USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > New Bedford > History of the Fire Department of the city of New Bedford, Massachusetts, 1772-1890 > Part 7
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NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.
church, as if in flat denial of all he had said, bawled "It's a false alarm." The effect was ludicrous in the extreme. The old man had returned, but his inopportune response spoiled the force of the eloquent appeal from the pulpit.
March 28, 1853, a destructive fire occurred which destroyed the oil and candle works of Sanford & Howland on Water street, just north of Middle street and in the rear of Parker's Block. Owing to the combustible nature of the material, the extensive wooden buildings were quickly enveloped in flames and speedily destroyed. The loss of property was about $50,000. The fire communicated with Wilcox's lumber yard, which, with buildings, was destroyed, entailing a loss of $20,000. Engines were present from Fairhaven and Head-of- the-River and rendered valuable service.
The cooper-shop on the east, belonging to Mr. Caleb L. Ellis, was in constant danger and would have been destroyed but for the generous aid of a host of citizens, who, with buck- ets of water, kept the fire from making headway, though it caught on three sides of the building. The lofts were filled with new casks, and as there was no insurance on them, the loss would have been a grievous one. "Thereby hangs a tale," which I cannot refrain from telling. Grateful to his friends for their arduous and successful labors and knowing they must feel exhausted, Mr. Ellis requested one of his men to get hot coffee for them. The messenger returned after a prolonged absence, saying he couldn't find any hot coffee, nor could he get anybody to make it. He was sent away the sec- ond time with orders to get it, get something hot anyway, and something hot he did get. "Two buckets of whiskey punch," was what the bill [from Lindgreen] said next morning. As Mr. Ellis was at the time a candidate for alderman on the temperance ticket, the transaction was embarrassing, but the bill was paid. On questioning the messenger (now one of our most successful business men) how he came to do such a thing, he replied that he obeyed orders. As he couldn't get
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hot coffee he got what was equally hot. The lecture he re- ceived on this ocasion was of about the same temperature.
August 11, 1853, a company was organized in anticipation of the new engine. Young Mechanic No. 6, which had been ordered of John Agnew, of Philadelphia. The old engine was put in commission until the new one arrived.
CALEB L. ELLIS. ( Assistant Engineer, 1853-54. )
Sept. 9, 1853, the great fire on Pearl street, corner of Pur- chase, occurred. It commenced in the stable of Eleazar Phillips, spreading quickly to the Franklin House, Farmers' and Mechanics' Hotel, a dwelling house, Exchange Hotel and
B
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NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.
stable. Seven buildings were destroyed with $10,000 loss. The Morning Mercury says :
" The buildings destroyed, though designated as hotels, were not strictly such, but occupied for a variety of purposes, which rendered their reputation rather doubtful. Most of the furniture was saved. One hundred barrels of liquor, belonging to Mr. Phillips, were consumed by-fire (?)."
The Mechanic, No. 6, was manned by volunteers, as the company was in Newport at the celebration of Perry's vic- tory on Lake Erie. They had taken their departure on the Sth, and, in passing through Fall River, were entertained by Niagara Engine Co., No. 4. On their arrival at Newport they were warmly welcomed by their hosts, Protection, No. 5, "The Honey Bees," and were escorted to the Ocean House, where a sumptuous banquet was in preparation. Three hun- dred plates were laid and a most enjoyable time followed. Music and speeches made the occasion one long to be re- membered by every participant.
In the grand parade, on the following day, the company was assigned a prominent position and under most favorable cir- cumstances to get the full benefit of a tremendous rain storm that prevailed during the morning. They were the recipients of many attentions from the citizens, and the royal entertain- ment provided by " The Honey Bees " was fully appreciated. We believe it is traditional with the Mechanics that this New- port excursion was the finest of any in their history.
At about this period an incident occurred at a fire in the sub- urbs of the city, the truthfulness of which is vouched for by one of our veteran firemen, whose statement would not be questioned should I mention his name. To reach effectually the burning stable the firemen were obliged to enter an adjoin- ing dwelling house and fight the fire from the attic windows. They were appalled to find in the upper story a closed coffin, a ghastly find under any circumstances, especially so in this in- stance, as it was carefully shoved under the bed and in a man-
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ner suggesting that it was intended to be carefully secreted. Curiosity finally overcome their fears, and throwing off the cover they found the coffin, to their agreeable surprise, filled with apples. Apples ripe, apples red, apples rosy, and like Eve of old they were tempted. So they helped themselves and treated the crowd below. It was afterward ascertained that the owner of the house had lost a member of his family, and finding that he could purchase two coffins much cheaper in proportion to the price of one, he invested, and stowed the spare one in the attic for future use, using it in the mean- time as an apple bin.
JAMES B. CONGDON. (Member of Board of Firewards in 1835.)
CHAPTER VII.
HE "red letter" day for the Young Mechanic Engine Company, No. 6, came into existence much like any other, and to the general world it probably had no significant features, but to the enthusiastic adherents of the "Sixes" the morning of Sept. 27, 1854, did seem to be unusually bright and cheery, and the atmosphere had the exhilarating effect of a Fourth of July.
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The day had come, and with it the new machine from Phil- adelphia. For twenty years the Agnew firm had furnished every engine for our fire department, and they had in every instance given the highest satisfaction.
The company met at the engine house at 7 o'clock, arrayed in a new uniform of red shirts, faced and trimmed with blue, belts, blue caps, and black trousers. The New Bedford Brass Band put in an early appearance and entertained the assem- blage with fine music, winding up with "Auld Lang Syne," as the company, 47 strong, rolled the veteran machine from the house. After parade through our principal streets, they took the Mechanic to the house on North Second street, which had become a sort of sepulchre for the old apparatus of the fire de- partment, giving the faithful and venerable machine three hearty cheers as a parting greeting. The line of march was then taken for the freight depot.
All expectations were fully met when the new engine was drawn from the car and brought to the gaze of an admiring crowd. It was built on the well known model of the Agnew make, S-inch cylinder, length of stroke 8} inches, and furnished with all the modern appliances then known. The engine was a double-decker, with extension brakes, a powerful suction, and seemed to have all the qualities of a first-class engine. It was elegantly mounted with polished brass, and painted in excellent taste. On either side of the tower appeared the name " Young Mechanic," with the motto of the company, " Always Ready," and that of the State, "Ense petit," etc., handsomely wrought.
A new hose carriage had been built by Messrs. Gray & Barker, the iron work being done by Messrs. Joseph Brownell & Co. It was a fit companion for the new engine. The ap- paratus was taken to the Pope street reservoir and then to the house. The company then proceeded with the band to " the ploughing match," near Rodman's farm, where they were welcomed in a hearty speech by Hon. J. H. W. Page. When
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the festivities of the day were concluded the company returned to their hall and were dismissed.
The company's record of the day closed with these words, "May the course of the Young Mechanic be as glorious and her end as pleasant as those of its namesake." The price paid for the new engine was $1850.
NATHAN BARKER. ( Captain Young Mechanic Engine Co., No. 6, 1853-54.)
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I now give the full organization of the Young Mechanic, No. 6, at this date and for the year 1854 :
Captain, Nathan Barker.
First Assistant, Joseph Hammond.
Second Assistant, Charles W. Dyer, Third Assistant, J. Augustus Brownell.
Fourth Assistant, Joseph W. Lavers. Clerk and Treasurer, Sanford Almy.
William E. Watson,
John Nutter, Matthias C. Pease,
James D. Jenkins,
John C. Paul,
Jos. N. Landers,
John D. Murdock,
William Kent,
Warren G. Pierce,
George Devoll,
Thomas C. Allen,
Andrew Lincoln,
Charles G. Kempton,
Bradford Potter,
Freeman C. Luce,
Charles Barnard,
Joseph R. Watson,
L. T. Manchester,
William A. Church,
Frank J. Bourne,
William McKimm,
James Green,
Seth C. Chase,
William Crowell,
Thomas Paul,
Pardon G. Thomson,
Moses C. Vinal,
Alex. H. Sowle,
Ira W. Hathaway,
Jireh Tripp,
Gus. H. Cushman,
Thomas C. Allen, Jr.,
Thomas Dowden,
William H. Allen,
Fred. A. Plummer,
John Francis,
William H. Sherman,
Jesse Chase, Samuel Hinckley,
Fred. Underwood,
John E. Brown,
C. H. Underwood, Abm. I. Davis,
John B. Gifford,
Roland W. Snow,
Horatio N. Durfee, H. O. Brown,
Charles H. Bourne,
Clarfaus Vansant,
C. E. Wheaton, Roland Crocker,
Edwin Betz,
Wm. Ricketson, Isaac Quinnell, Jr.,
M. H. Elliot, Peter Donley, Thomas Cranston,
William Hackett,
Sylvanus Baker,
Nath'l R. Pierce,
Calvin G. Fisher,
James Champion,
William C. Nichols,
James Hemenway, David Chadwick,
Thaddeus Betz,
Michael Kennedy, Henry Koenig, John McCoy,
James Dooley,
Henry Stowe, Hiram Randall,
Jireh W. Clifton,
John P. Noble,
Christian Betz,
Leonard Doty,
G. N. Maxfield,
George T. Sears,
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NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Henry Klads, John C. Jones, Fred. Weyler, Charles A. W. Oesting,
Jesse Allen, J. J. P. Zettick, B. F. Hinckley, Warren W. Parker,
Richard Luce.
Henry Hazzard, Leonard B. Ellis, Torch-boys.
The supreme satisfaction at first manifested soon became modified and grew gradually into a positive dissatisfaction with the new machine. When put to the regular work it failed to accomplish what was expected and promised by the builders. Finally Mr. Agnew visited the city May 21st, 1856, and, after an examination, the company worked the engine under his instruction. His verdict was, " all right at all points," and that settled the matter so far as the builders were concerned.
Not so with the Board of Engineers, however, nor with the company. The dissatisfaction was kept at a boiling heat. The boys finally, Aug. 7, 1856, petitioned the Board to return them the old engine they had laid away with such imposing obsequies. The petition was laid on the table ; but prompt action was taken by the authorities, and a contract was made with William Jeffers & Co., of Pawtucket, to put new works in the engine. The old engine had been put in thorough re- pair and christened with a new title, " The Veteran, No. 1," and was held as a reserve engine. It was placed in commis- sion in the hands of its old friends, and did service till the re- modelled machine was received, March 4, 1858. When this arrived it was taken to the reservoir near the Custom House and subjected to a most rigid test, under the direction of Mr. Jef- fers, and in the presence ot the full Board of Engineers-Til- linghast Tompkins, Chief; John Mathews, Moses H. Bliss, George Hinckley, Thomas P. Swift, Assistant Engineers. The result of the trial, which proved satisfactory to all con- cerned, was as follows :
I stream, I inch nozzle, 100 feet hose, 185 feet.
I stream, I I-4 inch nozzle, 300 feet hose, 146 feet.
I stream, 7-8 inch nozzle, 300 feet hose, 171 feet.
2 streams, 7-8 inch nozzle, 300 feet hose, 140 feet.
YOUNG MECHANIC, NO. 6, (On Purchase street, returning from a fire, 1855.)
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NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.
The verdict pronounced was that Jeffers & Co. had ful- filled their agreement and had made of the engine a first class machine. It was put at once in commission. At a trial, Aug. 1, 1858, it played 210 feet through one inch nozzle and 100 feet hose, and 192 feet through 1} nozzle.
July 10, 1855, our city was visited by the Dirigo Engine Co., No. S, of Portland, accompanied by the magnificent Chandler's Brass Band, of the same city. The company num- bered 40 men and were arrayed in undress military suit with white stripes. Their caps were very handsome. The company made a good appearance in parade and were a fine looking body of men, splendid representatives of the Pine Tree State. They were received at the station by the Young Mechanic, No. 6, Capt. Nathan Barker, and Capt. Robert C. Topham of the Board of Engineers. The "Sixes" were accompanied by the East Stoughton Band, then deemed one of the best in the state. Cordial greetings were exchanged with the visitors, then the line of march was taken up, and a parade was made through the principal streets. At an early hour in the evening a banquet was served in Sears Hall. After this was disposed of, song, speech and sentiment ruled the hour. This part of the entertainment opened with a selection by the "Harmon- ions," an organization of gentlemen whose reputation for fine singing was of the best. This was followed by a duet by Messrs. Thurston and Shaw, of the Casco Glee Club. The Standard said : "The rich, musical voices added a rare fea- ture to the occasion. It is seldom our good fortune to hear better singing." Speeches were made by Chief Engineer Davidson, of Portland, and by others of that and of our own city. Music was rendered by the Chandler and East Stough- ton bands. The next day the firemen took an excursion to Holmes Hole, in which occasion the Ohio, No. 3, participated ; and the festivities concluded with a grand ball in Mechanics Hall.
During the " fifties" the Young Mechanics had a fine excur- sion to Nantucket, and were entertained by the Fountain En-
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gine Co., No. 8, Capt. Mitchell. This visit was returned at a later period, and the Nantucket firemen received the cordial attention of the Young Mechanics and Oregons, on a Fourth of July celebration. The Young Mechanics also entertained the Protection, No. 5, of Newport, and Niagaras, of Fall River, during these years.
The old engine, the "Mechanic," which had done such long and faithful service, was stationed in the North Second street house, and an organization was formed, Dec. 21, 1854, called the Veteran Association of Firemen. It was composed en- tirely of fireman who had seen five years of service in our fire department. They were attached to this engine, the name of which had been changed to the Veteran, No. I. I give below the complete membership, for which I am indebted to Mr. Charles S. Paisler :
Wm. H. Taylor, Samuel Watson,
Zacharaiah Hillman, George Wilson, Edward S. Taber,
W. L. Edwards,
James B. Congdon,
Ezra K. Delano,
Thomas Sanford,
Nath'l Kelley,
George Howland, Jr.,
Jos. Allen, Jr.,
Ambrose Vincent,
John Mathews,
Abraham Delano, Jos. Chase, Thomas N. Allen,
James Wheaton,
John N. Barrows,
Ebenezer Keen,
John H. Chapman,
Gideon T. Sawyer,
Moses H. Bliss,
Wright Brownell,
Caleb T. Jenney,
E. E. Shepardson,
Arvin Smith,
Tilson B. Denham, Allen Case, Ebenezer Ryder,
E. W. Kempton,
Isaiah Wood,
Oliver P. Brightman,
Squire Sanford,
Simpson Hart,
Chas. M. Pierce, Jr.,
George G. Gifford, Wm. H. Knights,
W. H. Willis,
Benj. C. Ward, Otis N. Pierce,
Wm. Whitton, Jr.,
Charles W. Morgan,
David E. Chase, Andrew G. Pierce,
Pardon Potter, Jr., Asa R. Nye, David B. Kempton,
James Durfee, Rodolphus Beetle, Caleb L. Ellis,
Peleg Potter,
Wm. H. Jenney,
John Wrightington,
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NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Nathan P. Brightman,
Phineas White, Jr.,
Peleg Butts,
Wm. G. Taber,
A. D. Richmond,
Benj. B. Covell,
Levi H. Sturtevant,
Charles C. Tobey,
Bethuel Penniman, Jr.,
James Drew,
J. B. Hadley,
Charles H. Leach,
Frederick Homer,
Ellery Records,
Henry V. Davis, Gamaliel Taber,
Benj. Gage,
James H. Mendell,
Martin Pierce,
Lazarus S. Moulton,
Willard Shaw,
Isaiah H. Potter,
Charles Sanford,
Joseph G. Dean,
Charles M. Pierce,
Francis W. Hatch,
Nicholas Davis.
The intervening years between the reception of the remod- elled machine and the date of the disbanding of the company, Oct. S, 1860, were distinguished by intense strife with their neighbors, the Columbians, this competition often assum- ing phases neither orderly nor creditable. As a rule, how- ever, it was of a good natured sort. A few extracts from the records of No. 6 will reveal the nature of this emulation :
No. 6 RECORDS.
Oct. 21, 1854 .- Alarm of fire at 8.30 P. M. Burning of bushes at Head-of-the-River. Six out first, with Five close after her. Went as far as our limits to give our neighbors a good chance to go ahead of us, if they could. Five stopped first two squares behind.
Feb. 5, 1855 .- Fire at 6.30 P. M, from the North Christian Church, opposite the Parker House. Damage slight. Six out first and first water.
June 4, 1855 .- Fire at piano manufactory on William street. Six out first and Five first water.
July 3 .- Fire at 10.30 P. M., North Christian Church. Five out first. Six first water.
Aug. 25 .- Fire at Mountain Brow, Perry's Neck. Five out first. Six passed her and led more than two squares in going to Rodman's farm.
Ioth mo., 15th, 1854 .- Alarm, caused by burning of a barn near the railroad crossing. Six out first, but being stopped by the Chief Engi- neer, Five passed us. Upon the Chief being convinced that there was a fire, he gave word to go ahead. Went up Purchase street in good style and passed No. 9 (she showing fair play) ; overtook No. 5. The men holding the tongue seemed to be laboring under some complaint that caused a dizziness in the head to judge by the way they managed
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their engine ; for, though the Six came nearly alongside two separate times on two separate sides, we were unable to pass her, as they mean- dered in most beautiful style from one curbstone to the other.
Oct. 11, 1855 .- Fire at Kempton's lumber yard, Foster street. Five out first and first water.
Nov. 30 .- Met this morning at 9.30 o'clock for a trial at Custom House reservoir, with Ohio, No. 3, and we got most woefully beaten, considering the size and capacity of our engine.
April 30, 1855 .- Donated to the Dorcas Society and Ladies' Aid Society each $37.66.
July 22, 1859 .- False alarm of fire at 9.30 o'clock P. M. Five out first, Six passed her on Fifth street. Five, in attempting to pass the Six, locked wheels, so that she was under the necessity of taking off one of her wheels to get out of the mess.
Oct. 30 .- False alarm of fire at 7 P. M. Five out first, with full com- plement of men on the drag ropes-bound to keep ahead or burst.
I frankly admit that all this was undignified-that it was boys' play. I don't pretend to defend all that occurred in those palmy days of the hand-engine ; but it was fun for the boys, and even our elders were not altogether disinterested as to which got first water or won the race. When, however, the common enemy took hold upon the homes and property of our citizens, then to the credit of the firemen be it said that al animosity was laid quickly aside, and harmoniously they worked together in conquering the fire fiend. Early and late they strove to stay the progress of its devastation.
Speaking of late hours gives me an opportunity to relate a story told me by my friend, James Taylor. Few citi zens were better known in their day than Col. John Baylie and Joshua B. King, both noted wits and famous story tellers Their homes were close together at the head of Bedford street they were warm friends and sought constantly each other' society. It was their custom to go down town together even ings to the post office, and sauntering homeward, they woul. stand in front of the colonel's gate and chat till a late hour This became very annoying to Mrs. B., and the colonel pre tended that he also disliked to be kept from his rest by th loquacious tongue of his friend.
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NEW BEDFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT.
One afternoon in early winter the colonel came home and asked his wife to lay out for him his heaviest underclothes, an extra pair of stockings, his gloves, and a muffler. He proposed to give his friend King all the time he wanted that night and see if he couldn't freeze him out. So, dressing himself through- out with a double suit of clothing, he put himself in condition to be warm enough to spend a season in the Arctic. Meeting his friend down town, the two went to the post office, and called at the Eagle Hotel (then situated where now stands Ricketson Block), to hear the news. Starting homeward, they ar- rived at the colonel's gate soon after 9 o'clock. It was a bitterly cold night, and Mrs. Baylies flattered herself that the colonel would come in at an early hour. Alas for human expectations ! IO o'clock ; II o'clock ; 11} o'clock : 12 o'clock,-it was well past that hour before the colonel came into the house.
" Almost sorry I came in," was the response to the tender inquiries of his wife.
"Why so?" she gently inquired.
" Old King had just commenced a new story," was his answer.
The winter clothing was laid away for a more inclement season.
After the difficulty with the Board of Engineers had been settled by the disbanding of the Columbian Engine Com- pany, No. 5, Oct. 25, 1852, the Ex-Five Association was formed Nov. 1, with the same officers, and held meetings in a room in the rear of the Columbian Club room, in the second story of the Nathan Chase building, recently removed from the lot now occupied by the Wing building on Purchase street. The organization continued in vigorous existence till May 21, 1853, when the members were invited to resume their places in the fire department. At the meeting when the company voted to accept the invitation, the discussion gave rise to many spirited remarks by Messrs. Cook, Hyde, Palmer, Weaver, "Friend" Perez Jenkins, and Sanford. The last named gentle-
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man wound up his eloquent speech with the following quota- tion altered to fit the occasion :
" This was the winter of our discontent Made glorious summer by late events, And all the clouds that o'er the exiles frowned, Were in the bosom of ocean drowned."
In 1853 the Columbians accepted an invitation to visit the Atlantic Engine Co., No. 10, of Providence. Clerk Fales, in his report, said :
"We were hospitably received and made welcome. As firemen they know how to greet their friends and brothers who toil for the public good."
Nov. 28, 1853, the Columbians presented a nice chandelier to the Cannonville church. The gift was gratefully received and acknowledged in a courteous letter from the pastor, Rev. Mr. Greenwood.
The Columbian, No. 5, was reorganized May 28, 1853, with the following officers :
Foreman, Israel T. Bryant. First Assistant, George Hinckley. Second Assistant, John B. Hyde. Clerk, Giles Fales.
June 27, Mr. William Brownell presented the company with an elegant copy of the Bible, and a vote was passed that one chapter should be read from it at the opening of each meeting. This was done regularly for many years, the clerk, Mr. Fales, performing the duty. It is fair to suppose that the mem- bers listened carefully and attentively. And yet it is said that Mr. Fales read the same chapter for thirteen consecutive meet- ings without having the fact discovered. Mr. Perez Jenkins, a good Methodist brother, "caught on" to the situation and suggested that for variety's sake it would be well for Mr. Fales to make other selections. The Bible reading continued with a more extended choice of chapters.
FERGUSON.ALBANY.
COLUMBIAN, NO. 5.
Built by L. Button & Co., Waterford, N. Y. This picture is also a good portrait of the Relief No. 5, of Oxford Village, Fairhaven.
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In 1854 Capt. Israel T. Bryant resigned the command, hav- ing been elected a member of the Board of Engineers. He was succeeded by James I. Borland, who soon resigned on ac- count of ill health. John B. Hyde was elected captain, and held that position till 1861 ; and I think that his officers, Messrs. Sherman, Weaver, Hart and Fales, were associated with him during this long term of office. Capt. Hyde was very popular with his command, and this may be said of all the officers.
Feb. 15, 1855, the Board of Engineers voted to contract, for the sum of $1650, with Messrs. L. Button & Co., Waterford, N. Y., for a first class fire engine and hose carriage for Com- pany No. 5, the engine to be "32 man power ," and of the fol- lowing dimensions and finish :
" The engine box to be built of mahogany and hung on half elliptic springs, with wheels 43 inches in diameter forward, and 45 inches be- hind. A crane neck, so that the wheels can turn completely under, pumps 10 inches in diameter, with a stroke varying from 5 to 9 inches ; three outlets for as many streams, with three discharge pipes and eleven nozzles ; brass corners to the box, and cut-offs to the outlets, with 29 feet suction hose, 21 feet of it to be carried in a tube over the engine. The brakes to be 22 1-2 feet long, all the iron work, including the scrolls and crane work to be polished. A bell, weighing 18 pounds, to be suspended to the tube by a handsome scroll. The whole to be fin- ished, painted, varnished, and all the brass work silver-plated."
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