USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Boston > History of Boston, the metropolis of Massachusetts, from its origin to the present period; with some account of the environs > Part 42
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Farther we beseech you remember the old method of Satan, the ancient enemy of free grace, in all ages of the churches, who hath raised up such calumnies against the faithful prophets of God; Elija was called the troubler of Israel, 1 Kings, xviii. 17,18. Amos was charged for conspiracy, Amos, vii. 10. Paul was counted a pestilent fellow, or mover of sedition, and a ringleader of a sect, Acts, xxiv. 5. and Christ himself as well as Paul was charged to be a teacher of new doctrine, Mark, i. 27. Acts, xvii, 19. Now we beseech you con- sider, whether that old Serpent work not after his old method, even in our days.
Farther we beseech you consider the danger of meddling against the proph- ets of God. Ps. cv. 14, 15. for what ye do unto them, the. L. J. takes as done unto himself : if you hurt any of his members, the head is very sensible of it, for so saith the Lord of Hosts, He that toucheth you, toucheth the apple of mine eye, Zech. ii. 8. And better a mill stone were hanged about our necks, and that we were cast into the sea, than that we should offend any of these little ones which believe on him, Malt. xviii. 6.
And lastly we beseech you consider, how you should stand in relation to us, as nursing fathers, which give us encouragement to promote our humble re- quests to you, or else we would say with the prophet, Isa. xxii. 4. Look from
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mne that I may weep bitterly, Labour not to comfort me, &c. or as Jer. ix. 2. O that I had in the wilderness a lodging place of a way-faring man.
And thus have we made known our griefs and desires to your worships, and leave them upon record with the Lord and with you, knowing that if we should receive repulse from you, with the Lord we shall find grace.
Signed by Wmn. Aspinwall, Thos. Marshall, Richard Gridley, and many others.
No. III. Page 93.
Immediately following the words "accept thereof" in the agreement respecting the incorporation of Braintree, the Boston records, Jan. 27, 1640, read thus :
' Provided that this order shall not extend to any more or other land than such as shall make payment of the said rates so agreed upon of 4s and 3s an acre, and upon the former consideration there is granted to the mount all the rocky ground lying between the fresh brook and Mr. Coddington's brook ad- joining to Mr. Haulghes farme and from the west corner of that farm to the southermost corner of Mr. Hutchinsons farm, to be reserved and used in common forever by the inhabitants and landholders there together with one other parcel of rocky ground near to the Knighte neck which was left out by the third company of Lotte, excepting all such ground lying among or neere the sd rocky ground formerly granted out in Lotte to pticular persons.
Also there is granted to Mr. William Thompson, pastor of the church at the Mount, 120 acre of land there free from the forsd. rate of 3s. per acre.
Also, there is granted to Mr. Henry Flint 80 acre of land there in like sort free from the sd rate of 3s per acre.
Also there is granted to John Lugg a great lot for 9 head at the mount upon the usual terms.'
No. IV. Page 212 .*
Original Covenant of the New North Church.
We, whose names are subscribed, apprehending ourselves called of God into the chli. state of the Gospel, do, first of all, confess ourselves unworthy to be so highly favoured of the Lord, and admire that free and rich grace of his, which triumphis over so great unworthiness ; and then, with a humble reliance upon the aids of grace therein promised to them, that in a sense of their own inability to do any good thing, do humbly wait upon him for all, we do thankfully lay hold on his covenant, and would do the things that
* P. 204. The manifeste of the Brattle-street Society is printed at large in the Rev. Mr. Palfrey's Historical Discourse, published June 28, 1825.
51
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please him. We declare our serious belief of the chir. religion, contained in the S. S. and as exhibited in the confessions of faith received in our clhs. ; heartily resolving to conform our lives to the rules of that holy religion, so long as we live in this world. We give ourselves to the Lord Jehovah, who is the Father, Son and Holy Ghost ; and avouch him to be our God, our Father, our Saviour and Leader, and receive him as our portion. We give up ourselves unto the blessed Jesus, who is the Lord Jehovah, and adhere to him as the head of his people in the cov. of God, and rely on him as our Prophet, our Priest and our King, to bring us into eternal blessedness. We acknowledge our everlasting and indispensable obligations to glorify God in all the duties of a godly, sober, righteous life ; and very particularly in the duties of a church state, and a body of people associated for an obedience to him, and enjoyment of him, in all the ordinances of the gospel. And we therefore depend upon his gracious assistance for the faithful discharge of the duties thus incumbent upon us. We desire and intend, and with de- pendence upon promised and powerful grace, we engage to walk together as a church of our L. J. C. in the faith and order of the gospel, so far as we shall have the same revealed unto us, and will conscientiously attend the worship of God, the sacraments of the N. T. and the discipline of his king- dom and all his holy instructions, in communion with one another ; and that we will lovingly watch over one another, carefully avoid stumbling blocks and contentions, as becomes a people wliom the Lord has bound up together in the bundle of life. At the same time, we also present our offspring with us unto the Lord, purposing with his help to do our part in the methods of a religious education, that they may be the Lord's. And all this we do, flying to the blood of the everlasting covenant for the pardon of our many errours, and praying that the glorious Lord, who is the great Shepherd, would prepare and strengthen us for every good work, to do his will, work- ing in us that which is well pleasing in his sight, to whom be glory forover. Amen.
ADDENDA.
SUMMARY OF EVENTS SINCE OCTOBER
1825.
DURING the latter part of the year 1825, the City Govern- ment was deeply engaged in organizing the new Fire Depart- ment, on the plan of the Act of June 18th, which had been accepted at a general meeting of the citizens on the 7th of July. Great opposition was made to the acceptance of that Act, principally on the ground that the City Council had ex- ceeded their prerogative, in asking of the Legislature so es- sential a change in the City Charter, without the previous consent of the inhabitants. Those who considered the Board of Overseers of the Poor to have been virtually abolished by the creation of the Board of Directors of the House of Indus- try, and who were alarmed at the declaration from high authorities, that the School Committee, on its present plan, was a body inefficient and liable to be treated withi disrespect, judged the opportunity now offered to be a proper one for ex- pressing their opinion, unitedly, against what they regarded as dangerous assumptions. But the number of both was inferior to those who had witnessed the disorder prevalent on every occasion of an alarming fire, and felt the necessity of more energetic measures to ensure their property from destruction. So the Act was accepted by a vote of 1347 to 1164 :- Ma- jority, 183 .*
The expediency of the measure was thus determined, and a melancholy opportunity soon after occurred, to evince to all the necessity of speedily carrying it into execution. A fire broke out in Court-street, on Thursday morning, Nov. 10th, about half past twelve o'clock, in the hatter's shop of Mr. Wm. Brown, on the South side of the street, ten doors from Washington Street. It soon penetrated into the adjoining buildings on each side, and extended itself, across the street, to the large granite building occupied in part for the extensive bookstore of Messrs. Wells & Lilly. Nine or ten large brick and stone buildings, with several smaller ones were entirely
* An Act, in addition to this Act, was definitively passed, March 2, 1827, rendering the power of Engineers more certain in regard to their control over powder. A law of March 10, 1827, regulating buildings, required the consent of the inhabitants, which was refused, in general meeting, April, 26th.
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destroyed, containing thirty-five lawyers' offices, and about 20 shops and stores. Many Attorneys lost their entire libraries, of which several were highly valued-two at not less than 10,000 dollars each.
The confusion which prevailed during this fire, and the unwillingness of many spectators to assist, when directed by the old Firewards, increased the desire of the city to see the new Fire Departinent organized. The system was completed and adopted by an Ordinance of the City Council, December 5th. The officers were subsequently chosen, and all other arrangements being completed, the Mayor issued his procla- mation on the 29th of April, 1826, declaring the fact.
By the provisions of this Ordinance, the Fire Department now consists of one Chief Engineer, with so many other en- gineers, one to reside in each Ward, and as many Fire-men, Engine-men, Hose-men, and Hook-and-ladder-men, 10 be divided into companies, as the number of engines, and the number and quantity of the other fire apparatus shall make ex- pedient. The Chief has the " sole and absolute control and command," over all the engineers and all other persons of the Fire Department, in cases of fire ; and in his absence, the engineer next in rank will execute his office. The body of engineers possess all the powers heretofore exercised by the board of firewards. It is the duty of the other members of the department, whenever a fire shall break out within the city, to repair forthwith to the place, and to exert themselves with all their skill and power, towards the extinguishment of the same, and to protect the persons of the department from being interrupted in the performance of their duty by the by-stand- ers, and in saving and protecting property endangered. It is made the duty of the City Marshal and Constables to be present at all fires, for the preservation of the public peace, and all spectators are enjoined to obey the directions of any engineer, under penalty of not less than two nor more than twenty dollars for each offence. All members of the fire department are conditionally exempted from military duty, and if any one shall neglect or refuse to perform his office at a fire, he becomes liable to a fine of three dollars.
To facilitate the operations in case of fire, large reservoirs have been constructed in various parts of the city, which are kept constantly full of water ; and the project of supplying the city with water by aqueduct, from some of the sources in the vicinity, has been under serious consideration. The utility of such an expedient admits not a doubt, and modern ingenuity forbids that there should be any question of its practicability. ' An extensive supply of hose has been procured, and several new engines.
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ADDENDA.
The expences of this department including all the purchases and building of reservoirs was, for the two years ending May Ist, 1827,
In 14th annual report, Fire Department, - - $9836 95 Engine Houses and Land, 6159 62
Reservoirs, - 3438 27
In 15th do. do. Fire Department, - - 21362 42
Reservoirs, - 4125 66
Making a total of $44922 92
On which the Auditor remarks, "it is believed that the whole expense is largely compensated by the great additional security which it affords to property within the city. A com- paratively small annual expense will probably be sufficient hereafter."
On the first of November, 1826, an inspection and review of the whole department took place on the Common. " The engineers, fire-men, hook-and-ladder-men, and hose-men, all wore their respective uniforms and caps, and appeared in the most complete order. The engines &c. were all accompanied by their lantern-bearers, axe and saw-bearers, &c. The perfect neatness and order exhibited by the whole, and the cleanliness of the engines, &c. reflected great credit upon the several branches of the department." It may gratify some to see the following recapitulation of men and apparatus em- ployed in this department :- Chief Engineer, 1 ; Engineers, 12 ; Firemen, 300; Buckets, 600; Badges, 300; Engines, 20; Men, 1130 ; Hose Carriages, 23; Hose, No. of feet, 6005 ; Spanners, 294 ; Belts, 183; Buckets, 839 ; Suction Hose, No. of feet, 144; Drag Rope, do. 1465; Axes, 42; Saws, 14; Conductors, 14; Caps, 908; Badges, 1369; Torches, 62 ; Lanthorns, 34; Hose Lines, 28; Wrenches, 30 ; Oil Cannisters, 40; Shovels, 15; Hammers, 17; Tin Pans, 29 ; Trumpets, 54 ; Hooks, 25 ; Ladders, 14; Lamps, 76 ; Life Lines, 56; Brushes, 41 ; Candlesticks, 21 ; Hose Boots, 99 ; Pipes, 47 ; Copper Pump, 1. Hook and Ladder Company, 48 men ; 1 Four Wheel Carriage and Harness ; 1 Ladder, 60 feet long ; 1 do. 45 do .; 1 do 25 do .; 1 do. 20 do. ; 3 Hooks, with Ropes and Chains ; 6 Crotch Poles, 2 of 25 feet ; 2 of 12 do. ; 2 of 6 do. ; 2 Torches ; 4 Hammers ; 2 Lanthorns, and 50 Badges.
§ 2. THE Act by which the time of holding the municipal election was altered, from the second Monday of April to the second Monday of December, having been accepted in gener- al meeting, (by a vote of 100 yeas against 2 nays,) Mr. QUINCY was this year re-elected to the office of Mayor by a vote of 1202 out of 1435 ballots. There being little concert in
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the nomination of Aldermen, six only were chosen on the first day, of whom Messrs. Carnes, Welsh, Marshall, Bellows and Oliver accepted, and Mr. Blake declined the office. The vacancies were filled by the choice of Edward H. Robbins, jr. John F. Loring, and Francis Jackson.
§ 3. IN the month of December, an impression having generally prevailed that the population of the city had consid- erably increased since the census of 1820, measures were taken by the City Council to procure an enumeration of all the inhabitants. The result of a careful perambulation by a committee of two in each Ward, on the same days, was the following
CENSUS OF BOSTON.
White Males-under 10 years 6206| Colored Males-under 14
224
of 10 and under 16 3061
of 14 and under 26
236
of 16 and under 26 7622
of 26 and under 45
380
of 26 and under 45 8458
of 45 and upwards 134
of 45 and upwards
2560
974
27907
Colored Females-under 14 209
White Females-under 10 years 6309
of 14 and under 26
232
of 10 and under 16 3616
of 26 and under 45
357
of 16 and under 26 7589
of 45 and upwards 145
of 26 and under 45 7735
of 45 and upwards 3204
943
28453
By the annexed table will be seen the aggregate population in the respective Wards :
Wards. White.
Colored. Total. -
Wards.
White. Colored. Total.
1
3830
60
3890
7
5162
570
5732
2
4812
194
5006
8
4664
63
4727
3
4765
48
4813
9
4726
93
4819
4
4669
53
5010
11
3963
41
4009
5
4925
149
5074
12
3834
60
5880
6
3719
516
4235
S. Boston
1950
36 5
5082
Islands
279
9 5
10
5057
25
--
56360
1917 58277
§ 4. ONE of the last acts of the year 1825, was the pas- sage of an ordinance establishing a system of accountability in the expenditures of the city. This ordinance provides for the yearly appointment of a joint committee of accounts, to consist of two aldermen and three of the common council, and also for the choice of an Auditor of accounts. The Au- ditor receives all bills and accounts against the city, examines them in detail, and if satisfactory to himself, enters them in his books, to be presented to the joint committee, whose duty it is once at least in every month, to examine, and if they see fit, to pass all bills and accounts certified by the auditor ; and no
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moneys may be paid out of the city treasury, unless the de- mand for the same be thus examined and approved, and the sums specified be drawn for by the Mayor. If the expendi- tures for any object exceed the appropriation, it is the duty of the auditor to notify the city council of the fact. The auditor receives all moneys collected by any officer authorized to col- lect moneys belonging to the city, except the Treasurer, and pays the same over to the Treasurer, once in each week.
§ 5. THE organization of the city government, for 1826, took place on the second of January. Rev. S. E. Dwight offered prayers on the occasion, and Chief Justice Parker administered the oaths of office to the Mayor, who in turn ad- ministered the like to the Aldermen and the Common Council elect. Mr. M'Cleary was re-chosen City Clerk. The Com- mon Council chose John R. Adan, Esq. President, and re- elected Mr. Clark as Clerk. The Mayor's Address presents a just view of the prosperity of the city, as inferrible from facts, in the following extracts :
"The unquestionable evidence derived from our recent census has ful- filled the expectations of the most sanguine ; and has put it beyond ques- tion, that the increase of this city during the five years past, has been, to say the least, not inferior to that of any of our maritime cities, on the previous, actual basis of its population.
" This fact may be considered as conclusive on its future prospects. For if, at a time when universal peace among European nations has changed and limited the field. of commercial enterprise, on which the greatness of this city was once supposed, in a manner, altogether to depend, it appears that, notwithstanding this change and limitation, its growth, instead of being diminished, is increasing with a rapidity, equal to that of the most favored of our commercial cities, it follows, conclusively, that our great- ness is not altogether dependant upon foreign commerce, and also that the enterprise, capital and intelligence of our citizens, determined inwards and active upon agriculture, manufactures, and in our coasting trade, are producing results even more auspicious than our foreign commerce, in its most prosperous state, ever effected. Than which, to the patriot's heart and hope, no facts of a mere physical character, can be more encouraging or delightful.
" Similar grounds for satisfaction will be found in comparing the increasing results of the aggregates of our valuation and the decreasing results of the ratio of our taxes. During the five years from 1821 to 1825, inclusive, it appears by the Assessors' records that the whole aggregate of real and per- sonal property in this city increased from twenty millions, three hundred thousand dollars, to twenty-six millions, two hundred thousand ; making a regular annual increase of about one million, two hundred thousand dollars. Of which increased capital, it will appear, by comparing the aggregate of 1821 with 1825, that. four millions, five hundred thousand have been invest - ed in real, and one million, five hundred thousand, in personal estate.
" During this period, it is true, as is inevitable in the progressive state of society, increasing daily, not only in numbers, but in municipal exigencies and requisitions for expenditures, on account of improvements, the amount of our taxes has increased in the aggregate. Yet, at the same time, owing to the increased aggregates of our valuation, the ratio of assessment has diminished. Thus, if the ratios of assessment of the five years immediately preceding 1820, be compared with the five years from 1820, inclusive, it will be found that the average of the annual ratios of the former was eight dollars and twenty five cents on the thousand dollars, and that the aver-
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age of the annual ratios of the latter was only seven dollars and eighty cents. The ratio of the present year will be seven dollars.
" A farther illustration of our general prosperity is deducible from the fact, that, notwithstanding the amount of our taxes lias increased, with the increasing wealth and population of the city ; yet the ratio of uncollected taxes has, in every successive year since the existence of our city govern- ment, been diminishing.
" Touching the expenditures of the past year, it is not known that any of them require a particular explanation on the present occasion. In general, I apprehend, they have been satisfactory to our fellow-citizens, so far as respects their objects. And they well understand that it is, probably, in the nature of things, impossible to conduct all the details of public expenditure, with that precise economy, which an individual applies to his private con- cerns. I am not, however, aware, that there have been any such during the past year, which cannot, under the circumstances of each case, be satis- factorily explained by the particular agents.
" In connexion with this subject, it is impossible for me not to notice the happy effects produced by the establishment of the office of Auditor of Ac- counts, which, carried into operation by the exemplary industry and ability of that officer, and by the indefatigable fidelity of the Committee of Accounts has introduced an order, simplicity and correctness into that department, not only highly creditable to the city, but also facilitating, in the highest possible degree, particular inquiries and general knowledge in relation to the state of our financial concerns."
No new project was brought forward at this time, (except that of supplying the city with fresh water, which has not been carried into effect,) and the winter passed without any occur- rence to excite particularly the public attention. It may not be undeserving of notice, however, that the season was re- markable for the extreme cold, and that two fires occurred, at which considerable damage was suffered. The first was on Wednesday, February 15, between 9 and 10 o'clock A. M. in Store No. 49, Central-wharf; the estimated loss to the owners of the goods was $10,000. The other was discovered about one o'clock on the morning of Thursday, March 9th, in the four-story brick store, long occupied by Mr. Nathaniel Faxon, as a shoe store and manufactory, being No. 7, on Market-square, and extending through to Ann-street, No. 15. The stock of goods was probably the most valuable of the kind in the city. Great exertions were necessary to prevent this fire from destroying the adjacent buildings. A difficulty happened on this occasion between the firewards and engine- men, which gave such offence that the captains of two engines were forthwith dismissed from their offices, and their names stricken from the rolls. This act was followed by the dissolu- tion of several of the engine companies by their own vote ; Capt. Daniel Adams addressed a very spirited remonstrance to the Mayor-the masters of the several engines held a meeting at Concert Hall and laid the subject before the public .* Hap- pily no serious evil ensued from this disagreement.
*Sec Bowen's Boston News-I.etter, i, 167, 169, 181.
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ADDENDA.
§ 6. THE Spring elections next busied the public mind. Although no serious opposition was expected against the re- election of His Excellency Levi Lincoln, a formal division was maintained in Boston. Gov. Lincoln received 2231 votes, and Samuel Hubbard, Esq. 1259. Less concert prevailed respecting the Senatorial ticket. The democratic republicans, however, succeeded in the choice of all their candidates. This result was peculiarly unpleasant to many who expected other things in Boston. The representative election, in May, offered an opportunity to the federal party to regain their ground. The City Council determined on sending twenty members to the General Court. The federal party prepared one list which was unmixed ; the republicans did the same. A portion of federalists presented also a mixed ticket, and the republicans met it with a republican union ticket. One other candidate, not on either of those tickets, presented his own name to the public ; in burlesque, it was at first supposed, but the pertinacity with which he persisted in his claim convinced people of his sincerity. The first choice resulted in the elec- tion of only ten out of the eighty candidates-those all on the first republican ticket. The whole number of ballots was 2614. The second choice fell upon four of the same ticket ; 2140 ballots being given. At the third trial one member only re- ceived the requisite number of votes ; his name had not ap- peared on either of the former tickets. The constitutional pe- riod of elections having expired, no further choice took place, and the city sent only 15 representatives that year. No one of the Boston members elect having ever before held a seat in the house, it was doubtful whether either of them would be al- lowed the privilege ceded by usage to the oldest member from Boston, of presiding at the organization of the Court ; it was, however, granted without opposition to the member (William Barry,) appointed by the delegation.
§ 7. THE fiftieth anniversary of American Independence was a day to which the people looked forward with a strong impression, that it deserved to be celebrated with more than usual solemnities. Rev. Mr. Ware had been appointed as the orator on the occasion, and accepted, but was compelled by the failure of his, health to decline the performance of the duty. The Mayor of the city, who had served in the same capacity in 1798, was thereupon requested to undertake the office. The day was ushiered in (says the News-Letter,) by the firing of cannon and ringing of bells ; and at an early pe- riod people arrived from all parts of the country to participate in the festivities of the day. The civic ceremonies commenc- ed at 9 o'clock, by a procession, escorted by the Independent Fusiliers, from the new Market-house to the Central Universal-
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