USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Boston > Volume of records relating to the early history of Boston : containing Boston town records, 1796 to 1813 > Part 13
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Monday January 30, instant at 10 oclock, the Town met ac- cording to adjournment
The report of the Committee chosen in the several Wards was read, whereupon it was moved & seconded and voted that this report be considered by paragraphs
158
CITY DOCUMENT NO. 115.
The first paragraph relative to a Bridge from South Street was read & voted to be accepted.
The second paragraph relative to what shall be paid to vessells passing up above the bridge &c was read, and after a long debate, the Question whether the [249] same shall be accepted being put it was declared by the Moderator that the same had passed in the affirmative - this Vote being doubted a division of the house was called for on one part and warmly opposed on the other part - the Moderator then put the question called for whether it was [the ] sense of the Town that the house should be divided which was declared by the Moderator to be in the negative - As it now appeared to be impossible under the present agitation of the meeting to proceed in the consideration of the paragraphs Mr. Otis propos'd that the terms and conditions- of the pro- posed Bridge from South Street shall be referred to the Legislat- ure the Applicants holding themselves pledged to the Town to pay them twenty five thousand dollars or give one half of the bridge and the streets and lots for public accommodations as proposed.
This motion led to some general conversation and the motion was objected to as out of order, the debates and altercations having continued until two o, clock there was then a general call for an adjournment and the meeting was accordingly adjourned to Tuesday 10 oclock AM
Tuesday January 31, 10 oclock AM. The town met according to adjournment
It was then moved & seconded, that the Votes taken yesterday upon the report of the Committee be reconsidered, and that the place from which and the terms on which the proposed Bridge should be built, shall be left entirely to the Legislature. The Question being put it passed almost unanimously in the affirmative
Then the meeting was dissolved.
[250.] At a meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabi- tants of the Town of Boston duly qualified & legally warned in public Town meeting assembled at Faneuil Hall on Wednesday the twenty ninth day of February Anno Domini 1804 at 10 oclock AM -
Warrant for calling the meeting Read
Hon ble. Thomas Dawes Esq. chosen Moderator by a hand vote .-
159
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1804.
The Article relative to filling up the Mill pond read whereupon moved & carried, that this article with the petition be referr'd to a Committee who are requested to take up this matter at large and report at March meeting, but previous thereto to the Selectmen in order to its being printed for the inspection of the Inhabitants before said meeting Also
Voted that Honale. Thomas Dawes, Moderator Samuel Brown Esq. Joseph Russell Esq. James Prince Judge Dawes
be a Committee for this purpose.
The article in the Warrant viz to consider the application of William Phillips Esq. that his own and the towns right may be ascertained respecting a ten feet water way leading from Water Street to Kilby street " was read and referred to said Committee for consideration (excepting Judge Dawes who was excused) to report at March meeting .-
Voted that the Thanks of the town be given to the Moderator for his good services
Then the meeting was dissolved.
[251.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston, duly qualified and legally warned in pub- lic Town meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall March 12th 1804. 10 OClock A.M.
Warrant for calling the Meeting - Read
Honbl James Sullivan Esq chosen Moderator by a hand Vote
The Report of the Committee chosen by the Wards of the Town to consider what alterations in the County and Town Govnerment may be necessary and to devise a plan therefor"- was read ; and after some debate
It was moved and carried, that this Meeting be adjourned to the 2ª Monday in April next. 10. oClock A. M. and the Meeting was accordingly Adjourned.
The second Monday of April, being the 9th Day of April 1804- 10 OClock in Forenoon - Town met according to Adjournment -
The Report of the Town Committee relative to a Plan for an alteration in the County and Town Government was again read by the Moderator - and after considerable debate thereon, it was
160
CITY DOCUMENT No. 115.
moved and the Question accordingly put - viz Whether this Meeting shall be dissolved - and passed in the affirmative - the decision of the Moderator being disputed, and a call that the Meeting may be divided - the House was divided - which very fully manifested, that the Moderator was right in his declaration, that the majority of the Town were for a dissolution of the Meeting.
And the Meeting was accordingly dissolved.
[252.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders, and other Inhabi- tants of the Town of Boston duly qualified and legally warned, in public Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Monday the 19th Day of March Anno Domini 1804 9 OClock A.M.
Prayer was made by Revd. Dr. Eliot
Warrant for calling the Meeting -read
Sundry Laws to be read at this Meeting were accordingly - read
Joseph Russell Esq. was chosen moderator by a hand vote
The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their Votes for a Town Clerk, and the same having been brought in and counted, it appeared that
William Cooper
was chosen Town Clerk for the year ensuing, and the Oath of Office was administered to him by Mr. Justice Bulfinch.
The Inhabitants were directed to bring in their Votes for 9 Selectmen, and the same having been brought in counted and sorted, it appeared that the following Gentlemen were chosen Viz
Charles Bulfinch Esq Eben". Oliver Esq
David Tilden Esq Jonª. Hunnewell Esq
William Porter Esq. John May Esq
Mr. John Tileston Francis Wright Esq
Jonª. Chapman Esq
The Votes being brought in for 12 Overseers of the Poor, it appeared, that
Edward Proctor Esq Mr. Samuel Snelling
Henry Hill Esq Mr. Benjamin Goddard
William Smith Esq Samuel Clap Esq
William Phillips Esq Mr. Ozias Goodwin
[253.] Dr. Redford Webster Mr. William Mackey
Thomas Perkins Esq Joseph Coolidge Jur Esq were chosen Overseers of the Poor for the Year ensuing.
·
161
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1804.
Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be given to Stephen Gor- ham Esq Mr. Oliver Brewster & Stephen Codman Esq who have resigned as Overseers of the Poor, for their good services during their continuance in that Office
The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for 24 Fire Wards, when it appeared that the following Gentlemen were chosen --- Viz
Thomas Melvill Esq
John Winslow Esq
Amasa Davis Esq
Capt Joseph Howard
Samuel Parkman Esq
Mr. Benjamin Joy
Henry Jackson Esq
Stephen Codman Esq
William Scolley Esq
William Cunningham Esq
Joseph May Esq
Mr John Bray
Capt Robert Gardner
Mr. Thomas Dennie
John May Esq
General Eliot
William Brown Esq
Rufus G Amory Esq
Samuel Bradford Esq
Jonª. Hunnewell Esq
Mr Joseph Head
Capt Daniel Messenger
Thomas H. Perkins Esq
Mr Ozias Goodwin
[254.]. Voted, that in addition to the Selectmen 12 persons shall now be chosen a School Committee and the Votes being brought in it appeared that the following Gentlemen, were chosen - Viz -
Honbl Thomas Dawes Esq Arnold Wells Esq
Dr Thomas Welch
Edward Gray Esq
Revd. Joseph Eckley DD
David Green Esq
Revd. J. T. Kirkland DD
Josiah Quincy Esq
Dr Aaron Dexter Revd. William Emmerson
William Smith Esq.
John Phillips Esq.
Voted, that the above named Gentlemen who conjunctly with the Selectmen are termed the School Committee be and hereby are directed to carry the new System of Education which has been adopted by the Town into operation and said Committee are also authorized and empowered conjunctly to manage and regu- late the Affairs, and the government of the Schools and in future to execute all the power relative to the Schools & School Masters, which the Selectmen or such Committees were authorized by the Laws of this Commonwealth or the Votes of the Town to exercise, any former Vote of the Town notwithstanding
The Votes for a Town Treasurer and Collector of Taxes being brought in it appeared, that
Mr Benjamin Sumner was chosen
Votes, for a Treasurer of the County of Suffolk brought in and counted by the Moderator & Town Clerk when it appeared that the whole number was 170, all of which were for Ebenezer Sever
162
CITY DOCUMENT NO. 115.
Esq a discreet suitable person & a Freeholder and Resident in said County.
[255.] The Votes, being brought in for a Town Advocate for the Municipal Court, it appeared that John Phillips Esq
was chosen.
Messrs. Joshua Bently
Benjamin White
Messrs. John Butterfield
Samuel Treat
John Cogswell
Nath Bradlee Jur
Daniel Ingersol jur
Noah Doggett Jun"
William Clouston
Caleb Coolidge
William Darricott
Brodick Loring
William Ellison Edward Allen
were chosen Surveyors of Boards & Shingles for ye year ensuing
Messrs. Benjamin White Messrs. Daniel Ingersol Jur
Moses Thayer William Darricott
were chosen Fence Viewers for the Year ensuing
Messrs. Barney Connor Joseph Cabbit
were chosen Hogreeves for the Year ensuing
Messrs. Barney Connor Joseph Cabbit
were chosen Haywards for the Year ensuing
Messrs. Samuel Emmons James Phillips
were chosen Surveyors of Hemp for the Year ensuing.
[256.] Edward Tuckerman Esq Mr Josiah Snelling were chosen Surveyors of Wheat for the Year ensuing Messrs. John Wells William Cooper Hunneman
were chosen Assay Masters for the Year ensuing
Messrs. Roger Bartlet Jonathan Cushing
were chosen Cullers of Dry Fish for the Year ensuing.
Messrs. Henry Purkett Lemuel Gardner Thomas Barbour James Eunson were chosen Surveyors of Hoops & Staves for the Year ensuing
163
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1804.
The Selectmen
were chosen Surveyors of High Ways for the Year ensuing.
Mr. Edward Rumney was chosen Inspector of Stone Lime for the Year ensuing.
Judge Sullivan
was added to the Committee relative to a piece of Land in Water Street
Voted, that Honb1 Thomas Dawes Esq Joseph Russell Esq Samuel Brown Esq
be, and hereby are appointed a Committee to Audit the Accompts of the Town Treasurer, and also the Accounts of the Selectmen, Overseers of the Poor, and Board of Health; and said Committee are also directed to report the Sums necessary to be raised, for the services of the present Year.
The Article in the Warrant viz " to take measures respecting the bequest of the late Honb1 William Phillips Esq of Five thou- sand Dollars to the Town towards building an Hospital " was read, whereupon
Voted that the Selectmen be a [257] Committee to wait upon the Executor to the late Honb1 William Phillips Esq to express the thanks of the Town for the generous bequest.
The Article in the Warrant relative to the Claim of a piece of Land in Water Street by William Phillips Esq was read, and referred to the Committee to which Judge Sullivan is added ; said Committee not having been able to make Report
Adjourned to Wednesday the 28th March 10 OClock A. M.
Town met according to Adjournment March 28th 10 OClock A.M.
The Committee relative to the Claim of William Phillips Esq to a piece of Land near Water Street and considered thereupon- the Question was put viz Whether said Report be accepted -- passed in the affirmative.
The Committee appointed to Consider the Petition of William Phillips Esq relating to a slip of Land on Kilby Street have attended that service and beg leave to Report -That it is in their opinion best that the Town Release to said Phillips and his Heirs all right to the said Slip of Land, provided he pay therefor so much money as three disinterested Arbitrators, mutually to be chosen by the Selectmen and said Phillips shall determine to be the value therefor, and provided he agree that he and his
164
CITY DOCUMENT No. 115.
Heirs and Assignes shall keep in good repair so much of the Drain as passes under said Strip of Land in the place it now occupies ; and of its present dimensions. All which is sub- mitted by
Thomas Dawes Samuel Brown Joseph Russell J Prince
Boston March 27. 1804.
[258.] The Article relative to Mill Pond and the Report of Town's Committee thereon. was read, and on motion referred for further consideration, to the next May Meeting
Voted, that all matters, which shall remain unfinished at this Meeting, be referred over to May Meeting.
Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be given to Joseph Rus- sell Esq. for his good services as Moderator of this Meeting
Then the Meeting was dissolved.
At a Meeting of the Male Inhabitants of the Town of Boston of 21 Years of age and upwards, qualified as the Constitution prescribes, and legally warned in public Town Meeting Assem- bled at Faneuil Hall on Monday the 2ª of April Anno Domini 1804, 11 OClock A,M,
Prayer by the Revd. Joseph Eckley DD
Warrant for calling the Meeting - Read
Paragraph of the Constitution or frame of Government relative to the choice of Governor, Lieut Governor & Senators.
It was then declared by the Selectmen that no Vote will be received but such as are unfolded, and that they propose the Poll shall be closed at ¿ past 2 OClock P.M. the Votes to be received at the Table and the Bells to begin ringing at 2 OClock - and to continue half an hour
Persons Voted for as Governor with the number of Votes for each Person - Viz
Votes
His Excellency Caleb Strong Esq
1980
Honbl James Sullivan Esq 650
Persons Voted, for as Lieut Governor, with the number of Votes for each Person - Viz
165
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1804.
Votes
Honb1 Edward H Robbins Esq
1909
Honb1 William Heath Esq
730
[259.] Persons Voted, for as Senators for the County of Suffolk with the number of Votes for each Person Viz -
Votes
Honbl Oliver Wendell Esq 1 2647
Honbl Benjamin Austin Jur Esq
847
Honbl James Bowdoin Esq
1126
Honbl David Tilden Esq - 1136
Abiel Smith Esq 1209
John Phillips Esq - 1544
William Brown Esq
1802
Joseph Russell Esq
1516
Josiah Quincy Esq
1452
Attested copies of the Persons Voted for, as Governor Lieut Governor and Senators for the County of Suffolk, sealed up in Town Meeting, (after the Votes had been declared) and transmitted to the Secretary of this Commonwealth. Subscribed as follows - Viz
For John Avery Esq. Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
The number of Votes of the Town of Boston for Governor, Lieut Governor, and five Senators for the County of Suffolk, Certified within and sealed up in Town Meeting, after the Vote had been declared
Then the Meeting was dissolved
[260.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabi- tants of the Town of Boston duly qualified and legally warned in public Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Monday the 9th Day of April A. D. 1804.
Warrant for calling the Meeting - Read
Joseph Russell Esq.
was chosen Moderator by a hand Vote
The Request of William Tudor, Harrison G Otis and Jonathan Mason Esquires, " that the Town will appoint Agents to treat with them upon the terms, on which they may obtain the whole or part of the Town's Land on Orange Street now occupied by Capt Nath1 Curtis for the purpose of building the proposed New Bridge therefrom " - was read and considered, whereupon
166
CITY DOCUMENT NO. 115.
Voted, that the Selectmen be and hereby are appointed Agents on behalf of the Town, with full powers to treat with the pro- prietors of South Bridge for the disposal of the whole or such part of the Town's Landing on Orange Street, for the purpose of building the proposed Bridge, and to conclude with them such a Contract as may under all circumstances be for the Interest of the Town
Then the Meeting was dissolved
[261.] At a Meeting of the Male Inhabitants of the Town of Boston of 21 Years of Age & upwards qualified as the Con- stitution prescribes, and legally warned in public Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Wednesday the 9th Day of May A. D. 1804. 11, OClock A. M.
The Meeting was opened with Prayer, by the Revd. Mr. Free- man.
Warrant for calling Meeting - Read
That part of the Constitution or frame of Government which relates to the choice of Representatives, read
The Town having determined by a Vote to choose 7 Persons to Represent them in the General Court of Massachusetts to be holden in the State House in Boston on the last Wednesday of May Current, agreeable 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 7 Representa- tives, and then it was declared by the Selectmen that no Votes would be received by the Selectmen but such as are unfolded, and untill the names of the Persons entering shall be marked on the List by the Gentlemen who assist for that purpose from the several Wards, and that they propose the Poll shall be closed at ¿ past 2 OClock, the Bells to begin tolling at 2 OClock and to continue untill half an hour is expired.
The Votes being brought in for Seven Representatives, the whole number was found to be 1976, and upon sorting them it appeared, that the following seven Gentlemen were chosen, having obtained a majority of the Votes Viz.
Votes
Honbl H G Otis Esq. 1119
Jonathan Hunnewell Esq. 1136
William Smith Esq
1128
Abiel Smith Esq -
1971
Dr William Spooner - 1095
Mr. John Wells 1117
William Sullivan Esq 1105
167
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1804.
[262.] The Votes given in for such as did not obtain were for
Votes
Honb1 David Tilden Esq 890
Samuel Brown Esq
Russell Sturgis Esq 892
Samuel Clap Esq 892
896
David Townsend Esq 878
Abiel Smith Esq
[blank ]
Coln Gardner - 844
The choice of Representatives being over and declared by the Selectmen -
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 Thursday the 10 Day of May A.D. 1804. 10 OClock A.M.
Warrant for calling the Meeting - Read
Joseph Russell Esq
was chosen Moderator by a Hand Vote.
The article in the Warrant viz. "To consider what allowance shall be made the Town Treasurer & Collector, and the Assessors for their services" - was read and after some debate it was moved and Voted, that the
Honbl James Sullivan Esq Charles Jarvis Esq Honbl Joseph Russell Esq Benjamin Russell Esq Samuel Brown Esq
be a Committee to consider this matter and Report thereon at the adjournment.
The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw, and bring in their Votes, for 6 Agents, in addition to the Selectmen as Trustees for the management of the Town lands who conjunctly are to lease and manage said Land, in such manner as shall appear to them best for the interest of the Town, and upon sorting the Votes brought in it appeared that
[263.]
Honbl Thomas Dawes Esq General John Winslow Esq Honbl William Brown Esq Josiah Knapp Esq Joshua Davis Jur Esq Honbl John Phillips Esq
were chosen
168
CITY DOCUMENT NO. 115.
The Committee appointed to Audit the Accompts of the Town Treasurer &c &c and the sums necessary to be raised for the present Year. - Report Viz.
The Treasurer Credits the Town of Boston with. sundry Sums of Money received by him to Amt of - $147511.91 which includes a ballance of $937.89 Cents
And charge the Town with the sum of - 147511.91 in the Treasury April 30. 1804
The particulars of said Debt & Credit will more fully appear from the Accounts herewith exhibited and which are as follows Nº 1. and which is more fully explained in Nº 2.
The Tryal ballance Acct to the Amt of $50156.44 is also an- nexed and is as Nº 3 - The Committee find the aforementioned Accounts to be well vouched and right cast (so far as they have had time to proceed in the business) all which will more fully appear from the Accounts themselves when compared with the Books .- The Committee further Report that from an Estimate received from the Board of Selectmen &c there will be wanting the follow- ing Sums of Money for the Year 1804.
Selectmen -
$42,000
Overseers of the Poor
14,000
Board of Health -
4000
County of Suffolk
12000
State
17620
Sundries
10380
Amounting in the whole to
$100,000
The Committee are therefore of opinion that the Town Vote, a Tax to be raised according to Law for $100,000 for the above purpose-
Thomas Dawes Joseph Russell Samuel Brown
[264.] The foregoing Report having been read and con- sidered the Question was put whether the same shall be accepted, Passed in the Affirmative -
Voted, that the sum of $70,380 be raised by a Tax to be Assessed on the Polls and Estates of the Inhabitants of this Town, to defray the Expences of the Current Year
Voted, that the sum of $666 be allowed and paid unto William Cooper for his services as Town Clerk the ensuing Year -
169
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1804.
Voted, that the Sum of three hundred Dollars be allowed to John Phillips Esq. for his services as Town Advocate the Year ensuing -
The Report of the Committee, relative to Mill Pond, again read - and after long debate the Question as called for was put that the Meeting be now Adjourned - passed in the Negative - It was then moved that the sense of the Town be taken with respect to the expediency of filling up the Mill Pond - and the Question being accordingly put - it was declared by the Modera- tor that the Vote was in the negative - there being a call that the House might be divided - it was accordingly divided twice, when the Moderator declared that he remained of the same opinion - a Poll was then demanded by seven Citizens, and on the division, the Moderator declared it was now his opinion the Vote was in favour of filling up the Pond - there was then a motion for an Adjournment, when the business might be again taken up and more fully discussed - when it was Voted, that the Meeting be Adjourned to Monday the 14th of May Inst 9 OClock A.M. for the consideration of this matter and other still unfinished.
Monday the 14th May 9 OClock Forenoon Town met accord- ing to Adjournment.
The business of the Mill Pond was taken up, and it appeared to be the sense of the Town that this matter, should be consid- ered anew, the Vote for filling up the Pond at the last Meeting notwithstanding - A long debate then ensued, on the subject at large when, it was moved, -that the Question be put - viz Whether it be the [265] sense of this Meeting, that it is expe- dient that the Mill Pond should be filled up - and the Question being accordingly put Passed in the Affirmative, by a consid- erable majority
It was then moved and Voted, that a Committee be appointed to treat with the supposed Proprietors of the Mill Pond relative to filling up the same - and to make such Agreement with them for that purpose, as in the opinion of said Committee, shall be most for the advantage of the Town.
Voted, that Honb1 William Eustis Honb1 Thomas Dawes Sen™ Charles Jarvis Esq Honbl Joseph Russell Honbl James Sullivan Honbl William Brown be added to the Gentlemen Selectinen as a Committee for the purpose aforesaid -
The Committee to consider suitable Allowances to the Treas-
170
CITY DOCUMENT NO. 115.
urer & Collector- and to the Assessors - Reported, and said Report as amended in Town Meeting, and accepted by the Town is as follows - Viz -
The Treasurer to be allowed and paid Seven hundred Dollars, in addition to five hundred Dollars allowed him for a Clerk in his last Accounts for 1803 and that he be allowed 1200 Dollars for the Year 1804 and to pay his own Clerk -
The Assessors, to be allowed - each for their services for the Year 1802. they having received 650 Dollars each for that Year -- and that they be paid 650 Dollars each for the Years 1803 and 1804. -
Voted, that any matters unfinished at this Meeting be referred for consideration to the next General Meeting that shall be called.
[266.] Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be given the Honbl Joseph Russell, 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 Wednesday the 4th Day of July A.D. 1804-9 OClock A.M.
Warrant for calling Meeting - Read.
William Cooper
chosen Moderator -
The Committee appointed the last Year, to make choice of a Gentleman to deliver an Oration on the Anniversary of Indepen- dence -
Reported that they had made choice of Dr. Thomas Danforth, who has accepted of the appointment.
On Motion, Adjourned to Old South Church when
AN ORATION
to commemorate the Independence of the United States was deliv- ered by Dr Thomas Danforth at the Old South.
On Motion Voted, that the Selectmen be a Committee to wait on Dr Thomas Danforth and in the Name of the Town to thank
171
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1804.
him for the elegant. and spirited Oration this Day delivered by him at the request of the Town, upon the Anniversary of the Independence of the United States of America; in which accord- ing to the Institution of the Town, he considered the manners, feelings and principles which led to that Great National Event - and to request of him a Copy thereof for the Press
On Motion Voted, that the Gentlemen Selectmen be and hereby , are appointed a Committee to apply to some able & learned Gen- tlemen to deliver an Oration on the 4th of July A.D. 1805, that Day being the Anniversary of the Independence [267] of the United States of America, wherein the Orator is to consider the feelings, manners, and principles which led to this great National event ; as well as the important and happy effects whether general or domestic which have already or will forever flow from that auspicious epoch. -
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