USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Boston > Volume of records relating to the early history of Boston : containing Boston town records, 1784 to 1796 > Part 31
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Mr. Joseph Blake. (declines)
was chose Inspector of Stone Lime for the year ensuing.
Voted, That 5 pr. Cent be, and hereby is allowed to the Col- lectors of taxes for the year ensuing, for all such sums of money and public securities as [464.] they shall collect and pay into the several Treasurers, of the sums committed to them to collect, also that such Collectors shall give Bond, with sufficient sureties to the satisfaction of the Selectmen for the faithful discharge of their duty in said Office, and complying with this vote, and that they will not receive any premium or gratuity for discounting any orders, notes, or receipts, from the Treasurer of this State, or the Treasurer of this Town. -
On motion, Voted, That the Town Treasurer be directed to pay the several Schoolmasters out of the first monies he receives.
The Article in the warrant, viz : what measures the Town will take in consequence of the grant of a Township of Land at the eastern part of this Commonwealth, obtained on the petition of the Selectmen for the purpose of erecting and building a Hospital in the town of Boston - read. whereupon
Voted that the Honble. Thomas Dawes Esqr. Honble. Thomas Crafts Esqr. William Little Esqr. Thomas Edwards Esqr. John Codman Esqr.
be a Committee to consider and report on this Article at the next May meeting.
The article in the warrant relative to the dimensions of the Rope walk Buildings &c &c. read, whereupon after some debate, Voted, that this article be left for consideration to the Selectmen, they to settle this matter as they shall judge most for the interest of the Town, upon the most liberal construction of the Votes passed by the Town, relative to the Rope walks at the bottom of the Common.
390
CITY DOCUMENT.
The petition of Wm. Darracott and Jona. Loring for an allow- ance on losses sustained by a contract for building the North Reading School, -read - whereupon - Voted. That the Honble. Thomas Dawes Esqr. William Little Esqr. William Bell Esqr.
[465.] be a Committee to consider the same and report thereon. -
The Article in the warrant relative to a Well, -left to a Selectmen to act thereon as they may judge proper. -
Voted, That all matters and things which shall remain unfin- ished at this meeting be referred over to May meeting. -
Voted, that the thanks of the Town be given to the Honble. Thos. Crafts Esqr. for his good services as Moderator.
Then the meeting was dissolved.
At a meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the town of Boston, duly qualified and legally warned, in public Town meeting assembled at Faneuil Hall on Monday the 23d. day of March A. D. 1795. 10 °Clock A. M. -
Warrant for calling the meeting - read -
Honble. Thomas Crafts Esqr.
chosen Moderator by a Hand Vote. -
A communication in the Paper of this day published by Mr. Edes, - "reflecting on the conduct of the Selectmen in collecting and counting the Votes for School Committee at a late meeting, was read - whereupon Voted, that Mr. Edes be sent for, - Mr. Edes appeared, and being questioned as to said publication, in- formed the Town that it was brought him by Mr. Sam1. How, whereupon Mr. How was sent for, - but previous to his coming into meeting - Mr. John Vinal, master of the writing School in the Common, -read and handed in to the Moderator a paper by him signed, and purporting that for various reasons he should resign the School the first of June next which would complete 14 years since he re-entered into the service of the Town. -
[466.] Mr. Vinal then acquainted the Town. that he had communicated what had been carried to the Press by Mr. How, and gave his reasons for a justification of his conduct herein.
Mr. Howe then appeared and after some altercation between him and Mr. Vinal, as also with the Selectmen, which were duly
391
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1795.
considered by the Town-it was moved and Voted, unani- mously. -
That the reflections contained in the Boston Gazette of this date to the disadvantage of the Selectmen of this Town is wholly unfounded, - and that the Selectmen will continue to deserve the confidence of their Fellow Citizens.
An advertisement in the Centinel of Saturday last, for the sale of Town Orders, was read, - and it being the sense of the Town that such a publication was greatly injurious to its interest, - it was moved and voted that the Printer, Mr. Benja. Russell, be sent for -
Mr. Russell appeared, and being questioned by the Moderator, declared, that Mr. Bingham, master of the Reading school in School street, was the Person who handed to him said Adver- tisement. -
Mr. Bingham being sent for, appeared, and owned himself to be the writer of said advertisement, and after considerable [evidence ] had been offered by the Town to show the destructive . tendency of such publications, and practices -it was moved, and Voted, that this matter subside. -
The Votes being brought in for one Selectman in the room of Mr. Bulfinch, who has resigned, it appeared that Mr. Jesse Putnam
was chosen a Selectman for the year ensuing.
The Votes being brought in for three Overseers of the Poor, it appeared that
Messrs. Oliver Brewster Arnold Wells Junr. Dr. Redford Webster
were chosen Overseers of the Poor for the year ensuing.
[467.] Mr. Bulfinch as a Selectman, and Mr. Parkman as an Overseer received the thanks of the Town for their good services in those Offices a number of years past. -
The Votes being brought in for 3 cullers of Dry Fish, it ap- peared that
Capt. Roger Bartlett Capt. Joseph Doble Capt. David Bruce
were chose cullers of Dry Fish for the year ensuing.
Messrs. John Cades Thomas Tenant
were chose Constables for the year ensuing.
392
CITY DOCUMENT.
The Selectmen are directed to insert in the next warrant an Article relative to procuring better accommodations for the Town Poor in the Alms House. -
The Votes, being brought in for an Inspector of Stone Lime, in the room of Mr. Blake who declines serving, it appeared that Mr. Edward Rumley was chosen.
Voted, that any matter unfinish'd be referr'd over to. May meeting.
Voted, that the thanks of the town be given to the Honble. Thos. Crafts Esqr. for his good services as Moderator.
Then the meeting was dissolved.
At a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Town of Boston, of twenty one years of age and upwards, qualified as the Constitu- tion prescribes, and legally warned, in public town meeting assembled at Faneuil Hall, on Monday the 6th. day of April Anno Domini 1795.
Prayer by the Revd. John Clark.
Warrant for Calling Meeting, - read. -
[468.] Paragraph of the Constitution or frame of Govern- ment relative to the choice of Governour, Lieutenant Governour, and Senators -read. -
It was then declared by the Selectmen, that no Votes would be received, but such as were unfolded, and that they propose the Poll should be closed at half past One OClock, the Votes to be received at the table and the Bell to begin tolling at One cClock.
Persons Voted for as Governour, with the number of the Votes for each Person viz. -
Votes
His Excellency Samuel Adams Esqr.
- 2008
Thomas Russell Esqr. -
6
William Cushing Esqr.
10
Elbridge Gerry Esq".
7
Sam1. Phillips Esq".
1
Increase Sumner Esqr. 1
Moses Gill Esq". 1
John Vinal Esqr. 6
Sam1. Hewes Esqr. - 2
Benja. Austin Jun". Esq". 1
.
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1795.
Persons Voted for as Lieutenant Governour with the number of Votes for each Person, viz
Votes
His Honour Moses Gill Esqr.
2029
Thos. Russell Esqr.
6
Sam1. Adams Esq".
1
James Bowdoin Esq".
4
SamI. Hewes 4
Adam Colson
2
Edwd. H. Robins Esqr.
1
Elbridge Gerry Esqr.
1
Persons Voted for as Senators for the County of Suffolk, with the number of votes for each Person, viz.
Honble. Thomas Dawes Esq". - 2040
Honble. Benja. Austin Junr. Esqr. 825
Honble. Oliver Wendell Esqr. - 2003
Honble. Charles Cushing Esq".
791
Theophilus Cushing Esq".
1259
Honble. John Coffin Jones Esq".
1233
[469.1
Honble. Thos. Russell Esqr. 3
Jona. Mason Esq".
5
Sam1. Brown Esqr. -
1
Henry Hill Esqr. 1
Charles Jarvis Esq".
3
Thos. Crafts Esqr.
2
Wm. Eustis Esqr.
1
Sam1. Adams, Truckman -
1
-
Attested Copies of the Persons voted for as Governour, Lieu- tenant Governour and Senators for the County of Suffolk, were committed to the Secretary of this Commonwealth, and the in- closures sealed up in town meeting superscribed as follows, viz. For
John Avery Esqr. Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. -
The number of Votes of the town of Boston, for a Governour, Lieut. Governour and four Senators, for the County of Suffolk, certified within and sealed up in town meeting, --
Then the meeting was dissolved.
At a meeting of the qualified Voters of the town of Boston legally convened at Faneuil Hall on Wednesday the 6th. day of May, Anno Domini 1795. 10 O Clock A. M. - agreeable to a precept, issued for that purpose. -
I
393
394
CITY DOCUMENT.
Warrant for calling the meeting - read.
Precept, and the resolve of the General Court read. -
Adjourned to 3 ºClock P. M. -
3 ºClock P. M. met according to adjournment.
The Precept and resolve of the General Court, for calling the said meeting was read - and after the matter had been fully debated and due consideration had thereon -
Votes
[470.] The number of votes for revising the Constitu- tution - 78
The number of votes against revising the Con- stitution 49
The Selectmen made declaration accordingly and the number of votes, for and against the revising the Constitution, were then sealed up in town meeting, and the same was directed to the Secretary of the Commonwealth and given to Mr. Peirce for delivery.
Then the meeting was dissolved.
At a meeting of the Freeholders, and other Inhabitants of the @ town of Boston, duly qualified and legally warned, in public town meeting assembled at Faneuil Hall on Wednesday the 11th. day of May Anno Domini 1795. 10 Clock, A. M.
Prayer made by the Revd. Mr. Freeman.
Warrant for calling the meeting - read -
That part of the Constitution or frame of Government which relates to the choice of Representatives -read -
Sundry Laws to be read at said meeting, were accordingly - read. -
The town having determined by a Vote to choose seven persons to represent them to the General Court, of Massachusetts, to be held in the State House, in Boston, on the last Wednesday of May, Current, agreeably to the Constitution or frame of Govern- ment for Massachusetts, the Inhabitants were directed by the Selectmen to withdraw, and bring in their Votes, for seven repre- sentatives, and then it was declared by the Selectmen, that no Votes would be received but such as are unfolded, and that they intend the Poll shall be closed at a half past One OClock, Bell to
395
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1795.
toll a little before that time. Assessors and Collectors directed to attend. -
The Votes being brought in for seven Representatives the num- ber of the same were found to be 1957. and upon sorting them it appeared that [491.] only the six following Gentlemen had obtain'd a majority of Votes. viz.
Votes
Jona. Mason Esqr. 1915
Charles Jarvis Esqr.
William Tudor Esqr. 1125
1947
Thos. Edwards Esqr.
1051
William Eustis Esqr. 1953
Willm. Little Esqr. 1054
and declaration was made by the Selectmen accordingly.
Adjourned to Wednesday next, 10 Clock A. M. having previ- ously chosen Colº. Crafts Moderator by a hand Vote, to transact the other Business mentioned in the Warrant.
· May 13. 1795. - 10 °Clock, A. M. met according to adjourn- ment.
The Selectmen presiding
The Votes being brought in as directed for one Representative, the number of the same were found to be at the closing of the Poll, at a half past One oClock 1814 Votes
And upon sorting them it appeared that
Stephen Gorham Esq".
Votes.
had obtained a majority of Votes. 1113
Declaration was made by the Selectmen to the Town, that Stephen Gorham Esqr. and the six aforenamed Gentlemen were chosen Representatives by a majority of Votes.
The choice of Representatives being over and declared. - The Honble. Thos. Crafts Esqr. Moderator, took the chair in order to transact the other Business mentioned in the warrant. - and on motion, adjourned to 3 oClock P. M. ---
3 ºClock P. M. met according to adjournment.
The article in the warrant viz. " what measures are proper to be taken for the better accommodation of the Poor, by erecting new buildings or otherwise." - was read - whereupon
Voted, that Colo. Dawes Dr. Eustis Dr. Jarvis
.
396
CITY DOCUMENT.
[472.]
Colº. Crafts Deacon Mason Wm. Tudor Willm. Phillips Jun". H. G. Otis John Sweetser Esqr.
be a Committee to take up this matter at large, and report at the adjournment. .
The article in the warrant. viz. - " Whether the Land belong- ing to the town at the bottom of the Mall, lately called Fosters pasture, shall be opened into the Common " was read, whereupon
Voted, That the Selectmen be directed to carry the Mall to the end of Fosters pasture, lately so called, and after widening the street, the remainder of the Land to be inclosed for the future use of the town.
The article in the warrant viz. " Whether any, or what part of the town's Real Estate shall be sold for payment of the sum given by the town for the late Governours pasture " was read, - whereupon
Voted, that Joseph Russell Jun". Esq". Colº. Dawes Willm. Little Esq".
be a Committee to consider this matter and report at the adjourn- ment.
Mr. Robert Pierponts application for permission to make a Cellar under Faneuil Hall market and long lease, - was read and debated whereupon
Voted, That the Petitioner have leave to withdraw his petition.
Article relative to the Dam on the neck, was read, whereupon,
Voted, That the Selectmen be a Committee to take into con- sideration the probable advantages and disadvantages of the re- pairing, or new erecting the Dam on the East side of the neck, and the probable expence it may occasion.
The Consideration of money matters, and reports of Commit- tees is assigned to the adjournment, and the Town Clerk is to give notice thereof in the several public prints. -
[473.] The Committee appointed at a town meeting on the 11th. of February last, for the purpose of procuring for the Com- monwealth a piece of Land, proper for building a State House, and that they be authoriz'd to make any contract for the purchase of it for that purpose, or to convey any piece of the Lands owned
397
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1795.
by the town within the same to the Commonwealth, which they may deem expedient, for the interest of the town, for the pur- pose of erecting a State house, not alienating any part of the Common, unless the accommodation cannot be had on any other terms." - Report -
That they have in compliance with the aforesaid Vote, pur- chas'd from the Heirs of the late Governour Hancock, a piece of Land on the north easterly side of the mansion house of the late Governour Hancock, commonly called the Governour's pasture ; at the price of Four thousand pounds, and after receiving a Deed of the same, have executed a Deed in fee of the same premises to the Commonwealth for the purposes aforesaid; that in order to effect the purpose aforesaid, your Committee found it necessary to borrow of the Massachusetts & Union Banks the sum of One thousand pounds, & on the same day, viz. the 6th. of April last, gave their Notes on interest, for the remainder of the purchase money, payable by instalments of three, six & nine months, - All which is submitted for the consideration & confirmation of the Inhabitants of the Town. - By order
Boston
May 13th. 1795
Wm. Tudor Chairman
The above report was read, and accepted, and thereupon Voted, that the purchase of the premises therein mentioned, and the grant of the same to the Commonwealth be, and hereby is con- firmed.
Adjourned to Thursday, the 21st. of May inst. at 10 °Clock, A. M. -
Thursday May 21st. 10 °Clock, A. M. met according to adjourn- ment.
[474.] The Committee appointed to determine what part of the Town's Real Estate should be sold for the purpose of paying the money, which the town have agreed to pay for the Governour's pasture, so called. -
Beg leave to report that they have attended that Business and have apprais'd the Estate at Dock square occupied by William Dawes, Robert Crocker, and Eliakim Morse - - £3200 And the Estate at Court Street, occupied by Jesse 900
Houghton, Elizth. B. Brown & Jesse Green
£4100
The Committee are of opinion that these Estates had better be sold at Auction, and the money appropriated for the purpose of taking up the notes, given by the Committee for the purchase money, to the late Governour Hancock's Heirs.
Joseph Russell Junr. r. order.
398
CITY DOCUMENT.
The aforegoing report having been read, and considered, the question was put, viz., whether the same shall be accepted, - passed in the affirmative. It was then Voted that the Selectmen be appointed agents to sell at public Auction (upon such terms and conditions as they may deem most beneficial to the town) the Estate described, in the foregoing report, and that the pro- ceeds thereof be in the first instance, appropriated to the sole purpose of discharging the debt contracted for the purchase of the Governours pasture, so called, and the residue paid into the town treasury.
And said agents or a major part of them are hereby authoriz'd to make and execute good and sufficient conveyances of the prem- ises to the purchasers, in the name of the Inhabitants.
The Committee appointed "To consider what measures are proper to be taken for the better accommodation of the Poor, by erecting new buildings or otherwise "- having considered the subject at large, ask leave to report as follows, viz.
1st. That [it] is highly expedient to have the poor and sick Inhabitants usually provided for in the present Alms [475.] house, and work house, better accommodated ; and that to effect, this desirable object, it is indispensably necessary, that an entire new set of Buildings should be erected in some suitable place to be approved of by the Town. -
2nd. The Committee find that a lot of ground suitable for the purpose can be had at West Boston, on the north side of Leverett street, commonly called Barton's point. -
3ª. In order to raise the money to purchase a sufficient quan- tity of Land in this place, the Committee are of opinion, that it is expedient for the town to sell as many house lots in their Land opposite the mall, and near Greenleafs corner as will effect the purchase ; There will after this remain a sufficiency of Land for the School house, and Hay market. -
4th. It is further the opinion of the Committee, that the monies raised by the sale of all the Land now occupied for the Alms house, Work house, and Granary, may prove sufficient to erect as many buildings, as are at present indispensably necessary ; should they however prove insufficient, the township of Eastern Lands, the property of the town, will make good the deficiency without burthening the Inhabitants with a tax. -
5th. The Committee propose that the building, commonly called the Granary, be taken down, and placed in the lot called Fosters pasture, and continue to be the town's property ; in the same place may be accommodated the Gun house. -
6th. As it is impossible to ascertain the expence of erecting the new buildings on the one hand, and on the other, what the
399
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1795.
land will sell for, where the Alms house &c, now stand, and as it is highly probable that the town may not be able to receive their payment at such times, as to accommodate their necessary expend- itures, the committee respectfully recommend to the town to ap- point agents with plenary powers, to purchase the Land before mentioned, at Bartons point, to erect thereon a plain but commo- dious set of Buildings for the accommodation of the sick, and poor Inhabitants, on a plan to be approved of by the Selectmen, or such other persons as the town shall appoint. - that their [476.] Committee be authoriz'd to sell a sufficient number of House lots, opposite the mall as aforementioned, and also to sell all the Land where the Alms house, Work house and Granary now stand, in such lots, at such time and in such manner, as shall best promote the interest of the town, provided however, and it shall be a condition of the sale of this last mentioned Land, that the buildings to be erected thereon shall be constructed of Brick, covered with tile or slate, and shall be regular and uni- form. - That their Committee be also impowered to sell a part or the whole of the Eastern Township if necessary. - And to antici- pate the payment of any monies due from the sales here men- tioned, by borrowing in the name of the town such sums as they may from time to time, judge necessary. -
All which is submitted.
Boston May 21. 1795. - Thomas Dawes pr. order
The aforegoing report having been considered, Paragraph by Paragraph, the Question was put at large, viz. whether this report shall be accepted, - Passed in the affirmative unanimously. -
Also Voted, that the number of Agents, for which a blank was left in the aforegoing report, shall be three, and that they shall be chosen by [vote] at the adjournment, and notice given thereof, in the public prints. -
Adjourned to Monday next, 10 °Clock before noon.
Monday the 25th. May, 10 °Clock A. M. - Met according to adjournment.
The Inhabitants having brought in their Votes for three Agents for purchase of Land &c. as per report of Committee relative to Alms house &c. and, on being sorted it appeared that only two were chosen viz.
Honble. Thomas Dawes Esqr. Samuel Brown Esqr.
The Inhabitants brought in their Votes a second time, and on sorting them it appeared that
the Hon ble. George R. Minct Esqr.
was chosen the other Agent. - whereupon
400
CITY DOCUMENT.
[477.] Voted, - That Thomas Dawes Samuel Brown George R. Minot Esqr.
be, and they hereby are appointed Agents for, and in behalf of the Inhabitants of the Town, to sell at public Auction, at such time, and times as they shall deem necessary, and expedient, public notice being first given three weeks at least, all or any part or parts of the following lands and Buildings, in that parcel of Land belonging to the Town opposite the Mall, bounded on Com- mon street, and Mason street, also all that parcel of Land now occupied for an Alms house, work house, and other purposes, extending from Common street to Beacon street, and to make and execute good and sufficient Deeds and conveyances thereof to the purchasers ; upon express condition, that all Buildings to be erected on the lands sold by virtue of this Vote, shall be regu- lar and uniform, and of Brick, or Stone, and covered with slate or tile, or some materials that will resist Fire, also for, and in behalf of the Inhabitants to contract, bargain for and purchase so much Land at Bartons point (so called) as they may deem necessary and expedient, for the erection of such Hospitals, Alms houses, and other Buildings as may be proper, and convenient to accommodate the Poor and Sick, and other Persons usually accomodated in the Alms house, and work house, and to contract for, and provide materials, plan, construct, erect, and complete Buildings sufficient for the aforesaid & other necessary objects. - And for the foregoing purposes, the Treasurer is hereby author- ized and directed from time to time, upon request of said agents to borrow such sums of money, as may be requisite, and to obli- gate the Inhabitants for the payment thereof. - And all monies arising from the sale of the above mentioned Lands & Buildings shall be forthwith paid by said Agents into the hands of the Treasurer of the Town, who is hereby enjoined to deposit the same in some Bank or Banks, to be drawn out at the request of said Agents, [478.] And to be appropriated solely and exclu- sively to the aforesaid objects. - And the said Agents are further authorized to remove any Building or Buildings, (now on or any part of the premises) to any other Lands belonging to the Town, if they shall think proper, with the approbation of the Selectmen, or wholly to take down and dispose of the same at public sale as aforesaid. - And if the funds arising from the sale of the above mentioned Estates shall not be likely, in the judgment of said Agents, to prove adequate to the aforesaid objects, the said Agents, with the approbation of the Selectmen, are further authoriz'd to contract for the sale of the Township belonging to the Town, in the Eastern Country, and the Selectmen are hereby authoriz'd and directed to make good and sufficient Deeds thereof to such persons as may purchase the same of said Agents ; and the monies arising therefrom shall be appropriated as afore- said. -
Adjourned to 4 °Clock P. M.
401
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1795.
Four ºClock P. M. met according to adjournment. -
The Committee appointed to take into consideration the peti- tion of Wm. Darracott and Jona. Loring, Housewrights, employed in Building the North School have attended that service, and ask leave to report the following - Thos. Dawes @r. order. - The Committee have examined the several accounts and vouchers ex- hibited by the petitioner, for building the North School House, and find that the sum of two hundred and thirty pounds, being the amount of the contract with them, have not been but little more than adequate for the purchasing the materials, and as the workmanship is well executed it is their opinion that the Town allow and pay them, out of the next Town tax, the sum of one hundred pounds as a full compensation for the aforesaid Buildings agreeable to the prayer of their Petition.
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