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 12
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The subject having been considered, it was Voted, that we do not think it expedient to call a Meeting of the Town for the purposes expressed in the Petition ; and Ordered that the following reasons of our opinions be entered on the records of the Board, viz.
In the present unhappy circumstances of our country, the Selectmen of the Town of Boston, feel the fullest confidence in the wisdom, patriotism and prudence of his Excellency the Com- mander in Chief, and in the watchful care & attention of the Commissioners appointed by him, for the defence of the State .-
Especially we are sensible of the correctness of their views in the dispositions [269.] made for the defence of this Town ; which have been communicated to the Board by said Commis- sioners in several conferences with them, and in their letter to the Board of the 30th. June last ; under this conviction we feel it our duty to rely, with perfect confidence, on our Rulers ; and not, by calling a meeting of the inhabitants, to excite alarm; and in the presence of the Governor and Council, and of the Commis- sioners of known military experience, to interfere with their duties, or imply any doubt of the wisdom of their measures -
Passed the Accounts .-
126
CITY DOCUMENT NO. 60.
Some Gentlemen appeared to state that in consequence of the refusal of the Board to call a Town meeting, they had applied to a Justice of Peace for a warrant for that purpose, on which they intended to proceed ; and wished to read the application and the names of the subscribers. - They were informed that the board did not wish to hear the papers read, being satisfied with their late pro- ceedings, but that the Gentlemen had an undoubted right to pro- ceed .- They having [270.] retired, Voted, That the reasons on record for declining to call a meeting be printed tomorrow .-
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen September 7th. 1814. Present Mess Bulfinch, Oliver, Hunnewell, Weld, Lover- ing & Austin .-
Mr. Young (Printer) made complaint against the Stable lately built by Mr. Bancroft, that he used it as a Livery Stable. and a large door on Oliver street made it very injurious to his houses opposite : he stated that he did not object to his keeping his own horses there, but to the number that were taken at livery .- It was directed that Mr. Bancroft be notified of his complaint and informed that unless the doors on Oliver Street were. bricked up he would not have license, but would be subject to be prosecuted .-
A letter was received from the Commissioners of Sea Coast defence, appointed for that purpose by the Governour, requesting the opinion of the board on the expediency of sinking hulks in the Channel .- The [271.] Chairman was desired to communi- cate the proceedings of the board on that subject, with an abstract of the opinions of the Marine society which they gave at request of the board .-
Mr. Thomas Christy chosen a measurer of wood, coming into Town over the Neck .--
Voted to attend daily, during the present state of alarm at the Selectmen's room from 12 to 1 o'Clock to receive communications and concur in measures of defence .-
A letter was received from the Commissioners requesting that preparatory measures should be taken to destroy parts of the Bridges connected with the Town, in case of the actual approach of an enemy .- after consideration-Voted, That two engine com- panies be assigned to each bridge and that the fire wards be desired to appoint from their body two gentlemen to have the direction & superintendent of operations .- and that they report to the board as soon as possible .-
The Commissioners having also requested the board to receive such donations as shall be made by the inhabitants-Voted that
127
SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1814.
Messrs. Bulfinch & Weld be a Committee to pre-[272.]pare an address for publication on this subject. Mess". Bulfinch, Oliver, Hunnewell, Foster, Weld, Lovering & Austin were present at this Meeting .-
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen September 19th. 1814. Present Messrs. Bulfinch, Oliver, Hunnewell, Foster, Weld, Loyering, Austin & Williams.
The Secretary of the Firewards reported that they had selected two gentlemen to direct the operations at each bridge as was requested of them .- The arrangement is as follows.
Engine Company Nº. 2 & 3 .- Charles River Bridge under direc- tion Messrs. Benjamin Smith and John Winslow Jun".
Engine Cº. Nº. 10 & 13 Canal Bridge-Messrs. A. Cunningham & Stephen Codman.
Nº. 4 & 6. West Boston Bridge-Messrs. Francis J. Oliver & Joseph Tilden .-
Nº. 8 & 12. South Bridge-Messrs. James Phillips & Nathaniel Curtis .-
The Chairman to communicate the above to the Commissioners and to inform them [273.] that we have proceeded as far as we conceive our powers to extend ;- and that with respect to the bridges at Chelsea, Malden & Brighton, the Commissioners will take such other measures as they shall deem expedient .-
The Committee reported the following address soliciting dona- tions in money .- the same was approved and directed to be printed .-
Patriotic Donations .-
Whereas the Hon. " Commissioners, appointed by his Excel- lency for Seacoast Defence," have informed the Selectmen of the Town of Boston, that the duties of that Board rendered it altogether inadmissible with them to receive the voluntary dona- tions of money which the patriotism of individuals might offer, the Selectmen, having been invited by the said Commissioners to undertake this charge-Now Give Notice,-
That a Committee, consisting of two of the Selectmen, will attend every day, from 12 to 1 O'Clock, at Faneuil Hall, for the purpose of conferring with the Committees, chosen in the Wards to collect Donations of money, and to receive from them such sums as [274.] they shall collect, and also all other sums which may be offered by individuals, the amount of which will be paid daily
128
CITY DOCUMENT NO. 60.
to the Town Treasurer; to be deposited with him, and specially appropriated for the purpose of the defence of the town and its vicinity. .
The Selectmen of Boston would on this occasion, impress upon their fellow citizens of this town, and of the towns in the interior of the Commonwealth, the importance of timely exertions, to place the seacoast and the approaches to the Capital in such a posture of security, as would inspire confidence in men who are called from their homes to defend our shores. For this purpose, great expenses will undoubtedly be incurred, and the exertions of individuals will be necessary to assist the Government of the state upon whose protecting arm, under Divine Providence we wholly depend .- All contributions from Towns, from patriotic associations or from individuals, will be received and applied to defend the Capital and its immediate vicinity ; in the safety and prosperity of which, the interior of the Commonwealth is essentially concerned. By order of the Selectmen .-
CHARLES BULFINCH, BENJA. WELD, Committee of the Board.
[275.] Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen Sep- tember 21st. 1814. Present Mess's. Bulfinch, Oliver, Hunnewell, Foster, Weld, Lovering, Austin & Williams.
The following notification for assembling the inhabitants in ward Meetings was ordered to be printed in all the papers tomorrow.
Work on the Fortifications
Notice to the several Wards of the Town .-
Notice is hereby given to the inhabitants of the several Wards of the Town of Boston to assemble in their respective places in which they usually meet for the choice of Assistant Assessors and Members of the Board of Health, this afternoon at four o'clock, to make lists of those citizens who are willing to volun- teer their services for one day's work on the fortifications; and appoint Committees to carry this object into effect .- The lists when completed are to be handed to the Selectmen, who will call out the Wards in rotation as they are wanted. The Selectmen hope and expect a prompt and universal attention [276.] to this all important object, without any exception of those who have heretofore volunteered their services .- The inhabitants are also notified to choose at said meeting a Committee in each ward to solicit donations in money, and the Clerks of the several Wards are requested to preside at the meeting .-
By order,
CHARLES BULFINCH, Chairman.
129
SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1814.
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen September 26th. 1814. Present Messrs. Bulfinch, Oliver, Foster, Lovering, Aus- tin & Williams.
Passed the monthly Accounts.
Mr. Mitchell Lincoln was chosen a constable for one year, to serve as a depy Collector of Taxes under the direction of the Treasurer & Collector .- From this period the board assembled daily at 12. o'Clock to organize the voluntary offers of labour for erecting fortifications & to receive donations from the wards.
[279.] Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen October 13th. 1814-Present a Majority of the Board .-
A statement having been made from the superintendent of Fort Strong that further assistance was necessary to complete that work-the following address was ordered to be inserted in the papers .-
Public Defence
The Selectmen of Boston, take this public opportunity of expressing their grateful acknowledgments to all those persons, who have given their voluntary assistance in labor, on the several works now erecting for the defence of this Town & harbour .- the positions for these works have been selected, and the plans of them adopted, by the ablest engineers : By spirited exertions of the citizens, the fortifications are in a state of great forwardness, and a continuance of the same patriotic efforts would complete them in a short time .- The numerous and hardy yeomanry from the country are desired to continue their services at South Boston, and on the Dorchester shore; and the inhabitants of Boston are [278.] again invited to take one more tour of duty to put the finishing hand to Fort Strong.
It was expected that this Fortress would have been completed in the past week, but the great extent of the fort and batteries, rendered it impossible .- The Selectmen, therefore, at the special desire of the Commissioners for Defence, and Superintendent of that work, propose that the inhabitants should devote one day more, in wards, to complete it before the season is further advanced. They have adopted the following arrangement, and request the Committees in the several wards to aid them in carrying it into effect.
(Wards Nº. 1. 2. 3 & 4 having done duty-)
Nº 5 & 6 on Saturday the 15th .-
Nº. 7 & 8 on Sunday the 16th. with such others at large as may incline to join them .-
Nº. 9 & 10 on Monday the 17th.
Nº. 11 & 12 on Tuesday the 18th .-
By order of the Selectmen.
CHARLES BULFINCH, Chairman .-
130
CITY DOCUMENT No. 60.
[279.] Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen October 17th. 1814. Present Messrs. Bulfinch, Oliver, Foster, Webb, · Lovering, Austin & Williams. -
32 Jurors were drawn for the Court of Com. Pleas.
Mr. Samuel Phillips' Account as hay weigher for one quarter to the 1st. instant was exhibited -- The Chairman stated that he had examined the account & vouchers & found it correct-The Gross amount for weighing was 365 14%-balance due to the Town 113 4/100. the same was accepted & ordered that the Treas- urer receive & give discharge for the balance .-
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen October 31st. 1814. Present Messrs. Bulfinch, Oliver, Hunnewell, Foster, Webb & Williams .-
Passed the Monthly Accounts .-
Mr. Charles Willis Jun". having been well recommended was approved as an Auctioneer.
Warrant was signed for Town meeting for choice of Member of Congress .- Dr. Lathrop to be requested to open the meeting with Prayer.
[280.] Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen Novem- ber 3d. 1814-Present Messrs. Bulfinch, Oliver, Hunnewell, Foster, Webb, Austin & Williams.
Grand Jurors & Traverse Jurors for Supreme Judicial Court were drawn, agreeably to precept from Clerk of that Court .-
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen November 10th. 1814. Present Messrs. Bulfinch, Hunnewell, Foster, Lovering & Austin .-
The Chairman communicated a letter which he had received from the Secretary of the Board of War, which was as follows- Board of War-Boston Nov. 9th. 1814. Voted that the Auditor of this board be directed to apply to the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Boston for the subscriptions that the inhabitants have patriotically made towards the erecting fortifica- tions for the harbour of Boston and its vicinity ; in order to pay the bills that are now coming in for labor and disbursements on - the several forts and works, recently erected; and that he give his receipt for the same .-
[281.] Voted, that an account be opened, for this special purpose in the books of this office of the expenditure of the
1
131
SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1814.
monies aforesaid, that the authorities of the Town may see that the subscriptions have been properly appropriated & accounted for .- And that a copy of these votes be transmitted to the Chair- man of the Board of Selectmen, to be entered on their journals. (Signed) By order of the Board of War JOSEPH H. PIERCE, Secretary
In consequence of the above the Selectmen directed the Chair- man to inform the hon. Board of War of the amount subscribed and that it was ready for their order .-
Voted. that the Town Treasurer be desired to convert all the foreign money, which has been paid him in subscriptions into Boston money, as soon as possible & to charge the discount to the fund, and that he pay the whole amount subscribed to the orders of Benjamin Weld Esq. Auditor of the Board of War .-
Voted that a particular statement of the sums subscribed in the wards be entered on the minutes of this board to preserve the memory of the honourable & patriotic exertions voluntarily made to assist the government of the State in [282.] providing means of defence .-
Account of the sums received from Subscriptions in money, for erecting fortifications in the harbour of Boston :- the same being distinct from the agreement of the inhabitants in the several wards to perform personal labour on the works .-
From Ward Nº 3 of B T. Wells 16.75 John Wells 128.79
Ditto
13.
158.54
from Ward Nº 4 of J. Howe - 10.
T. Kidder
20.
Tho. D. Bradlee - 390. 420 .-
from Ward Nº 5 of J. Coolidge Jur . 403 .-
from Ward Nº 6 of Charles Walley
100.
John Kuhn - 23.75
John Mackay 132 .- 255.75
from Ward Nº 7 of W" Sullivan Esq 2933 .-
from Ward Nº 8 of Jacob Canterbury 10-
Beza Tucker 34.51
Frances Welsh 345.25
M. Thayer 575.25
Doyle Benefit 43.56
1008.57
132
CITY DOCUMENT NO. 60.
from Ward Nº. 9 of Committee - 1520.62
from Ward Nº 10 of E. T. Andrews - 675. Do. 557
Benefit at Theatre 60
1292 .-
from Ward Nº 11 of J. Callender - 800 .-
from Ward Nº 12 of Joshua Davis 828 .-
of Mr. Gibbs of Salem 10 .-
$9629.48
[283.] The following sums having been afterwards received from the Committees should be added to the Cr. of the respective wards.
from Ward Nº 9. of J. Callender
264 .-
from Ward Nº 7 of W. Sullivan - 387 .-
from Ward Nº 10 of E. T. Andrews
872.75
The amount received in full is as follows.
from Ward Nº 3
158.54
Ward - 4
420 .-
Ward - 5
403 .-
Ward - 6
-
2933.
as above - 387. 3320 .-
Ward - 8 -
- 1008.57
Ward - 9
- before entered 1520.62
as above - 264 .- -
1784.62
Ward - 10 - before entered
1292 .-
as above -
873.75
2165.75
-
. Ward - 11
800 .--
Ward - 12
828 .-
[284.] Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen Novem- ber 27th. 1814. Present Messrs. Bulfinch, Oliver, Hunnewell, Webb, Lovering, Austin & Williams .-
6 Jurors were drawn for the District Court of the United States .-
The Quarterly accounts were passed .-
An extract of a Letter from Mr. Ward in Congress was handed to the Board by William Sullivan Esq., in which Mr. Ward
255.75
Ward - 7 before entered
133
SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1814.
requests information relative to the valuation of the County of Suffolk .- which being considered-Voted, That Benjamin Pol- lard Esq., Clerk of the house of Representatives, be requested to call upon Charles Davis Esq one of the Committee of valuation and with him to make a statement of the valuation, both of the personal & real property in the several counties, which may enable our representative in Congress to have justice done to the County of Suffolk, in the apportionment of the direct tax .-
[285.] Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen Decem- ber 7th. 1814. Present Messrs. Bulfinch, Oliver, Hunnewell, Fos- ter, Webb, Lovering, Austin & Williams.
An Indenture of two parts was signed conveying to Samuel Clarke a small strip of land, west of his estate in School street, in exchange for a small piece from the north end of his land to widen the area in front of the east wing of the Court House .-
Peter O. Thacher Esq. being present, informed the board that he has obtained judgment & execution in the suit against John Brazer Esq., that he had informed him thereof & that Mr. Brazer had tendered certain real estate in satisfaction of the same .-
M". Thacher & the deputy sheriff who held the execution were desired to take immediate measures for obtaining an appraise- ment of the real estate according to law; and to inform the Chairman what steps should be taken by the Selectmen, who was desired to summon a meeting of the Board to attend to the busi- ness, whenever the papers & other arrangements should be ready for completing the same .-
[286.] Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen Decem- ber 13th. 1814 .- Present Messrs. Bulfinch, Hunnewell, Foster, Lovering & Austin .-
6 Grand Jurors & 6 Petit Jurors were drawn for Circuit Court.
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen December 14th. 1814 .- Present the Whole Board except Mr. Weld.
32 Jurors were drawn to serve at the Court of Common Pleas .-
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen December 26th. 1814-Present MessIs. Bulfinch, Foster, Webb, Lovering, Austin & Williams .-
Passed the Monthly Accounts.
6 Jurors were drawn for Supreme Jud1. Court.
134
CITY DOCUMENT NO. 60.
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen Decr. 28. 1814. Present the whole Board .-
Closed the Accounts.
Approval of Mr. Charles Nolen as an Auctioneer.
[287.] A conference was held with the several wood measurers, and the Chairman was desired to publish for public information the orders which had been given to the measurers, and the cautions necessary to be observed by the inhabitants in pur- chasing this article .-
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen January 7th. 1815. Present Messrs. Bulfinch, Oliver, Hunnewell, Foster, Webb, Austin & Lovering.
6 Jurors were drawn for Supreme J. Court.
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen January 11th. 1815. Present Messrs. Bulfinch, Oliver, Foster, Weld, Lovering, Austin & Williams.
[288.] Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen January 18th 1815. Present Messrs Bulfinch, Oliver, Foster, Webb, Lovering & Austin .-
The Accounts of Mr. Phillips, hay weigher, were reported by the Chairman, who had examined the vouchers & found them correct :- the balance due to the Town for the quarter ending January 1st was $104.55 .-
Joseph Hollis was approved as an Auctioneer.
Mr. Foster was desired to employ some person to put grates in part of the sink in Federal street.
Peter O. Thacher Esq. having informed the board that Mr. Brazer was desirous of removing the incumbrance on his prop- erty lately set off by execution-& to give other security for the amount-Mess's. Oliver, Hunnewell & Foster were appointed a committee to receive proposals-& empowered to adopt such arrangements on the subject as they should think most for the interest of the Town.
[289.] Boston ss. At a Special Meeting of the Selectmen January 20th. 1815. Present Messrs. Bulfinch, Oliver, Foster, Lovering, Austin & Williams .-
8 Jurors were drawn for Sup, J. Court.
.
135
SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1815.
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen February 1st. 1815. Present Mess's. Bulfinch, Oliver, Hunnewell, Webb, Weld, Lover- ing & Austin.
Passed the Monthly Accounts.
The Chairman was desired to inform the Assessors that the law required of them to furnish lists of voters, both for Town officers & for Governour & Senators by the first day of March next .-
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen February 8th. 1815-Present Messrs. Bulfinch, Oliver, Webb, Lovering & Austin.
Mr. Brazer having made an arrangement [290.] with Mr. Edward Tuckerman Junr. to pay to the Treasurer the amount of the execution levied on his house & store in Dock Square .- a release of said property was signed & delivered to P. O. Thacher Esq. to be held by him until the business should be completed, & then to be delivered to Mr. Brazer.
Applications for reduction of rent were received from the Commercial Insurance Company & from Mr. Floyd & Mr. Siders, all occupying rooms in old State House-the same were Com- mitted to MessIs. Oliver & Lovering to consider & report .-
Whereas a certain drain or common sewer leading from Hawley street to Federal street, through the street on the north side of Franklin place has been laid according to law, in pursu- ance of consent obtained from the Selectmen, & at the sole expense of Mr. Francis Amory of Boston, merchant, amonnting, as by accounts presented and approved, to the sum of twelve hundred & fifty dollars. And Whereas Mr. Gottlieb Graupner and Mr. Elisha Ticknor have already entered their particular drains into said common sewer, & [291.] it is probable that a number of other persons, proprietors of houses adjacent will also wish to connect their particular drains therewith: The Selectmen of the Town of Boston having considered the expence already incurred by Mr. Amory aforesaid, and having examined by a special Committee the situation of the premises, have pro- ceeded to ascertain and determine to each of said persons who have already entered said drain, his proportionable part of the charge of laying the same; and also what sum should be paid by each & every person who shall in future connect or enter his drain into said common sewer .- Therefore We the Subscribers major part of the Selectmen of the Town of Boston do determine that each of said persons who have or may in future receive benefit therefrom shall pay his proportionable part of said expence, to be estimated as follows :-
136
CITY DOCUMENT NO. 60.
The whole expence being as Pr. Accounts . $1250- deduct the branch laid to Mr. Graupners house being the cost agreed upon by him - 90-
$1160-
The said common sewer having been laid at an unusual depth and size for the [292.] special accommodation of Mr Amorys buildings it is judged equitable to charge him one half thereof $580-and the number of buildings which will probably receive benefit therefrom being seventeen-viz .-
Those of Francis Amory 5
E. Ticknor 1
G. Graupner 1 - Everett 1 Dr. Jeffries 1
The houses on the north side
of Franklin place 8
17 Shares $35 - - $595
It is hereby determined that Messrs. Elisha Ticknor & Gottlieb Graupner shall each of them pay the sum of thirty five dollars in full consideration for the benefit and advantage derived to each of them from said common sewer; and also that each person who shall hereafter enter his private drain therein shall pay the like sum of thirty five dollars, until the said Amory or his suc- cessors or assigns shall have received the full sum of six hundred dollars with interest; after which said common sewer shall become the joint property of all those who shall then be connected there- with .-
And we hereby authorize and empower said Francis Amory or his assigns to [293.] demand & receive the amounts above awarded from each & every person who already has or may here- after lead his private drain into said common sewer as above specified .-
Witness our hands at Boston this eighth day of February A.D. 1815 .-
CHS. BULFINCH EBEN OLIVER N. WEBB Jos. LOVERING Jos. AUSTIN
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen February 15th. 1815. Present Messrs. Bulfinch, Oliver, Hunnewell, Foster, Webb, Weld, Lovering & Austin.
The joyful news of Peace having arrived, the attention of the board was occupied in making arrangements, in conjunction with a Committee from the Legislature now in session for suitable demonstrations of the public joy .- It was agreed that on the
137
SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1815.
twenty second instant, if the ratification should arrive before that time; the bells should be rung one hour in the morning, and after a religious service ordered by the Legislature .- All classes of citizens should be invited to form a grand civil procession .- [294.] and for the more convenient organizing the procession. -- that the government of the Washington Benevolent Society & also that of the Mechanic Association should be desired to take measures in conjunction .- That all the public buildings of the Town & County should be illuminated, and that the proprietors of all the places of worship be also invited to illuminate them.
After the Committee of the Legislature had retired, it was voted, that a dinner should be prepared at Exchange Coffee house at which, The Governor, Council, Senate & Representatives of Bos- ton, The Judges, Clergy, principal military & naval officers & strangers of distinction should be invited.
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