USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Boston > Gleanings from the records of the Boston Marine Society : through its first century, 1742 to 1842 > Part 10
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It appears here, by a letter from the President, that the object of Mr. Vattemare, just now referred to, was co-operation and assistance, pecuniary or otherwise, towards some literary project.
At the Annual meeting, 2d November, IS41, at the Exchange Coffee House, there were ninety-two members present, sixty were at the supper.
The Committee on Minot's Ledge presented and read their report, which was accepted. It is as follows.
They report, " That in the name of the Society they applied to the Collector of the Port for the Revenue Cutter to take them to the Ledge which request was readily granted with the assurance that he -the Collec- tor - would cooperate with the Society in any measure to effect an object of so great importance to the Naviga- tion of Boston.
"Two of the Committee Capts Danl C. Bacon and Samuel Quincy being absent from the city, their places were supplied by Capt. Caleb Curtis & Wm. A. Well- man Depty Collector -both members of the Society .-
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Several other members of the Society accompanied the Committee.
"On the 19th Augst the Committee proceeded to the Ledge in the Revenue Cutter. the weather was fine. sea perfectly smooth, the tide ebbing off very low. which gave the Committee an opportunity of giving the Ledge a thorough examination. Minots Ledge consists of two rocks lying about E. N. E. & W. S. W. from each other, only four hundred feet apart. fifteen feet of water between them at low water. The Committee landed on
and examined both rocks. The outer rock presents a very broken surface, with deep crevices extending down below the line of low water, and only twenty seven feet surface above water one way. The Western or inner rock presents a solid unbroken surface of more than forty feet diameter, the centre of the rock is four feet above low water mark and when a diameter of thirty feet. the probable diameter of the Light house is brought to a level surface, it will be two feet above the line of low water mark. On this Rock the Committee decided at once the Light-house ought to be built. On the Western or inshore side a vessel can lay alongside of the rock drawing nine feet water.
"In the opinion of the Committee. there can no longer be a question of the practicability of erecting : permanent Light house on this rock. It lays only two miles from the Glades where the best of Granite Stones can easily be obtained.
"The great importance of a Light House on this Rock is too well known to require a comment in the Report."
Signed by the Committee.
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After reading the various reports and statements relating to this light-house, one feels naturally tempted to enquire. what might have been the result had half the energy and persistence manifested here, been dis- played in the needed light-ship on Stellwagen Bank.
"The Report of the Committee appointed at a Quarterly Meeting held on 4th May last, to procure a suitable room for the safe keeping of the Curiosities &c of the Society was read." accepted and placed on file.
"A motion was made by Winslow Lewis that a Committee be raised to consider and report at a subse- quent meeting, what measure the Society will take to celebrate a Centennial Anniversary at the meeting in November. IS42. and that the Government of the Society with the Committee on accounts be that Com- mittee. also that B. T. Reed, Wm. Sturgis & Thos B. Curtis be added to the Committee."
"A communication from Mr. W. S. Chittenden of New York to the Secretary respecting fog bells &c. was read and voted to refer the same to Mr. Wm. A. Wellman for an answer and report at the next Quarterly Meeting."
A quarterly meeting of the Society was held at the Exchange Coffee House, Ist February, 1842. " The Committee appointed at the last annual meeting to see what measures the Society would adopt in respect to a Centennial Celebration in 1842, made the following Report, viz. That they have examined the records of the Society and can find no date previous to June 9th, 1742 O. S. The name of Wm. Starkey who appears to have been one of the first founders of this Society is No. I in the Catalogue and his Certificate as Member was
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of this date. Your Committee recommend Monday 20th June next for the Centennial Anniversary of this Society."
" As to the most appropriate manner of celebrating this anniversary, your Committee recommend that the members of the Society be requested to meet on that day at such time & place as may be designated, that a dinner be provided to be paid for by the Members. That some member of the Society be requested to deliver an address on the occasion, that each member be . charged $2.50 for his ticket to the dinner and the number of invited guests shall not exceed fifteen. any amount subscribed for the expenses of the occasion exceeding the expenses of the day to be given to the funds of the Society.
"That a Committee be appointed at the next quarterly meeting, to nominate a Committee to carry into effect the above and make such arrangements as they may think best."
The report was read and accepted, and Capts. John Doak, Caleb Curtis, and Jairus B. Lincoln, were made a "Committee to nominate a Committee of fifteen, to carry into effect the measures recommended in the report.".
" The Committee retired & subsequently reported the names of the following Gentlemen to constitute that Committee." Wm. Sturgis, Daniel C. Bacon, Benj. Rich, Richard Soule, Robert B. Storer, Josiah Bradlee, Thomas B. Curtis, Willis Howes, Robert B. Forbes, Joseph Hart, Thomas. Lamb, Thomas C. Smith, Henry Oxnard, George Hallet, Samuel Quincy. The President and Capt. Josiah Sturgis were then added. It was
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voted " that the Committee have power to fix the day for the celebration, to fill vacancies and to add to their number if they see fit."
At a trustee meeting at the Neptune Insurance Office. 5th April, 1842, "A Communication was read from Mr. Thos J. Allen, President of the Mercantile. Library Association, respecting the Marine Society's Museum - which is on file-and it was voted the same be submitted to a Committee and that Thos C. Smith be that Com- mittee."
At a special meeting of trustees. Sth April, IS42, the following letter from Stephen Pleasanton, Esq., fifth auditor and acting commissioner of the revenue, to Capt. Winslow Lewis, was read.
TREASURY DEPARTMENT, 5th Auditor's Office, 21st March, 1842.
SIR :- I send you enclosed a copy of a letter from Mr. I. W. P. Lewis to the Hon. Mr. Winthrop, with . numerous complaints against the management of the Light House establishment, and the project of a law for transferring it to the Topographical Bureau.
It seems he has come here in aid of the Blunts to misrepresent matters to Members of Congress with the view to make some changes in the management of our Light Houses by which he may be employed ; it being impossible for me, as he had no capital, to employ him in any considerable work.
I wish you to lay his representations before the Marine Society and ask it how far they consider Mr. Lewis's representations correct or otherwise, and to favor me with their opinion as to whether there be too
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many lights or not on the Eastern Coast, and as to the condition and management of the establishment, as far as they are acquainted with it."
A copy of Mr. I. W. P. Lewis' letter was also read, and the matter referred to a Committee.
At the quarterly meeting, held at the Exchange Coffee House, 3d May, 1842, " The Committee appointed at the last quarterly meeting to make arrangements for the Centennial Anniversary Report. That they recommend the 17th June next for the Centennial Anniversary of this Society. They also recommend that a public address before the Society as proposed at the last quar- terly meeting be dispensed with. They also recommend that a Committee of Five be appointed by the Society to provide a dinner & make such arrangements as they may think best."
This was accepted, and Thomas B. Curtis, Daniel C. Bacon, John S. Sleeper, John L. Dimmock, and Josiah Sturgis were appointed the Committee. Subsequently the President and Secretary were added.
This was the last quarterly meeting before the Centen- nial celebration, and here the present writer, having followed the Society by its records through the first century of its existence, proposes to stop, leaving the compilation of the present century's chronicles to younger and abler hands.
In selecting items, the effort has been, without being too voluminous, to give such as might seem of greatest interest. Any two or more persons would, of course, differ as to what items might best cover the intended ground, but the compiler has acted according to the light given him.
·
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The extracts show conclusively the great usefulness of the Society, the extent and variety of its labors, the earnestness, zeal, integrity, and fearlessness that have characterized it, so far as we have noted its career. Almost exclusive control of the pilotage of Boston, the care of its harbor, supervision of the light-houses of Massachusetts, a general guarding and oversight of all matters relating to the commerce of the country, words of caution or advice for the State or Federal authorities, when needed, with a deep interest in the mariner, of whatever grade or condition, are noticeable throughout.
And it is pleasant to observe the liberality in finan- cial matters, shown in all cases where improvements or benefits to navigation were to be wrought. Something was required, looking towards prospective commer- cial advantages. Attendant upon it, an expenditure of money was called for. In no case, however depleted the treasury, was it withheld, and the result seems to verify the Scriptural injunction and promise, "cast thy bread upon the waters, and thou shalt find it after many days."
The charities of the Society have been of inestimable benefit. No utterance can speak, no hand portray, the wants that have been relieved, the cares that have been assuaged, the wounded spirits that have been solaced. the crushed reeds that have been raised, by its timely aid and succor, its beneficent bounty. The good it has accomplished, the generosity it has practiced, stand better told by its achieved works and by grateful hearts. than by unskilled pen of scribe-" or pharisee."
That, notwithstanding the vast and rapid changes in our mercantile marine, the Society may long continue
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its usefulness and its charities, may find in the retrospect- ive view we have taken, new incentives to duty and increased stimulus to action, will be-it is to be hoped -the aspiration of each and all, who read these glean- ings from an honored past.
The museum, so often referred to, was given by the Society's vote to the Boston Society of Natural History, in January, 1862. We extract the following from a letter of the President of that Society, in acknowledg- ment of the gift.
" Resolved, that the thanks of the Boston Society of Natural History be given to the Boston Marine Society, for the very valuable collection of birds and other objects of Natural History, articles of East Indian Manufacture &c, presented 15th Jany 1862.
" Resolved, that the members of the Boston Marine Society be invited to visit the rooms of the Boston Society of Natural History, in the present or new build- ing, whenever it may suit their convenience."
Thus ends the story of the museum, which had caused so much solicitude, thought, and discussion. One can but regret that the Society had not found a proper resting place for it, retained it in their charge, and added to it.
The matter of a library is still in abeyance. The Society has a small number of books, that may be added to by the members, collectively or individually, or by others, and it is to be wished and hoped that speedy action be taken towards making it worthy of so old and respected an institution. A well-selected and arranged library, with maps and charts adapted to the wants and tastes of those whose lives have been mainly "on the
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mountain wave, their homes upon the deep," would be an attraction, a rest, and a reward.
It is thought a not unbecoming end to the century's abstracts, will be found in the republished account of the Centennial celebration, which is therefore added, with a list of the present surviving members of that day.
...
Centennial
Celebration,
JUNE 17, 1842.
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folds our brave forefathers fought and conquered. This relic of by-gone days attracted the attention of all ; and what rendered it peculiarly interesting, was the fact that it was once the property of the British admiral, Sir ISAAC COFFIN, a native of Nantucket, and an honorary member of this Society; and presented by him to Captain JOSIAH STURGIS, commander of the revenue cutter Hamilton.
The tables were neatly arranged. They extended the whole length of the hall, with a cross table at the head, on the centre of which, was a large and elegant por- celain BOWL, originally designed for the reception of punch, but which was filled, on this happy occasion, with delicious iced lemonade. This bowl was presented to the Society, a number of years ago, by Captain JAMES MAGEE.
In the centre of two of the tables, were placed two objects, which attracted much attention, namely, two large pitchers, belonging to the Society-upon one side of each is inscribed " THE BOSTON MARINE SOCIETY ;" on the other is a portrait of Washington, .. THE FATHER OF HIS COUNTRY," with the inscription "A MAN, without example -A PATRIOT, without reproach." There is an interesting fact connected with these relics, which it may not be improper to mention. At the time that the "Old Exchange Coffee House" was burnt, these pitchers, which were there deposited, were removed to a neighboring dwelling-house, where they remained, unknown to any member of the Society, until the erection of the present Exchange Coffee House, when they were deposited in one of the upper rooms, where they were recently discovered by accident.
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At the head of the centre table, was placed a beautiful miniature ship, full rigged, emblematical of the objects and character of the Society. Elegant flowers and evergreens were tastefully displayed in different parts of the hall. Indeed nothing was wanting, which taste and propriety could dictate, to contribute to the gratifi- cation of those who participated in the festivities of the day.
The company, consisting of about one hundred and twenty members of the Society, and invited guests, entered the dining hall at half past three o'clock ; the band of instrumental music, belonging to the U. S. ship Ohio, which had been kindly volunteered for the occasion, meanwhile playing a lively air. ISRAEL WHITNEY, Esq., the President of the Society, presided at the tables, assisted by THOMAS C. SMITH and THOMAS B. CURTIS, Esquires, as Vice-Presidents. On the right of the President were seated Commodore JOHN B. NICHOLSON, of the U. S. Navy, Lieut. Col. WILLIAM H. FREEMAN, of the U. S. Marine Corps, FRANKLIN DEXTER, Esq., U. S. District Attorney, and Captain EBEN JOHNSON, President of the Newburyport Marine Society. On the left of the President were seated Hon. LEVI LINCOLN, collector of the customs for this district, Rev. EDWARD T. TAYLOR, pastor of the Seamen's Bethel in North Square, Rev. ALEXANDER YOUNG, pastor of the church on Church Green, and JOSIAH QUINCY, Jun., President of the Senate of Mas- sachusetts. A blessing was asked by Rev. Mr. Taylor, in his peculiarly fervent and impressive manner, and the company proceeded to do full justice to the good things with which the tables were abundantly provided.
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The benediction was pronounced by Rev. ALEX- ANDER YOUNG, and when the cloth was removed, Captain ISRAEL WHITNEY, the President of the Society arose, and addressed the company in the following language :
GENTLEMEN : The official position I have the honor to occupy in the Boston Marine Society, does. I am told, make it incumbent on me to say something in the way of " breaking bulk" on this joyous, this interesting occa- sion. Fortunately for you, gentlemen, your President cannot, if he has the inclination, inflict a speech on you, and will be compelled to leave to others, who can talk -and I see many about me who can, and talk well too - the gratification of giving some account of the early formation, objects and progress of the Institution, whose Centennial Anniversary we are now assembled together to commemorate.
At our periodical business meetings, we have often had the pleasure of exchanging friendly greetings. but never before have we met publicly for that express purpose. But, gentlemen. we have never before been one hundred years old ; and surely we may congratulate each other, that although our keel was laid so long ago. we still remain tight, and staunch, and strong, and have a " shot left in the locker," for a distressed shipmate and his family, whenever they may need a helping hand.
It is indeed most gratifying that this, the " first call to quarters," has been promptly responded to by so many of our " web-footed" brethren, as well as by the honor- ary members, whom we are happy to hail as shipmates. and without whose aid the charities of our Society must have been very much circumscribed. I am sure I am
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expressing the feelings of one and all, when I bid a hearty welcome to those friends, who have done us the honor of uniting with us in the festivities of this day : and if, in the course of our congratulations with each other, a little of the pride of situation, a little of the feeling of superiority on account of the high privileges we enjoy, as belonging to the Boston Marine Society,- if any of this feeling should happen to show itself, I hope our friends will pardon us, and we will try to bear in mind, that as everybody cannot be a member, it is rather their misfortune than any thing else.
Seriously, gentlemen, we ought to be proud, we are proud, of having our names associated with the worthies who are enrolled on our records-with the little band who composed the crew of our good ship when she first put to sea, a century ago, under a Royal register from
King George II. of England. Somehow or other we have taken out a new register since, and adopted another flag. For the reasons of this strange proceeding, I beg to refer you to the Bunker Hill Legislature, which, by a strange coincidence, happens to be in session this very day. But although we now sail under the STARS and STRIPES, instead of the Red Cross of old England, the objects of our voyage remain the same-BENEVOLENCE. USEFULNESS, AND THE INTERESTS OF SEAMEN AND NAVIGATION, GENERALLY. Long, long may we continue to be an Association for these purposes !
But I must not forget, gentlemen, that at the outset I was only to " knock off the battens," and "open the hatches." I will therefore only detain you long enough to express the hope, that when this Society assembles to celebrate its Two Hundredth Anniversary, the members
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who may then be present, may have as good reason for being proud of their predecessors, as we now are of filling the places of those who have gone before us on the voyage to " the undiscovered country." With us. their memories can never die.
I will now, with your permission, gentlemen, read the first regular toast, prepared by the Committee of Arrangements :
1. The Day- Fraught with pleasing recollections of the past - may the termination of the next hundred years find our Asso- ciation in full vigor, dispensing charity to the needy.
This sentiment was received with acclamation. The President then gave as a volunteer :
The Funds of the Society - May they be as judiciously dis- pensed, as they are carefully and honorably guarded.
This sentiment was responded to by THOMAS LAMB, Esq., the Treasurer of the Society, who in the following neat and appropriate remarks. gave some interesting facts connected with the Institution, and described the usefulness by which it has hitherto been characterized : MR. PRESIDENT : I will reply to your call, with the best of my ability, in this mode of explaining," so entirely new to me.
This company was incorporated in the year 1754. by an Act of Governor Shirley under his British Majesty's government of the Massachusetts Bay in New England. and was denominated the " Marine Society at Boston in New England." It was instituted twelve years previously (in 1742) by a number of persons who were or had been masters of ships, and whose principal object was to improve their knowledge of this coast by communi- cating to each other all things remarkable to them in
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their navigation ; and another important object was that of relieving one another and their families in poverty, or under other adverse accidents in life. At that period the knowledge of our coast, surrounded as it is with so many dangers from its rocks and sand banks and varia- ble weather, especially in the winter months, was igno- rance compared with our present knowledge from charts so perfect that every dangerous rock is laid down, and buoys placed on every dangerous sand bank-with light- houses on every prominent headland to guide even the stranger to a safe harbor. Then it was that the founders of this Society laid its foundation, and they continued it, with great benefit to themselves and the community, under the Governor Shirley charter, until the year 1809, when an additional Act of Incorporation was granted to it by the Legislature of Massachusetts, under the title of the " Boston Marine Society." At this period, the funds of the Society amounted to about eight thousand dollars, and its yearly grants to about seven hundred dollars,- a sum not so great that the increasing wants did not ask for more. We all know, Mr. President, that but few of our ship-masters receive so large compensation for their services as to allow of their accumulating property, or to leave much to their families, should they be suddenly taken from them. Perhaps there is no department of so much trust, responsibility, and danger, that is so poorly paid ; but at the same time I would not be understood as saying that the ship-masters from this country are not as well paid as ship-masters from any other part of the world ; I believe they are better paid. The reason can only be found in the fact that so many find it an agree- able employment, that competition among themselves
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allows of the cause. And added to that, is the example and competition of other nations in the carrying trade ; for our ships must compete with other nations all the world over. Under these circumstances, the Boston Marine Society at this period (1809) allowed one half of its members at any time to consist of persons of other professions than the sea. And those land members were to pay fifteen dollars each for life-membership, and not to be benefited from the charity fund of the Society.
Besides these objects, this Society- composed as it is of our most active ship-masters and practical merchants ; gentlemen who are supposed to have. and who do have. the best knowledge of all the prominent objects con- nected with the navigation of our coast, bay, and harbor - is referred to for general advice as to our light-houses. buoys and other matters connected therewith. So important have the reports of this Society been to our national, state and city governments, that hardly any object in connection with them is attempted without obtaining its approval. It has committees of its mem- bers for various objects. One is a Committee of Observa- tion ; a committee, Mr. President, which I hope we shall hear from, for they were a committee not only to receive observations but to make them. Their duty embraces that of receiving such particular information as may tend to promote naval knowledge ; and all the members of the Society in active service are enjoined to commu- nicate to them all interesting facts within their observa- tion or experience. Another is a committee constituted by our Legislature, the Commissioners of Pilots, whose duty it is to superintend the whole pilot system of this port ; and that duty, important as it is. has been most
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ably complied with, since its establishment, as all our government and merchant ships can well testify, from the efficient pilots they find always ready at their call.
The Society's funds have gradually increased since its commencement, and now its funded property amounts to over thirty thousand dollars. The income from this fund is quarter yearly distributed to all the deserving applicants within its regulations. I believe I can say there has never been a refusal to aid a deserving object, and many of these beneficiaries are entirely supported by the aid they receive from it. The yearly collections and donations that it from time to time has received, have greatly aided the increase of this fund. The past ten years show an increase of about eight thousand dollars to it. One thousand dollars of this amount came from that benefactor to this and many other worthy societies, the late Theodore Lyman, Esq. Other sums of less magnitude have been received from other indi- viduals.
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