ensuing
Voted, that all Matters and Things which shall remain unfin-
ished at this Meeting be referred over to the General Town Meet-
ing in May next —
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1789. 193
Col°. Crafts Appointed for that purpose Reported the follow-
ing, By Law relative to Bulls
It is hereby Ordered that the Selectmen shall cause two or
more good Bulls to be provided, which shall be placed, and be
permitted to go at Large upon the Common, from the first Day
of April to the first Day of November and one or more from the
first Day of November to the first Day of April Yearly & every
year —
And it is hereby Voted, & Ordered that whosoever shall keep
any Cow or Cows going at Large within the Neck of Boston shall
pay into the hands of such Person or Persons as the Selectmen
shall from [1O4.] Time to Time Appoint to receive the same, a
Sum not exceeding Six shillings ^ Annum for each Cow, for the
purpose of keeping two or more Bulls to go at Large on the Com-
mon from the first Day of April to the first Day of November.
And one or more from the first Day of November to the first Day
of April following as the Selectmen shall Order from Year to
Year & for paying the Cow keeper or Person or Persons that shall
be Appointed by the Selectmen to receive said Money — And the
Selectmen are hereby ordered and directed, that some time in the
Month of April A. D. 1789 & every Year hereafter in the Month
of February to Appoint some Person or Persons to receive said
Sum not exceeding Six Shillings, whose Name or Names shall be
published in the News Papers, & every Person having any Cow
or Cows shall Apply to said Person or Persons so Appointed
some time in the Month of April Yearly & pay to him the Sum
so Assessed by the Selectmen, and the Person or Persons so Ap-
pointed are hereby directed to give a Certificate to the Owner of
each Cow shewing that they have paid the Sum so Assessed by
the Selectmen — And the Person or Persons so Appointed by the
Selectmen is hereby ordered & directed to call on every Person
having a Cow or Cows sometime in the Month of May Yearly
who have Neglected to pay unto him the Sums Assessed by the
Selectmen, and have not received a Certificate from him or them
of the payment of the same — And if any Person or Persons
shall have any Cow or Cows which they shall keep in their Pas-
tures or Inclosures & do not Suffer them to go at Large on the
Common, he or they shall pay a Sum not exceeding three Shillings
towards the Bulls ; And if any Cow or Cows shall be found going
on the Common whose Owner has not paid the Sums as Assessed
by the Selectmen not exceeding six Shillings [1O5.] and the
Sum not exceeding three Shillings, and obtained a Certificate of
having so done, such Owner shall forfeit and pay the Sum of
Twelve Shillings, being thereof convicted before any one of the
Justices of the Peace within the County of Suffolk, the same to
be recovered by the Person or Persons impowered by the Select-
men to Collect the Money, and to be employed for and towards
the defraying the Charges Aforesaid —
194 CITY DOCUMENT.
Voted, That all Laws heretofore made respecting Bulls and
Cows be and hereby are Repealed — The aforegoing having been
Read and duly considered — Voted, that the same be Accepted
as a By Law, and that the Selectmen be desired to present it
to the Next Court of General Sessions of the Peace for their
Approbation
Then the Meeting was
Dissolved —
[1O6.] At a Meeting of the Male Inhabitants of the Town
of Boston of Twenty One Years of Age and upwards, qualified
as the Constitution prescribes, and legally warned in public Town
Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Monday the 6 Day of
April Anno Domini 1789 —
Prayer was made by the Revd. Mr : West —
Warrant for calling the Meeting — read —
Paragraph of the Constitution or Frame of Goverment, relative
to the choice of Governor, and Senators — also — read
It was declared by the Selectmen that no Votes, would be re-
ceived but such as are unfolded, and that they propose the Poll
should be closed at One O'Clock — & the Votes to be received
at the Table —
On a Motion Voted, that the Bells in the Town be set a Toll-
ing half an hour before one O'Clock —
Persons Voted for as GOVERNOR with the Number of Votes for
each Person Viz* :
Votes
His Excellency John Hancock Esqr. - - - 1265
Hon le: James Bowdoin Esqr. 569
Honble : Samuel Adams Esqr. 1
Persons Voted for as Liev*. Governor with the Number of
Votes for each Person Viz1.
Votes
Honble . Samuel Adams Esqr. 1219
Honble . Benjamin Lincoln Esqr. ... - 617
His Excellency John Hancock Esqr. - - - 1
Mr. John Richardson Junr - 1
[1O7.] Persons Voted, for as Senators for the County of
Suffolk with the Number of Votes for each Person — Viz*.
Votes
Honble: Samuel Adams Esqr. 1808
Honble: William Phillips Esqr. 1823
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1789. 195
Votes
Honble : Cotton Tuffet Esqr - 1 789
Honble: Steven Metcalf Esq 669
Honble: Thomas Dawes Esqr. 1820
Honble : Elijah Dunbar Esqr. 494
Honble: William Heath Esqr. 1144
Honble: Benjamin Austin Jur. Esq. - - - 1184
John Read Esqr. 177
Honble : John Lowell Esq. 3
Charles Jarvis Esqr. ----..._ 9
Honble : Richard Cranch Esqr. 8
Honble : Caleb Davis Esqr. 1
Jonathan Mason Esqr. ---_... 5
Honble : Oliver Wendell Esqr. 1
Mr. John Richardson Jur. ------ 1
Mr. Palfrey Collins 2
Mr. Abraham Fuller 2
Honble : Samuel Nyles Esqr. 2
Honble : Benjamin Lincoln Esqr. - - - - 3
Honble : Jabez Fisher Esqr. 3
Attested Copies of the
Persons Voted for as Governor, Liev*. Governor and Senators
for the County of Suffolk, were committed to the Secretary of
this Commonwealth, and the Inclosures Sealed up in Town Meet-
ing Subscribed as follows Viz*.
[1O8.] For
John Avery Esq
Secretary of the Commonwealth
of
Massachusetts.
The Number of Votes for the Town of Boston for a Governor
Liev* : Governor and six Senators for the County of Suffolk Cer-
tified within and sealed up in Town Meeting
Then the Meeting was
Dissolved
[1O9.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabi-
tants of the Town of Boston duly qualified and legally warned in
public Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Tuesday the
12th Day of May A : D : 1789 — 10 O Clock A: M
Prayer was made by the Rev4. Dr. Stillman
Warrant for calling the Meeting - - read
That part of the Constitution or Frame of Goverment which
relates to the choice of Representatives, read —
196 CITY DOCUMENT.
Sundry Laws to be read at said Meeting or part of them were
accordingly - - read
The Town having determined to Choose 'Seven Persons to
Represent them in the General Court of Massachusetts to be held
at the State House in Boston on the last Wednesday of May
Current, Agreeable to the Constitution or Frame of G-overment
for the Massachusetts — The Inhabitants were directed to with-
draw & bring in their Votes for Seven Representatives and there
it was declared by the Selectment that no Votes would be re-
ceived but such as are unfolded, and that they propose the Poll
should be closed at | past 12 O 'Clock
The Votes being brought in for Seven Representatives, the
Number of the same were found to be six hundred fifty Eight
and upon sorting them it Appeared that the following Gentlemen
were Chosen by a majority of Votes Viz*.
Votes
[11O.] (resigned) Honhle: Oliver Wendell Esqr. - - 621
Samuel Brick Esqr. 648
Jonathan Mason Esqr. ... - 659
Charles Jarvis Esqr. ------ 625
John Winthrop Esqr. - ... 337
Thomas Dawes Junr. Esqr. - - - 656
Thomas Russell Esqr. 654
A Letter of Thomas Russell Esqr. Acquainting the Town that
he declined serving as Representative - was read —
Dr. Jarvis being in Town Meeting Acquainted the Town that
he declined Serving as a Representative —
Moved and Voted, that the consideration of these declinations
& how the Town will proceed thereon be referred to 3. O Clock
P: M:
Adjourned to 3 : O 'Clock P : M :
3. O'Clock P : M : Met According to Adjournment
A Letter from Thomas Dawes Jur. Acquainting the Town that
he declined Serving as a Representative.
Adjourned this Meeting for the Choice of Representatives to
Thursday next 10. O'Clock
It was then Moved & Voted, that the Town now come to the
Choice of a Moderator by a Hand Vote, in order to Transact the
other Affairs mentioned in the Warrant —
The Honble : Thomas Dawes Esqr. was chosen Moderator.
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1789. 197
The Petition of Mr. Samuel Davis that the Town would Lease
him a Piece of Land" —was read, whereupon Voted, that this
Petition be reserved to the Selectmen for consideration who are
desired to Report at the Adjournment of this Meeting —
[111.] The Report of the Committee to Audit the Town
Treasurers Accompts — was read — whereupon the Question was
put — Whether said Report shall be Accepted — Passed in the
Affirmative — the Report is as follows — Viz*.
The Committee on the Town Treasurer's Accounts Report that
upon examination thereof, they Appear to be methodically stated
& regularly kept — Also that the Sums charged in the Towns
Account Current from the 8th of March 1788 to the 7th of March
1 789 — as rendered by the Town Treasurer are Authorized by
proper documents & Vouchers —
The Sums Charged are as follows — For disco' : of £710 —
Paper Money charged in the Towns Books to Col°. Andrew
Symmes, which he Applied in payment of bounty to Soldiers in
July 1778 £167 ,, 1 ,, 2
For purchase of £1190 ,, 5 ,, 6 in Army ^
Notes, at the rate of 8/ for20/to discharge
Arrears of Taxes Assess 'd on the Town, I ._fi 1 ,.
for the Commonwealth, being of Abate-
ments thereupon in the Year 1785, 6, 7
& 8
For Abatements From a Town Tax Assessed
1787 1258 ,, 6 ,, 8
For payments of Interest on Debts of the
Town - - 429 ,, 7 ,, H
For payments of Notes issued by D Jeffries,
former Treasurer --- 24,, 12, ,4
For 12 Drafts of the
Selectmen - - - 4419 ,, 14 ,, H^-
12 Drafts of the Over-
seers of the Poor - 2581 ,, 14 ,, lOf
7001 9 ,, 10J
Total £9356 ,, 18 ,, 7f
The Sums passed to the Credit of the Town, are as follows —
For Errors in Drafts &c £16 ,, 10 ,, 2
Fines received 4 , , 4 , ,
Dues received from J Cunningham & Town ") 1Q7 -.„ ,,,
ofWilbraham \ ' " 16 " b*
Money received for a Tomb £7 ,, 10/ for) .q 1f.
Battery Wharf £36 } " "
Quit Rents received 7, ,4,, —
Rents received for Towns Estate Leased out 425 ,, 15 ,, 9
198 CITY DOCUMENT.
Income of ye. Market - 148,, 9,, 3£
For a Tax Assessed on the Inhabitants 10th ) 7Qnn
Septemr:1788 j /y( U "
Total £8683 ,, 6 ,, 9
£8683 ,, 6 ,, 9
Surmount of Charges Above the
Eeceipts & Tax 673 ,, 11 ,, 10f
£9356 ,, 18 ,, 7f
Besides the Above Deficiency of £673 ,, 11 ,, lOf
there will be a Large deduction from the Tax of 1788 for Abate-
ments and Charge of Collections and the further sum of £3604 ,,
16/ — will become due in the course of this Year 1789 for Inter-
est on Notes issued by the Town Treasurer for Debts of the
Town Amounting to £13481 ,, 16 ,, 11 J
All which is Submitted
Boston May 11th. 1789. J. Prince
The Committee Appointed to Report an Estimate of the Sum
Necessary to be raised by the Town for the Expences of the
present Year Reported Accordingly whereupon
Voted, That4he Sum of One hundred & fifty Pounds be allowed
& paid unto Mr. Samuel Hunt for his Salary the present Year the
same to commence the 1st. of March last and to be paid him
Quarterly as it shall become due -
Voted, that Mr. Nathan Davis have the like Sum, to be paid in
like manner &c
reconsidered
Voted, that the sum of One hundred & forty five Pounds, be
paid to Mr. John Tileston for his Salary as Master of the North
Writing School to commence the I8t. of March last and to be paid
him Quarterly as it shall become due — And the said Sum was
likewise Granted to each of the Other Writing Masters &c. in
like Manner &c. reconsidered
Voted, that Mr. John Tileston and the Other Writing Masters
of the Town Schools who have families be allowed for House
Rent the present year the Sum of thirty Pounds each, the same
to be paid them Quarterly as it shall become due and to commence
the 1st. of March last —
[113.] Adjourned to Tuesday next 10 O'Clock A : M : -
Thursday the 14th Day of May 10 O'Clock A: M : Met Ac-
cording to Adjournment for the Choice of Representatives —
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1789. 199
Selectmen Preside
A Letter from the Honble : Oliver Wendell Esqr: declining an
Acceptance of the trust of a Representative — was read —
Moved that there be a re-consideration of the Vote passed the
12 Ins1: for the Choice of Seven Representatives — And the
Question being accordingly put — Passed in the Negative —
Moved & Voted, that 3'O Clock P : M : be assigned for the
Choice of four Representatives in the Room of those Gentlemen
chosen who have declined Serving the Trust — & that the Poll be
closed at 5 O 'Clock —
Col°. Dawes then took the Chair
Moved that the Town now reconsider the Vote passed the 12
Ins*, for granting Salaries to the several School Masters, and
that it be left to the Gentelmen Selectmen to Affix Salaries for
the Masters & Ushers and all Other Matters, relative to the
School Masters & Ushers of the Public Schools for the Time to
Come — After debate the Question being Accordingly put —
Passed in the Affirmative
Adjourned to 3 O'Clock P : M :
3 O'Clock P : M : Met according to Adjournment
Selectmen Preside
[114.] The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring
in their Votes for four Representatives and the same being
brought in Sorted & Counted, the whole number was found to be
386 and the same being sorted it appeared that the four following
Gentlemen were chosen by a Majority of Votes — Viz*
Votes
(Resigned) Honble: James Bowdoin Esqr. 232
Christopher Gore Esqr. - - - - 321
Henry Hill Esqr. 215
Dr. William Eustis 221
Adjourned to £ Past 6. O'Clock
5. O'Clock P : M : Met according to Adjournment
Col°. Dawes in the Chair
The Report of the Committee to prepare an Estimate of Ex-
pences & again read — whereupon it was moved that the Vote
passed on Tuesday last "granting Salaries &c to the School
200 CITY DOCUMENT.
Masters and that this and other Matters relative to the School
Masters be left to the Selectmen " be now reconsidered — After
debate had thereon the Question was accordingly put for a recon-
sideration — Passed in the Negative
Voted, that Peter Boyer Esqr. be Allowed and paid the Sum of
One hundred and Twenty Pounds for his services as Treasurer
the present Year, the same to be paid him Quarterly as it shall
become due, and to commence the 1 March last
Voted, that William Cooper be allowed and paid the Sum of
One hundred & Twenty Pounds for his services as Town Clerk
the ensuing year, the same to be paid him Quarterly as it shall
become due " and to commence the first of March Last
[115.] Voted, that the Selectmen publish a List of Salaries,
paid by the Town, in the several News Papers
On a Motion Voted, that the Above Vote be now reconsidered —
Voted, that the Sum of Ten thousand three hundred & Twenty
Pounds be raised by a Tax to be Assessed on the Polls and
Estates of the Inhabitants of this Town, to defray the Expences
of the Current Year —
Adjourned to to Morrow 10 O'Clock A : M
May 15th. — 10. O'Clock A: M: Met According to Adjourn-
ment—
The Selectmen Preside
Adjourned to 11. O'Clock, then to come to the Choice of a
Representative in the Room of Mr. Bowdoin who has resigned —
And it was declared by the Selectmen, the Poll will be Closed at
12 O Clock — Mr. Bowdoins Letter of resignation read —
The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw & bring in their
Votes for one Selectman in the Room of John Brown Esqr. lately
deceased — And the Votes being brought in it Appeared that —
Jabez Hatch Esqr.
was chosen a Selectman, unanimously
The Selectmen a Committee on the Petition of Mr. Samuel
Daw, that a Piece of the Towns Land near the Common might be
rented to him — Reported Verbally — That in their Opinion it
would not be for the Interest of the Town to grant the Petition —
And that the Petitioner have leave to withdraw sd : Petition — the
Question being put passed in the Affirmative
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1789. 201
[116.] David Townsend Junr. chosen a Surveyor of Boards
for the Year ensuing —
Adjourned to 12. O'Clock Noon
Selectmen preside
The Inhabitants were directed — to withdraw and bring in their
Votes for one Representative in the room of the Honble : James
Bowdoin Esqr. who has declined the Trust — And the Votes
being brought in and counted, the whole Number was found to be
703 — And the same being sorted it Appeared, that
Charles Jarvis Esqr :
was chosen by a Majority of Votes.
Col° : Dawes in the Chair
Mr. Philip Jarvis
Mr. Joseph Scott
were chose Clerks of the Market for the Year ensuing —
Moved & Voted, that the Sum of Two Thousand Pounds be
Appropriated out of the present Tax for the Use of the Alms-
house — and that there be a Column for the same, in the Tax Bills
to be Issued —
Moved & Voted, That the Sum of Thirty Six hundred Pounds
be Appropriated out of the past & present Tax for the payment
of Interest to the Creditors of the Town —
A Vote of Thanks was moved & carried to the Committee to
prepare an Estimate of Expences for their good services as a
Committee
Adjourned to Wednesday next the 20th of May Ins1. 10'
O'Clock. A : M —
[117.] Wednesday the 20m of May Ins4 : 10. O'Clock A : M :
met According to Adjournment —
Joseph Whittemore
was chosen, a Culler of Staves for the ensuing Year
On the Report of the Committee to Estimate the Sum Neces-
sary to be raised for the Expences of the Current Year —
Voted, that the Article in said Report relative to the removal
of Scholars of the North Grammar School. And Mr. Cheneys
Scholars to North Grammar School be inserted in the Warrant
for the Next General Town Meeting to be called —
202 CITY DOCUMENT.
The Report of the Committee on the Petition of Col°. Sargents,
read & considered, whereupon
Voted, that on Account of the present distressed circumstances
of the Petitioners the Town Treasurer be directed, after he shall
have obtained Judgement upon the suit now Instituted Against
the said Sergeant, upon the payment of the Costs of the same,
and the Dividend from the said Parkers Estate to suspend taking
Execution on said Judgement untill the further Order of the
Town-
The Report of the same Committee on the Petition of Mr.
George Makepeace was also read and considered whereupon —
Voted, that the Town Treasurer be directed After he shall have
Obtained Judgement upon the suit now depending against the said
Makepeace, upon paying of the Costs of the same also the [118.]
dividend from the said Parkers Estate & the further Sum of One
hundred & fifty Pounds, towards the discharge of the Judgement
aforesaid to Suspend taking out execution on said Judgement
until the further Order of the Town —
The Report of the said Committee on Mr. Bayleys proposal,
was also read & considered whereupon —
Voted, that the Assessors call upon the different Collectors in
the Month of February in each Year & examine the Lists com-
mitted to them together, with their Receipt from the different
Treasurers & Report to the Town an accurate statement thereof
at their Annual Meeting in March previous to the Choice of Col-
lectors for the Year then next ensuing —
The Article in the AY arrant relative to the Wreck near the
North Battery, read & considered whereupon —
Voted, that the Selectmen be directed to take the most effectual
measures, that the Persons who Purchased the Wreck, remove the
same immediately and if need be to commence Suits at Law for
said purpose
On a Motion Voted, that the Committee to Revise the By Laws
of the Town be desired to make Report at the next General
Town Meeting —
Voted, that the Selectmen be a Committee to Visit the Public
Schools the ensuing Year —
The Committee appointed to consider the Application of John
May Esqr : that a Common Shore may be carried from Boston
Neck into the Bay & make [119.] enquiry how far. the pro-
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1789. 203
prietors of said Neck have complied with the terms of their pur-
chase & Report — have Attended that service & take leave to
Report —
That it is not for the Intrest of the Town, or the Proprietors
that a Common Shore should be made as Applied for — The said
Proprietors conceive they have fulfilled their Contract with the
Town on their part, so far as the Town have enabled them to do —
Many of the Trees set out having failed, and three years Allowed
by the Contract to replace them, they have made provision for
the replacing them this Season — The Proprietors did not give
leave for the breaking up the Ground, for making Brick on the
Neck, until the Selectmen gave their consent; and when they
found it disagreable to the Inhabitants, directed the Brickmakers
to desist ; and have ordered the Ground to be levelled —
With regard to the filling up & Repairing the sides of the Way,
the Proprietors do not conceive themselves, held by the Contract
to do it, solely at their Expence, & are willing that Indifferent
Persons, should Judge between them and the Town concerning
this business —
The Committee on hearing the Parties, give it as their Opinion,
in order to end the Contest, and that the Ways may be made pass-
able, that there be Three, or Five Persons, mutually chosen by
the Selectmen and Proprietors, heare them upon the Subject and
determine what shall be done and by whom as soon as may be all
which is Submitted
Thomas Dawes
f Order
[12O.] The aforegoing Report having been read, and Debate
had thereon — The Question was put — Whether said Report
shall be Accepted — Passed in the Affirmative —
Robert Hodge
Chosen a Culler of Hoops & Staves for'the Year ensuing —
On the Representation of the Assessors relative to the Requi-
sitions in Form of Law made upon them by the State Treasurer —
Voted, that the Selectmen be requested to prefer a Petition to
the General Court Agreeable to the said Representation —
On the Petition of the Assessors that an Additional Grant may
be made them for reasons set forth in said Petition —
Voted, that one shilling ^ Day be Added to the Grant of five
Shillings ^ Day each Assessor, in March last making in the
whole Six shillings ^ Day for their services in said Office, being
the same sum they had last Year
204 CITY DOCUMENT.
Voted, that all Matters & Things which shall remaine unfin-
ished at this Meeting be referred over to the Next General Town
Meeting that shall be called —
Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be & hereby are given to
the Honble : Thomas Dawes Esqr : Moderator for his good services
in dispatching the Business of the Meeting —
Then the Meeting was
dissolved —
[121.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants
of the Town of Boston duly qualified & legally warned in public
Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall Saturday the 4th Day
of July A. D. 1789 - - 9 O Clock A : M. - -
Warrant for calling the Meeting ... read
William Cooper. —
was chosen Moderator by a Hand Vote. —
The Committee appointed the last Year to make choise of a
Gentleman to deliver an Oration on the Anniversary of Independ-
ence.
Reported,
That they had made choice of the Rev4. Dr. Stillman
for the purpose aforesaid
On a Motion Voted that the Oration be delivered at the Stone
Chapel 11. oClock A. M. leave having been obtained therefor —
Voted, that the Gentleman Selectmen acquaint Dr. Stillman.
with this Vote
The Meeting was then adjourned to the Stone Chapel 11.
O Clock A M.
AN ORATION
to commemorate the Independence of the United States was de-
livered by the Revd. Dr. Stillman at the Stone Chapel to a large
and crowded Assembly
Voted, — that the Selectmen be and hereby are appointed a
Committee to wait on the Revd. [122.] Dr. Stillman and in the
Name of the Town to thank him for the spirited & elegant Ora-
tion this Day delivered by him at the request of the Town upon
the Anniversary of the Independence of the United States of
America in which according to the Institution of the Town he
considered the feelings manners and principles which led to that
great National Event, And to request a Copy thereof for the
Press.
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1789. 205
On a Motion Voted, that the Gentleman the Selectmen be and
hereby are appointed a Committee to apply to some one learned
& able Gentleman to Deliver an Oration on the 4th. of July A. D.
1789, that Day being the Anniversary of the Independence of the
United States of America' wherein the Orator is to consider the
feelings, manners & principles, which led to this great National
Event ; as well as the important & happy effects whether general
or domestic which have already and will forever continue to flow
from that Auspicious Epoch.
Then the Meeting was
dissolved. —
At a Meeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston duly qualified and legally warned in public Town
Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Monday the 23 Day of
September A D 1789. 10 O Clock before noon. —
Warrant for calling Meeting ... read.
[123.] Honble: Thomas .D awes Esqr.
chosen Moderator by a hand Vote. —
The Article in the Warrant. Viz*.
" To consider the proposals of a large number of the respectable
Inhabitants of the Town, for the Instruction of the Youth of
both Sexes, and for reforming the present System of public
Education - ... read as were also the Proposals laid
before the Town. —
whereupon moved &
Voted, that said Proposals be considered
paragraph by paragraph . —
The first paragraph was accordingly read & considered ; and
the same accepted unanimously the 2d paragraph read & accepted
3d paragraph read & accepted 4th paragraph read & accepted 5th
paragraph read & considered & Voted that the whole be taken
out of the proposals. 6th paragraph read and Voted that the same
be passed over. —
7th. paragraph - - read, — and accepted. —
It was then Moved & Voted, that the aforegoing propositions
be referred to a Committee of Twelve persons to be chosen out of
each Ward.
Ward
Voted, that Mr. Alexander Hill 1
William Thompson Esqr - - - 2
Revd. Dr. Elliot 3
Deacon Sharp --•--.. 4.
Dr. William Eustis 5
Deacon Boardman 6
206 CITY DOCUMENT.
Dr. Simeon Howard - - - - 7
Dr. Aaron Dexter 8
His Honor Sam1. Adams Esqr. ... 9
jjonbie. Stephen Higginson Esqr. - - 10
[124.] Revd. John Clark 11
Revd. Sam1. West 12
be a Committee for the purpose aforesaid and to consider the
subject of Education at large & Report at the Adjournment - - -
The other Article in the Warrant Viz*. Whether application
shall be made to the General Court for alterations to be made in
an Act determining what transactions shall be Necessary to con-
stitute the Settlement of a Citizen in any particular Town - - -
.read whereupon.
Voted, that said Article be referred for consideration to a Com-
mittee, to Report at the Adjournment
Voted that the
Gentlemen the Selectmen be a Com-
mittee for the purpose aforesaid
Adjourned to Thursday the 15. Day of October next 3.
O Clock P. M. —
Thursday the 15. Day of October 1789. 3 O Clock P. M. Met
according to Adjournment.
The Selectmen, a Committee for the purpose Reported the
draught of a Petition to the General Court for alterations in an
Act determining what transactions shall be necessary to consti-
tute the settlement of a Citizen in any particular Town and the
same having been read & Approved of by the Town. It was
moved &
Voted, that the [125.] Gentleman the Selectmen be
directed to sign the Petition in behalf of the Town, and to pre-
sent the same to the General Court, at their next Session
The Committee relative to the Schools. — Reported, and the
same having been read - - It was Moved & Voted, that the
Report be considered, paragraph by paragraph. - - -
1st. paragraph read. — when it was moved to refer the consid-
eration of the Report to March Meeting And the Question being
put, passed in the Negative And a Motion was then made to
refer the consideration for a Month, which motion was also
Negatived . —
It was then moved & Voted to Adjourn this Meeting, to the
next Morning 10. O Clock. —
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1789. 207
Friday the 16. of October. 10 O'Clock A. M. Town met ac-
cording to Adjournment.
The Report of the Committee relative to a new arangement of
the Schools, was again read, and then considered by paragraphs
- - - It was moved that the debate subside, Upon information
given the Town that the President of the United States was like
O
soon to Honor this Metropolis with a Visit. — It was moved &
Voted, that a Committee be now chosen, to consider & Report
what they shall Judge to be the best to express the Respects of
the Town to President Washington. —
Voted that
The Honble. 'Caleb Davis Esqr.
William Eustis Esqr.
Honble . Stephen Higginson Esqr.
be a Committee for the purpose aforesaid. —
[126.] The above Committee Reported — Viz1.
That the Selectmen be directed to wait on the President of the
United States on his arrival, to present to him the respects of the
Town to express the high sense they entertain of the great &
illustrious services he has rendered this Country. And the heart
felt satisfaction which the Citizens have in the Honor of his
Visit. —
The Committee submit to the consideration of the Town, the
propriety of evidencing their Affection & respect to the President
by any other provision which they shall Judge proper —
The first part of this Report having been considered, It was
moved &
Voted, that a Committee be appointed to prepare a Congratu-
latory Address to ye. President of the United States to be laid
before the Town for their consideration, at the Adjournment of
this Meeting.
Voted, that Charles Jarvis Esqr.
William Eustis Esqr.
Nath1. Appleton
Honble . Stephen Higginson Esqr.
Honble . Thomas Dawes Esqr. Moderator
be a Committee for the purpose aforesaid . —
Adjourned to 3. O Clock P. M. -
3 O Clock P. M. Town met. —
208 CITY DOCUMENT.
The 2d part of the Report of the Committee, relative to any
further way of expressing their respect and Affection for Presi-
dent Washington was read. — and after some consideration - -
It was moved and [127.] Voted, that the debate thereon, shall
subside
The Report of the Committee for reforming the present system
of public education in Boston & making a new arrangment of the
Schools and again considered by paragraphs, and amended & the
Question was then put Whether the Report as thus amended be
accepted, passed in the Affirmative about 140
present.
A Motion made was -adopted by the Town Viz*. That when
this Meeting is adjourned it shall be to Tuesday next 10. O Clock
A. M. being the 20. Instant, in order to choose the Committee of
Twelve who are to be Join'd with the Selectmen to carry the new
System of education which has been adopted by the Town into
operation - - - and that the Inhabitants be notified hereof
in the public Prints. —
The Report of the above Committee as laid before the Town
by their Chairman William Thompson Esqr. and as amended &
accepted in Town Meeting is as follows Viz*.
The Committee to whom was referred the propositions for re-
forming the present System of public Education in Boston, Re-
port & offer the following Plan & Arrangment - - Viz*.
Propositions for reforming the present System of public Edu-
cation in Boston.
1st. That that there be one School in which the rudiments of
the latin & greek languages shall be taught, and Scholars fully
qualified for the Universities. That all Candidates for admission
into this School, shall be at least ten years of Age [128.] having
been previously well instructed in English Grammar, that they
shall continue it not longer than four years, and that they have
liberty to attend the public Writing Schools at such hours as the
Visiting Committee shall direct. —
2d Second That there be one Writing School at the South part
of the Town, one at the centre and one at the North part ; that
in those Schools the Children of both Sexes be taught writing &
also arithmetic in the various branches usually taught in the Town
Schools, including vulgar & decimal fractions —
3d. Third, That there be one Reading School at the South part
of the Town, one at the Centre, one at the North part, that in
these Schools the Children of both Sexes, be taught to spell
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1789. 209
accent and read both prose & verse, and also be instructed in
English Grammar & Composition. —
4. Fourth - - That the Children of both Sexes be admitted
into the reading & writing Schools at the age of Seven Years,
having previously received the Instructions usual at Womens
School that they be allowed to continue in the reading & writing
Schools until the Age of fourteen, the Boys attending the Year
round ; the Girls from the 20th. of April to the 20th. of October
following — that they attend these Schools alternately at such
times & subject to such changes as the Visiting Committee in
consultation with the Masters, shall approve. —
5 . Fifth. That the Committee be annually chosen by ballot to
consist of twelve in addition to the Selectmen, whose business it
shall be to Visit [129.] the Schools once in every Quarter, and
as much oftener as they shall Judge proper with three of their
number at least, to consult together in order to devise the best
Methods for the Instruction & Government of the Schools and to
communicate the result of their determinations to the Masters ;
to determine at what hours the Schools shall begin, and to appoint
play Days in their Visitations, to enquire into the particular regu-
lations of the Schools both in regard to Instruction & Discipline,
and give such advice to the Masters as they shall think proper, to
examine the Scholars in the particular branches which they are
taught, and by all proper Methods to excite in them a laudable
ambition to excel in a virtuous, amiable deportment and in every
branch of useful knowledge. —
The Committee recommend the following Arrangment of the
Schools, to the acceptance of the Town .... Viz*.
1st. That the School House in pleasant Street now occupied by
Mr. Ticknor, be the South Reading School until a further provi-
sion be made by a new Building. —
2d. That the School House in West Street now occupied by Mr.
Vinal, be the South Writing School.
3d. That a Building be hired for a reading School near the Centre
of the Town . —
4th. That the School House in School Street now occupied by Mr.
Hunt be the School for Instruction in the Latin & Greek Lan-
guages. —
5th. That the School House in Tremont Street now occupied by
Mr. Carter, be the Central Writing School.
6th. That the Building in Middle Street [13O.] now occupied
by Mr. Cheney, be retained for the North Writing School. —
210 CITY DOCUMENT.
7th. That the School House in Love Street in which Mr. Tileston
now teaches, be continued for the North Writing School, and
that the North Latin School House nearly contiguous be annexed
to it in order to accomodate Writing Scholars, should their num-
ber be greater than the former House will conveniently contain. —
The Committee further inform the Town that the Rent of a
Building for a Reading School in the Centre of the Town and the
charge of making some small alterations in the North Writing
School house, will be the only extra expence necessarily incurred
by this Plan & Arrangement, whilst the great & obvious advan-
tages which may be derived from them to the Youth in general,
and to the Female Sex in particular would abundantly compen-
sate & Justify a far greater expence. —
The meeting stands Adjourned to Tuesday the 20th. of Octo-
ber Ins1. 10. O Clock A. M.
Tuesday the 20. October 10. O Clock. A. M. Met according to
Adjournment.
Moved & Voted, That a Committee be now appointed to Join
the Selectmen in devising the most suitable ways for the Inhabi-
tants of this Town to express their affection & respect to Presi-
dent Washington, and the sense they have of the honor done
them by his Visit to this Metropolis, and that this Committee
consist of Thirteen Persons. —
[131.] The following Gentleman were accordingly chosen
Viz*.
The Honble . James Sullivan (excused)
Paul Revere Esqr.
Honble . Stephen Higginson Esqr.
Honble . Caleb Davis Esqr.
Samuel Breck Esqr.
Joseph Barrell Esqr.
William Tuder Esqr.
William Eustis Esqr.
John Lucas Esqr.
Cap*. Mungo Mackay
Mr. Joseph Clark
Mr. Elisha Sigorney
Mr. James Prince
Mr. Benjamin Russell
Voted, that the above Committee be desired to procure Sub-
scriptions to defray the expence that may be incurred — also.
Voted, that the Magistrates and Peace Officers of the Town be
requested, to attend at the entry of the President, in order to
preserve Peace & prevent disorders. —
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1789. 211
The Committee to prepare an Address to be presented the
President of the United States by the Gentlemen the Selectmen
Reported a Draught which being read & considered was accepted
by the Town, but on Motion was recommitted that such gram-
matical alterations, might be made as the Committee might Judge
proper. —
On Motion Voted that the
Honble . Thomas Dawes Esqr. the Moderator of the
Meeting be added to said Committee
[132.] A Vote having passed before the last Adjournment
that at this Meeting there should be chosen by ballot a Committee
of twelve who in addition to the Selectmen are to carry the new
System of Education which has been adopted by the Town into
operation — the Inhabitants were directed to withdraw & bring in
their Votes accordingly, and the same having been brought in
and sorted, it appeared that only eleven Persons were chosen
Vizt*.
Honble . Thomas Dawes Esqr.
Revd. Samuel West
Revd. Dr. Lothrop
Revd. James Freeman
John Coffin Jones Esqr.
Dr. Thomas Welch
Dr. Nath1. W. Appleton
Jonathan Mason Junr. Esqr.
Dr. Aaron Dexter Esqr.
Christopher Gore Esq.
George B. Minot Esqr.
The Inhabitants were then directed to withdraw and bring in
their Votes for one Person wanted to complete the number of
said Committee and the same having been brought in and sorted
it appeared that
William Tuder Esqr.
was chosen. —
Then the Meeting was
dissolved. —
[133.] The following Address of the Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston, to the President of the United States of
America was agreeable to a Vote of the Town at their late Meet-
ing, this Day presented him by the Selectmen. — Viz1.
Sir
We beg leave to express our Happiness in the Honor you confer
upon us by a Visit to this Capital.
We are happy in the opportunity of again making our personal
Acknowledgements to a Character, to which, on every Principle,
212 CITY DOCUMENT.
we are so deeply indebted, Every Motive of Esteem, Duty &
Affection have conspired to form in our Minds the strongest
'Attachment that the freest People can feel to the most deserving
Citizen. —
As Men we have long since considered }7ou under God as the
great & glorious Avenger of the violated Eights of Humanity —
As Citizens we have observed with peculiar Satisfaction, that you
have invariably respected those Liberties which you have so suc-
cessfully defended. - - And as Inhabitants of a great
Commercial Town we attribute the Security we enjoy to the
singular Merit & Success of those Measures in the Progress of
the War, which You had the Honor to conduct. —
It cannot but afford you the highest Pleasure, when you com-
pare our present situation with the signal Distresses to which we
were exposed during the Period in which this Town was in the
Possession of an exasperated Enemy. Indignant at the multi-
plied Restraints of hostile Domination, we [134.] sought an
Asylum among our Friends & Connections in the Country, and
cheerfully abandoned our Prosperity and Possessions in the Com-
mon Cause of America. That we were so so'on happily reinstated,
may be justly imputed to the Wisdom of those Arrangements,
which compelled our Invaders, in their Retreat, to adopt a less
destructive Policy than that which on other Occasions they so
wantonly practised ; In every trying Viscissitude we have re-
marked the conspicuous and unaffected Piety of your Heart &
the Wisdom & Moderation of your Councils. —
We have seen you relinquish the Ease & Independence of
private Fortune to lead in the untried Dangers of a War at the
Risk of your Life & Reputation. With pleasure we have viewed
you retiring in Victory & exhibiting a new Example of Patriotic
Virtue to an admiring World : And we now feel a still higher
Satisfaction, at your having once more Sacrificed the Sweets of
Domestic Retirement in Obedience to the United Voice of your
Countrymen. —
These, Sir, are the Sentiments & Reflections which naturally
occur on an attentive Consideration of your past Conduct. To
the future we look for those Virtues which adorn the Man and
mark the wise and accomplished Legislator We anticipate from
your Discernment the happy Union of Liberty & Law, Lenity &
Vigor, Mercy & Justice The enlightened Policy of a Mind calm
amidst the Influence of Power and uncorrupted by the fascinat-
ing Allurements of Avarice or Ambition. —
With these Impressions the Preservation of [135.] your Life
through the varied Scenes in which you have been engaged De-
mands our grateful Acknowledgements to the Beneficent Disposer
of Human Events.
It is one of the first Wishes of our Hearts that you may be as
happy in your present elevated Station, as you have been Dis-
tinguished in your Military Character, and it is our fervent
Prayer to the Almighty Ruler of the Universe that the Invisible
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1790. 213
Hand which led the Citizens of America through the Dangers &
Calamities of War, may still guard & protect you as an Orna-
ment to Human Nature and a Blessing to your Country. —
The following is the Reply of the President of the United
States to the aforegoing Address. Viz*.
To the Inhabitants of the Town of Boston
Gentlemen
The obligations which your goodness has imposed
upon me, demand my grateful and receive my sincere acknowl-
edgements — Your esteem does me honor, and your Affection
communicates the truest pleasure — by endeavoring to deserve,
I will indulge the hope of retaining them. —
Over-rating my services, you have ascribed consequences to
them, in which it would be injustice to deny a participation to the
virtue and firmness of my worthy fellow Citizens of this respect-
able Town and Commonwealth. - - -
If the exercise of my military commission has contributed to
vindicate the rights of humanity, and to secure the freedom &
happiness of my Country, the purpose for which it was assumed
has been completed [136.] and I am amply rewarded - - -
If in the prosecution of my civil duties, I shall be so fortunate as
to meet the wishes of my Fellow Citizens, and to promote the
advantage of our common Interests, I shall not regret the Sacri-
fices, which you are pleased to mention in terms so obliging.
The numerous sensations of heartfelt satisfaction which a re-
view of past scenes affords to my mind, in a comparison of the
present happy hour, are far beyond my powers of utterance to
express.
I rejoice with you, my fellow citizens in every circumstance
that declares your prosperity - - and I do so, most cordially,
because you have well deserved to be happy.
Your love of liberty, your respect for the laws, your habits of
industry, and your practice of the moral & religious obligations
are the strongest claims to national and individual happiness
- - and they will I trust, be firmly & lastingly established.
Your wishes for my personal felicity impress a deep & affec-
tionate gratitude - - - And your prayer to the Almighty of
the" Universe in my behalf calls forth my fervent supplication to
that gracious and beneficent Being, for every blessing on your
temporal pursuits, and for the perfection of your happiness here-
after. —
G°. "Washington
Boston, October 27th. 1789.
[137.] Att a Meeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants
of the Town of Boston duly qualified & legally warned in public
Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Wednesday the
10th. Day of February A. D. 1790. 10. OClock. — Forenoon
Warrant for calling the Meeting: - - read.
214 CITY DOCUMENT.
The Precept for the choice of a Representative in the room of
Christopher Gore Esqr. who has resigned ... also read
- - whereupon.
Moved & Voted, that on account of the severity of the season,
this Meeting was adjourned to meet immediately at the County
Court House, where Stoves are erected. —
Met at the County Court House according to Adjournment.
Moved & Voted, that the sense of the Town be taken with
respect to the choise of a Representative in the room of Chris-
topher Gore Esqr. agreeable to the precept received for that
purpose And the Question accordingly put it passed in the Nega-
tive. —
The Town having determined not to choose a Representative
in the Room of Christopher Gore Esqr. who has resigned. —
It was Voted, that a Moderator be now chosen by a Hand
Vote to preside at the Meeting for transacting the other matters
mentioned in the Warrant. —
Honble . Caleb Davis Esqr.
was chosen Moderator by a Hand Vote. —
[138.] A Letter from Christopher Gore Esqr. to the Inhabi-
tants giving his reasons for having resigned his Seat as one of
our Representatives in the General Court since his appointment
to the Office of Attorney to the United States — was read where-
upon
Moved & Voted, unanimously that the Thanks of this Town
be and hereby are given to Christopher Gore Esqr. for his services
as one of the Representatives of the Town in General Court. —
The Petition of a. number of the Inhabitants relative to the
weighing of Hay - - read. whereupon Voted, that any
further Consideration of this matter be referred over to March
Meeting.
The Petition for an Application to the General Court for a
Lottery to defray the Charges of paving Purchase Street & Bat-
tery March, was read — whereupon moved &
Voted, that a Committee be now appointed to prepare a Peti-
tion to be presented in behalf of the Town, to the General Court
for their being permitted to raise by Lotteries a sum not exceed-
ing £3000. for paving and repairing the Streets of Boston.
Voted that the
Gentleman Selectmen
be a Committee for the purpose aforesaid.
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1790. 215
The Article in the Warrant relative to Mr. Wheelers request
for building on the Towns Land was read, and on Motion re-
ferred to
The Gentlemen Selectmen
for them to act thereon, as they shall Judge best.
[139.] The Article in the Warrant Viz*. —
' ' To consider on the expediency of Instructing our Representatives
in the General Court for the repeal of the present Excise Act "
read — whereupon Moved & Voted, that a Committee be appointed
to take this matter into consideration, & Report as soon as may
be also
Voted, that
The Honble. Caleb Davis Esqr. (Moderator)
Honble. James Sullivan Esqr.
Honble . Stephen Higginson Esqr.
John Codman Esqr.
Mr. Henry Prentice
be a Committee for the purpose aforesaid. —
The Article in the Warrant relative to Erecting a new School
House - - was read whereupon
Voted, that the Selectmen be empowered and directed, to Erect
a new School House at the Southerly part of the Town, for a
reading School, agreeable to the new System of Education
adopted by the Town, and on such a spot as they shall Judge
proper. —
The Article in the Warrant relative to the North Latin School
- - read,
whereupon
Voted, that the Selectmen be empowered & directed
to make such repairs & alterations in the North School House as
they shall think best.
The Article in the Warrant relative to explaining the Com-
mission given to the School Committtee on the 15th. of October
last being read — after debate. —
Voted, That the Committee of twelve appointed in October last
to manage in concert [14O.] with the Selectmen the affairs &
goverment of the Schools, be authorised with the Selectmen in
future to exercise all the powers relating to the Schools & School
Masters, which the Selectmen or such Committees are authorised
by the Laws of this State or the Votes of this Town to exercise,
any former Votes of the Town notwithstanding. —
Adjourned to 4. O Clock. P. M.
3 O Clock P. M. Met according to Adjournment
216 CITY DOCUMENT.
, On Motion, Voted, that the two aforegoing Votes authorising
& empowering the Selectmen relative to building a new School
house at the Southerly part of the Town & altering & repairing
the North School houses, be so far reconsidered, as to Assign
the same duty to the School Committee instead of the Selectmen.
The Town took into consideration the Article in the Warrant
respecting the expediency of Instructing their Representatives in
the General Court & endeavor an Repeal of the present Excise
Law, and it appearing to the Town impracticable to enforce the
present, [law] or to raise a Revenue in that way without injuring
the Commerce of the State, lessening the respectability of the
Goverment and corrupting the morals of the People, while other
States in the Union have no such Law existing - - - Therefore
Voted, that the Representatives of this Town be and hereby
are Instructed to use their utmost influence to effect a Repeal of
the present Excise Act and to prevent any new ones taking place
Voted, that all Matters & things which remain unfinished at
this Meeting be referred over to March Meeting then to be acted
upon
[141.] Then the Meeting was
dissolved. —
At a Meeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston duly qualified and legally warned in public Town
Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Monday the 8 Day of
March Anno Domini 1790 10. O Clock before noon. ....
Prayer was made by the Revd. Dr. Lothrop
Warrant for calling the Meeting — read
Sundry Laws to be read at this Meeting were accordingly —
read —
The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their
Votes for a Moderator of this Meeting, and the same being
brought in & sorted it appeared that
Jonathan Mason Junr. Esqr. (declin'd)
was chosen. —
Col°. Dawes & Col°. Crafts having been chosen Moderator &
declining for reasons given by each. —
[142.] Honble. Caleb Davis Esqr.
was chosen Moderator by a Hand Vote.
A Letter from Majr. William Thompson to the Selectmen of
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1790. 217
Boston, inclosing the Copy of a hand bill which had on the Satur-
day preceeding been dispersed in this Town containing his offer
to serve in the Office of Town Clerk for one half the Salary
granted the last Year to the present Clerk & requesting that they
may be read to the Inhabitants, previous to the Votes being
given in for a Town Clerk - - - were accordingly distinctly
read by the Town Clerk - - - - a short pause followed
The Inhabitants were then directed by the Selectmen to with-
draw, and bring in their Votes for a Town Clerk, and the same
having been brought in and sorted, it appeared that the whole
number was 616. and that
William Cooper
having 512 of said Votes, was chosen Town Clerk for the Year
ensuing & took the Oath of Office for the faithful discharge of
his Duty - as also the Oath of Allegiance required by Law
- - - which Oaths were administered to him by Thomas
Crafts Esqr.—
The Town having determined by a Vote to chose Nine Select-
men - the Inhabitants were then directed to withdraw
and bring in their Votes for that number and the same being
brought in sorted it appeared that the following Gentlemen Viz*.
John Scollay Esqr.
[143.] Harbottle Dorr Esqr.
Ezekiel Price Esqr.
Cap1. Edward Tyler (declined)
John Andrews Esqr. - - d°.
Thomas Walley Esqr.
Deacon "William Boardman
Mr. Ebenezer Sever
Jabez Hatch Esq1.
were chose Selectmen for the Year ensuing, and had the Oath of
Allegiance administered to them by the Town Clerk. —
The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their
Votes for twelve Overseers of the Poor and the same being
brought in & sorted it appeared that
Jonathan Mason Esqr.
Mr. Samuel Whitwell
John White Esqr.
Edward Procter Esqr.
John Sweetser Esqr.
Jonathan L. Austin Esqr.
Mr. Samuel Pajrkman
Mr. Edward Edes
Henry Hill Esqr.
Mr. John Codman Junr.
Mr. William Smith
Mr. William Phillips Junr.
were chose Overseers of the Poor for the Year ensuing. —
218 CITY DOCUMENT.
Votes for a Treasurer of the County of Suffolk brought in
& counted by the Moderator & [144.] Town Clerk, when it
appeared that the whole number was three hundred & five,
and that they were all for Thomas Crafts Esqr. a discreet
suitable Person, being a Freeholder, and a Resident in the same
County. - - -
On Motion
Voted, that Dr. Charles Jarvis (excused)
Nathaniel Appleton Esqr.
Jonathan Mason Esqr.
Amasa Davis Esqr.
Joseph Russell Junr. Esqr.
Thomas Walley Esqr.
be a Committee to consider & Report what is proper to be done
respecting the Poor in the Alms House
Adjourned to 3 O Clock. P. M.
3 O Clock P. M. Town met again. —
The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their
Votes for Sixteen Fire- wards and the same having been brought
in & sorted it appeared that
William Cooper (excused)
Edward Procter Esqr. (declined)
Honble. Caleb Davis Esqr.
Mr. Thomas Tileston
Mr. John Lowell (declined)
John Winthrop Esqr.
Thomas Melville Esqr
Jabez Hatch Esqr.
Samuel Breck Esqr.
Jacob Rhodes
[145.] Mr. Joseph Clark
Joseph Russell Junr. Esqr.
Honble. Thomas Russell Esqr.
Mr. Edward Edes
John Sweetser Esqr.
Jonathan Mason Junr. Esq.
were chose Fire-wards for the Year ensuing. —
The Article in the "Warrant Viz*.
" To choose a School Committee — was read & after some debate
it was moved & Voted, That in addition to the Selectmen Twelve
Persons should now be chosen & the following Gentlemen, were
accordingly chose by Ballot Viz*.
Honble. Thomas Dawes Esqr.
Revu. Samuel West
Rev*1. Dr. Lothrop
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1790. 219
Revd. James Freeman
John Coffin Jones Esqr.
Dr. Thomas Welch
Dr. Nath1. W. Appleton
Jonathan Mason Junr. Esqr.
Aaron Dexter Esqr.
Christopher Gore Esqr.
George R. Minot Esqr.
William Tuder Esqr.
Also Voted
That the aforegoing Committee who conjunctly are to
be termed the School Committee be and hereby are directed to
carry the new System of Education which has been adopted by
the Town [146.] into operation - - and said Committee are
also authorized & impowered, conjunctly to manage and regulate
the affairs & government of the Schools, and in future to exer-
cise all the Powers relating to the Schools & School-masters,
which the Selectmen or such Committees, are authorized by the
Laws of this Commonwealth on the Votes of this Town to exer-
cise, any former Votes of the Town notwithstanding. —
Peter Boyer Esqr.
was chosen Town Treasurer for the Year ensuing who took the
Oath of Office and the Oath of Allegiance which were administered
to him by the Town Clerk.
On motion Voted, that the Clerk of Faneuil Hall Market, that
may be chosen, shall give Bond to the Selectmen, and be sworn
to the faithful discharge of his Trust, & to account & settle with
the Selectmen once a Week. - also
Voted, that the pay of the Person that shall be chosen Clerk of
Faneuil Hall Market be left to the Selectmen. —
On Motion, the Question was put Viz*. — Whether the Select-
men shall appoint the Clerk for Faneuil Hall Market. —
The Votes being brought in for a a Clerk of Faneuil Hall
Market, it appeared that
Mr. Mathew Nazro.
was chosen a Clerk for the Year ensuing. —
[147.] On Motion Voted that
Thomas Crafts Esqr.
Dr. Welch
John R. Sigorney
be a Committee to enquire what is the duty of a Clerk of Faneuil
Hall Market and Report such additions as they shall Judge
proper. —
The Inhabitants as directed brought in their Votes for twelve
Constables when it appeared that
220 CITY DOCUMENT.
Messrs : Shubael Hews
Samuel Whitney
Benjamin Romans
John Butterfield
John Cades
James Perkins
John Bosson
Edward Wentworth
Henry Crompston
John McLane
Abner Rummerel
James Williams
were chose Constables for the Year ensuing
Voted, that four per cent be allowed and hereby is allowed to
the Collectors of Taxes for the Year ensuing for all such Sums
of Money & public Securities as they shall Collect and pay into
the several Treasuries of the Sums committed to them to collect
within ten Months from the receit of the Tax Books, and three
per cent on all [148.] such other Sums as shall afterwards be
Collected also that such Collectors give Bond with sufficient
Sureties to the Satisfaction of the Selectmen for the faithful dis-
charge of their Duty in said Office and complying with this Vote
and that they will not receive any Premium or Gratuity for dis-
counting any order, Notes or Receipts from the Treasurer of the
State or the Treasurer of the Town
Mess™. Benjamin Henderson
James Thompson
Thomas Bay ley
Charles Williams
were chose Collectors of Taxes for the Year ensuing and qualified
themselves for their Office as the Law directs. —
Voted, that the Assesssors be and hereby are inipowered and
directed to set for such Abatements of Taxes as they shall Judge
reasonable, two Days in each week, after the delivery of the Tax
Books to the Collectors, for the space of Six Weeks and no
longer, saving that they be allowed to set the last Week in Feb-
ruary, Lords Day excepted, 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 Commonwealth
or any unavoidable hindrance & that the Assessors determine
upon the said two Days, which is to be noted on the Tax Bills
to be Delivered to the Inhabitants. —
[149.] The Votes being brought in for five Assessors it ap-
peared that
Gyles Harris Esqr.
Mr. William Lowder
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1790. 221
Samuel Ruggles Esqr.
John R. Sigorney
Mr. Edward Davis
were chose Assessors for the Year ensuing and qualified them-
selves as the Law directs.
Allowance to the Assessors postponed to May Meeting. —
John Winslow Esqr.
Thomas Greenleaff
Lemuel Cravath
Luke Baker
Oliver Brewster
William Boardman Junr.
Samuel Greeuough Junr.
Morgan Stillrnan
John Fisher
Samuel Coverly
Henry Newman
Allen Crocker
were chose Clerks of the Market for the Year ensuing. —
Mess". Henry Blaisdel
John Champney
Samuel Dyer
Joseph Ayres
Edmund Ranger
Moses May
Benjamin White
[15O.] Joshua Bentley
Josiah Nuttage
Benjamin Page
Nathaniel Glover
James Rogers
Abraham Hayward
Clement Collings
John Cogswell
Andrew Townsend Junr.
Were Chosen Surveyors of Boards and Shingles for the Year
Ensuing.
Adjourned to Wednesday the 10th. Inst. 10. oClock
Wednesday the 10th. Inst. Met according to Adjournment —
see Page 154 —
The Selectmen
Were Chose Surveyors of the high ways for the Year ensuing —
Mess™. William McNeil
Jeffery Richardson were —
Chose Surveyors of Hemp for the Year ensuing —
222 CITY DOCUMENT.
Messrs. Benjamin White
Samuel Dyer
William Crafts
Andrew Townsend Junr.
William Todd — were Chose Fence View-
ers for the Year Ensuing —
Messrs. William Billings
Samuel Bangs
Nathan Green
Thomas Bradlee
Jacob Holland, were Chose Sealers of
Leather for the year ensuing. —
[151.] Mr. Adam Col son
Was Chosen An Informer of Deer for the Year Ensuing. —
Messrs. Job Wheelwright
Joshua Pico
Manasseh Marston
Henry Purket
William Parkman
Lemuel Gardner
Joseph Loring
Thomas Foster
John Bray
Edward Dolbear
Caleb Hay den
Edward Burt
Samuel Harris
John Owen
Samuel Avis
Ebenezer Woodward
David Marston
Arthur Langsford
Thomas Barber
Joseph Bisset
William Marston
John Smith
Jonathan Gushing
Timothy Pease Junr.
Were Chose Cullers of hoops and Staves for the Year Ensuing —
Mess™. George Hamlin
Francis Booth
Robert Hews
were Chose Hogreeves for the Year Ensuing
[152.] Messrs. George Hamlin
Francis Booth
James Wheeler
Were Chose Haywards for the Year Ensuing —
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1790. 223
Voted that Joseph Russell Junr. Esqr.
Samuel Breck
Majr. Thompson
Be and hereby are appointed A Committee to Audit the accompts
of the Town Treasurer and also the accounts of the Selectmen &
Overseers of the Poor, and said Committee are also directed to
report the Sum Necessary to be raised for the Services of the
Present Year —
John Lucas Esqr.
Edward Tuckerman Esqr.
Were Chose Survey ers of Wheat for the Year Ensuing. —
Mess18. Thomas Green
John Skinner
Were Chose Assay masters for the year Ensuing. —
Cap*. Edward Tyler and John Andrews Esqr. having by Letter
acquainted the Meeting, that they Could not. for the reasons
offer'd Serve as Selectmen the present year, it was moved and —
Voted, That the thanks of the Town be and hereby are given
to those Gentlemen for their good Services in that office A Num-
ber of Years past —
[153.] Mr. Cooper Acquainted the Town that having been
Chosen into the office of A Fireward for about Thirty five years
Successively, he must now decline that service, whereupon it
was. —
Voted. That the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given
unto Mr. Cooper for his good services during so long A Period
The Petition of Doctor Whipple & Captn Laha relative to the
Continuance of an Inoculating hospital at Rainsford Island was
read, whereupon
Voted that the Petitioners agreeable to The Prayer of their
Petition. Have the Approbation of the Town for their Continue-
ing said Inoculating Hospital at Rainsford Island
The petition of Mr. Benja. Kingsbury for an abatement of
Taxes, read and Considered Whereupon — Voted — That Mr.
Kingsbury has Leave to withdraw his Petition —
The Petition of A Number of Inhabitants, for A New Watch
to be Stationed in State Street — read — whereupon —
Voted. That the Petition be Left to the selectmen to Consider
and act thereon as they shall Judge Proper —
The Petition of A Number of Persons That A Person may be
224: CITY DOCUMENT.
Appointed & A Salary allowed Mm to take Care of the Hay
Engine Instead of the present mode of leasing the Same read &
Voted, That sd. Petitioners have Leave to withdraw their
Petition
[154.] The Inhabitants having been directed to bring in
their Votes for two Selectmen in the room of Captn. Tyler, and
Mr. Andrews who had resign 'd, and the same having been
brought in & Sorted, it Appeared — That
Thomas Crafts Esqr.
Thomas Edwards Esqr.
"Were Chosen Selectmen for the Year Ensuing —
see Page 143
The Petition of Majr. Samuel Cookson relative to A Nuisance.
near A place formerly Called Hog Ally — read — whereupon —
Voted, that John Lucas Esqr.
Hona. Caleb Davis Esqr.
William Thompson Esqr.
be A Committee to Consider the Petition and to report as soon as
may be
The Town brought in their Votes as directed by the Moderator
for Three fire wards in the room of ye. Gentlemen who have re-
signed — upon Sorting them it Appeared that
Amasa Davis Esqr.
Mr. Samuel Whitwell Junr.
Mr. Russell Sturgis
"Were Chose firewards for the Year Ensuing
The Committee relative to the Clerk of Faneuil Hall Market.
Pr. Coll0. Craft Chairman reported — Whereupon, the following
Votes were Passed Viz*.
Whereas, the duty of the Clerk of Faneuil Hall Market is not
understood, and it now becoming Necessary that the Same
should be Clearly defined [155.] to enable him faithfully to
discharge the Same — therefore — Voted That the Clerk of the
Market who now is or may hereafter be Chosen, shall before he
enters on the duty of his Office give Bond to the Selectmen to
account for all moneys he may receive, and be sworn to the faith-
ful discharge of his duty, and shall be obliged to Settle with the
Selectmen at least once every month, and Oftener if Called upon
by them — also —
Voted. That it be the Duty of Said Clerk, and he is hereby
ordered and directed to have the Market under Faneuil Hall
kept — Clean, and Swept out. twice a Week, and washed Out.
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1790. 225
every Saturday, from the Month of May to the Month of Octo-
ber, following — that no dirt or filth Of any sort be Suffered to
lay on or round the Market Square so called, for more than
Twenty four Hours — that the Same shall be collected up in
Piles — for removal every afternoon, begining the first week in
May. and to continue till the last week in October — and from
October to May the fifth shall be removed at least once every
Week —
Voted that it be particularly the duty of the said Clerk, and he
is hereby authorized and empowered to inspect all weights and
measures made use of. in and round the market square so called,
and to Prosecute all Persons making use of weights and meas-
ures, not according to the standard of Law. [156.] On his own
View, or on complaint made to him by any of the inhabitants.
And he is further ordered and directed on his own View, or on
the information of any inhabitant of the Town, to Prosecute to
final Judgment any Huckster or Forestallers of the Market and
whatever legal expences may arise in Consequence of the Prose-
cution of either of the above cases, shall be born by the Town —
To the intent that the above regulations may be put in full
force. —
Voted. That the selectmen be and they are hereby empowered
and directed' on Complaint of any of the inhabitants against the
Clerk for neglect of his duty about the same, and if on Enquiry
they shall find him Guilty thereof, they are hereby empowered
and directed to appoint Some other meet Person in his room
untill the Town Proceed by the Choice of Another —
Voted. That all matters and things Which shall remain un-
finished at this meeting be referred over to the General Town
meeting in May next.
Voted. That the thanks of the Town be and hereby are given
to the Honble . Caleb Davis Esqr. Moderator of this meeting for
his good Services in dispatching the business thereof. —
Then the meeting was dissolv'd
[157.] Return of the Widening of Prince Street At a
meeting of the Major Part of the Justices, and Selectmen of
the Town of Boston. On the 9th. day of October 1789. For
regulating and enlarging. Prince Street Where a dessolution has
happened —
A Line was run from the South west Corner Westerly on Land
of Henry Newman, eight feet, and then Sixteen feet North on
Prince Street, continuing A slant Line easterly on back Street,
eleven feet, from thence on A Strait line, South on Land of the
226 CITY DOCUMENT.
Widdow Gees twenty four feet. The Land within the Said lines —
Containing One hundred and Sixty Square feet the Said Justices
and Selectmen State and lay out into the Public street or high
Way —
Joseph Gardner "|
Thomas Crafts
Samuel Barrett
Ezekiel Price I Justices of
Thomas Edwards f the Peace
James Hughes
Thomas Dawes Junr.
Nath1. Greene j
John Scollay
Harb. Dorr
Edward Tyler Selectmen
Thomas Walley
Ebenr. Seaver
At a Meeting of the Magistrates & Selectmen the Ninth of
October. One Thousand Seven hundred & Eighty nine
[158.] Present. Mess™. Justice Gardner. Greenleaf. Barrett.
Crafts. Price. Dawes. Edwards. Green, and Hewes.
Of the Selectmen
Present. Messrs. Scollay. Dorr. Price. Tyler. Andrews Walley
and Boardman —
Voted. Unanimously. That the above Peice of Land be taken
in to widen the Street The Same being thought Necessary for
the benefit of the Town, as it lay in A ruinous, hazardous And
Very dangerous Situation. The Above Described Peice com-
mencing Thirteen feet, from The building now Standing On the
same Estate (Formerly Gee's) Fronting on back Street
[159.] At a meeting of the male Inhabitants of the Town
of Boston, of Twenty one years of age. and upwards, qualified,
as the Constitution Prescribes, and Legaly Warned in Public
Town Meeting. Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Monday the fifth
day of April — Anno Domini. 1790. —
The Meeting was opened, with Prayer by the Revd. Mr. Bel-
knap —
Warrant for Calling a Meeting — read
Paragraph of the Constitution or Frame of Goverment. relative
to the Choice of Governor. Lieu*. Governor, and Senators — read
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1790.
227
It was declared by the Selectmen that no Votes would be re-
ceived but such as are unfolded ; and they Purpose the Poll shall
be Closed at half past Twelve O 'Clock, and the Votes received
at the Table. —
It was ordered by the Selectmen that the Bells be tolled at
Twelve O'Clock. —
Persons Voted for as Governor with the Number of Votes for
Each Person — Viz1. —
His Excellency John Hancock Esqr.
Honorable — James Bowdoin Esqr.
His Honor. Samuel Adams Esqr. -
Joseph Barrel Esqr.
Votes
739
224
1
1
[16O.] Persons Voted for as Lieu1.
number of Votes for Each Person. —
Governor with the
His Honor Samuel Adams Esqr.
Honorable Thomas Russell Esqr. -
Honorable Azor Orne Esqr. - - -
His Excellcy. John Hancock Esqr. -
Honorable Benja. Lincoln Esqr. - -
Honorable Caleb Davis Esqr. - -
Joseph Barrel Esqr.
Mr. Edward Wentworth - ...
Votes
788
165
1
1
1
1
1
1
Persons Voted for as Senators for the County of Suffolk with
the Number of Votes for Each Person — Viz*.
Honble.
Honble.
Honble.
Honble.
Honble.
Honble.
Honble.
William Phillips Esqr. - -
Cotton Tufts Esqr. -. - -
Stephen Metcalf Esqr. - -
Thomas Dawes Esqr. - -
Benja. Austin Junr. Esqr. -
William Heath Esqr. - -
Thomas Russell Esqr.
John Read Esqr. - - -
Jonathan Mason Esqr. -
James Bowdoin Junr. Esqr.
Honble. Elijah Dunbar Esqr.
Honble. Caleb Davis Esqr. -
Arnold Wells Esqr.
Samuel Breck Esqr.
Honble. Ebenezer Wales Esqr.
Thomas Clarke Esqr.
Honble. Jabez Fisher Esqr. -
Honble. Richard Cranch Esqr.
Mr. Seth Johnson - - -
Votes
959
948
959
669
290
17
45
1
46
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
228 CITY DOCUMENT.
[161.] Attested Copies of the Persons Voted for as Gov-
ernor. Lieutenant Governor and Senators, for the County of
Suffolk were committed to the Secretary of this •Commonwealth
and the Inclosers, Sealed up in Town Meeting ; Superscribed as
follows. Viz*.
For
John A very Esqr.
Secretary of the
Commonwealth
of Massachusetts
The Number of Votes of the Town of Boston for a Governor
Lieutenant Governor And Six Senators, for the County of Suf-
folk — Certified within and Sealed up in Town Meeting
Then the Meeting
Was dissolved.
At a meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabi-
tants of the Town of Boston duly Qualified and Legaly Warned
in Public Town Meeting. Assembled, at Faneuil Hall on Tuesday
the 11th. day of May Anno Domini 1790
10. O'Clock. A. M.
Prayer was made by the Revd. Doctr. Howard
Warrant for Calling the Meeting - - read
- That part of the Constitution or frame of Goverment which
relates to the Choice of Representatives ----- read —
Sundry Laws to be read at said Meeting Or Parts of them were
Accordingly - - - read —
The Town having Determined to Choose Seven Persons to
Represent them in the General Court of Massachusetts to be held
in the State house in Boston On the Last Wednesday of May
Current Agreeable to the Constitution or frame of Goverment for
the Massachusetts, the Inhabitants were directed to Withdraw and
bring in their Votes, for Seven Representatives and then it was
declared by the Selectmen that no Votes would be received, but
such as are unfolded. And that they intend the Poll shall be
Closed at half past Twelve O'Clock, Bell to toll a Little before
that time —
The Votes being brought in for Seven [163.] Representatives.
The Number of the same were found to be two hundred — and
upon — sorting them. It appeared that the following — Gentle-
men only were Chosen by A Majority of Votes. Viz1.
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1790. 229
Votes
Samuel Breck Esqr. 143
Jonathan Mason Senr. Esqr. ----- 142
Charles Jarvis Esqr. 108
John Coffin Jones Esqr. 147
William Eustis Esqr. 178
see Page
Three O'Clock P. M. is the time Assigned for the Choice of
Two Representatives and the Selectmen Informed the Inhabitants
that they Purpose that the Poll shall be Closed at 4 O'Clock
Adjourned to 3 O'Clock P. M
3 O'Clock P. M. Met according to Adjournment —
The Votes for Two Persons to Represent the Town in the Gen-
eral Court the Present year, being brought in and Counted, the
whole Number was found to be One hundred Seventy Nine and
the Same being Sorted, it appeared that the Two following Gen-
tlemen were Chosen by A Majority of Votes. — Viz*.
Votes
(declined) John Winthrop Esqr. - - - - 111
Jonathan Mason Jur. Esqr. - - - 178
The Choice of Representatives being over it was moved and
Voted. That the Town now Come to the Choice of A Moderator
by A hand f 164.] Vote, in order to transact, the other business
mentioned in the warrant. —
• The Honorable Thomas Dawes Senr. Esqr. was Chosen Moder-
ator accordingly. —
The Representation of the School Committee was read. Where-
upon it was moved and Voted, That A Committee be Now Ap-
pointed to Prepare A Vote to be laid before the Town conform-
able to the Representation of said Committee —
Voted that John Coffin Jones Esqr.
George R. Minot Esqr.
Nath1. Appleton Esqr.
be A Committee for the Purpose aforesaid
The Committee appointed by the Town at the meeting the 8th
March last to Consider — What is Proper to be done respecting
The poor of this Commonwealth, beg Leave to report the follow-
ing State of Facts. Viz1. —
That by six warrants in favour of the Town dated from 11th.
of August 1786 to the 25th June 1789. There is due from the
230 CITY DOCUMENT.
Commonwealth - ......... 11.540
And by Subsequent grants for Supporting
the Poor to the I8t March 1789 ..... 3.764 ,, 15 ,,
15.304 ,, 15 ,, 5£
That on the above sum the Commonwealth have allowed no
Interest —
That the General Court in their Last Sessions, reduced the
weekly rate of Supporting the poor from 8/ to 6/
[165.] That the General Court orderd the Last Sum in the
above Statement to be paid out of the first monies that were not
Appropriated
From the foregoing Statement of Facts your Committee are of
Opinion That it would be Advisable for the Town, to Prefer A
Memorial or Petition to the Gene1 Court at their Next Session,
Setting forth the hardship of being kept so Long out of their
Money —
Praying that Speedy Payment may be made with simple Inter-
est. thereon. And also that the two last accounts may be Al-
lowed. in Which the Town had Charged 8/ ^r Week, agreeably
to the invariable Practice for years past, except when an higher
was allowed —
That the Town inform the Honorable General Court, tnat
under the Present, embarrassed state of the Town it will be
impossible to keep their Poor, unless the accounts are paid
Quarterly. —
Your Committee recommend the appointment of A Committee
with Powers to treat with a Committee of the General Court, if
they should think Proper to appoint one, to Adjust the rate of
Boarding the Poor in future, and the manner in Which the Same
shall be reimbursed by the Commonwealth all which is humbly
Submitted —
Nathaniel Appleton ^ ordr.
The foregoing Report having been read after some debate.
Voted That the said report be Accepted [166.] And that A
Committee be Now chosen to Present A Memorial to the General
Court, on the Subject Matter of the report, as also to Confer
with their Committee if any Such should be appointed for the
said Purpose — also
Voted, that —
The Gentlemen, the Selectmen and —
The Overseers of the Poor —
be a Committeev for the Purpose aforesaid —
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1790. . 231
Mr. James Wheeler Chosen A Hogreave for The Year Ensuing —
The Committee to Consider the representation of the school
Committee and to Report what Resolutions are Proper to be taken
thereon — Reported — Whereupon, the following Vote was Passed
by the Town — Viz1. —
Upon the Report of the School Committee representing that
the School houses in the Centre of the Town, are insufficient for
the accommodation of the Children of that part of the Town —
Voted. The Selectmen be and hereby are authorized and em-
powered in the Name of the Inhabitants of the Town, to make
sale of the House And Land in Tremont Street Now occupied by
Mr. Carter, with the Right of the Town to the Land Adjoining.
Now under Lease from the Town, for the most [167.] That can
be obtained therefore, and to make and Execute A good and
Sufficient Deed, or Deeds to Purchaser or Purchasers thereof
And that they be and hereby are further impowered to Pull down
the Dwelling House in School Street Now Occupied by Master
Hunt, and erect on the Lot where the Same Now Stands A
School house with two Stories Sufficient to Accommodate the
Children of the Centre of the Town, with a reading & Writing
School. — The materials of the said House to be Applied as far
as they may be Suitable to that Purpose, and that the said Select-
men be and they hereby are Authorized and empowered, to Ap-
propriate the Moneys which may Arise from the Sale of the first
mentioned House and Land to defray the Expence of building the
Said School House — and it is further —
Voted. That untill the said School house can be erected. Fan-
euil Hall be appropriated, if Necessary, As A Temporary accomo-
dation for the Children usually attending the Center School,
Selectmen Preside
A Letter from John Winthrop Esqr. acquainting the Inhabi-
tants, that he must decline the honor — this day conferred on him
in his being Chose A Representative for reasons therein men-
tioned
A Motion was made And the Question Accordingly put. Viz*.
Whether The Town Will Assign A Time for the Choice of A
Representative in the room of Mr. Winthrop — Passed in the
Negative —
[168.] Coll0. Daws again in the Chair
The Report of the Committee on Majr. Cooksons Petition Rela-
tive to Hog Alley, read and Considered — Whereupon it was
232 CITY DOCUMENT.
moved and Voted. That the selectmen be directed to take such
measures for the removal of the Nuisances Near the Hay market
as they shall think Necessary. And that they Apply to Mr.
Brimmer and other Abutters. for Subscriptions to Carry the
Same into Execution and to Commence Suits or other Measures
against Mr. Brimmer and others for not fullfilling their Contracts.
When Hog Alley was Shut up or to leave all matters to refer-
ence—
Mr. Joseph Whittemore
Was Chose A Culler of Hoops and Staves for the Year ensuing —
Adjourned to Tuesday Next being the 18th. day Instant 3
O'Clock P. M. —
Tuesday the 18th. May 1790 — 3 O'Clock Met according to
Adjournment —
Mr. Enoch May
Was Chosen Surveyor of Boards and Shingles for the Year en-
suing—
The Town were directed to withdraw and bring in their Votes
for an Overseer of the poor in the room of Mr. Samuel Whitwell
[169.] And the Same having been brought in & Sorted it
appeared that —
Stephen Goreham Esqr. —
was Chosen an Overseer of the Poor, for the Year Ensuing —
On Motion Voted. That the Thanks of the Town be and hereby
are given unto Mr. Samuel Whitwell for his faithful Services as
an Overseer of the Poor for A Number of Years Past —
On Motion. Voted That the Town now Proceed, before the
Consideration of the Report of the Committee, as to the Sum
Necessary to be raised for the Present year, to make Grants to
those Servants of the Town whose Salaries have not yet been
Voted them
Voted, That Peter Boyer Esqr. be Allowed and Paid, the Sum
of One hundred and Twenty Pounds for his Services as Treasurer
the Present Year, the same to be paid him Quarterly as it shall
become due, and to Commence the first of March last
Voted, That William Cooper be Allowed and paid the Sum of
One hundred and Twenty Pounds for his Services as Town Clerk
the Ensuing Year the same to be paid him Quarterly, as it shall
become due, and to Commence from the first of March Last. —
[17O.] Voted, that the Allowance to the Assessors be Six
Shillings A Day for the time they may set in doing the business
of their Office —
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1790. 233
The Committee to Audit the accounts of the Town Treasurer
and Examine the Draughts Of the Selectmen, and Overseers.
Report —
That the Treasur's accounts are right Cast and well vouched,
and find by his account — A ballance (if all received) in favour
of the Town £8322 ,, 2 ,, If Considerable of which is in bad
Debts — abatements &c, And as their will be A Considerable
sum due, for interest & other Expences, your Committee are of
opinion, that it will Require the sum of £6000 — Tax for the
Present year, to defray the Expences of the Town, in Addition
to the Sum, which the Town wUl Receive of the Common Wealth
Joseph Russell Jur. ^r ordr
The foregoing Account having been read and Accepted it was
Voted, That the Sum of six Thousand Pounds be Raised by A
Tax to be Assessed, on the Poll8, and Estates of the inhabitants
of this Town to defray the Expences of the Current year —
On Motion Voted, That all matters, unfinished, at this meeting
be referred over to the Next General Town meeting to be called —
[171.] Extracts from the Will of the Late Doctr Franklin,
having been laid before the Town, it was Moved that the select-
men be desired to Call A Meeting of the Town as speedily as
may be to take the same into Consideration. —
Then the Meeting was
dissolved
[172.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabi-
tants of the Town of Boston duly qualified and Legaly Warned
in Public Town meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Tuesday
the 25th. day of May Anno Domini 1790 —
Warrant for calling the meeting - - - read —
Honble. Thomas Dawes Esqr. —
Chosen Moderator by A Hand Vote —
A Letter from Doctr Franklins Executors was laid before the
Town by the Selectmen, as also tracts, of the Doctors Will rela-
tive to his Donations to the Town of £100 - - - &£1000 —
Sterling, and the Same - - having been read and Considered
— it was —
Voted, That the Town Do Accept of the said Donations of
£100 — & £1000 — Sterling, on the Terms and for the Purposes
Expressed in Said Will — on Motion
234 CITY DOCUMENT.
Voted That A Committee be appointed To take up this matter
at Lai-ge, aiid to Report to the Town what further Votes may be
Proper to be Passed thereon also —
Voted that the HonbJ5_
Thomas Dawes Esqr.
Ezekiel Price Esqr.
William Tudor Esqr.
Hon51i Stephen Higginson Esqr.
Hon^li Thomas Dawes Jur. Esqr.
Be a Committee for the Purpose aforesaid —
[173.] The Article in the "Warrant relative To the suits
Commenced against the Town by Several of its Creditors —
read — Whereupon
Voted, That the Town Treasurer be Directed to call upon the
Several Collectors to exert themselves for the Collection of
Taxes, in order that the Treasurer may be enabled to discharge
the suits that have been Commenced against the Town —
Adjourned to Tuesday Next
3. O'Clock P. M.—
June 1^ 3. O Clock P. M. Met According to Adjournment —
The Committee Appointed to take into Consideration what
Votes may be proper to be Passed relative to the Donations of
the Late celebrated Doctor Benja. Franklin to this Town —
Report, That A fair Copy of the following draft of A Letter
to the Executors of the Doctr be made and Signed by the Town
Clerk in the Name of the Town and Sent to Said Executors. —
Boston June 1st. 1790
Gentlemen
We the Inhabitants of the Town of Boston, in Town
Meeting Assembled. Now transmit to you our Vote of Accept-
ance of the Two bequests of your testator. The most venerable
Dr. Benjamin Franklin [174.] The Many useful designs Pro-
jected by that great man, during A Long and Valuable Life,
perhaps even more than his exalted Talents as A Patriot, States-
man and Philosopher, must endear his Memory To Americans,
While they in A More Particular manner, reflect Honor upon the
Town of Boston, which gave him Birth and Education —
Every Step to Carry into full Effect his Benevolent plan, will
be Cheerfully Pursued by those Who he was Pleased to Consti-
tute his Trustees, — And rising Generations will for ages. Bless
the Name of their illustrous Friend & Benefactor —
We thank you Sir, and the other Gentlemen, for your Early
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1790. 235
communication of the Contents of the Will, as far as it relates to
us.
We are with the most Perfect Respect Gentlemen Your Most
Obedient Servants
In the Name & by order of the Town
Town Clerk
Henry Hill Esqr. and the
other Gentlemen Execrs to
the Last Will of the Late
Doctr. Franklin —
The Committee further Report that in their opinion the Trus-
tees appointed by the Doctor in and by his Last will and Testa-
ment are therein fully Authorized, and impowered to carry his
benevolent [175.] intentions in said Donations into Execution,
without any further Authority from the Town —
Thomas Dawes
fr. Order —
The aforegoing Report having been read and Considered. The
Question was Put — Viz*. Whether the same shall be accepted —
Passed in the Affirmative —
Voted That all matters and things which Remain Unfinished at
this Meeting, be Referred Over to the Next General Town
Meeting —
Voted that the Thanks of the Town Be and hereby are given to
the Honorable Thomas Dawes Esqr. Moderator of this meeting
for his Good Services as Moderator in Dispatching the Business
of the Meeting —
Then the Meeting was
dissolved —
[176.] At A Meeting of the Freeholders and other inhabi-
tants of the Town of Boston duly Qualified and Legaly Warned
in Public Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil hall on monday
the 5- day of July Anno Domini 1790 —
9. O'Clock A. M.
Warrant for calling the Meeting, read
William Cooper
Was Chosen Moderator by A hand Vote.
236 CITY DOCUMENT.
The Committee appointed the last year to make Choice of A
Gentleman to deliver an Oration on the Anniversary of Indi-
pendence —
Reported
That they had made Choice of Edward Gray Esqr to
deliver an Oration this day agreeable to the Late Vote of the
Town —
On Motion Voted That the Oration be Deliver'd. at the Old
South Church 12 O'Clock. Liberty therefor having been Obtained
by the Selectmen —
Voted. That the Gentlemen Selectmen Acquaint Mr. Gray with
this Vote —
The Meeting Then was adjourned To Meet at the Old South
Church at 12 O'Clock This day —
[177.] AN ORATION -
to commemorate the Independence of the United States Was de-
livered by Edward Gray Esqr. At the old South Church. —
Voted, That the Selectmen Be and hereby are appointed A
Committee to wait on Edward Gray Esqr. and in the Name of
the Town to Thank him for the Spirited elegant Oration this day
delivered by him at the request of the Town upon the Anniver-
sary of the Independence of the United States Of America, in
which according to the Institution of the Town, He considered
the feelings, manners and Principles Which led to that great Na-
tional Event — and to Request of him A Copy thereof for the
Press —
On A Motion — Voted, That the Gentlemen the Selectmen, be
and hereby are Appointed, A Committee to apply to Some one
Learned and able Gentlemen to Deliver an Oration, On the 4th
of July 1791. That day being the Anniversary, of the Inde-
pendence of the United States Of America ; Wherein the Orator
is to Consider the feelings, Manner & Principles, which led to
this great National Invent ; as well as the important & happy
effects whether General or Domestic, which have already & will
forever Continue to flow from that Auspicious Epoch —
Then the Meeting was
Dissolved —
[178.] At a meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabi-
tants of The Town of Boston duly qualified and Legaly Warned
in Public Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall On Monday
The 26tn. day of July A.D. 1790. 9. O'Clock A.M.
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1790. 237
Warrant for Calling the Meeting — read
Honble. Thomas Dawes Esqr.
Chosen Moderator of this meeting by A hand Vote —
The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw, and bring in their
Votes for A Town Treasurer in the room of Peter Boyer Esqr.
lately deceased, the same having been brought in and Sorted, it
appeared that no one had A Majority of the Votes —
Several motions were made for Assigning Some future time for
the Choice of A Town Treasurer which did not Obtain —
The Inhabitants were then directed To withdraw A Second
time, to bring in their Votes for A Town Treasurer, and the
Same being brought in Counted and Sorted it appeared that the
whole Number Of Votes were 881 — And that —
Mr. Joseph Russell —
Was Chosen by A Majority of said Votes — 556. —
[179.] The Article in the Warrant — Viz*. To Consider
what measures may be Necessary for Settling the Accounts of
the Late Town Treasurer — Was read — Whereupon —
Voted. That Mr. Herman Brimmer
Mr. Henry Prentice
John Coffin Jones Esqr.
Be A Committee to Settle the Late Treasurers Accounts —
The Article in the Warrant — Viz*. To Consider the request of
the Collectors Lately chosen That a further Allowance may be
made them for their Services — was read — Whereupon —
Voted. That Thomas Crafts Esqr.
Jona : Mason Senr. Esqr.
Thomas Dawes Junr. Esqr.
Be A Committee to Consider said request and to report thereon
at the Adjournment —
The Article in the Warrant — Viz*. Whether any Measures
shall be taken for Erecting A Building to be Improved as an
Hospital for the better accommodation of the Poor of the Alms-
house was read — Whereupon voted that
The Honble . Thomas Dawes Esqr.
Jabez Hatch Esqr.
Thomas Walley Esqr.
[18O.] Be A Committee to consider this matter and Report
thereon at the Adjournment of this Meeting —
238 CITY DOCUMENT.
Mess™. Edward Weld
John Ballard
Thomas Uran
William Cunningham
all sworn
Were Chosen Measurers of Wood for the Town of Boston —
On Motion Voted That it be Left to the Gentlemen the Select-
men to Assign Wards to the Measurers of Wood.
On Motion Voted, That the Committee who reported A Letter
to Doctr. Franklins Exec18 have Liberty to make such alterations
as to the signing the Same and any Clerical Errors as they shall
Judge Proper. —
Adjourned to Thursday Next — being the 29th of July Instant
3. O'Clock P. M.—
Thursday July 29th. 1790. 3 O'Clock P : M : Met according
to Adjournment
On Motion Voted, That Mr. Joseph Russell who has been
Chosen Treasurer of the Town, give Bond Annualy, with suffi-
cient Sureties (in the Penal sum of Ten Thousand Pounds for the
Present Year) For the Faithful discharge of his Trust —
[181.] The Committee to Consider the expediency of
erecting an Hospital, reported Verbally — that an Hospital cannot
be erected in the Almshouse Yard without great Injury to the
Almshouse Whereupon Moved and Voted, That A Committee be
Now appointed, to take up this Matter at Large and report at the
Adjournment, and that when this Meeting is Adjourned, it shall
be to this day Three Weeks — 3. O'Clock P. M. to receive said
report. —
Voted. That the Honble Tho8. Dawes Esqr.
Charles Jarvis Esqr.
Jonathan Mason Senr. Esq .
Doctr. David Townsend
Doctr. William Eustis
Thomas Walley Esqr.
John Lucas Esqr.
Be A Committee for the Purpose aforesaid —
i
Committee to Consider A Report relative to Collectors, in-
formed the Town by their Chairman. Coll0. Crafts that, they
were not yet ready to make report. —
Adjourned to this day Three weeks being the 19th. of August
Next 3. O'Clock. P.M : —
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1790. 239
Thursday the 19th. of August 3. O'Clock P.M. Met accord-
ing to Adjournment —
The Selectmen having as the Law directs, laid before the In-
habitants Lists of Persons [182.] Of good Moral Character,
and such as they Judged, well qualified to serve as Jurors —
whereupon
Voted. That the Gentlemen the Selectmen, be and hereby are
appointed A Committee to receive and act further upon said List
of Jurors — according to Law — Mem0, reconsidered.
The Committee appointed to Consider the State of the Ahns-
house — Reported —
1st. That the building now occupied for the Almshouse is too
near the Center of the Town, and not sufficiently Large to ac-
commodate the Number of the poor present in the House — pre-
vious to the War — the number did not exceed. 150.. or 180.. in
the Winter season, nor 100 .. or 120 .. in Summer — There are in
the Present month of August between 270 .. & 280 .. in the
ensuing Winter it is Probable there will be between 300 .. and
400.—
2d. There is no Ground in the Yard to Admit of any Addi-
tional buildings. —
3d. In all infirmaries, poor houses, and hospitals, it is con-
sidered an essential provision that separate and detached build-
ings should be appropriated for the reception and accommodation
of such Persons, as are diseased, more especially those whose
diseases are infectious — The Almshouse [183.] in Boston, is
perhaps the only instance known where Persons of every descrip-
tion and disease are lodged under the same roof and in some in-
stances in the same or Contiguous Apartments, by which means
the sick are disturbed, by the Noise of the healthy, and the infirm
rendered liable to the Vices and diseases of the diseased, and
profligate. —
4th. The Present buildings are so Constructed, as not to
Admit of a free Ventilation and they are so Old as to require
constant repairs
5th The Yard is not Spacious enough to Admit of Sufficient
walk for the Patients, while the Air is rendered Noxious, from the
Number of Pitts and Vaults, Necessarily made near together,
and too Near the Dwelling houses.
The Committee Therefore report as their opinion, that An article
be inserted in the Warrant for the Town Meeting in October
240 CITY DOCUMENT.
next — to Notify the inhabitants, that this subject so important
to the Town be taken up and Acted upon at that time —
Thomas Dawes ^r order
The foreging Report having been read and Considered. The
Question was put — Viz1. Whether the same shall be Accepted
— it Passed in the Affirmative —
[184.] The Committee to Settle the Late treasurer Boyers
account — Reported and the same having been read and Con-
sidered by the Town it was Voted, That —
Honble. James Sullivan Esqr.
Honble. Thomas Dawes Senr. Esqr.
Charles Jarvis Esqr.
Jonathan Mason Junr. Esqr.
Joseph Barrell Esqr.
Joseph Russell Junr. Esqr.
Honble. Stephen Higginson Esqr.
be A Committee to Examine into the State of the Debts and
Credits of the Town, to Enquire into the State of Outstanding
Taxes, what Proportion of such Taxes can Probably be Collected,
what Measures may be Pursued to enforce A Collection, and
what Measures can be best Adopted to relieve the Town from its
Present Embarrassments, as well as such as may have a tendency,
to Place and hold the Police & Finances of the Town upon a
respectable footing — also —
Voted. That the aforementioned Report be handed to the
above Named Committee. —
The Committee appointed to Consider the request of the Col-
lectors of Taxes. That a further allowance may be made them for
their Services, beg Leave to Report. That they have Attended
that business and that it appears to them, that the request is —
[185.] reasonable, and that four per Cent be allowed the Col-
lectors, upon all they shall Collect upon the outstanding Taxes of
1789. and that five per Cent be Allowed them on all they shall
Collect of the Taxes of 1790. not yet Issued, any Vote to the
Contrary notwithstanding —
Thomas Crafts ^r. ordr
The aforegoing report having been read and Considered. The
Question was put. — Viz*. Whether the Same shall be accepted. —
Passed in the Affirmative. —
Adjourned to Monday Next 9. O'Clock in the forenoon. —
Monday the 23d clay of August 9. O'Clock in the forenoon. Met
according to Adjournment
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1790. 241
The Selectmen having as the Law [requires] laid before the
inhabitants. Lists of Persons of good Moral Character, and such
as they Judged well Qualified to Serve as Jurors. The Town
Preceded To Examine Said List, and Selected one quarter part
Of the Number, being such as they Judged best qualified to Serve
at the Supreme Judicial Court, and their Names being Written on
Separate pieces of Paper were put into one of the Boxes, to be
liable to be drawn out to Serve on the Petit Jury at the supreme
Judicial Court and the remainder of said List, the Names being
Written on Separate paper were put [186.] Into the other box
Provided by the Selectmen, — To Serve on the Petit Jury at the
Court of Common Pleas, and General Sessions of the Peace, all
being done in the Town Meeting and Strictly Conformable to an
act, Entitled an Act, for regulating the Choice and Services of
Petit Jurors. — Passed the 16th June 1784
Voted. That all matters and things Which Remain Unfinished
at this meeting be referred Over to the Next General Town
Meeting — that may be Called. —
Voted, That the Thanks of the Town, be and hereby are given
to the Honorable Thomas Dawes Senr. Esqr. for his good Ser-
vices — As Moderator —
Then the Meeting was
Dissolved —
[187.] At A Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabi-
tants of the Town of Boston diily Qualified and Legaly Warned
in Public Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Monday
the 4th day of October Anno Domini 1790. 10. O'Clock A : M : —
Prayer made by the Revd. Mr. West. —
Warrant for Calling the Meeting. — read
Resolve of General Court of Massachusets for Calling this
meeting for the Choice of A Representative for Congress ; and
that part of the Constitution which relates to the Choice of Rep-
resentatives. — read. —
The Inhabitants were directed to Withdraw, and bring in their
Votes for one Person being an Inhabitant of the District of the
County of Suffolk, To Represent the People of this Common-
wealth, in Congress of the United States Agreeably to A Vote
of the General Court of the Commonwealth of the Massachusetts,
the 18th July last
It was then declared that the Polls would be Closed at one
O'Clock. and that the Votes would be received at the Table —
242 CITY DOCUMENT.
Persons. Voted for To Represent the People of the Common-
wealth of Massachusetts [188.] in Congress of the United
States being inhabitants of the district of the County of Suffolk
with the Number of Votes to each Person — Viz*.
Votes
Honble. Fisher Ames Esqr. 1203
Honble Thomas Dawes Jr. Esqr. 128
Honble Benjamin Austin Jur. Esqr. - - - - 213
The Votes, for A Representative being given in and Declared,
it was moved and Voted that the Town Now come to the Choice
of A Moderator by A hand Vote, in order to transact the other
business Mentioned in the Warrant. —
Thomas Crafts Esqr. —
was Chosen Moderator of the Meeting. —
Then Adjourned to Friday Next 10 O'Clock being the 8th of
October Instant —
Town Met according to Adjournment The Meeting being Thin
it was moved and Voted that this meeting be further Adjourned
to the first Wednesday in November next being the 3d. of said
Mouth at 10. O'Clock A : M : —
November 3d. 1790. At 10 O'Clock A : M : Met according to
Adjournment —
Coll- Crafts Moderator being Prevented from giving his At-
tendance —
[189.] The Honorable Caleb Davis Esqr. was Chosen Mod-
erator Pro Tern —
Moved & Voted. That all matters and things which shall re-
main unfinished at this meeting be referred over to the General
Town meeting in March next
Mr. Hills Memorial was read, when it was moved and Voted,
that the same be referred to A Committee for consideration. —
also. —
Voted, that the Committee relative to the Towns Finances, be
A Committee for sd. Petition to Report at March Meeting —
Then the Meeting was
dissolved
[19O.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants
of the Town of Boston duly qualified and Legally Warned in
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1791. 243
Public Town Meeting. Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Monday the
14th day of March Anno Domini 1791 — 10. O'Clock. A : M : —
Prayer was made by the Revd. Peter Thatcher
Warrant for calling the Meeting, read
Sundry Laws, to be read at this Meeting, were accordingly
- - - - read —
The Inhabitants were directed to Withdraw, and to bring in
their Votes for A Moderator of this Meeting, and the same having
been brought in and sorted it appeared
That the Honorable Thomas Dawes Esqr. was Chosen —
The Inhabitants then were directed To withdraw and bring in
their Votes for A Town Clerk, and the Same having been brought
in and Sorted it appeared, that —
William Cooper was Chosen Town Clerk for the Year ensuing
and the Oath was Administered to him by Thomas Crafts Esqr. —
[191.] The Town having determined by A Vote to Choose
Nine Selectmen, The Inhabitants Were directed to Withdraw
and bring in their Votes for that Number and upon Sorting them
it appeared that the following Gentlemen — Viz*.
Harbottle Dorr Esqr.
Ezekiel Price Esqr.
Thomas Walley Esqr.
Deacon Wm Boardman
Ebenezer Sever —
. Jabez Hatch Esqr.
Thomas Crafts Esqr.
Thomas Edwards Esqr.
Mr. Joseph Peirce —
Were Chosen Selectmen for the Year Ensuing —
Twelve O'Clock Assigned for the Choice of A County Register.
Poll to be Closed y^ past one O'Clock.
Three. O'Clock Assigned for the Choice Of County Register.
Poll to be Closed at 4. O'Clock —
The Report of the Committee relative to the Almshouse —
read — Whereupon —
Voted, that this report be recommitted, and said Committee
are desired to Report at large, at the Adjournment of this Meeting
244 CITY DOCUMENT.
[192.] also Voted. That it be inserted in the News Papers
that such report (if the Committee are ready) will then be Con-
sidered, and acted upon at the Adjournment. —
Voted, That the Selectmen be and hereby are appointed A
Committee to Count the Votes that shall be brought in for A
County register —
VOTES, for A Register of Deeds for the County of Suffolk,
brought in and Counted by the Selectmen (A Committee Chosen
for the Purpose) when it appeared that the whole Number was
one Thousand one hundred and Nineteen, and that they were for
the following Persons. — Viz*. —
Vote*
Joshua Henshaw Esqr. ------ 342
Samuel Barrett Esqr. 335
Samuel Ruggles Esqr. 146
Mr. Henry Alline 199
Mr. Elkanah Hawkes 96
Samuel Quincy Esqr. 1
1119
All the above being discreet suitable persons and Freeholders and
Residents In the same County —
Att. William Cooper Town Clerk — Mem0. An Attested Copy
hereof was given To Ezekiel Price Esqr. Clerk of the Sessions. —
Adjourned to 3. O'Clock P : M : -
[193.] Three O'Clock P : M : Town met
VOTES, for a Treasurer for the County of Suffolk, brought in.
and Counted, by the Moderator and Town Clerk, when it appeared,
that the whole number was. Three hundred and Ninety four, and
that they were all for Thomas Crafts Esqr. a discreet suitable
Person, being a Free-holder, and Resident in the Same County —
Mem0. The Attested Copy hereof was given to Ezekiel Price
Esqr. Clerk of the Sessions. —
The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw, and bring in their
Votes, for Twelve Overseers Of the Poor, and the same being
brought in & Sorted It appeared — That —
Jonathan Mason Esqr.
John White Esqr.
Edward Procter Esqr.
John Sweetser Esqr.
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1791. 245
Jonathan L. Austin Esqr.
Samuel Parkman Esqr.
Mr. Edward Edes
Henry Hill Esqr.
John Codman Junr. Esqr.
Mr. William Smith
William Phillips Junr Esqr.
Stephen Goreham Esqr.
Were chosen Overseers of the Poor for the year Ensuing Unani-
mously —
[194.] Mr. Joseph Russell -
was Chosen Town Treasurer for the Year ensuing and the Oath
of Office Administred to him by the Town Clerk. —
The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw, and bring in their
Votes, for Sixteen Firewards, and the same brought in and sorted
it Appeared That —
The Honble. Caleb Davis Esqr.
Mr. Thomas Tyleston
John Winthrop Esqr.
Thomas Melvil Esqr.
Jabez Hatch Esqr.
Samuel Breck Esqr.
Mr. Jacob Rhodes
Mr. Joseph Clark
Hon. Thomas Russell Esqr.
Joseph Russell Junr. Esqr.
Mr. Edward Edes
Samuel Parkman Esqr.
Jonathan Mason Jur. Esqr.
Amasa Davis Esqr.
Mr. Russell Sturgis
Henry Jackson Esqr.
Were Chosen Firewards for the year Ensuing —
Moved and Voted That a Committee be appointed to take into
Consideration the State of The Market at Large and report
thereon at the Adjournment. [195.]. Voted, That
The Hon°. Caleb Davis Esqr.
William Tudor Esqr.
John Lucas Esqr.
Mr. Elisha Sigorney
Cap*. James Prince
Be A Committee for the purpose. —
Moved & Voted, That the Choice of a Clerk for Faneuil Hall
Market be referred to the Adjournment. —
The Article in the \Varrant Viz1, to Choose A School Commit-
tee, read On Motion —
246 CITY DOCUMENT.
Voted, That in Addition to the Selectmen Twelve Persons shall
now be chosen, and the following Gentlemen were accordingly
Chosen by Ballot - - - Viz*.
Hon° Thomas Dawes Senr. Esqr.
Revd. Samuel West
Revd. John Lothrop D. D.
Revd. James Freeman
John Coffin Jones Esqr.
Dr. Thomas Welch
Dr. Nathaniel W. Appleton
Jonathan Mason Jur. Esqr.
Aaron Dexter Esqr.
Christopher Gore Esqr.
George R. Minot Esqr.
William Tudor Esqr.
[196.] Also. Voted, That the aforegoing Committee who
Conjunctly are to be 'termed the SCHOOL COMMITTEE. Be and
hereby are directed To Carry the New System of Education
which has been Adopted by the Town into operation, and said
Committee are also Authorized and impowered Conjunctly to
manage and regulate the affairs and Government of the Schools,
and in future to Exercise all the Powers relating to the Schools
and Schoolmasters which the Selectmen or such Committees are
Authorized by the Laws of the Commonwealth Or the Votes of
this Town to Exercise, any former Votes of the Town Notwith-
standing —
Harbottle Dorr Esqr. having declined Serving as A Selectman,
into which Office He had been again Chosen —
Voted, That the Thanks of the Town, be and hereby are given
to Harbottle Dorr Esqr. for his good and faithful services as a
selectman for Twelve years past. —
Coll- Hatch, having also, resigned As A Selectman, received
the Thanks of the Town for his good, and faithful Services in
that office for A Number of Years past. —
[197.] On Motion Voted. That the Town Treasurer give
Bond with Sureties to the Satisfaction of the Selectmen, in the
Penal sum of Ten Thousand Pounds, for his faithful discharge
of the duties of his Office. —
The Article in the Warrant relative to Doctor Franklins dona-
tions. — read and the Consideration of that matter is referred to
the Adjournment.
Voted. That the Assessors be and hereby are directed and
empowered to Set for such abatements of Taxes as they shall
Judge reasonable, two days in Each week, after the delivery of
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1791. 247
the Tax books to the Collectors, for the Space of Six Weeks ;
and no Longer. Saving that they be Allowed to Set the Last Week
in February, Lords day Excepted, for the abatement of the Taxes
of such Persons, as had not the opportunity of applying in the
aboue Limited time by reason of their being out of the Common-
wealth, or other unavoidable hindrance, and that the Assessors
determine upon the Said Two days, which is to be Noted on the
Tax bills, to be delivered to the inhabitants —
[198.] The Votes, being brought in for Five Assessors, it
appeared that
Giles Harris Esqr.
Mr. William Lowder
Samuel Ruggles Esqr.
Mr. John R. Sigorney
Mr. Edward Davis
were Chose Assessors for the year ensuing —
Mess". James Morrel
William Shaw
Zacha. Hicks
Lewis Games
Thomas Clark
Daniel Greenleaf
Samuel Snelling
Samuel Bradley
Joseph Woodward
James Green
Thomas Rogers
William Coolidge
were Chosen Clerks of the Market for the Year ensuing
Voted That the Hon° Thomas Dawes Esqr.
Herman Brimmer Esqr.
Joseph Russell Junr. Esqr.
be and hereby are appointed A Committee to Audit the accounts
of the Town Treasurer and also the [199.] Accounts of the
Selectmen and Overseers of the Poor, And said Committee are
also directed to report the Sum Necessary to be raised for the
service of the Present year. —
Voted, That the Consideration of all money matters be referred
over to the Next May Meeting. —
The Petition, relative to Hackney Coaches. Whereupon Voted,
That Perez Morton Esqr.
Mr. Benjamin Russell
Coll- Craft
Maj- Gobbet
Mr. Edward Davis
be A Committee on said Petition to Report at the Adjournment.
248 CITY DOCUMENT.
Adjourned, to Tuesday Morning 9. O. Clock A : M :
Tuesday the 15th. March Instant 9. O'Clock. Met according
to Adjournment. —
Messr8. Benjamin White
Samuel Dyer
William Crafts
Andrew Townsend Jur.
William Todd
Were Chose Fence Viewers for the year ensuing —
[2OO.] Mess18. William Billings
Thomas Bradley
Jacob Holland
Nathan Green
were Chose sealers of Leather for the year Ensuing —
The Selectmen were Chosen Surveyors of high ways for the
Year Ensuing. —
Mess18. William McNeil
Jeffery Richardson
were chose surveyors of Hemp for the year Ensuing
Mr. Adam Colson
was chose an informer of Deer, for the year Ensuing —
Mess". George Hamlin
Francis Booth
James Wheeler
were chose Haywards for the Ensuing Year —
«
Messrs. Geoige Hamlin
Francis Booth
were chose Hogreeves for the year Ensuing —
John Lucas Esqr.
Edward Tuckerman Esqr.
were chose Surveyors of Wheat for the year Ensuing —
Mess18 : Thomas Green
John Skinner
were Chose Assay masters for the year ensuing —
[2O1.] Messrs : John Ballard
Thomas Uran
William Cunningham
Edward Welds
were chose sealers of Wood for the year ensuing
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1791. 249
Mr. Joseph Peirce declines
Serving as A Selectman, Moved and —
Voted. That the Choice of Three Selectmen in the room of
those who have declined Serving be referred over to the Adjourn-
ment—
Voted. That five per Cent be and hereby is allowed to the
Collectors of Taxes for the Year ensuing, for all such Sums of
Money and Public Securities as they shall Collect, and Pay into
the Several Treasuries, of the Sums Committed to them to Col-
lect ; Also that such Collectors shall give Bond with Sufficient
Sureties, to the satisfaction of the Selectmen for the faithful dis-
charge of their Duty in Said Office, and Complying with this
Vote — and that they will not receive any Premium or Gratuity
for discounting any orders, Notes or receipts, from the Treasurer
of this State, or The Treasurer of this Town,
Messrs: Benja. Henderson
James Thompson
Thomas Bayley
Charles Williams
[2O2.] Were Chose Collectors of Taxes for the year ensuing
The Assessors Return of the State of Collectors debts, being
Previously read —
moved & Voted. That the Choice of Surveyors of Boards be
referred to the Adjournment As also those of Collectors of Staves ;
and that the Choice of those officers shall Commence at 12.
O'Clock A: M.—
The Inhabitants as directed Brought in their Votes for 12
Constables. When It Appeared That —
Mess18 : Shubael Hewes
Samuel Whitney
Benjamin Homans
John Bosson
John Cades
John Butterfield
James Perkins
Henry Crumston
Abner Rumrill
Edward Wentworth
Andrew Townsend
Samuel White
Were chose Constables, for the Ensuing Year —
Adjourned to Wednesday The 30th. of March Instant 10.
O'Clock A : M : —
250 CITY DOCUMENT.
[2O3.] Wednesday 10. O'Clock A:M: Met according to
Adjournment -
Mr. Charles "Williams Chosen a Collector of Taxes having de-
clined the present year —
on Motion. Voted, That the Choice of another Collector be
referred over to May Meeting
The Inhabitants having brought in their Votes for Three Select-
men and the Votes being counted. It appeared that the following
Gentlemen viz*.
Mr. Samuel Salisbury
Mr. William Little
Mr. Samuel Cabot
were Chosen Selectmen in place of the Three Gentlemen, who
had declined Serving. —
Mr. Jacob Rhodes having excused himself from Serving as A
fireward the Present Year Ensuing — Voted That thanks of the
Town be and hereby are given unto Mr. Jacob Rhodes for his
faithful Services as A Fireward for A Number of Years Past. —
The Votes being brought and Counted, it appeared Mr. Samuel
Whitwell — was Chosen A Fireward for the Ensuing Year. —
Mess1"8. Daniel Austin
Arnold Wells Junr.
Were Chose Clerks of the market for the ensuing year
[2O4.] The Committee appointed to Consider the State of
the Market and what Measures would be most Advisable for the
Town to Adopt respecting the same —
Report, That it is expedient that all the Stalls without the
House be Marked and Numbered, and that the Selectmen Affix
A Monthly Price to Each, as well as to any future ones that may
be established. That the Selectmen immediately publish Pro-
posals for farming out the whole Of the Market, the Stalls within
the House Excepted, in the Centinel for Three Weeks Succes-
sively to the highest bidder being an inhabitant of this town, who
shall deliver in his terms in writing to the Selectmen for one
Year from the time of executing the Contract, and on The fol-
lowing Conditions. —
1st. To Give bond with sufficient Security to the acceptance
of the Selectmen for fullfilment of his Contract
2d. The Rent to be paid Quarterly. —
,3d. To Observe Such regulations and Directions of the Select-
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1791. 251
men, as they shall Establish from time to time During the Ex-
istence of the Lease respecting Transient Persons, Selling Meat
& Vegetables —
[2O5.] 4th. In no Case to demand more from the Holders
of the Stalls than the price affixed upon them by the Selectmen
at the time of making the Contract. —
5th. That all Dirt shall be removed from all parts of the
Market. Every day before Nine O'Clock at Night. The Con-
tractor to have the sole right to the same. —
6th. The Contractor to Engage as far as lies within his Power
to Prevent all forestalling
7th. That the Contractor shall Constantly keep in some suit-
able Place where the Selectmen shall direct A standard of "Weights
and Measures for the Accommodation of the Inhabitants of the
Town Sufficient to weigh to the amount of Fifty Pounds Also
That the Selectmen or a Major Part of Them, be and they hereby
are Authorized to Prosecute for all breaches of the Condition of
the Bond, mentioned in this Report, and are authorized to appear
in all Courts of Law to represent the Town on any Suits they may
think Necessary to institute thereon And are also Authorized to
dispense with all breaches of the Condition of said Bonds, as
shall in their discretion be entitled to that indulgence — was read
and Considered —
[2O6.] Whereupon the Question was put — Viz*. Whether
this report as now Amended be received And Accepted by the
Town — Passed in the Affirmative
The Committee directed by the Town at A former Meeting of
the Inhabitants to take into Consideration the expediency of pro-
viding A more Suitable Place for the reception and Convenience
of the Poor — Have diligently Attended to this service together
with A Proposition of A respectable Citizen upon the Same Sub-
ject beg Leave to Submit the following report. —
They are Unanimously of Opinion from the Number of Sick
and others, who, of Late, have been provided for in the Alms-
house, as well as from its Situation which }'our Committee Con-
ceive is very ineligible, that it must be soon expedient if not
indispensably requisite, to Procure other buildings for their better
accommodation ; but, your Committee think at the Same time,
that the Completion of this business must be deferred to A
future meeting, as the measures hitherto Proposed for this Pur-
pose imply A Necessity for an Additional debt on the Town, Or
an augmentation of Taxes, Neither of which your Committee can
recommend. —
252 CITY DOCUMENT.
[2O7.] In Addition to these reasons for delay, they have
thought proper to mention another circumstance to the Town
which has had no little influence in deciding their Sentiments on
this Point
The Inhabitants well know that all the standing Laws of the
Government arising from that Spirit of humanity which has in-
variably directed our public proceedings on this Subject, all
strangers — destitute of the means of Support have been hitherto
Maintained at the Expence of the Commonwealth in the same
manner with the Poor of the Towns, who by every tie of birth
and consanguinity are entitled to our Aid and benevolence —
The propriety of this Practise has been Confirmed by imme-
morial usage in this Government, but an opinion having arisen
that the Support of those who are distinguished as the Poor
of the State, might be rendered Less expensive by A new ar-
rangement, A Scheme has been Projected to have this Concern
referred to the care of Individuals, which has been always Com-
mitted to Bodies Corporate in this Country from its earliest set-
tlement to the present moment. This business on its examination
has determined your Committee to Suggest to the Town [2O8.]
The Propriety of having it Conducted in future on New Principles
— in order to this they recommend the Choosing A Committee to
be Specially impowered to Negotiate and Conclude A Contract
with the Government for the Support of the Poor of the State for
a given time — The final Adjustment of this business with the
Government must have A great influence in directing the Sense
of the Town On the Subject under their Present Consideration ;
As it must be Obvious that the Poor of the State are to be removed
from this Town. The Necessity of Erecting New buildings would
be less urgent than at Present — But if they are to be Continued
by Virtue of A Contract with the Government This must operate
as A Strong Motive to Carry the Plan of Erecting another House
into a speedy Effect. — Perhaps A Sale of the Present Almshouse,
Workhouse. & Granary together with such Donations as might be
made by the opulent Citizens, would lessen the burthen Necessary
to be Laid on the Town when this business shall require imme-
diate Execution. —
The Committee ask leave to Sit again, That if Practicable, fur-
ther measures may be devised [2O9.] To facilitate the accom-
plishment of this object and they beg leave to observe that they
are fully impressed with a due sense of the purity of the motive
which Originated the Proposal referred to in the former part of
this report, Although they cannot recommend it to the Town for
their acceptance —
all which is submitted,
Thomas Dawes ^ ordr.
The foregoing report having been Considered. The Question
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1791. 253
was put whether the same shall be Accepted — Passed in the
Affirmative
The Committee relative to Hackney Coaches. — Reported,
whereupon Moved that the further Consideration of this report
be referred to May Meeting
Adjourned to 3 O'Clock P : M :
3 O'Clock P : M :
Met according to Adjournment
The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their
Votes for one selectman and the same being brought in & Counted
it appeared that Mr. Charles Bulfinch was Chosen Unanimously —
[21O.] The Votes being brought in for one Constable, it ap-
peared that
Mr. Nathaniel Henchman was Chosen A Constable for the Year
Ensuing —
On Motion Voted to Consider the Vote for Choosing Twelve
Cullers of Staves
The Votes brought in for 12 Surveyors of Boards and Shingles
it appeared that only Ten were Chosen — Viz*.
Messrs. John Champney
Samuel Dyer
Benjamin Page
James Rogers
Abraham Hay ward
Benjamin White
Daniel Ingersol Junr.
James Blake
James Robins
Hopestill Capen
Were Chosen Surveyors of Boards for the Year Ensuing —
Voted That the Choice of the other two, be referred to May
Meeting —
[211.] The Votes being brought in for 14 Cullers of Staves
and Hoops it appeared that the 13 following Persons — Viz*.
Messrs. Henry Purket
Joseph Loring
William Parkman
James Barry
Arthur Langford
Edward Burt
Edmund Dolbear
254 CITY DOCUMENT.
Joseph Basset
David Marston
Thomas Barber
Isaac Smith
Thomas Foster
Jonathan Gushing
Were Chosen Cullers of Hoops and Staves for the Year Ensuing —
The Votes being brought in for A Collector of Taxes it ap-
peared that
Mr. Caleb Blanchard
was Chosen A Collector of Taxes — for the Year Ensuing —
Article relative to Doctr. Franklins donation read. On Motion,
Voted that the further Consideration — Subside. —
Voted, that all matters and things Unfinished be re-
ferred over to May Meeting —
Voted that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given
unto the Honorable Thomas Dawes Esqr. Moderator for his
good Services, in forwarding the business of the Meeting —
Then the Meeting was
Dissolved
[213.] At, A Meeting of the male inhabitants of the Town
of Boston of Twenty one years of age, and appeared qualified as
the Constitution prescribes legally warned in public Town meet-
ing Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Monday the 4th day of April
Anno Domini 1791. —
The meeting was opened with prayer by the Reverend Mr.
Clark —
Warrant for calling the meeting read
Paragraphs of the Constitution or frame of Government, rela-
tive to the choice of Governor Lieu*. Governor and Senators
- - - - read
It was declared by the Selectmen That no Vote would be re-
ceived but such as are unfolded, and that they purpose the Poll
should be Closed at half past 12 O'Clock and the Votes received
at the Table —
It was Ordered by the Selectmen, that the Bell be tolled at 12.
O'Clock. —
BOSTON TOWN RECOKDS, 1791. 255
[214.] Persons Voted for as Governor wth The Number of
Votes for Each Person Viz*.
Votes
His Excellency John Hancock Esqr. 543
Honorable Francis Dana Esqr. ----- 80
Honble Samuel Adams Esqr. 1
Honble Thomas Russell Esqr. 1
Honble Azor One Esqr. 1
Mr. Andrew Oliver ...- 1
Mr. Christopher Clark 1
Persons Voted for as Lieu*. Governor — with the number of
Votes for each Person - - - Viz1.
Votes
His Honor Samuel Adams Esqr. 540
Honble. Samuel Phillips Esqr. ----- 26
Houble. Tho8. Russell Esqr. 57
Honble. Elbridge Gerry Esqr. 1
Honble. Azor Orne Esqr. 3
Mr. John Kneeland 2
•Persons Voted for as Senators for the County of Suffolk with
the Number of Votes for Each person ------- Viz*.
Votes
Honble. William Phillips Esqr. 621
Honble. Cotton Tufts Esqr. 630
Honble. Stephen Metcalf Esqr. 625
Honble. Thomas Dawes, Esqr. 627
Honble. Benjamin Austin, Jur. Esqr. - - - 469
[215.] Honorable William Heath Esqr. 469
James Bowdoin Esqr. - - - - 156
Jonathan Mason Esqr. - - - - 151
Honble. Richard Cranch Esqr. 2
Honble. Thomas Russell Esqr. 26
Honble. Step". Higginson Esqr. 2
Honble. Caleb Davis - - Esqr. 1
John Read Esqr. 3
Charles Jarvis Esqr. - 3
Ebenezer Thayer Jur. Esqr. - - - - 1
Attested Copies of Persons Voted for as Governor, Lieu* Gov-
ernor, and Senators for the County of Suffolk were Committed to
the Secretary of this Commonwealth and the Inclosures sealed
Up in Town Meeting, Superscribed as follows - - - - Viz* .
For John A very Esqr.
Secretary for the Commonwealth
Of Massachusetts —
The Number of Votes, for The Town of Boston for a GOVER-
256 CITY DOCUMENT.
NOR, Lieu*. Governor, and Six Senators for the County of Suf-
folk, Certified with and Sealed up in Town Meeting —
Then the Meeting was
Dissolved —
[216.] At A meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabi-
tants of the Town of Boston duly qualified and legally Warned in
Public Town Meeting, Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Tuesday the
10th day of May Anno Domini 1791 — 10 O'Clock A : M : —
Prayer was made by the Revd. Mr. Eliot —
"Warrant for calling the Meeting — read —
That part of the Constitution, or frame of Goverment which
relates to the Choice of representatives - read
Sundry Laws to be read at Said meeting — were accordingly
- - - - - - - - - - - - read
The Town having determined to choose seven persons to repre-
sent them in the General Court of Massachusetts to be held in
the state.House — in Boston on the last Wednesday of May Cur-
rent Agreeably to the Constitution or frame of Goverment for
the Massachusets — The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw
and bring in their Votes for Seven Representatives. And then
it was declared [217.] By the- Selectmen. That no Votes would
be received but such as are unfolded, and that they intend the
Poll shall be Closed at half past 12. O'Clock. — Bell to toll A little
before that time.
The Votes being brought in for Seven Representatives. The
Number of the same were found to be four hundred and Seventy
Nine, and upon sorting them it appeared that the following Gen-
tlemen were Chosen by A Majority of Votes Viz*.
Votes
William Tudor Esqr. 348
Charles Jarvis Esqr. -------- 478
Samuel Breck Esqr. 473
Jonathan Mason Esqr. 472
John Coffin Jones Esqr. 471
William Eustis Esqr. 472
Jonathan Mason Jur. Esqr. ------ 472
The Choice of Representatives being Over it was Moved and
Voted, that the Town Now Come to the Choice of a Moderator
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1791. 257
by A hand Vote in order to transact the other business mentioned
in the Warrant. —
The Honorable Thomas Dawes Esqr. was Chosen Moderator
accordingly —
[218.] On Motion Voted That 3. O'Clock P : M : be As-
signed for the Choice of County Register — and that the Poll be
Closed at 5. O'Clock
Adjourned to 3. O'Clock P : M :
3 O'Clock P : M : Met according to Adjournment —
Mess". Joshua Bently
Edward Ranger
were Chosen Surveyors of Boards the Year Ensuing —
Voted, that the Selectmen be and hereby are appointed A Com-
mittee to Count the Votes That shall be brought in for A County
Register —
VOTES for A Register of Deeds for the County of Suffolk,
brought in and Counted by the Selectmen. (A Committee
chosen for that Purpose) When it appeared that the whole
Number was Eight hundred and Thirty four, and that they were
for the following Persons ----------- Viz*.
Votes
Joshua Henshaw Esqr. - - - - - - - 151
Samuel Barrett Esqr. 185
Samuel Ruggles Esq. 113
Mr. Henry Alline 385
The above being discreet suitable Persons and freeholders and
Residents in said County —
Attest William Cooper Town Clerk
[219.] Memorandum. An Attested Copy hereof was given
to Ezekiel Price Esqr. Clerk of the Sessions directed as follows.
— Boston, Number of Votes for A Register of Deeds. —
The Committee appointed to Audit the accounts of the Town
Treasury and Examine the draughts of the Selectmen & Over-
seers — Report
That the Treasurers Accompts are right cast and well Vouched
and we find by the accote Now rendered A balance in favour of the
Town £911'.) ,, 17 ,, 11^ The General State of the Treasury is
as follows ------------ Viz1. - - Dr.
258
CITY DOCUMENT.
Due to the Town from Several Collectors March 1st. 1791
Charles Williams for 1789 Tax ------ £1944 „ 12 „
DO. 1790 -------- 1433 „ — „
James Thompson for 1789 Tax - - 819 „ 12 ,, 10
1790 do. - - 1587 „ 5 „
Thomas Bayley - - 1789 - - - - 614 „ 6 „
1790 . . . . 1421 „ 19 ~
Benjamn. Henderson 1789 - - - - 329,, 10,, 2
1790 - - - - 1536 „ 11 „ 7
3377 „ 13 „ 1
2406 „ 18 „ 9%
2063 „ 6 ,, 1.
1866 „ 1 „ 9)£
From the Commonwealth 10503 ,, 2 ,, 8
Town Powder -------- £312 ,, 11 ,, 8
Several Small Notes 35 ,, 10 „ _8
£20252 „ 13 ,, 1
Sum brought over £20252 „ 13 „ 1
Sundry balances from A Number of People out of ) I71ft 1A
which the Committee Think £1300 - - bad - - j L0 " 14 " *
From Several Persons for Rents -------- 317 ,, 2 ,, 9
Estate of David Jeffries ----------- SO,,
Old Paper Money funded ---------- 411 ,, 1 ,, 8
Cash in the Treasury •-.. 189 „ 16 ,, 3
£22917 „ 8 „ 1>
Due from the Town as follows - - - Viz*.
Sundry Small balances - - - £393 19
To the Estate of Sami. Partridge 710 14
Matthew Nazro 168 8
Samuel Whitwell - - - - 37 7 .
Due on Selectmens drafts - - - 478 9 , 5
Overseers ------- 78 9
William Cooper ----- 54 15 , 9
John Vinal - - - - 176 15 , 3%
Notes on Interest 12532 4 ,
Interest due to March Compounded 2118 10, 10
£16749 „ 15 „ 10
Probable deductions. Viz*.
Suppose bad Debts £1300 ,,
part of Rents ------- 150 ,,
abatemte. on Tax 1790 900 „
Collect18. & Assessors pay - - - 700 ,, - - 3050 ,,
Balance - -
19799 „ 15 „ 10
- - 3117,, 12,, 3)4
[221.] Your Committee having Examined the State of Town
Treasury find A balance in favour of the Town on the first day of
March last of £3 117,, 12, ,3^ Provided all the Outstanding
taxes are paid, and the other debtors of the Town pay their bal-
ances due. Your Committee beg Leave further to Report, that
the Annual draught of the Overseers and Selectmen for Several
Years past have been £7000 — And that the Present Year there
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1791. 259
are Several New Peices of Pavements, And A New School house
Petitioned for, which if Completed will make the Current expences
exceed the former sum, And as the Taxes from the Collectors
cannot be Collected for Sometime, and the Last year having
Proved to the Town The Necessity of having money in the
Treasury (as all the Towns expences by having Money to pay
on demand are made at Twenty five per Cent less then they have
heretofore been on Credit) Your Committee are therefore of
opinion that the Town will make A Saving by raising A Tax of
Ten thousand Pounds, which will enable the Town to pay their
Notes, and Prevent not only Compound interest which they have
long been subject to. but put them out of debt and enable them
to go to Market, with ready money —
Thomas Dawes order
The aforegoing Report having been read and con-
sidered, The Town came into the following resolutions - - - Viz*.
Whereas at A Legal Town Meeting the 10th March 1783. The
following Vote was Passed - Viz*.
Voted, That the Town Treasurer be impowered and directed
to allow the Several Creditors of the Town, who have lent money
to the Town, Interest and Compound Interest on the Moneys
Lent —
And it being found very detrimental to the Interest of the
Town that the said Vote should continue any longer in force —
Voted, That the Town Treasurer be and he is hereby Author-
ized and directed to pay £2118 ,, 10 ,, 10 Out of the moneys
arising from the Warrant in his hands On the Treasurer of the
Commonwealth to the Several Creditors who shall receive Interest
& Compound Interest from March 10th. 1783 to March 1st 1791 —
Voted, That from and after the first day of march 1791. Com-
pound Interest shall cease to be allowed the Creditors of The
Town. —
[223.] And Whereas it further appears that the Sum of
£12582 ,, 4 ,, 4*4 principal will remain due to the Several Credi-
tors who are Possessed of Due bills from the Late and Present
Treasurer, and there being A balance of £1381 ,, 9 ,, 2. from the
Warrant on the State Treasurer after the said sum of £2118 ,, 10
,, 6 is paid for Interest and Compound Interest on the Prin-
cipal aforesaid, Also the Sum of £10000 — being in the hands
of the Town Treasurer which he has received from the State
Treasury for the Support of the State poor, carrying Interest
from Jan17. 1st. 1791: Which is to be paid by Instalments from
all the Taxes due to the Commonwealth prior to Tax N°. 8. not
260 CITY DOCUMENT.
appropriated agreeable to A resolve of the General Court passed
February 21st. 1791. These two Sums with the further Sum of
£1250 ,, 15 ,, '2l/2 which it is presumed will be immediately Col-
lected from the 1789 Tax will be sufficient to discharge the afore-
said Debts of £12532 ,, 4 ,, ±y-z thereof — Voted, That the balance
of £1381 ,, 9 ,, 2 and the £10000 — in Treasury Notes and the
further sum of £1250 ,, 15 ,, 2^ aforementioned be and hereby
'is appropriated to discharge the said debt of £12532 ,, 4 ,, 4^
and the Treasurer is hereby directed to govern himself Accord-
ingly, and upon no Occasion or demand [224.] Whatsoever to
Apply any part of the Sum so appropriated to any other Purpose
— also
Voted, That the Treasurer be, & he is hereby Authorised and
directed to pay to the Creditors by Instalments as he receives the
Moneys due from the State in Proportion to their Several de-
mands— Provided however, that if any of the Creditors of the
Town be desirous of receiving the /State Treasurers Notes on
Interest in the hands of the Town Treasurer in Payment for their
Notes or due bills, or parts of them bearing Interest, he is hereby
Authorised to pay the Same in sd. notes
Voted, That the Sum of Eight Thousand Pounds, be raised by
A Tax to be Assessed on the Polls, and Estates of the Inhabitants
of this Town to defray the Expences of the Current Year —
Adjourned to Morrow 10. O'Clock A : M :
Wednesday the 11th. May. 10. O'Clock Met According to
Adjournment
[225.] The Article in the Warrant --*--- Viz*.
To Choose and Authorise A Committee to Contract with the Gen-
eral Court for the Support of the State's Poor read and Con-
sidered — Whereupon —
Voted, That. Jonathan Mason Esqr.
Ezekiel Price Esqr.
Thomas Walley Esqr.
William Eustis Esqr.
Charles Jarvis Esqr.
John Sweetser Esqr.
Be and hereby are appointed A Committee fully Authorised and
impowered to Contract in behalf of the Inhabitants with the Gen-
eral Court for the Support of the States Poor, for such A Term
and in such A manner as they shall think meet —
Voted, that the Town Treasurer once in Every Month lay be-
fore the Selectmen the Several Sums of Money which he has
received from the Collectors Individually and the Expenditures
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1791. 261
of the said Monies in order that the Selectmen may more readily
be Acquainted with the money matters of the Town —
Voted, That the Town Treasurer be and hereby is
Authorized upon any extraordinary emergency to borrow on the
Credit of the Town any Sum not exceeding five hundred Pounds
Allowing Lawfull Interest for the Same, the Sum So borrowed to
be repaid as soon as may be from the Tax of 1790
Upon A Petition of A Number of Inhabitants of this Town.
Setting forth the Necessity of A New School being Erected at
the North part of the Town —
Voted, that the Prayer of said Petition be Complied with, and
that the School Committee be Authorised & desired to Cause A
New School house to be Erected of such dimensions and in Such
manner as will in their Judgement, with the Least Expence to the
Town, best Answer the Views of the Petitioners. —
Voted, That the Town Treasurer be Directed to retain the Six
per Cent & Three per Cent funded Certificates in hand the Prop-
erty of the Town Unless he can discharge any of the Towns Debts
bearing Interest, at the rates of Twenty Shillings on the Pound
for the Six per Cent, and ten Shillings for the Three per Cent,
inclusive with the Interest due upon them
Adjourned to 4. O'Clock P : M :
3. O'Clock P : M : Met according to Adjournment
Voted, That, Charles Jarvis Esqr.
Thomas Crafts Esqr.
Hon°. Stepn. Higginson Esqr.
Thomas Edwards Esqr.
Mr. Charles Bulflnch
Be A Committee to devise A Plan to facilitate and Secure the
Punctual Collections of the Taxes of this Town and to Report to
the Town at the Next meeting
The Inhabitants as directed brought in their Votes for Three
Cullers of Dry Fish — When it appeared. That
Mr. John MTarland
Captn. Roger Bartlet
Captn. Joseph Doble
Were Chosen Cullers of Dry fish the year Ensuing
Committee on the Petition of Mr. Allexander Hill, Reported.
and the meeting being thin
Voted that the Consideration thereof be referred to the Next
262 CITY DOCUMENT.
General Town Meeting, and to be inserted the first Article in the
Warrant for calling the same. —
[228.] Voted, That all matters and things Which remain
Unfinished be referred over to the Next General T.own Meeting
that may be Called —
Voted, Thanks of the Town be given to The Honorable Thomas
Dawes Moderator for his good Services in dispatching the busi-
ness of the Meeting
Then the Meeting was
dissolved
[229.] At A Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabi-
tants of the Town of Boston duly qualified and Legaly Warned
in Public Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Monday
the 4th day of July Anno Domini 1791 9. O'Clock A : M :
Warrant for calling the Meeting - - - read
William Cooper
was Chosen Moderator by" A hand Vote
The Committee Appointed the Last year to make Choice of A
Gentleman to deliver an Oration On the Anniversary of Inde-
pendence —
Reported, That they had made Choice of Thomas Crafts Esqr.
to deliver an Oration this day Agreeable to A Late Vote of the
Town-
On Motion Voted That the Oration be delivered at the Old
Brick Church 12. O'Clock Liberty having been Obtained, there-
for—
Voted That the Gentlemen Selectmen Acquaint Mr. Craft with
this Vote. —
The Meeting was then Adjourned to meet at the Old Brick
Church at 12. O'Clock this day —
[23O.] AN ORATION
To Commemorate the Independence of the United States was
delivered by Thomas Crafts Esqr. at the old Brick Church — On
Motion —
Voted, That the Selectmen be and hereby are appointed A
Committee to Wait on Thorn8. Crafts Junr. Esqr. and in the
name of the Town to thank him for the Spirited & Elegant
Oration this day delivd. by him at the request of the Town, upon
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1791. 263
the Anniversary of the Independence of the United States of
America, in Which According to the Institution of the Town he
considered the feelings, manners and Principles Which led to that
great National Event — and to Request of him A Copy thereof
for the Press —
On motion Voted, That the Gentlemen the Selectmen. Be and
hereby are appointed A Committee To Apply to some one learned
and able Gentleman to Deliver an Oration on the 4th of July
Anno Dom1 1792 That day being the Anniversary of the Inde-
pendence of the United States of America ; Wherein the Orator
is to consider the feelings, manners and Principles — Which led
to this great national event; [231.] as well as the Important
and happy Effects, whether General or Domestic which have
already, and will forever continue to flow from that auspicious
Epoch. —
Then the meeting was
Dissolved —
A t A Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston duly qualified and legally warned in Public
Town Meeting. Assembled at Faneuil Hall On Wednesday the
13th day Anno Domini 1791. 10. O' Clock A : M :
Warrant for calling the meeting ... read
The Honorable Thomas Dawes Esqr. Was Chosen Moderator
by A Hand Vote —
Voted, That the Poll for Choice of A County Register be
Closed at half past Twelve O 'Clock. -
Voted, That the Selectmen be and hereby, are ap-
pointed A Committee to Count the Votes that shall be brought in
for the Choice of A County register
Votes, for A County Register Of Deeds for the County of Suf-
folk brought in & Counted by the Selectmen A Committee Chosen
for that Purpose When it appeared that the whole Number was
Eight hundred and Seventy Three, and that they were for the
following Persons. ....... _._.. Viz*.
Votes
Joshua Henshaw Esqr. ........ 121
Samuel Barrett Esqr. ---------141
Samuel Ruggles Esqr. -_____-. 57
Mr. Henry Allyne .......... 554
Attest William Cooper Town Clerk, Mem0, delivered an
264 CITY DOCUMENT.
Attested Copy of the above to Ezek1. Price Esqr. Clerk of the
Sessions —
A Vote Inclos'd in A Paper was Sent in by Coll- Tudor And the
Question being put, Whether any Vote shall be brought in by
Proxy, it Passed in the Negative —
Boston,
Number of Votes for A Register of Deeds —
Then the Meeting was
dissolved —
[£33.] At A Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabi-
tants of the Town of Boston duly Qualified and Legally Warned
in Public Town meeting, Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Wednes-
day the 10th day of Aug*. 1791. 11 O 'Clock arm
Warrant for Calling A Meeting ... - read —
The Hon^M Thomas Dawes Esqr. on Motion was Chosen Mod-
erator by A hand Vote
Voted, That the Poll for Choice of A County Register, be
Closed at one O'Clock. P : M —
Voted, That the Selectmen be and hereby are appointed A
Committee to count the votes that shah1 be brought in for A
County Register —
Votes, for A Register of Deeds for the County of Suffolk,
brought in & Counted by the Selectmen (A Committee Chosen
for that Purpose) When it Appeared that the whole Number was
one thousand & one, and that they were for the following Per-
sons — Viz*.
Votes
Joshua Henshaw Esqr. -------- 63
Samuel Barrett Esqr. 57
Samuel Ruggles Esqr. -------- 56
Mr. Henry Alline 825
1001
Att. William Cooper Town Clerk Mem0, delivered
an Attested Copy of the above, to Ezek1. Price Esqr. Clerk of the
Sessions, to be by him delivered to the Court of Sessions. Directed
Boston Numbr. [of votes] for A County Register.
Then the Meeting, was Dissolved. —
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1791. 265
[234.] At A Meeting of the Freeholders & Other Inhabi-
tants of the Town of Boston, dully qualified and legally warned
in Public Town meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall, on Wednes-
day the 26th. day of October A.D. 1791. 10. O'Clock A : M : -
Warrant for calling the meeting — read
The HonVii Thomas Dawes Esqr. chosen Moderator by A hand
Vote.-
The Article of the Warrant relative to the County of Suffolk,
read, Also the Petition of Moses Fuller & others, to the General
Court, a Copy of which has been transmitted to the Town Clerk,
by their order, — and laid before the Town, read, Whereupon —
Voted, That the Honble. James Sullivan Esqr.
Ezekiel Price Esqr.
Honble. Stephen Higginson Esqr.
Thomas Crafts Esqr.
Caleb Davis Esqr.
be A Committee to take this matter into Consideration and report
such measures as they may Judge to be expedient on the occasion
Sent
The two articles in the Warrant - Viz*, to con-
sider the Expediency of Erecting Stalls in the Market square, for
the better accommodation of the market, agreeable to A Plan
then to be laid before the Town and Whether any farther regula-
tions are Necessary to be made respecting the market Read.
Whereupon. Voted. That —
[235.] Voted That Charles Jams Esqr.
Honble. Stephin Higginson Esqr.
Mr. Charles Bulfinch
Mr. Charles Sigorney
Mr. William Cooper
Mr. Oliver Smith
Thomas Crafts Esqr.
be A Committee to take these Articles into consideration and to
report what is best to be done thereon — Sent
The Report of the Committee on Mr. Hills Petition — read and
considered, Whereupon moved and
Voted, That Mr. Hill have leave to Withdraw his Petition —
The Article in the Warrant — Viz*. Whether any or what
measures shall be taken for lighting the Lamps the ensuing
Winter — read — Whereupon — Voted That this matter be left to
the consideration of the Committee, relative to the Market —
The Article in the Warrant — Viz*. That the Sense of the Town
266 CITY DOCUMENT.
may be taken, relative to Admitting A Theatre in the Town and
instruct their representatives, to endeavor A repeal of an Act
passed July 1750. Entitled an act to Prevent Stage Play, and
other Theatrical Entertainments — read, and after debate, Ad-
journed to — 4 — O'Clock — P : M : —
[236.] 3 O'Clock. P : M : Met according to Adjournment
The Article relative to A Theatre again taken up. —
On motion, the question was put Viz*. That the Petitioners
have leave to withdraw their Petition — Passed in the Negative —
it was then moved and Voted. That —
Perez Morton Esqr.
James Hughes Esqr.
Mr. Charles Bulfinch
Cap*. James Prince
Samuel Cabot Esqr.
Thomas Crafts Esqr.
Joseph Russell Esqr.
Be A Committee to draw up Instructions to the Gentlemen who
represent this Town in the Gen1. Court, for carrying said Article
into execution and to report the same at the Adjournment — Sent
Adjourned to Wednesday the 9th. day of November Next, 10
— O'Clock. A:M:
Wednesday, the 9th. day of November 10. O'Clock. A : M : met
according to Adjournment
The Committee relative to dividing the County of Suffolk, on
the Petition of Moses Fuller and others to the General Court
have leave to report at the adjournment of this meeting —
[237.] The Committee appointed to Consider the expedi-
ency of Erecting Stalls in market Square, for the better accom-
modation of the market agreeable to A Plan Presented " — And
whether any further regulations of the Market are Necessary —
beg leave to report. That with respect to the first Article. It is
their unanimous opinion. That the same be carried into operation,
and that the selectmen be desired to take measures to complete
the same
That with respect to the other Article they are fully of
Opinion that the Representatives of the Town in General Court
be instructed to use their influence to have A Law Passed at
their Next sessions, more Effectualy to Provide against the
growing evil of forestalling and that in the mean time the Officers
of Police in this Town be directed to Prosecute those who shall
be guilty of Violating the Laws against Monopoly and forestalling
as they Now stand, as also to inspect all weights and measures
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1791. 267
made use of in the market and Proceed therein as the Law points
out & directs That the inhabitants may no longer suffer by the
notorious Practice of many Sellers in making use of illegal
weights and measures in their sales ; And that they make the
Selectmen acquainted with the Names of such forestallers. as are
suffered to improve stalls, for dealing out their monopolized
Articles, to the Inhabitants at Extravagant rates, with the
[238.] further mortification that these gains rest not with the
honest farmer but in the hands of those who are only living on
the Labours of the industrious Sent
Charles Jarvis
The aforegoing Report having been Considered by Paragraphs.
The Question was put Whether said Report shall be Accepted
Passed in the Affirmative Sent to all —
The Committee to Whom were refer'd the clause in the Warrant
as to whether the Town will take any & what measures for light-
ing the Lamps the Ensuing Winter —
Report. That the Number of Town Lamps is not Sufficient
for Lighting the Town in A Proper manner, and the circum-
stances of the Town at Present will not allow of any Expence in
Adding to their Number — But that the Committee recommend
that when A number of Individuals — will Engage to put up suf-
ficient additional Lamps at their own charge and Subscribe to
their Support and when Sufficient monies shall be raised by sub-
scriptions to Support the Town Lamps That the Selectmen be
directed then to Contract with Some Persons to light & keep in
order the Lamps throughout the Town —
Charles Jarvis
[239.] The Aforegoing Report having been read and Con-
sidered, the question was put Viz*, whether the Report be Ac-
cepted— Passed in the Affirmative. — Sent —
The Committee appointed to draw up instructions to the Gen-
tlemen who represent this Town In General Court, relative to
Admitting A Theatre in this Town — Report the following
draught
To the Representatives of the Town of Boston —
Gentlemen, At A very full meeting of the Inhabitants
of the Town of Boston the sense of your Constituents has been
taken upon A Law of the Legislature Passed in the year 1750
Entitled an Act to Prevent Stage Plays, and other Theatrical
Entertainments" — And After a lengthy and Deliberate Debate,
They have Determined by A Very Large Majority, that the Ex-
istence of that Law in its Present unlimited form operates as an
268 CITY DOCUMENT.
undue restraint upon the liberty of the Citizen And as an infringe-
ment of bis unalienable right.
They Consider the right to relax from the toils of Industry &
the fatigues of Business by A resort to any rational & innocent
amusement, as Constituting no inconsiderable part of the hap-
piness of Civil Society and one of the essential [24O.] blessings
confirmed to them by A free constitution of Government —
A THEATRE where the Actions of great & Virtuous Men are
represented Under every possible embellishment, which genius
and eloquence can give will not only afford A rational and in-
nocent amusement, but essentially Advance the interest of Public
and Private virtue, will have A Tendency to Polish the Manners
and habits »f Society, to disseminate the Social affections, and to
improve and refine the literary taste of our rising Republic —
Your Constituents therefore, as well to Promote the Public benefits
as to remove Every obstacle to the enjoyment of their Political
rights, instruct and enjoyn you at the Next Session of the Legis-
lature to move for and to use your utmost endeavor, until you
effect A repeal of the Law alluded to. so far at least as respects
the Town of Boston —
By Attending to the objects your Constituents have in View,
you will readily Perceive — That they are as opposed to the
licentious abuse of this Valuable Privilege, as to the Arbitrary and
Unnecessary restraint with which it has been so long shackled —
They Therefore further direct you to endeavor that the Law
of repeal may be so — constructed, that no dramatic Composi-
tions shall be the subject of Theatrical exhibition until they
have [241.] Obtained A Sanction from some Authority to be
Appointed for that Purpose in order that none of an immoral
impression may ever disgrace the American stage, and such only
be presented to the view of the people as shah1 be calculated to
improve their taste, to mend their hearts, and to Subserve the
great and beneficial purposes of Public and Private Virtue — By
order of the Committee
Perez Morton Chairman
The foregoing having been read and Considered. The Question
was put Viz1. Whether the Same shall be accepted, Passed in the
affirmative — Sent
Adjourned to the Second Wednesday in December, 10 O'Clock
A:M: being the 14th —
Wednesday Decr. 14th. 10. O'Clock P : M : Met according to
Adjournment. —
The Committee to whom was referred the Petition of Moses
Fuller and others to the General Court of this Commonwealth
relative to A Division of the County of Suffolk. —
Reported the following draft of A Remonstrance to be Pre-
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1791. 269
eented to the General Court which being read and Considered.
The question was Put Viz*. Whether the said Report shall be
accepted. Passed in the affirmative Unanimously — Sent
On Motion — Voted. That the
Hon™2 James Sullivan Esqr.
Ezekiel Price Esqr.
Thomas Crafts Esqr.
Hon5l5 Caleb Davis Esqr.
Thomas Edwards Esqr.
be and hereby are appointed Agents in behalf of the Town, and
they are hereby Authorized and directed To Sign said remon-
strance & Petn. and to Present and Support the same at the Gen-
eral Court, also — Sent
Voted, that the Representatives of the Town in General Court,
be and hereby are instructed, to use their utmost endeavors that
the Petition of Moses Fuller and others to the General Court for
A Division of the County of Suffolk, should not Obtain And That
they be Served with A Copy of this Vote, and Of said Petition
and the Aforesaid remonstrance of the Town. — Sent —
The Remonstrance is as follows — Viz*.
To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts —
The Petition and Remonstrance of the Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston —
Most humbly Represents —
That the said Inhabitants being favoured by your HonrB with a
Copy of A Petition of several Persons in behalf of the Towns
where unto they respectively belong for forming [243.] A New
County by the Name of Union out of the County of Suffolk.
And having duly Considered the Same. — They cannot consist-
ently with the regard which they have for the People of said
County as well as to the state at large, if they should refrain
from remonstrating Against the Measure. They find that the first
Claim for A Division of the County as Expressed in the Petition,
Arises from delays in Tryals in the Courts and The great ex-
pences Consequent upon them, but it may be relied on, That
those Actions which are merely Maritime, or Arises from the
Principals of Commerce Incident to the Town of Boston are very
few in comparison of those which Originate in Wrongs and Con-
tracts Equaly Appertaining to the Nature of Business both in
Town and Country. The Number of Tryals where both Parties
are Inhabitants of Boston, bear but A Small Proportion to those
where one or both Parties are Inhabitants of Other Towns in the
County — If the County should be Divided there will still be
Suits Commenced by the Inhabitants of the Town of Boston,
270 CITY DOCUMENT.
against the Inhabitants of the New County, and by the Latter
against the former from Whence would result the same inconven-
iency as is now complained of that men in Town and County
would have their Cases Tried by Jurors not Acquainted With the
business they are called to decide upon, But very small Attention
to the subject will shew that there is no weight in the Argument
tkus used in the Petition. Because [244.] theLawof the Land [is]
alike to the Persons & Property of all the People in the Common-
wealth, so far as the Same respects Legal Tryals. The Jurors
now Called to decide upon matters of right in this County Are A
Mixture of Town & Country men, but if the Town Should become
A Separate County, and A difference In the feelings of Town
and Countrymen does actually Exist, it will be hard upon our
brethren in the Country to have no Jurors from the Country when
they shall be called to Answer upon Suits in the Town, — Besides
This, when A County is very small, And an Action which Attracts
the Public Attention has to Pass thro' the Variety of Tryals to
which it is liable Until Ended in A review, it is very difficult to
procure An Unprejudiced and impartial Jury. The Town of Bos-
ton has ever had A high Sense of the Good understanding &
ability of their brethren in the Country and would by all means,
Unless where the Public interest absolutely requires it, Be willing
to relinquish The Advantages derived from their Assistance in
Matters of Legal Controversy, The Town of Boston have At-
tended to the Matters of complaint of their Brethren in the
Towns said to be Petitioning, respecting the weight of Taxes
Arising from County Charges, and they can by no means conceive
that [245.] granting to the Towns mentioned in the Petition
Exclusive County Priviliges would ease their burthens. The
County Expences are always order'd and liquidated by the Court
of Sessions, wherein their is A large Majority of Members from
the Country Towns, the Expence of the Jail is no doubt very
great upon the Towns mentioned in the Petition, as well as upon
the Town of Boston, but the Towns in the Country part of the
County ought to consider That in all great Towns and Cities,
there are vagrant Strolling Persons, who are very frequently the
Objects of such Criminal Prosecutions as will create an Expence.
But The Towns Near the Metropolis have great Advantages from
their vicinity with it. And they ought to bear A reasonable Part
of the burthens Naturally arising from their Priviliges and Ad-
vantages— The length of the sessions of the Supreme Judicial
Court, is no doubt the Source of much Expence. But A Method
much more eligible, than that of A Division of the County may
be Adopted, This together with the Expences of the Jail arises
from the Number of Criminals which are held for and brought to
Tryal at the Supreme Judicial Court — Considering the Advan-
tages derived by the Inhabitants of the Towns Mentioned in the
Petition from their Contiguity with the Town of Boston they
ought to Unite with it inr Procuring Such Measures as will tend
Mutually to the relief of Town and Country in the Expences
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1791. 271
Complained of [246.] As your Honors have under consider-
ation A revision of the Judicial department in the Goverment,
the Legislative will be naturally led to form such an Establish-
ment as shall give the Town of Boston A Tribunal to try and
Sentence, or Acquit such Persons as Shall be committed under
charges of A Criminal nature not Capital and committed within
the Town of Boston, in as Short A time after their Committment
As shall be consistent with Justice. This will lessen the Expences
of the County, have A tendency to prevent the Commission of
Crimes, which are perpetrated under A hope of escaping from
Punishment by delay of Trials, and take away all the colourable
reasons Suggested in the Petition ; what the many other reasons
are which The Petitioners Suggest as existing, but do not mention
The Town of Boston are unable to conceive of ; had they been
mentioned in the Petition it would have led to A discussion of
their merits, but there are, as this Town believes many and very
weighty reasons against the Measure. Amongst which are the fol-
lowing : That the Interest and happiness of the People depend much
upon having the offices of their Municipality filled with men who
are capable of executing the functions of them, and answering the
just expectation of their constituents, but this can never be As-
sured where [247.] The Community is small without laying grevi-
ous burthens upon the People. In the instance under consideration
A fair calculation will shew that the County Officers have but A
Small support as — the County now stands. And A division
will still lessen The reward for A Devotion to Public business
The real expence of the People in going to the Proposed shire
town will be to increase their Travel and by no means lessen their
other expences, The great objects of Civil Goverment are the
defence of the Society against Violence from External Enemies.
& the Support of Distributive Justice among the Individuals of
which it is composed ; in the Latter a tryal by Jury is considered
as being A very important and Valuable Municipal Institution,
But where A County is small too great a Proportion of the People
of it will be too much interested or Prejudiced in Causes demand-
ing the Public attention to Preserve this institution in Purity,
and tryals under such impressions will have A tendency to destroy
the respectability of an Institution, upon which the Liberties of
the People depend.
There are many other Counties in the Commonwealth which
have as fair A Claim for A division as the County of Suffolk
has. And Some of them greater and more weighty reasons to
offer than can be given [248.] In this case, for though the shire
Town in this County is not Central as to its local situation yet it
is so as to the business done in the County — But there is one
Consideration which the inhabitants of Boston conceive will have
such weight that no smaller consideration of Convenience to A
Part of the State will Preponderate against A Multiplication of
Counties [which] will necessarily call for A Division of the Com-
monwealth into Several States ; A Measure So replete with Mis-
272 CITY DOCUMENT.
chiefs and Misfortune, that every well wisher to his Country will
oppose, As the States are divided they will grow weak, inefficient,
and unimportant in the Union & Naturally Yield their Powers of
Exertion to be Carried to the Seat of Federal Goveraient and
leave the States dependent upon the Powers of the Union for
even the exercise of Corporate Municipal Authority.
Impressed with these Sentiments the Town of Boston have
taken Liberty to appoint Agents to oppose the Division of the
County of Suffolk before the General Court, and before all such
branches and Comittees of it as shall have the subject of it under
consideration and humbly hope That A Petition Soliciting A
Measure which will have A Dangerous tendency against the im-
portance, Security, & happiness of the people of the Whole Com-
monwealth may not obtain the Object for which [249.] it has
been presented.
Voted, that all matters unfinished at this meeting be referred
over to the Next General Town Meeting that shall be called. —
Voted, That the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given
to the Hon^l Thomas Dawes Esqr. for his Good Service as
Moderator —
Then the Meeting was
Dissolved
At a meeting of The Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston duly qualified and Legally warned in Public
Town meeting, Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Friday the 30th day
of December Anno Domini 1791 — 10. O'Clock A : M : —
Warrant for calling the Meeting — read
Hon5l£ Thomas Dawes Esqr. chosen Moderator by A hand
Vote. —
The Article in the Warrant Vizt. To take into Consideration
the representation of a considerable Number of the Inhabitants
of the Town, setting forth [25O.] the want of A More efficient
Police &c and requesting that A Town Meeting may be called to
take into consideration the Present State of the Town. And
Adopt such measures as may conduce to lessen if not remove
&c. — was read — On Motion — Voted, That
^5 James Sullivan Esqr.
Charles Jarvis Esqr.
Thomas Dawes Jur. Esqr.
Hon^l? Judge Payne
William Tudor Esqr.
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1792. 273
5i£ Caleb Davis Esqr.
^ Benjn Austin Jur. Esqr.
Jonathan Mason Jur. Esqr.
^l? Stephen Higginson Esqr.
William Eustis Esqr.
Christopher Gore Esqr.
William Little Esqr.
John Q. Adams Esqr.
Mr. Edwd. Edes
John Lucas Esqr.
Mr. Thomas Tileston
Cap*. James Prince
Thomas Edwards Esqr.
Paul Revere Esqr.
Cap*. Edward Tyler
Mr. Charles Bulfinch
Be A Commtee. to take the Article in the Warrant into Considera-
tion, & report what they shall Judge best to be done thereon. —
Adjourned to Friday the 13th day of January Next 1792. 10'.
O'Clock. A : M : -
[251.] Friday the 13th. January 10 'Clock A : M : Met ac-
cording to Adjournment. —
The Committee to whom was referred the consideration of the
Article relative to Altering the Police of the Town — Reported —
Whereupon — Voted, That said report be printed in A Pamphlet.
and distributed to and amongst the Inhabitants of the Town —
Adjourned to Next Wednesday at 10 'Clock A : M : —
Wednesday Janry. 18th— 10' O'Clock A:M: Met according
to Adjournment —
The Report relative to an Alteration of the Town Police again
taken up, After large debates
Adjourned to, to Morrow Morning 10 — O'Clock A : M : —
Thursday. Jan1"*. 19th 10 — O'Clock A : M : Met according to
Adjournment. —
Report, relative to Police again taken up. and on Motion
Voted, to consider the same by Paragraphs. And that before A
Vote shall be taken on The whole report, The Town will Ad-
journ to a Future day And that notice thereof shall be given to
the inhabitants —
Adjourned to half past 3-O'Clock P : M : Met according to
Adjournment —
274 CITY DOCUMENT.
The Consideration of the report of the Committee on
Town Police again taken up [by] paragraphs And the Paragraphs
as amended were accepted by the Town and the following is the
report as amended and Accepted by Paragraphs — Viz*. —
The Committee appointed by the Town at the late meeting to
take into consideration the representation of A considerable num-
ber of its inhabitants, setting forth, the want of A more efficient
Police and Praying for the Adoption of such measures as might
conduce to lessen if not remove those embarrassments by A More
energetic Government. Ask leave to report the following in the
form of Votes. And submit the same to the consideration Of
the Town — Voted that the Selectmen Divide the Town into Nine
Wards of Equal Numbers of Inhabitants as near as may be, and
be impowered once in every Three Years if it should be necessary
to alter the Division so as to Preserve the Equality formed, and
that each Ward in the Month of March, Annualy Elect by ballot
Two men residing within The ward by which they shall be sever-
ally Chosen, and together with the Selectmen for the time being
shall constitute A Town Council, and Possess the following
Powers. 1?* To Possess the Powers of making all such By Laws
as the Town have now in their corporate capacity A right to
make and establish the same without any Application to the
Court of sessions and to alter and repeal them [253.] When
Necessary. Provided that no by Law shall be enacted Until it
shall have had three several readings on three Several days, and
that such By Law in the mean time shall be Published for the
inspection of the inhabitants and that no such Law shall be per-
petual until it shall be reenacted by A Subsequent Town Council
by the same formalities which is herein provided for the first
time of enacting it, Provided that no Penalty shall be exacted
for a breach of such By Laws of more than the Value of Ten
Pounds, or in case the delinquent be unable to pay such Penalty
as shall be Adjudged he be sent to the Workhouse and be kept to
hard Labour not Exceeding Thirty days and that in cases where
the Penalty shall exceed the sum of Four Pounds the Party Ac-
cused shall have the right to be tryed by A Jury — 2^2. To
Regulate all kinds of Carriages within the Town. Also to regu-
late Coaches- Chariots, Post Chases, Phaetons, Chaises, Chairs
and Sulkeys within The Town, and shall be impowered to raise
duties from time to time upon such as shall be owned by the
inhabitants thereof. Whenever the General Court their Excise
Laws now Excise Laws now Existing upon them —
gdiy That the Town Council have Power to Appoint annually,
all the Executive officers, now appointed by the Town or Select-
men Excepting Selectmen, Town Clerk, Overseers of the Poor,
Assessors, Town Treasurer [254.] School Committee, Auditors
of accounts, Firewards, Collectors of Taxes, and Constables, and
the Said town Council shall be impowered to remove Constables
and Collectors and all officers by the said council appointed upon
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1792. 275
their being Guilty of Corruption in their offices or of Male —
conduct therein and to appoint others in their place during the
Vacancy — 42^ To direct all Prosecutions that shall be com-
menced Upon breach of the By Laws of the Town, and for that
Purpose to appoint an Attorney to Commence and carry on to
final Judgement, all such prosecutions. —
And further Voted That application be also made to the General
Court for the Establishment of A Tribunal to Consist of one
Judge to have exclusive original Jurisdiction of all Breaches of
the By Laws of the Town, and of the breaches of Inspection
Laws within the Town and of all other Laws appertaining Merely
to the Goverment of The Town from whose Judgement there may
be an appeal to the Supreme Judicial Court. — Attest
On Motion — Voted , Ten of the Clock in the forenoon On Thurs-
day, Next be Assigned for the inhabitants of the Town to take
into consideration and to determine upon the Report of their
Committee on the Police of the Town as amended by the inhabi-
tants in the Meeting and that in the mean time the same shall be
printed in the News papers and in hand bills and one hand bill
left with each family in the Town —
[355.] A Letter from James Bowdoin Esqr. Proposing A
Plan for easing the Poor of the Town in the Article of Firewood
& offering in case of concurrence, One hundred pounds as A Do-
nation towards carrying the Plan into Execution, — was read. —
whereupon —
Voted The Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given to the
said James Bowdoin Esqr. for his Generous donation, for the
relief of the Poor in the Article of Wood also that
The Selectmen be A Committee to take Mr. Bowdoins Letter
and the Plan relative to relieve the Poor in the Article of Wood
into Consideration and to Report thereon. —
Adjourned to Thursday Next to Ten O 'Clock A : M : - -
Thursday the 26th January 10-O'Clock A : M : Met according
to Adjournment —
Committee on Mr. Bowdoins Letter and Plan, have further
time allowed for to make Report Thereon. —
The Report of the Committee for Altering the Town Police as
last amended by the Town Again taken up, and after debate the
question was put. Viz*. Whether this Report as now Amended
be Accepted by the Town — and the Moderator being [256.]
unable to decide as to the Number of hands, on each side the
question. A Poll of the House was called for — when it appeared
the number of Persons for receiving the report was jive hundred
276 CITY DOCUMENT.
and Seventeen and the Number for rejecting sd. report Seven hun-
dred and one.
Voted, That all matters unfinished at this meeting be referred
to the next General Town Meeting to be called —
Then the meeting
was dissolved.
[257.] At A Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabi-
tants of the Town of Boston duly qualified & Legally warned in
Public Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Monday the
12th. day of March Anno Domini 1792. 10-O'Clock_ A : M : —
Prayer made by the Revd. Mr. Eckley. —
Warrant for Calling the Meeting — read
Sundry Laws to be read at this meeting were accordingly —
read —
The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their
Votes For A Moderator for this meeting, and the Same having
been brought in and Sorted, it appeared That —
HonMs Thomas Dawes Esqr
"Was chosen Moderator by a hand vote. —
The Inhabitants were then directed to withdraw, and .bring in
their votes for A Town Clerk. The same having been brought &
sorted it Appeared — That William Cooper was Chosen Town
Clerk for the Year Ensuing, and the Oath of Office was Adminis-
tered to him by Thomas Craft Esqr.
The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw, and [258.] bring
in their Votes for Nine Selectmen and upon sorting them it ap-
peared That the following Gentlemen were chosen — Viz*.
Ezekiel Price Esqr.
Thomas Walley Esqr.
Dea William Boardman
Mr. Ebenezer Sever
Thomas Crafts Esqr.
Thomas Edwards Esqr.
Mr. William Little
Samuel Cabot Esqr.
Mr. Charles Bulfinch
Were chosen Selectmen for the Ensuing Year — sent
The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their
Votes for 12 Overseers of the Poor, and the Same being brought
in and Sorted it Appeared. That —
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1792. 277
Jonathan Mason Esqr.
John White Esqr.
Edward Procter Esqr.
John Sweetsir Esqr.
Jonathan L. Austin Esqr.
Samuel Parkman Esqr.
Mr. Edward Edes —
Henry Hill Esqr.
John Codman Junr Esqr.
Mr. William Smith
William Phillips Junr Esqr.
Stephen Goreham Esqr. were Chosen Overseers of the poor for
the Year Ensuing. Unanimously — Sent.
[259.] The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring
in their Votes for sixteen firewards and the same being brought
in and sorted it appeared That the
HonbJ« Caleb Davis Esqr.
Mr. Thomas Tilestone
John Winthrop Esqr.
Thomas Melville Esqr.
Jabez Hatch Esqr.
Samuel Breck Esqr.
Mr. Joseph Clarke
HonW? Thomas Russell Esqr.
Joseph Russell Esqr.
Mr. Edward Edes
Samuel Parkman Esqr.
Jonathan Mason Jur. Esqr.
Amasa Davis Esqr.
Mr. Russell Sturgis
Henry Jackson Esqr. — were chosen
Fire wards for the Year Ensuing - - Sent
Mr. Joseph Russell was Chosen Town Treasurer for the Year
Ensuing, and the Oath of Office Administered to him by the Town
Clerk Sent
The Choice of Constables Refered to The Adjournment —
Thomas Winthrop Esqr.
Leonard W. Boreland
Messrs. Tho8. H. Perkins
John Parker
Samuel Cobb
[26O.] Samuel Blagg
William Deblois
Daniel Sargeant Junr.
Francis Amory
278 CITY DOCUMENT.
Baldwin
Nathaniel Frazier Jur.
Jonathan Amory Jur. were Chosen
Clerks of the Market for the Year Ensuing
Voted, That the
Hon*il5 Thomas Dawes Esqr.
Herman Brimmer Esqr.
Joseph Russell Jur. Esqr.
be and hereby are appointed A Committee to Audit The accounts
of the Town Treasurer and Also the accounts of the Selectmen
and overseers of the Poor, and the said Committee are also
directed to report the Sum Necessary to be raised for the Service
of the Present Year — Sent
Voted, That the Consideration of all Money matters be referred
over to the Next May Meeting —
Voted, That the Assessors be and are hereby directed and Im-
powered to set for such abatements of Taxes, as they shall Judge
reasonable two days in Each Week after the delivery of the Tax
books to the Collectors for the space of Six weeks and [261.]
no longer. Saving that they be allowed to Set the Last week in
February, Lords days Excepted, for the abatement of Taxes of
such Persons as had not the opportunity of Applying in the
above Limited time by reason of their being out of the Common-
wealth. or any other Unavoidable hindrance, and that the Asses-
sors determine upon the said Two days, which is to be noted on
the Tax bills to be delivered to the inhabitants, Sent
VOTES, for A Treasurer of the County of Suffolk, brought in
and Counted by the Moderator and Town Clerk, when it appeared
That the whole number was two hundred and Eighty Nine, and
that they were All for Thomas Crafts Esqr. A discreet Suitable
Person, being A Freeholder, and A resident in the Same County
Mem0. — The attested Copy thereof was given to Ezekiel
Price Esqr. Clerk of the Sessions. —
Votes brought in for five Assessors it Appeared, That —
Giles Harris Esqr.
Mr. William Lowder
Samuel Ruggles Esqr.
Mr. John R. Siggorney
Mr. Edward Davis — were
Chosen Assessors for the Year Ensuing — Sent
The Statement of the Assessors relative to the Taxes paid by
the Collectors read to the Town & placed on the Files. —
[262.] Voted. That five per Cent be and hereby is Allowed
BOSTON TOWN RECOEDS, 1792. 279
to the Collectors of Taxes for the Year Ensuing, for all Such
Sums of Money and Public Securities as they shall Collect and
Pay into the several Treasurers of the Sums Committed to them to
Collect — Also that such Collectors shall give bond wth. Suffi-
cient Securities to the Satisfaction of the Selectmen for the faith-
full discharge of their duty in said Office — and Complying with
this Vote, And That they will not receive any Premium or Gra-
tuity for discounting any order, Notes or receipts from the
Treasurer of this State, or the Treasurer of this Town. —
Mess18. Benjamin Henderson
James Thompson
Thomas Bayley
Caleb Blanchard were Chosen Collectors
of Taxes for the year Ensuing —
Voted. That the Town Treasurer Give Bond with Securities to
the Satisfaction of the Selectmen in the Penalty of Ten thousand
Pounds for his faithfull discharge of the Duties of his office —
Messrs. Benf. White
William Crafts
Moses May —
Andrew Townsend
William Todd,
Were Chosen Fence Viewers for the Year ensuing —
[263.] Mess™. William Billings
Nathan Green
David Hollis
Thomas Bradley — Were
Chosen Sealers of Leather for the Year Ensuing — Sent
The Selectmen Chosen Surveyors of Highwayes for the Year
Ensuing —
Mess™ William McNeil
Jeffery Richardson — were
Chosen Surveyors of Hemp for the ensuing Year — Sent
Mr. Adam Colson was Chosen Informer of Deer for the Ensu-
ing year —
Mess- Edward Jones
Francis Booth
Samuel Curtis were chosen Haywards for
the Ensuing Year —
Mess^? Joseph Egner
Peter Smink were chosen Hogreeves for
the Year Ensuing —
John Lucas Esqr.
Edward Tuckerman Esqr. were chosen
Surveyors of Wheat for the Year Ensuing
280 CITY DOCUMENT.
Mess1'8. John Skinner
Samuel Green were Chosen Assay masters
for the year ensuing —
[264.] Messrs. John Ballard
Thomas Uran
Willm. Cunningham
Edward Wild were Chosen Sealers of
Wood for the Ensuing Year —
Messrs. Lemuel Gardner
John Bray
Joseph Loring
Henry Parkett
James Barry
Edward Burt
Edmund Dolbeare
Joseph Bassett
Tho8. Barber
Thomas Foster
Hezekiah Hudson
Jonathan Gushing
William Parkman were chose Cullers of
Staves & hoops for the year ensuing —
Messrs. John Champney
Samuel Dyer
Edmund Ranger
Benja. White
John Cogswell
Benja. Page
Jonathan Bentley
Daniel Ingersol
James Blake
James Rogers
Abraham Haywood
James Robbins. were chosen Surveyors of
Boards & Shingles the Year Ensuing
[265.] Adjourned to 3. O'Clock P. M-
3. O'Clock P. M. the Town Met —
Moved, [&] Voted That the Choice of Constables be referred
to the Adjournment —
The Article in the Warrant Viz1. To choose A School Com-
mittee read & on Motion —
Voted That in Addition to the Selectmen — Twelve Persons
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1792. 281
Shall Now bo Chosen and the following Gentlemen were accord-
ingly chosen by ballot Viz*.
Honble . Thomas Dawes Senr. Esqr.
Revd. Samuel West
Revd. John Lothrop D. D.
Revd. James Freeman
John Coffin Jones Esqr.
Dr. Thomas Welch —
Dr. Nathaniel Appleton
Jona. Mason Junr. Esqr.
Aaron Dexter Esqr.
Christopher Gore Esqr.
George R. Minot Esqr.
William Tudor Esqr.
The Petition of John Sweetser Esqr. & a Number of the Inhab-
itants for Altering the Present System of School Education, was
read ; Together with the Vote respecting School Committee
passed the Last year ; whereupon Moved & Voted. That the
Petition Sign'd by John Sweetser Esqr. & others be referred to
the School Committee for their Consideration to report at the
Adjournment Such Alterations in the present [266.] System of
Public Education as they shall Judge may be Expedient —
Mr. Carters Petition for an Augmentation of his Salary or Lib-
erty to keep A Private [School] being again read, was also re-
ferred to the said School Committee for their Consideration who
after having Consulted with the School masters are to report at
the Adjournment —
Mr. Caleb Blanchard was Chosen Assessor in the room of Mr.
Davis who has resigned
The Choice of A Collector in the room of Mr. Blanchard referred
to the Adjournment
The Petition of [John] Holbrook to make up A Loss he sus-
tained by supplying Paving Stones and Gravel for Battery march,
read —
Whereupon Voted That the
Hon^? Thomas Dawes Esqr.
Mr. Ebenezer Dorr —
Jonathan Mason Esqr. be A Committee to
Consider the Same and report at the Adjournment —
The Petition of A Number of the Inhabitants To Consider the
By Laws of the Town and what measures are proper to be
Adopted to carry them into Execution read and after some
282 CITY DOCUMENT.
[267.] Debate, it was Voted that A Committee of Thirteen be
Chosen by ballot, to consider of this matter and report thereon at
the Adjournment or the next May meeting — The Town to be
inform'd when said report will be Laid before them —
On Motion Voted That the foregoing Vote so far as it relates
to Choosing the Committee by Ballot be reconsidered Whereupon
the following Gentlemen were Chosen by A hand Vote for the
Purpose aforesaid Viz*.
Hon5l£ Benjamin Austin Esqr.
Thomas Dawes Esqr.
^S George R. Minot Esqr.
Mr. Adam Colson
"William Cooper
Mr. Ebenezer Dorr
Thomas Crafts Esqr.
Mr. Jona. L. Austin
Mr. John Kneeland
Hon°. Samuel Adams Esqr.
John Sweetser Esqr.
Mr. John Demming
Jona. Mason Esq.
Deacon Richard Gridley
Mr. Henry Bass
The Memorial of Jonathan Mason Esqr. requesting to Purchase
of the Town the Alms house with the Land under and Adjoyning
the Same to know the Terms upon which [268.] they will Sell
the Same — read —
Whereupon Voted. That —
Hon°. Thomas Dawes Esqr.
Hon°. Caleb Davis Esqr.
Charles Jarvis Esqr.
Mr. Charles Bulfinch
& Doctr. Scollay —
Be A Committee to Consider this matter and to report at the Ad-
journment —
The Application of Docter Whipple, That He may be Per-
mitted to Inoculate for the Small Pox at Rainsford Island was
referred to the Selectmen for Consideration who are to Report at
the Adjournment —
The Article in the Warrant Viz*, to know what measures shall
be taken relative to Lighting the Town — read, whereupon —
Voted That Thomas Edwards Esqr.
Mr. Charles Bulfinch
Mr. Treasur. Russell
Be A Committee to Consider and report this Article at the Ad-
journment. —
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1792. 283
Adjourned to the Last Tuesday in March Istant being the
27th. day 10. O'Clock A : M : —
Tuesday the 27th. march 10. O'Clock A : M : Town Met Ac-
cording to Adjournment —
Samuel Cabot Esqr. having resigned as A Selectman the Votes
were brought in as directed for one Selectman in the room of
Majr. Cabot, upon Sorting [269.] them it appeared that —
William Scollay Esqr.
was Chosen A Selectman for the Year Ensuing. —
The Votes being brought in for A Gentleman to serve on the
School Committee in the room of the Revd. Mr. Freeman who
Declined Serving, It appeared that, —
The Reverend John Clark
was Chosen one of the School Committee for the Year Ensuing
Unanimously —
The Votes being brought in for 12 Constafoles it appeared that
only Eleven were Chosen Viz*.
Mess^ Shubal Hews
Benjamin Romans
John Bosson
John Cade
John Bntterfield
Andrew Townsend
Samuel White
David Lewis
Thomas Uran
Thomas Stevenson
Enoch May
Committee on Mr. Holbrooks Petition have Leave for to Report
again. —
On Motion Voted That the thanks of The Town, be and hereby
are given unto. Sam1. Cabot for his good Services as A Selectman
While in that Office —
[27O.] On Motion Voted, That the Thanks of the Town be
and hereby are given Unto Mr. Samuel Whitwell Junr. for his
good Services as A fire Ward While in that Office. —
The Report of the Committee relative to Carrying the By Laws
of the Town — into Execution, read, and after some Debate —
Voted, That the Consideration of this report be referred to the
May Meeting and that the Same be Printed in hand bills as soon
as may be, in Order to their being distributed amongst the In-
habitants —
284 CITY DOCUMENT.
The Report of the Committee on Mr. Masons Memorial —
read and on Motion —
Voted, that the Same be referred to the Adjournment for Con-
sideration —
The Committee appointed on the Application of Doctr. Whipple
that the Town would Consent to his obtaining License for his
Inoculating for the Small Pox at Rainsfords Island. Report that
the Same may be granted, and that the Town Consent Accord-
ingly —
The Report aforegoing having been read — Voted That the
same be accepted —
Adjourned to 3. O'Clock P : M :
3 O'Clock P : M. Town Met.
Thomas English
Simon Eliot Junr.
Thomas Brewer
Samuel Barton
John Q. Adams
Were Chose Clerks of the Market the Year Ensuing
[271.] On Motion Voted That the Choice of one Constable
wanted, be put off to May Meeting
The Votes being brought in for one Fire-Ward. It Appeared
That Cap*. Mungo Mackay was Chosen —
The School Committee of the Town of Boston To Whom was
referred the Petition of John Sweetser Esqr. and others for an
Alteration in the Present System of Education in this Town beg
Leave to report
That the Committee have heard the Petitioners and Consulted
w'.th the Schoolmasters on the Subject of the said Petition, and
are of Opinion That it is not Expedient to make the Alterations
in the Present System of Education which are now Proposed by
the Petitioners. And request Leave to set again upon the Subject
of Mr. James Carters Petition
^ order Ezek1. Price
Chairman.
The Question being Put - whether the aforegoing Report be
Accepted. Passed in the Affirmative. — Also Voted That the
foregoing Committee who Conjunctly with the Selectmen are to
be termed the School Committee, be & hereby are directed to
' BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1792. 285
Carry the New /System of Education which has been Adopted
by the Town into Operation. And said Committee are also
Authorized and impowered Conjunctly to Manage and regulate
the affairs and Government of the Schools, and [272.] In future
to Exercise all the Powers relating to the Schoolmasters, which
the Selectmen or such Committee are Authorized by the Laws of
the Commonwealth Or the Votes of this Town to exercise — Any
former Votes of the Town Notwithstanding —
The choice of A Collector of Taxes was on Motion referred to
May Meeting —
On the representation of Giles Harris Esqr. In behalf of him-
self and the other Assessors —
Voted That the Honble : Thomas Dawes Esqr.
Cap*. James Prince
Thomas Crafts Esqr.
Be A Committee to take into Consideration the Extra duties
which will lay upon the Assessors the Present Year, by Means of
A New Valuation being ordered by the General Court to be now
taken. And to report at the Adjournment what they shall Judge
to be an Adequate allowance therefor —
Committee relating to Lighting the Lamps Reported — on mo-
tion
Voted That the Selectmen to continue Lighting the Lamps at
the Expence of the Town, Untill the Adjournm*. to which time
the consideration of said report is referred —
Adjourned to Tuesday the 10th of April next 10. O'Clock
A: M:
[273.] At a meeting of the Male inhabitants of the Town of
Boston of Twenty one years of age & upwards qualified as the
Law directs, as the Constitution Prescribes, and legaly "Warned
in Public Town meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Monday
The 2d. Day of April Anno Domini 1792. —
Prayer was made by the Reverend James Freeman —
Warrant for Calling Meeting — read
Paragraphs of the Constitution or Frame of Goverment. rela-
tive to the Choice of Governor. Lieu*. Governor & Senators —
read —
It was then declared by the Selectmen that no Votes would be
received but such as are unfolded, and that they Propose the Poll
286 CITY DOCUMENT.
should be closed at half past 12. O'Clock. The Votes to be re-
ceived at The Table, and the Bells to begin tolling at 12.
O'Clock —
Persons Voted for as Governor, —
Votes
His Excellency John Hancock Esqr. - ... 689
VJf Francis Dana Esqr ....... 5
Joseph Barrell Esqr. - .... 5
Benja. Austin Junr. Esqr. .... 7
!l^ James Sullivan Esqr. ..... 2
^i Elbridge Gerry Esqr. - .... l
Mr. Adam Colson ...... 5
Honble. Thomas Russell Esqr. ..... 5
Mr. Joseph Gleason - .... l
^? Samuel Phillips Esqr. ..... 1
Persons Voted for as Lieu*. Governor with The
Number of Votes for Each Person Viz*.
His Honor Samuel Adams Esqr. - - - - 686
Charles Jarvis Esqr ....... 2
Hon™£ Thomas Russell Esqr. ..... 17
Mr. William Cleland Esqr. .... 1
^li William Phillips Esqr. ..... 1
Mr. Adam Colson -- ..... 7
Mr. Joseph Shed ....... 2
Mr. Nathaniel Balch ...... 1
Mr. Russell Sturgis ------- 1
HonbJl Caleb Strong Esqr. ...... 1
Hon^ Benjamin Austin Esqr. ----- 3
Persons Voted for as Senators for the County of Suffolk with
the Number of Votes for Each Person — Viz*.
Votes
^ William Phillips Esqr. ..... 118
^l Cotton Tuffts Esqr. ...... 205
^i Stephen Metcalf Esqr. ..... 715
Thomas Davis Esqr. ...... 645
^l? Benjamin Austin Jur. Esqr. .... 577
^f William Heath Esqr. ...... 574
Thomas Russell Esqr. ..... 91
John Read Esqr. ....... 299
Oliver Wendell Esqr. ...... 494
James Bowdoin Esqr. ------ 363
Charles Jarvis Esqr. - - - - - - 215
Mr. Elkanah Hawkes ...... 7
Richard Cranch Esqr. ..... - 1
Thomas Crafts Esqr. ------ 1
["275. n William Cooper ....... 7
Edward H. Robbins Esqr. .... 35
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1792. 287
Mr. Joseph Sprague -----. 7
Solomon Lovell Esqr. --.... 12
Mr. John Kneeland 7
Hon™? Stephen Higginson Esqr. - - 3
Coll0. Ebenezer Hancock Esqr. - - - 1
Elisha Dunbar Esqr. .... 1
Thomas Clark Esqr. .... 2
Mr. Hugh Cargill 7
Ebeneser Thayer Esqr. ... 13
Jonathan Mason Senr. Esqr. - 7
Hon^S. Caleb Davis Esqr. . . 2
William Tudor Esqr. - - 1
John Coffin Jones Esqr. - 3
Jonathan Mason Jur. Esqr. - - - - 2
Hon™? Ebenezer Wales 1
Ebenezer Storer Esqr. ... 1
Mr. William Brick 1
William Eustis Esqr. .... 1
John French 7
Elisha Sigorney ------ 1
Joseph May ..---.. 1
Cap*. Norton Brailsford ----- 1
Mr. Samuel Wheelwright - - ... 1
Cap4. Michael Homer ------ l
Mr. Benja Russell 1
Attested Copies of the Persons Voted for as Governor, Lieu*.
Governor, and Senators for The County of Suffolk were Com-
mitted to the [276.] Secretary of this Commonwealth and the
Inclosures. Sealed up in Town Meeting. Superscribed as follows
—Viz*.
For John Avery Esqr. Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massa-
chusetts —
The Number of Votes of the Town of Boston for A Governor
Lieu*. Governor, and Six Senators for the County of Suffolk Cer-
tified therein, and Sealed up in Town Meeting —
Then the Meeting was
dissolved
At The Adjournment Of March Meeting April 10*-5 1792. The
Committee Appointed to take into consideration the representa-
tion of Giles Harris Esqr. in behalf of himself and the other
Assessors, have Attended that Service, and upon Conferring with
the Assessors, are informed, That the time for taking the Valu-
ation, Agreeably to the Act of Government, will be at Least Six
Months, and making the Taxes and the other business of the
Office, in Consequence thereof its Probable will require the re-
288 CITY DOCUMENT.
mainder of the Year, therefor Ask Leave to report As their
Opinion, That there be Allowed and Paid to each of the As-
sessors for the above mentioned Services One hundred & Thirty
Pounds for the Present Year in Quarterly Payments. The above
not to be Considered as A Precedent in future —
Thomas Dawes ^r. order
[277.] The Report on Mr. Masons Petition read and Con-
sidered whereupon Voted that said report be recommitted and the
Committee are further Requested to Report a suitable place for
the Erection of an Almshouse, Workhouse, Hospital and other
Necessary buildings, at what Price it can be Purchased, and also
to Ascertain the Expence of Erecting the said Buildings, and
report at the may Meeting —
The Committee Appointed to know what measures shall be
taken relative to Lighting The Town the Ensuing Year — Report
that they have Attended that Service And from A Calculation
they have made from the Actual Expence of Lighting the Lamps
the Last month find that the Probable Expence of Lighting the
same the Ensuing year will be £800 — and your Committee beg
Leave to observe that in their opinion the Convenience to the
Inhabitants in having the Same Lighted will Amply Compensate
the Expence. They therefore report as their opinion the Selectmen
be Authorized to Light the Lamps the Ensuing Year at the Ex-
pence of The Town by Contract with any Individual or Indi-
viduals or in Such other manner, as they may think proper —
Thomas Edwards °$r order
The following report having been read and Debated, It was
— Voted That the said report Be Accepted —
[<578.] On Motion. Voted, that all matters and things Un-
finished at this Meeting be referred Over to May Meeting —
Voted. That the thanks of the Town be and hereby are given
to the Hon^S Thomas Dawes Esqr. for his good Services as Mod-
erator —
Then the Meeting was
Dissolved
At a meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston duly qualified and Legaly warned in Public Town
Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Tuesday the 8th. day of
May Anno Domini 1792 — 10. O'Clock A : M : —
Prayer was made by the Revd. Mr. Baldwin —
Warrant for calling the Meeting — read
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1792. 289
That part of the Constitution or frame of Goverment which
relates to the Choice of representatives read
Sundry Laws to be read at said Meeting — were accordingly —
Read —
The Town having Determined by A Vote to Choose Seven
Persons to represent them in the General Court of Massachusetts
to be held in the State House in Boston on the [279.] Last
Wednesday of May Current, Agreeably to the Constitution or
frame of Goverment for the Massachusets. The Inhabitants
were directed by the Selectmen to withdraw, and bring in their
Votes for Seven representatives and then it was declared by the
Selectmen that no Votes would be received but such as are un-
folded and that they intend the Poll shall be Closed at half past
12. O'Clock Bell to toll a little before that time —
The Votes being brought in for Seven Representatives. The
Number of the Same were found to be Three hundred and Twenty
three — and upon sorting them it Appeared the Eight following
Gentlemen had Obtained — A Majority of Votes — Viz1. —
Votes
Hon*l? Thomas Dawes Senr. Esqr. - ... 288
Charles Jarvis Esqr. 297
Samuel Breck Esqr. 191
Jonathan Mason Esqr. ------281
John Coffin Jones Esqr 306
Hon5l£ Benjamin Austin Esq1. 216
William Eustis Esqr. ------ 307
William Tudor Esqr. 184
Declaration was then made by the Selectmen to the Town That
the Seven first of the foregoing Names were Chosen by A Ma-
jority of Votes —
The meeting was then Adjourned To 3. O'Clock. P : M : —
[28O.] 3. O'Clock P : M : Town met according to Adjourn-
ment —
On Motion Voted, That the Selectmen be requested to make
return of the Eight Gentlemen who had A Majority of Votes in
the Morning for Representatives —
The Choice of Representatives being over It was on Motion
Voted. That the Town will Come to the Choice of A Moderator
to transact the other business mentioned in the Warrant by a
hand Vote —
The Honorable Thomas Dawes Esqr. was Chosen Moderator
Accordingly —
290 CITY DOCUMENT.
The Inhabitants having as directed by the Selectmen brought
in their Votes of One Constable it appeared upon Sorting them —
That Mr. James Perkins was Chosen a Constable for the Year
Ensuing —
The Petition Relative to A New Street at the Bottom of Beacon
Hill — read -
Whereupon Voted, That Mr. Charles Bnlfinch
Cap*. Jarnes Prince
Harrison G. Otis Esqr.
Be A Committee to Consider Said Petition and to Report at the
Adjournment —
The Petition of Deacon Daniel Jones read —
Whereupon Voted That Cap*. Joseph May
George R : Minot Esqr.
Doctor Thomas Welch be
A Com1!! on the Same to report at the Adjournment
[281.] Adjourned to Thursday Next 3. O'Clock P : M :
«
Thursday the 10th. May. 3 : O'Clock the Town Met according
to Adjournment —
The Inhabitants as directed brought in Their Votes for Three
Cullers of Fish. When it appeared that, but Two were Chosen
viz*.
Cap*. Roger Bartlet
Cap*. Joseph Doble
The Committee on Mr. Jirah Holbrooks Petition Reported that
the Petitioner hath Leave to withdraw his Petition and the
Question being put it Passed in the Affirmative —
The School Committee to whom was referred the Petition of
Mr. James Carter — Report as follows — Viz*. Pursuant to a Vote
of the Town Passed Mar. 12th. The School Committee having
Conferred with the School masters on the Subject of Mr. Carters
Petition, and after full Consideration thereon ; ask Leave to Report
to the Town as their Opinion. That the several School masters
cannot, consistently with their Duty to the Public Schools, be
permitted to keep a private school, until after the hours of the
public school in the afternoon. The Committee also deem it incum-
bent on them further to observe for the information of the Town
on this Subject; that influenced by a conviction of the impor-
tance of giving due effect to the new system, adopted by the Town,
for the regulation of the public schools ; whereby the means of
education have not only been happily Extended to the Children
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1792. 291
of both sexes, of all the Citizens ; but such Improvements and
Advantages, have been already experienced, [282.] As are
no less honorable to the liberal and Patriotick Principles of the
inhabitants of the Town, than beneficial to the rising Generation,
the immediate objects of an Institution so benevolent : — They
have from A Consideration of the Increased duties resulting to
the Schoolmasters thereupon ; and the wisdom as well as Justice
of affording them the Encouragement of a Competent Support —
as being Essential to A Zealous and faithful discharge thereof,
conformably to the powers vested in them by the Town, Voted as
Salaries for the present year. —
To Each of the public Schoolmasters .... £200 —
To Each of the Ushers 80 —
Ezek1 Price Chairman
The aforegoing report having been Considered by the Town,
the Question was put, Viz*. —
Whether the Same shall be Accepted Passed in the Affirma-
tive
The Committee to whom was referred the Petition of Daniel
Jones beg Leave to report that upon Enquiring into the Subject
of said Petition it appears Probable. That from several unfore-
seen Circumstances. Such as opening Drains &c. That the In-
come of the Market Square falls short of the Estimate made by
the Petitioner, when he Contracted for the same, The sum of Fif ty
four Pounds. The Committee Therefore Recommend That the
Town Pass the following Vote viz*. Voted that the Sum of
Fifty Four Pounds Eight Shillings be abated Daniel Jones on his
Contract for the income of the Stalls and Stands, without the
Market house for the year past. Provided the said Jones Pay
into the [283.] Town Treasury The Sum of Seventy Six
Pounds Six shillings (in Addition to Sum of Sixty Nine Pounds
already paid) On or before the first day of June next, and the
further Sum of Seventy Six Pounds Six Shillings on or before
the first day of August Next, all which is Respectfully submitted
Joseph May ^r. order
The a foregoing report having been Considered by the Town.
On the Question being put whether the Same shall be Accepted
Passed in the Affirmative
Mr. Breck chosen A representative declines Serving for reasons
given in his Letter on the file of this meeting —
The Committee appointed to Audit the accote. of the Town
Treasurer and Examine the drafts of the Selectmen and overseers,
have Attended that Service and report,
292 CITY DOCUMENT.
That The Treasurers accounts are right Cast, and well Vouched,
and find by his Account Now Rendered, A balance in favour of
the Town of £10970 „ 5 2^
The General State of the Treasury as follows Viz1.
Dre. Due to the Town from the Several Collectors — Viz4.
James Thompson for 1790 Tax . . . £597,, 3,, 2W
1791 d°. . . 1987 ;, 4 „ 9^
Thomas Bayley . . 1790 — D°. . . '272,, 9,, 4%
1791 — D°. . . 2011 „ 7 „ llj^
Charles Williams . 1790 — D9. . . 765 „ 12 „ 11)|
Benja. Henderson . 1791— D°. . . 2078 ,, 17 „ 9>4
[284.] Caleb Hlanchard . 1791— Dff. . . 1862,, 2,, 1%
Sum brought over £ [blank]
Commonwealth Masssachusetts . . . 6666 ,, 13 ,, 4
Town Powder 312 ,, 11 „ 8
Sundry Balances from a number of
Persons of w£? the Committee think
£1300 bad 1672 „ 17 „ 9
Sundry Persons for Rent 320 „ 15 ,, 11
Several Small notes 35 ,, 10 ,, 8
Cash in the Treasury 1838 ,, 4 ,, $>%
Crs. Due from the Town as follows — Viz*.
Sundry Small Balances . . £384 ,, 1 ,, 7%
To the Estate of Sam1. Pa-
tridge 695 ,, 7 ,,
Matthew Nazro . . 253 ,, 2 „
Notes on Interest . . 8118 ,, 15 .,
— 9451 „ 6 „ 1
10970 „ 5 „ 2%
Balance due to the Town by the Books — From which must be
deducted for Interest due on Sundry Notes 1st. Mar.' 1792
Not Yet paid 401 „ 2 „ 3
Collectors and Asses-
sors Pay .... 1050 ,,
Abatements on 1791
Tax 900 ,,
Town Powder 312 , 1,8
Supposed Bad Debts . 1300 „
Part of rents ... 150 ,,
: 4113 „ 13 ,, 11—
Real ballance due to the Town .... 6856 ,, 11 ,. 3
Provided no greater Loss accrues to the Town from bad Debts,
than your Committee have Estimated in the foregoing report
There was in favour of the Town on. the first day of March Last
A balance of £6856 ,, 11 ,, 3^4 Your Committee beg Leave
further to report That the Average Annual drafts of the Select-
men and Overseers [285.] for Several Years Previous to the
Last have been for £7000 — and the Last Year they amounted
to 8477 ,, 13 ,, Ql/2 The Present Year, as there is A New School
house and Stalls in the Market Square to be built, Sundry
Streets in the Town to be repaired and A Considerable Expence
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1792. 293
for lighting the Town with Lamps, the Current Expences will
Exceed the Sum raised the Last Year. Your Committee are
therefore of opinion that the Sum Necessary to be raised for the
Current Expences of this year will be Nine Thousand Pounds,
all of which is respectfully Submitted
Tho8. Dawes order of
The aforegoing acco*. having been Considered by the Town.
The Question was put for its acceptance and Obtain'd, —
Voted. That the Sum of Nine Thousand Pounds be raised by
A Tax to be Assessed on the Polls and Estates of the Inhabitants
of this Town to defray the P^xpences of the Current Year —
The Report of the Committee on Mr. Masons Petition — read.
and after' debate the Question was put for A reference, which
was Passed in the Negative —
The Report as amended was accepted by The Town — 112
Persons Present. —
[286.] Adjourned [until] tomorrow 3 'O'Clock P : M :
FridayS. O'Clock P:M: Town Met According to Adjourn-
ment —
The Committee relative to A New Street at the Bojttom of
Beacon hill reported as on file, whereupon it was moved and
Passed That A Committee be appointed to Enquire as to the Titles
of the Land Claimed by Mr. Todd & Cap*. Dennie and to report
the Sum that would be required for the Purchase of the Land
Necessary to be taken into the Street, and what would be the
other Expences — whereupon
Voted. That the Selectmen be now a Committee for the Pur-
pose aforesaid —
On Motion Voted, That A Committee be now Appointed to
Consider the duties and Services of the Town Treasurer and the
Town Clerk, And report at the Adjournment Adequate Salaries
therefore —
Voted, That William Tudor Esqr.
Hon^5 Stephen Higginson Esqr.
Mr. Herman Brimmer
Be A Committee for the Purpose aforesaid —
Voted That The Thanks of The Town be and hereby are given
unto Samuel Breck Esqr. for his good Services as A Representa-
tive A Number of Years past
294: CITY DOCUMENT.
[28 7. J Voted That the Thanks of the Town be and hereby
are given to Jonathan Mason Junr. Esqr. for his good Services
As A Representative Sometime past
On Motion Voted, That the Vote of Acceptance on Yesterday
of the report of the Committee on Mr. Masons Petition be recon-
sidered — also —
Voted That the Hon^l? Thomas Dawes Esqr.
Charles Jarvis Esqr.
Benja. Austin Jun1'. Esqr.
Perez Morton Esqr.
Hon°. Caleb Davis Esqr.
John Sweetser Esqr.
Hon°. James Sullivan Esq1'.
William Scollay Esqr.
Mr. Charles Bulfinch
Be A Committee to provide Proper and Convenient buildings
for the reception and better accommodation of the Public Poor,
so as that the healthy, sick & Convalescents — may be Lodged
in distinct and Separate appartments and for the Purpose afore-
said the said Committee or A Major Part of them, are hereby
Authorized and impowered to Appropriate 'and Set Apart any of
the vacant Lands belonging to the Town (except the Public
Common) to Erect said buildings, upon or to purchase any other
Piece of Land which they may think more convenient : To Con-
tract with any Persons for Erecting & Completing [288.] said
buildings, and Supplying the Materials, or if they or a Major
part of them shall Judge it most for the interest of the Town and
the Comfortable accomodation of the poor to Enlarge and repair
the Present Almshouse &c. and to Erect any Additional build-
ings On the Land Contiguous thereto. And in order to defray
the incidental Expences of the aforesaid undertaking the said
Committee or A Major part of them are hereby further Author-
ized and impowered in the Name of the Inhabitants of The Town
to make Sale if they see fit of the peice of Land on which the
Granary. Almshouse. and Workhouse now Stand — And the Land
Contiguous thereto to any Person or Persons who will give the
highest price therefor or any part thereof, and to make & Exe-
cute good and Sufficient Deeds thereof in the Name of the In-
habitants of the Town to the Purchaser or Purchasers, and if
the Proceeds of such Sales Shall not be sufficient to Defray the
Expence of the New Buildings &c. The said Committee or A
Major part of them are further Authorized and required to raise
as much of the Deficiency as they Can, by A Public Subscription,
in Aid of so human and benevolent an undertaking, and if any
deficiency shall therefore remain, The said Committee or major
Part of them are directed to 'make report thereof to the Select-
men, who are thereupon required [289.] to call A meeting of the
inhabitants that they may Provide for the Same in due time by A
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1792. 295
Public Tax. Provided That said Tax shall not amount to A Sum
Exceeding Two Thousand Pounds
On Motion Voted That the Vote Passed by the Town the 30th.
March 1791. for farming out of Faneuil Hall Market to the
highest bidder, be reconsidered, and that the Selectmen be and
hereby are authorized & impowered to Appoint A Suitable Person
as Clerk of said Market, under such regulations and directions as
to them may Appear most Advantageous To the Town, and to
allow said Clerk what may appear to them Adequate to his Services
— also.
Voted, That the Selectmen be Authorized and impowered to
dispose of the Hay Engine to the Person they shall Judge most
suitable for said Trust, and allow him what Sum they shall Judge
Adequate to his Services —
Adjourned to Friday. 18- Instant —
3. O'Clock P. M : For the Purpose of taking up and Acting
upon the report of the Committee relative to By Laws and Trans-
acting other matters in the Warrant not yet acted upon. May
18th 1792 -
Friday P : M : 3. O'Clock. Town Met according to Adjourn-
ment — The Committee appointed to Consider and report what
they may Judge to be Adequate Salaries [29O.] For the Town
Treasurer and Town Clerk — report
That after conversation with the Town Clerk and Town Treas-
urer & due Enquiry take Leave to Report that there be granted
to the Town Clerk the Sum of One hundred & fifty Pounds as his
Salary for the Year 1 79 1 — and for the Present Year —
And that the Town Treasurer have at the rate of Two hun-
dred Pounds ^r. Year during the time he has Come into Office
and up to the Month of March 1793 — as an Adequate Salary
and Allowance for his duties and Services, which is Submitted,
William Tudor
Herman Brimmer
The Aforegoing Report being read the Question was put Viz*.
Whether this Report shall be accepted — Passed in the Affirma-
tive —
The Committee on Mr. Bowdoins Proposals — reported Ver-
bally ; and have Leave to Report again —
The Report of the Committee relative to the Carrying the By
Laws into Execution — read —
296 C-.TY DOCUMENT.
After some debate, It was moved, and the Question Put That
said reports be considered by Paragraphs — Passed in the Nega-
tive —
It was then moved and the question Put That said report be
now Accepted by the Town ; which Passed in the Negative. —
On Motion Voted. That all matters and things which shall
remain Unfinished at this meeting, be referred over to the next
General Town meeting that shall be called —
[291.] Voted. That the Thanks of the Town be and hereby
are Given to the Hon^ Thomas Dawes Esqr. for his good Ser-
vices as Moderator
Then the Meeting was
dissolved —
The following is the report of the Committee for Carrying the
By Laws into Execution, which report was not accepted. Viz*. —
The Committee appointed to Consider the By Laws of the
Town of Boston, And to report measures for carrying them into
Execution; have attended to the Subject of their Commission,
and report as their Opinion, That the following are the Principal
obstructions to the carrying of the By Laws into Effect ; and un-
less removed, must forever Embarrass them in their Operation : —
1?! An Apprehension existing in the minds of the Justices of the
Peace residing in the Town of Boston, that they are interested,
in the Penalties which may be recovered for A breach of the said
By Laws, and therefore, they are disqualified from taking Cog-
nizance and Jurisdiction of Complaints that may be brought be-
fore them in such Cases, whereby prosecutions for the breaches
of the Said By Laws must be carried on at Some distance, and
with great Additional trouble and Expence — 2d. The want of
a Sufficient Pecuniary Compensation to the Inspectors of the
Police to reward them for the Services which it was designed
they should render and the want of A Proper responsibility and
Penalties on the part of those officers for the Neglect of their
Duty.
[292.] 3— y An inconvenience arising from the Inspectors of
the Police Applying to the Selectmen, previous to Commencing
Prosecutions for breaches of the By Laws, which have occasioned
delay in Cases, where there were no legal doubts of A Prosecu-
tion being sustained. 4- The want of an Attorney for the
Town, who should act when called on, in all prosecutions to be
Commenced for breach of the By-Laws, and to whom the in-
spector of the Police and all other Officers of the Town Should
apply, when Needful, for Advice and direction free of Expence —
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1792. 297
•
The Committee are therefore of Opinion, That it will be Ex-
pedient for the Purpose of Carrying the said By Laws into Effect,
That the Town should Pass the following Votes Viz1.
WHEREAS doubts have Arisen in the Minds of the Justices of the
Peace for the County of SUFFOLK, residing within the Town of
BOSTON, of their Authority to Sustain and try Prosecutions for
breaches of the By-Laws oif the said Town, and other Laws apper-
taining to the Government of the same, in Cases where the Pen-
alties may Accrue for The benefit of the inhabitants thereof;
Voted, that application be made to the Legislature of the Common-
wealth, Stating the Difficulties thence resulting in Carrying the Said
By-Laws into Effect, Praying, if they think proper, that the Au-
thority of such Justices may be declared to be Competent, to the
Sustaining, Trying & determining of such Prosecutions; or direct
such A mode of Process as they think Proper, in order that the
By-Laws may be duly Executed, Agreeable to the Genius &
Spirit of The present Constitution of the Town. And as it is of
The greatest importance to the due Execution of our By Laws,
That the inspectors of the Police, be men, not only of good
moral [£93.] Character, But of known Stability, firmness of
mind and Laudable zeal for the good order of the Town —
Voted, That previous to the appointment of Such Officer or
Officers of Police by the Selectmen, A Nomination list shall
be hung up in the Selectmens room One month before the Choice
is made, in order that every inhabitant of the Town, so inclining,
may Enter the Name of one Candidate thereon ; and the Select-
men are required to Elect by Ballot, from such nomination List,
on the first Wednesday of May Next, and afterwards on the Third
Wednesday of March Annually, one or more Persons for the afore-
said Office, — whose duty it shall be to Patrol The Town from
time to time, and to Prosecute in behalf, and at the Expence of
the Town (first Advising with The Town- Attorney if Necessary)
before any Justice of the Peace, all breaches of the By-Laws that
may come to his or their knowledge, either by his or their own
Observation, or by the information of Others. And the officer, or
Officers of the Police are hereby directed to keep an Office in or
Near the Market Place, to be provided by the Selectmen, at which
he or they, or Some Person acting under him or them, Shall daily
Attend (Lords days or days set Aside for Public Worship Ex-
cepted) from the Hours of Eleven to One O'Clock, -in order that
the Inhabitants may with Greater facility give Notice to him or
them of any Breaches of the By-Laws. The said Officer or
Officers of Police are directed to make Weekly returns of his
or their doings to the Selectmen. Voted that an Attorney be
appointed by the Town by written Votes at the March meeting
[294.] Annually, who shall be empowered to appear before any
Court in all Prosecutions for a breach of the By-Laws when
Necessary. Also to Commence and Prosecute under the direc-
298 CITY DOCUMENT.
tion of the Selectmen in any Court of Law, any Suit or Action,
in behalf of the Town, and to defend any Suit or Action Com-
menced Against the Town. The Officer or Officers of the Police,
and all other officers of The town shall have A right to the opinion
and advice of the said Town-Attorney upon any Legal question,
relative to the Execution of their respective offices, or to any
Prosecutions for the breach of the said By-Laws, free of all
Expence —
Voted That The Town-Attorney receive an Adequate Compen-
sation for his Services, by an allowance to be granted him by the
town in March meeting annually.
And the more effectually to enable the officer or officers of Police
to pay due attention to the duties of his or their office :
Voted, — As the Sense of the Town, that the Selectmen make
ample and liberal allowance to the officer or officers of Police, as
a compensation for his or their services — to be paid quarterly.
The said officer or officers of Police to take an Oath, and give
bonds for the faithful discharge of his or their Duty.
Voted — that the Officer or Officers of Police, and Town At-
torney, from time to time as they may Discover Any Additions
to, or any Amendments in the By-Laws to be necessary (in their
opinion) for the better Government of The Town, shall Lay the
same before the Selectmen, who if they see cause, shall publish
the Same in two Several News papers for the more deliberate
consideration of the inhabitants, in order that the Town may
conduct [295.] Thereon at their Annual meetings in March or
May, as to them shall appear proper; Providing always that
such Proposed Additions or amendments be published at Least
Seven days Previous to Such Meetings —
Voted — That all Officers of the Town Elected by The Select-
men, Shall in future be Chosen by them by Written Votes.
Also that application be made to the Legislature, That it may
be the duty of the Selectmen, and that they be empowered To
Remove from Office, any Officer appointed by The Town, Or the
said Selectmen, who shall be Convicted by Two Credible Wit-
nesses of Fraud or Misdemeanors in his Office, in Any Court of
Law, and another be Appointed in his Stead — saving always
the right of appeal, Agreeable to the Laws of the Commonwealth.
And whereas the mode Adopted for disposing of the Office of
Hay-weigher At Auction has not Proved A beneficial Measure to
the Town. —
Voted. That the Hay-weigher be hereafter Appointed by the
Selectmen, and the said Hay -weigher is Directed to lay before
them Quarterly, An Account under Oath, of the quantity of Hay
weighed, and the Money received by him in that Office, and the
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1792. 299
Selectmen are empowered to allow him the Sum of £. [blank]
^r. Annum for his Services, he Producing A receipt that he has
paid the residue of the money so received by him into the Town
Treasury. — And whereas The Town at a Late meeting did direct
the Selectmen to Erect A Number of Additional Stalls in Faneuil
Hall Market, agreeable to A Plan Laid before the Town [296.]
Which will render it inconvenient to dispose of said Market by
Auction the Ensuing Year, —
Therefore, Voted That A Clerk of said Market be appointed
by the Town the Next year, and that he be directed to lay before
the Selectmen upon Oath, the money received in that Office ;
and the Selectmen are empowered to Allow him The Sum of
£ [blank] for his services, he producing A Receipt in Like man-
ner as the Hay-weigher.
Voted. That the General account of receipts and Expendi-
tures of all Public money to be read in open Town Meeting in
March Annualy.
And Whereas great expenses Yearly Accrue to the Town by
the heavy Loads of Manure which are Carried through The Town,
to the great Damage of the Streets and Highways :
Voted That application be made to the Legislature to empower
the Town to make such Regulations as to prevent in future such
damages to the Streets and Highways, Particularly to prohibit
a greater Load then one Ton weight, of such Manure being Car-
ried Through the Town, by any Person or Persons whatever.
And Whereas from the Late deranged State of the Town, in
Execution of the By-Laws, many Evils have Arisen by the Prac-
tice of Forestalling in our Markets : — Unruly driving of Horses
within the Town : — using unseal'd. weights and Measures in the
the Market : — Impositions in the Sale of Fire-wood : — and
Excessive Weight carried on Trucks and Carts : —
Voted — That it be recommended, and it is hereby recom-
mended [297.] To the Inhabitants, to give information to the
Inspector or Inspectors of Police, of all Persons who shall Con-
tinue in Such Practices, that they may be prosecuted agreeable to
the By-Laws Of the Town.
And it is Further Recommended, That each Inhabitant would
Exert himself to put into Execution a Law of this Commonwealth
for Preventing Persons obtruding themselves on any Particular
Town, by giving Information to the Selectmen of the residence
of such Persons, that they may be duly warned out of the Town,
Whereby a great Expence in the Maintenance of the poor would
be saved, and our Town Taxes greatly Lessened.
Voted) — That The Inspector or Inspectors of Police be par-
ticularly enjoined To take care that the Law of the Common-
wealth against bringing into any Town by Water, any Cord wood.
Less in Length than four feet, including half the Carfr; and
against any Wharfingers Carting such Wood, or Employing any
300 CITY DOCUMENT.
Cart or Sled not Marked & Numbered by a Sealer of Wood, as
by Lay? Provided, be carried faithfully into Execution.
Vot^d That the Selectmen of the Town be, and they are hereby
Directed to make Application to the Legislature for the Several
Purposes Expressed in the foregoing Votes at their first Session
The above Report is Submitted to the Consideration of the
Town
Benjamin Austin Junr.
f r. Order -
[298.] At A Meeting of the freeholders and Other Inhabi-
tants of the Town of Boston duly qualified and Legaly Warned
in Public Town Meeting, Assembled at Faneuil Hall, On Wednes-
day the 6th. day of June. Anno Domini 1792 10. O Clock. A : M :
Warrant for Calling the Meeting — read —
Precept for Choice of Two Representatives also read —
The Town having by Vote Determined to Choose Two Persons
to Represent them in the General Court in the room of the Hon-
orable Thomas Dawes & Benjamin Austin Junr. Esqr. who are
Elected to A Seat in the Honble Senate, Agreeably to A Precept
received for Said Purpose —
The Inhabitants are directed by the Selectmen to withdraw and
bring in their Votes for two Representatives. Accordingly;
And then it was declared by the Selectmen, that no Votes would
received, but such as are unfolded ; And that they intend the Poll
shall be Closed at 12. O'Clock. Bells to be toll'd a Little before
that time —
The Votes being brought in for two Representatives. The Num-
ber of the same was found to be Two hundred & Thirty Nine &
upon Sorting them it appeared the following Gentlemen had Ob-
tained A Majority of Votes Viz1.
Joseph Blake Esqr. - - - -•- - 128,,
Thomas Edwards Esqr. 126,,
[299.] Declaration was then made to the Town by the Se-
lectmen, That the aforenamed two Gentlemen were Chosen
Representatives, by A Majority of Votes. —
Then the Meeting was
Dissolved —
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1792. 301
At A Meeting of the Freeholders & others Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston duly Qualified and Legaly Warned in Public
Town Meeting Assembled at Faueuil Hall on Wednesday the 4*?
day of July. Anno Domini 1792. at 9. O'Clock A : M : —
Warrant for calling the Meeting — read —
William Cooper was Chosen Moderator by A hand Vote —
The Committee appointed the Last Year to make Choice of A
Gentleman to deliver an Oration on the Anniversary of Inde-
pendence
Reported that they had made Choice of Mr. Joseph Blake Junr.
who had Accepted —
On Motion Voted. That the Oration be delivered at the Old
Brick Church, as Liberty therefor having been Obtain'd —
[3OO.] Voted. That the Gentlemen Selectmen do Acquaint
Mr. Blake with the aforegoing Vote —
The meeting was then Adjourned to meet at the Old Brick
meeting house, at 12. O'Clock this day —
AN ORATION.
To Commemorate the Independence of the United States was
delivered by Mr. Blake Junr. at the Old Brick Church
On Motion Voted, That the Selectmen be and hereby are ap-
pointed A Committee to Wait on Mr. Joseph Blake Junr. And in
the Name of the Town to thank him for the Spirited and Elegant
Oration this day delivered by him At the request of the Town
upon the Anniversary of the Independence of the United States
of America in which According to the Institution of the Town he
Considered The feelings manner and Principles which Led to that
Great National Event, & to request of him A Copy Thereof for
the Press —
On Motion Voted, That the Gentlemen the Selectmen be and
hereby ai'e appointed A Committee to Apply to Some one learned
and able Gentlemen to deliver an Oration on the 4- day of July
Anno Domini 1793. That day being the Anniversary of the Inde-
pendence of the United States of America wherein the Orator is
to consider the feelings Manners and Principles which Led to this
great National Event, as well as the Important [3O1.J and
happy effects whether General or Domestic, which have Already,
and will forever Continue to flow from that Auspicious Epoch —
Then The Meeting was
Dissolved —
302 CITY DOCUMENT.
At A meeting of the freeholders and The Other Inhabitants of
the Town of Boston duly Qualified and Legaly Warned in Public
Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Thursday the 9th.
day of Augt. A : D : 1792 —
Warrant for Calling the Meeting — read
™5 Thomas Dawes Senr. Esqr. was Chosen Moderator by A
hand Vote, but he informing the Town by the Constable Sent
that he could not Attend
Ezekiel Price Esqr. was then Chosen but upon his declining
Thomas Craft Esqr. —
Was Chosen Moderator for this meeting by A hand Vote.
On Motion Adjourned to the Old South Church A Number of
the Committee of that Church Present having given their Consent
therefor —
The Article of the Warrant being read, together with the repre-
sentation of A Number of the [3O2.] Inhabitants relative to
the Small Pox A Lengthy Debate took place thereon, Whereupon
it was moved
That the Selectmen continue their Exertions to prevent the
Spreading of the Small Pox in this Town by taking up A House
or Houses and making other Suitable Provision for the reception
and Accomodation for such Person or Persons as Now have or
may hereafter be taken with the Small Pox —
The Question being put Accordingly Passed in the Affirmative
by A great Majority —
Then the meeting was
Dissolved
At a meeting of the Freeholders and other inhabitants of the
Town of Boston duly Qualified and legally warned in Public Town
Meeting, the 29^? of Aug*. Anno Domini 1792. Assembled at
Faneuil Hall 10. O'Clock A : M : —
. Warrant for calling the meeting — read —
Thomas Craft Esqr. Chosen Moderator By A hand Vote —
Petitions for Calling the Meeting — read —
[3O3.] The Selectmen then give the Inhabitants their
opinion of the Present State of the Small Pox. in this Town —
BOSTON Towx RECORDS, 1792. 303
On Motion, The Question was put — Viz*. Whether the Town
do not think it Expedient that A General Inoculation should take
place immediately — Passed in the Affirmative by A great Ma-
jority -
Moved and Voted that A Committee be now appointed to take
into Consideration and to Report at The Adjournment Such
Measures as they shall Judge Necessary to be taken by the Town
on the occasion, and for the relief and Assistance of the Poor in
Passing through the Small Pox. —
Voted, That —
That the Honble Thomas Dawes Esqr.
Honble. James Sullivan Esqr.
John Coffin Jones Esqr.
Charles Jarvis Esqr.
Harrison G. Otis Esqr.
Stephen Goreham Esqr.
Revd. Doctr. Lothrop
Joseph Russell Treasurer
Be A Committee for the Said Purpose —
Moved and Voted, That the Town Clerk be desired to Attend
the Committee for to give Such Information as may be Needed —
Adjourned to 3. O'Clock P : M : —
[3O4.] At 3. O'Clock. P: M: Town met according to the
Adjournment —
The Committee to whom was referred the Consideration of the
Measures Expedient to be Adopted by the Town, in the Present
State of the small Pox, beg Leave to report the following
Votes. —
" That all Persons, as well inhabitants of the Town as Coming
from the Country, be Permitted to receive the Small Pox by
inoculation at any time — from this day, untill the fifteenth day
of September Next, and not afterwards, and that from & after
that Period the Selectmen be and hereby are requested to Adopt
the most prudent and Usual measures — for Cleansing the Town
from Infection, and to Prevent any further Inoculation, while the
Present Laws — Against it are in force."
That the Overseers of the Poor be requested to devise and
Pursue the most discreet and Prudent measures for the comfort-
able supply of such of the Poor Inhabitants as may receive the
disorder who are unable to Provide for themselves, to Engage
Physicians for their respective wards Accordingly. And that all
Expences incurred in this Service be defrayed, out of the
Treasury of the Town —
304 CITY DOCUMENT.
That the Sum of Nine Shillings be Allowed to The Physicians,
of The Town for Inoculating [3O5.] And medicines and Attend-
ing during the Progress of this disorder, Each poor Inhabitant,
who in the Opinion of the Overseers, may be Unable to Provide
for himself —
That the Selectmen be requested to Continue the Guards at the
Hospital untill Next Thursday week — at sunset, And Your
Comittee further Report, that in their opinion, The following
Vote will be Conducive to the best interest of this Town.
That the Selectmen be requested to make application to the
Legislature for the repeal of all Laws Now Existing against
Inoculation, after the first of June Next all which is respectfully
Submitted
Tho8. Dawes ^r. order -
The Aforegoing Report having been read and Considered and
the Question being Put. Whether the Same shall be Accepted,
Passed in the Affirmative — By A Large Majority —
Then the Meeting was
Dissolved —
[3O6.] At A Meeting of the freeholders and other Inhabi-
tants of the Town of Boston duly Qualified and legally warned in
Public Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall On Friday the
28th. day of September Anno Domini. 10. O'Clock A : M : —
Warrant for Calling the Meeting — read —
^2 Thomas Dawes Esqr.
Chosen Moderator by A Hand Vote. —
The Votes being Brought in for A Collector of Taxes in the
room of Mr. Caleb Blanchard who has resigned, it Appeared
that. —
Mr. Benjamin Jepson was Chosen Collector of Taxes for the
Year Ensuing —
The Article in the Warrant Viz*, to Consider Application of
the Collectors that A further Allowance — may be made them for
their Services — read —
Whereupon Voted. That
Mr. Herman Brimmer
Thomas Crafts Esqr.
Honble Caleb Davis Esqr.
Be A Committee to take the Application of tiie" Collectors for A
further allowance for their Services as Collectors And Report
thereon at the Adjournment —
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1792. 305
[3O7.] The Article in the Warrant Viz1. — What measures
shall be taken for the Speedy Clearing the Town from the Infec-
tions of the Small Pox was read and after Some Debate — Voted
That A Committee of Forty Eight Persons — four of Each Ward
be immediately appointed For to Assist the Selectmen and Over-
seers of the Poor in Each Ward whose business it shall be to
repair to Every House in their respective wards, To ask the fol-
lowing Questions and to take down the Answers in Writing —
Vizi. '
Who Lives in this House, and what is the Name of the Head
of the family —
How many Persons in this house have had the Small Pox,
both Whites and blacks, The Natural way and by Inoculation &
how many of Each have died — How many Persons from the
Country have had the Small Pox in this House, and how many
of them Came from the Countrey after the 15th. day of September
Last. There Names and by Whom Inoculated —
How many are now Sick, and how many that have not had the
Small Poxr The Number that have now had it that supposed that
they had received it before ; — And that the Constables of the
Town Attend the selectmen and Overseers in Said Walk, & they
are also directed to take the most Effectual Method to cause the
houses in the Several Wards to be well Cleansed from the Infec-
tion & make report of their doings at the Adjournment. That
such of the Revd> Clergy as desire it, be requested to attend the
Committee
[3O8.] Article relative to Mr. Cheney and his Other appli-
cations, read — Whereupon —
Voted. That Mr. Cheney's and the other applications, be
referred over to the School Committee —
Voted. That the following Persons be A Committee of Visit
and also for taking the State Of The Small Pox — Viz*.
Ward — N°. 1. Messrs. Benjamin Jepson
Josiah Snelling
Jonas Welch
Thomas Adams
Ward — N°. 2 — Cap1. Edward Tyler
Cap*. Jacob Rhoades
Mr. John Page
Mr. Alexander Hill
Ward — N°. 3 — Thomas Symmes Esqr.
Mr. Josiah Eliot
Joseph Crocker Esqr.
Cap*. Samuel Howard
306
CITY DOCUMENT.
4 — Dea — Gibbons Sharp
Mr. William Sherburne
Mr. Nathaniel Austin
Mr. Joseph Kettle
5 — Harbottle Dorr Esqr.
Mr. Thomas Hitchborn
Mr. Hopestill Capen
Mr. William Homes
6 — Honble. Benjamin Austin Jr. Esq,.
Coll — Samuel Bradford
Mr. John Kneeland
Mr. Isaac Winslow
7 — Joseph Blake Esqr.
Mr. Elisha Sigorney
Mr. Ephraim Copeland
Mr. Moses Grant
8 — Mr. David Austin
Mr. Samuel Belknap Junr.
Mr. Samuel Torrey
Perez Morton Esqr.
9 — Nath1. Balch Esqr.
Mr. Edwd. Davis
John Andrews Esqr.
Mr. Herman Brimmer
Ward — N°. 10 — Coll— John Winslow
Samuel Cooper Esqr.
Mr. Russell Sturgis
Coll — John Boyle
Ward — N°. 11 — Mr. John Tileston
Honble. Thomas Dawes
Cap'. Nathan1. Fellows
General Donnison
Ward — N°. 12 — Maf. R. Davis
John Lucas Esqr.
Mr. Ebenezer Dorr
Amasa Davis Esqr.
Adjourned to Monday the 8th. day of October Next — 10. O 'Clock
A:M:
[31O.] Monday October 8th 1792. 10. O'Clock The Town
Met according to Adjournment —
Ward — N°.
Ward — Nc
[3O9.] Ward — N°.
Ward — N°.
Ward — N°.
Ward — N°
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1792. 307
The Committee to take the State of the Town with respect to
the Small Tax Reported —
That on Thursday and friday Last. The Selectmen and Over-
seers of the Poor Accompanied with The Clergy, and Several
other Gentlemen appointed by the Town, for the purpose, Visited
all the families in the Several Wards in this Town in order to
take A Particular account of the State of the Small Pox. Which
is as follows — Viz*.
8804. Number of Whites Inoculated
158 Died
214 Whites in the Natural way —
27 Died —
348 Blacks Inoculated
7 Died
18 Blacks the Natural way
6 Died —
1038 Number from the Countrey
262 Number removed from out of Town
221 Subject to the distemper
181 Number Now Sick —
It is to be Observed, that the Number said to be subject to this
disorder are 221. In these are Included many Children who
have been inoculated sometime Since and said to be subject to
the disorder because their parents feel anxious and doubtfull
[311.] Whether they have had it, if they have had it, It was in
A Very Slight degree. Of Those who are said to be sick it is
also to be observed that many of those were then so Nearly
recovered of the Distemper that they are now well, and the others
fast recovering so that there is the greatest Probability that the
Town will very Soon be free of Infection. The Town then
Passed the following Votes.
Voted Unanimously. That the Selectmen be requested to take
measures to Cleanse the Town of the Small Pox as Soon as Pos-
sible —
Voted Unanimously the Selectmen Be requested to take all
Legal measures for the removal of all Such Persons who do not
belong to This town and who have taken the Small Pox Since the
fifteenth day of September Last, to the Town where they belong
if it can be done, and when it Cannot be done, for to remove
them to the Pest House —
The Town having granted an Indulgence to the People of
Other Towns to receive inoculation in This Town, And being
informed that Some Persons have Come into The Town for that
Purpose Since the time was Expired. The Town therefore
308 CITY DOCUMENT.
unanimously Resolves. That they Consider such Conduct as A
high Insult upon the inhabitants and that they will take [313.]
Spirited measures to Shew there disapprobation of and to Prevent
such Conduct —
Voted. That the Several Physicians in the Town be requested
to make return to the Chairman of the Selectmen on Tuesday &
Friday of the number of those who are sick of the Small Pox
Voted that the Selectmen & Overseers of the Poor be requested
with Such and so many Gentlemen as they may Choose to Invite
to make another Visitation of the families in this Town, in man-
ner Similar to the Last, at Such a time as they may think Proper.
So as to Report to the Town an Accurate Statement of the Small
Pox at the Adjournment —
The Committee on the Application of the Collectors, for an
Augmentation of their Premium —
Report. That two of your Committee within Named, have
Attended the Application of the Collectors of Taxes for an
Additional Premium, and after duly Considering the Same are of
Opinion that five per Cent is Adequate to their Services —
Herman Brimmer
Caleb Davis
The aforegoing report having been read And Considered The
Question was put. Viz*. [313.] Whether the Town will Accept
the said report
Passed in the Affirmative
The Votes being brought in for A Collector of Taxes in the
room of Caleb Blanchard who has resigned it Appeared that —
Mr. Benjamin Jepson was Chosen A Collector for the Year
Ensuing —
Adjourned to Monday The 22d. of October Instant 10. O 'Clock
A : M : —
Monday The 22d. day of October Town met According to Ad-
journment —
The Committee to make A return -of the State of the Small Pox
in this Town, Reported That Sixty two Persons were Sick of the
Distemper but that Three of Those had been removed to the
Almshouse. Forty of them were almost well, That of those who
had been inoculated there had died 179. And of those who had
received the Distemper in the Natural way 69 had Deceased mak-
ing the whole number of those who have as yet died of the Small
Pox 248 —
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1792. 309
The Town having considered the aforegoing Report Passed the
four following Votes — Viz1.
Whereas it Appears from the returns made this day On the
State of the Small Pox, That the Town may be Cleansed of all
infection in the Course of the Present Week
[31.4.] Voted that the Selectmen be requested to take effec-
tual measures for cleansing the Town in the Course of the Present
week, And they cause such Persons as are now, or may hereafter
be infected w— that disease to be removed as Soon as may be to
the Hospital at West Boston and that usual Signals be Provided
— Voted, That the Selectmen be also requested to Erect Smoke
houses at the Neck and at such other Places as they may think
necessary for Cleansing Such Persons as shall come from Hospi-
tals and other infected houses in the Neighbouring Towns, And
to give Public Notice of the Same, and when the Town shall lie
free from any Infection, Voted That the Selectmen be directed to
remove all such Persons coming by Water as shall be Infected
with the Small Pox by inoculation or in the Natural way to
Rainsfords Island at their Own Expence if Able, and the Inhabi-
tants be desired to Inform the Selectmen of all Persons who shall
be Infected with that Disease in future —
Voted That from and after the 22d. day Of October Instant,
any Person inoculating for the Small Pox in the Town or on
board any Vessel in the Harbour or who may receive into their
family — [315.] Any Person thus inoculated, shall be declared
an Enemy to the Welfare and Security of This Town and their
Names Published by the Selectmen as Such —
Voted, That all matters and things remaining Unfinished at this
meeting be referred over to the Next General Town Meeting that
may or shall be Called —
Voted That the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are Given
To the Honorable Thomas Dawes Esqr. for his good Services, As
A Moderator of This Meeting —
Then the Meeting was
Dissolved —
[316.] is blank.
[317.] At A Meeting of the freeholders and Other Inhabi-
tants of the Town of Boston Qualified to Vote for Representatives
To the General Court of this Commonwealth and Legally Warned
in Public Town Meeting, Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Friday
the 2d. day of November Anno Domini 1792. 10. O'Clock.
A : M : —
310 CITY DOCUMENT.
Prayer was made by The Revd. Doctr. Stillman —
Warrant for Calling the Meeting — read.
Paragraphs of Resolves of the General Court for the Choice of
Representatives for the Next Congress of the United States, and
for Electors of President and Vice President — read —
It was Then Declared by the Selectmen That the Poll would
be Closed by the Selectmen at 12. O'Clock. The votes to be
received at the Table and the Bells to begin Tolling at 12.
O'Clock —
Persons Voted for as Representatives for the Next Congress
of the United States —
1st District for the County of Suffolk — Viz*.
Votes
Honble. Fisher Ames Esqr. 371
Honble. Benjamin Austin Jr. Esqr. 330
Honble. Stephen Higginson Esq1'. 6
[318.] Charles Jarvis Esqr. 1
James Bowdoin Esqr. 5
William Eustis Esqr 2
John Coffin Jones Esqr. ...-.- 6
Mr. Samuel Brown 1 .
For the County of Essex Honble. Benf. Goodhue Esqr. - - 722
Edward Pullin - - Esqr. 1
For County Middlesex Samuel Dexter ... Junr. Esq. 637
Honble. Joseph B Varnum - - Esqr. 69
Honble. Ebenezer Bridge - - Esqr. 7
Honble. John Brooks - ... Esqr. 1 1
Honble. Eleazer Brooks - - - Esqr. 4
James Winthrop - - Esqr. 1
For the Three Counties \ John Coffin Jones Esqr. - - - - 410
or the District j James Bowdoin Esqr. - - - - 194
HonH? William Heath Esqr. 114
William Eustis Esqr. 3
Honble. Benj* Austin Junr. Esqr. - 1
Charles Jarvis Esqr. - - - 4
Honble. Fisher Ames Esqr. ----- 1
For the Commonwealth ) Honble. Dav*. Cobb Esqr. - - - 403
at Large Except Maine j Honble. William Heath Esqr, - - 187
Honble. James Warren Esqr. - - 100
James Bowdoin Esqr. - - 16
John C. Jones Esqr. - - 5
Honble. Stephen Higginson Esqr. - 1
[319.] William Eustis Esq r. - - 3
Mr. Samuel Brown - - - 1
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1792. 311
Persons Voted for as Electors of the President And Vice
President of The United States
Votes
First District Honble. Azor Orne Esqr. 693.
Honble. Thomas Dawes Esqr. - - - - 662
Honble. Samuel Phillips Esqr. .... 388
Honble. Increase Sumner 418
Honble. Fra8. Dana Esqr. 365
Charles Jarvis Esqr. - ... 301
Hon^5 Samuel Holten ------ 292
Richd. Devens Esqr. - - - - 229
Honble. Eleazer Brooks 132
Honble. Thomas Russell 50
James Winthrop Esqr. - - - 34
Theoph8. Parsons Esqr. - - - 15
Honble. Caleb Davis Esqr. 6
James Bowdoin Esqr. - - - - 2
John C. Jones Esqr. - - - - 2
His Honr. the Lieu*. Govern'. - - - - 1
Honble. Rob*. Paine Esqr. 4
Honble. Stephen Higginson 2
Honble. William Heath 2
HonWe. James Sullivan Esqr. - - - - 1
Honble. William Sheppard 2
[3 2O.] Mr. Jeremiah Bumstead - 1
Honble. Oliver Prescott Esqr. - - - - 1
Honble. Levi Lincoln Esqr. 1
Honble. Cotton Tuffts Esqr. - - - .- - 1
Thomas Edwards Esqr. - - - 1
William Eustis Esqr. - - - - 1
Attested Copies of the Persons Voted for as Governor, Lieu1.
Governor and Senators for the County of Suffolk, were Com-
mitted to the Secretary of this Commonwealth and the Inclosures
Sealed up in the Town Meeting Superscribed as follows — Viz1 .
For John Avery Esqr. Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massa-
chusets —
List of Votes, of Representatives for the Next Congress of the
United States from the Town of Boston in the first District. The
above in A Circumflex was Wrote on the first Inclosure —
On the 2d. Inclosure directed as above as follows Viz*.
A Copy of the List of the Persons Voted for with the Number
of Votes for Each Person against his Name as Electors of Presi-
dent & Vice President of the United States, and Sealed up in
Town Meeting at Boston November the 2d. 1792. —
Then the Meeting was
Dissolved —
312 CITY DOCUMENT.
[321.] At A meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabi-
tants of the Town of Boston duly qualified and legally Warned
in Public Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Friday
the 21st. day of December Anno Domini 1792. 10. O'Clock
A : M : —
Warrant for calling the meeting — read —
Thomas Craft Esqr.
was Chosen Moderator by A hand Vote. —
The Town having brought in their Votes for A Fire ward in
the room of Samuel Breck Esqr. removed To Another State. —
William Scollay Esqr. was Chosen Fire Ward
The Article in the Warrant relative to A State house — read —
Whereupon Voted — That William Tudor Esqr.
William Eustis Esqr.
Charles Jarvis Esqr.
Perez Morton Esqr.
Mr. Daniel Austin
John Coffin Jones Esqr.
Treasurer Russell
Be A Committee to take this Article into Consideration and
report at the Adjournment what they Judge Proper to be done
thereon —
The Article in the Warrant relative to the Mill Pond
and Mills. — read —
and after debate was moved and voted that the Town will not
Act thereon —
The Article in the Warrant relative to the Law, Prohibiting
Theatrical Entertainments — read And after Some debate
thereon —
Voted : That five Persons be A Committee Appointed to Pre-
pare A Petition and Remonstrance to the General Court against
The Act Prohibiting Stage Plays, and other Theatrical Entertain-
ments And to effect the repeal thereof and to report Any resolu-
tions or other Matters relative to the Subject which it may be
Proper for the Town to Adopt — Voted ; That
John Lucas Esqr.
Henry Jackson Esqr.
Perez Morton Esqr.
Joseph Russell Esqr.
Abiel Smith Esqr
Be A Committee for that Purpose to Report as soon as may be —
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1792. 313
The above Committee Soon reported As follows — Viz*.
To The Honorable Senate and Honorable House of Represen-
tatives in General Court Assembled January 1793. —
The Inhabitants of the Town of BOSTON in Town — Meeting
Assembled, take Leave respectfully to remonstrate — That they
Consider the Law [323.] Prohibiting Stage Plays, Interludes,
and other Theatrical Entertainments, made Antecedent to the
Establishment of our Present free and happy form of Govern-
ment, as unconstitutional, inexpedient and absurd: Unconstitu-
tional, Because among the Natural and Unalienable rights of the
PEOPLE recognized in the first Article of their declaration of
Rights, is that of Seeking and obtaining their own happiness —
And in the 2d. Section of the 5th. Chapter of the Constitution,
they find it to be the duty of the Legislature " to Cherish the
Interests of Literature, to Countenance & inculcate the Principles
of Humanity and General benevolence, Charity, Sincerity, Good
Humour, and all Social Affections and Generous Sentiments
among the People." If .Therefore There be any Dramatic Per-
formances already Written, or if any can be Written, The Exhi-
bition of which may have A tendency to make men happy, to
Encourage Literature, and to inculcate the Social Virtues, it is
the right of the People to Enjoy them, And the Duty of the
Legislature to Secure to them the Excercise of this right, and, of
Course, this Law, which in its Prohibition makes no distinction
in the Nature of the Performance is Repugnant to both. They
also Consider this Statute as an Indirect Attack on the Liberty
of the Press, for if [324.] the Right to Think, write and Print
feeely be secured to the Citizen by this Article, to restrain other
Citizens from reading, and repeating, or Procuring Others to
read and repeat for them What is thus Printed, is A Political
Solecism.
Your Memorialist, however, would not be understood, to deter-
mine how far the Doctrine of Libels agl. Goverment, Individuals,
or General Decency, and Morals, are exceptions to the 16th.
Article of the Declaration of Rights ; but thus much they can
Confidently Say, That the Existence of the Law in Question is
Inexpedient to these Purposes, Because if any thing Libellous,
indecent or immoral Should be exhibited on the Stage, the Com-
mon Law of the Country, and the good and Wholesome Statutes
of the Commonwealth, are as fully Competent to their Suppression
or Punishment, there, as in any other place. — The Absurdity of
this Statute is too Conspicuous to Pass unnoticed. One of the
Objects in making this Law, as recited in the Preamble, is the
Suppression of Immorality, and yet in the enacting clause it is
lawful to exhibit any Dramatic peice, however Politicaly, or
Morally bad in its tendency, Provided not more then Twenty
[325.] Persons are Present; but at any Larger number, how-
ever excellent and Moral the Sentiments of the Performance may
be, the illegality and, according to the Logic of this Statute the
Immorality, commences
314 CITY DOCUMENT.
We are at a Loss to know by what rule in Ethics an action is
Constituted morally right or wrong by the number of the agents
concerned.
Your memorialists cannot but observe, that all the Public
Amusements, which are at present permitted, are Calculated ex-
clusively for, and confined to the Gratification of the Rich, while
theatrical Entertainments would Admit an indiscriminate Partici-
pation to all ranks in Society. And we apprehend it is for this
Reason, that in all free States, since the Republic of Athens the
PEOPLE have considered the amusements of the Drama pecu-
liarly their own ; and even in Monarchical Governments, where
the Monarch is not Absolutely Despotic the hand of Power has
not been able to Suppress them.
For these reasons, the Inhabitants of your Capital respect-
fully request the Legislature to take this Exceptionable Law into
their serious Consideration, and, in repealing it, leave the Citizen
at Liberty, by a resort to an Innocent & rational amusement, to
seek and Promote his own happiness and, as in Duty bound, shall
Ever Pray &c —
John Lucas ^r. order
[326.] The aforegoing remonstrance having been read, The
Same was accepted almost Unanimously —
The Aforegoing Committee also reported the following set of
instructions which were also Accepted with A Like Majority —
Viz*.
First, RESOLVED — That our representatives be and they hereby
are instructed, to renew their Exertions in the next Session of
the Legislature, to effect a Repeal of the Law, which prohibits
Theatrical Exhibitions within the Commonwealth, at least so far
as respects the Town of Boston, or any other Town that may
petition the Legislature for that purpose. —
Second, Resolved, that we shall consider counter-petitions, or any
other methods, which A minority of the Inhabitants may adopt to
defeat the Wishes of the Town, as irregular and unkind. —
Third, Resolved, That, the thanks of the Town be given to our
Representatives, who by their late Efforts, Endeavored to pro-
cure a repeal of the Law in question ; and that Thomas Crafts
Esqr. Leonard Jarvis Esqr., Mr. Joseph Russell, John Lucas
Esqr., Perez Morton, Esqr. Mr. John Quincy Adams, Paul
Revere Esq., Mr. Edward Tuckerman, Samuel Bradford Esqr.,
Mr. Jn°. Brazer [327.] Jabez Hatch Esqr., Mr. William Little,
Samuel Brown Esqr., Abiel Smith Esqr., Henry Jackson Esqr.,
Samuel Cooper Esqr., Mr. Harrison G. Otis, William Powell
Esqr., Joseph Blake Junr., Mr. John Barrett and Mr. William
Deblois, be a Committee to co-operate with them in such measures,
as may be Thought expedient, to give effect to the Petition and
remonstraace, which the Town will Present to the Legislature on
this Subject.
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1792. 315
Fourth. Resolved, That the respect Justly due to the sentiments
of our fellow Citizens must operate as an indispensible Obligation
to explain our Sense of the Nature and Tendency of the Law
against Dramatic Entertainments, as well as the Ideas of the
views and Principles which govern the Inhabitants on this occa-
sion ; and we should be unhappy to conceive that an opinion
could prevail of our Abhorrence of Vice, or of our Love of
Virtue, being diminished, when we venture to assert, that the Law
under Consideration is neither consonant to the Spirit of Liberty,
nor agreeable to the Liberal Principles, upon which our happy
Constitution of Government is established ; A Constitution which
Scarcely admits of general restraints upon the Natural rights of
the Citizen [328.] to prevent partial abuses or imaginary evils
in the exercise of them ; and it is no less for this reason than
from the high opinion we have uniformly cherished of the man-
ners and virtue of our Fellow-Citizens, That we have the fullest
persuasion, that the Penal Statutes of the Government, and that
Just detestation of Vice and immorality of every kind, which
both reason and Religion inculcate, will be found amply Suffi-
cient for the invaluable Objects they are intended to secure, with-
out the equivocal aid of Prohibitory Regulations, founded in an
impolitic jealousy of the Views and dispositions of the People,
and unwarranted either by the Voice of Reason, or the Dictates
of experience —
Fifth. Resolved, That the aforesaid Committee be authorized
and desired to wait upon his Excellency, the Governor, with a
Copy of these Resolutions, and present to him, in the name of the
Inhabitants of the Town the following Address ;
May it Please your Excellency —
Your fellow Citizens, the Inhabitants of the Town of Boston,
have determined to Solicit [329.] the Legislature, at their Next
Session, for a repeal of the Law, which Prohibits Theatrical En-
tertainments within the Commonwealth ; and they have Thought
proper to request your Excellencys aid on this occasion as they
cannot conceive, from your Enlightened opposition to every
encroachment on the Sacred Limits of the Constitution, that you
would decline to Afford every proper support to an application,
which at once contemplates, the establishment of an elegant and
rational amusement, — and the repeal of a compulsory Statute,
formed in violation, not only of those liberal maxims which Your
Excellency's Administration has hitherto vindicated and con-
firmed, but of that Confidence In the virtue and discretion of the
People which You have uniformly expressed and inculcated —
Adjourned to the 14th. day of January Next at 12 O 'Clock
A:M: —
Town Met According to Adjournment
Adjourned to Tuesday 22d. Jan*. Instant 3 O'Clock P : M : —
316 CITY DOCUMENT.
[33O.] At A Meeting of the freeholders and Other inhabi-
tants of the Town of Boston Qualified to vote for Representatives
to the General Court of this Commonwealth and legally Warned
in Public Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall On Monday
the 14th. January Anno Domini 1793. 10. O'Clock A : M :-
Warrant for Calling the Meeting — read
Precept for the supreme Executive for the Choice of One
Representative for the Congress of the United States, for the Dis-
trict of this Commonwealth — read —
It was then Declared by the Selectmen that The Poll would be
closed at half past 1. O'Clock P: M : That the Votes be received
at the Table, and the Bells to begin to Ring at 1. O'Clock & Con-
tinued tolling untill half past One O'Clock —
Persons Voted for as Representatives to Represent the said
District, Viz*. Suffolk. Essex & Middlesex in Congress of the
United States — all of whom are Inhabitants of One or Another
of Said Counties Viz*.
™5 Benjamin Austin Junr. Esqr. — G35
James Bowdoin - - - Esqr. — 363
[33 1 .] Samuel Sewall Esqr. — 1 78
Honble. Samuel Holten Esqr. - 3
Honble. William Heath Esqr. — 2
Honble. Stephen Higginson Esqr. — 1
Total 1182.
Attest Copy of The Persons Voted for, for One Representative
to represent the first District Viz*. Suffolk, Essex, and Middlesex
in the Congress of the United States were Committed to the
Secretary of this Common Wealth and the return Sealed up in
Town Meeting Superscribed as follows. Viz*. —
For John Avery Esqr.
Secretary of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
List of VOTES for one Representative to represent the first
District, Viz*. Suffolk, Essex, and Middlesex, from the Town of
Boston in said District
Then The Meeting was
Dissolved
[332.] Town Met according to Adjournment January 22d.
1793. 3. O'Clock P : M :-
The Committee appointed on the 21s*. of Decr. last, to consider
BOSTON Towx RECOKDS, 1793. 317
and report what Proposals should be offered on the Part of the
Town to the Committee of the Legislature on the Subject of
erecting a State House for the Commonwealth, within the Town
of Boston, — Report : That it is expedient that A Committee
should be immediately raised with plenary Powers to contract on
the Part of the Inhabitants for the Grant and Conveyance of any
Peice of Ground, the Property of the Town, Suitable for such
Buildings as the State may think necessary to the sole use and
benefit of the Commonwealth — And that the Committee be
further authorized ; to make this other proposal
That if the Commonwealth will grant to the Town all their
Estate in the present State House and the Old Province House,
and the Land appurtenant thereto, that in such Case the Town
shall and will Erect a New State House for the Commonwealth on
any Spot of Ground within the Limits of the Town, being the
Towns property, which the Legislature shall elect, and on any
Model they shall direct, provided the whole expeuce shall not
exceed Nine Thousand Pounds, [333.] and on Condition that
the Commonwealth shall Grant. Two Thousand Pounds to the
Town in addition to the real Property, to be conveyed as before
stipulated. All which is Submitted by order of.
William Tudor —
.January 14th. 1793 —
The Report having been read and Considered The Question
was put, Whether the Town will Accept the Same. Passed in
the Affirmative unanimously
Also Voted, That William Tudor Esqr.
William Eustis Esqr.
Charles Jarvis Esqr.
Perez Morton Esqr.
Mr. Daniel Austin
John Coffin Jones Esqr.
Mr. Treasurer Russell
Be A Committee to Effect the Purposes of this Report
All matters Unfinished referred to the Next General Town
Meeting —
Voted, That the Thanks Of The Town be and hereby are
given, To Thomas Crafts Esqr. for his good Services as Modera-
tor of the meeting —
Then the Meeting was
Dissolved
[334.] At A Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabi-
tants of the Town of Boston, Duly qualified and Legally warned in
818 CITY DOCUMENT.
Public Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Wednesday
the 13th. day of February Anno Dom1. 1793. 10. O'Clock A : M :
Warrant for calling the Meeting — read —
Honble. Thomas Dawes Esqr. was Chosen The Moderator by A
hand Vote —
The Article in the Warrant — Viz1.
To take into Consideration the Petition of the Directors of West
Boston Bridge relative to the Hospital at That part of The Town
— read, and on Motion
Voted, That This Matter be left to the Selectmen for them to
Act thereon as they shall Judge Proper. —
The Article in the Warrant — Viz*.
To take into Consideration the Petition of A Number of the
Inhabitants That measures may be taken for to Prevent the
Erecting and building on a Passage way, between the Rope walks
at the Southeasterly Part of the Town which has for many Years
laid Open — read and largely debated, and on motion [335.]
Voted, That A Committee be appointed to Confer with the Com-
mittee of The General Court, on the Petition of Jeffery Richard-
son, and to Use their Exertions in Case the Said Land mentioned
in said Petition is to be sold, That so much thereof may be re-
served for the Town as is Necessary for its Security and accomo-
dation, also
Voted, That Honble. Caleb Davis Esqr.
Jabez Hatch Esqr.
Harrison G. Otis Esqr.
Loring Austin Esqr.
Mr. Archibd. Mc.Neal —
Be A Committee for the Purpose Aforesaid —
Voted That all matters unfinished at this meeting, be referred
Over to the Next General Town Meeting —
Voted, That the Thanks of the Town Be, and hereby are given
to the Honorable Thomas Dawes Esqr. for his good Services as
Moderator of This Meeting —
Then the meeting was
Dissolved —
[336.] At A Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabi-
tants of The Town of Boston duly qualified and Legally Warned
in Public Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall On Monday,
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1793. 819
The Eleventh day of March Anno Domini 1793— 10. 0 'Clock
A: M: —
Prayer was made by the Revd. Doctor Walter —
Warrant for calling the Meeting — read
Sundry Laws to be read at this meeting — read —
The Town having Voted to come to the Choice of A Moderator
by A hand Vote. —
^ Thomas Dawes Esqr.
was Chosen Moderator, of This Meeting —
The Inhabitants were then directed to withdraw and bring in
their Votes for a Town Clerk and the same being brought in and
counted it Appeared That —
William Cooper
Was chosen Town Clerk for the year Ensuing and the Oath of
Office was Administered to him by Mr. Justice Crafts —
The Inhabitants were directed to Withdraw and bring in their
Votes for Nine Selectmen [337.] And upon Sorting them it
appeared that the Following Gentlemen — Viz1. —
Ezekiel Price Esqr.
Thomas Walley Esqr.
Deacon William Boardman
Mr. Ebenezer Seaver
Thomas Craft Esqr.
Thomas Edwards — Esqr.
Mr. William Little
Mr. Charles Bulfinch
William Scollay
Were Chosen Selectmen for the Year Ensuing —
The Inhabitants having as Directed brought in their Votes for
12 Overseers of the Poor — on Counting and sorting the Same it
appeared that
Jonathan Mason Esqr.
John White — Esqr.
Edward Proctor — Esqr.
John Sweetser — Esqr.
Samuel Parkman — Esqr.
Jonathan L. Austin Esqr
Mr. Edward Edes —
Henry Hill — Esqr.
John Codman Junr. Esqr.
Mr. William Smith
William Phillips Junr. Esqr.
Stephen Goreham Esqr.
Were chosen Overseers of the poor for The year Ensuing —
320 CITY DOCUMENT.
[338.] The Votes being brought in Counted and Sorted for
16 Firewards. it appeared —
That Mr. Thomas Tileston
John Winthrop Esqr.
Thomas Melvill Esqr.
Jabez Hatch Esqr.
Mr. Joseph Clarke
Joseph Russell Junr. Esqr.
Mr. Edward Edes
Samuel Parkman Esqr.
Amasa Davis Esqr.
Mr. Russell Sturgis
Henry Jackson Esqr.
Cap*. Muugo Mackay
William Scollay Esqr.
William Little Esqr.
Mr. James Tisdale
Joseph May Esqr.
Were chosen Fire wards for the Year Ensuing —
The Article in the Warrant — Viz*.
To Choose A School Committee — read. Whereupon —
Voted. That in Addition to the selectmen Twelve Persons shall
Now be Chosen and the following Gentlemen were accordingly
Chosen r. ballot — Viz*.
Thomas Dawes — Esqr.
Revd. Samuel West
Revd. John Lothrop D.D.
John Coffin Jones Esqr.
Jonathan L. Austin Esqr.
[339.] William Tudor Esqr.
Doctor Thomas Welsh
Doctor Nathaniel Appleton
Revd. John Clarke
Mr. William Smith
Doctor Aaron Dexter
George Richards Minot Esqr. Also
Voted, That the Aforegoing Committee Who Conjunctly with
the Selectmen are to be termed The School Committee be and
hereby are directed to carry the New System of Education which
has been Adopted by the Town into operation, And said Com-
mittee are Also Authorized and impowered Conjunctly to Man-
age and regulate the Officers and Government of the Schools and
in future to Exercise all the Powers relating to the School and its
Schoolmasters which the Selectmen And Such Committee are
Authorized by the Laws of the Commonwealth or the Votes of
This Town to Exercise Any former Votes of the Town Notwith-
standing —
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1793. 321
Votes, for A Treasurer for the County of Suffolk, brought in
and Counted by the Moderator & The Town Clerk ; when it ap-
peared that the whole Number was Three hundred and Three
And that they were all for Thomas Craft Esqr. A discreet and
Suitable person being a Freeholder & Resident in the Same
County — The Attested Copy thereof was given to Ezek1. Price
Esqr. Clerk of the Sessions by Coll — . Crafts —
[34O.] Voted, That the Honble. Thomas Dawes Esqr.
Herman Brimmer Esqr.
Joseph Russell Junr. Esqr.
Be, and hereby are appointed A Committee to Audit the Ac-
compts of the Town Treasurer, and Also the accounts of the
Selectmen, And Overseers of the Poor, And said Committee are
directed to report the Sum Necessary to be raised for the Service
of the Present Year —
Voted, That the Assessors be, and hereby are directed to set
for such Abatements of Taxes, as they shall Judge reasonable,
Two days in Each Week after the delivery of the Tax Books to
the Collectors, for the Space of Six Weeks and no longer (Saving
That they be allowed to Set The Last Week in February,) Lords
days excepted for the abatement of the Taxes of Such Persons as
had not the opportunity of Applying in the above Limited time
by reason of Their being out of the Commonwealth or any Other
Unavoidable hindrance, And That the Assessors themselves,
Determine upon the said Two days, which is to be noted on the
Tax bills to be delivered to The Inhabitants. —
Voted, That the Consideration of all Money matters be referred
over Until the Next May Meeting —
[341.] Jirah Holbrooks Petition read, and After Debate —
It was moved and Voted that the Said Petitioner have Leave to
withdraw his Petition
Mr. Joseph Russell was Chosen Town Treasurer for the Year
Ensuing Unanimously, And the Oath of Office Administred to
him by the Town Clerk —
Voted, That the Town Treasurer give Bond with Sureties, To
the Satisfaction of the selectmen In the Penalty of Ten Thou-
sand Pounds for the faithful Discharge of the Duties of his
Office —
Mess- Benjamin White
John Ballard
Moses May
Andrew Townsend
William Todd
Were Chosen Fence Viewers for the Year Ensuing — '
322 CITY DOCUMENT.
Mess- Thomas Bradley
Nathan Green
David Hollis
Mathew Loring
Were Chosen Sealers of Leather for [the] Year Ensuing —
The Gentlemen Selectmen —
Were Chosen Surveyors of Highways the Year Ensuing
[342.] MessL8 William McNeil
Jeffrey Richardson
Were Chosen Surveyors of Hemp the Year Ensuing —
Mr. Adam Colson
Was Chosen an Informer of Deer for the Year Ensuing
Messrs. Edward Jones
Francis Booth
Samuel Curtis
Were Chosen Haywards for the Year Ensuing —
Messrs. Joseph Egner
Henry Davis
Were Chosen Hogreeves for the Year Ensuing —
John Lucas — Esqr.
Edward Tuckerman Esqr.
Were Chosen Surveyors of Wheat The Year Ensuing —
Messrs. John Skinner
Samuel Green
Were Chosen Assay Masters the Year Ensuing —
John Ballard
Benjamin Homans
Jirah Holbrook
William Cunningham
Were Chosen Sealers of Wood for the Year Ensuing —
Vote, relative to referring the Choice of Collectors. Vote May
meeting. Passed, and afterwards reconsidered, —
[343.] The Hon^i Caleb Davis Esqr.
Thomas Russell Esqr.
Were Chosen into the Office of Fire Wards for the Year Ensuing
and having declined Serving —
Voted, That the Thanks of The Town be and hereby are Given
to the Aforenamed Gentlemen for Their good Services as Fire-
wards A Number of Years past
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1793. 323
Votes, being brought in for Twelve Constables, It appeared
That the following Persons were Chosen — Viz* —
Mess^? Shubael Hews
Benjamin Romans
John Bosson
John Cades
John Butterfield
Andrew Townsend
Samuel White
James Perkins
David Lewis
Thomas Stevenson
Enoch May
Robert Smallpeace
Then the Town Adjourned to 3. O' Clock P : M :
[344.] At 3 O'Clock P : M : Town Met According to the
Adjournment —
The dangerous Attack on Saturday night Last, On the Safety
of the Town, together with the Measures taken by the Gentlemen
Selectmen on the Occasion, having been represented in the Meet-
ing it was Moved and Voted, That Thomas Crafts Esqr
Cap*. James Prince
Cap*. Russell Sturgis
John Andrews Esqr.
Amasa Davis Esqr.
Be A Committee To take up this matter and report As Soon as
may be, A Proper Vote or Votes to be passed by the Town on
this Occasion —
Votes, being brought in for Five Assessors It Appeared, That
the following Persons were Chosen Assessors for the Year Ensu-
ing — Viz*.
Mess1*. William Lowder
Gyles Harris Esqr.
Caleb Blanchard
Samuel Ruggles Esqr.
John R. Sigorney
Mess18. John Champney
Joshua Bentley
Samuel Dyer
Benjamin Page
[345.] James Rogers
Abraham Hay ward
Benjamin White
324 CITY DOCUMENT.
Daniel Ingersoll
James Robbins
Edmund Ranger
James Blake
John Cogswell
Were Chosen Surveyors of Boards for the Year Ensuing
^ James Perkins
William Payne
Thomas Crafts Junr.
James Cutler
Edward Blake
Edward Gushing
John Webb Checkley
William Jarvis
Thomas Amory Junr.
John Gardner
John Lothrop Junr.
John Fox
Were Chosen Clerks of the Market for the Year Ensuing
The Committee relative to the Enormity of Saturday Night
Last — Reported, Whereupon the following Votes were Passed,
unanimously as Reported by the Committee — Viz1. —
Whereas. On Saturday Evening Last, Several of the Towns
Fire Engines received Considerable [846.] Damage by Some
Lawless Villain or Villians Unknown^; And other Daring and
Dangerous Enormities were Committed against The Peace and
Safety of the Inhabitants, — And Whereas the selectmen have
given Publick information, That they would pay The Sum of Two
Hundred Dollars, to Any Person or Persons who Should Discover
and lead to Conviction, The Author or Authors of such daring
Outrages. —
Voted, That the Town highly Approve, and Adopt The Con-
duct of their Selectmen in this Respect ; and, That the Town-
Treasurer be, and he is hereby Order'd to pay Said Sum of Two
hundred Dollars, whenever the Selectmen shall Issue their War-
rant Therefor, — And further, in order to discover the Author
or Authors of such Villainy, it is — Voted, That the Constables
Imediately Divide themselves into Classes, and Visit the Several
Publick Houses within the Town to know what Company Was
there on Saturday Evening Last, and the Time, and Their
behaviour, when they left the same, and in case they have any
reasonable Suspicion of any Person or Persons, that they give
Notice to the Selectmen, in Order that an Enquiry and Prosecu-
tion may be Commenced against them : And as an Inducement
to the Several Constables to be diligent in their Duty, it is
[347.] Voted, That the Constable or Constables, who shall
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1793. 325
Discover, So as to lead to a Conviction of the Offender or
Offenders, He, or they, shall be entitled to Fifty Dollars, to be
paid by a draft from the Selectmen, on the Town Treasurer;
And to Prevent a Repetition of Such Lawless Conduct in future,
it is Voted, That the Representatives of the Town be imme-
diately requested to use their Influence in the General Court,
that a Law may be made, inflicting a severe punishment on any
Person or Persons, who shall wickedly or wantonly destroy, or
Damage any of The Town — Engines, Pumps, or Publick
Ladders.
Voted, That the foregoing Votes be published. —
Mees- Henry Purkitt
Joseph Loring
William Parkman
Edward Burt
George Singleton
Joseph Basset
Thomas Barber
Thomas Foster
Jonathan Gushing
Lemuel Gardner
John Bray
Hezekiah Hudson
James Barry
[348.] Adjourned to Monday 8th. day April 10. O'Clock
A:M:
At a Meeting of the male inhabitants of The Town of Boston
of 21 Years of age and upwards Qualified as the Constitution
Prescribes, and Legally Warned in Public Town Meeting Assem-
bled at Faneuil Hall on Monday The first day of April Anno
Dom1. 1793-
Prayer was made by the Revd. Mr. West —
Warrant for Calling the Meeting - - Read —
Paragraphs of the Constitution or Frame of Goverment relative
to the Choice of Governor, Lieu*. Governor and Senators —
read —
It was then declared by the Selectmen —
That no Votes would be received but Such as are Unfolded ; and
That they Propose the Poll shall be Closed at half past 12
O'Clock. The Votes to be received at the Table and the Bells
begin their Tolling at 12 O'Clock. —
Persons Voted for as Governor wth. the N°. of Votes for Each
Person
326 CITY DOCUMENT.
Votes
His Excellency John Hancock Esqr. 1124
Honble. Elbridge Gerry Esqr. - - - - 34
Honble. Francis Dana Esqr. ----- 15
Harrison Gray Otis Esqr. ----- 1
Mr. Benjamin Adams - 2
[349.] Persons Voted for as Lieu*. Governor with The
Number of Votes for Each Person — Viz1.
Votes
His Honor Samuel Adams Esqr. - 1171
Hon^S Thomas Russell Esqr. - 5
Hou^l? James Sullivan Esqr. 1
^S Benjamin Lincoln Esqr. 1
James Bowdoin Esqr. 1
Mr. Joseph Lillie 1
Persons Voted for as Senators for the County of Suffolk
, with
the Number of Votes for each Person
Votes
Hon^f Thomas Dawes
Esqr. - - -
1150
Hon51? Stephen Metcalf
Esqr. - - -
1192
Hon£l£ Benjamin Austin
Junr. - - -
679
Hon?^ William Heath
Esqr. - - -
336
Hon^ Oliver Wendell
Esqr. - - -
1183
James Bowdoin
Esqr. - - -
577
Honb-l£ Thomas Russell
Esqr. - - -
61
Hon^ Cotton Tuffts - - -
Esqr. - - -
508
John Read - - - -
Esqr. - - -
846
Ebenezer Thayer Jur.
Esqr. - - -
512
Ebenezer Warren - -
Esqr. - - -
16
Ebenezer Thayer -
58
Charles Jarvis -
Esqr: - - -
2
Hon™5 Stephen Higginson
Esqr. - - -
6
Hon^ William Phillips
Esqr. - - -
5
[35O.] HonSli John Coffin Jones
Esqr. - - -
1
William Eustis -
Esqr. - - -
1
Hon^ Caleb Davis - - - -
Esqr. - - -
2
Jonathan Mason - -
Esqr. - - -
2
Honl2l5 Azor Orne - -
Esqr. - - -
1
Attested Copies of The Persons Voted for As Governor, Lieu*.
Governor and Senators for the County of Suffolk, were Com-
mitted to the Secretary of This Commonwealth and the Inclosures
Sealed up in The Town Meeting, Superscribed as follows — Viz*.
For
John Avery Esqr.
Secretary of The Commonwealth
of Massachusetts —
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1793. 327
The Number of Votes of The Town of Boston for A Governor,
Lieu*. Governor and Six Senators for the County of Suffolk.
Certified within and Sealed up in the Town Meeting —
Then the Meeting was
Dissolved
[351.] At A Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabi-
tants of the Town of Boston Qualified to Vote for Representatives
to the General Court of this Commonwealth Legally Warned in
Public Town meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall. On Monday the
first day of April Anno Domini 1793. 3 O'Clock P : M :
Wan-ant for Calling the meeting - - read —
Precept from the Supreme Executive for the choice of One
Representative for the Congress of the United States for the first
district of this Commonwealth read, and it was then declared by
the Selectmen that the Poll would be closed at 6 O'Clock, That
the Votes be received at the Table Unfolded and the Bells to
begin tolling half past 5. O'Clock —
Persons Voted for as one Representative to Represent The
first District Viz*. Suffolk. Essex and Middlesex in the Congress
of the United States, all of whom are Inhabitants of one or other
of said Counties — Viz*.
Honble. Samuel Hoi ton 566
Honble. Benja. Austin Junr. 770
James Bowdoin Esqr. ----- 1
An Attested Copy of the Persons Voted for as A Representa-
tive to represent the first District Viz*. Suffolk Essex and Mid-
dlesex in the [352.] Congress of the United States, were
Committed to the Secretary of this Commonwealth and the Return
Sealed up in the Town Meeting Superscribed as follows — Viz*.
For John Avery Esqr.
Secretary of the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts
List of Votes for one Representative to Represent the First
District — Viz*. Suffolk, Essex and Middlesex from the Town of
Boston in the Said District —
Then the Meeting was
Dissolved —
[353.] Monday, April 8th. 1793. 10-O'Clock in the Fore-
noon ; Met According to Adjournment of March meeting —
328 CITY DOCUMENT.
Mr. George Cammell was Chosen A Hogreave for the Year
Ensuing —
Mr. Edward Wild was Chosen A Sealer of Wood for the Year
Ensuing —
Mr. Job Wheelwright was Chosen A Culler of Hoops &c. for
the Year Ensuing —
Mr. Samuel Hewes was Chosen A Clerk of the Market for the
Year Ensuing —
The Selectmen Laid before the Town A Letter from Mr.
[blank] of Rotterdam together with A Pamphlet Containing
Prescriptions for Mitigating the Malignity of the Small Pox, —
whereupon Voted, That the Selectmen be A Committee to make
reply to said Letter and To Convey the Compliments of the
Town, for his benevolence in Communicating said Prescriptions. —
Voted, That all matters and things w?5 remained unfinished
be referred over to the Next General Town meeting in May
Next —
Voted That the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given
to the Hon1. Thomas Dawes Esqr. for his good Services as Mod-
erator
Then the Meeting was
Dissolved —
[354.] At A meeting of the freeholders and Other Inhabi-
tants of the Town of Boston duly Qualified and Legally Warned
in Public Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Wednes-
day the 24*^ day of April. Anno Domini 1793 — at 10. O'Clock
Warrant for calling the meeting — read
Honlil^ Thomas Dawes Esqr.
Chosen Moderator by A hand Vote —
The Inhabitants required to bring in their Votes for five
Assessors ; the Poll to be Closed at 1. O'Clock A : M :
On Motion Voted, that
The IIonble. Benjamin Austin Junr. Esqr.
^l Thomas Dawes Esqr.
William Tudor Esqr.
Thomas Edwards Esqr.
Thomas Walley Esqr.
Henry Hill Esqr.
Mr. John Kneeland
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1793. 329
Be A Committee to Consider and report at the Adjournment the
best mode for the Collecting of the Town Taxes —
The Article in the Warrant Viz*. — To Consider what measures
shall be taken for the more Effectual Security of The Town by
Night — read [355.] Whereupon — Voted, That the article be
referred to The Selectmen, they to Act thereon as they shall Judge
best : for the regulation of the Watch and Security of the Town,
by the Addition of men, or any New Arrangement of the Watch. - -
Votes being brought in for Five
Assessors It appeared That
Gyles Harris Esqr.
Mr. William Lowder
Samuel Ruggles Esqr.
John R. Sigorney Esqr.
Mr. Caleb Blanchard
Were Chosen Assessors for the Year Ensuing —
Adjourned to Monday Next being the 29*5 Instant at 10 O'Clock.
A : M : -
Monday April 29*5 1793. 10-O'CJock A : M. Town Met ac-
cording to Adjournment —
The Committee to Consider the mode of Collecting the Town
Taxes, Report as their Opinion, That The Mode for Collecting
the Town Taxes be continued as usual untill Some Measures are
Adopted for the Regulating the Town in its County Capacity
Benja Austin Jr ^r order —
This Report being read The Question was Put — Viz* —
whether the Same shall be accepted. Passed in the Affirmative —
[356.] Votes, being brought in for Four Collectors of Taxes.
It appeared that —
Mess". Benjamin Henderson
Thomas Bay ley
James Thompson
Benjamin Jepson
Were Chosen Collectors of Taxes for the Year Ensuing —
On Motion Voted, That the Thanks of the Town be given to
The HonSlS Thomas Dawes for his good Services as Moderator
Then the Meeting was
^Dissolved —
At A Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston duly Qualified and Legally Warned in Public
330 CITY DOCUMENT.
Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall, On Wednesday the
8th. day of May. Anno Domini 1793. 10. O'Clock A : M
Prayer was made by the Revd. Doctr. Belknap
Warrant for calling the Meeting — read —
[357.] That part of the Constitution or Frame of Gover-
ment which relates to the Choice of Representatives, read
Sundry Laws to be read at Said Meeting were accordingly —
read —
The Town having determined by Vote for to Choose Several
Persons to represent them in the General Court of Massachusets
to be held in the State house in Boston, On the Last Wednesday
in May current, agreeably to the Constitution or frame of Gover-
ment for the Massachusets —
The Inhabitants were directed by the selectmen to withdraw
and bring in their Votes for Seven representatives, and then it
was declared by the Selectmen That no Votes would be received
but such as are unfolded and that they intend the Poll shall be
closed at half past 12-0'Clock — the Bell to toll A Little before
that time —
The Votes being brought in for Seven representatives the
Number of the Same were found to be 337 — and upon sorting
them it Appeared, That the Seven following Gentlemen [358.]
Obtained A Majority of Votes — Viz1.
Votes
William Tudor Esqr. 324
Charles Jarvis - Esqr. 325
Jonathan Mason Esqr. 303
John Coffin Jones Esqr. 336
William Eustis Esqr. 335
Joseph Blake Esqr. 300
Thomas Edwards ----- Esqr. 292
Declaration was Then made by the Selectmen of the Town, That
the Seven aforenamed Gentlemen Were Chosen representatives by
A Majority of Votes —
The Meeting was then Adjourned to 3. O'Clock P : M :
At 3. O'Clock P: M : The Town Met According To Adjourn-
ment —
The choice of Representatives being over it was moved and
Voted, That the Town will now come to the choice of A Modera-
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1793. 331
tor by A hand Vote to Transact the other business mentioned in
the Warrant —
The Hon™5 Thomas Dawes Esqf
Was Chosen Moderator accordingly —
The Committee to Audit the Town Treasurers Acco- had leave
to report at the Adjournment of this meeting —
[359.] Cap*. Roger Bartlet
Cap*. Joseph Doble
Were Chosen Cullers of Dry fish for the Ensuing Year —
The Petition relative to the Pulling down of The Towns Shop
Opposite to Concert Hall was read and Considered, when the
Petitioners had Leave to withdraw their^ Petition —
The Article in the Warrant Viz*, whether any Measures shall
be taken for the Preservation of the Dam on the East side of the
Neck — read —
Whereupon — Voted, That the
Honble. Thomas Dawes Esqr.
Thomas Craft Esqr.
Mr. Ebenezer Seaver
Deacon Boardman
Coll0. William Scollay
Mr. William Little
Thomas Walley Esqr.
Be A Committee to Consider this Article and report Their opinion
thereon at the Adjournment —
The Article in the Warrant relative to Continuing Lighting the
Lamps — read, and after some debate
Voted, That the lighting the Lamps be discontinued until the
Last day of September Next —
[36O.] The Article in the Warrant — Viz*. Whether any,
and what measures shall be taken for the Speedy Collection of
the Arrears due on the Taxes for the Years 1791 & 1792 — read
Whereupon — Voted, That the
Hon^e Thomas Dawes Esqr.
Mr. Herman Brimmer
Joseph Russell Jur. Esqr.
Be A Committee to Consider this matter and to report at the
Adjournment —
Adjourned to Friday the 24th day of May Instant at 10.
O'Clock in the Forenoon —
Friday the 24th. day of May Instant the Town Met according
to Adjournment —
332 CITY DOCUMENT.
The Committee appointed to take into Consideration the Article
in the Warrant Viz*. Whether any measures shall be taken for
the Prevention of the Dam on the East side of the Neck, having
Attended that Service and ask leave to report as follows - - Viz*.
That the Gentlemen Selectmen be requested to take such
measures for the Speedy repairing the Dam on the East side of
the Neck, as to them shall [361.] Appear most for the Interest
of the Town. The Sum not to Exceed Three Hundred Pounds;
and also that they see the Contract on the part of the Lessees on
Each side of the Neck fully Adhered to
Tho8. Dawes ^r. order.
The aforegoing report having been read and Considered The
Question was put — Viz*. Whether the Same shall be Accepted;
Pass'd in the Affirmative
The Committee on that Article in the Warrant Viz*. Whether
any or what measures shall be taken for the Speedy Collection of
Arrears due on the Taxes for 1791 & 1792.
Reported ; and after debate the Question being put, Whether
said report shall be accepted, and it passed in the Negative —
Then the Town Adjourned to 4. O'Clock P : M :
At 4 O'Clock P : Met according to Adjournment —
On Motion — Voted. That the
Hon™? James Sullivan Esqr.
Charles Jarvis — Esqr.
Hon^ Benja. Austin Jur. Esqr.
Judge Tudor
Joseph Blake Jur. Esqr.
Mr. Treasurer Russell
Doctor Welch —
be A Com*£!L To take up at large the Article in the Warrant rela-
tive to Arrears, due on Taxes & Report thereon Next Town
Meeting —
[362.] The Committee to Audit Town Treasurers Accounts
& Reported — whereupon it was moved and
Voted, The Consideration of this report and any other matters
unfinished at this meeting — be referred over to the Next Town
Meeting —
Voted, That the thanks of The Town be given to the Honora-
ble Thomas Dawes Esqr. for his good Services as Moderator —
Then the meeting was
Dissolved —
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1793. 333
At a meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston, on Friday the 24th day of May Anno Domini
1793 — 11. O'Clock A: M: duly qualified and Legally Warned
in Public Town meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall
Warrant for calling the meeting — read —
The article in the Warrant — Viz*. To Consider the application
of the Proprietors of West Boston bridge, That the high way
leading from said bridge into Town may be put into such repair
as to make it convenient f(Jr Passing & repassing was — read,
and also said Application —
[363.] Voted, That the Gentlemen the Selectmen be A Com-
mittee to Consider on this matter and report thereon at the
Adjournment —
The Article in the Warrant — Viz*. — Whether it will not be
Expedient for the Town for to Instruct its Representatives to
have the Excise Laws on Wheel Carriages and Licenses for
Taverns, retail Houses &c to be repealed or Modified, That the
Profits arising therefrom Be in future appropriated to the re-
pairing the Streets and high ways of the Towns in which they
are Collected — Also, and Whether the Law for the Valuation of
Estates passed in the Last Session of the Legislature &c. ought
not to be so Varied That the Sum Doom'd against any Town on
account of any Inhabitants who have Since removed, Should not
be set off to those Towns in which they Now reside As no Tax
has been yet laid by Virtue of This Valuation — were read —
Whereupon —
Voted, That the
Honi^ James Sullivan — Esqr.
Charles Jarvis — Esqr.
Hon™? Benjamin Austin Junr. Esqr.
Judge Tudor — Esqr.
Joseph Blake Junr. Esqr.
Mr. Treasurer Russell &
Doctor Welch
[364.] Be A Committee to take these Articles into Con-
sideration, and to report thereon at the Adjournment of this
meeting —
Adjourned to Friday Next being the 31- day of May Instant,
at 10 O'Clock A : M : -
Friday May 31st. 1793 — 10 O'Clock A:M: Town Met ac-
cording to Adjournment —
Coll- Dawes the Moderator of the meeting not being able to
Leave the Senate —
334
CITY DOCUMENT.
Thomas Craft Esqr. was Chosen the Moderator Pro. tempore —
The Committee relative to Arrears due on -Taxes Report as
follows — Viz*. —
At a meeting of the Committee appointed by the Town On
Friday the 24th. day of May, Ins*, to consider what measures
will be proper for the Town to take for the Speedy Collection of
the Taxes for J791 & 1792. It was moved and —
Voted, That the Town Treasurer be A Committee to Apply to
the Several Collectors of Taxes and obtain from them A List of
the names of such Persons as have refused to pay their Taxes,
And then that he apply to the respective Persons whose Names
may be on Such List, to know the ground [365.] of their refusal,
and what abatement they are desirous to have made, And report
to the Committee
In Compliance with the above Vote. The Town Treasurer Im-
mediately Applied to the Collectors and Obtained froiri them the
Names of the following Persons who had refused Payment as
aforesaid, with the Sums they were respectively Assessed, to-
gether with the abatements already made them by the Assessors
— Viz*. William Phillips Senr. —
For 1791 Tax £756 ,, 2 ,, 5
1792 ditto— 353 ,, 13 , 2
William Phillips Junr.
For 1791 Tax
£149
Abated £182 ,, —
18 „ 5
1792 ditto— 82 ,, 17 ,, 4
Abated £17 ,, 10 —
Joseph Barrell
For 1791 Tax — 317 ,, 4 ,, 5
1792 ditto— 155 ,, 5 ,, 8
Abated £35 ,, —
Samuel Breck
For 1791 Tax — 309 ,, 12 ,, 10
1792 ditto— 150 ,, 14 ,, 4
Abated— £21 „ —
Theodore Lyman
For 1791 Tax — 120 ,, 10 ,, 5
1792 ditto— 50 „ 1 ,, 10
Abated £10 ,,10 —
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1793. 335
John Codmaii —
For 1791 Tax - 125 ,, 12 ,, -
1792 ditto 77 , 3 ,, —
Abated 11 ,, 10 —
The Town Treasurer having obtained the foregoing List [366.]
in further compliance with the above vote of the Committee,
waited on the respective Gentlemen therein Named, and in-
formed them of the business whereto he was appointed, Observ-
ing to them Individually the unhappy situation of the Treasury,
being. totally Exhausted of money, and the only Source Left of
A Supply was from the Taxes outstanding, of how much Impor-
tance it would be to the Town by Discharging their Tax bills —
That if they felt themselves Overburdened with the weight of
their Tax, It would be the wish of the Committee That they
should be relieved, and that if they would name any Particular
Sum as A reasonable Abatement, The Committee would report to
the Town, and Urge A Compliance with their Wishes, by passing
A Vote Authorizing the Assessors to make such abatements as
would be most conducive to the Interest and Safety Of the
Town —
The Answers the Treasurer, upon the Applications as above
received were as follows — Viz*.
Mr. William Phillips Junr. said he had paid his Taxes with
Chearfulness. That he was willing to Pay A reasonable Tax, but
the Tax of 1791 Assessed on him was Cruel, and that he had
Never denied Payment, but Expected an abatement, but did not
Name any Sum, — Mr. Theodore Lyman mentioned as the ground
of his not [367.] paying his Tax, that it was unjustly Assessed
on him in his Opinion, and that he had reported his Property to
the Assessors 1790, and in Consequence thereof, that he was
Assessed in that Year £24 — That in 1791, Although he had made
Very Little Addition thereto, he was Assessed £120 ,, 18 ,, 5
Which he Considered unreasonable, That he had Often applied to
the Assessors for relief but Could obtain but A Trifling Abate-
ment, —
Mr. John Codman said he thought himself greatly Over taxed
for the Year 1791. That if the Assessors Would take off £25 -
from that Tax, he would pay the Ballance immediately, Otherwise
he would not pay the Tax Unless he was Obliged to.
Mr. Samuel Breck Junr. informed, that he had Sometime Since
received Letters from his Father Not to pay his Tax, but that he
had Very Lately received Letters from him to Pay his Taxes for
1791 & 1792, Provided the Assessors would take off 15 ^r.
Cent —
William Phillips Senr. said he had no proposition to make,
That he had no favour to ask of the Town, That he thought
himself cruelly treated, That if the Collectors insisted on his Pay-
ing his Tax as it now stood, he should Comply on his Signing A
certain receipt, the form of which he had given Lately to the
336 CITY DOCUMENT.
Collector, That if the Committee should [368.] Report to the
Town giving Authority to the Assessors 'to make any abatements
on his Tax, he would Consider them but said at the same time he
did not feel himself at all Obliged for the abatement already
made —
Mr. Joseph Barrell said he should not Pay a farthing more than
what could be recovered by Law of Either 1791 or 1792. And
Looked on the abatement made him by the Assessors to be an
Insult — The above being the Names of all the Persons who had
refused Payment of Taxes, by the returnes of the Several Collec-
tors, and the facts Stated aboue, are the reasons and Grounds
they gave for non Payment, which is most respectfully Submitted
to the Committee for their Consideration
Joseph Russell
Sub. Committee to the General Committee —
The aboue report being refered to the General Committee at
their Adjournment on Thursday the 30th of May Ins1, was then
and there unanimously Accepted —
Whereupon, it was resolved, That the Collectors be Impowered
and directed forthwith to distrain upon the Persons thus refusing
to discharge their Tax bills and That the Town will indemnify
the Collectors from any Damages that may Arise from such dis-
treining and Collections, All which is most respectfully sub-
mitted
Benjamin Austin Junr ^r. order —
The Aforegoing report having been Considered the question was
put Viz*, whether it shall be accepted — Passed in the Affirma-
tive —
[369.] The Committee relative to Excise Laws on Carriages
and reported — Whereupon, Voted, That the representatives of
the Town of Boston be and they are hereby Instructed to use
their Influence at the Present Session of the General Court, to
have the Excise Laws on Wheel Carriages repealed or so Modified
that the revenue 'arising therefrom be in future appropriated to
repairing the Streets or high ways of the Towns in which they are
Collected —
The Committee appointed on the application of the Proprie-
tors of the West Boston Bridge for repairs of the High ways
leading from said Bridge into this Town beg leave to report —
That they have Attended the Service and are of Opinion That
the road leading from said bridge As far as Carnes buildings so
called be laid out Fiftey feet wide. That the Same be repaired
by raising the Road and grading the Same as far as Said Build-
ings. That the Hill from Temple Street to Said buildings be
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1793. 337
lowered by Ploughing the same So as to make an Easy descent to
the bridge, That there be A Paved Gutter of Nine feet wide from
the Top of the Hill to the House called Simonds House
By an Estimate of the Expence that will Attend Compleating
the aboue it is computed [37O.] That the Sum of Eight hundred
& forty seven pounds, Ten Shillings will be Necessary — your
Committee further report That the Sum of Two hundred pounds be
paid toward defraying the Same, upon the works being Completed
to the Satisfaction of the Town, or any Committee they may ap-
point for that purpose — Ezekiel Price Chairman ^r. order —
The Aforegoing Report having been read and Considered The
Question was Put — Viz4. Whether the Same shall be accepted —
Passed in the Affirmative — And the Same Committee are to
carry The report into Execution
Adjourned to Friday being the 7th. day of June Next, at 3.
O'Clock P. M :
On Friday the 7th. day of June The Town Met 3. O'Clock
P. M. according to Adjournment
The Committee appointed to Audit the accounts of the Town
Treasurer and examine the draughts of the Selectmen, and Over-
seers of the Poor, and having Attended that Service — Report —
That the Treasurers accounts are right cast and are well Vouched,
And find by his account now Exhibited A balance in favour of
The Town of £12280 ,, 15 „ 11^ from which they Conceive A
deduction will be made — Viz*.
*
[371.] Bad Debts Say £1300 ,, —
Collectors Premium 450 ,,
Towns Powder - - 312 ,, 11
Abatement on 1792 Tax - 600 ,,
£2662 ,, 11 ,, 8
Real balance Suppose 9618 ,, 4 ,, 3%
The aboue Statement is as the Account Stood The first of
March 1793. The Committee would therefore Advise to A Tax
of £9000 — for the Expences of the Present Year which is Sub-
mitted
Thomas Dawes ^r. ordr.
Boston May 24th. 1793 —
The aforegoing Report with the Papers Accompanying the
Same having been read and Considered by the Town, The Ques-
tion was put for its acceptance and Obtained —
338 CITY DOCUMENT.
Voted, That Nine Thousand Pounds be raised by A Tax
Assessed on the Polls and Estates of the Inhabitants of the
Town, to defray the Expences of the Current Year —
Voted, That the Sum of Two hundred Pounds be Allowed and
Paid to Joseph Russell for his Services as Town Treasurer, the
Present Year, the Same to be paid him in Quarterly Payments as
it shall become due to Commence the first of March last
[372.] Voted, That the Sum of One hundred and fifty
Pounds be allowed and Paid to William Cooper for his Services
as Town Clerk, the Present Year, The Same to be paid him
Quarterly as it shall become due and to Commence the 1s*. day of
March last
Voted, That in Consideration of the rise of Provisions. The
Assessors be and hereby are Allowed the Sum of £130 — Each
for their Services As Assessors the Present Year the same to be
paid them Quarterly as it shall become due and to Commence the
first day of March last.
Voted, That Five per Cent be and hereby is Allowed to the
Collectors of Taxes for the Year Ensuing for all such Sums of
money & Public Securities As they shall Collect and pay in to the
Several Treasurers, of the Sums Committed to. them to Collect.
Also That such Collectors shall give Bond with Sufficient Securi-
ties to the Satisfaction of the Selectmen for the faithful discharge
of their duty in Said Office and Complying with this Vote, And
that they will not receive any Premium or gratuity for discounting
any order, notes, or receipts, from the Treasurer of this State,
or the Treasurer of this Town —
[373.] On Motion Voted, That the Assessors be Authorized
To Attend the Committee of the Legislature on the Tax Act, And
do their utmost Endeavors That the future Tax Acts be so
worded and formed that the Proportion of Assessing the Polls
and Estates of the Inhabitants on their Town and County Taxes
may be Explicit & Clear —
Voted, That all matters and things That remain Unfinished at
this meeting be referred over to the next general meeting to be
called —
Voted, That the thanks of the Town be given unto the Honor-
able Thomas Dawes and Coll — Crafts, for their good Services as
— Moderators of this Meeting — -
Then the Meeting was
Dissolved
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1793. 339
[374.] At A Meeting of the Freeholders & Other Inhabi-
tants of the Town of Boston duly qualified and legaly warned
in Public Town meeting, Assembled at Faneuil Hall On Thurs-
day the 4th. day of July Anno Domini 1793. 9. O'Clock. A : M : —
Warrant for Calling the Meeting —
William Cooper
Was Chosen Moderator by A hand Vote. —
The Committee appointed the last Year to make choice of A
Gentleman to deliver an Oration on The Anniversary of Indepen-
dence — Reported —
That they had made Choice of John Quincy Adams Esqr., who
has Accepted —
on motion Voted, That the Oration be delivered at the Old
South Church. 12 O'Clock — Liberty therefor being Obtained
Voted, That the Selectmen Acquaint Mr. Adams with this
Vote —
The meeting was then Adjourned to meet at the Old South
Church, at 12. O'Clock this day —
AN ORATION
To Commemorate the Independence of the United States was
delivered by John Quincy Adams Esqr. at the Old Brick Church —
[375.] On motion Voted, That the Selectmen be and hereby
are appointed A Committee to wait on John Quincy Adams Esqr.
And in the Name of the Town to Thank him for the Spirited and
Elegont Oration this day delivered by him at the request of the
Town, upon the Anniversary of the Independence of the United
States of America in Which according to the Institution of the
Town, He Considered the feelings, manners and Principles which
Led to that great National Event, and to Request of him A Copy
thereof -for the Press —
Voted, That the Gentlemen the Selectmen be and hereby are
appointed A Committee to apply to Some one Learned and able
Gentleman to deliver an Oration On the 4th of July Anno
Domini 1794. That day being the Anniversary of the Inde-
pendence of the United States of America ; Wherein the Orator
is to Consider the feelings, manners, and Principles which led to
this great National Event ; as well as the important and happy
Effects Whether General or domestic, which have Already and
will forever Continue to flow from that Auspicious Epoch —
Then the meeting was
Dissolved —
340 CITY DOCUMENT.
[376.] At A meeting of the Freeholders and others, the
Inhabitants of The Town of Boston duly qualified and legally
warned in Public Town meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall the
26th. day of July Anno Domini 1793. 10. O'Clock A : M : —
Warrant for Calling the meeting — read
Honorable Thomas Dawes Esqr.
Was Chosen Moderator of the meeting by A hand Vote
The Article in the Warrant. Viz*. To Enquire into the truth
or Falsity of an Assertion in the Centinel this day that it was
generally known That within Two or three days Privateers had
been fitted out, Armed and Sailed from this Port. That others
were now fitting out, Some manned and to be manned Partly
by frenchmen, and Partly by the Citizens of the United States.
Such Assertions having A direct tendency to Authorize Reports
& Conclusions Very much to the disadvantage, not only of this
Town at Large, but to the Country in General — was read —
Also the Centinel of Wednesday Last which Contains the
Exceptionable Article. And after a full debate thereon, The fol-
lowing resolve was Past in A Very full Town Meeting — Viz1.
Whereas it has been published in the Centinel [377.] Of
the 24th. Instant That it was Asserted in A Merchants Meeting
That it was Generally known by the Inhabitants of the Town,
That within Two or three days from that time Privateers had
been fitted out Armed and had Sailed from this Port, that others
were now fitting Out, Some manned & to be manned Partly by
Frenchmen and partly by Citizens of the United States ; and
Whereas the inhabitants of this Town feel their reputation con-
cerned in said Publication. They hereby do Declare in Town
meeting Legally Assembled, That there was no Just foundation
for the Assertions ; but that the disposition of the Citizens of
Boston is Entirely in favour of Observing the rules of A Strict
neutrality respecting the powers at War in Europe —
Then the meeting was
Dissolved —
[378.] At A meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabi-
tants of the Town of Boston duly qualified and legally warned in
Public Town meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Monday The
26th day of August Anno Domini 1793. 3. O'Clock P : M :
Warrant for calling the meeting — read
Thomas Crafts Esqr. —
was Chosen Moderator of the meeting by A hand Vote.
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1793. 341
The Selectmen having as the Law directs, laid before the in-
habitants, Lists of the Persons of good Moral Character and such
as they Judged well qualified to serve as Jurors ; The Town then
Proceeded to Examine said Lists, and Selected one Quarter part
of The number being such as they Judged best qualified to Serve
at the Supreme Judicial Court and their names being written on
Separate pieces of Paper were put into one of the boxes, to be
liable to be drawn out to Serve on the Petit Jury at the Supreme
Judicial Court, and the remainder of said List, the Names being
written On Separate papers were put into the other box Provided
by the Selectmen to Serve on the Petit Jury at The Court of Com-
mon Pleas, and General Sessions of the Peace, all being Done in
[379.] Town Meeting and Strictly conformable to the Act
Entitled an act for the regulating the choice and Services of
the Petit Jurors. Passed the 16th. June 1784 —
Article relative to nuisances — read
Whereupon Voted, That this article be referred to A Committee
to consider this matter at large and That the Selectmen, Coll —
Dawes and Dr. Eustis be A Committee for the Purpose to report
thereon as soon as soon as may be. —
Then the meeting was
Dissolved —
At a meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston Assembled At Faneuil Hall the 11th. day of
September Anno Domini 1793.
Warrant for calling the meeting — read —
Thomas Crafts Esqr.
Was Chosen moderator By A hand Vote, —
The Article in the Warrant — Viz*.
On Application of Abutters On Lynn Street at the [38O.]
North part of the town to consider what measures to indemnify
them for Land laid out into the Street Sometime Since for the
Purpose of Widening the Same" was read and Considered
Whereupon the Town —
Voted, That Mr. Graham be Assured Lynn Street shall be
Valued by three indifferent men on oath, and be paid the Same
agreeable to the said Award, also —
Voted, That the Selectmen be requested to appoint Three In-
different Persons agreeable to Law, to Value the said Lands of
abutters On Lynn Street, taken in by the Town in consequence
of Widening the Same and make report of their doings at the
Adjournment of the meeting —
842 CITY DOCUMENT.
Adjourned to Monday fortnight being the 30*-^ September
instant 10. O 'Clock A : 5l :
Monday 10. O'Clock A : M : The Town Met according to
Adjournment —
The Committee relative to Lynn Street Not having been able
to report by reason of their attention being Engaged, in using
Precautions to Prevent the introduction of ihe malignant disorder
at Philadelphia — It was moved & Voted That this meeting be
Adjourned to Monday Next the 7th. day of October Next at 10
O'Clock A : M :
[381.] Monday the 7th. day of October, 10 O'Clock A : M :
The Town Met -
The Committee relative to Lynn Street Reported Verbally and
had Leave to report again
Adjourned to monday the 21st. Instant
Monday 21st. Octor. 10 O'Clock A : M : -
Met according to Adjournment —
The Committee appointed to have the Lands of the abutters on
Lynn Street Valued (taken by the Town in Consequence of
Widening the Same) having attended that Service; and having
Appointed three Indifferent Persons, Agreeable to A Vote of the
Town to apprize and Value the Same, who having reported to us,
there doings thereon, we now lay the Same before the Town for
their Consideration —
William Boardman Chairman ^pr. ordr.
The aforegoing report together with the Return made by the
Committee having been read and Considered. The Question was
put. whether the same shall be Accepted. Passed in the Affir-
mative —
At A meeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston in Public Town meeting Assembled at Faneuil
Hall on Friday the 4th. day of October A. D. 1793, at 10 O'Clock
[382.] Warrant for calling the meeting — read
Thomas Crafts Esqr.
was chosen Moderator by A hand Vote —
The Article in the Warrant — Viz*. To Consider the propriety
of Appointing one or more Persons, in each Ward in the Town,
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1793. 343
to Assist the Selectmen in the duty lately incumbent on them
relating to the infectious distemper Prevalent in Philadelphia,
and to take such other measures respecting the Same as they
may Judge Necessary was read, and Considered, and the follow-
ing Votes thereon Passed — Viz*. —
While we lament the Present unhappy & distressed Situation of
our brethren in the City of Philadelphia, Yet the Preservation of
our Own Lives and health, requires that every Exertion should
be made to Prevent the introduction of the Contagious disease
Now Prevailing in that City — Therefore — Voted, That the
Town highly pprove of the Regulations Adopted by the Gen-
tlemen the Selectmen to Prevent the Introduction of the said
Disease —
Voted, That the Town will cheerfully Support the Selectmen
In Carrying their regulations into the fullest effect, by their
Personal Assistance whenever thereto required. —
Voted, That any Expences that may necessarily Arise
in the Prosecution of the important trust of Preserving the in-
habitants from the disease shall be cheerfully discharged —
Voted, That the Selectmen be desired to apply to the inhabi-
tants for their removing the Filth of their Yards, and back
Places into the Streets in order for its being Carried off at the
expence of the Town —
Adjourned, to Monday the 7th. Instant At, 10 O'Clock,
A : M : -
On October 7th, 10 O'Clock A : M : The Town Met, Accord-
ing to Adjournment —
on motion — Voted, That the thanks of the Town be given tc
Judge Crafts for his exertions and good Services as Moderator of
this Meeting —
Then the Meeting was
Dissolved —
[384.] At a meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabi-
tants of the Town of Boston in Public Town Meeting Assembled
at Faneuil Hall on Friday the 11th. day of October 1793, 10
O'Clock A : M :
Warrant for calling the meeting — read
Hon^l? Thomas Dawes Esqr.
Chosen Moderator of this meeting by A hand Vote —
344 CITY DOCUMENT.
The Article in the Warrant Viz1. — To consult what measures
are Proper to be taken by the Town for Attending the funeral of
his Excellency John Hancock Esqr. Late Governor of this Com-
monwealth deceasd. That, every mark of Respect may be made
by his Fellow Citizens to the Remains of So Illustrious A Patriot
and Friend to Manhood, Whereupon the following Votes were
Passed Unanimously —
In order to pay that respect to the Funeral Solemnities of his
Excellency, the Late Govr. Hancock which is Suitable to the feel-
ings of the Inhabitants on the Occasion. —
Voted, That it is recommended to the Inhabitants, That they
shut their Stores and Shops At one of the Clock P : M : on Mon-
day Next and Continue the Same Shut until the funeral Solem-
nities shall be Performed —
[385.] Voted, That the Selectmen be requested To Cause
the Carriages, Trucks & other obstructions to be removed from
State Street, and Other Streets where the Procession may be, On
Monday afternoon
Voted, That the Selectmen be requested To order the Public
Bells to be Tolled suitably On the Occasion —
Then The meeting was
Dissolved —
We the subscribers, being duly Appointed by The Selectmen
of the Town of Boston, with the consent of the Persons interested,
A Committee "to consider and report, the advantages and dis-
advantages, that the different abutters on Each side of Lynn
Street (so called,) in the said Town of Boston, may have re-
ceived in Consequence of Widening the Same ; having carefully
viewed the said Street, & the Several Lotts of Land contiguous
thereto ; & having duly considered the Advantages & disadvan-
tages accruing to the Proprietors thereof, respectively, in Conse-
quence of the said Alteration Report in manner following. —
Viz*.—
[386.] That there be allowed and paid, by the said Town
of Boston, unto John Graham, in full Consideration for the
repairs he has made on an Old House, Situate on the Southeast
corner of said Lynn Street, opposite to the Globe Tavern (so
called) The Sum of Twenty four Pounds, Provided he shall
within A reasonable time, to be determined by the Selectmen of
Boston, remove the part thereof which projects into said Street,
and effectually fill up the Cellar under the Same, and that there
be allowed and paid by said Town- of Boston unto said John
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1793. 345
Graham, the further Sum of Twelve pounds in full compensation
for the Lands he will relinquish to accommodate Said Street. —
That, there be allowed and paid, by said Town of Boston unto
the Heirs or Legal representatives of [Zachariah] Hildreth de-
ceased the Sum of Ten Pounds, in full compensation for the
Lands he will relinquish for the Purpose aforesaid —
That there be allowed and paid, by said Town of Boston unto
Deacon [Richard] Smith the Sum of Fifteen Pounds in full Com-
pensation for that part of an Old House which projects into said
Street; Provided he shall remove the Same in A reasonable time
to be determined by the Selectmen of Boston — Also that [387.]
there be allowed and paid unto said [Richard] Smith the further
sum of Nine pounds in full Compensation for the Lands he will
relinquish for the Purpose aforesaid. —
That, There be allowed and paid, by the Said Town of Boston
unto Elijh. Swift, the Sum of Five Pounds in full Compensation
for that part of his House which Projects into said Street ; Pro-
vided he shall remove the same in A reasonable time, to be deter-
mined by the Selectmen of Boston ; Also, that there be allowed
unto Said Swift the further Sum of Four Pounds in full Com-
pensation for the Loss of A Well of water, and the Lands he will
relinquish for the purpose aforesaid —
That, there be allowed and paid, by said Town of Boston,
Unto the Heirs or Legal representatives, of Benjamin Brown
deceased the Sum of Twelve Pounds in full Compensation for the
Land they will relinquish for the purpose aforesaid —
That, there be allowed and paid by the said Town of Boston
unto James White, the Sum of Twenty Pounds, in full Compen-
sation of an old Brick Tenement the greater part of which Pro-
jects into said Street ; Provided he shall remove the Same within
A reasonable time to be determined by the [388.] Selectmen of
Boston, also that there shall be allowed and paid, unto the said
White the further Sum of Twenty Pounds in full Compensation
for the Land he will relinquish for the Purpose aforesaid —
That there be Allowed and paid, by said Town of Boston unto
David Townsend, the Sum of Five Pounds, for the Lands he
will relinquish of his Easterly Lott, for the Purpose aforesaid —
That there be allowed and paid by said Town of Boston unto
to the Owners or Proprietors of the Several Lotts of Land Situ-
ate on the Southerly side of said Lynn Street, their heirs or legal
representatives respectively not herein before Particularised, from1
[John] Graham's House at the Corner First mentioned, to [James]
White's House — inclusively, The following Sums — Viz*, for the
346 CITY DOCUMENT.
Lands relinquished out of each Lott which does not extend Aboue
Ninety feet Southerly, from the Original bounds of said Lynn
Street, the sum of /Six /Shillings for each and every foot in length
which they may relinquish for the purpose aforesaid —
And also the owners or Proprietors of the several Lotts of
Land, from said Grahams Corner first mentioned, Whose lotts
Extend more then Ninety, and not Exceeding One [389.] hun-
dred & Twenty feet Southerly from the Original bounds of said
Lynn Street, The Sum of Three Shillings for Each and every
foot in length which they may relinquish for the Purpose afore-
said. —
The Owners or Proprietors of the Several Lotts of Land,
Whose Lotts Extend Southerly from the Original Bounds of said
Lynn Street more than One hundred and Twenty feet will, in our
opinion, receive an ample compensation for the Lands they will
relinquish, by the benefit they will derive from the widening &
improving said Street. —
And Whereas, the owners or proprietors of the Several Lotts
of Land Situate on the Northerly side of said Lynn Street, from
the Globe Tavern (so called) to a Stake marked in A plan
thereof, being Nine hundred and Sixty Six feet, and whose Lotts
Extend Northerly to Low water Mark, will derive great Advan-
tages by the widening and improving the Same, and it Appears
Just and reasonable that they should Contribute in A due Pro-
portion towards the Charge thereof
We therefore, Pursuant to the Agreement aforesaid, Do hereby
Assess upon Each and Every of the Owners and Proprietors
aforesaid, their, and each of their Heirs and legal representatives,
The Sum of [39O.] Three Shillings for each and every foot of
Lands which may be bounded on the said Street as aforesaid,
The Lotts from Samuel Greenwoods Westerly to Corner of Ben-
jamin Goodwins west corner excepted. — to be paid unto the
Treasurer of said Town of Boston When thereto required as the
Selectmen shall direct, And to be applied as far as the Same will
go, towards defraying the Charge of Widening and improving the
same. Dated at Boston aforesaid, the seventh day of October
Anno Domini 1793 —
John Reed ~\
Joseph Cordis >• Committee
Thomas Clarke )
Suffolk ss :
Boston Octor. 7th 1793. Then Personally Appeared
John Reed Joseph Cordis & Thomas Clarke and Severally made
Oath that they have Performed the with[in] mentioned duty to
the best of their Skill and knowledge — Before me Thomas Crafts
Jus Peace.
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1794. 347
The Committee's Charge for time & Sixpences £2 ,, 2 ,, —
Att8t. William Cooper Town Clerk
On Motion Voted That the Thanks of the Town be given to
Judge Crafts for his good Services as Moderator —
I o o
Then the meeting was
Dissolved —
[391.] At A meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabi-
tants of the Town of Boston duly qualified and legally warned in
Public Tow& meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Thursday the
13£ day of February A. D. 1794. 10 O'Clock A : M :
Warrant for calling the Meeting — read —
Thomas Crafts Esqr.
chosen Moderator by A hand Vote,
The Article in the Warrant — Viz*. —
That at the Request of A number of the inhabitants of the Town,
deeply concerned in the Prosperity of our Trade in General and
of the Carrying Trade in particular, The inhabitants would take
into consideration this highly interesting Subject and Devise
Such measures as may best express the Sentiments of the Town.
Thereupon was read, — And after A fair and Candid investiga-
tion came into the following resolution with Scarce A dissenting
Vote — Viz*. Resolved That in the opinion of the Inhabitants of
this Town the Carrying Trade is of the highest importance to the
Strength, Wealth & independence of the United States
[3955.] Resolved, That A Committee be appointed to Con-
sider and report the State of the Trade at large and to prepare
resolutions for the Towns consideration respecting the effects
which certain restrictions laid On the Trade of America by Euro-
pean Nations have, as the same and to report such resolutions as
may have A proper influence on our representatives in Congress
to induce the Passing of such Acts as may tend to guard Protect
and regulate the American Commerce in General —
Voted, That Thomas Crafts Esqr.
Charles Jarvis Esqr.
Perez Morton Esqr.
Samuel Brown Esqr.
John C. Jones - - Esqr.
James Sullivan - - Esqr.
Joseph Blake - - Esqr.
Benja. Austin Junr. Esqr.
Cap*. Nathaniel Fellows
348 CITY DOCUMENT.
William Little - Esqr.
Thomas Russell Esqr.
William Eustis P,sqr.
Leonard Jarvis Esqr.
Mr. Jesse Putnam
John Codmau - - Esqr.
Be A Committee for the Purpose aforesaid —
Then the Meeting Adjourned to Monday 24th. Ins*. 10 O 'Clock
A:M:
[393.] Monday the 24th. February 10 O'Clock A : M : The
Town Met according to Adjournment —
The Committee appointed the 13th. Instant to give A State of
the Trade at large & to prepare suitable resolves for the Town,
Reported as on File —
On Motion, The Hall not being capacious enough to Admit the
Inhabitants, the meeting was Adjourned to the Old South Church
at 3 O'Clock P : M : -
3 O'Clock P : M : Town met at the old S°. Church as f)r.
Adjournin*
The Report of the Committee again — read The meeting after
Some debates was Adjourned to the 25th Instant to meet at this
place 10 O'Clock A : M :
Met according According to Adjournment Tuesday the 25th
Instant 10 O'Clock A : M : -
The Report again taken up at large & after A fair discussion
The Question Put, Whether the further Consideration of this
report for the present be referred, passed in the affirmative. On
Motion Adjourned without day —
Then the meeting was
Dissolved —
[394.] At A meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabi-
tants of the Town of Boston duly qualified and Legally Warned
in Public Town meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall On Monday
the 10th. day of March Anno Domini 1794. 10 O'Clock A : M :
Prayer was made by the Revd. Doctr. Lothrop —
Warrant for calling the meeting — read —
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1794. 349
Sundry Laws to be read at this meeting
were accordingly — read —
The Town having Voted : to come to the Choice of A Moder-
ator by A hand Vote, —
Thomas Craft Esqr.
was Chosen Moderator, Unanimously —
The Inhabitants were then directed to withdraw and bring in
their Votes for Town Clerk and the Same being brought in &
Counted, it appeared that
William Cooper
was Chosen Town Clerk for the Year Ensuing and an Oath of
Office was Administred to him by Mr. Justice Crafts
The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their
Votes for Nine Selectmen and upon Sorting them it appeared
That the following Gentlemen Viz1.
Ezekiel Price Esqr.
[395.] Thomas Walley Esqr.
Deacon William Boardman
Mr. Ebenezer Sever
Thomas Crafts — Esqr.
Thomas Edwards Esqr.
Mr. William Little
Mr. Charles Bulfinch
William Scollay — Esqr.
Were Chosen Selectmen for the Year Ensuing —
Mr. Joseph Russell
was Chosen Town Treasurer Unanimously for the Year Ensuing
and the Oath of office Administred to him by the Town Clerk —
Voted, That the Town Treasurer give Bond with Sureties to
the Satisfaction of the Selectmen, in the Sum and Penalty of
Ten Thousand Pounds for the faithful discharge of the duties
of his Office —
Votes, for A Treasurer for the County of Suffolk bro*. in and
Counted by the Moderator and The Town Clerk when it appeared
That the whole number was Three hundred and forty Three.
Of which Three hundred and Thirty Six were for Thomas Crafts
Esqr. and five for Joseph Russell, Town Treasurer, both discreet
and Suitable Persons, being freeholders and Residents in said
County ; the other two were for William Cooper Town Clerk —
[396.] an attested copy hereof was given to Ezek1. Price
Esqr. Clerk of the Sessions by Coll" Crafts —
350 CITY DOCUMENT.
The Inhabitants having as directed brought in their Vote's for
Twelve Overseers of the Poor on counting and Sorting the Same,
It appeared That —
Jonathan Mason — Esqr.
John White — Esqr.
Edward Procter — Esqr.
John Sweetser — Esqr.
Samuel Parkman — Esqr.
Jonathan L. Austin — Esqr.
Mr. Edward Edes —
Henry Hill — Esqr.
John Codman Junr. — Esqr.
Mr. William Smith- —
William Phillips Junr. — Esqr.
Stephen Gorham — Esqr.
Were Chosen Overseers of the Poor for the Year Ensuing —
The Votes being brought in for Sixteen Fire Wards, And the
Same being Sorted and Counted It appeared That —
Mr. Thomas Tileston —
John Wlnthrop — Esqr.
Thomas Melvill — Esqr.
Jabez Hatch — Esqr.
Mr. Joseph Clark —
Joseph Russell Jun — Esqr.
[397.] Mr. Edward Edes —
Samuel Parkman — Esqr.
Amasa Davis — Esqr.
Russell Sturgis — Esqr.
Henry Jackson — Esqr.
Cap*. Mungo Mackay —
William Scollay— Esqr.
William Little — Esqr.
Mr. James Tisdale —
Joseph May — Esqr.
were Chosen Fire Wards for the Ensuing Year
Voted, That the Assessors be and hereby are directed to Set
for such abatements of Taxes as they shall Judge reasonable,
two Days in Each Week after the delivery of the Tax Books to
the Collectors, for the Space of Six weeks and no longer, Saving
that they be allowed to Set the last Week in February, Lords
days excepted, for the abatement of the Taxes of such persons as
had not the opportunity of applying in the aboue Limited time
by reason of their being out of the Commonwealth or any other
Unavoidable hindrance, and that the Assessors determine upon
the said Two days, which is to be Noted on the Tax bills to be
Delivered to the Inhabitants —
[398.] The Votes being brought in for Five Assessors. It
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1794. 351
appeared that the following Persons were Chosen Assessors for
the Year Ensuing — Viz1.
Giles Harris — Esqr.
Samuel Ruggles — Esqr.
Messrs. John R. Sigorney
Thomas Hitchbourn
Caleb Blanchard
Voted, That in Addition to the Selectmen twelve persons shaH
now be chosen as A School Committee and the Votes being
brought in. Sorted and Counted it appeared — That the following
Gentlemen were Chosen — Viz*.
Hon^l? Thomas Dawes Esqr.
Revd. Samuel West —
Revd. John Lothrop —
John Coffin Jones — Esqr.
Jonathan L. Austin — Esqr.
William Tudor — Esqr.
Doctr. Thomas Welsh —
Doctr. Nathaniel Appleton
Revd. John Clark
Mr. William Smith
Doctr. Aaron Dexter
George R. Minot — Esqr.
Voted, That the aforenamed Gentlemen who Conjunctly, with
the Selectmen are- Term'd the School Committee be and hereby
are directed to carry [399.] The new System of Education
which has been Adopted by the Town into operation, And said
Committee are also Authorized and empowered Conjunctly to
manage and regulate the affairs and Government of the Schools,
and in future to exercise all the Powers relating to the Schools,
and Schoolmasters which the Selectmen or such Committees are
Authorized by the Laws of the Commonwealth or the Votes Of
this Town to exercise ; any former Votes of the Town notwith-
standing —
The Petition of Jirah Holbrook, that Allowance may be made
him for the Losses that he Sustained — read — Whereupon —
Voted, That the Honble. Thomas Crafts Esqr.
Joseph May — Esqr.
Dr. Nathaniel Noyes —
Be A Committee to Consider the Same and to Report thereon —
Voted, That the Honble. Thomas Dawes Esqr.
Herman Brimmer Esqr.
Joseph Russell Jur. Esqr.
Be and -hereby are appointed A Committee to Audit tne accounts
of the Town Treasurer and also accounts of the Selectmen and
352 CITY DOCUMENT.
Overseers of the poor — [4OO.] And said Committee are also
directed to report the Sum Necessary to be raised for the Service
of the present Year.
The Petition of A Number of the Inhabitants that the high
way Leading from Prince Street, To the North Mills — read —
Whereupon Voted, — That the Selectmen be A Committee to
consider the Same & report thereon —
The Votes being brought in for Twelve Constables, It appeared
That The following Persons were Chosen —
Mess- Shubael Hews
Benjamin Homans
John Bosson
John Cades
John Butterfield
James Perkins
Samuel White
Enoch May
Thomas Stevenson
Robert Smallpeace
David Lewis
Andrew Townsend
Adjourned, to 3. O'Clock. P: M:
3. O'Clock P : M : Met according to Adjournment —
Voted, That five f2r. Cent be and hereby is allowed to the Col-
lectors of Taxes for the Year ensuing [4O1.] For all such Sums
of Money and Public Securities as they shall Collect and pay into
the Several Treasurers of the Sums Committed to them to Collect,
also that such Collectors shall 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 ; And that
they will not receive any Premium Or gratuity for discounting
any order Notes or receipts from the Treasurer of this State or
the Treasurer of this Town —
The Votes, being brought in for four Collectors of Taxes It
appeared That —
Mess- Benjamin Henderson
Thomas Bayley
James Thompson
Benjamin Jepson
Were Chosen Collectors of Taxes for the Year Ensuing —
The Selectmen were Chosen Surveyors of the High ways for
the Year Ensuing —
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1794.
Mess- William Richardson
Benjamin Goldthwait
Charles Miller Junr.
Seth Adams
Thomas Capen
[4O2.] Joseph Cowden
John Ainory Tertius
John Peck
Nathaniel Sigorney
Samuel Sumner Junr.
Tho8. Bartlett
Joseph Peirce Junr.
were Chose Clerks of the Market the Year Ensuing
S Benjamin White
Joseph May
Andrew Townsend
William Todd
Charles Barry
were Chosen Fence Viewers for the Year Ensuing —
Mess- Thomas Bradley
William Billings
David Hollis
Matthew Loring
Were Chosen Sealers of Leather the Year Ensuing
Messrs William Mc.Neil
Jeffery Richardson
Were chosen Surveyors of Hemp the Year Ensuing
Mr. Abraham Adams
was Chosen - an Informer of Deer —
for the Year Ensuing —
[4O3.] MessL8 Richard Horsefall
Francis Booth
Edward Jones
Were Chosen Haywards for the Year Ensuing —
Mess™ John Keyer
George Cammell
were Chosen Hogreaves for the Year Ensuing —
MessS Joshua Whetherly
Samuel Austin
were Chosen Assay masters for the Year Ensuing —
John Lucas — Esqr.
Mr. Edward Edes
Were Chosen Surveyors of Wheat the Year Ensuing
354 CITY DOCUMENT.
Mess™ Willm Cunningham
Edward Weld
Jirah Holbrook
Alden Bass
Joseph Gleason
were chosen Sealers of wood for the Year Ensuing
The Article in the Warrant — Viz*. To consider the represen-
tation of the overseers of the poor, relative to the deranged State
of the Almshouse and Workhouse — read — Whereupon —
Voted, That A Committee be now chosen [4O4.] To Joyn the
overseers of the poor to consider this matter and report thereon, —
Voted, That the Honble. Thomas Dawes Esqr.
William Scollay — Esqr.
Mr. Ebenezer Sever
Thomas Crafts — Esqr.
Thomas Edwards Esqr.
Mr. Charles Bulfinch
Charles Jarvis — Esqr.
William Little — Esqr.
Joseph Russell T. Treasur.
Be A Committee for the Purpose aforesaid —
The Votes being brought in for Twelve Surveyors of Boards.
It appeared that
Mess1"8. John Champney
Joshua Bentley
Samuel Dyer
Benjamin Page
Benjamin White
Edmund Ranger
William Clouston
James Blake
James Robbins
John Cogswell
Abraham Hayward
William Darricut
were chosen Surveyors of Boards the Year Ensuing
[4O5.] The Votes being brought in for Thirteen Cullers' of
Hoops and Staves, It appeared that —
Cap*. Lemuel Gardner
Mess- Joseph Loring
Thomas Barber
George Singleton
Edward Burt
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1794. 355
I
Thomas Foster
William Parkman
John Bray
Henry Purket
Jonathan Gushing
James Barry
Hezekiah Hutson
Phillip Hitchbourn
Were chosen cullers of hoops & Staves the Ensuing Year —
Adjourned to Monday the 24th day of March Instant at 3.
O 'Clock P: M:
Monday the 24th day of March Instant, at 3 O'Clock P : M :
Met as ^r. Adjournment
Mr. Joseph Clark chosen A Fire ward and having declined
Serving, it was —
Voted, That the thanks of the Town be Given him for his good
Services in that office for Years past
[4O6.] Mr. William Sherbourne
was chosen A Fire Ward for the Present Year —
David Townsend Esqr.
was chosen one of the School Committee in the room of John
Coffin Jones Esqr. who has resigned
Mr. Henry Crumstone
was chosen Constable in the room of Mr. Cade who has re-
signed—
The Committee on the Petition of Mr. Jirah Holbrook, report
as their opinion, That the Petitioner has no claim on the Town
for any compensation for any Losses sustained Either at Battery
march or cow lane, Your Committee would Inform the Town, That
by A Certificate, Signed by Oliver Wendell and others who say
that in their opinion Mr. Holbrook would have made A generous
profit had not the pavement in Battery march been ordered to be
raised much higher then was at first contemplated, by which he
Sustained of course A Loss as they say of about Thirty Pounds : —
Your Committee would therefore propose for the Consideration
of the Town — As the Street is much better, and the Town
greatly benefited by the pavement being thus raised ; Whether
the Petitioner may not be permitted to Exhibit [4O7.] An
Account for the extra Gravel &c Supplied and the Selectmen
Authorized to give him A draught for Payment of the same.
Provided it shall not Exceed The Sum of Thirty Pounds —
Thomas Crafts r. order —
356 CITY DOCUMENT.
i
The aforegoing report having been read, and considered, the
question was put — Viz*. Whether this report shall be accepted —
and it Passed in the Affirmative —
The Committee appointed by the Town At their annual meet-
ing on the 10th. day of March Ins*, to take into consideration the
deranged state of the Almshouse and workhouse agreeable to the
representation of the Overseers of the Poor, Have attended that
Service and report As their opinion — That the Gentlemen Over-
seers of the poor, be requested to put in decent repair the Brick
building between the Almshouse and the work house for their use
And also, that they have leave to Appropriate such part of the
Workhouse for an Almshouse as they shall Judge Expedient for
the more immediate and better accomodation of such poor &
Indigent Persons as may be the proper Objects of their care, and
ask leave To Set again Thomas Dawes ^r. order
[4O8.] The foregoing report having been Read, and was
accepted —
Mr. Moses Bradley
was appointed one of the Sealers of Wood ye. Year Ensuing
On motion, Voted, That the Selectmen be requested to Insert
in the Warrant for May Meeting an Article relative to Faneuil
Hall Market —
Voted, That all Matters and things which shall remain Unfin-
ished at this meeting shall be referred over to next may Meeting —
Voted, That the Thanks of the Town be given to Thomas
Crafts Esqr. for his good Services as Moderator —
Then the meeting was
Dissolved —
[4O9.] At A Meeting of the Male Inhabitants of the Town
of Boston of Twenty one Years of Age and upwards, Qualified as
the Constitution prescribes and Legally Warned in Public Town
meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Monday The 7th. day of
April Anno Domini 1 794 —
Prayer was made by the Revd. Dr. Stillman
Warrant for Calling the Meeting — read
Paragraphs of the Constitution or Frame of Goverment, rela-
tive to the Choice of Governor, Lieu*. Governor and Senators —
read —
\
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1794.
357
It was then declared b*y the Selectmen that no Votes would be
received, but such as were unfolded and that they Propose the
Poll shall be Closed at one O'Clock. The Votes to be received at
the Table and the Bells to begin Tolling at half past 12 O'Clock —
Persons VOTED for as GOVERNOR —
with the Number of Votes for Each Person — Viz*.
His Honor Samuel Adams
HonlJi? William Cushing
Hon'-^ Elbridge Gerry -
Hon™? Samuel Phillips
Hon™6 Thomas Russell
^ Azor Orne ..
Esqr.
Esqr.
Esqr.
Esqr.
Esqr.
Esqr.
[41O.] Persons VOTED for as Lieu1. GOVERNOR -
with the number of VOTES for Each Person — Viz1.
His Honor Samuel Adams Esqr.
Hon^l? Moses Gill ... Esqr.
Honble. William Heath — Esqr.
Honble. Nathaniel Gorham - Esqr.
Honble. James Bowdoin — Esqr.
Honble. Elbridge Gerry - - Esqr.
Honble. Thomas Russell - Esqr,
Ebenezer Hancock - Esqr.
Honble. Samuel Phillips - - Esqr.
Honble. William Cushing - Esqr.
John Vinal - Esqr.
Votes
- 1400
- 894
1
5
1
1
Votes
832
1287
11
22
81
31
4
0
3
2
1
Persons Voted for as Senators for the county of Suffolk, with
the Number of Votes for each Person - - - Viz*.
Votes
.. 2250
Esqr. 1339
Esqr. 2272
- - 954
- - 1126
- - 971
- - 135
- - 38
- - 4
4
4
7
2
1
1
^ Thomas Dawes Esqr. - .
Honble. Benjamin Austin Junr. -
Honb!e. Oliver Wendell -> - - -
Theophilus Cushing Esqr.
Charles Cushing Esqr. of Hingham
Honble. Thomas Russell Esqr. - -
Charles Cushing Esqr. -
John Sweetser - - Esqr
William Eustis - - Esqr
Honble. James Bowdoin -
Honble. John C. Jones -
Charles Jarvis -
Honble. Steph". Higginson - -
William Tudor ...
Jonathan Mason - - -
Esqr.
Esqr.
Esqr.
Esqr.
Esqr.
Esqr.
[411.] Attested Copies of the Persons Voted for as Gover-
358 CITY DOCUMENT.
nor, Lieu*. Governor, and Senators for tile County of Suffolk were
Committed to the Secretary of this Commonwealth, and the In-
closures sealed up in Town Meeting Superscribed as follows —
Viz*. —
For John Avery Esqr.
Secretary of the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts
The Number of Votes of The Town of Boston for A Governor
and four /Senators for the County of Suffolk. Certified within and
Sealed up in the Town Meeting —
Then the Meeting was
Dissolved —
At A meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabi-
tants of the Town of Boston duly qualified and legally Warned
in Public Town meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall. On Wednes-
day the 7th. day of May Anno Domini 1794. 10 O'Clock A : M :
Prayer was made by the Revd. Doctr. Thatcher —
Warrant for Calling the Meeting — read
That part of the Constitution or frame of Goverment which
relates to representatives — read —
Sundry Laws to be read at Said Meeting were Accordingly —
read —
The Town having determined by A Vote to choose Seven Per-
sons to represent them in the General Court of Massachusetts to
be held in the State House in Boston on the last Wednesday of
May Current, agreeably to the Constitution & Frame of Govern-
ment for the Massachusets — The Inhabitants were directed by
the Selectmen to withdraw and bring in their Votes for Repre-
sentatives and then it was declared by the Selectmen That no
Votes would be received but such as are unfolded, And that they
intend that the Poll shall be closed at half past 12. O'Clock and
the Bell to be tolled A little before that time —
[413.] The Votes being brought in for Seven Representa-
tives, The Number of the Same were found to be 707 — And
upon Sorting them it appeared that the Seven following Gentle-
men had Obtained A majority of Votes - ' - - - - Viz*.
Votes
William Tudor Esqr. 697
Charles Jarvis Esqr. -------536
John Winthrop Esqr. 435
William Eustis Esqr. 690
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1794. 359
Votes
Joseph Blake Esqr. ------- 553
Thomas Edwards Esqr. 539
Perez Morton — Esqr. ------ 409
Adjourned to 3 O'Clock P : M : -
Met According to Adjournment at 3 O'Clock P : M :
Declaration was made by the Selectmen to the Town previous
to the Adjournment That the Seven aforenamed Gentlemen were
Chosen representatives by A Majority of Votes —
The choice of Representatives being over it was moved and
Voted, that the Town will Now come to the Choice of A Moderator
by A hand Vote in order to Transact the other business mentioned
in the Warrant —
Honble. Thomas Crafts Esqr.
was Chosen Moderator accordingly —
[414.] The Votes having been brought in for One Fire ward,
it appeared on Sorting them. That Cap*. Robert Gardner was
chosen as A Fireward for the Year Ensuing —
The Committee appointed to Audit the Accounts of the Town
Treasurer, and also the Accote. of the Selectmen and Overseers of
the Poor, And to Report the Sum Necessary to be raised for the
Service of the Present Year, have attended to that business And
ask leave to report —
That they find the accounts of the Treasurer well Vouched and
right cast and a balance of Eleven Thousand, Two hundred &
Thirty two Pounds Nineteen Shillings & Two Pence in favour of
The Town —
The Selectmens drafts from March 1st. 1793
To March the 1st. 1794 inclusively amo*. to £8464 ,, 16 ,, — X
And the Overseers of the Poor, the same time 2900 ,, 18 ,, 3
Making in the whole — .11365 ,, 14 ,, 3^
The Particulars of all which are Contained in the papers N°. 1 ,,
2 ,, 3 ,, herewith annexed, the aggregate of the Selectmens
drafts are as follows — Viz*.
Watchmans Wages - - - - £604
Schoolmasters & Ushers - - 1960
Assessors pay 661
New School & other Schools - 373
" 11
Lamps 706 ,, 8 ,, 8-
15 ,, 10
19,, 9
Carried Over -
360 CITY DOCUMENT.
[415.]
Sum brought over - - -
- £ - ...
Printing, & Stationary
95 ,, 5
2
Burying Ground - - - -
7,, 17
—
^1 4-
—
1 »J *
Town Repairs - - - -
255 ,, 6
7
Repairs of High ways -
236 „ —
—
Mill Bridge
«?o
ou ,,
Commonwealth -
37 ,, 15
3
Paving and Gravel - - -
- 1155 ,, 6
10£
Storage of Powder - - -
1 „ 8
—
Small Pox
39 ,, 0
9
Philadelphia Fever - - -
290 ,, 16
—
Town Clock
22 „ 5
6
Office of Police - - - -
160,,—
—
Constables Service -
36 ,, 9
7
Bells ringing - - - - -
76 „ 1
2
Visiting Schools - ...
49 „ 2
—
Law Expence - - - -
69 ,, 16
3
Deer Island
18,, 5
10
Rainsfords Island -
25 „ 12
6
Watchmans Rent - - -
4,, 10
—
Town Cryer
-,, 3
—
Engines and Premiums
248 ,, 19
8
Town Treasurer - - - -
200 „ —
—
Town Clerk
-. 150 „ —
—
Messenger to Selectmen -
55 ,, 4
6
The balance due from the Several Collectors on March 1^
1754. as represented on Paper N°. 1. have been reduced by
Sums paid in by the Several [416.] Collectors from that
time to the 1st. May Ins*. £2618 ,, 3 ,, 10 £ And the balances as
they now Stand due from the Collectors on the 2d. May 1794,
Is as follows - - Viz1.
From James Thompson 1793. Tax - - - £1842,, 4,, If
Benjamin Henderson 1793 d°. - - 1756 ,, 19 ,, 3
Thomas Bayley 1793 d°. - - 1829 ,, 15 ,, lOf
Benjamin Jepson - - 1793 d°. - - 1793 ,, 4 ,, Of
£7291 ,, 3 ,, 4
The Committee from the best information Suppose the Sum
^.f -PQfiQ 9 Q
XOOt) ,, ^ ,, O
with which Sum the Town stands charg'd
has been settled and paid by former Collec-
tors. Savage, Cudworth and Others, by way
of discount though not properly Cancelled in
the books they being chiefly due before the
BOSTON TOWN RECOKDS, 1794. 361
revolution, however that may be, they are
cancelled by A Late Law of this Common-
wealth, and in their opinion should be ac-
cordingly Settled in the Town Books,
The Committee
also find That a Deduction may be made of — £1400 ,, 12 ,, —
from the Estimate of the current year for a
New School, repairing Schools, high ways,
Mill bridge, Law Expences, New fish Mar-
ket, Small pox, Philadelphia fever as Particu-
larised in Paper N°. 1.
making in the Whole 1763 ,, 4 ,, 7
[417.] The Committee are further of Opinion That the
debts due from Abraham Savage £366 ,, — ,, 9. and Several
others amounting to £54 ,, 19 ,, 10. and from P. Dudley Sergeant
£877 ,, 7 ,, 2 and from Benjamin Cudworth £46 ,, 14 ,, 5
Amounting to in the whole ----'-- £1345 ,, 1 ,, 5
May be cancelled in the Towns Books. —
And Should the Selectmen drafts be
Same as Last year £8464 ,, 16 ,, —
And also the Overseers drafts — ditto - - 2900 ,, 8 ,, 3
11365 4 ., 3
A Tax of Nine Thousand Pounds - - - 9000
Rent Roll Estimated from Preceeding Years 686
The State poor — ditto 1500
and the Saving as aboue - 400
Amounting in .the whole ----- to 11586,,
will be sufficient for the Present year and will make Provision
for Paving 10.000 y**. @ 2/6 - - - - 1250 ,, —
which is Equal to 3000 feet by 30 feet
They therefore upon the "Whole recommend the Sum of Nine
Thousand Pounds to be raised for the Present Year —
All Which is Submitted "$r. Thomas Dawes f r. order
The aforegoing report having been read & Considered the Ques-
tion was Put — Viz*. — Whether the Same shall be Accepted.
Passed in the Affirmative —
[418.] Voted, That the Sum of Nine Thousand Pounds be
raised by A Tax to be Assessed on the Polls and Estates of the
Inhabitants of rJ£his Town to defray The Expences of the Current
Year —
The representation of Coll0. Waters Officer of the Police —
was read — Whereupon
362 CITY DOCUMENT.
Voted, That Honble. John Coffin Jones Esqr.
Perez Morton - - - Esqr.
Honble. Benjamin Austin Jr Esqr.
Samuel Brown - - - Esqr.
Mr. James Tisdale —
Be A Committee to Consider the Same and report at the Adjourn-
ment—
The Petition of James Thompson a Collector of Taxes — read
— Whereupon —
Voted, That the said Petition be reffer'd to the aboue Named
Committee to report thereon —
Voted, That it be referred to the aboue Committee to consider
and report at the Adjournment Proper Salaries for the Town
Treasurer, Assessors and the Town Clerk —
The Article in the Warrant relative to the General State of
Faneuil Hall Market &c &c was read and Considered Where-
upon —
Voted, That no fresh fish be in future Exposed for sale on
Faneuil Hall Market Square Also the following Order Passed —
Viz*.
[419.] Be it ordained that the Selectmen on the representa-
tion and Complaint of the Clerk of the Market, the Officers of
Police or any three Inhabitants shall be and they are hereby fully
Authorized and Impowered, to remove from any of the Stalls and
Stands, of the Market all such Persons, as shall in their Opinion
be Guilty of Forestalling or any other Malepractices which may
have a Tendency to enhance the Prices of the Necessaries of Life
and to Promote the Injury and oppression of the Inhabitants of
The Town —
Voted, That what further part of the aforementioned Article
has not been acted upon be referred over to A Committee ; That
the Selectmen be A Committee for said purpose —
,.
The Memorial of the Schoolmasters read, and on Motion
Voted, They have Leave to withdraw it
The Article in the warrant — Viz1. What measures shall be
taken relative to the Hay Engine, and the appointment of A
Clerk of the Faneuil Hall market — read, whereupon
Voted, That it be left to the Selectmen, to Proceed as to these
matters as they shall Judge to be meet, for the Interest of the
Town —
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1794. 363
Adjourned to Friday 16th. May Ins*. 10 O'Clock A : M :
[42O.] At A legal and very Numerous Meeting of the Free-
holders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston at Faneuil
Hall the 12th. day of May Anno Domini 1794. 9 O'Clock A : M :
Warrant for calling the meeting — read
Honble. Thomas Dawes Esqr. was Chosen, Moderator by A
hand Vote —
The Article in the Warrant — Viz*. To consider the propriety
of Continuing the Embargo under the Present Serious aspect of
Public Affairs may be considered, and the opinion of the Town
on this important Subject fully expressed thereupon was read and
Considered — Whereupon —
Resolved As the Sense of the Inhabitants of the Town. That
the General Embargo Imposed by the Legislature of the United
States on the Navigation and Commerce within the Same is A
Measure — founded in the highest Policy and Wisdom. AVhich
Passed by A Very great Majority
Resolved that the Inhabitants of Boston will cordially acquiesce
in the Continuance of the Embargo until in the opinion of Con-
gress the Objects Contemplated by that measure shall be fully
Accomplished ; which Passed Unanimously.
Then the meeting was
Dissolved —
[421.] Friday May 16^ Instant 10 O'Clock A : M :
The Town Met according to .the Adjournment of March Meet-
ing — On Motion
Voted, That the Vote Passed on the 7th. day of May Instant,
Prohibiting Fish from being Exposed to Sale on Faneuil Hall
Market Square be reconsidered, also —
Voted, That whatever remains unacted upon the Article of the
Warrant and all matters relative to the General State of Faneuil
Hall Market be referred over to the Selectmen, they to Act
thereon with respect to regulations, as they Judge most for the
interest of the Inhabitants
The Committee appointed to Consider and report on the Several
matters within Submitted to them have attended that Service and
Report as follows — Viz*.
364 CITY DOCUMENT.
That the respective Salaries of the Town Treasurer, Assessors
and Town Clerk be the Same as they have been the Year Past,
That is to Say for the Town Treasurer £200 — for Each of the
Assessors £130 — and for the Town Clerk £200 ,, -
That There be Allowed and paid to James Thompson £12 ,, —
Lawful Money in full compensation for Extra Services Mentioned
in his Petition —
On the representation of Josiah Waters Esqr. In-
spector of Police, requesting an Equitable compensation for his
Services. Your Committee on Mature Deliberation have thought
it expedient to recommend to the Inhabitants of the Town to
grant him an Addition of Sixty Pounds for the Present Year to
the Salary Allowed him the Year Past — Your Committee Appre-
hends that at the time this Officer was appointed It was unknown
to the Inhabitants, that the Duties of his Office would have
occupied so great A Portion of his time, as from experience they
find it Necessarily does, they suppose it was from this Consider-
ation that his Salary was originally fixed at £120 ,, — ,, —
Your Committee are Convinced from their own knowledge and
Constant testimony of the Inhabitants in general, That the whole
time of the Inspector of Police, Sundays And Nights not ex-
cepted, is Casually employed in the Discharge of his duty, And
that His Services are of great Importance to the peace, Safety
and happiness of The Town, Such Consideration as these have
induced your Committee to recommend that the Salary of this
Officer for the ensuing Year be fixed at the Sum of One Hundred
and Eighty Pounds — all of which is Submitted
^r. John Coffin Jones "$r. order—
[423.] The aforegoing Report being read and Amended,
the Question was put — Viz*, whether the Same shall be Accepted,
Passed in the Affirmative, whereupon —
Voted, That the Sum of two hundred Pounds be allowed and
paid to Joseph Russell for his Services as Town Treasurer the
Present Year, the same to be paid him in Quarterly payments as
it shall become due, and to Commence the first day of March
Last —
Voted, That the Sum of Two hundred Pounds be allowed and
paid unto William Cooper for his Services as Town Clerk the
Present Year, the Same to be paid him quarterly, as it shall be-
come due, and to Commence the first day of March Last. —
Voted, That the Sum of One hundred and Thirty Pounds be
allowed to each of the Assessors for their respective Services for
the present Year the same to be paid them Quarterly, as it shall
become due, and to Commence the first day of March Last —
BOSTON Towx RECORDS, 1794. 365
Voted, That the Sum of One hundred and Eighty Pounds be
allowed and paid unto Josiah Waters Esqr. for his Services as
Officer of the Police the Present Year, the Same to be paid him
Quarterly, as it shall become due —
[424.] Voted, That there be allowed and paid To James
Thompson, Twelve Pounds in full compensation for his Extra
Services as mentioned in the foregoing report on his Petition —
Voted, That all matters and things Unfinished at this Meeting,
be referred over to the Next General Meeting —
Voted, That The Thanks of the Town be given to the Honble
Thomas Crafts for his good Services as Moderator of this meeting
Then the Meeting was
Dissolved —
At A Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston duly qualified and legally warned in Public Town
Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall On Friday the 4th. day of
July Anno Domini 1794. 9 O'Clock A : M :
Warrant for Calling the meeting — read —
William Cooper —
was Chosen Moderator by A hand Vote —
[425.] The Committee appointed the Last year to make
Choice of A Gentleman to deliver an Oration on the Anniversary
of Independence. Reported
That they had made Choice of John Phillips Esquire. Who has
Accepted — On Motion
Voted, That the oration be delivered at the Old Brick Church
12 O'Clock ; Liberty therefor being Obtained —
Voted, The Gentlemen the Selectmen Acquaint Mr. [John
Phillips] with this Vote. —
Adjourned to the Old Brick Church to Commemorate the Inde-
pendence of the United States.
AN ORATION
was delivered by John Phillips Esquire at the Old Brick Church,
On Motion —
Voted, That the Selectmen be and hereby are appointed A
366 CITY DOCUMENT.
Committee to Wait on John Phillips, Esquire, and in the Name
of the Town to thank him for the Spirited and Elegant Oration
this day delivered by him, at the request of The Town, upon the
Anniversary of the Independence of the United States Of
America, in which, according to the institution of the Town, he
Considered the feelings, manners and Principles, which led to that
Great National Event, and to Request A Copy thereof for the
Press — on Motion
[426.] Voted, That The Gentlemen, the Selectmen, be and
hereby are appointed A Committee to apply to Some one Learned
and able Gentleman to deliver an Oration on the 4th. July Anno
Domini 1795. That day being the Anniversary of the Independ-
ence of the United States of America ; Wherein the Orator is to
Consider the feelings, Manners and Principles which led to this
Great National Event, As well as the Important and happy
Effects whether General or Domestic which already, and will
forever flow from that auspicious Epoch —
Then the meeting was
Dissolved —
[427.] At, A Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabi-
tants of the Town of Boston duly qualified and legally warned in
public Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Saturday the
2d. day of August A. D. 1794. 11 O'Clock A : M :
Warrant for calling the Meeting — read —
Honble. Thomas Crafts Esqr.
Chosen Moderator By A Hand Vote —
The Article in the Warrant — read, as also the Petition for call-
ing A meeting, and after some consideration and debate, the
Town came into the following resolutions — Viz1. —
Whereas, A Number of the inhabitants of this Town actuated
by A desire of releiving the distresses of the Unhappy Sufferers
by the Late Fire, met the 1st. Instant and Passed A Vote to
Request the Several Clergy to deliver A Sermon upon that Sub-
ject on the Ensuing Sabbath And to recommend to their Several
Congregations to open Subscriptions, and Committees to be ap-
pointed in the respective Parishes for affording relief to those
who have met with Losses from this melancholy Event —
Voted that the Proceedings of said inhabitants meet with the
Cordial approbation of this Town — [428«] And that it be
recommended to all the Inhabitants of the Town to Aid in
furthering the Charitable Views adopted at the said meeting,
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1794. 367
And that it be Urged upon the Committee thereby to be ap-
pointed to exert themselves to excite the benevolence and Procure
the Assistance of Every description of Persons, and to Adopt
such Measures as shall make the Charity as Extensive and Effect-
ual as possible, And the money so collected shall be appropriated
in such A manner, as may Appear most eligible to the Committee
appointed to distribute the Same, — And the said Committee are
further directed to Report at the Next Town Meeting, The
Amount of Money's Collected and To whom distributed —
Also —
Voted, That the Selectmen be and hereby are appointed to
write Circular Letters to Invite Our Brethren in the Neighboring
Towns To Join in Alleviating the great Losses Sustained by our
Fellow Townsmen in the late Calamitous Fire —
Then the Meeting was
Dissolved
[429.] At a meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabi-
tants of the Town of Boston, duly qualified & legally Warned in
Public Town meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Tuesday the
12th. day of August Anno Domini 1794. At 10 O'Clock A : M :
Warrant for Calling the Meeting — read —
Honorable Thomas Crafts Esqr.
Was chosen Moderator by A hand Vote —
The first Article in the Warrant Viz*, to receive the Report of
the Selectmen relative to A Street laid out between Atkinsons
Street & Hutchinsons Street so called, and whether they will
approve of the Same, As also A report of the Selectmen — Viz1.
In Consequence of A Great desolation made by Fire in This Town
on the 30^5 of July Last at and Near Atkinsons Street — The
Selectmen Met and proceeded to the Spot, and laid out A New
Street for the better accommodation and convenience of the In-
habitants which 'is bounded as follows Viz4, on Atkinson Street
43 forty Three feet, Then running Easterly to Hutchinsons Street
Twenty five feet, Eight Inches, then running on Said Hutchinsons
Street forty Three feet and then running Westerly to sd. Atkin-
sons Street [43O.] Two hundred and fifty one feet Eight Inches
as is now Staked out — were read and Considered — Whereupon —
Voted, That the Town Accept & approve of the doings of the
Selectmen in the laying out of the Said Street, —
The Second Article in the Warrant — Viz1. Whether the
Town will appropriate the marsh at the bottom of the Common
368 CITY DOCUMENT.
for any other of the Towns Lands for Rope Walks for the Ac-
commodation of the Sufferers by the late Fire was — read and
Considered — Whereupon — -Voted, That, the
Honorable Thomas Dawes Esqr.
Mr. Ebenezer Dorr
Mr. William Brown
Doctor Dexter
Deacon Wright
Hon^S James Sullivan — Esqr.
Mr. Joseph Russell
Mr. Joseph Woodward
Hon™5 George Rd. Minot Esqr.
Be and hereby are appointed A Committee to Confer with the
Gentlemen Owners of the Ropewalks Lately Consumed by Fire,
and that A Survey be taken of the Marsh, at 'the Bottom of the
Common, and also Part of the Land on Boston Neck, that may
be Sufficient for Erecting the Like Number of Rope walks, as
[4:31.] were owned and Consumed, and report at the Next Town
Meeting — which the Selectmen are Requested to call after the
Committee have Completed the Business. —
Then the Meeting was
Dissolved —
At A Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston duly qualified and legally warned in Public Town
meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Thursday the 28th day of
August, Anno Domini 1794. at 10 O'Clock A : M : —
Warrant for calling the Meeting — read —
Honorable Thomas Crafts Esqr.
Was Chosen Moderator by A hand Vote —
The Report of the Committee to whom was referred, the Busi-
ness of Appropriating the Marsh at the Bottom of the Common
for the accommodation of the Ropemakers who were Sufferers by
the Late Fire was read and after Debate —
[432.] Voted, That the Same be recommitted and that the
Committee confer with the said sufferers and report A Specific
quantity of Grounds for their use, and Terms upon which the
Same be granted —
Resolve of the General Court Passed June 19th. 1794. requir-
ing the Inhabitants of the Town and Districts within this Com-
mon Wealth to take or Cause to be taken an accurate Plan of
their respective Towns and Districts, was read and Considered —
Whereupon — r Voted, That the Gentlemen the Selectmen be, and
BOSTON Towx RECOKDS, 1794. 369
hereby are appointed A Committee to Carry Said resolve of Court
into Execution. —
Article in the "Warrant — Viz*. Whether the Town will Lease
A Part of their Land on the West side of the Neck for the pur-
pose of Erecting A Wind Machine for the Grinding and Bolting
of Grain &c — read — Whereupon it was moved and
Voted, That this Article be left with the Selectmen to Act
thereon as they may Judge best
Article in the Warrant — Viz*. Whether any measures shall
be taken to Prevent future damage to the Town by the Erection
of Wooden Buildings within the Same was read & after debate —
Voted, That William Tudor — Esqr.
John Codman — Esqr.
Perez Morton -— Esqr.
[433.] Be A Committee to consider of this Article and to
Report thereon as soon as may be —
Adjourned to Monday Next being the First day of September —
Monday Sepr. 15* at 9. O 'Clock A : M : The Town Met Accord-
ing to Adjournment —
The Committee appointed to Confer with the Gentlemen Owners
of the Eopewalks Lately Consumed by Fire, and to take A Survey
of the Marsh at the Bottom of the Common &c That might be
Sufficient for Erecting the like Number of Ropewalks As were
owned by them and consumed — have again Considered the Sub-
ject committed to them, and after repeated Conferences with the
Parties concerned, report the following Votes to be Adopted by
the Town Viz*.
Voted, That there be granted to the Persons hereinafter
named, being Late owners of Ropewalks consumed by Fire. A
Peice of Marsh Land and Flats at the Bottom of the Common in
Boston — Including the whole or such part of Fox hill as may
fall within the bounds hereafter Specified to be held by them
severally in such parts and upon such Terms and Conditions as
are herein set forth [434.] The whole of said peice of Land,
being bounded and Containing as follows Viz*. Beginning at the
westerly End of Ridge hill five hundred feet from Beacon street
and running directly towards Eliots Street, as far as the TOWHS
Land Extends on the West side of Pleasant street, So far as to
leave A Space of Fifty feet, between this Line, and the End of
the rail fence projecting down from the Burying Ground on the
South side of Common, Then Extending 'in Width Three hun-
dred feet from the Point at which the aboue Described line may
370 CITY DOCUMENT.
Strike upon Pleasant Street, being bounded Westerly throughout
by A line run Parallel with the line first described & beginning
At the Head of the Towns land at the Southerly part of the marsh,
and running in A northerly direction Until it shall meet with A
line drawn from the westerly End of Ridge hill parallel with
Beacon Street, As is more fully described On A^Plan taken by
Mr. Osgood Carlton, August the Twenty Ninth 1794. And that
the Said Grantees be Authorized and impowered to Extend the
Limits of the Land hereby granted — Fifty feet over the Flats, they
relinquishing the same space on the Easterly Side of said Land,
or to alter the said Limits, so as to Extend across the said Marsh
in A Diagonal direction Provided they do not in Either case come
Nearer than fifty feet to the End of the rail [435.] fence Afore-
said, Nor run Northerly so as to cross the Said line to be run
parallel with Beacon street. — Reserving however Sixty feet in
Width across the Southerly End of said Peice of Land for A
Road from Pleasant Street down to the Channel —
Voted, That the first fifty feet of said peice of Land in Width
reckoning from the Easterly side thereof being Lot N°. 1. On the
Plan aboue mentioned — be and hereby is granted to Isaac Davis
to hold to him his Heirs and Assignes forever —
That the Second fifty feet thereof in Width, being Lot N°. 2.
On said Plan be and hereby is Granted to Jeffry Richardson to
hold to him and his Heirs and Assignes forever. —
That the Third fifty feet thereof in Width, being Lot N°. 3. on
said Plan be and hereby is Granted to Samuel Emmons to hold
to him and his Heirs and Assignes for Ever. —
That, the fourth fifty feet thereof in Width being Lot N°. 4. in
said Plan be and hereby Is Granted to William Mc.Niel & Archi-
bald Mc.Niel to hold to them, their Heirs & Assignes forever. —
[436.] That, the fifth fifty feet thereof in Width being Lot
N°. 5, on said Plan, be and hereby is Granted to John Codman
and Richard Codman to Hold to them, their Heirs and Assignes
forever. —
That the Sixth fifty feet thereof in Width being Lot N°. 6. on
said Plan be and hereby is Granted unto Edward Howe to hold
to him and to his Heirs and Assignes forever, Reserving however
a right in the Town to carry Sluices and Drains through the said
Peice of Land to the Salt water in any Direction, forever. —
Provided Nevertheless, and All the grants aforesaid are upon the
following Conditions, Viz*. First, That neither of the said
Grantees, nor their Heirs, nor Assignes, shall at any time here-
after Erect Or Cause to be Erected, Any Ropewalk upon the
Lands Where these Late Ropewalks were Consumed by Fire —
Nor any Part thereof —
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1794. 371
Second, That there Never be any other buildings than Ropewalks
Erected on the Lands hereby Granted Nor More than Six of
them —
Third, That the Heads of the Ropewalks to be Erected thereon
be Placed at the Southerly End of the said granted Lands, —
That they shall not be more than One Story in height, Nor the
Eaves more than Seven feet from the floor, Excepting forty feet
from the head of Each Walk, for a Store wch. may be two Stories
high. They to be built with brick & Covered with Slates —
[437.] Fourth, That the Grantees aforenamed Erect within
the Space of Two Years from the Present time, at their own
Expence, A Sufficient Sea Wall in the Opinion of the Selectmen
for the time being, the whole length of the Said Granted Lands,
On the Westerly side thereof at A distance not Exceeding Thirty
feet from the Same, — The right of Property in which Wall, if
Erected without the bounds of the Grant, shall be in the Town.
And Nothing in the foregoing Grants shall be considered as
conveying to the said Grantees, or either of them, any right of
Passage in any direction Across the Common, to or from the
Granted Lands. —
Voted, That the Selectmen in the Name and behalf of the said
Town be and hereby are Authorized, and requested to Execute
good and Sufficient Deeds to Each of the aforesaid Grantees of
the Lots Respectively Granted to them as aforesaid, upon the
Conditions, and with the restrictions, and reservations, herein-
before described, and that they insert in each of the Deeds so to
be Executed, A Covenant on the part of this Town that they will
not build any Ropewelk on the Common, nor ever hereafter
Grant any part thereof for the purpose of building such Walk. —
[438.] Voted, That the Selectmen lay out A Road Sixty
feet wide from Pleasant Street along the Easterly side of the
Lands hereby granted, over the marsh toward Beacon Street in
order to meet A Road that may be op'ened from West Boston
Bridge, all which is Submitted. —
Thomas Dawes *$T. order —
The aforegoing report having been largely Debated and amended,
The Question was put Whether the same shall be accepted and it
Passed in the affirmative —
The Committee to whom was Referred the Consideration whether
any Measures shall be taken to prevent future damages to the
Town, by Erection of Wooden buildings within the Same —
Report —
372 CITY DOCUMENT.
That the Existing Laws, Passed at different Periods Viz*.
1692 ,, 1700 ,, and 1760 ,, are Completly Competent to the
object of their Commission, but Unfortunately Never having been
enforced, excepting those parts of them relative to Widening the
Public Streets and opening New ones, They are now become
Impracticable if not absolute, [obsolete?]
Your Committee therefore proposes that the Representatives of
the Town of Boston be instructed [439.] To Obtain from the
Legislature, A revision of the Laws Referred to, and to Procure
A New one, Containing most of the principles of the former Acts,
— in which may be included all the Powers Vested in the Select-
men as to Widening the Streets and Opening New ones, and
which may Enact That no Public buildings of any kind shall be
hereafter erected but of Brick and Stone and tiled or Slated, and
to be without Wooden Gutters unless the same shall be Cased
with Either Tin or Iron Plates. —
That no Dwelling House, or other Building Exceeding One
Story shall be built with Wood — That no Livery Stable, Rope-
walk or buildings for any Manufactory shall be Erected at any
time, in any Part of the Town, but in such Places as the select-
men shall approve, and be Constructed of such materials As they
shall Adjudge to be most for the Public Security, and least Sub-
ject to Conflagration — all which is Submitted —
Willm. Tudor ^r. order —
And that A Clause be inserted to Subject the Town at large, to
A heavy Penalty for every building Suffered to be Erected Con-
trary to the Law —
[44O.] The aforegoing report having been read and debated,
The same was referred to the Next Town Meeting, for further
consideration, and that previous to said meeting The Report be
Published for the information of the Inhabitants —
Voted, that all matters unfinished be referred over to the Next
General Town Meeting.
Voter, That the thanks of the Town be and hereby are given
To the Honorable Thorn8. Crafts Esqr. for his good Services as
Moderator of this Meeting —
Then the meeting was
Dissolved —
At A meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston Duly qualified and legally warned in Public Town
Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall, on Friday the Tenth day of
October Anno Domini 171*4: at 10. O'Clock A : M : —
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1794. 373
Warrant for calling the meeting — read —
[441.] Honorable Thomas Crafts Esqr.
Chosen Moderator by A hand Vote —
The Votes being brought in for A Fire Ward in the room of
Thomas Tileston deceasd. it appeared That IVlajor Andrew Cun-
ningham was chosen A Fire Ward. Unanimously —
The Article in the Warrant to consider and Adopt the most
Equal and commodious mode of raising the Town's Proportion
of the 80,000 Men ordered to be detached from the Militia of
the United States by Congress at their Last Session was read,
whereupon
Voted, unanimously That the Officers Commanding Companies
in the Boston regiment and other Corps, be and hereby are
Authorized to Offer to Every Soldier who shall Voluntarily enroll
himself in the Detachment ordered to be raised out of this Town
as their Proportion of 80,000 men ordered to be detached from
the Militia of the United States, by Congress at their Last Ses-
sion, the Sum of Five Dollars as A Bounty to be paid Mm at the
time of his Enlistment and the Town Treasurer is hereby Author-
ized for to borrow for the Town a sum Sufficient to pay the said
Bounty and is directed to pay the aforesaid sum of Five Dollars
to Each man Enrolled upon [442.] the Certificate of the Officer
to whose Company he belongs, and when the said Detachment
shall be Called into actual Service, Each man shall be allowed a
Sum in Addition to the pay Allowed by Congress, to make his
monthly wages Equal to Ten Dollars ^9r. Month. —
Article relative to further Grants to School masters — read —
whereupon —
Voted, That this Article be referred Over to the School Com-
mittee, with A request that they would take the Same into their
Consideration and act thereon as they Judge reasonable —
Then the meeting was
Dissolved —
At A Meeting of the Freeholders and Other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston Qualified to vote for Representatives to the Gen-
eral Court of this Commonwealth, and legally Warned in Public
Town Meeting, Assembled at Faneuil Hall the first monday of
November Anno Domini 1794. being the 3d. day of said month
10. O'Clock A: M:
[443.] Prayer was made by the Reverend Mr. Eliot —
374 CITY DOCUMENT.
Warrant for Calling the Meeting — read —
Resolve of the General Court for the choice of Representatives
for the Next Congress of the United States — Read —
It was then Declared by the Selectmen that The Poll -would
be Closed at half past one O'Clock & the Bells to begin tolling at
One .O'Clock
Persons Voted for As A Representative for the first middle
district of this Commonwealth in the Next Congress of the United
States —
Votes
Honble. Fisher Ames Esqr. 1627
Charles Jarvis Esqr. 1182
Honble. John Coffin Jones Esqr. 2
Samuel Jarvis Esqr. 1
2812 —
An Attested Copy of the Persons Voted for as aboue were Com-
mitted to the Chairman of the Selectmen, Ezekiel Price Esqr. To
be by him delivered to the Secretary of this Commonwealth, and
the Inclosure sealed up in Town Meeting, Superscribed as fol-
lows — Viz* —
For John Avery Esqr.
Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusets
[444.] List of Votes, for A Representative for the first
middle district of this Common Wealth to the Next Congress of
the United States from the Town of Boston —
Jury Return On the Warrant for the Estimating the Damage
&c &G on Widening the Streets in Atkinson & Purchase Street &
Cow Lane
Suffolk ss : To Edward Procter, Nathaniel Hall, William Brown,
Thomas Bayley, Edwd. Tyler, John Tyleston, John
(SEAL) Deming, Nath1. Shepard, Moses May, Thomas Fleet,
John Winslow and Samuel Ruggles Esqr. — Greet-
(SEAL)
ing:
Whereas, in and by an Act made and Passed by the Great and
General Court or Assembly of the Late Province of the Massa-
chusetts bay, begun And held At Boston the Eighth day of June,
One Thousand Six hundred and Ninety two And Continued by
Adjournment unto the Twelfth day of October following ;
It was Enacted, that it shall be in the power of the Justices of
the Peace in the Town of Boston, together with the Selectmen (or
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1794. 375
Major Part of Each Assenting thereto) That in all Void and un-
built Places, which shall hereafter be improved [445.] for build-
ing, or when at any time any total Consumption or desolation
shall happen in any Streets or Lanes within the said Town, To
State and lay out such Streets, Ways and Passages, as may be
most for the Conveniency and accommodation of the Place —
As Also where any desolation has happened to regulate and
enlarge other Narrow and Crooked Lanes or Passages, And
Where any Particular Person shall have their Lands taken away.
Or Lessened thereby ; A Jury of Twelve Men shall be Appointed
by two Justices of the Peace, and Sworn to Ascertain the Value
thereof to be paid by the Person to whose Lands the Same shall
be Added, or by the Neighbourhood or the Town in Proportion to
the benefit or conveniency They shall have thereby ;
And whereas Desolation has lately happened in some of the
Streets and Lanes within the said Town, hereinafter more Partic-
ularly mentioned, And Described, And whereas A Major Part
of the Justices, and A Major Part of the Selectmen in the Town
of Boston aforesaid, in Pursuance of the aforesaid Act have
Widened, regulated and Enlarged the following Part or Parts of
Streets and Lanes — Viz*. Beginning at the East side of Cow
Lane opposite to Mess- Mc. Niel and Sons Rope Walk (Now
burned) And Belonging to Jeffrey [446.] Richardson, there
measuring forty one feet Six Inches, long, and four feet Eight
Inches wide at one End, and three feet at the other —
Another piece belonging to said Richardson on the East side of
Cow Lane and South of Atkinsons Street, Sixty two feet long and
four feet Eight Inches wide at one End & Three feet wide at the
other End —
Another piece belonging to said Richardson, South and Butting on
Atkinsons Street leading to Thorn8. Russells Wharf Forty Seven
feet Seven Inches, long, Seven feet Two Inches wide at one End
and Eight feet Two Inches at The other End —
Another piece Belonging to Thomas Davis on the East side of
Cow Lane and North of Atkinsons Street, on A Triangular form
of Eleven feet long, and Three feet Six Inches wide and running
to A point. —
Another Piece Belonging to said Davis of fifteen feet Long and
running to A Point, Also —
Another Piece belonging to said Davis on the West side of Pur-
chase Street & North of Atkinson's Street, forty Nine feet three
Inches long and five feet Nine Inches Wide at the one End and
Six feet at the other. —
376 CITY DOCUMENT.
Lands Belonging to the heirs of the Late John Gray beginning on
the East of Cow lane, A Corner and North of Atkinsons Street
Seventy feet six Inches long, and Three feet wide at one End &
nine feet at the other —
[447.] Another Piece belonging to said Gray on Atkinsons
Street and leading to Thomas Russells Wharf, One hundred &
five feet long and four feet four Inches wide at one End, and
Three feet Eight Inches at the other End —
Another Piece belonging to said Gray at the East side of, And
on Cow lane South of Atkinsons Street, One hundred & Eleven
feet long, And five feet four Inches wide at one End, And One
foot Nine Inches at the other —
Another Piece belonging to Said Gray, South of Atkinsons Street,
and West on Purchase Street, One hundred and Six feet Eight
Inches long, and [blank] feet Eight Inches Wide at one End And
five feet five Inches at the other —
Another piece belonging to Thomas Brewer, North of Atkinsons
Street and West of Purchase Street, Ninety one feet long and
Three feet Eight Inches wide at one End, and One foot Six
Inches at the other, leading to Russells Store.
Also Another Piece belonging to said Brewer, North of Atkinsons
Street and butted West on Purchase Street, Seventy Three feet
Six Inches long and four feet four Inches wide at One End, and
Three feet Two Inches at the other —
[448.] Another piece Belonging to Coll — Dawes and Occu-
pied by Judge Dawes, on the East Side of & On Cow Lane, and
South of Atkinsons Street, A Triangular piece, Forty feet Eight
Inches long, and Nine Inches wide to A point. —
Another piece West, and on Cow Lane, and South of Atkinson
Street, owned by Cap*. William Cowell, Ninety one feet Two
Inches long and Three feet wide at one End, and five feet at the
other. —
Another Peice West and on Cow Lane South of Atkinsons Street,
Owned by the Widow Low, forty four feet Seven Inches long and
five feef wide at one End, and five feet Six Inches at the other —
Another Piece belonging to George Blanchard, West on Cow
Lane, and South on Atkinsons Street, Seventy two feet long, and
five feet Six Inches wide at one End, and Six feet Six Inches at
the other —
Another Piece belonging to Coll — Dawes, West and on Cow lane,
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1794. 377
South of Atkinsons Street Eighty four feet ; Six feet Six Inches
wide at one End, and running to A Point of Six Inche's —
Another Piece belonging to M- Lois Clouston, South of Atkinsons
Street and between Cow lane & Purchase Street, Forty five feet
Two Inches long, and Eight feet Two Inches wide at one End,
and Eight feet Six Inches at the other. —
[449.] Another Piece belonging to Sam1. P. Savage, South of
Atkinsons Street, and between Cow Lane and Purchase Street,
Ninety Eight feet Three Inches Long, and Eight feet Six Inches
Wide at one End, and Ten feet wide at ye. other
Another Piece belonging to said Savage, West on Purchase Street
(from the Corner) Sixty four feet Seven Inches long, and five feet
four Inch8. Wide at one End, & five feet Eight Inches at the
Other End.—
Also Another Piece belonging to said Savage, South of Atkinsons
Street, and on the East side of Purchase Street, Eighty one feet
Six Inches long, and Seven feet Nine Inches wide at one End,
and the Same at the other
Another Piece belonging to Coll — Thomas Dawes, South of
Atkinsons Street, and on the East side of Purchase Street, forty
feet long and Seven feet wide at one End, and five feet four
Inches at the other —
Another Piece belonging to Samuel Bangs East side of, and on
Purchase Street, fifty Plight feet long, and five feet Six Inches
wide at one End, & Six feet four Inches at the other. —
Another Piece Vacant Land. East on Purchase street, and North
of Atkinson Street, Seventy feet four Inches long, Six feet four
Inches wide at one End, & Seven feet Six Inches at the other. —
[45O.] Another Piece belonging to Samuel Dillaway, South of
Atkinsons Street and on the East side of Purchase Street, Ninety
five feet, Eight Inches long, And Seven feet Nine Inches wide at
one End, & Seven feet at the other.
Another piece belonging to James Tate, North of Atkinsons Street
and West on Purchase Street fifty feet long, and four feet four
Inches wide at one End and five feet six Inches at the other.
Another piece on the High[way] North of Atkinsons Street, And
West on Purchase Street, sixteen feet Eight Inches, and five feet
six Inches wide at one End, and five feet Nine Inches wide at the
Other End —
378 CITY DOCUMENT.
t
Wherefore in pursuance of the Power given and Granted to us
the Subscribers, being two of the Justices of the Peace of said
Town; — Do hereby appoint you the said Edward Procter,
Nathaniel Hall, AVilliam Brown, Thomas Bayley, Edward Tyler,
John Tileston, John Deming, Nathaniel Shepard, Moses May,
Thomas Fleet, John Winslow and Samuel Ruggles Esqr. A
Jury (after You have Sworn) to go and view the Lands & Prem-
ises Aforesaid belonging to the Several Persons aforenamed
(who will be Notified to Attend if they see cause) that are taken
away from them and added to the streets and Lanes aforesaid or
either of them, and You are to ascertain [451.] The damages
that any Person or Persons have Sustained by having their
Lands and Premises taken away and Added to the Streets and
Lanes aforesaid —
You are Likewise to determine by whom such damages and
the Costs and Charges Attending such business shall be paid —
And if it shall appear to you that the Estate of any Person or
Persons are in Any wise benefited, or the Neighborhood or the
Town, by the laying out or widening of any of the said Streets or
Lanes, You are to Assess Each of said Persons in the Neighbor-
hood, or the Town, such A Proportion of the said Damages, and
Costs as to you shall appear Just and Equitable —
And as soon as you have Completed the Same, You are to
make return hereof with your doings therein under your hands
to us, or to one of us that the Same may be Entered with the
Records of Said Town —
AVitness our hands & Seals this Seventeenth day of December
in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety
four —
Thomas Crafts ) T ,. ,. ,
T^ i i TD • f Justices of the Peace
Ezek1. Price j
[452.] "We, the Subscribers being A Jury appointed in, and
by the Warrant hereunto Annexed for the Purposes therein
Mentioned being duly Sworn, Went to and upon the Lands and
Premises taken away from the abutters and Added to the Several
Streets, Namely Purchase Street, Atkinsons Street, and Cow lane
Staked and laid out, by the Justices of the Peace, and the Select-
men of the Town of Boston, as Particularly mentioned in said
Warrant, And having Notified the Proprietors of said Land, and
fully heard them, and Carefully viewed the Same. —
Find that the Land and Premises taken from the Several Per-
sons and Added to the Streets Aforesaid, are Conformable to the
Admeasurements in the Warrant, And the Plan laid before us. —
Have Assessed the Town of Boston As by the following
Schedule — Viz*.
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1794.
379
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BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1794. 381
[454.] And we do report our Determination thereupon, tLat
there be paid by the Town of Boston to the following persons,
their Heirs and Assignes for damages sustain'd in or before the
first of June next. Viz1.
Jeffry Richardson Twenty five pounds
Thomas Davis Six pounds Nine shillings
John Gray's estate Thirty two Pounds two shillings
Thomas Brewer Ten pounds ten shillings
Thomas Dawes Esqr. Nine pounds
William Cowell Six pounds twelve shillings
Widow Low Four pounds ten shillings
George Blanchard Eight pounds
Mr8. Clouston Fifteen pounds
Samuel P. Savage Twelve pounds
Samuel Bangs Sixty pounds
Samuel Dillaway Seven pounds ten shillings
James Tate Fifteen pounds
And That there be allowed and paid to the Sheriff for his Ser-
vices Thirty shillings, to each of the two Justices who issued the
warrant thirty shillings, and to each Jury-man the sum of forty
eight shillings, amounting in the whole to the sum of Thirty three
pounds six shillings for their Time, Trouble & Expences in the
Business assigned them as aforesaid.
Edward Proctor
Given under our Hands Nathaniel Hall
Boston December 23d. William Brown
1794. Thomas Bayley
Edward Tyler
John Tileston
John Deming
To the Gentlemen Nathaniel Shepard
Selectmen of Boston. Moses May
The before written war- Thomas Fleet
rant with the doings John Winslow
thereon, being return'd Samuel Ruggles
to us the Subscribers,
We do transmit the same
to you in order that
they may be Entered
in the records of said *S ^
Town. g £
Boston Thomas Crafts ) -J p,
Decr. 24te ; Ezekiel Price > % £
1794. )*•»'
[455.] At a meeting of the Freeholders, and other Inhabi-
tants of the Town of Boston, at Faneuil Hall, on Monday the 2d.
day of February 10 °Clock A : M : being duly qualified and legally
warned in public town meeting assembled
382 CITY DOCUMENT.
Warrant for calling the meeting — Read. —
Honble. Thomas Crafts Esqr.
chosen Moderator by a Hand Vote. —
The article relative to wooden Buildings, and the report of the
Committee relative thereto — read, whereupon the same was taken
up by Paragraphs, and after debate it was moved, and Voted that
Thomas Edwards Esqr.
John Lowell Junr. Esqr.
Mr. Joseph Nye
John Winslow Esqr.
Joseph Blake Junr. Esqr.
be a Committee to consider that Paragraph in the Report of the
Committee relative to Public Buildings and to report what was
intended, by Buildings for carrying on manufactures
The Petition of Luther Eames and others relative to the intro-
duction of fresh water into Boston was laid before the town in
compliance with an order of the General Court : was read, —
whereupon,
Voted. That the Town approve of the plan proposed in the
Petition of Luther Eames and others, for the bringing fresh
Water by subterranean Pipes into the Town of Boston, and have
no objection to their being incorporated for that purpose, pro-
vided that in the Act of incorporation they are held to put the
streets, which shall be opened for that purpose in as good repair
as they were before, and that such other Guards and restrictions
shall be made, as will secure the Town from injury by undertaking
the Business.
Adjourned to 3 °Clock P. M. -
Three "Clock P. M. Met according to agreement.
The Committee chosen in the Forenoon reported, and after
debate the Question was put viz*, whether the same shall be
accepted — Passed in the negative. —
[456.] It was then moved and Voted — that any further
consideration on the report relative to wooden Buildings subside,
and the report was not accepted. —
Then the meeting was
Dissolved —
At a meeting of the freeholders and other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston duly qualified and legally warned in public
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1795. 383
Town meeting assembled at Faneuil Hall on Wednesday the
11th. day of Feb*. 1795. 10 oClock A. M.
Warrant for calling the meeting — read
Honble. Thomas Crafts Esqr.
was chosen Moderator by a Hand Vote.
The Article in the warrant, viz*. — to take the sense of the
Town on the propriety of adopting any further measures for the
accomodation of the General Court with a piece of Land, for
the purpose of erecting a new Court house — read — as also the
request for calling this meeting and after debate had thereon,
Voted, almost unanimously that
William Tudor Esqr.
William Eustis Esqr.
Charles Jarvis Esqr.
Perez Morton Esqr.
John C. Jones Esqr.
Mr. Treasurer Russell
Thomas Dawes Esqr.
Harrison G. Otis Esqr.
William Little Esqr.
be a Committee for the purpose of procuring for the Common-
wealth a piece of land proper for building a State house, and that
they be authorized to make any contract for the purchase of it,
for that purpose or to convey any piece of the Lands owned by
the Town within the same, to the Commonwealth, which they
[457.] may deem expedient for the interest of the Town, for the
purpose of erecting a State house, — not alienating any part of
the Common, unless the accomodation cannot be had on any
other terms. —
The Town Clerk was prevented by the Moderator from putting
the Question for a Vote of thanks, for his good services. — so the
meeting was dissolved. —
At a meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston, duly qualified and legally warned, in public
town meeting assembled at Faneuil Hall on Monday the ninth
day of March Anno Domini 1795. 10 OClock Forenoon.
Prayer was made by the Revd. Dr. Eckley.
Warrant for calling the meeting — read —
Sundry Laws to be read at this meeting, were accordingly read. —
The Honble. Thomas Crafts Esqr.
was chosen Moderator by a hand Vote.
334 CITY DOCUMENT.
The Inhabitants were then directed to withdraw and bring in
their Votes, for a Town Clerk, and the same being brought in and
counted, it appeared that
William Cooper Esqr.
was chosen Town Clerk for the year ensuing, and an Oath of
Office was administered to him by Mr. Justice Crafts.
The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their
Votes, for nine Selectmen and upon sorting them it appeared, that
the following Gentlemen, viz. —
Ezekiel Price Esqr.
Thomas Walley Esqr.
Deacon Wm. Boardman
Mr. Ebenr. Seaver
[458.] Thomas Crafts Esqr.
Thomas Edwards Esqr.
Mr. William Little
Mr. Charles Bulfinch (resigned)
William Scollay Esqr.
were chosen Selectmen for the year ensuing.
Mr. Joseph Russell
was chosen Town Treasuier for the year ensuing, and the Oath
of Office administered to him by the Town Clerk, the choice was
unanimous.
Voted That the Town Treasurer give bond with sureties to the
Satisfaction of the Selectmen, in the penalty of ten thousand
pounds, for the faithful discharge of the duties of his Office. —
The Inhabitants having voted as directed for 12 Overseers of
the Poor on counting and sorting the same it appeared that
Jona. Mason Esqr. (resigned)
John White Esqr. (ditto)
Edward Proctor Esqr.
John Sweetser Esqr.
Sam1. Parkman Esqr. (resigned)
Jona. L. Austin Esqr.
Mr. Edwd. Edes
Henry Hill Esqr.
John Codman Esqr
Mr. Willm. Smith
Wm. Phillips Junr. Esqr.
Stephen Gorham Esqr.
were chosen Overseers of the Poor for the Year ensuing. —
Votes for a Treasurer of the County of Suffolk, brought in and
counted by the Moderator and the Town Clerk, when it appeared,
that the whole number was two hundred eighty three, of which
two hundred and fifty one were for Thomas Crafts Egqr. twenty
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1795. 385
eight for Mr. Sam1. Clap and four for Mr. Joseph Eussell, all
discreet suitable persons, being freeholders, and residents [459.]
in said County.
Mem0. An attested Copy ^hereof was given to Ezekiel Price
Esqr. Clerk of the Sessions by Col — Crafts. —
The Inhabitants having as directed bro't in their votes for
sixteen fire wards, and the same being sorted and counted it
appeared that
John Winthrop Esqr.
Thomas Melvill Esqr.
Jabez Hatch Esqr.
Joseph Russell Junr. Esqr.
Mr. Edward Edes
Samuel Parkman Esqr.
Amasa Davis Esqr.
Mr. Russell Sturgis
Henry Jackson Esqr.
Cap*. Mungo Mackay
William Scollay Esqr.
William Little Esqr.
Mr. James Tisdale
Joseph May Esqr.
Capt. Robert Gardner
Major Andrew Cunningham
were chose Fire wards for the ensuing year.
Voted, That the assessors be, and hereby are directed to set
for such abatements of taxes as they shall judge reasonable, two
days in each week after the delivery of the tax books, to the Col-
lectors for the space of six weeks and no longer, saving that they
be allowed to set, the last Week in February, Lords days ex-
cepted, for the abatement of the taxes of such persons as had
not the opportunity of applying in the above limited time, by
reason of their being out of the Commonwealth, or any other
unavoidable hindrance, and that the assessors determine on the
said two days, which is to be noted on the tax bills to be delivered
the Inhabitants. —
The Votes having been brought in as directed for five Asses-
sors, it appeared that the following Gentlemen were chosen
Assessors for the year ensuing, viz. —
[46O.] Giles Harris Esqr. (sworn)
Samuel Ruggles Esqr. d°.
John R. Sigourney d°.
Mr. Caleb Blanchard d°.
Mr. Thomas Hichborn d°.
Jonathan Mason Esqr. having declined serving as an Overseer
386 CITY DOCUMENT.
Voted that the thanks of the Town be and hereby are given to
Jona. Mason Esqr. for his good and faithful services as an Over-
seer of the Poor for thirty years past.
John White Esqr., another of the Overseers having resigned,
he also received the thanks of the town for the like services a
great number of years past. —
Messre. Shubael Hewes
Benja. Romans
John Butterfield (declines)
James Perkins (d°-)
John Bosson
Henry Cumpston
Sam1. White
Enoch May
David Lewis
Thomas Stevenson
Robert Smallpiece
Andrew Townsend
were chosen Constables for the year ensuing. —
Mess™. Eliakim Morse
Seth Wells
John Doubleday
Joseph Callender
Edwd. Davis Junr.
Minot Thaj^er
Wm. P. Blake
Joseph Carnes
John W. Blanchard
John Gardner
Ebenr. Larkin
Wm. Furness
were chosen Clerks of the Market for the year ensuing. —
Adjourned to 3 °Clock P. M.
[461.] 3 O.Clock P. M. Town met
The Selectmen
were chosen Surveyors of high ways.
Mr. Abraham Adams
was chosen informer of Deer for the year ensuing. —
Voted, that Herman Brimmer
Joseph Russell Junr.
Sam1. Brown Esqr.
be, and hereby are appointed a Committee to audit the accompts
BOSTON TOWN RECOKDS, 1795. 387
of the Selectmen and Overseers of the Poor ; and said Committee
are also directed to report the sum necessary to be raised for the
service of the present year. —
Messre. Benja. White
Moses Ayres
Tho8. Rice
Willm. Todd (declines)
were chose Fence viewers for the year ensuing.
Messrs. Tho8. Bradley
David Holly
Matthew Loring
Wm. Billings
were chosen Sealers of Leather for the year ensuing. —
Mess™. Jeffry Richardson
Isaac Davis
were chose Surveyors of Hemp for the year ensuing.
Messre. Edward Jones
Richard Horsfall
Francis Booth
were chose Haywards for the year ensuing.
Mess™. George Cammell
Daniel Bell
were chose Hogreeves for the year ensuing.
Mess^. Joshua Weatherly
John Wells
were chosen Assaymasters for the ensuing year.
Edward Tuckerman Esqr.
Mr. Edwd. Edes
were chosen Surveyors of wheat for the year ensuing.
[462 J Messre. Jirah Holbrook
Joseph Gleason
Cap1. Alden Bass
William Jennings
Thomas Batter
were chosen Sealers of Wood for the year ensuing
Voted, That in addition to the Selectmen twelve persons shall
now be chosen as a School Committee, — and the Votes being
brought in counted, and sorted, it appeared that the following
Gentlemen were chosen, viz. —
Honble. Thomas Dawes Esqr.
Revd. Sam1. West
Revd. John Lathrop D. D.
388 CITY DOCUMENT.
Jona. L. Austin Esqr.
Willm. Tudor Esqr.
Dr. Tho8. Welsh
Revd. John Clark
Mr. Willm. Smith
Dr. Aaron Dexter
Honble. George R. Minot Esqr.
Dr. David Townsend
Revd. Sam1. Stillman D. D.
Voted, That the above named Gentlemen who conjunctly with
the Selectmen are termed the School Committee be, and hereby
are directed to carry the new system of Education, which has
been adopted by the Town, into approbation : and said Com-
mittee are also authorized and empowered conjunctly to manage
and regulate the affairs and Government of the Schools, and in
future to exercise all the Powers, relating to the Schools and
School masters, which the Selectmen, or such Committees are
authoriz'd by the -Laws of this Commonwealth, or the Votes of
this town to exercise.; any former Votes of the Town notwith-
standing. —
Article in the warrant relative to supplying the Treasury —
read — and after some debate it was moved and carried that this
subside. —
The Votes being brought in for four Collectors of Taxes it
appeared that
Messrs. Benja. Henderson
[463.] Thomas Bayley
James Thompson
Benja. Jepson
were chosen Collectors of taxes for the year ensuing. —
Messrs. John Champney
Joseph Bentley
Benja. Page
John Cogswell
Abraham Hay ward
Benja. White
James Blake
James Robins
Edmund Ranger
William Clouston
William Darracott
Gibbins Bouve
were chosen Surveyors of Boards & Shingles for the year ensu-
ing.—
Mess™. Joseph Loring
Thomas Barber
George Singleton
Edward Burt
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1795. 389
Thomas Foster
William Parkman
John Bray
Henry Purket
Jona. Gushing
James Barry
Hezekiah Hudson
Phillip Hichborn
Joseph Whittemore
were chosen cullers of Staves & Hoops for the year ensuing.
Votes for an Inspector of Stone Lime having been brought in
it appeared that
Mr. Joseph Blake (declines)
was chose Inspector of Stone Lime for the year ensuing.
Voted, That 5 ^r. Cent be, and hereby is allowed to the Col-
lectors of taxes for the year ensuing, for all such sums of money
and public securities as [464.] they shall collect and pay into
the several Treasurers, of the sums committed to them to collect,
also that such Collectors shall 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, and that
they will not receive any premium or gratuity for discounting any
orders, notes, or receipts, from the Treasurer of this State, or
the Treasurer of this Town. —
On motion, Voted, That the Town Treasurer be directed to
pay the several Schoolmasters out of the first monies he receives.
The Article in the warrant, viz : what measures the Town will
take in consequence of the grant of a Township of Land at the
eastern part of this Commonwealth, obtained on the petition of
the Selectmen for the purpose of erecting and building a Hospital
in the town of Boston — read, whereupon
Voted that
the Honble. Thomas Dawes Esqr.
Honble. Thomas Crafts Esqr.
William Little Esqr.
Thomas Edwards Esqr.
John Codman Esqr.
be a Committee to consider and report on this Article at the next
May meeting.
The article in the warrant relative to the dimensions of the
Rope walk Buildings &c &c. read, whereupon after some debate,
Voted, that this article be left for consideration to the Selectmen,
they to settle this matter as they shall judge most for the interest
of the Town, upon the most liberal construction of the Votes
passed by the Town, relative to the Rope walks at the bottom of
the Common.
390 CITY DOCUMENT.
The petition of Wm. Darracott and Jona. Loring for an allow-
ance on losses sustained by a contract for building the North
Reading School, — read — whereupon — Voted. That the
Honble. Thomas Dawes Esqr.
William Little Esqr.
William Bell Esqr.
[465.] be a Committee to consider the same and report
thereon. —
The Article in the warrant relative to a Well, — left to a
Selectmen to act thereon as they may judge proper.—
Voted, That all matters and things which shall remain unfin-
ished at this meeting be referred over to May meeting. —
Voted, that the thanks of the Town be given to the Houble.
Tho8. Crafts Esqr. for his good services as Moderator.
Then the meeting was
dissolved.
At a meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the
town of Boston, duly qualified and legally warned, in public
Town meeting assembled at Faneuil Hall on Monday the 23d.
day of March A. D. 1795. 10 °Clock A. M. —
Warrant for calling the meeting — read —
Honble. Thomas Crafts Esqv.
chosen Moderator by a Hand Vote. —
A communication in the Paper of this day published by Mr.
Edes, — " reflecting on the conduct of the Selectmen in collecting
and counting the Votes for School Committee at a late meeting,
was read — whereupon Voted, that Mr. Edes be sent for, — Mr.
Edes appeared, and being questioned as to said publication, in-
formed the Town that it was brought him by Mr. Sam1. How,
whereupon Mr. How was sent for, — but previous to his coming
into meeting — Mr. John Vinal, master of the writing School in
the Common,- — read and handed in to the Moderator a paper by
him signed, and purporting that for various reasons he should
resign the School the first of June next which would complete 14
years since he re-entered into the service of the Town. —
[466.] Mr. Vinal then acquainted the Town, that he had
communicated what had been carried to the Press by Mr. How,
and gave his reasons for a justification of his conduct herein.
Mr. Howe then appeared and after some altercation between
him and Mr. Vinal, as also with the Selectmen, which were duly
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1795. 391
considered by the Town — it was moved and Voted, unani-
mously. —
That the reflections contained in the Boston Gazette of this
date to the disadvantage of the Selectmen of this Town is wholly
unfounded, — and that the Selectmen will continue to deserve the
confidence of their Fellow Citizens.
An advertisement in the Centinel of Saturday last, for the sale
of Town Orders, was read, — and it being the sense of the Town
that such a publication was greatly injurious to its interest, — it
was moved and voted that the Printer, Mr. Benja. Russell, be
sent for —
Mr. Russell appeared, and being questioned by the Moderator,
declared, that Mr. Bingham, master of the Reading school in
School street, was the Person who handed to him said Adver-
tisement. —
Mr. Bingham being sent for, appeared, and owned himself to
be the writer of said advertisement, and after considerable
[evidence] had been offered by the Town to show the destructive
tendency of such publications, and practices — it was moved,
and Voted, that this matter subside. —
The Votes being brought in for one Selectman in the room of
Mr. Bulfinch, who has resigned, it appeared that
Mr. Jesse Putnam
was chosen a Selectman for the year ensuing.
The Votes being brought in for three Overseers of the Poor, it
appeared that
Mess18. Oliver Brewster
Arnold Wells Junr.
Dr. Redford Webster
were chosen Overseers of the Poor for the year ensuing.
[467.] Mr. Bulfinch as a Selectman, and Mr. Parkman as
an Overseer received the thanks of the Town for their good services
in those Offices a number of years past. —
The Votes being brought in for 3 cullers of Dry Fish, it ap°
peared that
Cap1. Roger Bartlett
Cap1. Joseph Doble
Cap*. David Bruce
were chose cullers of Dry Fish for the year ensuing.
Mess™. John Cades
Thomas Tenant
were chose Constables for the year ensuing.
392 CITY DOCUMENT.
The Selectmen are directed to insert in the next warrant an
Article relative to procuring better accommodations for the Town
Poor in the Alms House. —
The Votes, being brought in for an Inspector of Stone Lime,
in the room of Mr. Blake who declines serving, it appeared that
Mr. Edward Rurnley was chosen. _
Voted, that any matter unfinish'd be referr'd over to May
meeting.
Voted, that the thanks of the town be given to the Honbte.
Tho8. Crafts Esqr. for his good services as Moderator.
Then the meeting was
dissolved.
At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Boston, of
twenty one years of age and upwards, qualified as the Constitu-
tion prescribes, and legally warned, in public town meeting
assembled at Faneuil Hall, on Monday the 6th. day of April
Anno Domini 1795.
Prayer by the Revd. John Clark.
Warrant for Calling Meeting, — read. —
[468.] Paragraph of the Constitution or frame of Govern-
ment relative to the choice of Governour, Lieutenant Governour,
and Senators — read. —
It was then declared by the Selectmen, that no Votes would
be received, but such as were unfolded, and that they propose
the Poll should be closed at half past One OClock, the Votes to
be received at the table and the Bell to begin tolling at One
°Clock.
Persons Voted for as Governour, with the number of the Votes
for each Person viz. —
Votes
His Excellency Samuel Adams Esqr. 2008
Thomas Russell Esqr. ----- 6
William Cushing Esqr. - - - - 10
Elbridge Gerry Esqr. 7
Sam1. Phillips Esqr. - - 1
Increase Sumner Esqr. - 1
Moses Gill Esqr. - 1
John Vinal Esqr. 6
Sam1. Hewes Esqr. 2
Benja. Austin Junr. Esqr. - - - 1
BOSTON TOWN RECOKDS, 1795. 393
Persons Voted for as Lieutenant Governour with the number of
Votes for each Person, viz
Votes
His Honour Moses Gill Esqr. 2029
Tho8. Russell Esqr. .... 6
Sam1. Adams Esqr. 1
James Bowdoin Esqr. 4
Sam1. Hewes ------- 4
Adam Colson - 2
Edwd. H. Robins Esqr. .... l
Elbridge Gerry Esqr. 1
Persons Voted for as Senators for the County of Suffolk, with
the number of votes for each Person, viz.
Honble. Thomas Dawes Esqr. 2040
Honble. Benja. Austin Junr. Esqr. - - - 825
Honble. Oliver Wendell Esqr. 2003
Honble. Charles Cushing Esqr. .... 791
Theophilus Cushing Esqr. 1259
Honble. John Coffin Jones Esqr. - - - - 1233
[469.1 Honble. Tho8. Russell Esqr. 3
Jona. Mason Esqr. - 5
8am1. Brown Esqr. - 1
Henry Hill Esqr. 1
Charles Jarvis Esqr. 3
Tho8. Crafts Esqr. 2
Wm. Eustis Esqr. 1
Sam1. Adams, Truckman .... 1
Attested Copies of the Persons voted for as Governour, Lieu-
tenant Governour and Senators for the County of Suffolk, were
committed to the Secretary of this Commonwealth, aud the in-
closures sealed up in town meeting superscribed as follows, viz.
For
John Avery Esqr.
Secretary of the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts. —
The number of Votes of the town of Boston, for a Governour,
Lieu*. Governour and four Senators, for the County of Suffolk,
certified within and sealed up in town meeting, —
Then the meeting was
dissolved .
At a meeting of the qualified Voters of the town of Boston
legally convened at Faneuil Hall on Wednesday the 6th. day of
May, Anno Domini 1795. 10 O Clock A. M. — agreeable to a
precept, issued for that purpose. —
394 CITY DOCUMENT.
"Warrant for calling the meeting — read.
Precept, and the resolve of the General Court read. —
Adjourned to 3 "Clock P. M. -
3 °Clock P. M. met according to adjournment.
The Precept and resolve of the General Court, for calling the
said meeting was read — and after the matter had been fully
debated and due consideration had thereon —
Votes
[47O.] The number of votes for revising the Constitu-
tution _ _ 78
The number of votes against revising the Con-
stitution ..49
The Selectmen made declaration accordingly and the number
of votes, for and against the revising the Constitution, were then
sealed up in town meeting, and the same was directed to the
Secretary of the Commonwealth and given to Mr. Peirce for
delivery .
Then the meeting was
dissolved.
At a meeting of the Freeholders, and other Inhabitants of the
town of Boston, duly qualified and legally warned, in public
town meeting assembled at Faneuil Hall on Wednesday the 11th.
day of May Anno Domini 1795. 10 °Clock, A. M.
Prayer made by the Revd. Mr. Freeman.
Warrant for calling the meeting — read —
That part of the Constitution or frame of Government which
relates to the choice of Representatives — read —
Sundry Laws to be read at said meeting, were accordingly —
read. —
The town having determined by a Vote to choose seven persons
to represent them to the General Court, of Massachusetts, to be
held in the State House, in Boston, on the last Wednesday of
May, Current, agreeably to the Constitution or frame of Govern-
ment for Massachusetts, the Inhabitants were directed by the
Selectmen to withdraw, and bring in their Votes, for seven repre-
sentatives, and then it was declared by the Selectmen, that no
Votes would be received but such as are unfolded, and that they
intend the Poll shall be closed at a half past One °Clock, Bell to
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1795. 395
toll a little before that time. Assessors and Collectors directed
to attend. —
The Votes being brought in for seven Representatives the num-
ber of the same were found to be 1957. and upon sorting them it
appeared that [471.] only the six following Gentlemen had
obtain'd a majority of Votes, viz.
Votes
Jona. Mason Esqr. 1915
Charles Jarvis Esqr. - - - - - 1125
William Tudor Esqr. 1947
Tho8. Edwards Esqr. - - - - - 1051
William Eustis Esqr. 1953
Willm. Little Esqr. 1054
and declaration was made by the Selectmen accordingly.
Adjourned to Wednesday next, 10 °Clock A. M. having previ-
ously chosen Col°. Crafts Moderator by a hand Vote, to transact
the other Business mentioned in the Warrant.
May 13. 1795. — 10 "Clock, A. M. met according to adjourn-
ment.
The Selectmen presiding
The Votes being brought in as directed for one Representative,
the number of the same were found to be at the closing of the
Poll, at a half past One oClock 1814 Votes
And upon sorting them it appeared that
Stephen Gorham Esqr.
Votes.
had obtained a majority of Votes. 1113
Declaration was made by the Selectmen to the Town, that
Stephen Gorham Esqr. and the six aforenamed Gentlemen were
chosen Representatives by a majority of Votes.
The choice of Representatives being over and declared. — The
Honble. Tho8. Crafts Esqr. Moderator, took the chair in order to
transact the other Business mentioned in the warrant. — and on
motion, adjourned to 3 oClock P. M. —
3 °Clock P. M. met according to adjournment.
The article in the warrant viz. "what measures are proper to
be taken for the better accommodation of the Poor, by erecting
new buildings or otherwise." —was read — whereupon
Voted, that Col°. Dawes
Dr. Eustis
Dr. Jarvis
396 CITY DOCUMENT.
Col°. Crafts
Deacon Mason
Wm. Tudor
[472.] Will™. Phillips Junr.
H. G. Otis
John Sweetser Esqr.
be a Committee to take up this matter at large, and report at the
adjournment.
The article in the warrant, viz. — " Whether the Land belong-
ing to the town at the bottom of the Mall, lately called Fosters
pasture, shall be opened into the Common " was read, whereupon
Voted, That the Selectmen be directed to carry the Mall to the
end of Fosters pasture, lately so called, and after widening the
street, the remainder of the Land to be inclosed for the future
use of the town.
The article in the warrant viz. "Whether any, or what part of
the town's Real Estate shall be sold for payment of the sum
given by the town for the late Governours pasture "was read, —
whereupon
Voted, that Joseph Russell Junr. Esqr.
Col°. Dawes
Willm. Little Esqr.
be a Committee to consider this matter and report at the adjourn-
ment.
Mr. Robert Pierponts application for permission to make a
Cellar under Faueuil Hall market and long lease, — was read
and debated whereupon
Voted, That the Petitioner have leave to withdraw his petition.
Article relative to the Dam on the neck, was read, whereupon,
Voted, That the Selectmen be a Committee to take into con-
sideration the probable advantages and disadvantages of the re-
pairing, or new erecting the Dam on the East side of the neck,
and the probable expence it may occasion.
The Consideration of money matters, and reports of Commit-
tees is assigned to the adjournment, and the Town Clerk is to
give notice thereof in the several public prints. —
[473.] The Committee appointed at a town meeting on the
1 1th. of February last, for the purpose of procuring for the Com-
monwealth a piece of Land, proper for building a State House,
and that they be authoriz'd to make any contract for the purchase
of it for that purpose, or to convey any piece of the Lands owned
BOSTON TOWN RECOIIDS, 1795. 397
by the town within the same to the Commonwealth, which they
may deem expedient, for the interest of the town, for the pur-
pose of erecting a State house, not alienating any part of the
Common, unless the accommodation cannot be had on any other
terms." — Report —
That they have in compliance with the aforesaid Vote, pur-
chas'd from the Heirs of the late Governour Hancock, a piece of
Land on the north easterly side of the mansion house of the late
Governour Hancock, commonly called the Goveruour's pastui'e ;
at the price of Four thousand pounds, and after receiving a Deed
of the same, have executed a Deed in fee of the same premises to
the Commonwealth for the purposes aforesaid ; that in order to
effect the purpose aforesaid, your Committee found it necessary
to borrow of the Massachusetts & Union Banks the sum of One
thousand pounds, & on the same day, viz. the 6th. of April last,
gave their Notes on interest, for the remainder of the purchase
money, payable by instalments of three, six & nine months, —
All which is submitted for the consideration & confirmation of
the Inhabitants of the Town.— By order
Boston
May 13th. 1795
Tudor
Chairman
The above report was read, and accepted, and thereupon Voted,
that the purchase of the premises therein mentioned, and the
grant of the same to the Commonwealth be, and hereby is con-
firmed.
Adjourned to Thursday, the 21st. of May ins*, at 10 "Clock,
A. M.—
Thursday May 21st. 10 °Clock, A. M. met according to adjourn-
ment. —
[474.] The Committee appointed to determine what part of
the Town's Real Estate should be sold for the purpose of paying
the money, which the town have agreed to pay for the Governour's
pasture, so called. —
Beg leave to report that they have attended that Business and
have apprais'd the Estate at Dock square occupied by William
Dawes, Robert Crocker, and Eliakim Morse - - - - £3200
And the Estate at Court Street, occupied by Jesse ) qr\o
Houghton, Elizth. B. Brown & Jesse Green - - j
£4100
The Committee are of opinion that these Estates had better
be sold at Auction, and the money appropriated for the purpose
of taking up the notes, given by the Committee for the purchase
money, to the late Governour Hancock's Heirs.
Joseph Russell Junr. ^r. order.
398 CITY DOCUMENT.
The aforegoing report having been read, and considered, the
question was put, viz., whether the same shall be accepted, —
passed in the affirmative. It was then Voted that the Selectmen
be appointed agents to sell at public Auction (upon such terms
and conditions as they may deem most beneficial to the town)
the Estate described, in the foregoing report, and that the pro-
ceeds thereof be in the first instance, appropriated to the sole
purpose of discharging the debt contracted for the purchase of the
Governours pasture, so called, and the residue paid into the town
treasury.
And said agents or a major part of them are hereby authoriz'd
to make and execute good and sufficient conveyances of the prem-
ises to the purchasers, in the name of the Inhabitants.
The Committee appointed "To consider what measures are
proper to be taken for the better accommodation of the Poor, by
erecting new buildings or otherwise " — having considered the
subject at large, ask leave to report as follows, viz.
1st. That [it] is highly expedient to have the poor and sick
Inhabitants usually provided for in the present Alms [475.]
house, and work house, better accommodated ; and that to effect,
this desirable object, it is indispensably necessary, that an entire
new set of Buildings should be erected in some suitable place to
be approved of by the Town. —
2nd. The Committee find that a lot of ground suitable for the
purpose can be had at West Boston, on the north side of Leverett
street, commonly called Barton's point. —
3d. In order to raise the money to purchase a sufficient quan-
tity of Land in this place, the Committee are of opinion, that it is
expedient for the town to sell as many house lots in their Land
opposite the mall, and near Greenleafs corner as will effect the
purchase ; There will after this remain a sufficiency of Land for
the School house, and Hay market. —
4th. It is further the opinion of the Committee, that the
monies raised by the sale of all the Land now occupied for the
Alms house, Work house, and Granary, may prove sufficient to
erect as many buildings, as are at present indispensably necessary ;
should they however prove insufficient, the township of Eastern
Lands, the property of the town, will make good the deficiency
without burthening the Inhabitants with a tax. —
5th. The Committee propose that the building, commonly
called the Granary*, be taken down, and placed in the lot called
Fosters pasture, and continue to be the town's property ; in the
same place may be accommodated the Gun house. —
6th. As it is impossible to ascertain the expence of erecting
the new buildings on the one hand, and on the other, what the
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1795. 399
land will sell for, where the Alms house &c, now stand, and as it
is highly probable that the town may not be able to receive their
payment at such times, as to accommodate their necessary expend-
itures, the committee respectfully recommend to the town to ap-
point agents with plenary powers, to purchase the Land before
mentioned, at Bartons point, to erect thereon a plain but commo-
dious set of Buildings for the accommodation of the sick, and
poor Inhabitants, on a plan to be approved of by the Selectmen,
or such other persons as the town shall appoint. — that their
[476.] Committee be authoriz'd to sell a sufficient number of
House lots, opposite the mall as aforementioned, and also to sell
all the Land where the Alms house, Work house and Granary
now stand, in such lots, at such time and in such manner, as
shall best promote the interest of the town, provided however,
and it shall be a condition of the sale of this last mentioned
Land, that the buildings to be erected thereon shall be constructed
of Brick, covered with tile or slate, and shall be regular and uni-
form. — That their Committee be also impowered to sell a part or
the whole of the Eastern Township if necessary. — And to antici-
pate the payment of any monies due from the sales here men-
tioned, by borrowing in the name of the town such sums as they
may from time to time, judge necessary. —
All which is submitted.
Boston May 21. 1795. — Thomas Dawes
pr. order
The aforegoing report having been considered, Paragraph by
Paragraph, the Question was put at large, viz. whether this report
shall be accepted, — Passed in the affirmative unanimously; —
Also Voted, that the number of Agents, for which a blank was
left in the aforegoing report, shall be three, and that they shall
be chosen by [vote] at the adjournment, and notice given thereof,
in the public prints. —
Adjourned to Monday next, 10 °Clock before noon.
Monday the 25th. May, 10 °Clock A. M. — Met according to
adjournment.
The Inhabitants having brought in their Votes for three Agents
for purchase of Land &c. as per report of Committee relative to
Alms house &c. and, on being sorted it appeared that only two
were chosen viz.
Honble. Thomas Dawes Esqr.
Samuel Brown Esqr.
The Inhabitants brought in their Votes a second time, and on
sorting them it appeared that
the Honble. George R. Minct Esqr.
was chosen the other Agent. — whereupon
400 CITY DOCUMENT.
[477.] Voted, —That Thomas Dawes
Samuel Brown
George R. Minot Esqr.
be, and they hereby are appointed Agents for, and in behalf of
the Inhabitants of the Town, to sell at public Auction, at such
time, and times as they shall deem necessary, and expedient,
public notice being first given three weeks at least, all or any part
or parts of the following lands and Buildings, in that parcel of
Land belonging to the Town opposite the Mall, bounded on Com-
mon street, and Mason street, also all that parcel of Land now
occupied for an Alms house, work house, and other pu'rposes,
extending from Common street to Beacon street, and to make
and execute good and sufficient Deeds and conveyances thereof
to the purchasers ; upon express condition, that all Buildings to
be erected on the lands sold by virtue of this Vote, shall be regu-
lar and uniform, and of Brick, or Stone, and covered with slate
or tile, or some materials that will resist Fire, also for, and in
behalf of the Inhabitants to contract, bargain for and purchase
so much Land at Bartons point (so called) as they may deem
necessary and expedient, for the erection of such Hospitals, Alms
houses, and other Buildings as may be proper, and convenient to
accommodate the Poor and Sick, and other Persons usually
accomodated in the Alms house, and work house, and to contract
for, and provide materials, plan, construct, erect, and complete
Buildings sufficient for the aforesaid & other necessary objects. —
And for the foregoing purposes, the Treasurer is hereby author-
ized and directed from time to time, upon request of said agents
to borrow such sums of money, as may be requisite, and to obli-
gate the Inhabitants for the payment thereof. — And all monies
arising from the sale of the above mentioned Lands & Buildings
shall be forthwith paid by said Agents into the hands of the
Treasurer of the Town, who is hereby enjoined to deposit the
same in some Bank or Banks, to be drawn out at the request of
said Agents, [478.] And to be appropriated solely and exclu-
sively to the aforesaid objects. — And the said Agents are further
authorized to remove any Building or Buildings, (now on or any
part of the premises) to any other Lands belonging to the Town,
if they shall think proper, with the approbation of the Selectmen,
or wholly to take down and dispose of the same at public sale as
aforesaid. — And if the funds arising from the sale of the above
mentioned Estates shall not be likely, in the judgment of said
Agents, to prove adequate to the aforesaid objects, the said
Agents, with the approbation of the Selectmen, are further
authoriz'd to contract for the sale of the Township belonging
to the Town, in the Eastern Country, and the Selectmen are
hereby authoriz'd and directed to make good and sufficient Deeds
thereof to such persons as may purchase the same of said Agents ;
and the monies arising therefrom shall be appropriated as afore-
said.—
Adjourned to 4 °Clock P. M.
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1795. 401
Four °Clock P. M. met according to adjournment. —
The Committee appointed to take into consideration the peti-
tion of Wm. Darracott and Jona. Loring, Housewrights, employed
in Building the North School have attended that service, and ask
leave to report the following — Tho8. Dawes ^$)r. order. — The
Committee have examined the several accounts and vouchers ex-
hibited by the petitioner, for building the North School House,
and find that the sum of two hundred and thirty pounds, being
the amount of the contract with them, have not been but little
more than adequate for the purchasing the materials, and as the
workmanship is well executed it is their opinion that the Town
allow and pay them, out of the next Town tax, the sum of one
hundred pounds as a full compensation for the aforesaid Buildings
agreeable to the prayer of their Petition.
The aforegoing report having been considered the [479.]
Question was put viz. whether the same shall be accepted —
passed in the affirmative —
Voted, that Thomas Dawes
Perez Morton
Willm. Tudor Esqr.
be a Committee to confer with the Gentlemen Selectmen relative
to the Lands to be left open between Mess18. Richardson and
Emmons Rope walks, also such other matters relative to the New
Street from Atkinson street to Hutchinson street ; and bring the
matter in dispute between, the Town and the Rope makers, pro-
prietors of the Rope walks late consumed by Fire, to a decision. —
The Committee appointed to audit the Town Treasurers ac-
compts [reported] and have attended that service, and ask leave
to report ; That they find the accounts of the said Treasurer well
vouched and rightly cast, there was due to the Town the first of
March 1795. (if the outstanding debts could be collected)
£5803 „ 13 „ 0
But your Committee are of opinion the fol-
lowing never can be, viz :
Acco*. of Towns Powder stands in Debt by ye
Books £312 ,, 11 ,, 8
Samue1. Jepson - - - - 21 ,, 10 ,, 6
Ephraim Brown - ... 12 ,, 6 ,, 8
Peirce & Wheeler - - - - 7 ,, 10 ,, 0
353 ,, 18 ,, 10
To which may be added a sup- }
posed abatement on 1794 tax } 599 ,, 14 ,, 2
953 ,, 13 ,, 0
Which will reduce the balance due the Town to 4850 ,, 0 ,, 0
402 CITY DOCUMENT.
The Selectmens drafts on the Treasurer from 1st. March 1794. to
I8t. March 1795 amount to £8212 ,, 19 ,, 9£
rlhe Overseers for the same period were - - 3053 ,, 7 ,, 11
£11265 18
The Balances due from the several Collectors on 1st. Mar. 1795
as in the tryal balance of the Books, > ~noon
amount to j £9* 0 „ 1 „ 8f
[48O.] Since which to 11th.
inst. has been received of them,
by the Treasurer, (which is the
whole of 1793. and part of 1794
Tax) 2773 ,, 8 ,, 7^
So there is now due from the Collectors on) „_ _
account of 1794 tax j i/ltb»lo,, 1
Your Committee from the best information they can get,
Report, that a tax of £12000 will be necessary to defray the
following expences of the current Year, viz. —
School masters and Ushers as last Year - - £2227 ,, ,, ,,
Repairing schools, wood & ca' ... - 200 ,, ,, ,,
Watchmen, Coals, Candles & ca' - - - - 600 ,, ,, ,,
Assessors pay ---------- 650 ,, ,, ,,
Collector's premiums- ------- 600 ,, ,, ,,
Lamps, if light the year - ------ 1000 ,, ,, ,,
Town Clerk's salary -------- 200 ,, ,, ,,
Town Treasurers ditto ------- 200 ,, ,, ,,
Officer of Police d°. 180 ,, ,, ,,
Messenger to the Selectmen ----- 70,, » ,,
Clerks of the market - 10 ,, ,, ,,
Constables service - - 25 ,, ,, ,,
Interest on Monies owed by the Town now
due 102 ,, ,, „
Ditto for the present Year ------ 180 ,, ,, ,,
£6244
Repairing Clocks -- £18 ,, ,,
New Engine 120
Repairing Engines -------- 50
Printing for the Town -- 50
Stationary --- - 25
Ringing of Bells --- - 75
Paving streets 1800
Pay for a new street -------- 211 13
D°. for the late Governors pasture ... 4000
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1795. 403
Dam on the neck --------- 1000 ,, ,, ,,
To finish the survey of the Town - - - 130 ,, ,, ,,
New Streets thro' ye Rope walks - - - - 1000 ,, ,, ,,
Incidental charges, visiting Schools &c - - 126 ,, 7 ,, ,,
[481.] For the Overseers of the Poor - - 3000,, ,, ,,
11606 ,, 0
6244 „
£17850 „ 0
From which may be deducted. —
Balance
due the Town as by the within state-
ment £4850 ,, ,, ,,
Suppose will be received from the
Commonwealth for the support of
their Poor 1000,, ,, ,,
5850 ,
£12000 ,, 0
Your Committee therefore recommend that the sum of TWELVE
THOUSAND POUNDS be assessed for the present Year, unless the
Town provide for the payment of the late Governors pasture or
any other part of the Estimate of expences, in some other way,
than by a tax. — All which is submitted. —
Herman Brimmer
Joseph Russell Junr.
Sam1. Brown
The aforegoing report having been considered, it was Voted,
that the same be accepted. —
Voted, That the sum of Twelve thousand pounds be raised by
a tax to be assessed on the Polls and Estates of the Inhabitants
of the Town, to defray the expences of the current Year.
Voted, That the sum of Two hundred pounds be allowed and
paid to Joseph Russell for his services as Town Treasurer the
present year, the same to be paid him in quarterly payments as it
shall become due & to commence the first of March last. —
Voted, That the sum of two hundred pounds be allowed and
paid unto William Cooper for his services as Town Clerk, the
present year, the same to be paid him quarterly, as it shall
become due and to commence the first of March last. —
Voted, That the sum of one hundred and thirty [482.]
Pounds be allowed to each of the Assessors for their respective
services the present year, the same to be paid them quarterly, as
it shall become due, and to commence the first of March last. —
404 CITY DOCUMENT.
Voted, That the sum of one hundred and eighty pounds be
allowed and paid unto Josiah "Waters, for his services as Officer
of the Police, the present year, to be paid him quarterly as it
shall become due. —
The Committee appointed to take into consideration the prob-
able advantages and disadvantages of the preparing or new
erecting the Dam, on the East side the neck, and the probable
expence it may occasion, having attended that Business, report
as their opinion that it will be most for the benefit of the Town,
that a new Dike should be made, according to the modern plan,
as the present Dam is in so ruinous and decayed a state as to
render a complete repair almost as expensive as a new one, and
at the same time will not fully answer the purposes intended, and
expected. — The time for which it is now leased will expire the
4th. April. 1797.
The quantity of Land on this side the neck exclusive of salt
marsh, without the Dam, is nearly 50 acres ; should we be suc-
cessful in keeping out the salt water, & we see nothing to prevent
it, calculating upon the experience of individuals who have had
Land in similar situations, the probable profit to the town will be
500 DolF8. annually, while from the best inquiries and calcula-
tions the expence will not exceed £1000, — if our calculations are
just this will yield us 15 ^ Cent, for our money, we can conceive
no probable disadvantage that can arise to the Town, from this
measure, unless the expence at this particular time should be
thought so, in addition to the pecuniary advantage which we pre-
sume the town will experience, we think it no small one, that the
Eye will be relieved from the view of a barren waste, by a beauti-
ful & pleasing verdure : — and should the Town in a future day
think proper to sell the same, we presume the value will be [483.]
enhanced much beyond the expence. By order
Ezek1. Price. —
The aforegoing report having been read, and considered, the
question was put, viz whether the same shall be accepted, —
passed in the affirmative.
Voted, That all matters and things unfinished at this meeting,
be referred over to the next general Town meeting.
Voted, That the thanks of the Town be given to the Honble.
Tho8. Crafts Esqr. for his good services as Moderator of this
meeting. —
Then the meeting was
dissolved.
At a meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the
Town duly qualified and legally warned, in public town meeting
assembled at Faneuil Hall on Saturday the 4th day of July A. D.
1795. — 10°Clock A. M.
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1795. 405
"Warrant for calling the meeting — read. —
William Cooper
was chosen Moderator by a hand Vote. —
The Committee appointed the last year to make choice of a
Gentleman, to deliver an Oration on the anniversary of Inde-
pendence. —
Reported, that they had made choice of Mr. George Blake Esqr.
— who has accepted. — •
On motion, Voted, That the Oration be delivered at the Old
South Church, 11 °Clock, Liberty therefor, having been obtained.
Voted, That the Gentleman, the Selectmen acquaint Mr. Blake
with this Vote.
Adjourned to the Old South Church.
[484.] AN ORATION
to commemorate the Independence of the United States was de-
livered by Geo. Blake Esqr. at the Old South Church. —
On motion Voted, That the Selectmen be, and hereby are ap-
pointed a Committee to wait on George Blake Esqr. and in the
name of the Town, to thank him for the spirited and elegant
Oration this day delivered by him, at the request of the Town,
upon the anniversary of the Independence of the United States
of America, in which according to the institution of the Town, he
considered the feelings, manners and principles which led to that
great national event, — And to request of him a Copy thereof for
the Press. —
On motion, Voted, that the Gentlemen Selectmen be, and
hereby are appointed a Committee to apply to some one Learned
and able Gentleman, to deliver an Oration on the 4th. of July,
A. D. 1796. — that day being the anniversary of the independence
of the United States of America ; wherein the Orator is to con-
sider the feelings, manners, and principles which led to this great
national event, — as well as the important and happy effects
whether general or Domestic, which have already, and will for-
ever flow, from that auspicious Epoch. —
Then the meeting was
dissolved.
406 ClTY^DOGUMEXT.
At a meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the
Town duly qualified and legally warned in public town meeting
assembled at Faneuil Hall on Friday the 10th. day of July A. D.
1795.
Warrant for calling the meeting — read.
Honble. Tho8. Crafts Esqr.
chosen Moderator by a hand Vote. — being unwell.
[485.] Honble. Tho8. Dawes
was chosen Moderator by a Hand Vote. —
The article in the warrant, relative to the pending Treaty —
read, and after considerable debate,
It was moved and Voted, That the sense of the Inhabitants be
taken upon the Treaty now pending between the United States
and Great Britain, and the question being clearly stated, it was
called for in the affirmative ; and not a single Vote appeared in
its favor ; upon which the negative was put, and was unani-
mously carried. The Hall was remarkably crowded, on this im-
portant occasion. It was then moved and Voted, that
Charles Jar vis Esqr
William Tudor Esqr.
Willm. Eustis Esqr.
Benja. Austin Junr. Esqr.
Cap*. Nath1. Fellows
Perez Morton Esqr.
Sam1. Brown Esqr.
Thomas Dawes Esqr.
Joseph Blake Junr. Esqr.
William Little Esqr.
Willm. Cooper Esqr.
George Blake Esqr.
Stephen Gorham Esqr.
John Sweetser Esqr.
Tho8. Walley Esqr.
be a Committee to take the subject at large into consideration,
and to state the objections to the several articles of the Treaty,
that the same may be respectfully represented by an address to
the President of the United States, and request the interposition
of his constitutional Authority to prevent the said Treaty being
carried into effect.
The meeting was then adjourned to Monday next, 10 "Clock.
A. M. —
Monday the 13th. day of July 10 °Clock A. M. met according
to adjournment.
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1795. 407
[486.] On a motion of Dr. Jarvis, Chairman of the Com-
mittee of 15th. — The pending Treaty was distinctly read in
Town meeting by the Moderator. —
The Committee then Reported as follows, viz.
A Pamphlet printed at Philadelphia under the signature of S.
T. Mason Esqr. one of the Senators of the United States, from
the Commonwealth of Virginia, and purporting to be a genuine
Copy of a Treaty of Amity, Commerce, and Navigation, entered
into at London, on the 19th. day of November last, between Lord
Grenville on the part of his Britannick Majesty, and John Jay
Esqr. on the part of the United States, was read and duly con-
sidered, and thereupon it was,
Resolved, As the sense of the Inhabitants of this Town, that
the aforesaid Instrument, if Ratified, will be highly Injurious to
the commercial interests of the United States, derogatory to their
National Honour, and Independence, and may be dangerous to
the Peace & Happiness of their Citizens. The reasons which
have induced this opinion are as follows, viz*.
1st. Because, This Compact professes to have no referrence to
the Merits of the Complaints and pretensions of the contracting
parties ; but in reality the complaints and pretensions of Great
Britain are fully provided for, while a part only of those of the
United states have been brought into Consideration. —
2my. Because, in the stipulation which restores our Posts on the
Western Frontier, no provision is made to indemnify the United
states for the Commercial, and other Losses they have sustained,
and the heavy expences to which they have been subjected in
consequence of being kept out of possession, for twelve Years
in direct violation of the Treaty of Peace. —
3dly. Because, no indemnification is proposed to be made to the
Citizens of the United States, for property [487.] taken from
them at the close of the War, the restitution of which is pro-
vided for in the same Treaty.
4thly. Because, the Capture of Vessels and property of Citizens
of the United States during the present War, made under the
Authority of the Government of Great Britain, is a National
Concern, and claims arising from such Captures ought not to
have been submitted to. the decision of their admiralty Courts as
the United States are thereby precluded from having a voice in
the final determination of such cases. — Because, the Indemnifica-
tion proposed, is to be sought by a Process tedious and expen-
sive, in which justice may be delayed, to an unreasonable time,
and eventually lost to many of the sufferers from their inability
408 CITY DOCUMENT.
to pursue it; and because this mode of Indemnification bears
no proportion to the summary method adopted for the satisfac-
tion of British claims.
5thiy Because, this compact admits British subjects to an equal
participation with our own citizens of the interior traffic of the
United states with the neighboring Indians thro' our whole ter-
ritorial dominions ; while the advantages ostensibly reciprocated
to our citizens are limited both in their nature and extent.
gthiy. Because, the alien duties upon merchandize imported into
the United states by British subjects in their own Bottoms is, if
not wholly suspended, at least contracted, not to be increased. —
7my. Because, the Commerce the United States have hitherto
enjoyed in India, in common with other Nations, is so restricted
that in future it will be of little, or no substantial benefit to our
own Citizens. —
[488.] 8thly. Because, in every stipulation respecting our inter-
course with the Colonial possessions of Great Britain, the whole
commerce of the United States in such intercourse is colonized in
return. —
Because, the clause by which the British Government
reserves to itself the right of imposing on American Vessels,
entering British ports in Europe, a Duty which shall countervail
the difference of the Duty payable on the importation of European
and Asiatic Goods into the United States in British or American
bottoms, places it in the power of that Government to enable
British subjects to become the importers of Asiatic and European
Goods into the United states to the exclusion of our own Citizens.
10thly. Because, altho' the terms of said Treaty purport to be
reciprocal in many instances, yet from the local situation and
existing circumstances of the United states, and the Pacific
system of policy they have adopted, that reciprocity is merely
nominal and delusive.
llthly. Because, it prevents the United States from imposing any
further restrictions on the British trade alone, and because it is
stipulated that neither the debts due from Individuals of the one
Nation to Individuals of the other, nor shares, nor monies which
they may have in the public funds, or in any public or private
Banks, shall ever in any event of war, or national difference, be
sequestered or confiscated, — as it is far from being impossible
that the exercise of this right may in the opinion of the Legisla-
ture of the United states, contribute to preserve the peace of our
Country, and protect the rights and property of the citizens
from violation, we therefore esteem it highly impolitic that the
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1795. 409
public faith should be pledged that it shall never be exercised
under any circumstances whatever. —
[489.] 12thly. Because, it concedes a Right to the British Gov-
ernment, to search and detain our Vessels in time of War between
them and other Nations, under frivolous and vexatious pretexts.
13thly. Because, it provides that Ship timber, Tar, Hemp, Sails,
and Copper, shall be considered contraband of War, which arti-
cles are expressly stipulated to be free by the Treaties already
subsisting between the United States and all other Nations with
whom they are in compact.
Because, it surrenders all or most of the Benefits of a
Commercial nature which we had a right to expect from our
Neutrality in the present European War. —
15thly. Because, it precludes the hope of receiving any advantage
from the modern Law of nations referred to in the PRESIDENTS
Proclamation of Neutrality ; adopted by most of the Nations of
Europe in the last War, and to which we then acceded, and have
since secured in our Treaties with all other Nations.
16thly. Because, it not only surrenders the right of carrying the
property of any Nation at War with Great Britain in our Vessels
freely, but abandons all pretentions even to the freight.
17tmy. Because, it permits the British nation to convert provi-
sions destined to other Nations at War with them, to their own
use, on payment of what they may deem a reasonable profit ; a
measure, not only injurious to the interest of the American Mer-
chant, but which will prevent our citizens from carrying American
productions to other Countries, which by the Laws of Nature and
Nations they have a right to do without molestation.
Because, it limits the Power of Congress delegated to
them by the Constitution, — "To regulate our Commerce with
foreign Nations," — by prescribing conditions, and creating im-
pediments to the exercise of that Power.
[49O.] 19thly. Because, it exposes the United States and their
Commerce, to similar embarrassments from other Commercial
nations, all of whom probably regulate our trade by this partial
standard. —
and Lastly, — Because, in the opinion of the Inhabitants of this
town, the Nature and Extent of the Exports of the United States
are such, that in all their stipulations with foreign Nations, they
have it in their power to secure a perfect reciprocity of inter-
course not only with the home Dominions of such Nations, but
with all their colonial dependences. —
410 CITY DOCUMENT.
It is further Resolved, that a Copy of the foregoing Proceed-
ings, attested by the Town Clerk be immediately transmitted to
the PRESIDENT of the United States, that they may be respectfully
submitted to his consideration. — And we earnestly hope, and
confidently rely, that his Prudence, Fortitude and Wisdom which
have more than once been eminently instrumental in the salvation
of his Country, will be equally conspicuous on the present occa-
sion, and that the Reasons we have assigned, will have their
influence to induce him to withhold his signature from the Rati-
fication of this alarming Instrument.
The above report having been considered by Paragraphs — the
Question was put.- — "whether the same shall be accepted"
Passed in the Affirmative, — unanimously. —
Moved and Voted, that the Gentlemen the Selectmen, be
requested to transmit the same to the President by express and
that the Selectmen sign the Letter to be sent the President.
On motion Voted, That the thanks of this town be given to the
Honble. Stephen Thompson Mason one of the Senators of the
United States, for his patriotic conduct in publishing the late
Commercial Treaty agreed to by Mr. Jay, between the United
States and the British Nation, thereby giving an opportunity for
the Citizens to express their sentiments on this important and
interesting occasion. — Also that the Town Clerk forward the
same to Mr. Mason by the post.
[491.] Voted, That the thanks of the town be given to
Honble. Tho8. Dawes Esqr. for his good sendees as Moderator.
Then the meeting was
dissolved.
At a meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the
town of Boston, in public Town meeting assembled at Faneuil
Hall on Monday the second day of Novr. A. D. 1795. — 10
°Clock A.M.
"Warrant for calling the meeting — read.
Hon;ble. Thomas Crafts Esqr.
was chosen Moderator by a hand Vote.
The Petition of Henry Jackson Esqr. and others, laid before
the Town by order of the General Court — read — whereupon
Voted, that
Honble. George R. Minot Esqr.
Honble. Tho8. Dawes Esqr.
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1795. 411
Dr. Townsend
Mr. Ebenr. Seaver
Mr. Treasurer Russell
be a Committee to take said Petition into consideration, and
report at the adjournment.
The Article in the Warrant relative to the Common and Chapel
Burying grounds — read — whereupon Voted, that
The Honble. Tho8. Dawes Esqr.
The Honble. Geo. R. Minot Esqr.
Dr. Eustis
Nath1. Appleton Esqr.
[492.] Dr. Jarvis
Mr. Nath1. Balch
Honble. Willm Tudor Esqr.
be a Committee to report some suitable place or places of deposit
for the Dead, in order that the Town may be enabled to discon-
tinue the opening of any graves in the Common and Chapel
Burying grounds.
The article in the warrant relative to the disposal of a small
strip of salt marsh, on the neck, read, whereupon
Voted, that the Committee on Henry Jackson and others Peti-
tion, be a Committee to consider this article, and report thereon
to the Town.
The other articles in the warrant referred over to the adjourn-
ment.
Adjourned to Friday next 10 °Clock A. M.
Friday, Novr. 6. 1795. — 10 OClock A. M. met according to
adjournment.
Voted, on motion, that all matters unfinished be referred for
consideration to the general town meeting of this day.
Then the meeting was
dissolved
At a meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the
town, duly qualified and legally warned, in Public town meeting
assembled at Faneuil Hall, on Friday the 6th. day of November
A. D. 1795. 10 O Clock A. M.
Warrant for calling the meeting — read.
[493.] The Honble. Tho8. Crafts Esqr.
was chosen Moderator by a hand Vote. —
412 CITY DOCUMENT.
An attested Copy of the petition of Henry Jackson and others,
praying for Liberty to erect a Dyke, or Causeway at the Southerly
part of Boston, to extend to the northwesterly point of Land at
Dorchester neck, which was referred to the Legislature of the
Common-wealth at their last Sessions being read, together with
the order of notification to this town, passed by the General
Court thereon. —
.Voted, that the Inhabitants have no cause to show why the
Prayer of said Petition should not be granted, but on the con-
trary do approve of the said application, as embracing many
general and public advantages.
On the article in the late warrant referred to this meeting, rel-
ative to disposing of a small strip of salt marsh. The Committee
thereon report, that the same be referred to the Selectmen, in
order that they may receive any proposals for the purchase of the
strip of marsh Land therein mentioned, and lay the same before
the Town at some future meeting. — which report was accepted.
The Committee appointed by the Town to consider the subject
of the Burying grounds at large, and to report on Friday next,
some suitable place of deposit for the Dead, in order that the
Town may be enabled to discontinue the opening of Graves in
the Common, and Chapel Burying grounds, report as follows : —
The Committee having consulted the Physicians of the Town, find
it to be their opinion that the Health of the Inhabitants is in
danger from the crowded state of these Grounds, & the exhala-
tions which must frequently arise from opening Graves therein.
In addition to which they find it is almost impossible to open new
[494.] Graves without disturbing the relicts of the Dead already
interred. From an equal regard to Health and from a decent
respect for both the living and the Dead, they recommend it to
the Inhabitants to adopt the following measures.
1st. That no Graves or new Tombs shall be opened or built, in
either the Common or Chapel burying Grounds, after the first day
of May next.
2^y. As the South Burying grounds is already sufficiently large
for the present accommodation of the Inhabitants and will admit
of such enlargement, that the Selectmen be empowered to allot to
any Inhabitant who may apply for the same, sufficient Ground
for erecting a Tomb, in this Ground, and to enlarge the said
South Burying Ground in a direction westerly whenever the public
convenience shall in their judgment require it.
3d. Inasmuch as in remarkably inclement weather, it may be
inconvenient for Funerals to proceed to the South Burying
Ground, that the Selectmen cause to be erected under the Vestry
room of the Stone Chapel, or in some other part of the Chapel
burying ground, a Vault or Tomb suitable for a temporary deposit,
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1795. 413
in which any of the Inhabitants, who may incline thereto, shall
have a right to deposit the Bodies of their deceased Friends or
relatives, for a term of time not exceeding twenty four hours,
(unless in particular cases) by special permission of the Select-
men, until it may be convenient for them to remove such Bodies
to the place of final interment, —
All which is submitted. — Tho8. Dawes ^ order.
The foregoing report having been read and consider'd, the
Question was put, whether the same shall be accepted — passed
in the affirmative. —
[495.] On the Petition of the Assessors for a further allow-
ance, on account of the rise of provisions —
Voted Judge Tudor
Judge Minot
Mr. Edwards
be a Committee to take the Petition into consideration, and report
thereon as soon as may be. —
The article in the warrant relative to the new street, read,
whereupon Voted, that
Judge Tudor
Judge Minot
Dr. Eustis
Dr. Townsend
Majr. Thompson
be, and hereby are appointed a Committee to compromise the
Business of laying out the new street from Atkinson street to
Hutchinson street, as to the sums to be paid or recd. by the
several Abutters, and that if said Committee cannot make such
compromise before the first day of September next, that they make
report thereof to the Selectmen, who are in such case directed
to proceed as soon as may be, in Assessing the Damages by a
Jury according to Law.
Article relative to the Petition for selling part of the Common
— was read — together with the petition — read, and after some
debate — Voted, that the Petitioners have leave to Withdraw
their Petition. —
All matters unfinished referred over to the next Town meet-
ing.—
Voted, that the thanks of the Town be given to the Honble.
Tho8. Crafts Esqr. for his good services as Moderator. —
Then the meeting was
dissolved.
414 CITY DOCUMENT.
[496.] At A meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabi-
tants of the Town of Boston, duly qualified and legally warned in
public Town meeting assembled at Faneuil Hall, on Monday the
seventh day of December A. D. 1795. — 10 O Clock A. M. —
Warrant for calling the Meeting — read.
Honble. Tho8. Dawes Esqr.
was chosen Moderator by a hand Vote. —
The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw, and bring in their
Votes for a Town Treasurer, and it was declared by the Select-
men that the Poll shall be closed at 12 O Clock. —
The Votes for a Town Treasurer in the room of Mr. Joseph
Russell, lately deceased, being brought in, counted and sorted, it
appeared that the whole number was 968, and that
Mr. Samuel Clap
was chosen by a great majority 686 Votes
Voted, that the Town Treasurer give Bond with sureties, to
the satisfaction of the Selectmen in the penalty of £10000 for
the faithful discharge of the duties of his office. —
The Report of the Committee to whom was referr'd the Petition
of the Assessors for an additional allowance in compensation for
the rise of provisions &c. — was read — and after consideration
Voted, that an addition of thirty pounds be made to each of
the Assessors former grants, as a compensation for their services,
but not to be considered as a precedent in future. —
[497.] The Committee relative to the street lately Voted to
be laid out between Hutchinson and Atkinson streets having re-
ported, and the same duly consider'd by the Town, the Question
was put, viz. — whether the said Report shall be accepted, —
passed in the negative, it was then
Voted, That it is the opinion of the Town that the laying out
the said new street be discontinued.
The Article in the Warrant viz. — whether the Town will sell a
piece of Land, bounded on Pleasant street near the Rope walks ;
read — whereupon
Voted that the Honble : Tho8. Dawes Esqr.
Mr. Ebenr. Seaver
Major May
be a Committee to consider this article and report at the adjourn-
ment.
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1795. 415
The Article in the warrant viz*. — whether the Town will con-
sider their late Vote respecting the removal of the Building called
the Granary — read — whereupon Voted that
the Honble. Tho8. Dawes Esqr.
Judge Minot
Sam1. Brown Esqr.
be a Committee to consider this matter, and report thereon at the
adjournment.
The article in the warrant relative to certain incroachments
made By Mr. Jonas Welsh on the mill creek was read, — where-
upon it was moved and Voted, that this matter be referred to the
[498.] Gentlemen Selectmen to consider and act thereon as they
may judge proper, as also with respect to any other incroach-
ments on the Town's lands, which may come to their knowledge. —
Then the meeting was adjourned to Monday next, being the
14th. ins*. —10 °Clock A. M.
Monday 14th. December, 10 °Clock A. M. — met according to
adjournment.
Voted, that Herman Brimmer Esqr.
Sam1. Brown Esqr.
Joseph Russell Esqr.
be and hereby are appointed a Committee to examine the Books,
and accounts of the late Treasurer Mr. Joseph Russell, and report
the state thereof at the adjournment, the 28th. of December
ins*. —
The Article in the warrant relative to a further supply of the
Treasury, was considered, — whereupon it was moved and Voted,
that the further consideration of this matter be referred to the
adjournment. —
The Committee appointed to consider the article in the warrant
viz. — whether the Town will reconsider the late Vote respecting
the removal of the Building called the Granary, — have attended
that service, and report as their opinion that the Town reconsider
the said Vote, and that they give order for the sale of the said
Building at public Auction [to] be remov'd in a short time. —
which is submitted
Tho8. Dawes pr. order.
The above report having been read. — the question was put,
viz*, whether the report shall be accepted, — passed in the affirma-
tive.—
[499.] The Committee appointed to consider the article in
the warrant, — " Whether the Town will sell a piece of Land
416 CITY DOCUMENT.
bounded on Pleasant street, near the Rope walks, — have
attended that service and are unanimously of the opinion that
it will be very prejudicial to the Town to make sale of the said
Land, — which is submitted. —
Tho8. Dawes pr. order.
The aforegoing Report, after reading, was accepted by the
Town.
The Selectmen laid before the Town the Proposals of a Com-
mittee of the Roxbury canal proprietors, for the purchase of a
small piece of marsh on the neck, — whereupon
Voted, that this matter be referred to March meeting for con-
sideration. —
This meeting adjourned to Monday the 28th. day of Decr. ins1 —
10 °Clock A. M.
Monday December 28, 1795. met according to adjournment
The Committee for relief of Sufferers by the Fire in Boston
July 30, 1794. — Reported to the Town by their Chairman James
Sullivan Esqr. — the amount of money collected & to whom dis-
tributed; & the same being read, on motion Voted, — that the
said report is approved by the town, & that their thanks be &
hereby are given to the Committee on that Business for their good
services therein ; Mem0. — this report is placed in the chest which
contains other reports relative to Fires in this Town. —
[5OO.] The Committee for examining the late Town Treas-
urers accounts, & papers, reported, & have leave to report again,
— at the adjournment of this meeting also
Voted, that the Town Treasurer be & he hereby is authorized
& empower'd to borrow of either of the Banks or otherwise, a
sum not exceeding 6000 Dollars, for the present supply of the
Town Treasury, to be repaid out of the outstanding taxes, on or
before the first day of May next.
Then the meeting was adjourned to Monday this day Month. —
1796
[Jan 25th.] Monday 10 °Clock, Met, according to adjournment,
Col°. Dawes, the Moderator of this meeting, being absent
Deacon William Boardman
was chosen Moderator P. T. by a Hand Vote.
The Town being informed by the Town Treasurer that the
Committee appointed to examine the Books & Papers of the late
Treasurer, would not be able to report until March meeting
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1796. 417
Voted, That all matters unfinished be referred over unto next
March meeting. —
Then the meeting was
dissolved.
[5O1.] At a meeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabi-
tants of the Town of Boston, duly qualified & legally warned,
at Public Town meeting assembled at Faneuil Hall on Tuesday
the 9th. day of February A. D. 1796. — 10 °Clock A. M.
Warrant for calling meeting read. —
Col°. Crafts
chosen Moderator of this meeting, by a hand Vote. —
The article in the Warrant, viz — " To take into consideration
the petition of Robert Pierpont in behalf of himself & others, his
associates, to the General Court of this Commonwealth, praying
for an act of Incorporation, to enable them to build a Bridge
from the lands at the bottom of the Common, or Pleasant street,
in this town, to the lands owned by Mre. Hannah Pierpont, in
Roxbury, or to the point called Sewalls point, in Brookline" —
was read, & after considerable debate had thereon,
It was moved, That a Committee be appointed to oppose the
granting of the Prayer of the Petition & that the Representatives
be instructed to assist therein. —
The Question being put passed in the negative. —
It was then moved, — That the following vote be passed, viz.
— That the Town do not think proper to interfere, & that they
have no objection to the Prayer of the Petitioner being granted. —
The Question being accordingly put passed in the affirmative. —
Then the meeting was
dissolved
[5O2.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabi-
tants of the Town of Boston, duly^qualified and legally warned in
Public Town meeting, assembled at Faneuil — Hall, on Monday
the 14 day of March, Anno Domini 1796. — 10 °Clock A. M. —
Prayer made by the Revd. Mr. Kirkland —
Warrant for calling meeting — read. —
418 CITY DOCUMENT.
Sundry Laws to be read at this meeting,
were accordingly read. —
The Hon. Thomas Crafts Esqr.
was chosen Moderator, by a hand Vote. —
The Inhabitants were then directed to withdraw, and bring in
their Votes for a Town Clerk, and the same having been brought
in and counted, it appeared that
William Cooper
was chosen Town Clerk for the year ensuing, and an oath of
office was administered to him, by Mr. Justice Crafts. —
The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw, and bring in their
Votes for nine Selectmen, and upon sorting them it appeared
that the following Gentlemen, viz.
Ezekiel Price Esqr.
Thomas Walley
Deacon William Boardman
Mr. Ebenezer Sever
Thomas Crafts Esqr.
Thomas Edwards Esq.
William Little
David Tilden Esq.
Russell Sturgis Esq.
were chosen Select-men for the year ensuing. —
The Inhabitants having brought in their Votes [5O3.] for
twelve overseers of the Poor, on counting and sorting the same,
it appeared that
Edward Procter Esq.
John Sweetser Esq.
Jona. L. Austin Esq.
Mr. Edward Edes
Henry Hills Esqr.
John Codman Esq. resigned
Mr. William Smith
William Phillips jr. Esq.
Stephen Gorham Esq.
Mr. Oliver Brewster
Arnold Wells jr.
Dr. Bedford Webster
were chosen Overseers of the Poor, for the year ensuing.
Mr. Samuel Clap
chosen Town Treasurer, for the year ensuing, by a unanimous
Vote, and the oaths of Office administered to liim by the Town
Clerk. —
Voted that the Town-Treasurer give Bond, with Securities to
BOSTON TOWN RECOKDS, 1796. 419
the Satisfaction of the Selectmen, in the Penalty of tert thousand
Pounds, for the faithful discharge of the Duties of his office.
The Inhabitants, having as Directed, brought in their Votes,
for Sixteen firewards, the same having been counted and sorted,
it appeared that
John Winthrop Esq.
Thomas Melville Esq.
Jabez Hatch Esq.
Joseph Russell Jr. Esq.
Mr. Edward Edes
Amasa Davis Esq.
Samuel Park man
[5O4.] Mr. Russell Sturgis
Henry Jackson Esq.
Cap*. Mungo Mackey
Wm. Scolley Esquire
Wm. Little Esquire
Mr. James Tisdale
Joseph May Esquire
Cap*. Robert Gardner
Majr. Andrew Cunningham
were chosen Firewards for the year ensuing.
Votes
for a County Treasurer of the County of Suffolk, bro't
in and counted by the Moderator and Town-Clerk, when it ap-
peared that the whole number was 288. of which 202 were for
Mr. Samuel Clap, 81 for Mr. Benja. Hammett, and 5 for Mr.
William Alline, all discreet, suitable Persons, being Freeholders
& Residents in sd. County.
Votes
for a Register of Deeds for the County of Suffolk,
brought in and counted by the Moderator and Town Clerk, when
it appeared that the whole number was 398 — and all of them for
Mr. William Alline, a discreet suitable Person, being a Freeholder
and a Resident in said County ;
Adjourned to 3 oClock P. M. —
3 o'Clock P. M. met according to Adjournment
John Codman Esq. having declined serving as an Overseer of
the Poor. — He had the thanks of the Town for his good services
in that Office for a number of years past.
[5O5.] On Motion, ^^oted that the choice of an overseer of
the Poor in Mr. Codmans room be referred to the adjourn*.
420 CITY DOCUMENT.
Mess18. Sliubael Hewes
Benjamin Thomas
Samuel White
Enoch May
John Cade
John Bosson
Thomas Stevenson
Thomas Tenant
Amos Lewis
Benjamin Johnson
were chosen Constables for the year ensuing.
The Consideration of all Money matters referred to May Meet-
ing.
Voted that in Addition to the Selectmen, twelve Persons shall
now be chosen as a School Committee — And the Votes being
brought in, counted and sorted — it appeared that the following
Gentlemen were chosen, viz.
Hon. Thomas Dawes Esq.
Revd. Samuel West
Revd. John Lathrop D. D.
Jona. L. Austin Esq.
Wm. Tudor Esq.
Dr. Thomas Welch
Revd. Sam1. Stillman D. D.
Hon. Geo. Richard Minot Esq.
Dr. David Townsend
Dr. Aaron Dexter
Mr. Wm. Smith
Dr. William Spooner
[5O6.] Voted that the above named Gentlemen, who con-
junctly with the Selectmen, are termed the School-Committee, be
and hereby are directed to carry the new System of Education,
which has been adopted by the Town, into operation, and sd.
Committee are also authorized and impowered, conjunctly to
manage and regulate the Officers and Government of the Schools,
and in future to exercise all the Powers relating to the Schools,
and School-Masters, which the Select-men, or such Committees
are authorized by the Laws of the Commonwealth, or the Votes
of the Town to exercise, any former Votes of the Town notwith-
standing.
Voted that Herman Brimmer
Joseph Russell jr.
Samuel Brown Esqr.
be, and hereby are appointed a Committee to audit the accounts
of the Town Treasurer, and also the Accounts of the Select-men,
and Over-Seers of the Poor, and said Committee are also directed
to report the sum necessary to be raised, for the Services of the
present year.
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1796. 421
Voted that the Assessors be and hereby are directed to sit for
such Abatements of Taxes as they shall judge reasonable, two
days in each week ; after the delivery of the Tax Books, to the
Collectors for the space of six weeks, and no longer, saving they
be allowed to sit the last week in February, Lord's day excepted,
for the abatement of ye. Taxes of such Persons as had Not the
opportunity of applying in the above limited time, by reason of
their being out of this Com[5O7.]monwealth, or any other un-
avoidable hindrances, and that the Assessors determine on the
said two days, which is to be noted on the Tax-bills, to be de-
livered the Inhabitants.
The Votes being brought in for 5 Assessors, it appeared that
only the four following Gentlemen were chosen, viz.
Giles Harris Esqr.
Samuel Ruggles Esqr.
Mr. John R. Sigorney
Mr. Caleb Blanchard
Adjourned to to morrow, 10 o' Clock A. M.
Tuesday 10. o'Clock A. M. Met
according to Adjournment.
The Votes being brought in for one Assessor it appeared
that,
Mr. Thomas Hitchbourn
was chosen for the year ensuing.
Wm. Tuder and Jonathan Loring Austin Esq™. having each of
them declined, serving in the School Comee. they had each of
them, the thanks of the Town, for their Good Services in that
important trust, for some years past.
Voted that 5 P Cf. be and hereby is allowed to the Collectors
of Taxes for the year ensuing, for all such sums of money and
public Securities, as they shall collect and pay into the [5O8.]
several Treasurers of the sums committed to them to collect —
Also that such Collectors shall give Bond with sufficient Sureties,
to the satisfaction of the Select-men, for the faithful discharge of
their Duty in said Office, and complying with this Vote, and that
they will not receive any Premium or Gratuity, for discharging
any Orders, Notes or Receipts from the Treasurer of this State
or the Treasurer of this Town.
The Votes being brought in for four Collectors of Taxes, it
appeared that
Benjamin Henderson
Messre. Thomas Bayley
James Thompson
Benjamin Jepson
were chosen Collectors of Taxes, for the year ensuing.
422 CITY DOCUMENT.
Samuel Jones
Thomas Thompson
Amos Whitney
Messrs. Thomas Walley jr.
William Turner
William Walter
David West
Joseph Foster
Charles Miller jr.
John F. Loring
Stoddard Capeu
John Gore jr.
were chosen Clerks of the Market, the ensuing year. —
[5O9.] Joshua Bentley
John Champney
Benjamin Page
John Cogswell
Benjamin White
Mess- Thomas Sherburn
James Blake
James Robins
Edmund Ranger
William Clouston
William Darricot
Nath1. Tidmarsh
were chosen Surveyors of Boards, Shingles, for the ensuing
year. —
The Selectmen
were chosen Surveyors of highways for the year ensuing.
Mr. Abraham Adams
was chosen informer of Deer, for the year ensuing.
Benjamin White
Mess™ Moses Ayers
Thomas Rice
were chosen fence Viewers for the year ensuing.
Thomas Bradley
David Holies
Mess- Matthew Loring
William Billings
were chosen Sealers of Leather, for the ensuing year
[5 1C.] Jeffry Richardson
Messrs Isaac Davis
were chosen Surveyors of Hemp for the ensuing year.
Jirah Holbrook
Cap*. Jos. Gleason
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1796. 423
J? William Jennings
Thomas Boiler [Bolter?]
Isaac Tuckerman
were chosen Sealers of Wood, for the ensuing year.
Edward Jones
Mess- Richard Housefall
Francis Booth
were chosen Haywards for the ensuing year.
George Connell
Mess™ Daniel Bell
were chosen Hog-reeves for the ensuing year.
Joshua Wea.therly
Mess™ John Wells
were chosen Assay Masters, for the ensuing year.
Edward Tuckerman Esq.
Mr. Edward Edes
were chosen Surveyors of Wheat, for the ensuing year.
Mr. Edward Rumley
was chosen Inspector of Stone-Lime.
[511.] Roger Barlett
Mess?? Joseph Doble
David Brace
were chosen Cullers of Dry Fish, for the year ensuing.
Joseph Loring
Thomas Barber
George Singleton
Edward Burt
Thomas Foster
William Parkman
Mess- John Bray
Henry Purkitt
Jonathan Gushing
James Barry
Hezekiah Hutson
Philip Hitchbourn
Joseph Whittemore
were chosen Cullers of Staves and Hoops, for the year ensuing.
The Petition of the Collectors, for an allowance on Account of
the rise of Provisions was read — and committed to
Herman Brimmer
Joseph Russell
Samuel Brown Esq^?
to consider and report thereon —
424 CITY DOCUMENT.
[512.] The Petition of James Thwing, relative to an allow-
ance for a loss occasioned by the detention of land — read and
committed to
Joseph Russell Esq.
William Tuder Esq.
Dr. Nathaniel Hall
John Sweetser Esq.
Mr. John Tilestone
to consider and report thereon.
The Petition relative to a ten feet Passageway — read and re-
ferred to the above Committee
The Article in the Warrant, viz. "that orders be taken to
ascertain the right of the Town to the flatts in the several parts
of the Town" — read and referred to the Select-men, to act
thereon.
The Article relative to the North burying-ground — read and
referred over to May Meeting.
On a Motion made by Col°. Dawes and seconded by Thomas
Edwards Esquire —
Voted that the Town Clerk be, and he hereby is directed to
cause the Act, passed 11th. February 1794. "entitled an act as
containing what shall constitute a legal Settlement of any per-
son in any Town or District within this Commonwealth, so as to
enable him to a Support therein, in case he becomes poor and
stands in need of Relief, and for [513.] repealing all Laws
hitherto made, respecting such Settlements" — Also a Resolve
passed Feby. 27th 1796, giving directions to the Overseers of the
Poor and Select-men, relative to Paupers, to be wrote or printed,
and put into a Frame & to be kept constantly hanging on the
Selectmen's Room, and the Room inhabited by the keeper of the
Alms-house and Work-house, in order to answer the purposes for
which said Act and Resolve were passed, so far as it concerns
the Town of Boston
Adjourned to Monday next, being the twenty first Ins*. 10
o'Clock A. M.
Monday the 21, March, 10 o'Clock A. M. Met according to
Adjournment.
Dr. Lothrop as one of the School Comee. having declined
serving — received the thanks of the Town, for his good service,
in that trust.
On Motion, Voted that the thanks of the Town be, and hereby
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1796. 425
are given unto Col°. William Scolley, for his good Services, as a
Select-man, a number of years past.
Mr. Thomas Perkins
had a majority of Votes, for an Overseer of the Poor, in the
room of Mr. Codman, who has resigned that Office.
[514.] The Committee on the Petition relative to a ten feet
Passage way, reported — whereupon it was moved and passed
that the same be recommitted, to report at May meeting.
Mr. Arnold Wells jr.
Mr. Joseph Crocker
William Eustis Esq.
had a majority of Votes, brought in for three School Com?? men,
in the room of three others, who had resigned.
Benjamin Johnson excused by the Town from serving in the
Office of Constable.
John Kenedy
Mess-. Jirah Holbrook
chosen Constables for the year ensuing.
Voted that all matters and things which shall remain unfin-
ished, at this meeting, be referr'd over to the May Meeting.
The Committee appointed to examine the late Treasurer Rus-
sell's books and accounts, report that there appears by the books,
to be due from the Town 13493 Dollars 8 Cents. 2 mills, to wit.
To Aaron Blaney - - £25.
Langdon's Heirs- - -£548 ,, 0 ,, 11
eld Notes Ezekiel Price Esq. - - 220 ,, 15 ,, 4
Benja. Parker- - - - 463 ,, 5 —
Elizabeth Partridge - - 237 ,, 12 ,, 6
[515.] Jona. White - - - - 202 ,, 1 ,, 8
Sarah Atkins - - - - 300 —
Select-men - ... 369 —
Clough 4
old Notes
Edwd. Procter— 100
John White - - - - 51 ,, 6 ,, 1
Benja. Waldo - - - 800 —
Edward Procter - - - 210 —
3500 ,, 2 ,, 11 $11667.56
Unpaid on Select men's Drafts
July 1795. Thomas Davis - - £6 ,, 9 ,, 0
Estate. John Gray - 32 ,, 2 —
426
CITY DOCUMENT.
Thomas Dawes - - 9 —
Widow Low - - - 4 ,, 10 —
G*. Blanchard - - 8 —
L. Clouston - - - 15 -
S. V. Savage - - 12 —
S. Dillaway - - - 7 ,, 10 —
£94 ,, 11 „ 0 $315 „ 16
October. Thomas Mayo
Estate of Jos. Russell
late Treasurer —
There also appears due to the Town
c. m.
viz. Town Powder - - $1041 . 95 . 5
Geo. Makepeace - 549 ,, 32
Andrew Tukesbury 134 ,, 32 -
Ephraim Brown - 41 ,, 11 ,, 2
Peirce & Wheeler - 12 ,, 50
Amount of Int. )
paid in part. Int. [• 287 ,, 13 ,, 1
due on Notes j
[516.]
For Rents — John Meriam - - £9,, 0 ,, 0
Jona. Windship - 10 ,, 12 ,, 6
Jesse Houghton - 4 —
Amos Windship - 3 —
Seba Hews - - ,,12 —
Jona. Towle - - 1 ,, 4 —
Elizabeth Boyer - 7 ,, 10 —
M. Fessington - - 6 ,, 7 ,, 6
£42 ,, 6 -
From the Collectors
c. m
$11461 ,, 58 . 2
$141.
c. m.
Tho8. Bayley - - $2522 . 81 . 9
Benja. Henderson - 1755 ,, 90 ,, 9
Benja. Jepson - - 2551 ,, 2 ,, 9
James Thompson - 2424 . 19 ,, 7 $9253 ,, 95 . 1
To which must be added —
Abatements on 1794 Tax —
Collector's Premiums
Interest due on Notes
Bad Debts —
c. m.
$11461 . 58 . 2
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1796. 427
The foregoing your Committee thinks is a true state of the
Town's affairs — the last Tax is not entered in Mr. Russell's
books — on the annexed sheet is the late Town Treasurer's
general Account and a tryal ballance of his books — this Report
is respectfully submitted —
Herman Brimmer
Boston March 12. 1796. Joseph Russell jr.
Samuel Brown
The foregoing Account having been read and considered —
Voted that the same be accepted
Voted that the Thanks of the Town be and hereby is given to
the Hon. Thomas Crafts Esqr. Moderator, for his good services —
The meeting was dissolved —
[517.] At a Meeting of the Male Inhabitants of the Town of
Boston, of twenty one years of age and upwards, qualified as the
Constitution prescribes, and legally warned in public Town meet-
ing, assembler at Faneuil Hall, on Monday the 4th. day of April,
Anno Domini 1796 — 9 o'Clock A. M. —
Prayer by the Revd. Mr. West
Warrant for calling meeting read —
Paragraph of the Constitution or Frame of Government relative
to the choice of Governor IA Governor & Senators — read —
It was then declared by the Selectmen, that no Vote would be
received, but such as were unfolded, and that they propose the
Poll shall be closed, at half past one O'Clock — the Votes to be
received at the Table, and the Bells to begin tolling at one
o'Clock.
Persons Voted for as Governor, with the number of Votes
for each person.
Votes
viz. His Excellency Samuel Adams Esquire- - - 1614
Hon. Increase Sumner Esq. - 848
Mr. Sampson Reed - 1
Hon. Edward Robins -------- l
Persons Voted for as L*. Governor, with the number of
Votes, for each person — viz.
Votes
His Hon. Moses Gill Esq. 2431
[518.] Honble. Thomas Russell Esqr. 3
Mr. Adam Colson - • . 1
Hon. James Warren - 2
Hon. Elbridge Gerry Esq. - 2
Cap*. Moses Wallack 1
Hon. Nathaniel Gorharn Esq. - 1
428 CITY DOCUMENT.
Persons Voted for as Senators, for the County of Suffolk,
with a number of Votes for each Person, viz.
Hon. Thomas Dawes Esq. 2404
Hon. Oliver Wendell Esq. 2380
Hon. Benja. Austin Jr. Esq. 1544
Hon. John C. Jones Esq. - - 949
Wm. Eustis Esq. - 1513
Theophilus Cushing Esq. 937
Stephen Gorharn Esq. ------ 1
Charles Cushing Esq. 4
Jona. Mason Esq. ------- 1
John Sweetser Esq. ------- 2
Hon. James Bowdoin Esq. ------ 1
Arnold Wells Esq. - - - - 2
Hon. Stephen Higginson Esq. ----- l
Cap*. Lemuel Gardner -------- 2
Mr. John Magnor 2
Mr. John Duggan - 2
Hon. Wra. Tuder Esqr. 3
Samuel Brown Esq. - 2
Thomas Edwards Esq. 1
Geo. Blake Esq. 1
Charles Jarvis Esq. 11
Attested Copies of the Persons voted for [for] Governor L*.
Governor and Senators for the County of Suffolk were [519.]
committed to the Secretary of the Commonwealth and in the In-
closure sealed up in Town-meeting — Subscribed as follows viz.
For John Avery Esqr.
Secretary for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
The number of Votes of the Town of Boston for a Governor L*.
Governor & 4 Senators for the County of Suffolk certified within
and sealed up in town meeting
Then the Meeting was dissolved.
[5 2O.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants
of the Town of Boston, in public Town Meeting, Assembled at
Faneuil Hall, on Monday the 25th day of April A. D. 1796 ten
O'Clock A. M.
Warrant for calling meeting — read.
Hon. Thomas Dawes Esqr.
chosen Moderator by a hand Vote.
On Motion adjourned to old- South-Church the number being
more than the Hall could hold
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1796. 429
Met at old South-Church — when the Warrant for calling the
Meeting was read, as also the Petition to the House of Repre-
sentatives, say memorial in Congress, & after considerable debate,
a Motion was made by Dr. AVarren, that the question upon the
memorial, be taken, and being called for from every quarter of
the World — Another motion was made by Dr. Jarvis, that the
Question be postponed till 4 oClock in the after-noon and be then
taken up by yeas and nays, upon which, previous motion was then
made, that the Question, be viz. Whether the Question upon the
memorial be now taken, which was put, and passed in the affirm-
ative by a very great majority — then the motion of Dr. Warren
was put viz. that the Town do approve of the object and senti-
ments contained in the memorial [521.] which has been read
and referred to in the Memorial, and now before them — which
passed in the affirmative by a very great majority —
Then the Meeting was dissolved —
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the
Town of Boston duly qualified and legally warned in public Town
meeting, assembled at Faneuil Hall, on Wednesday the llth day
of May, Anno Domini 1796 — 10 oClock A. M. —
Prayer was made by Revd. Dr. Stillman —
Warrant for calling the Meeting — read —
That part of the Constitution or Frame of Government which
relates to the Choice of Representatives - - - read - - .
Sunday Laws to be read at said Meeting were accordingly, or
parts of them read —
The Town having determined by a Vote to chose seven Repre-
sentatives to Represent them in the General Court of Massachu-
setts, to be held in the State-house in Boston, on the last Wednes-
day of May Current agreeably to the Constitution or Frame of
Government [522.] for Massachusetts — the Inhabitants were
directed by the Select-men, to withdraw, and bring in their Votes
for Seven Representatives, and then it was declared by the Select-
men, that no Votes would be received, but such as are unfolded,
& that they intend the Poll shall be closed at half past 1 o 'Clock
— the bell to begin tolling at one o'Clock.
The assessors to attend, at the Delivery of Votes —
The Votes being brought in for seven Representatives, the num-
ber of the same, were found to be 2103, and upon sorting them,
it appeared that the following Seven Gentlemen had obtained a
Majority of Votes — viz.
430 CITY DOCUMENT.
Jonathan Mason Esq 2053
William Eustis Esq. 2067
William Little Esq. 2068
John Codman Esq. 1317
Joseph Russell Esq. 1324
Harrison Gray Otis Esq 1306
Samuel Cooper Esq - 1224
Votes of those not chosen
Thomas Edwards Esq. 798
Perez Morton Esq 765
Thomas Crafts Esq 751
George Blake Esq 767
Arnold Wells 10
John Duggan 11
John Magnor 11
William Smith 24
Samuel Brown Esq. 19
[523.] Samuel Parkman Esq. 2
Aaron Dexter Esq 2
John C. Jones Esq 4
William Brown --._.._ 3
Jona. L. Austin - 2
Henry Jackson Esq. 1
Nath1. Fellows 3
Russell Sturgis Esq. - 2
Charles Jarvis Esq 8
Samuel Eliot 5
Joseph Eaton 2
Samuel Adams 2
John Andrews 1
John Warren Esq. ---._. i
John Sweetser Esq. 3
Ebenezer Parsons 2
William Parsons 6
Stephen Higginson 5
Dr. Welch 1
Adam Colson 2
David Green -. 2
Stephen Gorham 2
William Tuder Esq. 1
Theodore Lyman 1
Oliver Smith 1
J. B. Sohier 1
Adjourned to 5 o'Clock P. M.
5 O'Clock P. M. met according to adjournment —
Hon. Thomas Crafts Esq.
chosen Moderator —
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1796. • 431
[524.] Col°. Crafts having excused himself from serving as
Moderator —
Jonathan Mason Esq.
chosen Moderator by a hand Vote.
The Committee to audit Town Treasurer's accH reported, which
Report is to be taken up at the adjournment —
The Petition of M™ Lois Clouston, " that the Town will make
her further compensation for loss sustained by the fire in July
1794 " read — as also the Petition of Mr. James Tate of the like
nature, whereupon,
Voted that Mr. Jona. L. Austin Esq.
Joseph May Esq.
Elisha Sigorney
be a Committee to consider these Petitions, and Report thereon
to the Town as soon as may be —
The Petition of a number of the Inhabitants "that the Pump
in Corn-hill may be removed to some more convenient place "
read — whereupon
Voted, that this matter be referred to the Select-men, they to
report thereon —
The article in the Warrant, viz. Whether the Town Treasurer
shall be directed to call upon Mr. George Makepeace for the sum
he stands charged for on the [525.] town Treasurers books " —
read, whereupon
Voted that Herman Brimmer Esq.
Jos. Russell Esq.
Samuel Brown Esq.
Committee to audit the Town Treasurer's Accounts, be a Commit-
tee to consider this matter, and Report thereon to the Town —
The Petition of a number of Inhabitants, relative to a large
Building about to be erected with Wood, for a New -Theatre, read
whereupon, Voted that Dr. Welsh
Josiah Quincey Esq.
John Sweetser
Mr. Ebenr. Oliver
John Andrews Esqr.
be a Committee to consider this Petition, and report —
On Motion, Voted that the aforegoing Vote be reconsidered,
and the Petitioners have leave to withdraw their Petition. —
Adjourned to Friday next, the 13th.
Int. 10 o'Clock A.M.—
432 CITY DOCUMENT.
Friday the 13th of May Int. 10 o'Clock
A. M. met according to Adjourn*.
The Votes being brought in for four Constables as required by
the Moderator, on Ace*. [526.] of the Resignation of those who
had resign 'd, the same being counted and sorted, the following
Persons were chosen, viz.
Abraham Tuckerman
Benja. Thompson
Mess—. Samuel Dow
Joseph Ridgway
The Article in the Warrant, viz. Whether the Town will recon-
sider their late Vote for a Temporary Deposit for the dead " read,
whereupon it was Voted, that the Vote be so far reconsidered,
as that the Select-men be directed to provide a temporary Deposit
for the dead, in such part of the Common — burying Ground, as
they shall judge proper. —
The article in the Warrant, viz. "Whether the Town will make
sale of a piece of land, near fort-hill, adjoining the Land of MIS
Quincy" read, considered — and whereupon
Voted, that the Select-men be authorized, and they hereby are
authorized & empowered to make sale of said peice of land, at
public auction, on the most advantageous manner for the Town. —
The Report of the Committee to audit the Town Treasurer's
Accounts again taken up, and after some debate thereon, the
[527.] further consideration of the Report referred to the
adjournment, and on Motion
Voted that Joseph Russell Esq.
Hon. James Bowdoin Esq.
William Eustis Esq.
be a Committee to consider some more efficacious mode of collect-
ing the Tax for the future and to report at the adjournment. —
Adjourned to Friday next, being the
26. of May Inst. 10 o'Clock A. M.
Friday May 20th. 10 o'Clock A. M.
met according to adjournment.
Joseph Russell Esq.
chosen Moderator Pro-Tempo, by a hand Vote, in the Room of
Jonathan Mason Esq. now out of Town.
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1796. 433
Mess-Benja. Thompson &
Joseph Ridgway
excused from serving in the office of Constable, to which they
had been chosen.
The Committee on the article in the Warrant, viz. Whether the
Town Treasurer shall be directed to call upon Mr. Geo. Make-
peace, for the sum he stands charged for on the Town Treasurer's
Books — Reported, and after debate had thereon, it was voted
that [538.] upon Mr. Makepeace paying to the Town Treasurer,
one half of the Money he stands indebted for, that the remaining
half of said Debt be remitted him, and the Town Treasurer is
authorized and empowered to give him a discharge for the same.
Moved and voted that the Reports on Mrs. Clouston and Mr.
Tates Petition, Mr. Thwings, and the Petition relative to ten feet
passage way — be, together with any other matters remaining
unfinished at this meeting, be referred over to the next General
town meeting.
The Report on Collector's Petition, being not for making any
further allowance, as pray'd for, was upon reading and consider-
ation thereon, accepted by the Town.
The Committee Relative to a more efficacious mode of collect-
ing Taxes — Reported, & after some debate, the same was recom-
mitted.
The Report of the Committee appointed to audit the Town
Treasurer's Accounts again taken up, considered and accepted
by the Town, and the same is as follows. That they find the
Accounts of the Town Treasurer well vouched and right cast. —
that there was due to the Town, the 30th of April Ult — [529.]
if the outstanding Debts would be collected exclusive of $17,382.70
appropriated for building a new alms-house $13,518.77c. 4m —
Your Committee are of opinion the following debts are doubt-
ful when, if ever they will be received.
c m
Town's Powder $1041.94.5
Geo. Makepeace - - - 549.32
Ephraim Brown 41.11.2
Purez [Peirce] & Wheeler 12.50
Account Int. 771.13.1
Andrew Tukesbury 134.32
Rents outstanding 84.
2634.32.8
To this may be added for )
Abatements & premiums to >• 4000.
Collectors on 1795 Tax )
6634.32.
.44.6
434
CITY DOCUMENT.
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BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1796. 435
Overseers for their Drafts ----- 15000.
The Committee respectfully submit the foregoing Report and
annex a tryal ballance of the books, with the Treasurer's general
account — and further recommend that the Town lay a Tax of
$60,000 to defray the aforegoing expences and discharge the
Town's old debts. —
As it appears to your Committee that it can never be done at
any period, with more ease to the Citizens than the present.
Joseph Russell
Samuel Brown
In pursuance of the aforegoing Report it was Voted that the sum
of Sixty Thousand Dollars be raised by a Tax to be assessed on
the Polls and Estates of the Inhabitants of the Town, to defray
the expences of the current year.
Voted, that the sum of six hundred 66 Dollars be allowed and
paid nnto Samuel Clap, for his services as Town Treasurer the
present year, the same to be paid him in quarterly payments, as
it shall become due, and to commence the 1st. March last.
Voted, that the sum of six hundred sixty six Dollars, be
allowed, and paid unto William Cooper, for his Services as Town
Clerk, the present year, the same to be paid him quarterly as it
shall become due, and to commence the first of March last.
[531.] Voted that the sum of four hundred thirty three
Dollars, be allowed each of the assessors for their respective
Services, the present year, the same to be paid them quarterly as
it shall become due, and to commence the 1st of March last.
Voted that the sum of six hundred Dollars, be allowed and
paid unto Josiah Waters, for his Services, as Officer of the Police
the present year, to be paid him quarterly, as it shall become due.
Matters unfinished having been referred over to the next gen-
eral Town meeting —
O
The Meeting was dissolved
[END OF BOOK EIGHT.]
INDEX.
(487)
INDEX
Abbot, Samuel, 188, 191.
A butters, 66, 104, 108, 116, 118, 164, 167, 176,
183, 232, 378, 413.
on Lynn street, 341, 342, 344, 345,
346.
Accounts, 10, 34, 36, 49, 65, 72, 82, 88, 92, 150,
186, 2-24, 230, 237, 240, 274, 293,
298, 299, 307, 355, 401, 415, 425,
427, 431, 435.
of collectors, 360, 402.
overseers of the poor, 9, 30,
31, 32, 57, 103, 138, 147, 164,
191, 223, 2:53, 247, 257, 278, 291,
321,352,359,387,420.
selectmen, 31, 164, 191, 247,
278, 291, 321, 351, 359, 387,
420.
town treasurer, 9, 22, 30, 57,
61, 70,81, 103, 105, 109, 138,
164, 167, 172, 173, 189, 191,
197, 198, 223, 233, 247, 257,
258, 278, 292, 321, 331, 332,
337, 351, 359, 401, 420, 432,
433.
to audit, 9, 19, 78, 146, 149, 386.
Act, embargo, 363.
excise, 215, 216. .
for building with brick or stone,
79, 372.
regulating choice of petit iurors,
241, 341.
granting an impost, 13, 14.
of General Court, 49.
passed Feb. 11, 1794,424.
relating to widening streets, 375.
to determine requirements of citi-
zenship, 206.
incorporate Boston, 25, 417.
prevent stage play, 266, 267.
reasons for its repeal,
268.
protect commerce, 347.
tax, 338.
Adams, Abraham, 137, 163, 353,386, 422.
Benjamin, 326.
John O., 273, 284, 314, 3S9.
Samuel, 15, 25, 44, 49, 51, 63, 64, fi8,
88, 89, 90, 91, 95, 96, 112, 119, 120,
124, 125, 133, 134, 137, 144, 145, 148,
156, 157, 159, 169, 170, 171, 181, 182,
183, 184, 194, 206, 227, 255, 282, 286,
326, 357, 392, 393, 427, 430.
Seth, 353.
Thomas, 305.
Address to Bowdoin, James, 125, 126.
Hancock, John, 315.
Washington, Geo., 211, 212,
213.
reply, 213.
Agents for purchase of land, 399.
to sell land, 400.
Agriculture, 77.
Allen (Alline, Allyne), Henry, 244, 257,
263, 264.
James, 109, 180.
William, 419.
Almshouse, 30, 98, 132, 243, 251, 25-2, 282,
294, 308, 354, 356, 3<J8, 3U9,
400, 424.
annual expense of, 141.
Almshouse, appropriation for, 141, 201.
better accommodations for
poor of, 392, 395, 398.
deranged state of, 354, 356.
erect new buildings for, 398.
built of brick, 399, 400.
five reasons for new, 239.
hospital for poor of, 237, 238,
239.
number in, 239.
repairs to, 356.
suffering of poor in, 132, 218.
ways for defraying expense
Of, 135, 141, 2'd4.
Ames, Fisher, 183, 242, 310, 374.
Amory, Francis, 277.
John, 353.
Jonathan, 278.
Thomas, 7, 324.
Andrews, John, 59, 61, 85, 90, 97, 101, 114,
115, 119, 123, 133, 161, 185, 217,
223, 224, 226, 306, 323, 430, 431.
Anniversary of the Independence, 43, 44,
85, 86, 119, 155, 177, 178, 204,
236, 262, 301, 339, 365, 405.
Appleton, Nathan, 218.
Nathaniel, 47, 59, 61,99, 100, 135,
137, 144, 147, 157, 207, 229, 230,
320, 351, 411.
Nathaniel W., 211, 219, 246, 281.
Thomas, 101.
Application of John May, 188, 202.
Appropriations of money, 33, 34, 35.
Arms and ammunition', 72.
amount of, 32.
fire-arms, 32.
Army, standing, 130, 131.
two men for, 30.
Artillery company, 118.
Aseay-maeters, choice of, 8, 56, 103, 138,
163, 186, 223. 248, 280, 322,
353, 387, 423.
Assessment, schedule of, for land taken,
37'J, 380.
Assessors, 58, 69, 87, 95, 108, 109, 113, 141,
176, 188, 202, 203, 220, 247, 24. >,
274, 278, 285, 287, 292, 321, 334,
335, 336, 338, 350, 362, 395, 421,
429.
abatement of taxes, 41, 57, 104,
108, 111, 143, 1(5, 187, 188, 203,
220, 246, 247, 278, 321, 334, 335,
336, 350, 385, 421.
abatement of Benjamin
Gray's taxes, 111.
allowance, 22, 31, 32, 33, 35, 3S,
57, 70, 85, 107, 136, 150, 165, 188,
203, 221, 232, 288, 364, 402, 403,
414, 434, 435.
choice of, 8, 9, 36, 58, 101, 136,
164, 188, 221, 247, 278, 281, 323,
329,351,385,421.
examine lists of collectors,
202.
extra duties of, 285.
Assize of bread, 182.
Atkins (Atkens), Sarah, 425.
Silas, 115, 116.
Attorney, 214, 275, 296, 297, 298.
Auditors, report of, 81, 82.
(439)
440
CITY DOCUMENT.
Austin, Benjamin, 16, 55, 64, 69, 76, 110, 112,
145, 170, 195, 2-27, 242, 255, 273, 282,
286, 289, 294, 300. 306, 310, 316, 326,
327, 3v>8, 329, 332, 333, 336, 347, 357,
362, 392, 393, 406, 428.
Daniel, 7,250,312,317.
David, 306.
Jonathan L., 6, 53, 102, 119, 120,
125, 134, 161, 185, 217, 245, 277,
282, 319, 320, 350, 351, 384, 388,418,
420, 421, 430, 431.
Loring, 318.
Mr., 87, 180.
Nathaniel, 306.
Samuel, 2, 5, 19, 353.
A very, John, 16, 64, 113, 146, 170, 184, 195,
228, 255, 287, 311, 316, 326,327, 358,
374, 393, 428.
Avis, Samuel, 190, 222.
Ayres, Joseph, 140, 162, 192, 221.
Moses, 387, 422.
Baker, Luke, 221.
Batch, Nathaniel, 42, 286, 306, 411.
Baldwin, Luke, 278.
Rev. Mr., 288.
Ballard, John, 4, 20, 45, 64, 61, 65, 74, 87,
101, 134, 161, 187, 190, 238, 248,
280,321, 322.
Joseph, 11, 102, 140, 162.
Jfr.,41.88.
Samuel, 109, 187, 191.
Bangs, Samuel, 7, 56, 102, 137, 163, 187, 222,
377, 380, 381.
Banks, 400.
Massachusetts, 397.
Union, 397.
Barber, Nathaniel, 47, 59, 116, 144.
Thomas, 222, 254, 280, 325, 354, 388,
423.
Barrel (Barrell), Joseph, 3, 5, 19, 25, 45,
76, 90, 91, 146, 164, 174,
188, 210, 227, 240, 286,
334 336.
Barret (Barrett), John,' 172, 314.
Mr., 160, 226.
Samuel, 12, 59, 74, 80,
133, 226, 244, 257, 263,
264.
Barry, Charles, 353.
James, 253, 280, 325, 355, 389, 423.
Bartlet (Bartlett), John, 98.
Roger, 261, 290, 331, 391,
423.
Thomas, 353.
Barton, Samuel, 284.
Bass, Alden, 354, 387.
Henry, 54, 101, 134, 161, 190, 282.
Moses, 55.
Basset, Joseph, 140, 163, 254, 280, 325.
Bates, Deacon, 166.
Batter, Thomas, 387.
Batterymarch street, repairs on, 355.
Battery, North, to sell, 74, 144.
wreck near, 202.
South, 46, 67, 75.
Wharf, 62, 144, 197.
Bayley (Baylay) , James, 108.
Mr., 31, 71, 192, 202.
Thomas, 9, 32, 58, 71, 73, '
81, 82, 110, 135, 149,
165, 173, 187, 220, 249,
258, 279, 292, 329, 352,
360, 374, 378, 381, 388,
421, 426, 434.
Beacon Hill, 59, 70, 132, 143, 154, 180, 290,
293.
cost of repairs on, 150.
exchange of property on,
134.
Mr. Hancock's claim to, 143.
plan of Town's right to, 143.
sale of land on, 143.
Beals, Thomas, 116.
Belcher, Sarson, 3.
Belknap, Jeremiah, 61, 90, 109, 148.
Eev. Mr., 160, 179, 226, 330.
Samuel, 306.
Bell, Dauiel, 60, 103. 387, 423.
William, 19, 171, 188, 390.
Bellingham, 12, 13, 38.
Bells, ringing of, 15, 63, 112, 150, 183, 316.
paid for ringing, 360, 402, 434.
tolling of, 145, 169, 194, 227, 228, 254,
256, 286, 289, 300, 310, 325, 327, 330,
357, 358, 374, 392, 395, 427, 429.
Bent, Rufus, 4.
Bentley (Bently), Jonathan, 280.
Joseph, 388.
Joshua, 58, 140, 162, 190,
221, 257, 323, 354, 422.
Bethune, Nathaniel, 139.
Billings, William, 337, 163, 187, 222, 248,
279, 353, 387, 422.
Bills, against wooden buildings being
used for machinery, 80.
Continental, 100.
New Emission, 31, 33, 34, 35, 72.
Old Emission, 31.
tradesmans, 33.
Bingham, .Mr., 391.
Bisset, Joseph, 222.
Black, Moses, 101.
Blacksmith, 31.
Biagg, Samuel, 55, 277.
Blaisdel (Blaisdell), Henry, 11, 68, 102,
140/162, 190, 221.
Blake, Edward, 324.
George, 405, 406, 428, 430.
James, 253, 280, 324, 354, 388, 422.
Joseph, 300, 301, 306, 314, 330, 332,
333, 347, 359, 382, 389, 406.
Mr., 392.
William P., 386.
Blanchard, Caleb, 254, 279, 281, 292, 304,
308, 323. 329, 351, 385,421.
George, 376, 379, 381.
G'., 426.
John W., 386.
Blaney, Aaron, 425.
Blodget, Caleb, 192.
Boardman, Mr., 226.
Thomas, 192.
William, 139, 161, 185, 205, 217,
221, 243, 276, 319, 331, 342,
349, 384, 416, 418.
Board of War, arms, not returned to, 32,
72.
Boards, surveyors of, choice of, 9, 11, 58,
102, 104, 107, 137, 140, 162, 166,
190, 192, 201, 221, 232, 253, 257,
280, 3-24, 354, 388, 422.
Boiler, Thomas, 423.
Bolter, Thomas, 423.
Bond, Nathan, 192.
Bonds, 45, 57, 110, 111, 121, 136, 165, 186,
187, 219, 220, 238, 246, 249, 251,
279, 321, 338, 349, 352, 384, 389,
414, 418, 421.
to be put in suit, 151.
men, 111, 123, 124.
Booth, Francis, 65, 98, 139, 162, 187, 222,
248, 279, 322, 353, 387, 423.
Boreland. Leonard W., 277.
Bosson, John, 139, 162, 189, 220, 249, 283,
323, 352, 386, 420.
Boston, 1, 2, 12, 13, 14, 16, 23, 24, 25, 28, 37,
38, 40, 42, 44, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 62,
64, 68, 79, 85, 86, 87, 89, 94, 95, 96,
97, 98, 105, 108, 111, 113, 115, 117,
119, 120, 124, 125, 126, 132, 133,
143, 144, 146, 148, 154, 156, 157,
158, 160, 169, 170, 171, 177, 181,
183, 184, 193, 194, 195, 196, 202,
204, 205, 208, 211, 213, 214, 216,
217, 225, 226, 228, 233, 234, 235,
236, 238, 239, 241. 242. 254, 255,
256, 25V, 262, 263, 264, 265, 267,
INDEX.
441
Boston , 268, 269, 270, 271, 272, 276, 284,
285, 287, 288, 289, 29(i, 297, 300,
301, 3ii2, 304, 309, 311, 312, 313,
314, 315, 316, 317, 318, 325, 327,
328, 329, 330, 333, 336, 337, 339,
340, 341, 342, 343, 344, 345, 346,
347, 348, 356, 358, 363, 365, 366,
367, 368, 369, 372, 373, 374, 375,
378, 381, 382, 383, 389, 390, 392,
393, 394, 410, 412, 414, 416, 417,
424, 427, 428, 429.
Bay, 202.
Common, 21, 66, 70, 84, 106, 153,
158, 159, 174, 178, 179,
294, 367, 383, 390, 396,
397, 417.
allowance for work
on, 62.
bulls on, 60, 193.
burying ground on,
369, 411, 412, 432.
rent of land near, 200.
rope-walks on, 368,
369, 371, 389.
school in the, 21, 22, 84,
152, 133, 174, 175, 390.
shore, 202, 203.
Gazette, article published in,
reflecting on selectmen, 390,
391.
Neck, 47, 65, 66, 67, 188, 202, 309.
411.
breaking ground on, 203.
brickmaking on, 203.
cows going at large on,
193.
measures for preserving
land on, 47, 48.
proprietors of land on,
100, 105.
relative to dam on, 331,
332, 396, 403, 404.
repairs on, 70, 150.
rope-walks on, 368.
sale of land on, 138, 144,
146, 411, 412, 416.
salt works on, 144, 146.
sea wall on, 59, 65, 66, 10B.
to defray ex-
pense of, 66,
67.
new boundary line be-
tween, and Roxbury,
143.
Bounties, 373.
Bourn, Sylvanus, 110.
Sylvester, 55.
Bouve, Gibbins, 388.
Bowdoln, James, 15, 63, 112, 125, 145, 159,
169, 183, 184, 194, 199, 201, 227,
255, 275, 286, 310, 311, 316, 326,
327, 357, 393, 428. 432.
Jtfr.,200, 295.
Bowes, Nicholas, 12.
Boyer, Elizabeth, 426.
Peter, 5, 6, 9, 54, 57, 84, 97, 107, 123,
135, 153, 162, 176, 189, 200, 219, 232,
237, 240.
Boyle, John, 306.
Boyles, Rev. Dr., 178.
Brace, David, 423.
Bradford, Samuel, 132, 192, 306, 314.
Thomas, 56.
Bradley (Bradlee), Moses, 356.
Samuel, 247.
Thomas, 102, 137, 1G3,
187, 222, 248, 279, 322,
353, 387, 422.
Brailsford, Norton, 184, 287.
Braintree, 26, 50.
Bray, John, 142, 163, 190, 222, 280, 325, 355,
389, 423.
Brazer, Jno., 314.
Bread, assize of, 182.
Breck, Samuel, 24, 146, 157, 170, 171, 210,
218, 223, 227, 229, '245, 256, 277. 289,
291, 293, 312, 334, 335.
Breed, Mr., 180.
William, 56.
Brewer, Thomas, 284, 376, 379, 381.
Brewster, Oliver, 221, 391, 418.
Brick, Samuel, 25, 47, 54, 59, 64, 67, 69, 73,
76, 101, 114, 134, 148, 161, 186, 188,
196.
William, 287.
Brickmakers, 203.
Bridge, Ebenezer, 113, 310.
Bridge mill, 360, 361.
over Charles river, 51.
to build, 417.
Brimmer (Brimer), Herman, 9, 45, 46, 59,
138, 164, 232, 237,
247, 278, 293, 295,
304, 306, 308, 321,
331, 351, 386, 403,
415, 420, 423, 4'27,
431.
Broaders, Bartholomew, 4.
Brookline, 26, 181, 417.
Brooks, Eleazer, 310, 311.
John, 310.
Brown, Benjamin, 345.
Daniel, 7.
Elizabeth B., 397.
Ephraim, 401, 426, 433.
John, 2, 8, 15, 23, 53, 64, 85, 95, 97,
114, 115, 117, 119, 123, 133, 155,
161, 177, 185, 200.
Mr., 87.
Samuel, 310, 314, 347, 362, 386, 393,
399, 400, 403, 406, 415, 420, 423, 427,
428, 430, 431, 435.
William, 18, 59, 368, 374, 378, 381,
430.
Bruce, David, 391.
James, 56, 102, 163.
Bucknam, Jacob, 192.
Building of new school-houses, 46, 215,
231, 261, 292.
petition to erect, 65.
wooden, 369, 371, 372, 382.
Bulflnch, Charles, 139, 253, 261, 265, 266,
273, 276, 282, 290, 294, 319, 349,
354, 384, 391.
Dr., 179, 180.
Bulls, on the common, 60, 187, 193.
Bumstead, Jeremiah, 311.
Burbeck, William, 124.
Burial places, chapel, 411, 412.
north, 424.
on common, 411, 412, 432.
south, 412.
measures adopted
for, 412.
repairs of, 70, 150.
Burk, Benjamin, 19.
Burt, Edward, 60, 103, 142, lf.6, 190, 222,
253, 280, 325, 354, 388, 423.
Butterfleld, George, 55.
John, 4, 88, 139, 162, 189, 220,
249, 283, 323, 352, 386.
Buttler (Butler), Joseph, 11, 58, 102.
By-laws, 48, 94, 274, 275, 281, 283, 295, 296,
298, 299.
breaches of, 296, 297.
expense of printing, 150.
for regulation of market, 45, 47.
obstructions to carrying into
effect, 296.
relative to bulls, 19$.
repealed, 194.
carriages, carts and
truck wheels, 95.
sextons, 118.
revision of, 47, 82, 83, 87, 88, 91,
93, 94, 95, 96, 164, 168, 187, 191.
votes for carrying into effect,
297.
442
CITY DOCUMENT.
Cabot, John, 172.
Samuel, 139, 168, 250, 266, 276, 283.
Cade (Cades), John, 98, 147, 162, 189, 220,
249, 283, 323, 352, 355, 391, 420.
Callender, Joseph, 180, 192, 386.
Cambridge, 32.
Bay, 178.
Cammell, George, 328, 353, 387.
Candles, 402, 434.
Capeu, Hopestlll, 253, 306.
Stoddard, 422.
Thomas, 353.
Cargill, Hugh, 287.
Carlton, Osgood, 370.
Carnea, Joseph, 386.
Lewis, 247.
Carpenters, 31.
Carter, James, 20, £1, 83, 105, 110, 152, 174,
284, 290.
Mr., 79, 106, 209, 231, 281.
Cary, James, 8.
Causeway, 69.
Centinel, advertisement in, for sale of
town orders, 391.
proposals for farming out the
market, published in, -^50.
report about privateers, pub-
lished in, 340.
Certificates, 193, 261.
Champney, John, 11, 58, 102, 140, 162, 190.
221, 253, 280, 323, 354, 388, 422.
Chapel, burying-ground, 411, 412.
Charles river, 51.
Charlestown, 51.
Ferry, 100, 104.
Checkley, John Webb, 324.
Cheevers, Capt., 180.
Cheney, Mr., 79, 201, 209, 305.
Samuel, 84, 106, 152, 153, 174, 175.
Chimney sweepers, badges, 150.
Church, old brick, 262, 301, 339, 365.
South, 43, 177, 236, 302, 339, 348,
405, 428, 429.
stone chapel, 85, 86, 119, 155, 204,
412.
Clap, Samuel, 385, 414, 418, 419, 435.
Clark (Clarke), Christopher, 255.
John, 148, 158, 206, 254,
283,320,351,388,392.
Joseph, 20, 54, 101, 134,
161, 186, 210, 218, 245,
277, 320, 350, 355.
Mr., 14.
Thomas, 227, 247, 287, 346.
Cleland, William, 286.
Clerks of the market. (See Market.)
Clough, William, 7, 425.
Clouston, Lois, 377, 379, 381, 426, 431, 433.
William, 354, 388, 422.
Coal, 151, 402, 434.
Cobb, David, 310.
Samuel, 104, 277.
Cobbet (Cobbit), Major, 247.
Nathaniel, 74.
Codman, John, 19, 147, 161, 185, 215, 217,
245, 277, 319, 335, 348, 350, 369,
370, 384, 389, 418, 419, 430.
Mr., 425.
Richard, 101, 370.
Cogswell, John, 166, 190, 221, 280, 324, 354,
388, 422.
Collectors of taxes. (See Taxes.)
Collins (Collena. Ceilings) , Clement, 11, 58,
10-2, 140, 162,
190, 221.
Palfrey, 195.
Colson (Colsen), Adam, 56, 102, 137, 163,
187, 222, 248, 279, 282,
286, 322, 393, 427, 430.
Commerce, 28, 29, 40, 78, 216, 269, 347, 363,
407, 408, 409.
illicit, 77.
Commission to Benjamin Henderson,
117.
Committees, accounts, to audit, 9, 19, 23,
30, 57, 61, 70, 81, 103, 105,
109, 138, 146, 147, 149, 164,
167, 172, 191, 197, 223, 233,
247, 257, 278, 291, 321, 331,
332, 251, 386, 401, 420, 432, 433.
allowance to salary men, 137.
almshouse, expense of, 135,
141, 354.
poor in, 218.
selling of, to
consider, 282.
state of, 23'J, 243,
251.
application of John May,
188.
assessors, to consider extra
duties upon, 285.
to confer with,
104.
bills, relative to old conti-
nental, 100.
bridge, repairs on West
Boston, 333, 336, 337.
building, relative to wooden,
282, 369, 371, 382.
bulls, relative to, 191, 193.
burying grounds, 411, 412.
by -laws, to consider, 281, 282,
283, 295, 296.
revise, 47, 48, 82,
83, 87, 88, 91,
93, 94, 95, 96,
168, 187, 191,
202, 295, 296,
297.
coaches, relative to hack-
ney, 247, 253.
constitution,defectgin,91,92.
corporation, relative to, 37,
40,42.
correspondence, 4, 31.
Court, General, to procure
a more convenient place
for holding the, 157, 158.
debt, to obtain from the
Commonwealth, 151.
dock, Oliver's, 100, 142.
dogs, relative to, 80, 82.
excise act, repeal of, 215,
216, 333, 336.
expenses of the year, to
estimate sum to be raised
for, 22, 32, 61, 80, 99, 105,
137, 149, 151, 152, 154, 167,
174, 188, 189, 191, 198, 199,
201, 321, 352, 359, 387, 420.
fire, for relief of sufferers
by, 366, 367, 368, 416.
wood, relative to, 80,
275.
Governor, to draw up the
form of an
address to,
125.
present ad-
dress to, 125.
present reso-
lutions to,
314, 315.
grain, for purchasing, 32, 72,
81.
granary, 90, 415.
Hancock, Mr., to confer
with, on claim to Beacon
Hill, 134, 135, 143.
hospital, to consider erect-
ing, 238, 389.
house, relative to Silas
Atkens, 115, 116.
jurors, to act upon list of, 26,
239.
justices, relative to fines of,
109, 117.
INDEX.
443
Committees, lamps, on lighting, 265, 267,
282, 285, 288.
letter, to reply to Mr. ,
328.
c om m i tt ee of
Wrentham and
Medway, 3, 12.
market, on by-laws of, 45,
46, 47.
clerks of the, 165,
168, 224.
duty of, 219.
money, to furnish
accounts of, col-
lected for stands
at, 49.
regulations of, 9,
61, 65, 265, 266,
362, 363.
state of, 245, 250.
square, to discover
Incendi-
ary who
set fire
to build-
ing on,
121, 122.
reward of-
fered,122.
on erecting
stalls in,
266.
mills, relative to North
Chocolate, 74, 79.
neck, relative to dam on, 331,
332, 396,
404.
inroads of
the sen
on, 60, 65,
66.67.
land on, 47,
48.
selling of,
412.
nuisance, relative to a, 224,
341.
orator, to provide for July
Fourth, 43, 44, 85, 86, 119,
120, 155, 177, 178, 204, 205,
236, 262, 263, 301, 339, 365,
366, 405.
passageway, relative to, 424,
425.
petition, Abbot, Samuel, 191.
Ballard, John, 41,
45, 61, 65, 87.
Bowdoin, Mr., 295.
Clouston, Lois, 431.
constables', 148, 149,
152.
county ,to form new,
26, 27, 28, 29.
Court, General, 38,
206, 214,
230, 260,
265.
to repeal law
against the-
atrical en-
t e rt a 1 n-
ments, 312.
report of
committee,
313, 314.
Cunningham, Jo-
seph, 164, 165, 167.
Darracott, William
401.
Daw, Samuel, 200.
draught of, to pre-
pare, 52.
flre insurance Co.,
67, 78.
Committees, petition, Gray, Katharine,
Gray, Mr., 46.
Hancock, Mr., 59,
141.
Harris, Giles, 287.
Hills, Mr., 67, 242,
261, 265.
Holbrook, J i r a h,
290,
35L,
355.
John,
281,
2K3.
Incorporate Boston,
25, 90, 91, 93.
Jackson, Henry,
411.
Jeffries, David, 139,
141.
Jones, Daniel, 290,
291.
Loring, Jonathan,
401.
Makepeace, 192.
Mason, Mr., 284,
288, 293.
May, Aron, 22, 36.
number of inhabit-
ants, 352.
Palmer, Joseph,
144, 146.
Parker, Margaret,
99, 108.
Pierpont, Robert,
417.
Baiter, Richard, 140.
Sargent, CoZ.,202.
school at South
End, proprietors
Of, 36.
Sergeant, Paul D.,
192.
Tate, James, 431.
thirteen towns, 49.
answer to,
50,51.
Thomas, Alexan-
der, 90, 92, 99.
Thompson, James,
362.
Thwing, James,
424.
Tileston, Mr., 138,
153.
Torrey, Joeiah, 99.
police, relative to, 273, 274,
275.
salary of, 364.
poor, accommodations for,
294, 396, 398.
hospital for, to erect,
237, 238.
relief of, 229, 230, 260.
subscriptions for, 132.
support of, to nego-
tiate contract for,
252.
President, address to, to
prepare, 207,
211.
respects of
town, to ex-
press, 207, 210.
to wait on, 207.
provisions, on high price of,
413, 414.
representation of Collo.
Waters, 362.
representatives, to prepare
instructions for, 75, 76.
road, from West Boston to
North End, 59.
444
CITY DOCUMENT.
Committees, rope-walks, on erecting, 368,
369, 389, 401,
414.
passageway
between,
318.
salaries, relative to, 83, 295,
362.
schools, arrangement of
free, 16, 17, 18.
building more,
74, 79.
North
read-
ing,
390.
committee, to con-
sider represen-
tation of, 231.
education in, to
consider, 206,
208.
masters, means to
discharge
a r r e a r-
ages due,
137.
opinion
of, respect-
ing, 17.
salaries of,
20, SO, 168.
new, relative to,
41, 46, 166, 182,
206.
number in, to as-
certain, 18, 19.
state of, 6.
to visit' public, 99,
164, 20-2.
selectmen to consider having
more, 62, 67.
examine
draughts of,
10, 67, 103,
138, 149, 172.
smallpox, on inocculation
for, 181, 282,
284.
state of, 305,
307, 308.
to take measure
to prevent
spread of,
303, 305, 308.
South Battery, on land at,
47, 67, 75.
State House, relative to a,
312, 317.
to procure
land for a,
383, 396, 397.
State of Trade, 347, 348.
Streets, Ferry street, 124.
building sea wall on
Terry street, 116,
117.
widening Terry
street, 90.
Lynn, 342, 344.
names, to give to,
164.
new,290,293,413,414.
paving and repair-
ing, 171, 176.
Sea, 99.
State, paving and
repairing, 176.
widening, 87, 104,
105.
Suffolk County, relative to
dividing,
23, 266,
268.
Committees, Suffolk County, to prepare
reasons
agai nst
dividing,
29, 38,
269, 270,
271, 272.
tax act, 338.
allowance for collectors,
110, 304, 308.
defaulting collectors,
to collect from, 81.
measures to oblige col-
lectors to pay, 73.
mode of collecting, 329,
331, 334, 432, 433.
names of persons who
refuse to pay, to ob-
tain, 334.
punctual collection of,
261.
request of collectors, to
consider, 237.
State, with respect to
paying, 166, 167.
to wait on dilatory
payers of, 335, 336.
theatre, relative to a, 266,
267, 431.
thirteen, 210, 282.
town's debts, to examine,
240.
finances, 242..
house, land for new,
to purchase, 158.
moneys lent to, 61,
62.
real estate, on sell-
ing, 396, 397, 398,
399.
safety of, 323, 324.
Treasurer, accounts, to ex-
amine, 189, 415,
416, 425.
assist, 167.
State, to wait
on, 102, 103.
town, duties of,
to con-
eider,
293.
money
due the
late, 45,
46, 88,
89, 92,
93, 237,
240.
sum owed
t o, b y
G- e o.
M a k e-
p e a c e,
431, 433.
treaty between United States
and Great Britain, to con-
sider, 406.
twelve, 205, 208, 211, 215.
visit, 305.
votes, to carry into effect, 10.
count, 114, 1'23, 244,
257, 263, 264.
prepare, 229.
will, on donations in Dr.
Franklin's, 234.
wood, to consider admeas-
urements of, 61.
Commutation to officers of the army, 13,
14.
Concert Hall, paid for repairs to, 70.
Condy, Foster, 8.
Congress, 13, 14, 78, 130, 131, 158, 242,310,
311, 316, 327, 363, 373, 374.
Impost to, 13, 14.
INDEX.
445
Congress, memorial in, 429.
representatives in, 183, 184, 241,
310, 311, 316, 347, 374.
Connell, George, 423.
Constables, 7, 42, 54, 58, 95, 100, 274, 305,
433.
allowance to, 150, 159, 176,
360, 402, 434.
choice of, 4, 11, 20, 55, 56, 98,
104, 139, 147, 162, 189, 220, 249,
253, 283, 290, 323, 352, 355,386,
391, 420, 425, 432.
reward offered to, 324, 325.
to walk the streets on the
Lord's day, 107, 147, 191.
Constitution or frame of government, 14,
24, 39, 62, 63, 68, 69, 111, 113,
145, 148, 169, 170, 171, 194,
195, 196, 226, 228, 254, 256,
285, 289, 325, 330, 356, 358,
392, 394, 427, 429.
choice of twelve persons to
ratify, 159.
defects in, 91, 92.
for and against revising, 394.
people to support the, 127.
Convention, County, 126.
Cookson, Samuel, 224.
Coolidge, William, 247.
Cooper, Jacob, 98, 115.
Mr., 223.
Samuel, 306, 314, 430.
William, 2, 3, 6, 23, 29, 53, 54, 78,
84, 96, 100, 107, 115, 133, 134, 153,
160, 161 , 175, 184, 186, 200, 204, 217,
218, 232, 235, 243, 244, 257, 258, 262,
263, 264, 265, 276, 282, 286, 301, 319,
33H, 339, 347, 349, 364, 365, 384, 403,
405, 406, 418, 435.
William, 2d, 139, 162.
Copeland, Ephraim, 306.
Mr., 180.
Copper, 409.
Cop's Hill, town to purchase lots on, 117,
118.
Cordis, Joseph, 346.
Correspondence, Committee on, 4, 31.
with other btates, 78.
Council, the, 40, 122, 131, 274.
County, reasons for forming new, 26.
objections to forming new, 26, 27,
28, 29.
Suffolk. (See Suffolk.)
treasurer. (See Treasurer.)
Worcester, 26, 38, 39.
Court, County, 27, 39.
General, 13, 24, 25, 26, 28, 29, 38, 40,
48, 49, 61, 52, 62, 68, 75, 76, 80, 88,
89, 113, 115, 129, 135, 143, 148, 157,
158, 166, 171, 183, 196, 203, 206, 214,
215, 216, 228, 229, 230, 241, 256, 260,
267, 268, 269, 272, 274, 275, 289, 300,
309, 310, 312, 313, 316, 318, 325, 327,
830, 336, 358, 368, 373, 374, 382, 383,
394, 410, 412. 417, 429.
House, 95, 214.
measures for erecting new,
383.
tax for new, 28, 40.
Of common pleas, 26, 27, 38, 39, 241,
341.
general sessions, 5, 48, 58, 94, 95,
96, 98, 115,
194, 241, 264,
270, 274, 341.
clerks of, 95,
98, 115, 123,
349.
justice, 26, 38, 131.
probate, 26, 27, 38, 39.
supreme judicial, 241, 270, 275, 341.
Coverly, Samuel, 221.
Cowden, Joseph, 353.
Cowell, William, 376, 379, 381.
Cows going at large, 193. *
owners of, assessed, 193.
Crafts (Craft), Col., 72, 166, 187, 193, 216,
238,247,338,385,417,431.
Judge, 343, 347.
Mr., 160,319, 349, 384.
Thomas, 90, 91, 98, 104, 116,
117, 161, 165, 168, 185, 1X8,
217, 218, 219, 224, 226, -2:i7,
240,242,243,244,261,262,
265, 266, 269, 276, 278, 282,
285, 286, 302, 304, 312, 314,
317,319,3-21,3-23,324,331,
334, 340, 341, 342,346,347,
349, 351, 354, 355, 356, 359,
365, 366, 367, 368,372,373,
378, 381, 382, 383, H84, 389,
390, 392, 393, 395, 396, 404,
406, 410, 411, 413, 418, 4-27,
430.
William, 163, 186, 222, 248,
279.
Cranch, Richard, 15, 64, 112, 145, 170, 195,
227, 255, 286.
Crane (Grain), Abijah, 102.
Thomas, 23, 24.
Cravath, Lemuel, 168, 221.
Creditors of town, 201.
Crocker, Allen, 221.
Joseph, 305, 425.
Robert, 397.
Crompston (Crumston), Henry, 189, 220,
249, 355.
Cudworth, Benjamin, 72, 73, 173, 361.
Mr.,Z\, 110,111,149,360.
Cullers of fish. {See Fish )
Cullers of staves. (See Staves.)
Cumpston, Henry, 386.
Cuuningham, Andrew, 373, 385, 419.
Joseph, 164, 167, 197.
Mary, 164, 167.
Mr., 136.
William, 65, 85, 97, 114, 115,
123, 133, 137, 238, 248, 280,
3-22, 354.
House, 167.
Curtis, Benjamin, 56.
Jacob, 172.
Samuel, 7, 55, 103, 137, 163, 279, 322.
Gushing, Charles, 357, 393, 428.
Edward, 324.
Jonathan, 222, 254, 280, 325, 355,
389, 423.
Theophilus, 145, 357, 393, 428.
Thomas, 15,63,112, 145.
William, 357, 392.
Cutler, Benjamin, 65.
James, 324.
Daltou, Tristram, 63, 64, 145.
Dam, Hill's, 66.
on Boston Neck, 331, 332, 396, 403,
404.
Dana, Francis, 15, 63, 255,286, 311,326.
Darricut, William, 354, 388, 390, 401, 422.
Davis, Amasa, 19, 53, 80, 218, 224, 245, 277,
306, 3-20, 323, 350, 385, 419.
Caleb, 3, 15, 23, 24, 25, 29, 46, 59, 64,
65, 69, 75, 76, 80, 100, IK', 114, 134,
142, 145, 148, 159, 170, 171, 184, 186,
192, 195, 207, 210, 214, 215, 216, 218,
224, 225, 227, 242, 245, 255, 265, 269,
273, 277, 282, 287, 294, 304, 308, 311,
318, 322, 326.
Edward, 164, 188, 221, 247, 278, 306,
386.
Henry, 322.
Isaac, 370, 387, 422.
Joshua, 41, 166,192.
Mr., 79, 281.
Nathan, 20, 21, 83, 84, 152, 153, 174,
175, 198.
Nathaniel, 105, 106.
Robert, 54, 306.
446
CITY DOCUMENT.
Davis, Samuel, 197.
Thomas, 167, 286, 375, 379, 381, 425.
William, 136.
Daw, Samuel, 200.
Dawes (Daws), Col., 37, 45, 59, 64, 80, 165,
199,201,216,231,333,341,
376, 395, 396, 424.
Judge, 376.
Thomas, 15, 24, 25, 41, 43,
52, 64, 69, 70, 74, 75, 76,
80, 82, 86, 89, 90, 92, 112,
114,116,117,120,134,135,
137, 142, 144, 145, 146, 148,
155, 156, 157, 159, 160, 165,
168,169,170,171,176,184,
188, 189, 195, 196, 203, 204,
205,207,211,218,226,227,
229, 233, -234, 235, 237, 238,
240, 241, 242, 243,246, 247,
252, 254, 255, 257, 259, 262,
263, 264, 265, 272, 276, 278,
281, 282, 285, 288, 289, 293,
294, 296, 300, 302, 303, 304,
306, 309, 311..318, 319, 320,
321, 326, 328, 329, 331, 332,
337, 338, 340, 343, 351, 354,
356, 357, 361, 363, 368, 371,
377,379,381,383,387,389,
390, 393, 399, 400, 401, 406,
410,411,413,414,415,416,
420, 426, 428.
William, 7, 56, 397.
Debit and credit of the town, 10, 57, 151,
173, 197, 198, 233, 240, 258, 292, 337, 433.
Deblois, Gilbert, 7, 110.
William, 139, 277, 314.
Debt, amount of towns, 32, 71.
interest on, 197.
Declaration of Independence, anniver-
sary of, 43, 44, 86, 119, 155,
177, 204, 236, 262, 301, 339,
365, 405.
Dedham, 3, 12, 23, 26, 38.
Deeds, 67, 168, 397, 400.
of land, for rope-walks, 371.
register of, choice of, 114, 115, 123,
419.
registry of, 26, 27, 38, 39.
Deer, informer of, choice of, 7, 56, 102, 137,
163, 187, 222, 248, 279, 322, 353, 386,
422.
Island, 360.
paid for repairs, 31.
visitation to, 150.
Delegates, 26.
Demming, John, 117, 282, 374, 378, 381.
Samuel, 80.
Dennle (Denny), Capt., 293.
Thomas, 99.
Devens, Richard, 311.
Dexter, Aaron, 206, 211, 219, 246, 281, 320,
351, 368, 388, 420, 430.
Samuel, 15, 64, 310.
Dillaway, Samuel, 377, 380, 381, 426.
Dingley, Amasa, 153,175.
Diseases, infectious, 181, 282, 284, 302, 303,
305, 307, 308, 361.
to prevent spread of, 343.
Doane, Elisha, 101.
Doble, Joseph, 261, 290, 331, 391, 423.
Dock, Oliver's, 100, 142, 143.
Square, 9, 10, 7(i, 397.
fire in building in, 120.
fish market in, 121.
pump, 150.
Town, 70.
expense of filling up, 31 , 50.
request for compensation
for filling up, 36.
settled by arbitration, 36.
Dolbeare (Dolbear), Edmund, 253, 280.
Edward, 190, 222.
Donnison, William, 55, 306.
Dorchester Neck, 412.
Dorr, Ebenezer, 166, 281, 282, 306, 368.
Harbottle, 6, 97, 114, 123, 133, 160, 185,
217,226,243,246,306.
Doubleday, John, 386.
Dow, Samuel, 432.
Drafts of money, 122.
Duggan, John, 428, 430.
Dunbar, Elijah, 170, 195, 227.
Elisha, 287.
Dyer, Joseph, 104.
Samuel, 11, 58, 140, 162, 186, 130, 221,
222, 248, 253, 280, 323, 354.
Dyke, 404, 412.
Eames, Luther, 382.
Eaton, Joseph, 430.
Eckley, Kev. Mr., 52, 276, 383.
Edes, Benjamin, 15.
Edward, 8, 56, 102, 134, 161, 185, 190,
217, 218, 245, 273, 277, 319, 320, 350,
353, 384, 385, 387, 418, 419, 423.
Jacob, 7, 55, 56, 103, 112.
Mr., 390.
Peter, 89.
Education, new system of, 208, 211, 215,
285, 290, 351, 388, 420.
Edwards, Thomas, 224, 226, 243, 261, 269,
273,276, 282, 2CS, 300, 311,319,328,330,
349, 354, 359, 382, 384, 389, 395, 413, 418,
424, 428, 430.
Egner, Joseph, 279, 322.
Electors, 183, 184, 310, 311.
Eliot, Josiah, 305.
Rev. Dr., 144, 180, 205, 256, 373.
Samuel, 430.
Simeon, 110.
Simon, 7, 284.
Embargo, 363.
Emmons, Samuel, 370, 401.
Engine, 33, 70, 360, 402.
Hay, 100, 362.
premium to first, at fire, 89.
repairing, 31, 150, 402.
damage to, 324.
Englnemen, premium to, 434.
English, Thomas, 139, 284.
Enlistments, 340, 373.
bounties for men enlisting, 373.
Erving, John, 30, 55.
Essex, County of, 26, 38, 310.
district of, 31B, 327.
Eustis (Eustes), Jacob, 107, 109.
William, 199, 205, 207, 210,
229, 238, 256, 260, 273,
287, 289, 310, 311, 312,
317, 326, 330, 341, 348,
357, 358, 383, 393, 395,
406, 411, 413, 425, 428,
430, 432.
Everett, Pev. Mr., 24, 133.
Executions against delinquent tax col-
lectors, 82, 92.
Eyres, Joseph, 11, 58.
Joseph Rogers, 102.
Fallass, William, 31, 32.
Faneuil Hall, 1,2, 12, 14,23,24,31,37,42,44,
46, 48, 51, 52, 63, 68, 72, 83,
85, 86, 87, 89, 95, 96, 111, 113,
117, 119, 120, 124, 125, 132,
133, 144, 148, 154, 156, 157,
158, 160, 169, 170, 172, 177,
181, 183, 184, 186, 194, 195,
204, 205, 213, 216, 226, 228,
231, 233, 235, 236, 241, 243,
254, 256, 262, 263, 264, 265,
272, 276, 285, 288, 300, 301,
302, 304, 309, 312, 316, 318,
325, 327, 328, 330, 333, a39,
340, 841, 342, 343, 347, 348,
356, 358, 363, 365, 366, 367,
368, 372, 373, 381, 383, 390,
392, 393, 394, 404, 406, 410,
411, 414, 417, 427, 428, 429.
INDEX.
447
Faneuil Hall, illumination of, 1.
paid for repairs, 31.
market, see market,
square, 363.
Farmer, P., 31, 33, 34.
Farnum, Jonathan, 56.
Fellows, Gustavus, 4, 54, 100, 178.
Nathaniel, 306, 347, 406, 430.
Fence viewers, choice of, 7, 56, 102, 137,
163, 186, 222, 248, 279, 321, 353, 387, 423.
Fenuo, John, 137, 167, 168.
Samuel, 11, 58, 102.
Ferries, Charlestown, 100, 104.
Wiunesimlt, 100, 104.
Ferry street, 124.
to build wall on, 116, 118, 122.
expense of wall on, 150.
Fessington, M., 426.
Fines, 109, 117, 172, 197.
Fire-arms, see arms and ammunition.
Insurance Co., 62, 67, 75, 78.
men, premiums to, 150.
wards, 3, 5, 11, 12, 75, 133, 161, 185,
223, 274, 283.
choice of, 4, 6, 20, 54, 59, 65, 78,
100, 101, 104, 134, 142, 162,
186, 189, 190, 218, 224, 245,
250, 277, 284, 312, 320, 322,
350, 355, 359, 373, 385, 419.
Fires, July 30, 1794, 416, 431.
on Market square, 121.
subscription to relieve sufferers
from, 366, 416.
Fish, cullers of, choice of, 261, 290, 331,
391, 423.
in Faneuil Hall Market Square, 362,
363.
market, 121, 361.
Fisher, Jabez, 15, 64, 112, 145, 184, 195, 227.
John, 170, 221.
William, 55.
Fisheries, 77.
Fleet, Thomas, 374, 378, 381.
William, 8, 36, 5s, 101, 136.
Fooler, Thomas, 163.
Foot, William, 166.
Forestallers, 267.
Forestalling, to prevent, 251, 266, 299, 362.
Form relative to choice of governor, etc.,
15,63,111,145,
169, 194, 227,
256, 285, 325,
357, 892, 427.
representa-
tives, 24, 69,
113, 148, 166,
160, 171, 181,
196, 214, 228,
256, 289, 300,
310, 316, 327,
330, 358, 394,
429.
Foster, Bossinger, 53, 164.
Joseph, 422.
Thomas, 190, 222, 254, 280, 325, 355,
3811, 423.
William, 45, 158, 159, 172, 173.
Fowle, Mr., 142.
Fox, John, 324.
Foxborough, 38.
Fox hill, 369.
Franklin, 12, 13.
Benjamin, 233, 234, 235, 238, 246,
•2.->4.
Frazier, Nathan, 2, 53, 57.
Nathaniel, 278. .
Freeman, James, 183, 211, 219, 246, 281,283,
285, 394.
Jonathan, 101.
French, John, 287.
Fuller, Abraham, 195.
Moses, 265, 266, 268, 269.
Funeral, John Hancock, 344.
Furness, William, 386.
Gardiner, John, 73, 82, 85, 86, 90, 91, 95, 99
120.
Gardner, John, 43, 82, 88, 324, 386.
Joseph, 226.
Lemuel, 142, 163, 190, 222, 280,
325, 354, 428.
Mr., 226.
Nathaniel, 7.
Robert, 359, 385, 419.
Gay, Timothy, 23.
Gees, Widdow, 226.
General Assembly, 23.
General Court, (tiee court.)
Gerry, Elbridge, 15, 169, 255, 286, 326, 357,
392, 393, 427.
Geyer, Rev. Mr., 170.
Gibbs, Caleb, 139.
Gill, Moses, 357, 392, 393, 427.
Glllman, Samuel, 7.
Glaziers, 31.
Gleason, Joseph, 286, 354, 387, 422.
Globe tavern, 344, 346.
Glover, Nathaniel, 101, 221.
Goals, tax lor, 28, 40.
Goldthwait, Benjamin, 353.
Gooch, Mr., 180.
Good, Jacob, 98.
Goodhue, Benjamin, 310.
Goodings, Mr., 118.
Goodwin, Benjamin, 346.
Goold, Jacob, 56.
Gore, Christopher, 36, 61, 62, 74, 145, 159,
166, 168, 182, 199, 211, 214, 219, 246,
273, 281.
John, jr., 422.
Samuel, 168.
Stephen, 7.
Goreham (Gorham), Nathaniel, 357, 427.
Stephen, 232, 245,
277, 303, 319, 350,
384, 395, 406, 418,
428, 430.
Government, 39, 40.
plans for altering form of,
42.
printed and sent to every
inhabitant, 42.
Governor, address to, 125, 126, 315.
donor, 116.
proclamation of, 122,
read, 125.
votes for, 15, 63, 112, 145, 169,
170, 194, 195, 227,
255, 286, 325, 357,
392, 427.
lieutenant, 15, 63,
112, 145, 169, 170,
194, 195, 227, 255,
286, 326, 357, 393,
427.
Graham, John, 341, 344, 345.
Grain, purchasers of, 8, 32.
Granary, 33, 90, 415.
exchange of, 134.
sale of, 252, 398, 399.
Grants and allowances. (See salaries.)
of land, 369, 370, 371.
Grant, Moses, 60, 97, 114, 115, 123, 133, 137,
165, 167, 306.
Mr., 136.
to assessors, 203.
Gravel, 31, 67, 70, 150, 281, 355, 360.
Gray, Benjamin, 72, 73. 111.
Collector, 139, 143.
Edward, 236.
John, 164. 190, 376, 379, 381, 425.
Katharine, 42, 111.
Mr., 31, 46, 149, 179.
William, 101.
Great Britain, 407, 408, 409.
Green, Benjamin, 192.
David, 430.
Edward, 9, 57, 61.
James, 247.
448
CITY DOCUMENT.
Green, Jesse, 397.
Joseph, 22.
Mr., 226.
Nathan, 7, 56, 137, 163, 187, 222, 248,
279, 322.
Nathaniel, 98, 115, 123, 226.
Samuel, 280, 322.
Thomas, 8, 56, 103, 138, 163, 173, 186,
223, 248.
Greenleaf (Greenleaff, Greanleaff),
Daniel, 7, 247.
Joseph, 44, 47, 49, 51, 88,95, 140.
Mr., 226.
Thomas, 221 .
Greenough, Samuel, 221.
Thomas, 53.
Greenought, Thomas, 2.
Greenwood, Samuel, 346.
Grenville, Lord, 407.
Gridldey, Richard, 145.
Gridley, Richard, 282.
Gun-house, 398.
Hall, Andrew, 139.
Benjamin, 113.
Joseph, 19.
Nathaniel, 180, 374, 378, 381, 424.
Stephen, 31.
Hambleton, George, 103.
Hamlin, George, 4, 7, 55, 137, 163, 187, 222,
248.
Hammet (Hammeatt), Benjamin, 168,
419.
Mr., 173.
Hancock, Ebenezer, 43, 119, 142, 162, 190,
287, 357.
John, 15, 59, 63, 69, 76, 85, 112,
134, 145, 154, 159, 169,
179, 194, 227, 255, 286,
326, 344, 397.
funeral of, 344.
Mr., 135, 141, 143.
Harris, Gyles (Giles), 8, 36, 58, 101, 136,
164,188, 220, 247, 278, 285, 287,
323, 329, 351, 385, 421.
Mr., 178.
Samuel, 103, 163, 190, 222.
Hatch, Jabez, 4, 32, 54, 100, 134, 161, 186,
200, 217, 218, 237, 243, 245, 246, 276, 314,
318,320,350,385,419.
Hawkes, Elkanah, 244, 286.
Hay, 33, 36, 37, 50, 214.
engine, 2 4, 295.
for bulls, 30.
market, 37, 70.
scales for weighing, 37.
weigher, salary of, 22, 298, 299.
Hayden, Caleb, 60, 103, 140, 163, 190,222.
Joseph, 7.
Hayward, Abraham, 102, 190, 221, 253, 280,
323, 354, 388.
Haywards, choice of, 7, 55, 103, 104, 109,
137, 163, 187, 191, 192, 222, 248, 279, 322,
353, 387, 423.
Healey, Samuel, 103.
Heath, William, 15, 64, 112, 145, 170, 195,
227, 255,286, 310, 311, 316, 326, 357.
Hemp, 409.
surveyors of, choice of, 7, 55, 108,
137, 164, 190, 221, 248, 279, 322,
353, 387, 422.
Henchman, Nathaniel, 11, 55, 253.
Henderson, Benjamin, 56, 88, 89, 110, 111,
117, 122, 135, 149, 165, 172,
173, 187, 220, 249, 258, 279,
292, 329, 352, 360, 388, 421,
426, 434.
Mr., 154.
Henshaw, Joshua, 60, 75, 98, 115, 123, 141,
145, 244, 257, 263, 264.
Samuel, 46.
Hewes (Hews), Mr., 226.
Robert, 222.
Samuel,328, 392, 393.
Hewes (Hews), Seba, 426.
Shubael, 8, 98, 139, 162,
189, 220, 249, 283, 3'i3,
352, 386, 420.
Hicks, Samuel, 102.
Zachariah, 8, 247.
Hierly, John Turner, 11.
Higgeson, Stephen, 23.
Higginson (Higgenson), Stephen, 1, 2, 5,
15, 25, 29, 42, 52, 53, 59, 62, 64, 91, 100,
103, 125, 145, 170, 192, 206, 207, 210, 215,
234, 240, 255, 261, 265, 273, 287, 293, 310,
311, 316, 326, 357, 428, 430.
Highways, surveyors of, choice of, 8, 66,
103, 142, 163, 186, 221, 248, 279, 322, 352,
386, 422.
Hildreth, Zachariah, 345.
Hill, Alexander, 19, 61, 90, 138, 139, 140,
148,205,261,305.
Henry, 142, 161, 185, 199, 217, 235, 245,
277, 319, 328, 350, 384, 393, 418.
Mr., 67, 141, 242, 265.
Nathaniel, 56.
Hinckley, John, 112, 123.
Hingham, 26, 357.
Hitchborn (Hitchborne, Hitchbourn,
Hitchburn), Benjamin, 16, 25, 43, 44, 45,
52, 59, 69, 73, 76, 92, 112.
Phillip, 355, 389, 423.
Robert, 60.
Thomas, 19, 306, 351, 385,
421.
Hodge, Robert, 203.
Hodgdon, Alexander, 135, 139.
Hogreeves, choice of, 7, 55, 103, 137, 163,
187, 222, 231, 248, 279, 322, 328, 353, 3S7,
423.
Holbrook, Jlrah, 290, 321, 322, 351, 354, 355,
387, 422, 425.
John, 281.
Mr., 179.
Holland, Jacob, 187, 222, 248.
Hollis, David, 279, 322, 353, 422.
Holliston, 38.
Hollock, Lemuel, 64.
Holly, David, 387.
Holten Samuel, 811, 316, 327.
Homans, Benjamin, 98, 139, 162, 189, 220,
249, 283, 322, 323, 352, 386.
Homer, Michael, 287.
Homes, William, 306.
Hopkinton, 38.
Horsefall, Richard, 353, 387.
Horskins, William, 5.
Hospital, 304.
at New Boston, 181.
Rainsford Island, 223.
West Boston, 150, 309, 318.
for practise of inoculation, 181.
grant of land for new, 389.
supplies for, 31.
Houghton, Jesse, 397, 426.
Housefall, Richard, 423.
House of Representatives, 38, 49, 269, 313.
Housewrights, 401.
Hovey, Amos, 112.
How (Howe), Edward, 7, 55, 108, 370.
Samuel, 390.
Howard, Abraham, 11, 58, 140, 162.
Joseph, 168.
Mr., 68, 180.
Rev. Dr., 228.
Samuel, 305.
Simeon, 206.
Hubbard, Daniel, 186,
Hubbart, Tuttle, 6, 53.
Hudson, Hezekiah, 280, 325, 389.
Hughes, James, 226, 266.
Hunt, Mr., 79, 209, 231.
Samuel, 20, 21, 83, 105, 152, 174, 192,
198.
Samuel W., 101.
Hurley, John T., 55.
Hutchinson, Shrimpton, 99.
INDEX.
449
Hutson, Hezekiah, 355, 423.
Illumination of town, 1.
Incendiaries, reward for discovery of,
122.
Inches, Mrs., 178.
Incorporation of the town, 25, 89, 91, 9-2,
93, 417. «•••.
Indemnification, 407, 408.
Independence Day, celebration of the
anniversary of, 43, 44, 86, 119, 155, 177,
204, 2o6, 262,301, 339,365,405.
India, 408.
Informer of deer. (See Deer.)
Ingersol, Daniel, 253, 280, 324.
Inhabitants, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 17,
20, 24, 27, 33, 34, 36, 3&, 39, 42,
43, 48, 50, 51, 53, 54, 55, 58,
66, 69, 70, 76, 77, 78, 80, 82,
85, 89, 91, 95, 96, 97, 98, 101,
102, 107, 108, 109, 113, 121,
126, 132, 133, 134, 135, 139,
143, 144, 146, 147, 153, 154,
156, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162,
165, 167, 171, 176, 182, 183,
184, 185, 188, 189, 190, 196,
198, 199, 200, 201, 203, 205,
208, 210, 211, 212, 213, 216,
217, 218, 219, 220, 224, 225,
228, 229, 231, 233, 234, 237,
239, 240, 241, 242, 243, 244,
245, 247, 249, 250, 251, 252,
253, 256, 260, 267, 270, 271,
272, 273, 274, 275, 276, 277,
.278, 283, 288, 289, 290, 291,
293, 294, 297, 298, 299, 300,
302, 303, 304, 3i'8, 309, 313,
314, 315, 316, 317, 319, 321,
324, 327, 328, 330, 333, 338,
340, 341, 343, 344, 347, 348,
349, 350, 358, 361, 362, 363,
364, 366, 367, 3o8, 372, 384,
385, 394, 397, 398, 399, 400,
403, 406, 407, 409, 412, 413,
414, 418, 419, 421, 429, 435.
petition of, 1, 25, 35, 59, 60,
61, 65, 74, 79, 87, 100, 125,
166, 181, 214, 223, 261, 26U,
281,318,352,431.
tax on, 33.
to put law into execution,
299.
Inoculation, 181, 223, 282, 284, 303, 305, 307,
309.
repeal of law against, 304.
sum allowed for, 304.
Instruction for female children, 17.
Island, Rainsford, 188, 223, 282, 284, 309,
360.
Ivers, treasurer, 35, 72.
Jackson, Henry, 59, 245, 277, 312, 314, 320,
350, 385, 410, 411, 412, 419, 430.
Jonathan, 112, 125, 146.
Jarvis, Benjamin, 110.
Charles, 25, 64, 74, 83, '90, 91, 125,
148, 157, 159, 171, 1H5, 196, 201, 207,
218, 22!», 238, 240, 255, 256, 260,261,
265, 267, 272, 282, 286, 289, 294, 303,
310, 311, 312, 317, 326, 330, 332, 333,
347, 354, 357, 358, 374, 383, 393, 395,
406, 428, 430.
Dr., 395, 407, 411, 429.
Leonard, 113, 114, 141, 314, 348.
Mr., 36,
Nathaniel, 109.
Philip, 201.
Samuel, 374.
William, 324.
Jay, John, 407, 410.
Jeffries, David, 5, 53, 88, 92, 93, 95, 97, 138,
141, 149, 172, 173, 197. 258.
Jenkins, John, 4, 8, 56.
Jennings, William, 387, 423.
Jepson, Benjamin, 304, 305, 308, 329, 352,
360, 388, 421, 426, 434.
Samuel, 173, 401.
Johnson, Benjamin, 420, 425.
Seth, 227.
Jones, Daniel, 290, 291.
Edward, 191, 279, 322, 353, 387, 423.
John Coffin, 4, 5, 64, 75, 80, 112, 114,
146, 148, 159, 171, 211, 219, 229, 237,
246, 256, 281, 287, 289, 303, 310, 311,
312, 317, 320, 326, 330, 347, 351, 35.%
357, 362, 364, 374, 383, 393, 428, 430.
Samuel, 422.
Jurors, 26, 27, 38, 39, 239, 270.
allowance to, 381.
award damages for land taken,
375, 378.
list of, 26, 241, 341.
manner of choosing, 241, 341.
petit, 241, 341.
Justices, 95, 109, 225.
fines, 117.
of the peace, 95, 193, 226, 296, 297,
374, 375, 378.
salary of, 381.
Kenedy, John, 425.
Kennebeck, 97.
Kettle, Joseph, 306.
Keyer, John, 353.
Kingsbury, Benjamin, 223.
Kirkland, Rev. Mr. ,417.
Kneeland, Bartholomew, 8, 19.
John, 255, 282, 287, 306, 328.
Mr., 179.
Laha, Samuel, 188, 223.
Lambert, John, 62.
Lamps, expense of lighting, 32, 33, 35, 70,
150, 267, 288, 359, 402, 434.
lamplighters, allowance to, 107,
150.
lighting of, to be discontinued,
147, 331.
measures for lighting, 266.
presented by Wm. Foster, 45.
to be lighted, 288.
Lampson, John, 55.
Land given town near Dock Square, 76.
by the late Town Treas-
urer, 97.
Mr. Tisdale and
Wendell, 87.
grant of, for hospital, 389.
owners:
Bangs, Samuel, 377.
Blancljard, George, 376.
Brewer, Thomas, 376.
Clouston, Lois, 377,
Davis, Thomas, 375.
Dawes, Thomas, 376, 377.
Dillaway, Samuel, 317.
Gees, widdoWj 225.
Gray, John, heirs of, 376.
Newman, Henry, 225.
Richardson, Jeffrey, 375.
Savage, Samuel P. ,"377.
Tate, James, 377.
purchased for almshouse, 398, 399,
400.
State House, 397.
town's petition to build on, 215.
sale of, 432.
Landman, Deacon, 180.
Lanes, Alden, 180.
Allen, 178.
Barrack, 179.
Belcher, 179.
Cold, 180.
Cow, 179, 355, 374, 375, 376, 377.
Davis, 179.
Fitch, 179.
Frog, 178.
Gray, 179.
450
CITY DOCUMENT.
Lanes, Gridley, 179.
Kneeland, 179.
Longe. 179.
Lyndall, 179.
Mackrel, 179.
Pitts, 180.
Pudding, 179.
Ridgway, 180.
Round, 179.
Sheaf, 179.
Southack, 179.
Tanner, 179.
Tilley, 178.
Langdon, Mr., 425.
Langford, Arthur, 103, 140, 190, 222, 253.
Langley, George, 8.
Larkin, Ebenezer, 386.
Lathrop, John, 387, 420.
Laughton, Joseph, 168.
Laws against monopoly and forestalling,
266, 267.
code of, 96.
excise, 274, 333, 336.
preventing persons obtruding
themselves on any town, 299.
prohibiting theatrical entertain-
ments, 312, 313.
relative to building with wood, 372.
cord wood, 299.
dogs, 82, 83,
strangers, 96.
respecting cows and bulls, re-
pealed, 194.
revision of, 372.
suits, 39.
to be read at town meeting, 2, 24, 52,
68, 96, 113, 133, 148, 160, 171, 184,
196, 216, 228, 243, 256, 276, 289, 319,
330, 349, 358, 383, 394, 418, 429,
to punish destruction of town prop-
erty, 325.
Leather, sealers of, choice of, 7, 56, 102,
137, 163, 187, 222, 248, 279, 322, 353, 387,
422.
Legislature, the, 28, 40, 50, 78, 129, 130, 297,
298, 299, 300, 313, 314, 315, 317, 363, 372,
408, 412.
Letter, circular, 367.
about dividing County
of Suffolk, 23.
from committee, town of
Milton, 23.
printed and sent to sev-
eral towns, 125, 126, 127,
128, 129, 130, 131, 132.
to selectmen, 125.
commutation, 13, 14.
from Andrews, John, 223.
Bowdpin, James, 275, 295.
committee, town of Wren-
tham and Medway, 3.
answer, 12, 13, 14.
Davis, Caleb, 25.
Dawes, Thomas, 196.
Foster, William, 45.
Franklin's executors, 233.
Gore, Christopher, 214.
Hancock, Gov., 154.
Russell, Thomas, 196.
Thompson, William, 216.
Tyler, Edward, 223.
Wendell, Oliver, 199.
Winthrop, John, 231.
Mr., 328.
of resignation, 200.
to Crane, Thomas, 24.
Franklin's executors, 234, 235,
238.
President, 410.
Lewis, Amos, 420.
David, 283, 323, 352, 386.
Lillie, Joseph, 326.
Lincoln, Benjamin, 15,16, 62, 63,64,112,
145, 169, 170, 194, 195, 227, 326.
Lincoln, County of, 97.
Levi, 311.
List of jurors, 26, 241, 341.
salaries published, 200.
Little, William, 250, 273,276, 314, 319, 320,
331, 348, 349, 350, 354, 383, 384, 385, 389,
390, 395, 396, 406, 418, 419, 430.
Lord's Day, 41, 57, 108, 247, 278, 297, 321,
350, 385, 421.
constables to walk streets
on, 107, 147, 191.
Loring, John F., 422.
Jonathan, 390, 401.
Joseph, 60, 142, 163, 190, 222, 253,
280, 325, 354, 388, 423.
Mathew, 322, 353, 387, 422. .
Lothrop, John, 111, 211, 216, 218, 246, 281,
303, 320, 324, 348, 351, 424.
Lotteries, 214.
Level (Lovell), James, 139.
John, 110, 161.
Solomon, 287.
Low, Widow, 376, 379, 381, 426.
Lowder, William, 8, 36, 58, 101, 136, 164,
188, 220, 247, 278, 323, 329
Lowell, John, 4, 11, 12, 15, 43, 45, 52, 54, 59,
63, 100, 112, 134, 145, 190, 195, 218, 382.
Lucas, John, 2, 8, 25, 56, 59, 61, 64, 74, 79,
80, 90, 92, 112, 132, 210, 223, 224, 238, 245,
248, 273, 279, 306, 312, 314, 322, 353.
Lumber, 31, 32, 51, 70.
Lyman, Theodore, 334, 335, 430.
Lynn street, application of abutters on,
341.
to be widened, 90.
Machine-wind, 369.
Mackay, Mungo, 6, 132, 210, 284, 320, 350,
385, 419.
William, 2, 53.
Magistrates, 28, 39, 40, 210, 226.
Magnor, John, 428, 430.
Maine, 310.
Makepeace, George, 192, 202, 426, 431, 433.
Mall, 400.
enlarged, 396.
Manufacturers, 77.
Market, 9, 10, 41, 45, 49, 50, 65, 74, 150, 250,
295, 'J99, 356, 362, 363.
cellar under, 396.
clerks of the, choice of, 4, 7, 54, 55,
101, 104, 107, 135, 139, 162,
165, 168, 172,186,191, 192, 201,
219, 221, 245, 247, 250, 278, 284,
295, 324, 328, 353, 386, 422.
duties of, 10, 45, 49, 224, 225,
299.
give bond, 219, 224.
memorial of, 45.
office for, 10.
salary of, 31, 32, 41,101,219,
, 299.
contract for hiring stalls In, 250,
251.
abatement on contract,
291.
fish, 121,361.
forestalling the, 251, 266, 299, 362.
hay, 37, 70, 232, 398.
horses and cattle, 10.
Income from, 198, 291.
lemon-sellers, 10, 46.
panyards, 10.
regulations of, 9, 10, 46, 49, 61, 93,
250,251,363.
by-laws for regulation, 47.
rent of, 30, 72, 172.
stalls and stands in, 10, 33, 45, 46,
49, 250, 291, 299, 362.
vegetables sold in, 251.
weights and measures in, 251, 266,
299.
Square, 87, 225, 291, 362, 363.
INDEX.
451
Market Square, erecting stalls in, 265, 266,
292.
fire in building on, 121.
Marshall, William, 178.
Marston, David, 190, 222, 254.
John, 65.
William, 60, 222.
Marys, John, 36.
Mason, Deacon, 396.
Jonathan, 3, 53, 61, 102, 114, 134,
139, 144, 160, 161, 166, 167, 170, 171,
185, 188, 192, 195, 196, 211,216, 217,
218, 219, 227, 22'.), 237, 238, 240, 244,
245, 246, 255, 256, 260, 273,277, 281,
282, 284, 287, 288, 289, 294,319, 326,
330, £50, 357, 384, 385, 386, 393, 395,
428, 430, 431, 432.
Mr., 293.
Stephen Thompson, 407, 410.
Masons, 31.
Massachusetts, 16, 24, 38, 64, 68, 69, 113,
148, 171, 196, 228, 241, 242,
256, 269, 289, 292, 311, 316,
330, 358, 394, 429.
Bay, 374.
people of, formed
solemn compact,
127.
Master, Manasseh, 103.
Maston, Manassah, 60, 140, 166, 190, 222.
May (Mays), Aaron, 22, 36, 37.
E., 31.
Enoch, 232, 283, 323, 352,
386, 420.
Ephraim, 148, 414.
John, 59, 78, 101, 134, 162,
186, 188, 202.
Joseph, 164, 168, 192, 287,
290,291,320,350,351,353,
385, 419, 431.
Moses, 8, 36, 58, 101, 136,
166, 190, 221, 279, 321, 574,
378, 381.
Samuel, 19, 61, 70.
Mayo, Simeon, 110.
Thomas, 426.
McElroy, John, 60, 103.
McFarland, John, 261.
McLane, John, 104, 139, 189, 220.
McNeal (McNlel, McNeil), Archibald, 318,
370.
Mr., 36, 375.
William, 7, 55,
108, 137, 164,
190, 221, 248,
279, 322, 353,
370.
Medfleld, 38.
Medway, 3, 12, 13, 14, 38.
Meeting, county^ 3, 13.
of merchants and traders, 68.
Meeting-houses, old brick, 262, 301, 339.
365.
old South, 43, 177, 236,
302, 339, 348, 405, 428,
429.
stone chapel, 85, 86, 119,
155, 204, 412.
Melville(Mclvil, Melvillee), Thomas, 4, 11,
12, 64, 100,
134,161,186,
218,245,277,
320, 350, 385,
419.
Memorial In Congress, 429.
of school-masters, 362.
Memorialists, 38, 39, 40.
Merchants, 89.
meeting, 340.
resolutions of, 68.
Merlam, John, 426.
Metcalf, John, 145, 170.
Stephen, 64, 112, 145, 170, 195, 227,
255, 886, 326.
Middlesex, county of, 23, 26, 38, 310.
district of, 316, 327.
Militia, 373.
mode of drawing men from, 373.
wages of, 373.
Mill bridge, 360, 361.
pond, 312.
Miller, Charles, 9, 22, 37, 171, 353, 422.
Mr., 87.
Stephen, 115.
Mills, North Chocolate, 74, 79.
Milton, 23, 26.
Minot, George B., 211.
George R., 219, 229, 246, 281, 282,
290, 320, 351, 368, 388, 399, 400, 410,
411, 420.
James, 7.
Judge, 413, 415.
Moderator, choice of, 1, 2, 11, 12, 23, 25, 37,
43, 44, 49, 61, 53, 64, 68, 70, 80, 85, 86, 89,
95, 96, 114, 115, 117, 119, 120, 124, 132, 133,
144, 148, 155, 157, 159, 160,171,177,181,
182, 184, 189, 196, 204, 205,214,216,229,
233, 235, 237, 242, 243, 257,2(52,263, 264,
265, 272, 276, 289, 301, 302, 304, 312, 318,
319, 328, 331, 334, 339, 340, 341, 342, 343,
347, 349, 359, 363, 365, 366, 367, 368, 373,
382, 383, 390, 405, 406, 410,411,414,416,
417, 418, 428, 430, 431, 432.
Monies, 4, 5, 10, 11, 13, 22, 50, 65, 77, 83, 89,
97, 117, 121, 136, 138, 141, 151, 154,
165, 187. 191, 193, 220, 230, 231,
247, 249, 259, 260, 267, 278, 279,
298, 299, 824, 332, 335, 338, 344,
345, 346, 362, 364, 367, 389, 396,
400, 404, 408, 416, 420, 421, 433,
advanced by Alex. Hill, 61.
appropriation of, 33, 34, 35.
borrowed from banks, 397, 399.
due Jeffries, David, 88, 93, 149.
May, Aaron, 37.
from Coll. of taxes, 34, 61,
71, 72, 73.
State treasurer, 34, 71.
flre, 18.
for fire-arms, 72.
payment of bounties, 373.
reward, for discovery of In-
cendiary, 122.
stands in market, 49.
support of poor, 22, 34, 70,
132, 230, 275, 403.
interest on, to overseers of poor,
9, 57, 103, 1H8, 141, 177.
new emission, 22, 30.
of town treasurer, 30, 70, 149, 172,
173, 197, 233, 258, 292, 337, 35U,
360,401,433.
old continental, 149.
paper, 71, 173, 197, 258.
paid for damages for land taken,
345, 346, 381.
received of bondsmen, 124.
by treasurer, 34.
to raise, 32, 34, 67, 83, 122, 154, 233,
259, 260, 261, 278, 293, 321, 337,
338, 361, 366, 397, 402, 403, 416,
435.
to raise for the poor, 132, 177, 89?,
400.
Monopoly, 77, 266.
Montague, Rev. Mr., 184.
Morrel, James, 247.
William, 192.
Morse, Eliakim, 386, 397.
Morton, Perez, 25, 74, 92, 157, 247, 266, 268,
294, 306, 312, 314, 317, 347, 359, 362, 369,
383, 401, 406, 430.
Natick, 38.
Nazro, Mathew, 31, 54, 70, 101, 135, 150, 162,
173, 176, 186, 219, 258, 292.
Xeat, John, 7, 55.
Neck, the. (See Boston Neck.)
452
CITY DOCUMENT.
Needham, 38.
Negroes, 156.
New Boston, 181.
Newell, Timothy, 3, 5, 19, 116, 180.
Newman Henry, 122, 124, 221, 225.
Newspapers, 11, 44, 86, 120, 155, 177, 181,
204, 208, 236, 263, 275, 298,
301,339,366,390, 405.
Boston Gazette, 391.
Centinel, 250, 391, 340.
North Battery, sale of land on, 74, 144.
wreck near, 202.
wharf, allowance for re-
pairs, 62.
North Chocolate Mills, 74, 79.
End, 59.
grammar school, 20, 21, 83, 84, 105,
106, 153, 175, 201.
Latin school, 215.
mills, 352.
reading school, 390.
writing school, 20, 21, 83, 84, 106,
152. 153, 174, 175, 198, 208, 2u9, 210.
Notes, 30, 71, 149, 259, 260, 292.
from Treasurer, 45, 57, 93, 118, 121,
136, 165, 187, 220, 249, 279, 338, 352,
389, 421.
given by committee, 397.
interest on, 30, 151, 198,426.
old, 425.
State Treasurers, 260.
treasury, 260.
Nottage, Josiah, 192.
Noyes, Nathaniel, 35!.
Nuttage, Josiah, 221.
Nye, Joseph, 382.
Nyles, Samueli, 15, 64, 112, 195.
Oath of allegiance, 133, 135, 160, 161, 162,
164, 185, 189, 217, 219.
Office, 243, 245, 276, 277, 319, 321,
349, 384, 418.
Officers, army, 13.
commutation to, 13, 14.
Oliver, Andrew, 192, 255.
Ebenezer, 431.
Oliver's dock, 100, 142, 143.
Oration, on anniversary of Indepen-
dence, 43, 44, 85, 86, 119, 155,
177, 204, 236, 262, 301, 339, 365,
405.
choice of orator, 43, 85, 119, 155,
177, 204, 236, 262, 301, 339, 365,
405.
copy of, to be furnished the
Press, 44, 86, 120, 155, 177,' 204,
236, 263, 301,366,405.
to be delivered at Old brick
church,
262, 301,
339, 365.
Old South
church,
43, 177,
236, 302,
339, 348,
405, 428,
429.
Stone
chapel,
85, 86,
119, 155,
204,412.
Orne, Azor, 227, 255, 311, 326, 357.
Otis, Allen, 69.
Harrison Gray, 177, 290, 303, 314, 318,
326, 383, 396, 430.
Mr., 177.
Samuel A., 24, 36, 64, 76, 112, 114, 148,
157, 158, 1*3.
Overseers of the Poor. (See Poor.)
Owen, John, 60, 103, 140, 166, 190, 222.
Packer, Dr., 180.
Page, Benjamin, 11, 68, 102, 140, 162, 190,
221, 253, 280, 323, 354, 388, 422.
John, 305.
Palmer, General, 146.
Joseph, 144.
Pamphlet, containing prescriptions, 328.
printed at Philadelphia, 407.
relative to the police, 273.
Panyards, 10.
Parker, Benjamin, 425.
Daniel, 9, 32, 58, 71, 73, 108, 117,
149, 172,173.
Jedediah, 8.
John, 132, 168, 277.
Margaret, 99, 108.
Mr., 31, 151, 169, 202.
Parkett, Henry, 280.
Parkman, Elias, 112, 123, 1S4.
Major, 19.
Mr., 391.
Samuel, 53, 102, 134, 144, 161,
165, 185, 186, 217, 245, 277, 319,
320, 350, 384, 385. 419, 430.
William, 163, 190, 222, 253,280,
325, 355, 389, 423.
Parks, Henry, 103.
Parsons, Ebenezer, 4, 430.
Theophilus, 311.
William, 22, 57, 61, 99, 103, 138,
430.
Partridge, Elizabeth, 425.
Joshua, 12.
Mr., 173,
Samuel, 3, 54, 258, 292.
Patten, William, 4, 55, 98.
Pavers, 31.
Paving. (See Streets.)
Payne (Paine) , Edward, 3, 9, 25, 32, 35, 57,
61, 64, 73, 88, 100, 103, 110,
125, 134,137,138.
Judge, 272.
Robert, 311.
Robert Treat, 25, 45, 49,
51,88.
Samuel, 19.
T., 94.
William, 324.
Payson, Samuel, 106.
Pease, Timothy. Jr., 222.
Peck, John, 353.
Peirce, Joseph, 243, 249, 353.
Mr., 394, 401, 426, 433.
Penalties or fines, 117, 172, 197.
Perkins, James, 139, 162, 189, 220, 249, 290,
323, 324, 352, 386.
Thomas, 101, 425.
Thomas H., 277.
Petition for alterations in Act relating to
citizenship, 206.
bulls on the common, 60.
calling meeting, 51.
lottery, 214.
more efficient police, 272, 274.
new street, 290.
paving streets, 171, 176, 281.
road from West Boston to
North End, 59.
selling part of common, 413^
watch in State Street, 60.
granted, 60.
of Abbot, Samuel, 188.
assessors, 203, 413, 414.
Ballard, John, 74.
Mr., 41, 45, 61, 65.
Beals, Thomas, 116.
Carter, Mr., 2M, 284, 290.
Clouston, Lois, 431, 433.
Cobbit, Nathaniel, 74.
collectors of taxes, 423, 433.
constables, 148, 149, 159.
Cookson, Samuel, 224.
Cunningham, Joseph, 164.
Mary, 164.
Darracott, William, 390, 401.
INDEX.
453
Petition of Davis, Samuel, 197.
William, 136.
Daw, Samuel. 200.
directors of W. Boston bridge,
318
Eames, Luther, 382.
Edes, Peter, 8».
eleven towns, 38.
Fire Insurance Co., 67, 75, 78.
Fuller, Moses, 2<>5. 266,268, 269.
Gray. Katharine, 42.
A/r.,46.
Hancock, Gov., 59, 141, 154.
Harris, Giles, 287.
Hill, Alexander, 61, 67, 261,
265.
Hinkley, John, 123.
Holbrook, Jirah, 290, 321, 331,
355.
John, 281, 283.
Jackson, Henry, 410, 412.
Jarvis, Mr., 36.
Jones, Daniel, 290, 291.
Kingsbury, Benjamin, 223.
Laha, Capt., 223.
Lambert, John, 62.
Loring, Jonathan, 390, 401.
Makepeace, George, 192, 202.
Mary, John, 36.
Mason, Mr., 288, 293, 294.
May, Aron, 22, 36.
John, 188, 202.
McNeil, Mr., 3'6.
number of blackmen, 168.
inhabitants, 1, 25,
35, 59, 60, 61, 65,
74, 79, 87, 100, 125,
166, 181, 214, 223,
261, 269, 281, 318,
352, 431.
Palmer, Joseph, 144, 146.
Parker, Margaret, 99, 108.
Pierpont, Robert, 417.
proprietors of land on neck,
100.
Richardson, Jeffery, 318.
Russel, Thomas, 51.
Salter, Richard, 139.
Sargent, Col., 202.
school-masters, 362.
selectmen, 60, 389.
Sergeant, Paul, 192.
several sextons, 116.
Sigoney, Elisha, 123.
Sigourney, Daniel, 41.
Sumner, Benjamin, 87.
Sweetser, John, 281, 284.
Tate, James, 431,433.
thirteen towns, 49.
answer to, 50,
51.
Thomas, Alexander, 90, 92, 99,
108, 1-J3.
Thompson, James, 362, 364,
365.
Thwi'ng, James, 424, 433.
Tileston, Mr., 138.
Torrey, Jonaah, 109.
Josiah, 99.
Vinal, master, 122.
Whipple, Joseph, 188, 223, 282,
284.
relative to hackney coaches, 247.
Hog Alley, 231, 232.
money due heirs of
David Jeffries, 138.
Oliver's dock, 100.
pulling down Town's
Shop, 331.
Sea Street, 99.
ten-foot passageway,
424, 425, 433.
to build bridge over Charles
river, 61,
Petition to build cellar under market,
3!«.
divide County of Suffolk, 23,
•29, 38.
against dividing County of
Suffolk, 38, 39, 40, 260.270.
271, 272.
form new County, 26, 29.
General Court, 51, 52, 80, 203,
230, 265.
House of Representatives,
429.
incorporate town, 89, 91, 93.
prevent inroads of the sea on
Neck, 59.
repeal theatre act, 312, 314.
widen street, 87.
Philadelphia, 342, 343, 3OJ, 361, 407.
Phillips, Dr., 178.
Isaac, 4, 46, 54, 0;;.
John, 365, 366.
Samuel, 255, 286, 311, 357, 392.
William, 3, 15, 24. 53, 64, 102, 112,
134, 140, 145, 157, 158, 159, 161,
169, 170, 185, 194, 217, 227, 245,
255, 277, 286, 319, 326, 334, 335,
350, 384, 396, 418.
Physicians, 31, 303, 304, 308, 412.
Pico, Joshua, 60, 103, 140, 163, 190, 222.
Pierce, Ezekiel, 123.
Isaac, 8.
Piercies, Mr., 180.
Pierpont, Hannah, 417.
Robert, 396, 417.
Pitts, John, 15, 179.
Police, 25, 240, 266, 360, 361, 362.
duty of, 297, 298, 364.
inspectors of, 296, 297, 299, 364.
method of choosing, 297, 298.
petition for more efficient, 272, 274.
salary of, 298, 364, 365.
to give bonds, 298.
Poor, better accommodations for, 392,
3!)5, 398.
expense of, at Rainsford Island,
30.
fire-wood for, 275.
inoculation of, 304.
State, 252, 260.
suitable buildings for, 294.
support of, 22, 31, 32, 70, 132, 177,
230, 275, 403.
Poor, overseers of the, 2, 3, 5, 6, 9, 12, 18,
31, 41, 54, 57, 97,
98, 103, 135, 138,
140, 141, 153, 154,
177,230, 274,303,
304, 305, 307, 308,
B-A, 356, 386, 403,
419, 424.
accounts of, to
audit, 9, 30, 31,
32, 57, 103, 138,
147, 164, 191, 223,
233, 247, 257, 278,
291, 321, 352, 359,
387, 420.
allowed Interest
on money ad-
vanced for use
of the poor, 9,
67, 103, 138, 141,
177.
choice of, 3, 6, 53,
102, 134, 142, 147,
160, 161, 185, 217,
232, 245, 277, 319,
350, 384, 391, 418,
425.
drafts of, 30, 32, 33,
34, 70, 71, 149,
151, 172, 173, 197,
257, 258, 337, 361,
402,435.
454
CITY DOCUMENT.
Powder, 32, 173, 258, 292, 337, 401, 426, 433.
storage of, 150, 360.
Powell, Jeremiah, 15.
William, 8, 53, 64, 87, 102, 134, 314.
Pownal (Pownall), John, 20, 55.
Premium, to first engine at a fire, 89.
Prentice (Prentiss), Henry, 6, 10, 41, 53,
87, 102, 134, 140, 168, 172, 215, 237.
Prescott, Oliver, 311.
President, address to the, 211, 212, 213.
reply of, 213.
visit of, 207.
Price, Ezekiel, 2, 20, 23, 29, 44, 45, 48, 53, 90,
9-2, 95, 96, 97, 104, 114, 115, 123, 133,
135, 161, 185, 217, 226, 234, 243, 244,
257, 260, 264, 265, 269, 276, 278, 284,
291, 302, 319, 321, 337, 349, 374, 378,
381, 384, 385, 404, 418, 425.
James, 139.
Prince, J., 172, 198.
James, 188, 191, 192, 210, 245, 266,
273, 285, 2SK), 323.
Jol), 19,112, 180.
Printers, 31, 70, 391.
Printing, hand-bills, 275.
letter to committee of towns of
Wrentham and Medway, 14.
notifications, 31.
oration commemorative of the
Anniversary of Independ-
ence, 44, 86, 120, 155, 177, 204,
236, 263, 301, 339, 366, 405.
paid for, 70, 150, 360, 402, 434.
pamphlet at Philadelphia, 407.
relative to police, 273.
resolves, relative to paupers,
424.
Privateers, false report of, published in
Centinel, 340.
Proctor (Procter), Col., 11, 12, 165, 189.
Edward, 3, 47, 53, 64,
59, 100, 102, 104, 134,
161,185,186, 217, 218,
244, 277, 319, 350, 374,
378, 381, 384, 418, 425.
John, 19.
Proposals from Mr. Tisdale and Wendell
to give land to widen street, 87.
Propositions for instruction of both
sexes, 205.
reforming present
system of educa-
tion, 206, 208, 209,
210.
Provisions, high price of, 267, 413, 414,
423.
violations of laws relative to
sale of, to punish, 266, 267.
Publick Buildings, illumination of, 1.
Prints, 11.
Pullln (Pulling), Edward, 310.
John, 8, 36, 58.
Pump in Cornhill, 431.
Purez, Mr., 433.
Purket (Purkett), Henry, 142, 163, 222,
253,325,355,389,423.
Thomas, 190.
Putnam, Jesse, 348, 391.
Queen street. (See Streets).
Quincy (Quincey), Josiah, 431.
Mrs., 432.
Samuel, 244.
Rainsfords Island, 30, 188, 223, 282, 284,
309, 360.
Ranger, Edmund, 11, f>8, 102, 137, 140, 162,
163, 190, 221, 257, 280, 324, 354, 388, 422.
Real estate, selling of towns, 396, 397, 398,
399, 400.
Records, town, 115.
Recruits for the army, 373.
Reed (Read), John, 145, 195, 227, 255, 286,
326, 346.
Reed (Read), Sampson, 427.
Regiment, Boston, 373.
Register, County, choice of, 98, 114, 122,
243, 257, 263, 264.
of deeds, choice of, 114, 115, 123,
244, 257, 263, 264, 419.
Regulations of the market, 9, 10, 46, 49, 61.
93, 250, 251, 363.
Remonstrances against dividing County
of Suffolk, 269, 270, 271, 272.
Rents, 30, 32, 33, 34, 72, 172, 173, 197, 258,
292, 360.
93, 94, 95, 103, 104, 105, 107, 108, 109, 116,
117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 124, 138, 139,
204, 206, 207, 20S, 224, 229, 230, 231, 233,
234, 235, 236, 238, 239, 240, 243, 250, 251,
253, 257, 258, 259, 261, 262, 265, 266, 267,
268, 273, 283, 284, 285, 288, 290, 291, 293,
295,296,297,303,304, 307, 308, 313, 314,
317, 324, 329, 332, 334, 336, 337, 339, 342,
344, 348, 355, 356, 359, 362, 367, 368, 371,
381, 382, 397, 398, 401, 402, 404, 407, 412,
414, 415, 416. 425, 431,433.
Representatives, 25, 68, 118, 123, 129, 130,
141, 184, 196, 199, 215,
216, 266, 267, 293, 294,
314, 316, 325, 333, 358,
372, 373, 417.
choice of, 24, 25, 69, 113,
114, 148, 156, 159, 160,
171, 181, 182, 195, 196,
199, 200, 201, 214, 228,
229, 231, 242, 256, 289,
300, 327, 330, 358, 395,
429, 430.
house of, 38, 49, 269, 313.
instructions to, 52, 76, 77,
78, 115, 149.
Requisitions in form of law, 203.
Resolutions for relief of sufferers of fire,
366.
repeal of law against the-
atrical entertainments,
314, 315.
of merchants, 68.
on payment of town's debt,
2.59,260.
Resolve relative to paupers, 424.
Revenue, 77, 216.
Revere, Paul, 210. 273, 314.
Reward for discovery of incendiary, 122.
persons de-
stroying public
property, 324,
325.
Rhodes (Rhoades), Jacob, 4, 54, 101, 134,
161, 186, 218, 245, 250, 305.
Rice, Thomas, 387, 422.
Richardson, Jeffery, 220, 248, 279, 318, 322,
353, 370, 37.5, 379, 3H1, 387, 422.
John, 194, 195.
Mr., 401.
William, 353.
Ridge Hill, 369, 370.
Ridgway, James, 137, 163.
Joseph, 432, 433.
Robbins (Robins), Edward H., 286, 393,
427.
James, 253, 280, 324,
354, 388, 422.
Rogers, James, 11, 58, 102, 140, 162, 190,
221, 253, 280, 323.
John Goreham, 55.
Thomas, 7, 247. •
William, 56.
Rope-walks, 179, 180, 318, 36*, 372, 375, 389,
401,403,414,416.
INDEX.
455
Rope-walks, consumed by flre, 366.
erection of new, 369, 3,0, 3. 1.
grants of, 370.
Rotterdam, 328.
Rowe, John, 15, 24, 81.
Mr., 72.
Roxb8ury?2M7, 50, 66, 143, 150, 416, 417.
Line, 180.
Ruddock, Abiel, 8.
John, 72, 81.
257; 263; 264; 278; 323; 329; 351, 374, 378,
381, 385. 421. '
Rumley, Edward, 392, 423.
Kummerel (Rumrill), Abner 220,249.
Russell (Russel), Benjamin, 210, 24,, 287,
Joseph, 6, 42, 57, 61, 92,
103, 120, 138, 140, 151,
157, 164, 167, 186, 188,
191, 218, 223, 233, 237,
238, 240, 245, 247, 266,
277, 278, 303, 312, 314,
320, 321, 331, 336, 338,
349 350, 351, 354, 364,
368, 384, 385, 386, 396,
397, 403, 414, 415, 419,
420, 423, 4 4, 426, 427,
430, 431, 432, 435.
Mr., ISO, 317, 332, 333,
383, 411, 425.
Thomas, 15, 51, 63, 64,
112, 159, 171, 186, 196,
218, 227, 245, 255, 277,
286, 311, 322, 326, 348,
357; 375, 376, 392, 393,
427.
Thomas W., 65.
Treasurer, 282.
Salaries or allowances, assessors^ 22, 31,
70; 85, 107, 136;
150,165,188,221,
232,338,359,364,
402, 403, 434, 435,
Boyer, Peter, 6,
84, 107, 153, 176,
200, 232.
Carter, James,
20, 21, 83, 105,
152. 174.
Cheney, Samuel,
84, 106, 152, 153,
174. 175.
Clap, Samuel,
435.
clerks of the mar.
ket, 31, 32, 41,
101, 402, 434.
collectors of
taxes, 165, 187,
220, 240, 249,
338.
committee of
correspond-
ence, 31.
consideration of,
6.
constables, 150,
159,176,402,434.
Cooper, William,
6, 84, 107, 153,
175,200,232,338,
364, 403, 435.
Davis, Nathan,
20, 21, 83, 152,
153,174,175,198.
Davis, Nathaniel,
84, 105, 106.
Salaries of allowances, Dingley, Amasa,
153, 174.
Director o f
lamps, 107.
hay -weigher, 299.
Hunt, Samuel,
20, 21, 83, 105,
152, 174, 198.
jury, 381. '
justices, 381.
list of published,
200.
Nazro, Mr., 70,
176.
Payson, Samuel,
106.
police, 298, 364,
402,404,434,435.
Russell, Joseph,
338, 364, 403.
BC h o o 1-masters,
18, 20, 31, 32, 33,
34, 35, 70, 72, 80,
105,106,152,154,
174,175,199,200,
291,359,402,434.
sheriff, 381.
Sticknor, Elisha,
174.
Thompson,
James, 364, 365.
town clerk, 6, 31,
32, 33, 35, 70,
107,153,200,232,
295,338,364,402,
434, 435.
town treasurer,
6, 31, 32, 33, 35,
70, 107, 153, 232,
295,338,364,402,
434, 435.
Tvleston, John,
20, 21, 83, 84,
105, 106, 152, 164,
174, 175, 198.
ushers, 22, 84,
106, 150, 153, 175,
199,291,359,402,
434.
Vinal, John, 20,
21, 22, 84, 106,
152, 153, 174, 175.
•watchmen, 31,32,
33, 35, 70, 72,
107, 359, 434.
Waters, Josiah,
365, 404, 435.
Salisbury, Samuel, 250.
Salt, works, 144, 146.
Salter, Richard, 139.
Sargeant (Seargeant, Sergeant, Sergant,
Serpent), Daniel, 277.
Dudley, 99, 101, 104, 110, 166,
189, 202.
Mr., 192.
Paul D., 20, 104, 116, 134, 162,
186, 192, 361.
Savage, Abraham, 31, 72, 73, 88, 89, 149,
173, 361.
Mr., 360.
Samuel P., 377, 380, 381.
S. V., 426.
Scavingers, choice of, 8, 56,
Schools, allowance for ink, 175.
fuel for, 18, 153, 175.
government in, 17, 215.
grammar, 16.
North, 20, 21, 83, 84,
105, 106, 153, 175, 201.
South, 20, 21, 83, 106,
153, 175.
in South quarter of town, 35, 166,
216.
Latin, 209.
456
CITY DOCUMENT.
Schools, Latin, North, 215.
number of children in, 18, 79.
private, 17, IS, 281.
propositions for reforming pres-
ent system of public education,
205, 208, 209, 210.
provisions for teaching children
of the poor, 17, 18.
publick, 17, 18. -
reading, centre, 209, 210, 231.
North, 390.
School street, 391.
South, 208, 209.
removal of scholars, 201.
resolutions on, IS, 19.
selectmen to hire new, and ap-
point master, 166.
usher, 18, 22.
salaries of, 106, 150, 153,
175, 291, 359, 434.
visitation of, 32, 70, 79, 150, 209,
360, 403.
writing, centre, 208, 209.
In the common, 21, 22.
84, 106, 152, 153, 174,
175, 390.
Pleasant street, 84.,
Queen street, 20, 21,
83, 105, 152, 174.
North, 20, 21, S3, 84,
106, 152, 153, 174,
175,198, 208,209,210.
South, 60.
master for, to
appoint, 60.
new South, 20,
84, 174, 178,
208, 209.
committee, 216, 219, 231, 261, 274,
281,284, 290,305,320,
373, 388, 390, 420, 421,
424.
choice of, 218, 245, 246,
280,281,283,320,351,
355, 387, 420, 425.
commission to, 215.
report of, 6, 19,41,290,
291.
representation of, 229,
231.
to alter present sys-
tem of e d u c a -
tion, 281,284.
carry new system
into operation,
219, 246, 285, 320,
351, 388, 420.
consider new ar-
rangements of,
16, 17, 207, 208.
regulate affairs of
school, 219, 246,
285, 320, 3.51, 388,
420.
house, 182, 209, 215, 216, 231, 259,
359, 361, 398.
building of more, 46, 74, 79,
215,231,261,292.
contract for building the
North, 401.
repairing, expense of, 31,
70, 216, 361, 402, 434.
temporary accommo-
dation for children, 231.
masters, 17, 18, 21, 22, 60, 79, 122,
168, 192, 215, 219, 246,
281, 284, 285, 290, 291,
320, 351, 373, 388, 389,
420.
memorial or petition,
362.
punctual payment of,
21, 137.
Schools, masters, regulations about teach.
ing, 17, 18, 21.
salary of, 18, 20, 21, 22,
31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 46, 70,
72, 80, 83, 84, 105, 106,
150, 153, 168, 175, 191,
200, 291, 359, 402, 434.
to report number of
pupils in public and
private schools, 19.
Scollay, Doctor, 282.
John, 2, 3, 11, 12, 53, 97, 114, 123,
133, 134, 160, Ib3, 185, 217, 226.
Mr., 87, 180.
William, 168, 283, 294, 312, 319,
320, 331, 349, 350, 354, 384, 385,
419, 425.
Scott, Joseph, 201.
Sealers of leather. (See Leather.)
Sears, Daniel, 101.
Seaver (Sever), Ebenezer, 139, 161, 185,
217, 226, 243, 276, 319, 331, 349, 354, 384,
411,414,418.
Sea Wall, 371.
committee for building, 116.
expense of, 67, 118.
on Ferry street, 118, 124.
Neck, to defray expense of,
67.
description of, 66, 67.
Securities, 144, 187, 220, 279.
Selectmen, 1, 6, 8, 12, 13, 15, 17, 18, 19, 22,
24, 25, 26, 31, 32, 36, 37, 42, 43,
44, 45, 49, 50, 51, 56, 58, 63, 67,
68, 69, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 79, 80,
82, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 93,
94, 100, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107,
109,110, 111, 113, 114, 116,118,
119, 120,121, 122, 123, 124,125,
132, 135, 136, 137, 138, 142, 148,
150, 153, 154, 155, 156, 159, 160,
163, 165, 166, 167, 168,169, 171,
175, 176, 177, 181, 182, 183, 186,
187, 193, 194, 196, 199,201,202,
203, 204, 205, 206,207, 208, 209,
210, 214, 215, 216, 218, 219, 220,
221, 223, 227, 228, 229, 230, 232,
236, 238, 239, 241, 244, 246, 248,
249, 251, 254, 256, 260, 261, 262,
263, 264, 266, 267, 274, 275, 279,
280, 282, 284, 285, 288, 289,290,
292, 293, 294, 295, 296, 297,298,
299, 300, 301, 303, 305, 308,310,
316, 318, 320, 322, 323, 327,328,
329, 330, 332, 333, 338, 339, 341,
343, 344, 345, 346, 352,355,356,
357, 358,360,362, 363, 365, 366,
367, 368, 369, 371, 372, 374, 375,
378, 381, 386, 388, 389, 390, 392,
394, 395, 396, 31*8, 399, 400,401,
405, 410, 412, 413, 414, 415, 416,
419, 421, 422, 424, 427, 429, 431,
432, 434.
accounts of, lo audit, 31, 164,
191, 247, 278, 291,321, 351, 359,
387, 420.
additional number of, 62.
choice of, 2, 5, 53, 59, 60, 65,
96,97, 133, 139, 161, 185, 200,
217, 224, 243, 250, 253, 276, 283,
319, 349, 384, 391, 418.
continue suit against Coll.
Gray's bondsmen, 143.
drafts of the, 10, 30, 33, 34, 35,
57, 70, 71, 147, 149, 151, 172,
173, 197, 211, 233, 257,258, 337,
361, 402, 425, 426.
offer reward for conviction
of persons destroying pub-
lic property, 324, 325.
to apply to legislature for re-
peal of laws against in-
oculation, 304.
INDEX.
457
Selectmen, to appoint master for South
writing school, 60.
appropriate money to de-
fray expense of building
new school-house, 231.
continue their exertions to
prevent spreading of
smallpox, 302, 307, 309.
defend rights of town to
Oliver's Dock, 143.
give names to streets, 178,
179, 180.
make sale of land at North
Battery, 144.
regulate and widen Prince
street, 225, 226.
visit public schools, 99.
Senate, 38, 49, 1 19, 269, 300, 313, 333.
Senators, 14, 16, 62, 63, 64.
choice of, 15, 63, 111 , 112, 113, 145,
146, 169, 170, 194, 195, 226, 227,
254, 255, 285, 286, 311, 326, 356,
357, 393, 428.
Sessions, clerk of, 48, 123, 244, 257, 264,
218, 321, 349, 385.
Sewall, Samuel, 316.
Sharon, 26.
Sharp, Deacon, 19, 59, 61, 116, 165, 167, 205.
Gibhins, 132, 171, 306.
William, 7, 55, 56, 137, 163.
Shaw, Francis, 3, 5, 31, 32, 71.
William, 247.
Shed, Joseph, 8, 286.
Shepard (Sheppard), Nathaniel, 374, 378,
381.
William, 311.
Sherburne, 38.
Thomas, 422.
William, 306, 355.
Sheriff, salary of, 381.
Ships, vessels, 29, 77, 407, 408, 409.
privateers, 340.
timber, 409.
Sign boards, 164, 168.
Sigoney (Sigorney, Sigourney, Siggor-
ney), Charles, 265.
Daniel, 41.
Elisha, 123, 168, 210, 245, 287, 306,
431.
John R., 9, 18, 36, 58, 74, 132, 164,
165, 188, 219, 221, 247, 278, 323,
329,351,385,421.
Nathaniel, 353.
Peter, 8.
S'monds House, 337.
Simpkins, Deacon, 19, 32, 132.
Simpson, Josiah, 7, 65, 56.
Singleton, George, 325, 354, 388, 423.
Skinner. John, 7, 8, 55, 66, 103, 104, 137,
138, 163, 186, 187, 223, 248, 280, 322.
Small]ience, Robert, 323, 352, 386.
Smallpox, 302, 307, 308, 309, 360, 361.
Inoculation for, 181, 282, 284,
303, 305, 307, 309.
prescription for mitigating,
328.
Smink, Peter, 279.
Smith, Abiel, 312, 314.
Constable, 5.
Isaac, 3, 16, 63, 64, 102, 132, 134, 137,
254.
John, 222.
Mr., 58, 95.
Oliver, 265, 430.
Richard, 345.
Samuel, 4, 55, 98, 139, 162, 189.
William, 160, 161, 185, 217, 245, 277,
319, 320, 350, 351, 384, 388, 418, 420,
430.
Smoke house be erected, 309.
Snelling, Josiah, 305.
Samuel, 247.
Sohier, J. B., 430.
Martin, 7.
Sohier, Martin B., 110.
Somes (Soams), Nathaniel, 132, 166.
South Battery, 46, 67, 75.
End, school at, 35, 166, 216.
grammar school, 20, 21, 83, 106, 153,
175.
reading school, 208, 209.
writing school, 60.
Spear, David, 55, 60, 192.
Joseph, 60.
Mr., 180.
Pool, 98, 139.
Spermaclte works, 75.
Spooner, William, 420.
Sprague, Doctor, 178.
Joseph, 8, 287.
State House, 24, 68, 113, 148, 171,196,228,
256, 289, 312, 330, 358, 383,
394, 396, 397, 429.
proposals for new, 317.
street, 60, 87, 176, 179, 183, 223, 344.
tax, 6, 32, 166.
treasurer, 80, 31, 32, 33, 34, 45, 57, 71,
92, 124, 136, 165, 172, 187, 203, 220,
249, 259, 279, 338, 352, 389, 421.
treasury, 32, 109, 459.
Stationery, paid for, 70, 360, 4C2, 434.
Staves and hoops, cullers of, choice of,
9,44,46, 60, 103, 142, 163,166,190,201,
203,222,232, 253, 254, 280,328,354,355,
389, 423.
Stevenson, Thomas, 283, 323, 352, 386, 420.
Sticknor, Elisha, 174.
Stillman, Morgan, 221.
Rev. Doctor, 96, 195, 204, 310, 356,
429.
Samuel, 159, 388, 420.
Stoddard, Jonathan, 7, 55.
Stone chapel, 85, 86, 119, 155, 204, 412.
lime, Inspector of, 389, 392, 423.
Storer, Ebenezer, 287.
Story (Storey), William, 61, 80, 82, 109.
Stoughton, 26.
Streets, abuttors on. {See Abuttors.)
Adams, 179.
Allen, 180.
Ann, 180.
Atkinson, 179, 367, 374, 375, 376,
377,378,401,413,414.
Batterymarch, 179, 214, 281, 355.
petition, for pav-
ing, 171.
Beacon, 179, 369, 370, 371, 400.
Bennet, 178.
Bowdoin Square, 180.
Cambridge, 179, 180.
Castle, 178.
Center, 180.
Chamber, 180.
Clarke, 180.
Common, 50, 51, 400.
Cornhlll, 179.
Court, 179, 397.
Cow Lane, 179, 355, 374, 375, 376,
377.
Dalton, 179.
damaged by heavy teaming, 299.
damage on widening, 374, 378.
Deacon, 180.
Devonshire, 179.
Eliot, 178, 369.
Federal, 179.
Ferry, 90, 116, 124, 150.
sea wall on, 118, 122.
Friend, 180.
Frog Lane, 178.
George, 179.
Green, 180.
Grtdley Lane, 179.
Hancock, 179, 180.
Hanover, 180.
Harvard, 178.
Hawkins, 180.
Hill. 180.
458
CITY DOCUMENT.
Streets, Hog Alley, 232.
Hollis, 178.
Hutchinson, 367, 401, 413, 414.
iiicumbrances on. 168.
Kilby, 179.
King, 179.
land taken to widen, 375, 376, 377.
paid for damages, 381.
Leverett, 179, 180, 398.
Love, 210.
Lynde, 180.
Lynn, 90, 341, 344, 345, 346.
Mason, 400.
Middle, 180, 209.
Middlecot, 180.
Middlesex, 180.
Milk, 179.
Mill, 180.
names changed, 164, 178, 179, 180.
Nassau, 178.
new, laid out, 367, 371, 403.
Newbury, 179.
North, 180.
Oliver's Dock, 142, 143.
Orange, 178, 179,
Palmer, 179.
paving and repairing, 70, 176, 182,
183, 361, 402, 434.
cost of, 360, 361.
petition for lottery to raise
money for repairing, 214.
Pleasant, 84, 178, 209, 369, 370, 371,
414, 417.
Prince, 225, 226, 352.
land to widen, 226.
Purchase, 179, 214, 374, 375, 376,
377, 378.
Queen, 21, 83, 105, 152, 174, 179.
School, 209, 231, 391.
Sea, 99, 107.
abuttors on, 108.
Ship, 180.
Shute, 180.
Staniford, 180.
State, 60, 87, 176, 179, 183, 223, 344.
Sudbury, 180.
Summer, 179.
Temple, 180, 336.
Tremont, 209, 231.
Warren, 180.
Washington, 180.
Water, 179.
West, 209.
Strong, Caleb, 286.
Sturgis, Hufus, 171.
Russell, 224, 245, 277, 286, 306, 320,
323, 350, 385, 418, 419, 430.
Subscriptions, for relief of poor, 132.
sufferers from fire, 366.
to support lamps, 267.
Suffolk, County of, 13, 14, 15, 16, 23, 26, 27,
29, 38, 39, 62, 63, 64, 94,
97, 98, 111, 112, 113, 114,
115, 123, 135, 145, 161,
169, 184, 192, 193, 194,
218, 226, 227, 240, 241,
243, 254, 255, 256, 262,
263, 264, 265, 267, 268,
270, 271, 277, 285, 286,
297, 310, 311, 321, 326,
327, 349, 357, 358, 384,
393, 419, 428.
to consider dividing, 23.
division of, 26, 27, 28, 29,
38.
remon strance against
dividing, 269, 270, 271,
272.
District of, 182, 183, 316,
327.
Sullivan, James, 15, 20, 28, 25, 29, 45, 46,
64, 88, 91, 94, 99, 100, 125, 134, 135, 141,
142, 210, 215, 240, 265, :269, 272, 286, 294,
303, 311, 326, 332, 333, 347, 368, 416.
Sumner, Benjamin, 31, 71, 73, 87, 95.
Increase, 311, 392, 427.
Samuel, 353.
Sureties, bonds to be given as, 45, 57, 121,
136, 165, 187, 220, 238, 246, 249, 279, 321,
aS8, 349, 352, 384, 389, 414, 418, 421.
Surveyors, 47.
of boards. (See Boards.)
hemp. (Hee Hemp.)
highways. (See High-
ways.)
wheat. (See Wheat.)
Swan, James, 63.
Swatser, John, 80.
Sweetser, John, 3, 53, 88, 92, 99, 101, 102,
104, 134, 138, 161, 163, 185, 1^6, 217, 218,
244, 260, 277, 281, 282, 284, 294, 319, 350,
357, 384, 3'JK, 406, 418, 424, 428, 430, 431.
Swift, Elijah, 345.
Switcher, John, 74.
Symea (Symmes, Symms, Syms), An-
drew, 19, 20, 54, 72, 101, 134, 151,
161, 173, 190, 197.
Thomas, 305.
Tar, 409.
Tate, James, 377, 380, 381, 431, 433.
William, 103.
Taxes, 30, 33, 172, 259, 261, 270.
abatement of, 30, 31, 34, 41, 57, 87,
108, 150, 151,172, 197,
223, 246, 247, 278, 292,
321,335,336,350,385,
401, 421, 426, 433.
on Benj. Gray's, 111.
act, 338.
alien, 76.
appropriated for payment of in-
terest to creditors of town, iOl.
class, 73.
commonwealth, 73.
continental, 32, 35, 73.
for Court Houses, Goals, etc., 28,
40.
names of persons who refuse to
pay, 334.
on inhabitants, 33, 198.
plan for collection of, 261, 331,
332, 334, 432, 433.
poll, 34, 85, 107, 154, 176, 200, 233,
260, 293, 338, 361, 403, 435.
premiums for collecting, 34, 35.
premiums on, 31.
real estate, 34, 85, 107, 154, 176, 200.
233, 260, 293, 338, 361. 403, 435.
reasons for non-payment of, 335,
336.
specie, 82.
state, 6, 32, 166.
application for abatement
of, 167.
to defray expenses of town, 3J,
35, 85, 107, 154, 176, 177, 200, 233,
259, 260, 293, 338, 361, 402, 403, 435.
to defray expense of new build-
ings for the poor, 295.
town, 32.
to raise for support of poor, 141,
177, 201.
collectors of, 30, 32, 33, 34, 35, 45,
54,61,70,71,72,87,10;,
108, 117, 122, 124, 150,
154, 156, 166, 177, 192,
202, 234, 240, 285, 292,
321, 334, 836, 350, 362,
385, 395, 402, 421, 426,
allowance to, 45, 56, 57,
121, 136, 150, 165, 187,
220, 240, 249, 279, 304,
338, 352, 389, 402 421.
bondsmen of delin-
quent, to be sued, 109.
check on, 192.
INDEX.
459
Taxes, collectors, choice of, 7, 9, 58, 101,
109, 110, 135, 165, 187,
202, 220, 249, 250, 254,
279, 304, 308, 329, 352,
388, 421.
defaulters, 81, 82.
delinquent, 9, 100.
executions against, 8-2,
92.
give bond, 45, 57, 110,
121, 136, 165, 220, 249,
279, 338, 352, 389, 421.
monies due from, 34,
61,73,81,
obliged to pay balances
due the town, 73.
premiums, 45,57,70,104,
110, 118, 120, 121, 136,
165, 173, 187, 220, 249,
279, 304, 308, 338, 352,
359, 389, 402, 421, 426,
433.
request for more salary,
237, 240.
Tenant, Thomas, 391, 420.
Tewksbury, 31.
Thatcher, Peter, 62, 63, 76, 243.
Rev. Dr., 358.
Thayer, Ebenezer, '255, 287, 326.
Ephraim, 56.
Minot, 386.
Theatre, 266, 267, 268.
building new, 431.
Thomas, Alexander, 71, 73, 90, 92, 99, 108,
110, 124, 172.
Benjamin, 420.
Mr., 31,93, 109,111, 123.
Thompson, Benjamin, 432, 433.
James, 9, 31, 58, 71, 73, 81, 82,
110, 135, 149, 165, 173,187,220,
249, 258, 279, 292, 329, 352, 360,
362, 364, 365, 388, 421, 426,434.
Mr., 143.
Thomas, 422.
William, 191, 192, 205, 208, 216,
223, 224, 413.
Thwing, James, 424, 433.
Ticknor, Mr., 166, 209.
Tidmarsh, Nathaniel, 422.
Tilden, David, 418.
Tileston (Tyleston), James, 21, 100.
John, 20, 21, 83, 84,
105, 106, 152, 154,
174, 175, 198, 306,
374,378,381,424.
Mr., 79, 138, 153, 210.
Thomas, 4, 19, 54, 134,
161, 186, 218, 245,
273, 277, 320, 350,
373.
Tisdale, James, 87, 320, 350, 362, 385, 419.
Todd, Samuel, 7.
William, 56, 137, 186, 222, 248, 279,
293, 321, 353, 387.
Tomb at South burying ground, 412.
Stone Chapel, 412.
on Common, 432.
Torrey, Jonaah, 109.
Josiah. 99.
Samuel, 192, 300.
Towle, Jonathan, 426.
Town accept donations in Dr. Franklin's
will, 233, 246.
attorney, 214, 296, 297, 298.
book, 115, 361.
names of streets recorded
in, 178.
bulls, 150.
clerk, 14, 22, 40, 47, 52, 67, 83, 95, 99,
107, 115, 123, 135, 136, 139,
146, 149, 153, 161, 162, 164,
168, 185, 189, 191, 192, 217,
218, 219, 235, 244, 245, 257,
263, 264, 265, 274, 277, 278.
Town clerk, 303, 319, 321, 349, SCO, 362,
383, 384, 396, 410, 418, 419,
424.
choice Of, 2, 53, 96, 133, 160,
184, 217, 243, 276, 319, 349,
384, 418.
duties of, 293.
examine town records, 47.
salary of, 6, 31, 32. 33, 35, 70,
84, 107, 150, 2'J5, 364, 403, 435.
serve representatives with
attested copy of instruc-
tions for support of build-
ing abridge over Charles
River, 52.
to notify inhabitants of busi-
ness of the meeting, 48.
clock, repairs of, 150, 360, 402, 434.
confirm deed given for two stores
in exchange for pasture, 159.
council, 274.
creditors to receive interest on
money lent, 259.
cryer, 360.
debit and credit of the, 10, 30, 31, 32,
33, 34, 57, 70, 71, 72, 73, 150, 151, 172,
173, 197, 198, 233, 240, 258, 292, 337,
425, 426, 433, 434.
debt, resolutions on payment of,
259, 260.
dock, '0.
expense of filling up, 31, 50.
request for compensation for
filling up, 36.
settled by arbitration, 36.
engines, pumps, or public ladders,
destruction of, 324, 325.
estates, rents of, and to whom
rented, 22.
expenses, by heavy loads carried
through streets, 299.
to defray, 34, 35, 61. 85,
107, 150, 154, 176, 177,
200, 233, 260, 292, 293,
338, 361, 403, 435.
finances, 242.
house, new, 158.
illumination of, 1.
incorporation of, 25, 89, 91,92,93,
417.
Introduction of fresh water into,
382.
lamps, 265, 267.
lighting of, 282, 293.
to continue, 285,
288.
to be disc on-
tinned, 147,
331.
subscription to support, 267.
land, sale of, 432.
on S. Battery, 75.
given deed of laud near Dock
Square, 76.
meetings, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 12, 14,
16, 20, 23, 24, 25, 26, 35,
37, 38, 41, 42, 43, 44, 46,
47, 48, 49, 51, 52, 53, 54,
55, 58, 60, 62, 63, 64, 65,
67, 68, 69, 70, 74, 76, 78,
80, 83, 85, 86, 88, 89, 90,
91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 98,
99, 103, 104, 106, 108, 109,
110, 111, 113, 114, 116,
116, 117, 118, 119, 120,
122, 123, 124, 125, 132,
133, 135, 136, 138, 140,
143, 144, 146, 147, 148,
152, 154, 155, 156, 157,
158, 159, 160, 162, 166,
169, 170, 171, 175, 177,
181, 182, 183, 184, 186,
189, 191, 192, 194, 195,
196, 198, 199, 200, 201.
460
CITY DOCUMENT.
Town meetings, 202, 204, 205, 206, 207,
208, 210, 211, 213, 214,
215, 216, 218, 221, 225,
226, 228, 229, 232, 233,
234, 235, 236, 238, 239,
240, 241, 242, 243, 248,
250, 253, 254, 255, 256,
257, 259, 260, 261, 262,
263, 264, 265, 266, 268,
272, 273, 275, 276, 280,
283, 284, 285, 287, 288,
28d, 290, 293, 295, 296,
21)9, 300, 301, 302, 304,
306, 308, 309, 311, 312,
315, 316, 317, 318, 323,
325, 326, 327, 328, 329,
330, 331, 332, 333, 337,
339, 340, 341, 342, 343,
347, 348, 352, 355, 356,
358, 359, 363, 365, 366,
367, 368, 369, 372, 373,
374, 381, 382, 383, 386,
390, 392, 393, 394, 395,
396, 397, 399, 401, 404,
406, 407, 410, 411, 413,
414, 415, 416, 417, 419,
421, 424, 427, 428, 429,
430, 432, 433, 435.
expenses at, 150.
offers reward for conviction of
persons destroying public prop-
erty, 324, 325.
police, 272, 273, 274, 275, 3fi4.
records, 47, 75, 97, 115, 381.
schedule of assessment for land
taken, 379, 380.
security of the, at night, 329.
selected jurors, 241.
suits against, 234.
to make regulations prohibiting
heavy teaming, 299.
petition General Court, 230.
treasurer, 9, 10, 22, 32, 34, 35, 37, 45,
57, 71, 72, 81, 82, 92, 97,
103, 105, 109, 121, 122,
124, 132, 136, 138, 149,
150, 151, 154, 156, 164,
165, 167, 168, 172, 175,
176, 187, 192, 197, 198,
202, 220, 234, 249, 259,
260, 261, 274, 279, 324,
334, 335, 338, 349, 352,
360, 362, 373, 389, 400,
421, 431.
accounts of, 5, 30, 72, 73,
173, 258, 292.
to audit, 9,22,
30, 57, 61, 70,
81, 103, 105,
109, 138, 146,
147, 149, 164,
167, 172, 173,
189, 191, 197,
198, 223, 233,
247, 257, 258,
278, 292, 321,
331, 332, 337,
351, 359, 401,
420, 432, 433.
authorized to borrow
money, 261, 416.
choice Of, 5, 54, 97, 135,
162, 185, 189, 219, 237,
245, 277, 321, 349, 384,
414, 418.
committee to settle the
accounts of the late,
237, 240.
duties of, 293.
draughts of, 156.
extract from will of the
late, 97.
give bonds, 238, 246, 279,
321, 349, 384, 414, 418.
Town treasurer, give notes to Jonah
Torrey, 109.
note for land on
Cop's Hill, 118.
notes, 151, 167.
salary of, 6, 31, 32, 33. 35,
70, S4, 295, 364, 402, 4C3,
435.
sum due the late, 93.
suspend execution of
suit of Geo. Make-
peace, 202.
suspend execution of
suit of Col. Sargent,
202.
to call on Geo. Make-
peace, 433.
collect flues from
justices, 117.
furnish account of
monies received
and paid, 34.
issue executions
against delinquent
collectors of taxes,
82.
prosecute bondsmen
of delinquent coll.
of taxes, 108, 109.
suspend prose-
cution ,109, 110, 111,
124.
watch, 107, 329.
Townsend, Andrew, 66, 102, 137, 163, 186,
221, 222, 248, 249, 279, 283,
321, 323, 352, 353, 386.
David, 201, 238, 345, 355, 388,
411, 413, 420.
Trade, carrying, 77, 347.
Traders, 89.
Trades, blacksmiths, 31.
brickmakers, 203.
carpenters, 31,
glaziers, 31.
masons, 31.
pavers, 31.
printers, 70, 391.
Treasurer, town. (See Town.)
county, 4, 5, 54, 58, 95, 98, 120,
135, 161, 218, 244, 278, 321, 349,
384.419.
state, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 45, 57, 71,
72, 92, 124, 136, 165, 172, 187,
203, 220, 249, 259, 279, 338, 352,
389, 421.
Treasury, state, 32, 109, 259.
town, 18, 32, 45, 72, 100, 109, 122,
138, 177, 257, 259, 299,
303, 388, 415, 416.
general state of, 10, 57,
103, 138, 149, 172, 17%
257, 258, 292.
Treaty, commercial, 410.
of Amity, Commerce and Navi-
gation, 406, 407.
resolutions on, 407,
408, 409.
copy to be sent to the
President, 410.
Peace, illumination of town
on ratilication of, 1.
Tribunal, 275.
Troops, 172, 340, 373.
Artillery Company, 118.
Boston regiment, 373.
Tuckerman, Abraham, 432.
Edward, 8, 56, 74, 223, 248,
279, 314, 322, 387, 423.
Isaac, 11, 56, 423.
Tudor, Coll., 264.
Deacon, i9.
John, 23.
William, 3, 12, 25, 29, 41, 47, 52, 59,
75, 80, 90, 91, 99, 116, 143, 168i
INDEX.
461
Tudor, William, 210,211,219,234,245,246,256,
272, 281, 287, 289, 293, 295, 312,
317, 320, 328, 330, 332, 333, 351,
357, 358, 369, 372, 383, 388, 395,
396, 397, 401, 406, 411, 413, 420,
421, 424, 428, 430.
Tuffet, Cotton, 195.
Tufts (Tuffts), Cotton, 15, 64, 112, 145, 170,
227,255,286,311,3-26.
Tukesbury, Andrew, 173, 426, 433.
Turner, William, 422.
Tyler, Edward, 53, 97, 114, 115, 123, 133,
161, 185, 217, 223, 224, 226, 273, 305, 374,
378, 381.
Union, County, 268.
United States, 120, 155, 301, 311, 339, 340,
347.
militia, 373.
Uran, Thomas, 102, 238, 248, 280, 283.
Ushers, salary of, 22, 84, 106, 150, 153, 175,
199, 291, 359, 402, 434. .
Varnum, Joseph B., 310.
Vinal, John, 20,21, 22, 79, 80, 84, 106, 117,
122, 152, 153, 174, 175, 209, 258, 357, 390,
39'2
Virginia, 407.
Visitation of Schools, 32, 70, 79, 150, 209,
360, 403.
Votes, by proxy, 264.
for Governor, Lieut. Governor,
and six Senators, 15, 16, 63,
64, 112, 113, 145, 146, 169, 170,
194, 195, 227, 255, 286, 287, 326,
357, 392, 393, 427, 428.
representatives, 24, 69, 114,
148, 171, 182, 196, 199, 229,
242, 256, 289, 300, 327, 330,
358, 395, 430.
Waldo, Benjamin, 425.
Wales, Ebenezer, 64, 145, 227, 287.
Wall, on Boston Neck, 59, 65, 66, 105.
Ferry street, 116, 118, 12-2, 150.
Wallack, Moses, 427.
Walley, Thomas, 19, 21, 41, 45, 49, 61, 61,
90, 97, 99, 104, 114, 115, 119, 123, 133, 135,
157, 161, 167, 185, 217, 218, 226, 237, 238,
243, 260, 276, 319, 328, 331, 349, 384, 406,
418, 422.
Walter, William, 319, 422.
War, 30, 76, 130, 239, 407, 408, 409.
board of, 32, 72.
Wardens, 3, 54, 100.
choice of, 109, 110, 135, 166, 185.
Warrants, 1, 2, 3, 9, 12, 14, 23, 24, 25, 30, 32,
36, 37, 43, 44,45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 51, 52, 59,
60, 61 , 62, 63, 65, 68, 69, 74, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89,
90, 95, 96, 99, 100, 111, 113, 115, 116, 117,
119, 120, 121, 122, 124, 125, 132, 133, 134,
138, 141, 143, 144, 148, 154, 155, 156, 157,
158, 159, 160, 164, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172,
177, 181, 182, 183, 184, 188, 194, 195, 196,
201, 202, 204, 205, 206, 213, 214, 215, 2i6,
218, 226, 228, 229, 233, 234, 235, 237, 239,
241, 242, 243, 246, 246, 254, 256, 257, 259,
260, 262, 263, 264, 265, 267, 272, 273, 276,
280, 282, 285, 288, 289, 295, 300, 301, 302,
304, 305, 310, 312, 316, 318, 319, 320, 324,
325, 327, 328, 329, 330, 331, 332, 333, 339,
3*0, 341, 342, 343, 344, 347, 348, 354, 356,
358, 359, 362, 363, 365, 366, 367, 368, 369,
373, 374, 378, 381, 382, 383, 388, 389, 390,
392,394,395,396, 405, 406, 410, 411, 412,
413, 414, 415, 417, 424, 427, 428, 429, 431,
432, 433.
Warren, Ebenezer, 326.
James, 15, 31, 63,112, 145, 169, 310,
427.
John, 83, 429, 430.
Washington, George, 207, 208, 21C, 213.
Watch, constables, 7, 42, 54, 58, 95, 100, 274,
3ii5, 433.
house, 176.
in State street, 60, 223.
men, payment of, 22, 31, 32, 33, 35,
70, 72, 107, 150, 402, 434.
town, 107, 329.
Water, introduction of fresh, 382.
Waters, Josiah, 4, 19, 59, 132, 166, 361, 364,
365, 404, 435.
Ways, filling up and repairing, 203.
Wear, John, 112.
Weatherly, Joshua, 387, 423.
Webb, Joseph, 3, 4, 53.
Webster, Redford, 391, 418.
Welch, Jonas, 305, 415.
- Thomas, 211, 219.-246, 281, 290, 320.
332, 333, 351, 388, 420, 430, 431.
Weld, Edward, 238, 248, 354.
Well, relative to a, 390.
Wells, Arnold, 7, 16, 227, 250, 391, 418, 425,
428, 430.
John, 101, 387, 423.
Seth, 386.
Wendell, Isaac, 4, 55.
Judge, 87.
Oliver, 67, 75, 182, 195, 196, 199,
286, 326, 355, 357, 393, 428.
Wentworth, Edward, 189, 220, 227, 249.
West, David, 422.
Samuel, 194, 206, 211, 218, 241, 246,
281, 320, 325, 351, 387, 420, 427.
West Boston, 59, 309, 318.
almshouse at, 398.
bridge, 371.
repairs on, 333, 336,
337.
expense of, 337.
hospital at, 150, 318.
Wharf, North Battery, 62.
Oliver's Dock, 100, 142, 143.
Row's, 75.
wood on, 61.
Wheat and flour, surveyors of, choice of,
8, 56, 104, 138, 163, 186, 223, 248, 279, 322,
353, 387, 423.
Wheeler, James, 215, 222, 231, 248, 401, 426,
433.
Wheelwright, Job, 103, 140, 163, 190, 222,
328.
Samuel, 287.
Whetherly Joshua, 353.
Whipple, Joseph, 188, 223, 282, 284.
White Benjamin, 56, 102, 107, 137, 140, 162,
163, 186, 190, 221, 222, 248, 253, 279,
280, 321, 323, 353, 354, 387, 388, 422.
James, 345.
John, 3, 8, 53, 56, 102, 104, 134, 138,
161, 163, 185, 186, 217, 244, 277, 319,
350,384,386.425.
Jonathan, 425.
Samuel, 249, 283, 323, 352, 386, 420.
Whitney, Amos, 422.
Samuel, 4, 55, 98, 139, 162, 189,
220/249.
Whittemore, Joseph, 163, 201, 232, 389, 423.
Whitwell, Samuel, 3, 36, 53, 102, 109,112,
134, 161, 185, 217, 224, 232, 250, 268, 283.
Wight, Rev. Mr., 2, 113, 178.
Wilbraham, 197.
Wild, Edward, 280, 328.
Will of the late Benj. Franklin, 234, 23n.
David Jeffries, extract
from, 97.
Williams, Charles, 9, 32,58, 71, 73,110, 135,
149, 165, 173, 187, 220, 249, 250,
258, 292.
Deacon, 179.
James, 56, 98, 139, 162, 189, 220.
Jeremiah, 192.
Mr., 31, 154.
Samuel, 139.
Wind machine, 369.
Windship, Amos, 426.
462
CITY DOCUMENT.
Windship, Jonathan, 426.
Winnesimit Ferry, 100, 104.
Winslow, Isaac, 139, 306.
John, 168, 221, 306, 374, 378, 381,
382.
Winthrop, James, 310, 311.
John, 54, 100, 134, 148, 159, 161,
186, 196, 218, 229, 231, 245, 277,
320, 350, 358, 385, 419.
Thomas L.., 55, 104, 277.
Wood, 31, 32, 34, 50.
admeasurement of, on wharves,
61.
boards, surveyors of. (See
Boards.
building with, 369, 371, 372, 382.
cord, 299.
fire, 80, 275, 299.
Wood measurers and sealers of, choice
of, 238, 248, 280, 322, 328, 354, 356,
387, 423.
sealer of, 300.
staves, cullers of. (See Staves.)
wharfingers carting, 299.
Woodward, Ebenezer, 190, 222.
Joseph, 7, 247, 368.
Mr., 142.
Worcester, County of, 26, 38, 39.
Workhouse, 252, 294, 354, 356, 398, 399, 400,
424.
(See also Almshouse.)
Wrentham, 3, 12, 13, 38.
Wright, Deacon, 368.
Francis, 101.
Writing schools. (See Schools.)
Boston Records- 31