USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Boston > Volume of records relating to the early history of Boston : containing Boston town records, 1796 to 1813 > Part 6
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67
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1799.
they are required to report, that is a [124] Recommendation of the Overseers that the Town make a compensation to Capt Benjamin Hammatt for the injury done his property and furni- ture at the late fire of the workhouse and considering that he is an ancient, approved and faithful servant of the Town and has served the Town with fidelity for a trifling salary for a great number of years. The Committee having considered this subject recommend that the Town make him an allowance of two hundred dollars as an indemnity for his losses -
William Donnison P. Order.
The aforegoing report having been several times read and debated the question was put viz - Whether the same shall be accepted passed by a very great majority in the affirmative - as also that the sum of Two hundred dollars be and hereby is allowed to Capt. Benjamin Hammatt for loss sustained in the late fire at the Work-house as recommended in the above report
Voted, that all matters unfinished be referred over to May Meeting
Voted, that the Thanks of the Town be given to the Honble. Thomas Dawes Esq. the Moderator for his good services in the dispatch given the business of this meeting -
Then the Meeting was Dissolved.
[125.] At a Meeting of the male Inhabitants of the Town of Boston of Twenty one years of age and upwards qualified as the Constitution prescribes and legally warned in public Town meet- ing assembled at Faneuil Hall on Monday the first day of April Anno Domini 1799. - at 9 oClock A. M. -
Prayer by Revd. Doct. Lathrop.
Warrant for calling meeting - - Read.
Paragraph of the Constitution or Frame of Government relative to the choice of Governor, Lt. Governor and Senators - - Read
It was then declared by the Selectmen that no votes would be received but such as were unfolded and that they purpose the Poll should be closed at 2 oClock the Votes to be received (but such as were unfolded) at the Table and the bells to begin ringing at One oClock.
Persons, voted for as Governor with the number of votes for each Person Viz.
68
CITY DOCUMENT No. 115.
-
His Excellency Increase Sumner
Honble William Heath Esq.
546
Elbridge Gerry Esq.
1
Peter R Dalton Esq.
1
Persons voted for as Lt. Governor. with the number of votes for each Person Vizt.
His Honor Moses Gill Esq.
2446
Honble Samuel Phillips Esq.
1
Honble George Cabbot - 1
Mr. John Parker
1
Mr. Thomas Stetson
1
[126] Persons, voted for as Senators for the County of Suffolk with the number of votes for each Person.
Honble Thomas Dawes Esq.
2187
Honble Oliver Wendall Esq.
2294
Honble. John C. Jones -
2233
Jonathan Mason Esq. -
1888
Hon ble. James Bowdoin Esq -
529
Honble. Benjamin Austin Jun Esq.
176
William Eustis Esq.
246
Honble William Heath Esq.
1
John Duggan
2
John Codman Esq
4
David Green Esq
1
Samuel Cooper Esq
1
Samuel Brown Esq -
1
Benjamin Russell Esq -
1
Jonathan Loring Austin Esq. -
1
Joseph Blake Esq -
1
Thomas Lewis, Senior -
1
Alexander Young
1
Thomas Minns
1
Amos Hovey
·
1
Attested copies of the Persons voted for as Governor Lieut. Governor and Senators for the County of Suffolk were committed by the Town Clerk to the Secretary of the Commonwealth, and the enclosures sealed up in town meeting superscribed as follows Vizt.
For John Avery Esq. Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
[127.] The number of Votes of the Town of Boston for a
4
John Magner
Charles Jarvis Esq.
148
2
Arnold Welles Esq.
Votes,
Votes 1904
69
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1799.
Governor and Lieut Governor & 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 Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston duly qualified and legally warned in public Town meeting assembled at Fanuiel Hall on Tuesday the fourteenth day of May AD 1799. 10 Clock AM.
Prayer was made by Revd. Doct Stillman
Warrant for calling a meeting - - Read
That part of the Constitution or Frame of Government which relates to the choice of Representatives - Read ; also the law relative to mourning .*
The Town having determined by a vote to choose seven Repre- sentatives to represent them in the General Court of Massachu- setts to be held in the State house in Boston on the last Wednesday of May current agreeable to the Constitution or Frame of gov- ernment 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 purpose the Poll shall be closed at { past one 'Clock [128] the assessors to attend at the delivery of votes and the bell to begin tolling at 1 °Clock and to continue tolling until the time of half an hour expire
The votes being brought in for seven Representatives the num- ber of the same were found to be 1403 and upon assorting them it appeared that the following seven Gentlemen had obtained a majority of votes Vizt.
Votes
Joseph Russell Esq.
1332
William Smith Esq.
1323
John Lowell Jun. Esq.
1098
Mr. Samuel Cobb
1310
Samuel Parkman Esq.
1132
Joseph Hall Esq.
1083
Nathan Frazer Esq.
1064
The votes given for such as did not obtain
Votes
William Eustis Esq.
289
James Bowdoin Esq.
303
* This relates to a By-Law passed in 1785, it being deemed necessary, owing to the excessive expenditure at funerals, to regulate the outward forms of mourning to the most simple observance, such as a piece of black crape upon the arm for men, and a black hat or bonnet, ribbons or fan for the women.
70
CITY DOCUMENT No. 115.
Charles Jarvis Esq.
19
John Winthrop Esq.
152
William Tudor Esq. 189
Honble Benjamin Austin Jun. Esq.
28
Russell Sturgis Esq.
25
Samuel Brown Esq.
16
Josiah Quincy Esq.
12
Nat1. Fellows Esq. -
11
The other votes given in were scattering and not entered in this book but are named in the paper filed with the rough minutes.
The choice of Representatives being over and declared by the Selectmen. The Honble. Thomas Dawes Esq. was chosen Moder- ator of this meeting in order that the Town [129] might proceed in transacting the other business mentioned in the warrant.
Adjourned to 4 clock P. M.
At three 'clock PM met according to adjournment.
Mr. Low was on motion excused serving as Constable -
A schedule of the Town expences was reported and on motion, Voted that the same be printed & delivered to the Inhabitants -
The committee appointed to audit the Town Treasurers accounts have attended that service and report that they find the accounts well vouched and rightly cast - that there was due to the Town the 30th. April last, by the Books (exclusive of the money appro- propriated for the building a new almshouse of $4560. 78%
$35096 .. 59 .. 3
From which must be deducted Vizt.
Towns powder - - 1041.94.5 Interest Acco - - 3302 . 70. 1
suppose abatemt. on '98 Tax 4000 . ,, ., 8344 .. 64 .. 6
$26751 .. 94 .. 7
There is due from the Collectors Viz.
Benjamin Henderson - 10520.58 Thomas Bailey - - 14187.98 James Thompson -
- 14477 .. 9 Benjamin Jepson - 11672 .. 68
$50,858 .. 33
On the other side is an estimate for the necessary expences of the current year, and your Commissioners are of opinion that a Tax of 60.000 dollars ought to be laid to defray the same
71
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1799.
They annex the Treasurers general accounts and a trial Balance of his books
all which is submitted
Herman Brimmer Joseph Russell Junr. &ComT8.
Samuel Brown
[130.] The aforegoing Report having been read & considered the same was accepted, whereupon
Voted, That the sum of Sixty thousand dollars be raised by a tax to be assessed on the Polls and estates of the Inhabitants of the Town to defray the expences of the current year.
Voted, that the sum of Six hundred sixty six dollars be allowed and paid unto Samuel Clap for his services as Town Treasurer the present year, the same to be paid him quarterly as it shall become due, and to commence first March last. -
Voted, that the sum of Six hundred and sixty six dollars be allowed and paid unto William Cooper for his services as Town Clerk the present year, the same to be paid him quarterly as it shall become due and to commence from 1st. March last.
Voted, that the sum of Four hundred thirty three dollars be allowed to each of the assessors for their respective services the present year, the same to be paid them quarterly as it shall become due and to commence the first of March last. -
The choice of Officers wanted referred to the adjournment.
The application of Josiah Knapp for liberty to fill up the Dock between his land and that of Mr. Healey etc. read, whereupon
Voted that the Prayer of Mr. Knapp be so far granted that the Selectmen be a Committee to settle with him on the principle to secure the Town from any encroachment from the Petitioner, and to secure the rights of the Town. -
[131.] Another petition from Josiah Knapp to purchase a lot of land lying on Beach Street, belonging to the Town read, whereupon,
Voted that the Selectmen be and hereby [are] authorized and empowered to dispose of said piece of Land in the manner printed out by a By Law of this Town
The article in warrant relative to securing the Towns land on the neck, read, and the Selectmen appointed a Committee to consider the same and report thereon at the adjournment.
72
CITY DOCUMENT No. 115.
The application of several of the Inhabitants relative to a supply of monies for the Board of health, read, whereupon,
Voted, that the Town Treasurer be and hereby is authorized and empowered to borrow for the use of the Board of Health a sum not exceeding Two thousand dollars
The Articles in the Warrant viz that such further By Laws be made as shall appear necessary to improve the Police of the Town, read, whereupon
Voted, that Mr. Bourne Judge Sullivan Mr. Sherburne Capt. Prince Mr. Lowell Jun".
be a Committee to Report such By Laws as may be necessary for said purpose.
The article in the warrant relative to the increase of Negroes from West Indies &c. read, whereupon Voted, that the afore- going Committee on the By-laws be a Committee to consider this article and report thereon.
The prayer of Judge Wendell for an exchange of land with the Town on Fort hill read - whereupon
[132.] Voted, that the Selectmen be a Committee to consider this matter and to report their opinion thereon
The application of Auctioneers for leave to expose their merchandize in the Streets - read and debated - and leave given for withdrawing their petition
Article in the warrant relative to the expediency of having a cellar under Faneuil Hall Market, read - whereupon voted that this matter be left to the Selectmen, they to proceed therein as shall be judged to be for the Interest of the Town
The article in Warrant relative to Major Wilds request for a Gunhouse -to be considered at the adjournment. -
Adjourned to Friday 24th. inst. 10 oClock Forenoon.
Friday the 24th. May 10 oClock Forenoon met according to adjournment.
The Committee to whom was referred the consideration of what measures might be taken relative to the negroes in the Town of Boston have attended that service and beg leave to report as their opinion that the Commonwealth is deeply interested in the
73
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1799.
great influx of Negroes and the other people of colour both from the West Indies & the Southern States. That your Committee have not had sufficient time to mature the subject so as to form a digested Plan to remedy the mischief. They however recommend to the town to appoint a Committee to apply to the General Court at their next session for their interposition and aid in the Premises, all which is humbly submitted.
Shearjasheb Bourne
[133.] The aforegoing Report having been read the Town accepted of the same and appointed Shearjasheb Bourne, Judge Sullivan, William Sherburne Esq., Capt. Prince & John Lowell Jun. Esq the Committee for the purposes mentioned in said report
The Inhabitants having brought in their votes as directed by the Selectmen for one Selectman in the room of Joseph May Esq. who had resigned and the same having been counted it appeared that
Mr. John Tileston was chosen having 105 votes out of 199.
A memorial of the assessors was read and on motion, Voted that the sum of One hundred dollars be allowed to each of the assessors the present year on account of the rise of Provisions, as has been for several years past - the vote of the 14th. instant notwithstanding.
Article in warrant relative. to a Gun house taken up - where- upon, Voted that the Selectmen be directed to accommodate Mr. Wilds Company of Artillery with sufficient ground at the easterly end of the South Burying place on the common for the purpose of erecting a gun house thereon.
Votes brought in for one Constable, when it appeared that Capt. Joseph Ingraham was chosen
The Selectmen to whom was referred the request of Oliver Wendell Esq for exchange of land on Fort hill - reported, that Oliver Wendell Esq being absent they conversed with his attor- ney and with the abuttors on the land proposed to be exchanged, and are of opinion that an exchange would be for the advantage of the Town provided suitable conditions could be agreed on
Charles Bulfinch Chairman, per order.
[134.] The aforegoing report having been read the same was accepted by the Town and the Selectmen authorized & em- powered to settle and complete the business with Mr. Wendell
The Committee on the subject of By-laws reported the form of
74
CITY DOCUMENT No. 115.
a law to regulate the paving of the streets and to remove Incum- brances on the same, which though read and accepted by the Town the Court of sessions thought they could not legally take up the matter, and it has since been made a law of this Common- wealth - also a By-Law for the regulating of trucks carts and other carriages which has been approved of by the Court of Ses- sions and is as follows Vizt. For the regulation of Trucks Carts and other carriages in the Streets of Boston.
That the selectmen be authorized within one month after the publication of this By-law and from time to time afterwards as occasion may require to appoint such and so many stands for all kinds of Carts Trucks and Wheelbarrows as to them shall appear requisite, to some one or other of which stands all drivers of such Carts and Trucks shall repair with their carriages and horses when unemployed in the day, And any driver or owner of such Cart Truck or Wheelbarrow who shall stand in any other place than such as shall be directed by the Selectmen shall forfeit and pay for every offence One dollar
Each and every driver or owner of a cart or truck shall place his horses and cart or trucks length-ways close to the Posts or abutting stone of the footwalk of the Street in which he shall stand under the penalty of One dollar for every neglect.
And no more than one range of Carts or Trucks shall stand in Streets not more than 30 feet wide and not more than one range on each side in streets which are of a greater width than 30 feet - and in squares and other large & open [135] places they shall be arranged by order and conform to the directions of the Select- men or the surveyors of high ways, and every driver neglecting to conform to this law shall forfeit and pay one dollar for every offence.
If any Waggoner, Carter, Truckman or other Driver of any Car- riage, Sled or Sleigh for pleasure or burthen shall stop or place any such carriage Sled or Sleigh in any such manner as to cross the street or foot path or prevent other carriages or foot passen- gers from passing in the direction of such street and shall not in five minutes after the request of any passenger cause the same to be removed or shall be absent therefrom so that such request cannot be made, every person so offending shall forfeit and pay for every offence One dollar.
All which fines and forfeitures upon conviction before any Court proper to try the same shall be one moiety to and for the use of the Poor of the Town of Boston and the other moiety to him or them who shall inform or prosecute for the same.
On motion voted that all matters which shall remain unfinished be referred to the next general meeting that shall be called.
75
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1799.
Voted, That the Thanks of the Town be and hereby are given to the Honble. Thomas Dawes Esq Moderator for his good ser- vices in the dispatch given the business of the meeting.
Then the Meeting was Dissolved.
[136] 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 Thursday the 4th. day of July A D 1799.
Warrant for calling the meeting - Read.
William Cooper chosen Moderator.
The Committee appointed last year to make choice of a Gen- tleman to deliver an Oration on the Anniversary of Independence. Reported, that they had made choice of John Lowell Jun Esq who has accepted the appointment -
On motion adjourned to Old South Church when agreeable to Information of the Chairman of the selectmen
AN ORATION
to commemorate the Independence of the United States was de- livered by John Lowell Jun Esq at the Old South Church.
On motion voted that the Selectmen be a Committee to wait on John Lowell Jun Esq and in the name of the Town to thank him for the spirited and elegant Oration this day delivered by him at the request of the Town, upon the Anniversary of the Indepen- dence of the United States of America in which according to the institution of the Town he considered the feelings manners and principles which led to that great National event, and to request of him a Copy thereof for the press.
[137] On motion, Voted, that the Gentlemen Selectmen be and hereby are appointed a Committee to apply to some one able and learned Gentlemen to deliver an Oration on the fourth of July, A D, 1800, that day being the Anniversary of the Indepen- dence 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 conspicuous Epoch
Then the Meeting was Dissolved.
76
CITY DOCUMENT No. 115.
At a meeting of the Freeholders & other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston duly qualified and legally warned in public Town meeting assembled at Faneuil Hall on Wednesday, the Twenty fifth day of September, Anno Domini 1799. 10 °Clock A M-
Warrant for calling a meeting - - Read.
General Elliot, chosen Moderator by a hand vote, being by his desire excused.
General Winslow chosen Moderator, and being by his desire also excused.
The Honble. Thomas Dawes Esq was chosen Moderator and took the chair accordingly.
The article in the warrant viz. whether any and what measures shall be taken to carry into effect the will of the late Thomas Boylston Esq. - was read
[138.] Whereupon, Voted, that Honble. James Sullivan Esq Dr. Charles Jarvis (excused) Honble. Harrison G. Otis Esq Honbie. George R. Minot Esq John Davis Esq John Lowell Jun Esq Honble. Robt T Paine Esq Honble Judge Dawes
be a Committee to take this matter into consideration and to report on the same at the adjournment.
The article in the warrant relative to a gun house at the bottom of the Common and a petition of a large number of the Inhabitants for reconsidering the Vote of the Town permitting its erection, were read - Voted that the Petitioners have leave to withdraw their petition -
The article in the warrant viz " To consider the Report of the Selectmen with respect to such streets as have been laid out by them, also the expediency of widening several streets and whether the Town will appropriate any money to defray the expence thereof " was read and accepted, also
Voted that the sum of Four thousand dollars be appropriated for the purpose of defraying the charge of widening such streets as the Selectmen may judge proper
The Selectmen appointed to regulate the Jury Boxes according to Law
77
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1799.
The article relative to speedy collecting of the Tax for 1798 read - whereupon Voted that the Selectmen be directed to call upon the Collectors and press their exerting themselves for the speedy collection of the Tax of 1798, and that the same be published.
[139.] Messrs. Daniel Ingersol Jun William Andrews
were chosen Surveyors of Boards for the present year
Adjourned to Wednesday the 23ª October next 10 °Clock AM
Wednesday Oct 23, 1799. 10 Clock AM met according to adjournment
The Committee on the will of the late Thomas Boylston, . reported as follows viz .
That they have attended to the opinion given thereon by a Council in London as the same is annexed to a copy of the will : and are nevertheless of opinion that the Town of Boston are entitled to the property and as a Corporation may sue for the same.
And that it is expedient for the Town to appoint Agents with power of substitution, giving to them authority to pursue all measures to carry the will into effect.
That the Selectmen have authority to make provision for defraying all expences attending the business
October 21. 1799
James Sullivan Chairman
The aforegoing Report having been read and considered - the question was put, viz. Whether said Report shall be accepted- Passed in the affirmative, also
Voted, that the Gentlemen Selectmen be the Agents for carrying said Report into effect -
Voted, that all matters which remain unfinished be referred to the next General Town meeting
Voted, that the thanks of this Town be given to Honble. Thomas Dawes Esq. for his good services as Moderator
Then the meeting was dissolved.
[140.] At a meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabit- ants of Boston duly qualified and legally warned in public Town
78
CITY DOCUMENT NO. 115.
meeting assembled at Faneuil Hall on Monday 30th. December AD 1799 -10 Clock AM
Warrant for calling the meeting - Read
The Honble. Thomas Dawes Esq. was chosen Moderator.
The article in the warrant viz to consider what measures shall be taken by the Town on occasion of the sorrowful and distress- ing event of the death of the late Lieut. GEORGE WASHINGTON, in testimony of the high respect and esteem entertained by his fellow Citizens for so illustrious a character, the following votes were passed unanimously viz
Voted that a Committee be appointed consisting of eighteen of which the Selectmen shall form a constituent part to devise and. recommend to the Inhabitants such marks of mourning and other expressions of public sensibility on the late afflictive event as to the said Committee shall appear just and appropriate - and that such measures as they shall recommend to the Inhabitants through the medium of the public papers shall be by them immediately adopted.
Voted that said Committee be desired to elect and request one of our fellow Citizens to pronounce an eulogium on the memory of the late GENL. WASHINGTON at such time and place as they shall think proper. -
[141.] Voted, that in addition to the Gentlemen the select- men
The Honble. Thomas Dawes Esq. Hon ble. John C. Jones Esq. Honble. Judge Minot Josiah Quincy Esq. Col. Revere Col. Bradford Gen1. Elliot Gen1. Winslow Joseph Russell Esq.
be and hereby are appointed the Committee for carrying into effect the aforegoing votes. -
The article in the warrant relative to old State house was read - whereupon
Voted that the Honble. Thomas Dawes Esq., Oliver Wendell Esq., the Senators of this district and the Representatives of the Town of Boston be authorized with full powers to make any contract with the General Court relative to the Old Town house and the land on which it stands, on terms which to them may appear most for the advantage and honor of the Town
79
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1800.
Voted, that the thanks of the Town be given to Honble. Thomas Dawes Esq for his good services as moderator of the meeting.
Then the meeting was Dissolved.
1800.
[142.] 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 Monday the tenth day of March Anno Domini 1800, 9ºClock - Forenoon. Prayer was made by Revd. Dr. Howard.
Warrant for calling a meeting was read
Sundry laws to be read at this meeting were accordingly read.
Honble. Thomas Dawes 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 being brought in and counted it appeared that
William Cooper Esq.
was chosen Town Clerk for the year ensuing ; and the oath of office was administered by Mr. Justice Sherburne
The Inhabitants were directed to withdraw and bring in their votes for nine Selectmen and upon assorting them it appeared that the following Gentlemen were chosen Viz
Charles Bulfinch Esq David Tilden Esq Russell Sturgis Esq Capt. Joseph Howard Eben™. Hancock William Porter William Sherburne Esq. John Tileston Ebenezer Oliver
[143.] The votes being brought in for Overseers of the Poor as directed, upon assorting them it appeared that
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