USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Medford > History of the town of Medford, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, from its first settlement, in 1630, to the present time, 1855 > Part 11
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" In the House of Representatives, read and ordered that the prayer of the petition be so far granted as that the town of Med- ford is hereby allowed and empowered, by a surveyor and chair- man on' oath, to survey and lay out one thousand acres of the unappropriated lands of the Province, and return a plat thereof to
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HISTORY OF MEDFORD.
this Court, within twelve months, for confirmation for the uses within mentioned.
"In Council, read and concurred. - Dec. 29th : Consented to,
"J. BELCHER.
" A true copy, examined,
" THADE. MASON, " Deputy-Secretary."
This grant was accepted ; and Mr. Wm. Willis and Capt. John Hall were chosen to carry the whole matter through. The consequence was a selection of one thousand acres on the Piscataqua River, near the Merrimac. This tract was called the " Town's Farm ; " but it was not of great value.
Dec. 3, 1737 : Here we find the first record of the drawing of jurymen in the town. John Albree and Benjamin Tufts are drawn for the Supreme Court. Few jurymen were needed ; but Medford undoubtedly furnished its share from the beginning.
It may be interesting to many to see another record of a town-meeting. Familiar names will be found to recur ; but offices have increased : -
" At a town-meeting, legally convened at Medford, March 7, 1748, Mr. Andrew Hall was chosen Moderator.
Dea. Benj. Willis,
Capt. Samuel Brooks, Selectmen.
Lieut. Stephen Ilall,
Thomas Seccomb, Town-clerk.
Benj. Parker, Town-treasurer.
Joseph Tufts,
Thos. Brooks, Assessors.
Edward Hall,
Ebenezer Francis, John Tufts, Jacob Polly, Wood-corders.
Stephen Willis, chosen Constable, refused to serve, and paid £10, old tenor.
Thomas Brooks,
Jonathan Watson, Surveyors of
Capt. Saml. Brooks, § Boards and Timber. Samuel Reeves, Pound-keeper.
Francis Whitmore, 2d Constable, but re- fused to serve, and paid £10, old tenor. Samuel Reeves, 3d Constable. He re- fused to serve, and paid £10, old tenor. Samuel Page, hired to serve as Constable, for £25, old tenor.
Samuel Francis, } Benjamin Tufts, § Simon Bradshaw, Joseph Tufts,
Haywards or Field-drivers.
Jonathan Hall, } Henry Fowle, Tything-men.
Stephen Bradshaw,
Surveyors
of Highways. .
Dea. Thomas Hall, Sealer of Leather. Benjamin Parker, Sealer of Weights and Measures. Stephen Bradshaw, Grand-juror.
A Committee to manage the affair of obtaining some part of the lands now belonging to Charlestown, with the inhabitants thereon.
Lieut. John Francis, Stephen Greenleaf, Andrew Hall, Esq., Capt. Samuel Brooks, Lieut. Stephen Hall, jun., Zechariah Poole, Ebenezer Brooks, Joseph Tufts, A Committee to audit the Town-treasurer's accounts for the year past, 1747, and the town's accounts like- wise.33
Lieut. Stephen Hall, jun., Thomas Brooks,
Samuel Brooks, jun, Williamn Tufts, John Hall, Stephen Greenleaf, John Bishop, Hog-reeves.
Fence-viewers.
Deer-reeves.
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CIVIL HISTORY.
Nov. 28, 1748 : Voted to sell the "Town's Farm " at auction. This vote was reconsidered ; and, May 15, 1749, " Andrew Hall, Capt. Samuel Brooks, and Richard Sprague, were chosen a Committee to manage the affairs for selling the town's farm." It was sold soon after.
The right of admitting inhabitants to the town was a jeal- ously guarded right. It was the custom to warn every new comer out of town. A strange hospitality! This notifica- tion legally prevented such new comer from gaining " town- habitancy." The notification was also sent to the Court of Sessions, and there recorded under the name of Caution. This habit continued till the time of the Revolution. Paupers were kept out by the most stringent prohibitions. The town voted that if any person, male or female, omitted to comply with the law respecting admission, such person should be fined forty shillings.
1750: Premium paid to the " collector of the town-taxes " was sixpence on the pound.
1753: We give here a specimen of the petitions offered by Medford to the government for grants of land : -
" To his Excellency William Shirley, Esq., Captain-General and Governor-in-Chief in and over His Majesty's Province of the Massachusetts Bay, in New England, to the Honorable His Majesty's Council, and to the Honorable House of Representatives.
" The petition of the inhabitants of the town of Medford, in the County of Middlesex, humbly showeth that there are certain tracts of land lying on the southerly and northerly sides of said Medford, which are bounded as follows, viz .: The southerly tract, lying in Charlestown, is bounded northerly with Mistic or Medford River, westerly with the westerly bounds of Mr. Smith's farm, southerly with the southerly bounds of Mr. Smith's, Mr. James Tufts's, and Mr. Jonathan Tufts's farms, and then running from the south-easterly corner of said Jonathan Tufts's farm eastward straight to the west- erly side of Colonel Royal's farm, again westerly with the westerly bounds of Colonel Royal's farm, again southerly with its southerly bounds, and then running from the south-easterly corner thereof eastward straight to Medford River.
" The northerly tract, lying also in Charlestown, is bounded south- erly with said Medford's northerly line and the southerly bounds of Mr. Symmes's farm, westerly with the line that divides Mr. Sym- mes's from Mr. Gardner's farm, northerly with Woburn and Stone- ham lines, easterly on Malden line.
" Which lands, with their inhabitants, we pray may be added to the contracted limits of the said town of Medford, together with a
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HISTORY OF MEDFORD.
proportionable part of the said town of Charlestown's rights and privileges, according to the quantity and circumstances of said lands ; at least, those pieces of land, and the privileges which are within the lands hereby petitioned for.
" And inasmuch as the said town of Charlestown has conveyed the land called the gravel-pit, with the marsh adjoining, containing about half an acre, that they used for getting gravel, laying timber, &c., for the southerly half of the bridge commonly called Mistic bridge, and the ' Causey' thereto adjoining, to Capt. Aaron Cleave- land and Mr. Samuel Kendal; for which consideration, they have covenanted and agreed with the said town of Charlestown to keep the half of the bridge and the 'Causey ' aforesaid in good condition for ever.
" We pray that, in case the before-described lands are laid to said Medford, it may not be subjected to any cost or charges on account of the before-mentioned part of said bridge and the Causey adjoining.
" Which petition we humbly conceive will appear reasonable by what follows :
" First, The contents of the said town of Medford are exceed- ingly small, amounting to but about two thousand acres, the inhabit- ants very few, and consequently its charges very great compared with other towns. Besides, as to brick-making, upon which our trading and a great part of our other business depends, it very much fails.
" Secondly, The said town of Charlestown almost encompasses the town of Medford, and therefore (notwithstanding the great necessity) it cannot receive large addition from any other town.
" Thirdly, Those that now dwell on the said tracts of land, and those who heretofore dwelt on them, have, from time to time, enjoyed the liberty of attending the public worship in Medford without paying any thing to the taxes there. Neither is there any proba- bility that any of the inhabitants of said lands, or any other persons that may settle on them, can, with any conveniency, attend the public worship in any other town. Moreover, the inhabitants of the said southerly traet are within about half a mile of said Medford meeting-house, the greatest part of them, and the rest within a mile.
" And the inhabitants of the northerly tract before mentioned are, the farthest of them, but about two miles from said meeting- house. And great part of the lands, in both the said tracts, are now owned and possessed by those who are with us in this petition, and some of the inhabitants of said Medford.
" Besides, we apprehend it to be a very great hardship for the inhabitants of said tracts of land to be obliged to go, almost all of them, more than four miles, and others more than seven miles, to town-meetings, trainings, &c.
" Furthermore, we would humbly move that some of the honor-
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CIVIL HISTORY.
able members of the General Assembly may be appointed to view the premises petitioned for, &c.
" In consideration of what is before mentioned, and other moving arguments that might be used in this affair, we hope your Excel- lency and Honors, in your great wisdom and goodness, will grant our petition. Although the inhabitants of said Charlestown have not been pleased to be so free (when petitioned) as to let us know whether they would gratify us herein or not.
" So shall your petitioners, as in duty bound, ever pray. " MEDFORD, Dec. 13th, 1753.
"We, the subscribers, being owners of a considerable part of the said lands, and having dwelling-houses thereon, do hereby sig- nify that we heartily join with the inhabitants of Medford in the foregoing petition.
" SAMUEL BROOKS, EBENEZER BROOKS, Z. POOL, JOSEPH TUFTS, STEPHEN HALL,
Committee for Medford.
" Caleb Brooks, Benjamin Parker, Benjamin Teal, James Tufts, Ebenezer Marrow, Jonathan Tufts, John Jenks, Robert Crane, John Degrushy.
" This petition was granted April 17, 1754."
" March 4, 1754 : Samuel Hall was chosen Constable, and refused to serve ; and the town took up with £5, old tenor, inasmuch as he is a lame person."
May 8, 1754: Voted that any person have a right to " erect an engine for the weighing of hay, and have the pro- ceeds thereof."
Aug. 5, 1754: " Voted that the part of the Excise Bill of his Majesty which relates to the private consumption of wine and spirits shall not be in full force." Was not this rebellion outright ? Did it foreshadow the scenes of 1854 ?
March 3, 1755 : Fish-officers were first chosen.
May 10, 1756 : The town petitions " the General Court to consider them in the next valuation, for that the said town are greatly overdone upon sundry considerations." Voted to raise £90 (lawful money) for town expenses for this year.
March 6, 1758 : Voted " that Samuel Brooks, Esq., Capt. Caleb Brooks, Zech. Poole, Stephen Bradshaw, Capt. Francis Whitmore, be a Committee to prefer a petition to the General Court for an abatement of taxes."
1768: Voted " that a Committee be chosen to draw up and lay before the town some salutary method or plan for
-
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HISTORY OF MEDFORD.
discouraging extravagance, and promoting industry and fru- gality amongst us." This step shows that our fathers were ready and willing to lighten their burdens by generous self- denials. If they seemed to take morality the natural way, they show the very spirit of self-sacrifice in their calculating shrewdness. The Committee make the following report : -
" We, the subscribers, being chosen a Committee to consider of some method to discourage extravagance, idleness, vice, &c., and promote industry and frugality, do present the following resolves, passed in the House of Representatives, Feb. 26, 1768, for an example to this town.
"In the House of Representatives, Feb. 26, 1768. Whereas, the happiness and well-being of civil communities depend upon industry, economy, and good morals; and this House taking into serious consideration the great decay of the trade of the Province, the scarcity of money, the heavy debt contracted in the late war still remains on the people, and the great difficulties by which they are by these means reduced, therefore -
" Resolved, That this House will use their utmost endeavors, by example, in suppressing extravagancies, idleness, and vice, and pro- moting industry, economy, and good morals, in their respective towns. And, in order to prevent the unnecessary exportation of - money, of which this Province has been, of late years, so much drained, it is further resolved that this House will, by all prudent means, endeavor to discountenance the use of foreign superfluities, and encourage the manufactures of this Province.
" THOMAS SECCOMB. SAMUEL ANGIER.
BENJAMIN HALL. JOHN BISHOP. WILLIS HALL.
JOSHUA SIMONDS. THOMAS BROOKS.
" MEDFORD, April 1, 1768.""
1770 : Voted to raise £130 for town expenses, and to give eleven-pence on the pound as premium to the collector.
1773: Meeting for the annual choice of town-officers. " Voted that it be on the first Monday of March for the future." The town-meeting was, from earliest days, a marked occasion by the boys. The school had the day as a vacation. The gallery of the meeting-house was ornamented with urchins from six years old to half-men of fifteen, who had come there to learn, unconsciously, the science of republican- ism. The front seats were all filled, and each boy was eagerly watching the progress of events below. If a new road, wharf, grist-mill, engine, schoolhouse, or candidate,- in
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CIVIL HISTORY.
short, if any thing new was to be brought forward, the boys had already taken sides on the question, and waited impa- tiently for its introduction to the meeting. When the long- delayed debate ensued, each gallery-politician swelled with joy and hope as a favorite speaker rose. This ebbing and flowing of youthful emotions were the republican educational influences brought to bear on the boys of every village ; and the lad of twelve years felt an interest in politics, while he of twenty had settled his choice of party and men, and was ready to vote understandingly. The absence of this repub- lican pupilage in Europe makes a proper republic there almost an impossibility.
May 13, 1773 : The new question arose whether a clergy- man, not settled, nor ministering to any parish, should be freed from taxation. After much reflection, the town " voted not to abate Rev. Mr. Edward Brooks's poll-tax."
March 6, 1775: All town-meetings were warned "in his Majesty's name," till the one of this date, which dropped royalty as a power among us. The form soon substituted was, " In the name of the government and people of Massa- chusetts Bay."
By comparing the officers in Medford, as seen in the years 1748 and 1782, it will appear that the separation from Eng- land made not the slightest difference in the municipal organizations or modes of elections. The only difference discoverable is, that before the "Declaration of Independ- ence " the town-meetings were warned "in his Majesty's name," but after 1776 they were warned "in the name and by the authority of the people ; " and, after the adoption of the Constitution, "in the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts." This, not needing any change in their political system, shows that the first system of town-officers and municipal elections was upon the idea of republican equality and submission to popular majorities. True demo- cracy grew up as a necessity among our fathers; and from these town organizations resulted a true republican education, out of which " Independence " grew. Enlarged and Chris- tian patriotism is the result of wise and liberal town adminis- trations. We cannot too highly prize our separate town municipalities. They are the primary schools of the republic, and do for the state what individuals do for the family.
Compare the records of the town-meeting in 1748, and the one hereto appended : ---
112
HISTORY OF MEDFORD.
" At a town-meeting, legally convened in Medford, March 4, 1782, Benjamin Hall, Esq., chosen Moderator; Richard Hall, Town-clerk.
Benjamin Hall, Esq.,
Samuel Kidder,
John Bishop,
William Burditt,
Surveyors of Lumber.
Joshua Simonds,
Selectmen.
Benjamin Floyd, jun.,
Capt. Ebenezer Hall,
William Bradshaw, Pound-keeper.
Richard Hall,
Timothy Newhall, Sealer of Weights and Measures.
Jonathan Patten, Treasurer.
Joshua Simonds,
Samuel Reeves,
Willis Hall,
Thomas Bradshaw,
James Wyman,
Assessors.
John Fulton, Wood-corders.
Moses Billings,
Moses Hall,
Capt. Samuel Brooks,
Sergt. Blanchard,
Jonathan Foster,
John Wade, Deer-reeve.
James Tufts, jun., S
Gardner Greenleaf, )
Sealer
Moses Hall, {
John Leathe, of Leather.
Isaac Tufts, S Tything-men.
Jonathan Foster,
Jonathan Patten, Bread-weighers.
Thomas Bradshaw,
Surveyors of Highways.
Aaron Hall, To audit the
Gershom Williams,
Fence-viewers.
James Wyman,
Noah Floyd,
Moses Hall, Salt-measurer.
James Willey,
Capt. Caleb Brooks, Grand-juror.
Hutcherson Tufts,
Field-drivers.
Simon Tufts, Esq.,
Ebenezer Thompson,
Capt. Ebenezer Hall,
Noah Floyd,
Richard Hall, Fire-wardens.
Nathan Tufts,
Willis Hall,
Ebenezer Thompson,
Hog-reeves.
Hutchinson Tufts,
Moses Hall, Surveyor of Hoops.
Capt. Isaac Hall, Benjamin Tufts, Collector; fees, five pence per pound.
Our fathers, in their civil capacities, legislated upon almost every thing. We append here an example ; Aug. 29, 1779. The prices fixed are in the depreciated currency, which may be understood by referring to our remarks on "Curren- cy : " -
" Tailors, for making a suit of clothes for a man £15. 0s. Blacksmith, shoeing a horse all round £4. 10s.
West India Toddy, one bowl 18s.
West India Flipp, one mug . 18s.
New England Toddy, per bowl 12s.
New England Flipp, a mug 12s.
Breakfast .
18s.
Common meat supper
20s."
Hezekiah Blanchard,
Ebenezer Hall, jun.,
Capt. Caleb Brooks,
Richard Hall, Treasurer's Accounts.
Timothy Newhall,
Constables.
The subject of bridges seems to have had a wizard agency over the feelings of our fathers. When one was proposed to run from Charlestown to Boston, there were not a few in Medford who opposed it; because they " thought it would ruin the lightering business upon our river." Our merchan-
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CIVIL HISTORY.
dise, to a large amount, was carried by water to and from Boston ; and it was supposed that our bricks especially could be carried by teams with less cost and breakage. But the friends of the measure outnumbered its opposers, and, on the 7th of February, 1785, we have these two important records : Voted to oppose Mr. Cabot's petition for building a bridge from Leachmere's Point over Charles River ; and to petition the General Court that " the petition of Thomas Russell, Esq., and others be granted for building a bridge over Charles River where the ferry now is."
June 12, 1786 : " Voted to petition the General Court to prevent the building of a bridge across Mystic River at Penny Ferry." It was thought that this bridge from Malden to Charlestown would almost ruin the navigation of Mystic River. For the same reason, the town voted, May 9, 1796, to oppose the building of Chelsea Bridge.
1795: A revision of the Constitution is proposed to the people. Medford gives fifty-three votes against it, and one for it.
1795: Voted £500 for town-expenses. 1797 : Two thou- sand three hundred dollars for the same.
March 7, 1796 : Voted to pay assessors two dollars per day while making taxes. This is the first record of the kind.
March 6, 1797 : For the first time, the town voted to pay the town-clerk for his services ; and they gave him twenty dollars.
March 6, 1809: " Voted that the Moderator be desired to read the address from the Legislature to the people. The town thereupon passed a unanimous vote of approbation."
At the town-meeting, held March 5, 1810, the following officers were chosen for the year ensuing : -
Fitch Hall, Moderator.
Abner Bartlett, Town-clerk. Nathan Wait, Fitch Hall, Jonathan Brooks,
Selectmen.
Luther Stearns, Benjamin Tufts,
Joseph Manning, Treasurer. +
Surveyors of Lumber.
Assessors.
Caleb Brooks, Ephraim Bailey, Joseph Swan, Nathan Wait, Joseph Wyman, S Jeduthan Richardson, } Samnel Tufts, jun.,
Constables.
Surveyors of Highways.
Measurers of Wood.
Gersham Teel, James T. Floyd, y
Tything-men.
Andrew Blanchard, William Bradbury, Benjamin Tufts, Jeduthan Richardson, { Joseph Wyman, Jonathan Harrington, Calvin Turner, Thatcher Magoon, Timothy Dexter, John Dixen, Darius Wait, Jonathan Harrington, Timothy Dexter, John Burrage, Ephraim Bailey, Joseph Church, Jonathan Warner,
Cullers of Hoops and Staves.
Fence-viewers.
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HISTORY OF MEDFORD.
David Willis, Clerk of the Market.
Seth Tufts,
Fitch Hall,
Joseph Blodgett,
John Hosmer,
Joseph Church,
Jeduthan Richardson,
Fire-wards.
Joseph Wyman,
Andrew Blanchard,
Ebenezer Symonds, Gershom Tufts,
Abner Bartlett,
Richard Hall, To audit the
Fitch Hall,
Treasurer's Accounts.
Samuel Buel,
Hezekiah Blanchard, To execute
Nathan Wait, the
Andrew Blanchard, 1 Fish Act.
of taking Fish. Fiteh Hall, Joseph Bucknam, Pound-keeper.
The Hon. Peter C. Brooks offered a clock as a gift to the town, expressing in his letter a true and deep feeling of attachment to the inhabitants. The town accepted the generous donation, and in their letter express their gratitude and their sense of high respect for their prosperous towns- man. To this letter Mr. Brooks replies as follows : -
" BOSTON, March 12, 1810.
"Dear Sir, - The vote of the inhabitants of the town of Medford, on the subject of the clock, I received with those feelings which this general expression of thanks is calculated to inspire; and you will permit me to add, sir, that the pleasure I experienced is not a little heightened by the very agreeable manner in which the knowledge of this transaction has been conveyed to me.
" The gift to which it alludes, I now, with great satisfaction, con- firm ; and shall be amply rewarded, should it be considered an ornament to the town in which many of my days have been happily spent, and a convenience to its inhabitants, for whom I entertain a very sincere regard.
" I am, &c.,
" P. C. BROOKS. " ÅBNER BARTLETT, EsQ."
A new bridge across Charles River, from Charlestown to Boston, is proposed ; and Nov. 1, 1824, the town voted to petition the Legislature in favor of its erection. They pro- , posed to call it " Warren Bridge." The bridge was built, though, as many thought, against the pledged faith of a former Legislature.
1828 : Heretofore the Selectmen had met at times agreed upon by themselves ; but now the town voted " that it shall henceforth be the duty of the Selectmen to meet on the first Monday of every month for business ; " and no business shall be done by them at other times.
" May 7, 1836: Voted that in future the practice or cus- tom of allowing the town-officers an annual supper, at the town's expense, be dispensed with."
Field-drivers and Ilog-reeves.
Daniel Tufts, Andrew Blanchard, To sell the right
Nathaniel Hall,
P. C. Brooks
115
CIVIL HISTORY.
April 6, 1840: The town adopted the following by- laws : -
"1. If any one deface a building, fence, &c., he shall be fined not more than twenty dollars.
" 2. If any one neglect to keep in repair any cellar-door which projects into the street, he shall be fined $20.
"3. If any cellar-door be left open in the night, without a light to reveal it, the owner shall be fined $20.
" 4. No awnings to project more than eight feet from the front wall.
"5. No gate swing across the street; and no coal left on side- walk ; penalty $5.
" 6. Notice to build shall be given ; penalty $5.
"7. No post put up in the street without permission from the selectmen ; penalty $10.
"8. No obstructions of the street; penalty $5.
" 9. No dirt, ashes, &c., put in the streets ; penalty $10.
" 10. No wheelbarrow or cart on side-walks; penalty $5.
" 11. Snow-balling, throwing stones, &c., whereby persons may be annoyed in the streets; penalty $5.
"12. No bathing in exposed places ; penalty $5.
"13. Fast driving forbidden ; penalty $10.
" 14. Clerk of the market shall be appointed annually.
" 15. Dogs without a collar, between 1st May and 1st October, to be killed by the police.
"16. No dog shall disturb any neighborhood, and after being warned, penalty $1 for each day after notice is served.
" 17. Police shall see to the peace of the town, and complain of all disorderly boys.
"18. All fines to be paid into the treasury."
While these by-laws show the care of the inhabitants of Medford for externals, the following votes show a deeper care for moral interests : -
" Feb. 13, 1843: Voted that all good citizens should cease using spirituous and intoxicating liquors, and should unite to prosecute those who sell them."
" March 8, 1847: Voted that a Committee of twelve be chosen to enforce the License Law.
" Voted that the Selectmen be instructed to oppose the granting of licenses for the sale of intoxicating drinks in this town; and draw on the treasury for all necessary expenses in this duty.
" Voted that said Committee prosecute without lenity in all cases of the breach of the license law.
"Voted that the overseers of the poor be instructed not to pur-
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HISTORY OF MEDFORD.
chase any thing for the poor and alms-house, where intoxicating drinks are sold."
July 19, 1852: " Whereas the Legislature of this Common- wealth passed at the last session a law for the suppression of places for the sale of intoxicating drinks, therefore -
" Resolved, that the officers of this town be instructed to execute the law in every instance of its violation."
These votes and resolutions contrast strongly with the vote of 1831, when the town voted not to restrain retailers.
Feb. 15, 1855 : " The town-agency for the sale of spirituous liquors," say the Selectmen, " has been in existence two and a half years. The agent has given general satisfaction. The experiment thus far has been satisfactory, and the agency is sufficient to meet all the reasonable demands of the inhabit- ants for spirituous liquors."
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