USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Boston > Volume of records relating to the early history of Boston : containing Boston town records, 1796 to 1813 > Part 15
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With respect to the present application of the Lessees the Trustees recommend that all those who shall comply with their engagements to build during the present Year shall be placed on the same footing as the future purchasers contemplated above ; that their leases be cancelled, and the Deeds be given them for their lots, upon their paying ten per Cent annually of the principal and interest due.
As the Trustees however are sensible that this arangement would be greatly for the interest of the present applicants, they are of opinion it ought to be on condition that they fill up with earth or gravel, and put in good order the cross Streets to the extent of their lots and that they place a row of edge stones on the line of the foot walk of their front on Washington Street, and level and pave the same with Bricks, As the accommodation of the holders of the land will be principally promoted by these measures, the Trustees hope that these conditions will be readily agreed to "
After due consideration, it was moved and voted, unanimously. that the Report be accepted -
The Selectmen having (as directed by the Town) Reported what measures should be taken for the better accommodation of the Inhabitants in their public Meetings " it was read and accepted and Voted, that the Selectmen be empowered and directed to proceed to enlarge Faneuil [288] Hall in the manner and for the uses pointed out in the Report. -
That the Selectmen be empowered to sell and execute Deeds to convey the Land of the Town on the Northly side of the Cir- cular Walk on Fort Hill, reserving therefrom as much as may be necessary for commodious Streets and Passages -That untill the payments for the Land shall be made, the Town Treasurer be empowered to borrow of either of the Banks such sums of money for the purchase of Materials and payment of Workmen as the Selectmen shall find necessary; the same to be repaid by the proceeds of the Land -
186
CITY DOCUMENT NO. 115.
The Committee appointed to Audit the Accompts of the Town Treasurer &c - Report -
That the Treasurer Credits the Town of Boston with sundry sums of money received by him to the amount of $121,632,44 and charges the Town with the sum of $121,632.44 including a ballance of $3073.67 in the Treasury April 30. 1805 which is represented in his account Current Paper Nº 1. the particulars of said debt and Credit will more fully appear from the statement herewith exhibited and annexed, which will be found in Nº 2 A Summary of the Cash paid monthly by the Town Treasurer from May 1. 1804 to 30th April 1805 taken from the Account Current, and the amount of the different drafts drawn on the Town Treasurer monthly from May 1804 to April 1805 by the Select- men Overseers of the Poor & Board of Health, and the money paid them ; also the money paid the State Treasurer, County Treasurer, Union Bank, Interest money, and sundry Creditors, and the amount of the Outstanding debts are all comprehended in Nº 3. -
The Tryal Ballance in the Town Treasurers Books of debts and credits stands April 30. 1805 $42146.17 in Nº. 4
The Committee on the Memº of Taxes for 1802 committed to the several Deputy Collectors, upon the expiration of 6 Mº. find the Nº of Bills to be 2577 amounting to $11,873 86 the expence of collecting which amounted to $276, and for 1803 the Nº of Bills delivered for Collecting to be 2425 amounting to $27,674.12, the expence of Collecting not settled as will be seen in papers, Nº 5 & 6
The Committee find the aforementioned Accompts to be well vouched and right cast (so far as they have proceeded in the business) All which will be more fully understood, from [289] the Accompts themselves when compared with the Books.
The Committee further Report that from Estimates received there will be wanting for
The Selectmen -
$46000
Overseers of the Poor
15200
Board of Health
4000
State Tax -
17718
County Tax
14000
$96,918
The Committee therefore are of opinion that the Town of Boston Vote a Tax to be raised according to law for $100,000 for the above purposes which is humbly submitted
Thomas Dawes Samuel Brown Joseph Russell
Committee
187
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1805.
The aforegoing Report having been read & considered the Question was put whether the same shall be accepted - Passed in the Affirmative -
Voted, that the sum of Sixty five thousand Dollars be raised by a Tax to be Assessed on the Polls & Estates of the Inhabitants of this Town to defray the Expences of the Current Year -
Voted, that the Sum of $300 be allowed and paid to John Phillips Esq for his services as Town Advocate the Year ensuing.
Voted, that the sum of $666, be allowed and paid to William Cooper for his services as Town Clerk the Year ensuing.
Voted, that the sum of $816 be allowed and paid to each of the three Assessors for the Year ensuing. -
On Motion Voted, that the Auditors of Town Accompts be requested to consider what compensation should be made to the Treasurer for his own services - those of his Assistants, and for Office Rent the present Year. -
[290.] Mr Hunts Petition and Report thereon, having been read and debate had thereon - the same upon Motion is referred for further consideration to the Adjournment of this Meeting -
On Motion Adjourned to Monday next 10 oClock A.M.
Monday the 27th of May 10 oClock A.M. met according to Adjournment -
The Committee on the Town Treasurers Application being the Auditors of the Town Accompts, Reported, without mentioning a Sum as a compensation for the Treasurer the present Year - his Application again taken up and after debate Voted, that the Treasurer be allowed and paid $1500 for the present Year, he to pay his Clerk Assistance, Office hire and all expences of Office. -
Moved and Voted, to reconsider the Vote of the acceptance of the Report of the Auditors of Town Accounts so far only as it respected Mr. Sumner the Town Treasurers Account.
Moved and Voted, that the Report of the Committee to Andit Town Treasurers Accompts &c be recommitted to the Auditors, for the sole purpose of correcting any errors that may be found in the Town Treasurers Accounts
The Committee appointed to consider the Petition of Samnel Hunt the late Grammer S. Master in this Town have attended that service and have heard him on the subject of his several
188
CITY DOCUMENT No. 115.
claims for House rent, deprivation and for the loss of future em- ployment, and in consideration of his having spent the prime of his life in the service of the Town, and being now advanced in Years with a large Family to provide for, and the School Com- mittee having by a Vote declared " that in discharging Mr. Hunt they do not mean to charge him with the want of disposition to be useful as an Instructor, or to fix any imputation upon his prin- ciples and character, but do declare their favourable opinion of his morals and private virtues and their sense of his right to a good consideration among his Fellow Citizens," and the said School Committee by their letter to Mr. Hunt dated the 4th of October 1804. did encourage him to make application to the Town for an Annual stipend, and that the Committee would assist him in [291] such application with all their influence.
Your Committee also being impressed with the importance of giving the greatest possible encouragement to all future Gram- mer School Masters, by evincing to them the provident care of the Town in providing for them in old age, if they by their ser- vices and merit should be entitled to it; and also taking into con- sideration the peculiar circumstances of Mr. Hunts case, beg leave to recommend to the Town to Grant Mr. Samuel Hunt the late Grammar School Master in this Town the Sum of twenty five hundred Dollars in full of all demands against the Town, all which is submitted.
Stephen Codman per Order
The aforegoing Report as read and amended in this Meeting was accepted by the Town - and on Motion made and seconded
Voted that the Sum of twenty five hundred Dollars be and hereby is granted to Mr. Samuel Hunt late Grammar School Mas- ter in this Town, to be in full of all demands against said town.
Voted, that all matters and things unfinished in this Town Meeting be referred for consideration to the next General Town Meeting .-
Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be given to Honbl. Thomas Dawes Esq for his good services as Moderator.
Then the Meeting was dissolved.
[292.] 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 17th June A. D. 1805 10 OClock A. M.
Warrant for calling the Meeting - Read.
1×9
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1805.
Honbl. Thomas Dawes Esq was chosen Moderator by a Hand Vote
The Votes for a Town Treasurer & Collector of Taxes being brought in, counted & sorted, it appeared that the whole number were found to be 573, of which
William Smith Esq had 436
and was chosen, in the room of Mr Sumner who had resigned, as per resignation on file
The Article in the Warrant viz "To consider the expediency of taking measures for the more equal division of the Wards of the Town " - was read, whereupon
Voted, that the Selectmen, Overseers of the Poor the Members of the Board of Health, and Brigadier General of the Legionary Brigade of the 1st Division be empowered and directed to make such a division of the Town into Wards, as they shall judge most for the convenience and advantage of the Town -
That the said new division of Wards take place the 1st day of February next -
That the Representatives of this Town in the General Court be Instructed to apply to the Legislature for any confirmation or assent to said division that may be necessary -
Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be given the Honbl Thomas Dawes Esq for his good services as Moderator
Then the Meeting was dissolved
[293.] At a Meeting of the Freeholders, and other Inhabit- ants of the Town of Boston, duly qualified and legally warned in public Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Thursday the 4th day of July A. D. 1805 - 9 O Clock 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 Inde- pendence - Reported that they had made choice of Warren Dut- ton Esq who has accepted of the appointment --
On Motion, Adjourned to Old South Church when
190
CITY DOCUMENT NO. 115.
AN ORATION
to commemorate the Independence of the United States was de- livered by Warren Dutton Esq at the Old South Church -
On Motion - Voted, that the Selectmen be a Committee to wait on Warren Dutton Esq and in the name of the Town to thank 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 one able and learned Gentleman to deliver an Oration on the 4th July A. D. 1806. that Day being the Anniversary of the Independence 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 [294] as the important and happy effects, whether general or domestic which have already or will forever flow from that auspicious Epoch.
Then the Meeting was Dissolved
1806.
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 10th Day March A :D : 1806 10 OClock A :M :
Prayer was made by Revd Joseph Eckley D.D.
Warrant for calling the Meeting - Read.
Sundry Laws to be read at this Meeting were accordingly read
Stephen Codman 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 Votes having been brought in and counted, it appeared that -
William Cooper .
was chosen Town Clerk for the Year ensuing, and the Oath of Office administered to him by Mr. Justice Bulfinch -
191
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1806.
The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their Votes for 9 Selectmen, and the same having been brought in and counted it appeared that the following Gentlemen were chosen
Charles Bulfinch Esq
Mr Ebenezer Oliver
David Tilden Esq
William Porter Esq Mr John Tileston
Jonathan Hunnewell Esq John May Esq Francis Wright Esq
John Bray Esq
Adjourned to 3 OClock Afternoon
[295.] 3 OClock P :M : Town met 1
Edward Proctor Esq
Mr Samuel Snelling
Henry Hill Esq
Mr Benjamin Goddard
William Smith Esq
Samuel Clap Esq
William Phillips Esq Mr Ozias Goodwin
Redford Webster Esq.
Joseph Coolidge Jur Esq
Thomas Perkins Esq Mr William Mackey
were chosen Overseers of the Poor for the Year ensuing.
The Inhabitants brought in their Votes for 24 Fire Wards, when it appeared that the following Gentlemen were chosen - Viz
Thomas Melvill Esq John Bray Esq Mr Thomas Dennie
Samuel Parkman Esq
Amasa Davis Esq
Gen1 Simon Elliot Esq
Henry Jackson Esq Jonathan Hunnewell Esq
William Scollay Esq Daniel Messenger Esq
Mr Ozias Goodwin
Joseph May Esq Andrew Cunningham Esq
Mr Thomas Curtis
Samuel Bradford Esq
Joshua Davis Jun' Esq
Joseph Head Esq Mr John D Howard
Thomas H Perkins Esq Mr Benjamin Coats
Gen1 John Winslow Esq Stephen Codman Esq
William Sullivan Esq Mr Benjamin Smith
[296.] Voted, that in addition to the Selectmen twelve Persons shall now be chosen a SCHOOL COMMITTEE and the Votes being brought in and sorted, it appeared that the following Gen- tlemen were chosen Viz
Honb1 Thomas Dawes Esq Revd Joseph Eckley DD David Green Esq
Dr Thomas Welch Esq Honb! John Phillips Esq
Revd J T Kirkland DD Revd William Emmerson John Heard Esq Charles Davis Esq
Dr Aaron Dexter Esq William Smith Esq
Arnold Welles Esq
Voted that the above named Gentlemen who conjunctly with the Selectmen are termed the School Committee, be & hereby are
192
CITY DOCUMENT No. 115.
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 regulate the Officers and the Government of the Schools and in future to execute all the power relative to the Schools & Schoolmasters, which the Selectmen or such Committee are authorized by the Laws of this Commonwealth or the Votes of the Town to exer- cise ; any former Vote of the Town notwithstanding.
The Votes for a Town Treasurer & Collector of Taxes, being brought in it appeared that
William Smith Esq
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 213 & that they were all for Ebenezer Sever Esq a discreet suitable person & a Freeholder and Resident in said County.
[297.] Votes for a County Register of Deeds, for Suffolk brought in and counted, when it appeared that the whole number was 282 - all for William Alline Esq a discreet suitable Person and a Freeholder & Resident in said County.
The Votes being brought in for a Town Advocate for the Municipal Court it appeared that
Honbl John Phillips Esq
was chosen
Messrs. Benjamin White Moses Ayers Daniel Ingersol Jur William Darracot
were chosen Fence Viewers for the Year ensuing
Messrs. Barney Conner James Cabbit [Corbitt ?]
were chosen Haywards for the Year ensuing
Messrs. Samuel Emmons James Phillips
were chosen Surveyors of Hemp for the Year ensuing.
Edward Tuckerman Esq Mr Josiah Snelling
were chosen Surveyors of Wheat for the Year ensuing
Mess John Wells William Cooper Hunneman
were chosen Assay Masters for the Year ensuing
193
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1806.
Mess Jonathan Cushing Joseph Doble Elisha Turner Thomas Barbour
were chosen Cullers of Dry Fish for the ensuing Year
Henry Purket Esq Capt Lemuel Gardner Mr Thomas Barbour Mr James Eunson were chosen Cullers of Hoops & Staves for the Year ensuing
The Selectmen were chosen Surveyors of High Ways for the Year ensuing
[298.] Mr Edward Rumney was chosen Inspector of Stone Lime for the Year ensuing
Messrs Benjamin White John Cogswell Daniel Ingersol Jur
William Clouston
William Darracot
William Ellison
John Butterfield
Nath1 Bradlee Jur
Noah Dogget
Caleb Coolidge
Braddock Loring Edward Alline
Thomas Christy William Green
were chosen Surveyors of Boards & Shingles for the Year ensuing
Voted, that the Honbl Thomas Dawes Esq Joseph Russell Esq Samuel Brown Esq
be and hereby are appointed a Committee to Audit the Accompts of the Town Treasurer & also the Overseers of the Poor & the Board of Health; and said Committee are also directed to report the Sums necessary to be raised for the services of the present Year
Voted that the consideration of all Money Matters be referred to May Meeting
The Article in the Warrant Viz "To determine whether the Town will consider it expedient to take any measures relative to the rebuilding of the Rope Walks at the bottom of the Common "
194
CITY DOCUMENT NO. 115.
read - whereupon Voted that the Selectmen be a Committee to consider this matter and Report thereon at the Adjournment.
Capt Chapman having declined serving as a Selectman, Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be given him for his good services in that Office for a number of Years past.
Mr Gray & Mr Quincy having declined serving as a School Committee, Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be given them for their good services while on the Committee
.[299.] Mr Judah Hayes & R G Amory Esq having declined serving as Fire Wards, had the Thanks of the Town for their good services while in the Office of Fire Wards
A letter of Samuel Parkman Esq acquainting the Selectmen that he had obtained an elegant full length Portrait of the Immortal Washington copied by an eminent Artist from an original painting by the celebrated Stuart, and desiring them to present the Picture in his Name to the Town of Boston, to be placed in a conspicuous part of Faneuil Hall -having been read - it was moved and voted that this valuable and pleasing dona- tion is gratefully accepted by the Town, and ordered to be placed in Faneuil Hall agreeable to the Patriotic intention of the Donor
Adjourned to Wednesday the 19th of March Inst 1806 10 OClock A. M.
Wednesday the 19th of March A : D : 1806 10 OClock A : M : Met according to adjournment
Major Bray having by letter declined serving in the Office of Selectman into which he had been chosen - The Town Voted, to proceed immediately to the choice of another and the Votes being brought in for one Selectmen it appeared that
Deacon Joseph Kettell
was chosen
The Selectmen having been directed to consider the subject of the Rebuilding the Rope Walks at the bottom of the Common, Report
That the Town in 1794 granted to the Proprietors of the late Rope Walks the ground on which they stood, for that purpose and no other use whatever; and that the Proprietors have done nothing to forfeit their right of rebuilding upon their complying with the terms and conditions of the grant from the Town to be explained as follows
That they make and forever maintain a good and sufficient Sea Wall at the South of their Ropewalks to be kept in good repair
195
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1806.
to the Satisfaction of the Selectmen-That such Proprietors shall build a Brick Store, or Head to his Rope Walks 30 feet wide in front, and at least two Stories high-That such Proprietors shall build his Yarn [300] and Tar House & Coppers, in such situ- ation and in such manner as the Fire Wards shall direct.
Under these conditions and subject to the Restrictions of the law regulating the erection of Buildings in this Town, the Com- mittee confide in every reasonable measure to be adopted to secure the Town from danger from the Ropewalks that may in future be built on that ground-
The foregoing Report having been read and debate had thereon-the Question was put, and the Report accepted-
On application of a number of Inhabitants one Surveyor of Boards &c, was added to those already chosen-and the Votes. being brought in, it appeared that
Mr Eleazer Homer
was chosen
Voted that any other matter unfinished be referred to May Meeting
Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be given to Stephen Codman Esq. for his good services as Moderator-
Then the Meeting was Dissolved
[301.] At a Meeting of the Male Inhabitants of the Town of Boston of 21 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 7th Day April Anno Domini 1806 9 OClock A : M :
Prayer was made by the Revd Mr Emerson.
Warrant for calling the Meeting - Read
Paragraphs of the Constitution or Frame of Government relative to the choice of Governor, Lieut Governor and Senators -- Read
It was then declared by the Selectmen that no Vote should be received but such as are unfolded, and that they propose the Poll should be closed at 2 OClock P: M : the Votes to be received at the Table and the Bells to begin ringing at 3 past 1 OClock and to continue for half an Hour
Persons Voted for as GOVERNOUR, with the number of Votes for each Person Viz
196
CITY DOCUMENT NO. 115.
Votes
His Excellency Caleb Strong Esq 2503
Honbl James Sullivan Esq - 1605
Honbl Elbridge Gerry - 6
Persons Voted, for as LIEUT GOVERNOUR, with the number of Votes for each Person Viz - -
Votes
Honb1 Edward H Robbins Esq -
2444
Honb1 William Heath Esq 1650
Honb1 Henry Knox
3
Honb1 David Cobb
2
Person Voted for as Senators for the County of Suffolk with the number of Votes for each Person Viz Votes -
Honb' Christ Gore Esq 2489
Honb1 Harrison G Otis Esq 2472
Dr William Spooner Esq
2452
Honb1 John Phillips , Esq Peter C Brooks 2472
2484
[302.]
Honb1 David Tilden Esq
1684
Russell Sturgis Esq -
1626
Edward Proctor Esq -
1632
Samuel Clap Esq -
1625
David Townsend Esq
1622
Attested Copies of the Persons Voted for as GOVERNOUR LIEUT GOVERNOUR 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
Superscribed as follows Viz For John Avery Esquire Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
The number of Votes of the Town of Boston for, Governour Lieut Governour & five Senators for the County of Suffolk, Certified within and Sealed up in Town Meeting after the Votes had been declared
Then the Meeting was Dissolved
[303.] 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 Meet- ing Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Wednesday the 4th Day of May A : D : 1806 9 O Clk A : M :
The Meeting was opened with Prayer by Revd Dr Kirkland
Warrant for calling the Meeting - Read
197
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1806.
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 27 Persons to Represent them in the General Court of Massachusetts to be held in the State House in Boston on the last Wednesday of May Current agreeable to the Constitution or Frame of Government -for Massachusetts ; The Inhabitants were directed by the Selectmen to withdraw and bring in their Votes for 27 Represent- atives, and then it was declared by the Selectmen, that no Votes would be received by them 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 2 OClock, the Bells to begin ringing at ¿ past 1 OClock and to continue untill 2 OClock
The Votes being brought in for 27 Representatives the whole number was found to be 1258 and upon sorting them it appeared that the following Gentlemen were chosen, having obtained a majority of the Votes Viz't
Votes
William Smith Esq .
1242
Jonathan Hunnewell Esq
1237
William Sullivan Esq
1241
John Wells Esq -
1238
Jonathan Mason Esq
1238
Thomas H Perkins Esq - 1238
William Brown Esq -
1230
Samuel Parkman Esq
1230
John Winslow Esq
1242
Edward Tuckerman Esq 1238
1239
Redford Webster Esq
1238
Thomas Perkins Esq
1242
Daniel Sargent Esq -
1240
William Phillips Esq -
1239
Stephen Codman Esq
1210
Benjamin Russell Esq
1236
John Callander Esq -
1237
Dr Thomas Danforth
1236
John T Apthorp Esq - Charles Davis Esq
1223
Mr Benjamin Goddard
1227
Mr Thomas K Jones -
1236
1192
Benjamin Whitman Esq - Mr James Lloyd Jur Esq
1239
[304.]
Simon Elliot Esq -
1231
Mr Thomas W Sumner
1233
Deacon Francis Wright Esq
1232
198
CITY DOCUMENT NO. 115.
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 & legally warned in public Town Meeting Assembled at Faneuil Hall on Thursday the 15th Day of May Anno Domini 1806 10 O Clock A : M :
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