USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Boston > Gleanings from the records of the Boston Marine Society : through its first century, 1742 to 1842 > Part 7
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" On counting the Votes it was found that William Cochran Esqr, had a unanimous Vote for Treasurer of the Boston Marine Society for the remainder of the Current year and is therefore elected Treasurer." Who was in reality chosen Treasurer would appear to be in doubt, but for the fact that after sundry resolutions as to future proceedings looking to care of the Society's funds in the hands of Mr. Sigourney, deceased, we find it voted, "That the Secretary notify Mr. Cochran of his been chosen Treasurer of this Society."
At the Annual November meeting, 1820, a petition was read "from several Inhabitants of Chatham, to
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have Branch Pilots appointed for Chatham & Nantucket Shoals," and a Committee of three was appointed to look into the matter. It was likewise voted, "That a Committee of three Gentlemen be appointed to Petition the Honorable the General Court of this commonwealth at their next Session, Praying that this Society may be Empowered at their annual meetings in future, to choose and appoint two or more Suitable persons to act as Port Wardens and Surveyors for the harbour of Boston, in order that the doeings of Such persons may be legal and valid in Law." Wm. Sturgis, Nathaniel Curtis, and Winslow Lewis were made the committee, and it was voted. " That the Secretary write a letter to the District Judge of the United States for this District, the honor- able John Davis, informing him of the names of the Port Wardens appointed at this meeting & their duties."
For several years past no return appears of the financial condition of the Society, but at the Annual meeting. November 6th, IS20, the invested funds as given in bank. insurance, and other stocks and securities, show a total of $IS, SSS.33.
At the Trustee Meeting, 2d January, 1821, the Com- mittee previously appointed, reported in favor of buoys on Nantucket Shoals, and to petition Congress for the same, and another committee, to whom the matter was referred, reported, "inexpedient to have Branches granted for Piloting Vessels into Chatham Harbour."
At the quarterly meeting, Ist May, IS21, it was "Voted, That the Committee appointed to pettition the Honorable the General Court for the purpose of empowering the Society to appoint Port Wardens for the Port of Boston, be discharged from that duty, being
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deemed inexpedient, and unanimously voted accord- ingly." Another resolution with reference to pilotage of the port, was passed.
A special meeting was called, 25th July, to elect a Treasurer, in place of William Cochran, deceased, and Joseph Tilden was elected.
At the Annual meeting, on the 6th November, IS21, it was voted, " That Nathan Bridge, Charles Bradbury and G. Cook Jr Esqr be requested to designate the time during the Summer Season when this Society may have a Dinner in the lower harbor, and for that purpose to engage the Steam Boat, and to collect the names of such members as may choose to attend on that occasion, to provide the same, and to regulate and order all proper and necessary things accordingly."
This is specially worthy of notice, as being the first mention of steam in the records. "A list of Stock and other securities the property of the Boston Marine Society," as shown at this meeting, foots up $19, 138.33. which amount is receipted for by Joseph Tilden, Treasurer.
At a meeting held at the Exchange Coffee House, on the 2d May, 1822, it was voted, " that the Hon. Joseph Tilden Treasurer of the Society, be authorized to receive of Lot Wheelright Esqr Executor, such legacy as is expressed in the said Will of the late Capt. Seth Webber, and that the said Treasurer be fully empowered to receipt for the same." It appears by record of the quarterly meeting, 6th August, the amount of this legacy was $1000, and it was proposed, " that a Vote of thanks be recorded on the books of this Society." "Voted accordingly that this Society receive this Legacy
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of their late Worthy brother Capt. Seth Webber with that greatfulness and respect, which they esteem most honorable to his memory, and that they consider it a duty to place upon their records this evidence of munifi- cence & Charity, as a proof of his goodness and that it has been duly appreciated."
It is noticeable that there is a not uncommon request from members, to be dismissed from the Society, which is, in all cases, granted, though full payment of dues is made a condition.
A quarterly meeting. 4th February, IS23, was held at the Exchange Coffee House. Nothing worthy of note transpired, twenty-two members were present, and in pencil is written on the page; "20 Suppers, 5 Bots Wine, 2 do Cyder, I qrt brandy," showing that moder- ation characterized their meetings.
At a trustee meeting, 7th October, IS23, four were proposed as members, Capt. Alexander Campbell. ship " South Boston," Jabez Howes, jr., ship "Mount Vernon," Philip Fox, ship " Emerald." and Joshua G. Dickson, ship " Herald." At the Annual meeting, all were admitted but Capt. Fox, through whose name a pen is drawn, but no statement made why he was not voted in. This ship "Emerald," under Fox's com- mand, was said to have made the passage from Liver- pool to Boston. in thirteen days -or at all events, under fourteen - claimed to have been the shortest passage ever made by sailing vessel, between the ports. Mr. James Collins, formerly a master ship-builder in Ply- mouth, now living, informed the writer of these extracts, that not many years ago Fox was in Plymouth, cook of a fishing schooner, that had put in there for a harbor.
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and that he saw and talked with him several times on- that occasion. Fox was still proud and boastful of his short passage in the "Emerald."
At this meeting, "Letters from the President of the Charleston S Carolina Marine Society, and from James M. Elford of the same City, recommending and soliciting patronage for the invention of Mr. Elford, in the use of his Marine Telegraph, or universal Signal Book, a copy of which they have also presented." " These letters being read, it was Voted that a Commit- tee of three Gentlemen be appointed to examine into, their utility & advantages, and to return to John Pratt Esqr President of the Chlstn Marine Society and to Mr. Elford suitable answers."
The stock and securities of the Society this year, show. $20,736.95.
At a trustee meeting, 6th January, 1824, this record appears : "The Honbl Josiah Quincy Mayor of the City of Boston, having requested the opinion of the Boston Marine Society, respecting the wasting of the Islands in the Harbor of Boston by the inroads of the Sea, and also upon the necessity of their becoming Public prop- erty, that means may be taken to secure the remains of them particularly Georges and Lovells Islands."
"Voted that a respectfull letter be addressed to the Mayor and Signed by the Trustees exprissive of their opinion upon the Subject, and agreeable to which Vote the following letter was addressed to him accordingly."
BOSTON January 1824.
SIR :- The wasting of the Islands in the harbour of Boston, that are exposed to the inroads of the Sea, has
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been a frequent subject of discussion, and an object of solicitude, to the Members of the Boston marine Society. Impressed with the Knowledge of your dispo- sition to improve & promote the general welfare of the City, and having been informed of your recent visit to Deer Island with the intention of takeing measures to secure that important barrier of our Harbour, We with pleasure address to you a few facts, to shew the neces- sity of immediate measures, being attempted, to secure the remains of Georges & Lovells Islands, and our opinion of the disadvantages arising from their continu- ing to be held as private property.
Then follow good and wise reasons for protection of the islands named, from inroads of the elements. or of avarice, and strong recommendation they be purchased and controlled by the city, or other "Public authority." This letter was signed by all the Trustees, and addressed to the Honorable Josiah Quincy, Mayor, City of Boston.
At the Annual meeting, IS24, on November 2d, the customary business was gone through with, and it was voted, " That Capt. Josiah Barnard be expelled from this Society for improper & bad conduct, & his account closed." The funds and securities of the Society at this date are stated as $21,266.95.
At the trustee meeting, 7th December, 1824, the subject of compensation to the "Secretary for extra services during the last nine years," was considered, and a committee chosen to look into the matter and report thereon.
Then is recorded that. " In consequence of a Commu- nication from the Secretary of State E. D. Bangs Esqr
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and at the request of his Excellency the Governor & the Honble Councill, the Boston Marine Society have inves- tigated the causes of a complaint made by Messrs Sargent & Brooks against Mr. Lemuel Ayers, one of the Branch Pilots of the Port of Boston, and ask leave to report,
" That we find the statement made by Messrs Sargent & Brooks, in their communication of the 4th of Novem- ber last, to be substantially correct, and that the conduct of Mr. Ayers in refusing to take the Ship 'Shylock' to sea when required so to do, was highly improper and deserving of sensure ;- but as it appears that Mr. Ayers had some reason to believe another pilot was engaged to take the Ship ' Shylock' to sea, and therefore acted under the eronious opinion that he was not bound to take the charge of that vessel and in consideration of having hitherto been considered a faithful and efficient Pilot, We respectfully request that he may not be deprived of his Branch, for this neglect but may be admonished in such manner as the Governor & Councill shall in their wisdom think proper.
Respectfully Submitted by order of the Trustees."
At a trustee meeting, 4th January, 1825, " The Committee on Light Houses, to whom was referred a communication from sundry inhabitants of Nantucket, relative to a floating light on Tuckernuck Shoal," reported favorably, and it was voted that the report be accepted, " and that the President of this Society be requested to make a representation to the Honble Con- gress of the United States in conformity & to transmit the Same to Mr. Webster, the representative from this district for presentation & support."
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At the quarterly meeting, Ist February, IS25, at the Exchange Coffee House. 15 members present ; again a pencil memorandum, "13 Suppers, 2 bottles Wine I Jug W Punch." It was voted, at this meeting. " That the Secretary be requested to write a letter to Mrs. Stephens in answer to her application presented to this Society by the Committee of relief, stating that this Society was instituted for the purpose of relieving such distressed.members their Widdows & families as are in decayed Sircumstances & in want of immediate Support, not having productive or convertible property, Such by enquiry not being her Situation, they decline for the present complying with her request. but at the same time assuring her that should she hereafter," which God forbid, "be in necessitous Sircumstances, they will immediately take her case into consideration and act accordingly."
Sundry resolutions, with reference to the disposal or investment of the Society's funds, were passed, at this and the trustee meeting. April 5th. 1825.
At the quarterly meeting. 2d August. following. " A letter from Capt. Moses Inglee addressed to the Presi- dent having been read, respecting his controversy with Z. Cook Esqr, and having debated the subject, it was decided by vote. that this Society have nothing to do with the disputes of its members, out of the meetings. unless the complaints come within the 1Sth Article of the By Laws." The article referred to is probably Article 20th of the present edition.
At the Annual meeting, November, 1825, voted. "That the Special Committee heretofore raised be requested to investigate the conduct of the Pilots of
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this harbour, and to devise some mode to correct the abuses so constantly complained of, and so injurious to the trade and navigation of this Section of the U. States." And further on, again voted, " that the Com- mittee on Pilots be requested to cause an Article on the Subject to them referred, to be published in the Public papers, and all other means in their power to be used to correct the great & many abuses complained of so constantly, of the bad conduct of the Pilots of the harbor of Boston."
At a quarterly meeting, 7th February, 1826, it was moved and seconded, and apparently carried, though it is not so stated, "that the arrearages due by Capt. Wm. Kempton amounting to fifteen dollars, and that of Capt. James Morgan of nine dollars, be remitted in consequence of the former being sick & unable to pay, and the latter being deceased, leaving no property."
It is safe to say, two better reasons for action, or non-action, cannot be found in the chronicles of any society in existence.
" At a Monthly or Trustee meeting of the Boston Marine Society held at the Exchange Coffee House on tuesday the 4th day of July 1826. Present Wm. Sturgis Esqr being the fiftieth anniversary of the Inde- pendence of the United States and a general Jubilee -a quorum could not attend - and no business appearing before the Society, had there had been a quorum, this meeting is adjourned." The attendance seems to have been extremely small, and the grammar somewhat hazy, but not perhaps more so, than was to be expected on such a day of "general Jubilee."
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A special meeting of the Society was called, at the request of General Dearborn, Collector of the Port, on the 23d July, 1826. " respecting two Light houses, one contemplated to be built on Long Point at or near the entrance to Provincetown harbour, and the other on Sandy neck in Barnstable." Both proposals found favor in the sight of the Society.
Another special meeting was held at the Exchange Coffee House. 29th July, 1826, when " The President informed the meeting, that some of the elder members had called upon him, and suggested the propriety of the Society Joining in the procession that is to take place on Wednesday next. & of their walking together as a Society, the late Hon. John Adams , having been a member for 58 years, they thought it a duty incumbent on the Society to shew this mark of respect to his memory, provided the Committee of arrangements would assign them a place, in the procession. The president further stated that in consequence of this suggestion he had made known to the Committee of arrangements the wish of the Society, but had as yet received no defintive answer from them, and had now called the meeting of the Trustees to lay the business before them. Whereupon, Voted, as the opinion of this meeting. that every mark of respect in their power ought to be rendered by the Society to the memory of the late Honble John Adams who was their Senior Member at the time of his decease, and that they will join the procession on Wednesday next, and walk as a body, with some appropriate badge of mourning, provided an invitation shall be given and a place assigned them by the Committee of Arrangements."
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Whether the invitation was given, or whether any joined the procession, "as a body," does not appear, and one can scarcely fail to wonder, if the late " Senior Member," to whom they would pay such respect, had ever once during the fifty-eight years of membership, attended one single meeting of the Society.
The Treasurer's - Thomas B. Wales - accounts show the funds and securities of the Society, on the 6th November, 1826, to have been, $21,588.95.
At the quarterly meeting, 6th February, IS27, held at the Marlborough Hotel, a committee reported favorably on "Elfords Telegraphic Flags as Marine Signals ; " considering them a "Very useful & Valuable invention."
A verbal communication from William Sturgis was made, "relative to the regulation of Pilots," and a committee of three, "appointed to take into consideration the propriety of petitioning the U. S. Govermt, for the removing of Scituate Light house."
A special meeting was called at the Marlborough, 20th February, 1827, " in consequence of a Petition to the Honble General Court of this Commonwealth by a company of Gentlemen praying for leave to erect Mills on Pudding point Gut, and deeming such erection injuri- ous to the Navigation of this Harbour in a very alarming degree," the President desired " the sense of this meeting on the subject." " After a full discussion" a committee was appointed, to take "such steps on the part of this Society, as may prevent their Obtaining such liberty or any other, that would be likely to obstruct or in any way injure the Harbor or its Channells."
At a trustee meeting, 3d April, 1827, . Wm. Sturgis Esqr chairman of the Committee to communicate with
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the Legislature respecting Pilots, made report that an act was passed, authorizing the Trustees of this Society to organize a System for such purpose subject to the approbation of the Governor & Council," and a commit- tee of three was accordingly appointed for that purpose.
At the quarterly meeting, May Ist, the " Committee on Situate Light House," made a report that was ". unanimously accepted," but the nature and purport of it is not recorded.
Several rather wordy communications and resolutions, in connection with the pilot service, follow, for several meetings, but of not sufficient interest to recite, and at the Annual meeting, 6th November, 1827, "It was moved and seconded that a committee be raised, to pettition the Hble General Court at their next Session, for a law to authorize the appointment of Port Wardens for the Port of Boston, when a debate ensued & Capt. Wm. Sturgis and other Gentlemen opposed the motion as unnecessary at the present time, no dessision in any Court having in any instance invalidated the usual custom, & as custom is always respected in Courts of Law, where no Statute exists, it was thought inexpedient to appoint such Committee. The question was however taken & negatived by a large Vote."
Stocks and properties of the Society, at this date, $21,836.95, showing the increase of the year to have been $248 only.
At a trustee meeting, 4th December, appears a " Petition of the Inhabitants of Edgar Town in the Vinnard Sound, and Sundry Inhabitants of New Bed- ford and Other Towns in that Neighborhood praying the Congress of the United States, to cause to be
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erected, a causeway from the Beach in Edgar Town to the flatts, and on which to erect a small light house, &c &c." This was favorably received, and it was voted, that the matter be brought by the Society to the notice of the Honorable Mr. Reed, representative from Barn- stable County.
At a trustee meeting, Ist January, 1828, "Sundry petitions to the Honble Congress of the U States from the Inhabitants of Ipswich, Newbury Port, cape ann and Sandy Bay in the Town of Gloucester, and other places in that neighborhood, togeather with a recommen- dation from the Marine Society of Salem," for two small harbor lights for Ipswich, received favorable attention. It was likewise voted, "that if the City Government should apply to this Society for their Sanction to meas- ures to be adopted by the General Govermt, for the preservation of any Island or Islands in the outward harbour, whereby the inner harbour may be protected and preserved, that this Society will sanction and recom- mend that such measures be adopted."
At a quarterly meeting, held at the Marlborough, 5th February, 1828, " A number of applications being pre- sented to this Society at this meeting relative to Light houses, Break waters and other improvements on several parts of the Coasts & Bays, it is voted that they be severally read & acted on." Likewise, it was voted, " That the proceedings of the Committee on Pilots, as read at this meeting be highly approved by this Society, and that they be requested to follow up the good work and accomplish the business in question."
A letter was read from the Society to the Mayor and aldermen of Boston. asking for further protection of
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Deer Island. from the effect of " waves and storms," and that the danger from neglect of the same, was "pressing and immediate."
Various petitions, statements, letters, and recommen- dations as to pilots, and pilot laws and regulations, are chronicled. but have no special interest. It seems that the whole business of regulating and directing the pilot service, was still. virtually, in the hands and care of the Society.
At a quarterly meeting, 3d February, IS29, we find, as a proposed member, by Caleb Curtis-our present Treasurer. Thomas Lamb.
The trustee meeting of June 2d. 1829, brought a " communication from the Mayor of the City of Boston on the subject of the Flatts." and a discussion, with resolutions and recommendations, followed. Matters in connection with pilotage. were likewise discussed, and action taken thereon.
At a special trustee meeting, on 12th October. IS29, the .. Committee to regulate Pilots." made a full and thorough report thereon, presenting a code, that is no doubt the basis of the present laws, with a tariff of rates. The following persons were recommended to the Governor and Council for commissions or branches, from date : John Wilson, Reuben Coombs, Benjamin Sweatt, Josiah Avres, Lemuel Ayres, John Sargent. Matthew Hunt, and Henry Gurney. Mr. Gurney being, at this present writing -6th July, 1879 - the only one still living. Jonathan Bruce, keeper of Bos- ton light-house, was recommended as competent to "take charge of any vessel. as a pilot. drawing from 7 to 16 feet water."
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At the Annual meeting, 3d November, 1829, voted, " that a Committee of conference be raised to act with the Mayor, Aldermen and Common Council respecting the utility and expedience of having a Law passed appointing a Harbour Master for the Port of Boston."
" Voted, That a Pettition be presented at the next Session of Congress of the United States, praying for a grant and for an appropriation of two hundred thirty five dollars to complete the spindle Bacon on Minots ledge, and for placeing a Buoy on the ledge near the Southern end of Hospital Island."
"N B. The Trustees being directed by Law of the General Court passed 11th June 1829 to regulate Pilots and Pilotage renders it unnecessary for this Society to elect a Pilot Commttee, consequently such Committee is discontinued by the Society."
The "Inventory of Property of the Society," foots up at this date, $22,436.95.
More pilot laws, bonds, commissions or branches, recommendations and advice to Governor and Council, suggestions and amendments, fill page after page, and meeting after meeting, till February, 1830, and after that, is still again renewed and continued, with such persis- tency as almost to make one cry for mercy, but proving how conscientiously the members did their duty, ever and always.
The 6th April, 1830, notice of a "bequest from the Hon. John Coffin Jones, deceased, was read and grate- fully considered."
May 4th, 1830, a letter was read from the Boston Seamen's Friend Society, and being considered. it was voted, " That the Secretary of this Society communicate
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to the Committee of the Seamens friend Society, the interest we feel in their Success individually, but as a Society we are without power to vote any of the funds to the object of their institution."
At the meeting of August 3d, 1830. Charles Francis Adams was voted a member, and Admiral Sir Isaac Coffin proposed as a member " by several gentlemen present."
At the meeting of the Society, 7th September, 1830. voted. " that the Secretary notify the members by printed notifications and in two Public newspapers, requesting them to meet. on friday the 17th inst at half past eight Oclock in the morning, at the Land Office North east corner of the floor of the State house, to join the proces- sion of the Centenial celebration, agreeable to the notice of the city authorities."
Voted. " That Admiral Sir Isaac Coffin be an honor- ary member of this Society without fee." " That Capt. Nathl Curtis. William Lander and Benj. Smith be a Committee to wait on Adml Sir Isaac Coffin to notify him of his appointment, and to present him with a framed certificate." At this meeting. Admiral Sir Benjamin Hallowell Carew, was proposed as a member. and at the next meeting of the trustees, in October. he was admitted, "without fee" and it was voted. " to forward him a framed certificate by some safe convey- ance," but in a marginal note we find. " he declined."
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