USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Boston > Volume of records relating to the early history of Boston : containing minutes of the Selectmen's meetings, from 1811 to 1817 and part of 1818 > Part 10
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Remonstrance was received from Mr. Samuel Gore relative to beef stalls in front of his stores in Union Street-The Chairman & Mr. Weld a committee to examine into the right of the Town to occupy that stand for such purposes .-
[218.] Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen Novem- ber 17. 1813. Present Messrs. Bulfinch & all the other Members of the Board.
Jurors were drawn for the District Court of the United States.
The committee appointed to confer with the Treasurer respect- ing the compensation to the deputy collector, reported that there were still outstanding taxes from about 5000 persons, many of whom might be calculated upon as having deceased or left the town-after various propositions had been discussed respecting a suitable pay to the deputy for collecting the said taxes ;- it was agreed as follows .-
That 20 cents shall be allowed to the deputy collectors for each summons which they shall actually deliver to any person, so as to effect the final settlement of his tax, either by receiving payment thereof, or by having the same abated.
That in addition to the fees and commission upon those taxes for which they shall be under the necessity to distrain ; the board will allow 5 per centum, upon all monies which they shall pay to the Town Treasurer upon amount of taxes.
That the Assessors be desired to inform all persons who shall apply for abatements on back taxes, that the fee for the summons of 20 cents which the law requires, cannot be abated ; but [219.] must be paid to the Treasurer for the benefit of the deputy collector.
And Voted, that the deputy collectors be informed that the Selectmen expect and require their utmost diligence in collecting the outstanding taxes committed to them; that all monies which can be expected to arise from them be paid into the Treasury, &
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CITY DOCUMENT No. 60.
the taxes of all who are deceased, who cannot be found, or who are entitled to abatement, be finally liquidated at the Treasurers office before the 1st. of May next. -
On application from the congregation of the new North Religious Society, for the use of the North School house on the 8th. December for the purpose of meeting there previous to the ordination of Mr. Francis Parkman-the Chairman was desired to inform the applicants that the board consented to their request.
On a report made by Mr. Hunnewell it was agreed that Mr. Spear collector of the rents of the north division of the square market be allowed thirty dollars, to be deducted from his next payment, in consideration of delinquencies in some of the tenants of the stalls-And that Mr. Spear be informed that the board will make no such allowance in future; but expect that in case of any delinquency or neglect of any tenant in paying his rent; that he will make immediate representation thereof to the Chairman, that measures may be taken for securing the rent or finding a new occupant for such stall .-
Recommendations having been received [220.] in favour of Mr. David Forsaith-of Mr. Caleb E. Grice & of Mr. Charles Head-for the appointment of Auctioneers-they were all ap- proved by the board.
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen November 24th. 1813. Present Messrs. Bulfinch, Oliver, Hunnewell, Foster, Weld, Lovering & Williams.
Approved the Indentures of John Day, a minor to Noah Hawley, silversmith, to continue in force untill December 25th. 1819.
The subject of Mr. Gore's complaint against the stalls in Union Street was considered, when it was agreed to inform Mr. Gore that the season being now far advanced, it would not be practicable to build other accommodations for the occupants of those stalls untill the spring, when measures should be taken for their removal from the place complained of.
Summons was received from Messrs. Hancock & Spear, to appear, and defend the warranty of sale of land on Beacon hill conveyed to them, and for which a suit has been commenced against them by William H. Sumner & others-The Chairman informed that he had seen Mr. Hancock on this subject who had engaged H. G. Otis Esq. as their counsel in the case .-
Voted, That the Chairman be desired to apply to Sam1. Dexter Esq. to furnish him with the necessary records and papers, & to engage [221.] him to appear on the part of the Town .-
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SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1813.
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen November 29th. 1813. Present Messrs. Bulfinch, Hunnewell, Foster, Weld, Lover- ing, Austin & Williams.
Passed the quarterly Accounts.
-
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen December 1st. 1813. -Present Messrs. Bulfinch, Oliver, Hunnewell, Webb, Weld, Lovering, Austin & Williams.
Closed the examination of Accounts .-
Messrs. Weld, Williams & Foster a committee to view the stable occupied by Mr. Gragg in Atkinson street, to report whether any measures can be taken to render it suitable for a licensed livery stable .-
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen December 6th. 1813 .- Present Messrs. Bulfinch, Webb, Lovering, Austin & Williams.
A special meeting, 6 jurors were drawn to serve at present term of Supreme J. Court.
On a representation from the Town Treasurer, it was agreed that the small stall in the north side of the market house occupied by Joseph Hawes-be at the rent of eight dollars pr. quarter -- and that the Treasurer be authorized to settle the back rent at that rate .-
[222.] Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen Decem- ber 15. 1813. Present Messrs. Bulfinch, Oliver, Hunnewell, Fos- ter, Webb, Weld, Lovering, Austin & Williams .-
32 jurors were drawn to serve at the Circuit Court of Common Pleas. -
A complaint of Mr. Marsh, that Mr. Samuel White the occupant of a house in Pleasant street, had converted the wood shed adjoining to said house into a stable and barn for hay .- was referred to the consideration of the firewards, being a breach of the law, to secure the Town against danger from fire.
The Chairman reported that a number of young men having been observed skating on the pond in the common for two Sun- days past he had directed the constables to apprehend them - 12 of them had been taken before a magistrate-the opinion of the board was given that four or five of the oldest should be prosecuted as an example and the others dismissed, upon paying the expences already incurred .-
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CITY DOCUMENT No. 60.
The Committee to view Mr. Graggs stable in Atkinson street, reported that the alterations lately made, had not rendered the stable more hazardous than before.
Mr. James Dalton & Mr. William Cochran were approved as Auctioneers.
[223.] Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen Decem- ber 27. 1813. Present Messrs. Bulfinch, Oliver, Hunnewell, Fos- ter, Weld, Lovering, Austin & Williams.
Passed the monthly accounts .-
Mr. Weld was desired to enquire what repairs or cleaning were necessary to the West Boston Clock.
2 Jurors were drawn to serve at the District Court.
Mr. Daniel Hersey, being well recommended, was approved as an Auctioneer .-
Mr. Hunnewell & Mr. Austin, to consult the Clerk of the mar- ket respecting a place for keeping the small scales and weights.
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen December 29th. 1813. Present Messr. Bulfinch, Foster, Webb, Weld Lovering & Austin .-
Completed the Accounts.
A communication was received from Messrs. Lincoln & Cope- land, late deputy Collectors under William Smith Esq. represent- ing that there was a considerable portion due to them of the fees for delivering summonses to delinquents which fees had [224.] been paid to Mr. Smith, and which he had not paid over to them .- It appeared to the board that these fees had not been entered in the Town accounts, and it was their opinion that the Deputy Collector had a claim & should demand the payment from Mr. Smith .-
A number of persons were approved as retailers of spirituous liquors .-
Mr. Gilman Collamore was approved as an Auctioneer .-
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen January 5th. 1814. Present Messrs. Bulfinch, Oliver, Hunnewell, Foster, Webb, Weld, Lovering, Austin & Williams.
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SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1814.
A number of applications having been made for licences to retail spirits in various shops on the hill south of Cambridge street-the expediency of granting any licenses in that neighbour- hood was considered-the Chairman stated the energetic measures of the police officers & the Municipal Court in prosecuting offend- ers in that situation .- It was finally agreed that licenses might be granted to a few of the most responsible persons, who were owners of real estate, & who on that account would feel an interest in preserving good order .- Mr. Bradlee in Grove Street & Mr. Sullivan in Garden street were accordingly approved.
[225.] Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen January 19th. 1814. Present the whole Board (except Mr. Weld).
A number of applications for licenses on West Boston hill was laid before the board, and several persons appeared to state their claims to indulgence-after their retiring it was determined to adhere to the resolution of the Board to grant no more licenses at present .-
Capt. John White having applied for license as an Auctioneer, & being well recommended, was approved under the conditions of not taking a shop in Market or Dock Square or State street .-
The Chairman was desired to insert an advertisement in the paper respecting the smoking cigars, conformably to the vote of the firewards, communicated some time since .-
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen January 26th. 1814. Present Messrs. Bulfinch, Oliver, Foster, Weld, Lovering & Austin.
A petition was received praying that the wood stand in Bowdoin Square might be altered, and that the country wood in future [226.] should be directed to stand on Merrimack street.
The same was considered, and determined to inform the appli- cants that the season being so far advanced the board did not think it expedient to make the proposed alteration at present ; but would make more convenient arrangements for another season .-
A petition from Mr. Nath1. Emmes respecting a note due from him to the Town, was referred to the Chairman, to make inquiries respecting the same of the Treasurer.
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen January 311. 1814. Present Messrs. Bulfinch, Oliver, Hunnewell, Foster, Webb, Weld, Lovering & Austin.
Passed the Monthly Accounts.
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CITY DOCUMENT NO. 60.
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen February 2ª. 1814. Present Messrs. Bulfinch, Oliver, Hunnewell, Foster, Weld, Lovering & Austin.
Completed the Accounts.
It was agreed that the Treasurer be informed it was the opinion of the board that the Town [227.] had no legal demand on Mr. Emmes for a note signed by him-owing to the neglect of former Treasurers in not demanding the payment of the same .-
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen February 16th. 1814. Present Messrs. Bulfinch, Oliver, Hunnewell, Foster, Weld, Lovering, Austin & Williams.
Jurors were drawn to serve at the Supreme Judicial Court.
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen February 23ª. 1814. Present Messrs. Bulfinch, Hunnewell, Foster, Weld, Lovering & Austin .-
Several petitions were received on subjects to be inserted in warrant for March meeting-The same were read, and the Town Clerk was desired to prepare the warrant for signature next Monday.
[228.] Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen February 28th. 1814. Present The whole board.
Passed upon the accounts of the quarter.
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen March 2ª. 1814. Present the whole board (except Mr. Williams) .
4 Jurors were drawn for the District Court.
Warrant was signed for Town meeting for choice of Town officers.
Mr. Parkman to be requested to open the meeting with prayer.
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen March 9th. 1814 .- Present The whole Board.
32 Jurors were drawn to serve at the Court of Common Pleas .-
Whereas the President and Directors of the Union Bank, The New England Marine Insurance Company, John Brazer & others owners of estates adjoining unto and upon Exchange lane or Shrimptons lane so called did on the 29th January 1810 enter into
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SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1814.
an agree-[229.]ment with the Selectmen relative to the widen- ing of the said street twelve feet on the west side thereof accord- ing to a plan of the said alteration made by Charles Bulfinch Esq. and bearing date the 24th February 1810 which plan is upon file ;- and whereas twelve feet have been added to said street according to agreement aforesaid, and whereas in the opinion of the board the public convenience and safety of the inhabitants of the Town required the said alteration-It is ordered that the addition of twelve feet to the said street or lane on the west line thereof be recorded as a part of said street, & is hereby recorded as such .-
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen March 16. 1814. Present Messrs. Bulfinch, Oliver, Hunnewell, Foster, Webb, Weld, Lovering & Austin .-
This being the first meeting of the Selectmen since the annual March meeting of the Town, they now proceed to the choice of a Chairman-the votes being taken-Charles Bulfinch Esq. was declared to be unanimously chosen .-
A number of persons appeared, residents about Wheelers Point, to complain of rude and indecent conduct of boys in that neighbourhood on Sundays. It was agreed that two Constables should be employed to disperse them or to apprehend the most disorderly for prosecution .-
[230.] The Board now determining to make choice of the various officers required by law, it was voted that the compensa- tion to the Superintendent of Police & to his deputy should be the same as the past year .-
Ballots being taken-Charles Bulfinch Esq was chosen Super- intendent of Police-and Mr. Jeremiah Bridge assistant police officer.
Mr. Richard Austin was chosen sealer of weights and measures for the south district, and Mr. Timothy Green for the north dis- trict in this town for the present year .-
Messrs. Caleb Loring Jun". and Lemuel Capen were chosen sealers & weighers of lighters and boats, bringing stone, gravel & sand to this town .-
Mr. Samuel Phillips was chosen hay weigher & John. Parker & Joseph Lovering Esqrs were approved as his bondsmen .-
Mr. Nathaniel Merriam was chosen Clerk of the market for the year ensuing .-
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CITY DOCUMENT NO. 60.
The accounts of the clerk of the market were exhibited and found correct-to Feby 1-with a receipt from the Treasurer of the balance paid by the Clerk of the market into his hands .-
[231.] Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen March 23d. 1814 .- Present The whole Board .--
Warrant was signed for meeting of the Town on the first Monday of April, for choice of Governour, Lieut. Gov. & Senators .-
Mr. Eliot to print notifications, Rev. Mr. Lowell to be requested to open the meeting with prayer .-
The Town having empowered the Selectmen, at the late Town meeting to convey to the proprietors of new South Church all their right and interest in the passage way back of their meeting house, and leading from Summer street to Pond street-to enable them to rebuild their house on an enlarged plan-a deed of the same was now executed by the Board .-
The board having thought it expedient to straighten the easterly side of Congress street, by taking off a small portion of land from the cellar of a building now preparing to be erected : Messrs. William S & Henry Spear, agents for Mrs. Cordis, the proprietor of the land were present, and it was agreed to draw the line so as to add to the street a piece of said land sixty five feet 6 inches long-eight inches wide at the south end & twelve inches wide at the northerly end thereof-containing by estimation fifty one & one half feet .- it was agreed between the board [232.] and said agents, to leave the consideration of the amount of damages to Arnold Wells, Uriah Cotting & Andrew Sigourney Esqrs-and the Chairman was desired to ask their services and prepare the necessary papers .-
Mr. Hunnewell & Mr. Foster to consider what measures were proper to be taken for repair of dials of the Town Clock on the Old South Church.
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen March 28th. 1814- Present Messrs. Bulfinch, Hunnewell, Foster, Webb, Weld, Lov- ering Austin & Williams.
Passed the Monthly Accounts.
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen March 30th. 1814. Present Messrs. Bulfinch, Oliver, Hunnewell, Foster, Webb, Weld, Lovering, Austin & Williams.
The Auditors of Accounts appointed at the late Town meeting appeared to confer with the board, relative to the duties com-
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SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1814.
mitted to them-a general conversation took place upon the sub- ject of the money matters of the Town, the votes of the Town were read, & the printed reports of committees of past years were handed to them for their information .-
[233.] A number of Accounts were passed.
Mr. John Tyler having been well recommended, was appointed an Auctioneer.
Mary Ann Gardner, a black woman & widow, having repre- sented that her son William Gardner has been confined in prison since the 17th. February last, for breach of a bye law, in sweep- ing chimneys without license, & that they are unable to pay the fine & costs .- Voted to remit the said fine and costs, and to desire that the said William may be discharged .-
The following is the award of the gentlemen appointed to estimate damages for land taken in Congress street .-
The Subscribers appointed by the annexed Agreement of the Town of Boston by the Selectmen & William S & Henry Spear as agents for the Widow Elizabeth Cordis to determine what sum the Town of Boston shall pay to Mrs Cordis for the land taken from her estate in Congress street, do award that the said Town pay therefor at the rate of one dollar & fifty cents per foot amounting to the sum of seventy seven dollars & twenty five cents-Signed A Welles Uriah Cotting Andrew Sigourney
An order was passed to the Treasurer to pay the above amount to Messrs Spear .-
[234.] Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen April 13. 1814. Present Messrs. Bulfinch, Foster, Webb, Weld, Lovering, Austin & Williams .-
The Town Clerk having produced a bond duly executed by Mr. Samuel Phillips, hay weigher, for the present year .- it was ordered-that the bond for last year should be cancelled .-
An application was received from a number of the occupants of beef stalls, & persons living near the market, relative to the appropriation of the new stalls now building on the north side of the vegetable market-the same was referred to Messrs. Hunne- well, Weld & Austin, to consider the same & confer with the Clerk of the market and report their opinion .-
Complaint was received against two members of the North Watch-the Chairman was desired to enquire into the subject, &
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CITY DOCUMENT No. 60.
if the charges should be found to be proved to dismiss those per- sons from the watch immediately.
Mr. Weld & Mr. Foster were desired to call upon Stephen Higginson Esq. [235.] to confer with him upon the affairs of Thomas Boylston with the Town, in consequence of letters which he has received from the assignees in England .-
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen April 19th. 1814. Present Messrs. Bulfinch, Foster, Webb, Weld, Lovering, Austin & Williams .-
This meeting was called in consequence of an alarm excited by the report of a number of ships of war having been seen off the coast-and at the suggestion of the field officers of the Boston Militia .-
George Sullivan Esq., Captain of the New England Guards appeared & presented memorials signed by all the officers of the militia, in which a statement was made of the defenceless state of our harbour & coast-and a request was made that the Select- men would apply to the Adjutant General for such allowance from the appropriation made by the Legislature of this Common- wealth for the defence of the sea coast, as would put the Town and harbour into a suitable posture of defence .-
[236.] The draft of a letter to the Adjutant General was agreed upon & voted that-The Chairman Mr. Foster & M". Weld be a committee to meet daily at Faneuil Hall, to receive communications from the Adjutant General, or the field officers- and to concur with them in the plans of public defence which they may adopt .-
The following was sent to the Adjutant General signed by the Chairman in behalf of the board .-
BOSTON April 19th. 1814.
Sir
The Selectmen of the Town of Boston have this morning received the communications from the officers of the militia of the Town, which I have now the honour to hand to you. The Select- men are most fully impressed with the importance and accuracy of the statements made to them, and of the duty of making suit- able arrangements against any event that may occur .- They have accordingly directed me to apply to you as Commissioner for the appropriation of the means provided by the Legislature, to request that you would take such measures in concurrence with the field officers of the militia as you [237.] shall think proper, for the preparation and equipment of such means of defence as our har- bour & the coast in its vicinity are capable of .-
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SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1814.
The Selectmen would be happy to give their assistance at this important crisis, to place the Town in a respectable situation, which may discourage any attempt from the enemy, and give a proper degree of confidence to their fellow citizens ; they have determined that a committee of the board shall attend every day at 11 o'clock at Faneuil Hall, where they will be ready to receive any communications which you may favor them with .-
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen April 20th. 1814. Present Messrs. Bulfinch, Oliver, Hunnewell, Webb, Austin & Williams .-
Proposals were received from Mr. David Greenough respect- ing the terms of purchase of part of the school house lot in West street; the same were considered & the Chairman was desired to communicate to him the conditions on the part of the board .- both papers are filed .-
[238.] -The board came to the choice of a gentleman to deliver an oration the 4th. July next agreeably to the institution of the Town-and Benjamin Whitwell Esq. was unanimously chosen .-
Some disorderly conduct having been reported to the board, occasioned by a number of Spanish sailors & the sailors from the Constitution frigate assembling at West Boston-the Chairman was desired to address Capt. Stewart, to request him to order his men on board at sunset every evening, or to take such measures as he should think proper to prevent their disturbing the good order of the Town .- The Spanish Consul having stated to the board that he had cautioned the masters of the Spanish vessels in port respecting the conduct of their men.
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen April 25. 1814. Present the whole Board except Mr. Oliver.
Passed upon Accounts.
Mr. Joseph H. Pierce appd. as Auctioneer.
-
[239.] Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen April 27th. 1814. Present Messr. Bulfinch, Oliver, Hunnewell, Foster, Webb, Austin & Williams. -
Whereas a certain drain or common sewer leading from New- bury street to Orange street, and receiving the drains from Sheaffs lane & Common street was in the year 1812. opened & relaid according to law, and at great expence : and John Bellows, John T. Apthorp, Benjamin Rich, Winslow Lewis, Charles Barrett, Benja. Wiggen. have since that time entered their particular drains
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CITY DOCUMENT No. 60.
into the same from their estates in Common street, whereby they receive benefit from said Common sewer, and the said persons having been duly notified, that the Selectmen would at this time proceed to ascertain & determine to cach of said persons his pro- portionable part of the charge of repairing & relaying the same. We the subscribers, a major part of the Selectmen of the Town of Boston, after due enquiry, do determine that each of said persons who have received benefit from said common sewer should pay his proportionable part of the said charge as follows-viz .-
[240.] John Bellows, John T. Apthorp, Benj. Rich, Wins- low Lewis, Charles Barrett, Benja. Wiggin, at 5.53 each.
And they are hereby desired to pay the same to Mr. Charles Roe-in behalf of the proprietors of said common sewer, and his receipt shall be a full discharge for the same .-
Finished the monthly draft of accounts.
4 Grand Jurors & 4 petit jurors were drawn for the U. S. Circuit Court.
On the representation of the proprietors on Central street it was determined that the horse carts stationed in that street should be directed to stand on the south side thereof during the summer season, under the directions of the police officers.
On an application from the inhabitants of South Boston, it was agreed that the engine formerly Nº. 2, and now kept at the glass house, should be placed at the glass house in South Boston ; M". Hunnewell was desired to consult with some of the applicants [241.] and to form a list of an engine company, to be laid before the board for their confirmation.
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen May 4th. 1814. Present Messrs. Bulfinch, Oliver, Foster, Webb, Weld, Lovering, Austin & Williams .-
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