USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Boston > Volume of records relating to the early history of Boston : containing Boston town records, 1814 to 1822 > Part 21
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239
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1821.
County, heretofore under the control of this Court, be transferred to the Selectmen of the town of Boston, except so far as herein- after provided. 3ª. That the duties heretofore performed by the Treasurer of the County of Suffolk, shall be performed by the Treasurer of the Town of Boston, and the two offices, hereafter be united in one person, and all liabilities, to which the County Treasurer is by law subjected, shall [406] devolve on the Treasurer of the Town. 4th. That a Court, consisting of three learned and respectable persons be established, which shall have exclusive original cognizance of all offences and criminal matters now cognizable by Justices of the Peace in the County of Suffolk, one of which Judges shall hold a court every day in the week, ( Sundays excepted ) that they shall account for, and pay over to the Town Treasurer quarterly, all monies received by them for fines, fees of office, licenses, &c. that it shall be their duty to keep a fair and true record of all their doings, to audit and pass upon all accounts of Sheriffs, Constables, Gaolers, Coroners, and Wit- nesses on prosecutions before themselves, which are now cogniz- able by the Court of Sessions; they shall have the same power over the gaol, (except in its erection) and of its inmates, as is now by law vested in the Court of Sessions ; they shall make, twice in every year, a report thereof to the Justices of the Supreme Judicial Court; that they shall, together with the Judge of the Municipal Court, have the same power with respect to licenses, as the Court of Sessions now have; that it shall be the duty of this court to digest and carry into execution such a system for the pre- vention of crimes and detection of criminals, as may most effec- tually secure the lives and property of the citizens from day and midnight depredations. That the Justices, composing this Court, shall be appointed [407] and commissioned by the Governor and Council as other judicial officers are; that they shall, in lieu of all other fees, receive an annual and fixed salary, such as the town may determine, not to be lessened during their continuance in office ; and have power to commit to the House of Industry, all vagabonds and others liable by law to be sent to that place, for such time and under such restrictions as the Legislature shall prescribe. -
(signed) Stephen Codman - Chairman.
Nº. 1.
Dr. County of Suffolk, in account current from 16th Decr. 1819, to 31st Decr. 1820, with County Treasurer.
Cash paid Warrants from Hon. Court of Sessions as per Schedule Nº. 1 - - 8,517.11 Do. orders of the County Agents for New Prison Nº. 2 19.335.56
D°. Justices, Sheriffs, Constables &c - Nº. 3 18:700.77
D°. Jurors of several Supreme Judicial Courts " 4 3.656.39
Do. ditto Boston Courts of Common
Pleas - Nº. 5. 3.531.94
240
CITY DOCUMENT NO. 128.
Do. Jurors of several Municipal Courts Nº. 6 1077.50 Do. Witnesses and Jurors on Inquests & Coroners Nº. 7 294.49 Do. Witnesses in Supreme Judicial Court Nº. 8 504.82
Dº. Do in Municipal Court - Nº. 9
1137.42
168.43 Do. Do. in Justices Quarter Bills - Nº. 10 D°. Notes, Dieting Bills, Firing for Offices &c Nº. 11 23590.62
Do. Balance of Interest Account Nº. 12 862.23
Allowance by the Court of Sessions to Treasurer for 12 mº. 17 days -
81.407.28
1.780.15
83.187.43
Balance due County of Suffolk
4.634.13
87.821.56
By Balance Nº. 13
87.821.56
Examined by William Donnison Edward Jones Committee
[408.]
Nº. 2.
Estimate of the Current Expenses of the County of Suffolk, A.D. 1821.
Sheriff for Dieting Criminals over and above the sum allowed by the Commonwealth for Turnkey $3000 -
Sheriff for his Attendance on all the Courts 600
Deputy Sheriffs for ditto 500
Constables for Attendance on all the Courts and Juries 1000
Constables, their fees in Criminal Bills of Costs not paid by Defendants, but chargeable to the County Justices of the Court of Sessions for Attendance &c Justices of the Peace, their Fees, chargeable to the County -
3000.
Grand & Petit Jurors to all the Courts, after de- ducting the money received for Jury Verdicts
5000
Night Watches at the Prison 960
Scavenger at the Prison 180
Inquests on Dead Bodies 200
100
Keeper of the Court House & Expenses - 350
Charcoal for Prisoners, Candles for Watch,
Fire Tubs, Room Tubs, Buckets, Lime, Sand, Brooms &c. -
300
300 Straw Beds, & Blankets, and Clothing for Prisoners, Stationery, Records Books, Binding Dockets, Printing - 300
1800.
350.
Physician to the Gaol
241
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1821.
Fuel for Court House in Court Rooms & County
Offices & Candles for the Courts, &c. - 400
Carting Dirt, clearing Vaults &c. - 100
Witnesses in Criminal Causes before Justices chargeable to the County -
300
$18,740
[409.] Amount brought forward
18,740.00
Allowance to the County Treasurer
1700.00
Repairs of County Buildings
160 .-
Interest growing due on Loans -
2400 .-
23.000.00
The foregoing Reports and Documents being read, a lengthy debate ensued ; - after which it was
Voted, That a Committee consisting of thirteen persons, be appointed to take the whole subject of the two Reports now pre- sented to the Town into full consideration; to consider all the facts and recommendations therein contained, and to report to the town, at a future Meeting, a complete system relating to the administration of the Town and County which shall remedy the present evils ; and that they be authorized to recommend any other measures calculated to create a more efficient, responsible, and acceptable system for Town and County government. -
The following Gentlemen were appointed on the Committee - viz -
Hon1. John Phillips Hon1. William Sullivan
Charles Jackson
William Prescott
" Josiah Quincy William Tudor Esq.
George Blake Esq
Col. Henry Orne Isaac Winslow Esq.
Hon Daniel Webster
Lemuel Shaw
Stephen Codman "
Joseph Tilden
[410.] The Chairman of the Committee for erecting a House of Industry, read the following Report - viz -
The Committee, appointed by the Town, on the seventh of May last, and who were authorized to select a place for the erection of a House of Industry, with an extent of land attached to it, not less than Fifty acres, and to erect suitable buildings thereon ; and who, for those purposes, were invested with certain powers and charged with certain duties, expressed in the votes of the town, ask leave to apprise their fellow citizens of the progress already made in that concern, and of their views in relation to it, by way of a Report, in part .-
The Committee have been induced to avail themselves of this early opportunity, which the present meeting of the town offers,
242
CITY DOCUMENT No. 128.
to communicate the state of the undertaking, partly from a general sense of the duty, incumbent upon all Committees, charged with similar duties, and partly from the particular nature and relations of that, to which, without any agency of their own, they have been called by their fellow citizens .- The Committee are deeply impressed with the salutary nature of that principle, which requires an early and frequent accountability from all public agents ; particularly from those, entrusted [411] with the expenditures of public monies, and are therefore anxious now, and will be, hereafter, to keep their fellow citizens apprised, as early as possible, of every step they have taken, or shall take, relative to this concern, with the reasons on which it has been founded ; and this, not only for the purpose of satisfying the wise curiosity of the thoughtful and intelligent, but also, for that of being enabled, seasonably, to receive from the Town, or from individuals, any hints, instructions, or corrections, of which their course of proceedings may, from time to time, be susceptible. These general sentiments have been, in this case, strengthened and quickened by the peculiar character of the service, to which they have been appointed ; and from reflections, growing out of that character, resulting from a farther acquaintance with the whole subject, consequent upon their experience, and which, as they have had an influence upon some of their proceedings, they apprehend, ought early to be communicated to their fellow citizens.
In order to possess the Town of all the reasons, which, thus far have been the basis of their proceedings, your committee ask leave to review the origin and progress of this design, until its execution was committed to their agency, in as much from them, your Committee have drawn their rules of conduct. [412] A course of this kind also will have a tendency to recall the recol- lection of facts and to revive impressions, which are, not only important, in themselves, but which are essential to be remem- bered and realized, in order to the perpetuating that general satisfaction, and unanimity, with which this design originated ; and which is so essential to the success of every public insti- tution, connected with the sympathy and interests of a great community.
The design of a House of Industry originated in the petition of many most respectable and humane citizens, for the establish- ment of a workhouse - in other words, a place for the confine- ment and employment of the idle and vicious poor. The com- mittee, to whom those petitions were referred, made a report to the Town, containing facts, statements and reasonings on the subject, and concluding with certain resolutions, which were sub- sequently adopted by the Town and were the authority, on which their present committee were appointed, and under which they have acted. -
243
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1821.
The leading principle of that report was, - the duty incumbent upon society of discriminating in its charitable provisions and arrangements, between the poor, by reason of [413] infancy, age or misfortune, and the poor by reason of idleness, or vice. All the reasonings that report and the propositions, contained in it, turned upon that principle. And although that committee, in selecting a name for the new establishment, adopted that of a House of Industry, which is a term of broader import and is applied to poor of other descriptions, yet, apprehending that, in selecting this denomination, reference was had to the moral effect, which the name an institution bears, has, or is supposed to have, on its inmates, and not with any intention of making more comprehensive than the main drift of their argument, the proposed institution, your present committee have, in all their proceedings kept in view singly the provision for the idle and vicious poor ; without any scope, or reference to those of a vir- tuous character, or description.
With this explanation of their views and of the regulating principle of their conduct, your committee apprehend that there are four points, on which it will be satisfactory to their fellow citizens to receive, and on which, in the present stage of their proceedings, it may be in their power to give information.
1. The location of the institution, and the reasons, which governed the committee in selecting it. -
[414.] 2. The size, quality and particular position of the building, with reference to the tract of land, on which it is situated, and the reasons on which each were adopted.
3. The monies already expended, in purchase of the land, and in advancing, thus far, the building.
4. The adequacy of the present appropriation to the object ;- the present advancement and the probable cost of the establish- ment; and the economies and advantages to be anticipated from it. -
On each of these points your committee ask leave to make such statements as facts authorize ; or as their experience and reflec- tions have suggested.
1. In relation to the selection of a place for locating the establishment, your Committee were authorized to take any unappropriated land of the Town, or to purchase any other spot. within the town, which they should deem a better location : - In both cases, they were limited to take or buy, not less than Fifty acres.
244
CITY DOCUMENT NO. 128.
As there were no unappropriated lands of the Town, of that extent, except those on the Neck, your committee proceeded to make a [415] personal examination of these lands. They found that these lands were, with the exception of about three acres, wholly salt-water flats, to bring which into any advantageous cultivation, would require great previous expendi- tures, in ditches and embankments. Other objections to the situation unnecessary to detail, occurred, which would have been, of themselves, conclusive against the location. The excel- lence and unexampled adaptation of the situation which they were fortunate enough to obtain, put, however, all other consider- ations out of the question; combining as it did, not only every anticipated convenience, but the most unquestionable economy. It was impossible for the committee to hesitate concerning their duty, in fulfilling this part of their trust; - there being, on the question of the superiority, in both respects, of the location chosen, to any the town lands on the Neck afforded, a perfect unanimity of opinion, in the committee.
The spot selected was a tract of land at South Boston, con- taining Fifty-three acres, owned by Samuel Brown, Esq. lying nearly in the form of a parallelogram, and extending from the road, leading to Dorchester point to the harbour. The centre of the tract was a small rising ground, sloping gradually for an almost equal distance, southerly to the road, and northerly to the harbour. The land was [416] excellent comprehending as much variety of soil, as could be expected, within such limits, and is for all the objects of the contemplated institution one of the most eligible spots, possible. The whole within one and a half miles, water, and two and a half, land, communication, of the centre of the town - The price at which it was purchased was Six Thousand dollars ; a rate, little more than one hundred and sixteen dollars an acre; and a price, which, considering the quality of the lands, their proximity to the centre of the town, and the extraordinary beauty of the prospect of the surrounding country, they commanded, was far less than their real value ; and which the committee are authorized to say that the Town may, at any moment, receive for them, after deducting, should such a measure be deemed expedient, any small quantity for the accommodation of the building, now erecting.
The only real objection to the location, arising from the toll paid at South Boston Bridge, was obviated by an application to the Proprietors of that Institution, who readily passed a vote exempt- ing forever all persons, horses and Vehicles, from toll passing to or from, the House of Industry, on business of the establishment.
In executing this part of their trust and in purchasing another tract of land, [417] instead of taking the lands on the Neck, your committee, in addition to the reasons, above assigned, were
245
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1821.
influenced, also, by a conviction of the superior value of these last mentioned lands, as a productive fund to the town. This anticipation of theirs, they are happy to state, events have justified ; as they are authorized by the chairman of the board of Selectmen to state that Fifty-eight Thousand feet of those lands on the Neck, which your committee were thus authorized to take, have since sold by that board, at a rate, at which, if only three acres are sold, the proceeds of those three acres will exceed by more than a thousand dollars, the whole purchase money paid by your committee for their Fifty three acres. And that the Town may be assured, that there is nothing deceptive, in this statement, your committee are also authorized to state, that the committee of the lands on the Neck, have been offered and have refused, considering it less than their value for the residue of the three acres, a sum, which will more than exceed the whole of the said purchase money.
Your Committee apprehend that they need not add any thing to these facts to establish the propriety of their proceedings, in relation to this part of their commission.
2. In relation to the size, quality and position of the building, on the tract of land [418] purchased, your committee took for their guide the considerations suggested in the report of the former committee above alluded to, viz. " the permanent interest of the town and the ultimate success of the institution " -- " the accommodation of at least two hundred persons,"- "that the place adopted should be such as to be capable of being extended should it hereafter be deemed expedient,"-" that the buildings should be so constructed as to provide for the separation and distinct accommodation of the different classes and sexes of those, for whom it was destined.
For this purpose they deemed a building, not less than Two hundred and twenty feet long, and Forty three feet wide, and Twenty nine feet high, as small as any fair construction of the views of the Town, indicated, by their vote, could justify. The building they have therefore commenced on those dimensions.
The material they selected in stone, which being laid rough and only dimension, was found cheaper than brick, and pref- erable both on account of durability and dryness. It was. originally, contemplated to erect only the centre of the building and one of the wings, leaving the remaining wing to be erected subsequently ; and also [419] that the length of the building should be only two hundred feet, and the estimates of the former committee were made, on that basis .- But upon consultations with architects, it was found wholly impracticable, to erect two thirds of that building now, and one third of it. afterwards. without endangering its strength and symmetry, in consequence of the inevitable difference in the settling of different parts,
246
CITY DOCUMENT NO. 128.
erected at different times. A building of the entire dimensions was not, in the opinion of the committee, larger than the objects, proposed in its erection, would require. And if circumstances rendered it inexpedient to finish this wing at once, its space could not fail to be greatly commodious, either as a store or working room. The present expense of carrying up and covering the external walls bore in the opinion of your committee no com- parison with the advantages arising from erecting the whole building at once. So also, on the revisal of the whole plan, your committee found that by adding Twenty feet to its length, an increase of accommodation, far exceeding the additional expense, would be obtained. They, therefore, did not hesitate to adopt both these alterations, as unquestionable and important improve- ments, in the original plan, notwithstanding they would occasion a considerable augmentation of the expense, beyond the [420] estimate of the former committee .-
In locating the building on the land, they placed it at the extreme North Easterly corner, from four principal considera- tions - 1st. there was here a site, very suitable for the building and surrounded by land, excellently adapted for a garden. 2ª. It adjoined the harbour and made the water communication easy and expeditious. 3ª. It was removed from the high road, and thus the tenants would be less exposed to the inspection of travellers and kept in greater retirement and safety. 4th. It left the town free to decide, as it might see fit, hereafter upon expe- rience, in relation to the residue of the land; so that, if it chose at any time, to abandon the cultivation of the land or to apply it to other uses, or to dispose of it, the building, in its present loca- tion, would interfere with no such arrangement.
3. In relation to the monies already expended it appears, by the report of the Treasurer of the committee, that there has been paid for Fifty three acres of land - $6000 For materials and labour 9700
Making a gross aggregate of expenditures to the present time - - - 15.700
And leaving an unexpended balance in the hands of the Committee of the former appropriation of - 4.300
$20.000
[421.] 4. In relation to the adequacy of the present appro- priation for the object, the present advancement and the probable cost of the establishment and the economies and advantages to be anticipated from it, your committee have great satisfaction in stating that experience has shown that the estimates of the former committee were correct, for a building of the dimensions,
247
BOSTON TOWN RECORDS, 1821.
by them contemplated. Had not the experience and the more minute examination of all the circumstances, connected with the subject, resulting from the duty and responsibility of erecting the building, led your present committee to enlarge that plan and erect at once all the external walls, for the reasons above detailed, the appropriation suggested by the former committee would have been sufficient, for the present year, as stated by that committee. Nor if, as authorized, by the vote of the Town, your present com- mittee had taken the land on the Neck, would any additional appropriation have been necessary, the present year. It does not appear, in making those estimates, that the purchase of so valuable and in all respects so eligible a tract of land, as that at South Boston, was contemplated. Your Committee, however, did not deem it their duty to be deterred, by the estimates or cal- culations of that committee, from effecting an operation, so highly advantageous to the Town as that at South Boston, [422] in the purchase, which has been already stated to the Town ; -- all the Town lands on the Neck, being then left unincumbered, and by the sale of three acres of which more than the whole purchase money, paid for the fifty three acres will be reimbursed to the Town. Considering that the lands thus purchased, at South Boston, may now, and at all times, be sold for more money, than that given for them, after reserving any small quantity of land for the use of the establishment, your committee do not deem that the House of Industry is at present chargeable, under all the circumstances, with more than the balance of the appropriation, after deducting the purchase money : viz. with the sum of Four- teen Thousand Dollars.
One or two other circumstances, also connected with the loca- tion, or with the arrangements of the present committee, have occasioned, unavoidably, expenses, unanticipated in the former estimates.
The exposure of the situation to depredation upon the mate- rials, collected for building, rendered the establishment of a superintendent on the premises, important, and a small house. which will be useful, at all times to the Institution, has been erected [423] for his residence on the land, at an expense of six hundred dollars.
It was also necessary to enable the establishment to derive all the advantages, resulting from the water communication, that a wharf should be erected. This, in conformity with the principal that whatever is done for a Town should be executed in a form, calculated to be beneficial to posterity, as well as to the present times, has been finished, with permanent materials and in a most substantial manner. The cost of this, not included in the esti- mate, was Fourteen hundred dollars.
248
CITY DOCUMENT NO. 128.
The erection of the additional wing and the extension of the building, beyond the plan originally contemplated, in the esti- mates, will increase the expense between five and six thousand dollars. Notwithstanding these different items of unanticipated expense, (for all of which the Town will receive a complete remuneration in the strength, durability and greater accommoda- tion of the building) your committee have the satisfaction to state that an additional appropriation, equal to that paid for the land, viz. Six thousand dollars, will be amply sufficient to meet all the expenditures the present year. They are induced to name this sum, because such a grant, they are informed, may be made with- out [424] any change in the fiscal arrangements of the Town, there now existing an unexpended balance of an appropriation, for a vegetable market, which will not be wanted the present year, of that amount.
With respect to the present advancement and probahle cost of the establishment, your committee have to state that, notwith- standing the late period of the season, at which the determination of the Town was made and the delay which necessarily occurred, in fixing upon the location, purchasing the land, and making the contracts, and also some difficulties, which have happened in the performance of those contracts, the building has advanced with great repidity ; and the work has been executed with fidelity, and, as far as your committee can judge, will be, in every respect such, as will be honorable to the Town, and suitable for the pur- pose of the establishment. It is now advancing to the third story, and will be covered in and completed in the course of the ensuing autumn and winter. -
In relation to the probable cost of the institution, your com- mittee will be in a condition to speak, as they apprehend precisely and definitely, in their report to the Town in May next. In a new undertaking of this [425] extensive character, circumstances will continually occur, tending to increase the expenditure beyond the estimate ; arising not only from the usual deficiency of calculations, on these topics, but also from new views of accommodation, or of adaptation of arrangements for permanent economy or convenience, suggested by the progress of the build- ing, of which it will be the duty of every committee, charged with its erection, to take advantage. Your committee have not, however, in this case, from any thing their experience has suggested, any reason to apprehend that the expenditure will, in any material degree, exceed the estimates, as modified by this report, except in case of new views of accommodation, or interest, occurring in the progress of the concern, such as have been already stated, and for which the town will be remunerated in the improved state of the establishment. But these, according to the present views of your committee cannot be very great in number or important in amount ; and of little, or no consequence,
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