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 18
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Passed the Monthly accounts .-
On an application from a large number of persons resident at the south part of the Town .- the Chairman & Mr. Lovering were desired to view Castle street, to ascertain the expence of filling that part which crosses the dock & of making it passable from Orange street to Front street.
Propositions being received respecting the expediency of mak- ing the corner lot of the new street, to range in a straight line with the front of Cornhill the board agreed to view the ground, and then voted that they would grant five hundred dollars, if the Corporation or any individual would have the west side of Corn- hill made straight-by taking down and rebuilding the store of Mr. Hurd and adding to Cornhill as much of the corner lot as would be necessary for this parpose .-
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SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1816.
[52.] Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen July 31st. 1816 .-
Present the whole Board .-
Closed the Monthly draft.
On the application of Mr. Edward Tuckerman Jun". The Chairman, Mr. Hunnewell & M. Phillips were desired to view the alley leading from Cornhill to Brattle square; and to consider the expediency of altering the direction of that passageway to accommodate the new line of the street to be made by the new buildings which are immediately to be built at the entrance of the new street .-
Whereas it is of importance that the west side of Cornhill towards Dock square should be made on a straight line, and the same can be effected by taking a small portion of land from the estate owned by Mr. Hurd, and the directors of the new Cornhill Corporation having agreed to defray the expence. It is voted, that for the purpose of straightening the line of said street, a small gore of land shall be taken from said estate and added to the highway, as follows, beginning at a point on the north cast- erly corner of the house and shop of heirs of Ebenezer Larkin- thence running northerly on Cornhill along the [53.] present front of the house & land of Benjamin Hurd, to land lately the property of the new Cornhill Corporation, then turning and running westerly two feet five inches on land of said Hurd, thence southerly to the first mentioned point. And the Chairman is desired to inform the proprietor of said estate of this proceed- ing, and to offer him as compensation for the land so taken, to build a new front to the said estate either immediately or at the expiration of the lease of the present tenant .-
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen August 14th. 1816. Present Messrs. Bulfinch, Oliver, Austin, Williams & Phillips .-
A communication was received from a majority of the proprie- tors on a private way leading from Beacon street to Middlecot street; stating their consent that the ascent & descent of the same should be regulated according to the wishes & opinion of the Selectmen and praying that the same be adopted as a Town street, and regulated for the convenience of the public .- The same having been considered, the Chairman, Mr. Oliver and Mr. Hunnewell were appointed a committee with powers to view the [54.] proposed street, and to determine and act thereon-as to them should appear expedient.
Mr. Tukesbury from Deer Island appeared and after some con- versation respecting the state of the island, it was agreed with
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CITY DOCUMENT NO. 60.
him that he should cart from the upland about 800 tons of stones at 12 & one half cents pr ton, & place them so as to form a wall or barrier against the sea, in the low ground between the two eminences of the island-and particular orders were given him that no stone or ballast of any kind should be suffered to be taken from the island or its shores.
[55.] Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen Augt. 26. 1816 .-
Return was made by Mr. Isaiah Souther of the expence of repairing the drain in Myrtle street the account whereof being duly examined by the Selectmen was by them allowed ; they being informed at the same time that all persons concerned in said drain had been notified according to law and that no objection had been made .- Assessment was now made, an order of pay- ment was passed by the Selectmen as follows viz.
Whereas a drain or common sewer has been laid in Myrtle street conformably to the directions of the Selectmen the whole expence whereof amounts to sixty three dollars, which expence is to be borne by such persons whose drains enter therein & receive benefit thereby. Wherefore, We the Subscribers, Selectmen of the said Town of Boston certify that having considered the same expence and by whom and in what manner it ought to be paid Do Adjudge that the same be paid in the proportion following and by the persons hereafter named, viz.
Benjamin Russell, [56.] - Boynton, Jackson & Lincoln, Jacob Whiting, Perez Whiting, Shaw & Souther, at $10.50 each.
And We hereby authorize and empower Mr. Isaiah Souther to demand & receive the same and to give discharges therefor.
CHS. BULFINCH -
JONA. HUNNEWELL
Signed by the members present
JOSEPH LOVERING
JOSEPII AUSTIN
ROBERT WILLIAMS
TURNER PHILLIPS
Selectmen of Boston.
Passed the quarterly Accounts.
[57.] Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen September 3ª. 1816-Present Messrs. Bulfinch, Oliver, Hunnewell, Lovering, Austin, Williams & Bray.
Messrs. Pomroy & Gray, two of the abutters on Bowdoin street appeared to state their objections to the expence that would naturally follow in repairing their houses in consequence of digging down the street: they both expressed their opinion that the street required to be put in order-after some conversa-
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SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1816.
tion they withdrew & the Chairman stated to the board that the Committee empowered to act on this subject at a late meeting had agreed with the major part of the proprietors that the street should be accepted as a Town street & dug down & regulated for public convenience they having agreed to pay two hundred dollars, the estimated expence of necessary alterations on Mr. Pomroys house ; and that in the opinion of the Committee, the improve- ment of the street would more than compensate the expence to Mr. Gray, who from his circumstances was well able to defray it .-
The proceedings of the Committee were approved, and they were [58.] desired to proceed in regulating the street .-
The following is therefore recorded as a description thereof .-
Whereas the Selectmen of the Town of Boston have determined that the safety & convenience of the inhabitants require, that a public street be laid out in said Town to lead from Middlecot street to Beacon street, the same as hereby laid out according to law & recorded as follows .- Beginning at the southeasterly cor- ner of Derne street-and running southerly in the same direction with the west side of Middlecot street two hundred & twenty five feet. then bearing a little easterly & running southerly three hundred & twenty two feet to Beacon street ; the said street to be thirty feet wide throughout, & known as a public highway by the name of Bowdoin street .- -
Mr. Bray having reported that he had repeatedly applied to the Committee of Directors of [the] Mill pond Corporation respect- ing the bridge to be built over the Creek-but nothing had yet been done towards the same-it was agreed to enlarge the Com- mittee by adding Messrs. Austin & Phillips-& that they be desired to urge on the Corporation the necessity of immediately building the proposed bridge .-
Report was made respecting the [59.] forming of Castle street to lead from Orange street to Front street : that the probable expence would be about 1000 dollars .- Mr. Lovering was authorized to contract to have that part of said street built which goes through the dock in the manner of a timber Wharf-and to be covered with gravel & railed at both sides .-
Communication was received from Cornelius Coolidge Esq. that he had become the owner of the house & land late of Oliver Keat- ing Esq., at the entrance of Southacks Court and was ready to agree with the board upon widening the said court .- The subject was considered & it was voted. That provided all the land in front of the houses built by Stephen Codman Esq. should be added to the street free of expence, also all the land in front of the house occupied by Mrs. Carter, which lies outside the portico
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CITY DOCUMENT NO. 60.
of that house-that the board would allow twelve hundred & fifty dollars for a piece of the land of the estate now owned by C. Coolidge, to continue the line straight from the afore- mentioned portico to the street at the entrance of the court, to widen it there about six feet .-
[60.] Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen September 11th 1816-Present The Whole Board .-
34 Jurors were drawn for Court of Com. Pleas.
Thomas Welsh Esq. appeared & stated, that he had contracted to build a row of shops on the land formerly sold by the Town to William Smith Esq. and that the front line thereof extended beyond the present line of the street .- he had been cautioned by the Chairman not to proceed, and now made his claim & the direc- tions of the board respecting the line. The Chairman, Mr. Hunne- well & Mr. Phillips, were appointed a Committee to view the street, & to draw the line as they should judge necessary .- and to make an agreement with Mr. Welsh for what portion of the land should be laid into the street .-
A Petition was received from a number of gentlemen residing at the south part of the Town, that the assistance of the Select- men should be given for laying out a street, from Orange street to Front street, immediately opposite to Nassau street, over land of the heirs of Jeremiah Gore .- Messrs. Oliver, Lovering & Hunne- well-a Committee to view & report .-
The request of Samuel Parkman Esq. for a gutter in the middle of Chardons lane .- referred to Messrs. Bulfinch & Phillips .-
[61.] An application was signed to the Judge of Probate, representing that Mr. Henry Dewhurst was in danger of wasting his property & becoming a charge upon the Town; and request- ing that a guardian be appointed for him .-
On the application of the proprietors of the Green Dragon Tavern to purchase a small piece of land west of their lot. Voted that it was not expedient to dispose of any part of that land at present, but the proprietors be informed that the Board are ready to receive any propositions or to confer with them on the subject of widening the street .-
Mr. David Rixford having applied to be reappointed a Con- stable, and produced his recommendations, it was voted to restore him to that office his sureties are Wm. P. Whiting Esq. & Eph- raim Whitney .-
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SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1816.
This time having been assigned for choice of Superintendent of Police the subject was considered, and Voted,
That the salary of the Superintendent of Police be one thousand dollars to be paid in the regular drafts, and that he be further allowed in addition to this salary, the fees arising from licenses to hackney carriages.
Charles Bulfinch Esq. was [62.] unanimously chosen Superin- tendent of Police.
Voted, That, the choice of an assistant police officer be post- poned to Wednesday next .-
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen September 1811. 1816 - Present the Whole Board .-
Mr. Lovering was desired to purchase twenty eight casks of gun powder to complete the quantity required by law, & to have the same inspected by the Brigade inspector & to employ Mr. Jennings to make a sufficient number of cartridges for Brigade review .-
Voted, That there be a new engine provided for the place now occupied by Nº. 13. And that the fire wards be requested to fur- nish one & present their bill to this Board for payment -- making the best of the old engine in exchange. -
Mr. Coomey having purchased an estate in Lynn street ; adjoin- ing the town's passageway which lead to the water, applies to have the same laid open for his & the public use .- Voted, That Mr. Holbrook be notified to remove the fence which [63.] he has built across said passageway immediately-& in case of his neglect of such notice that the said fence & all other incum- brances be removed by order of the board. -
Certificate was signed approving of Mess's. Powell & Dickson & the company under their direction, for carrying on stage plays &c at the theatre in Federal street the ensuing season .-
The Committee of Proprietors of [the] Green Dragon tavern having given notice that they were about to make some expen- sive alterations on that building .- Voted, that the Chairman, Mr. Austin & Mr. Phillips be a Committee to confer with said pro- prietors on the means of widening that street-& to report to the board .-
The Chairman was desired to advertise for contracts for oil for the ensuing season- about 3000 gallons .-
An application from Henry Lane praying to be reappointed a constable, was ordered to lay for consideration .-
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CITY DOCUMENT No. 60.
On the representation of Mr. Greenough & Mr. Lawrence that they had not been able to procure by subscription the sum neces- sary to be raised for purchasing the [64.] piece of land from the corner lot of the new Street-for the purpose of making straight the line of Cornhill-it was voted to allow two hundred dollars in addition to the sum voted July 29th. last .-
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen September 25. 1816 -Present the Whole Board, except Mr. Oliver .-
4 Grand & 4 petit jurors were drawn for Circuit Court of the United States .-
Agreed with Thomas Welsh Esq. to leave the consideration of damages for a small gore of land opposite Concert hall to Tristram Barnard, John Belknap & Sam1. Snelling Esqrs.
The Board came to the choice of an Assistant police officer- the votes being taken by ballot, Mr. Darby Robins was unani- mously chosen .-
The Chairman, Mr. Austin & Mr. Bray a Committee to confer with Mr. Asa Holbrook, respecting the passage way in Lynn street, to examine deed and report .-
[65.] Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen Sepr. 30th. 1816 .-
Present the whole Board except Mr. Oliver.
Passed the monthly accounts .-
Agreed to visit Deer Island on Thursday next and to request a Committee from the Marine Society to accompany the board, for the purpose of viewing the island .--
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen October 2d. 1816 .- Present the whole board, except. Mr. Hunnewell. -
On the application of a number of the abutters it was agreed that a gutter should be paved in the middle of Gibb' lane from Fort hill to Purchase street.
Completed the monthly accounts. --
The Chairman, Mr. Lovering & Mr. Phillips a Committee to consider what mode should be adopted for lighting the lamps the present season .-
[66.] M' Tuckerman renewed his application for liberty to cover the passageway to Brattle square with an arch .- The same
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SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1816.
being considered, it was voted, that it was not expedient to have . the same covered.
The following is the record of the proceedings relative to widening Southack's Court.
Whereas in the opinion of the Selectmen, the safety & con- venience of the inhabitants of the Town of Boston require, that the street called Southack's court should be widened ; the same having been viewed and staked out by a Committee of this board, it is declared to be bounded and described as follows .-
Beginning at the house at the north easterly corner of Somerset street-and measuring from the old line of the street five feet to the front of said house-thence along the front of said house to a point five feet six inches from the old line of the street-at the west end of land formerly Bowers'-thence to a point on the west boundary of land, late of Keating now of C. Coolidge & Co. eight feet from the old line of the street; thence in a straight line to the entrance of the street-at a point six feet from the present southeasterly corner .- The said street to measure [67.] with the addition now made as follows. At the corner of Somer- set street thirty one feet wide, at the west line of Bowers twenty eight feet, at the west line of Coolidge thirty one feet eight inches-at the north corner of his brick house twenty nine feet two inches, at the east corner of said house twenty six feet eight inches, and at the entrance of the street twenty seven feet eight inches .- and all the land above described is hereby added to the street, and made part of the highway.
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen October 9th. 1816 -Present Messrs. Bulfinch, Oliver, Lovering, Austin, Williams, Bray & Phillips .-
The Committee on the subject of Lamps reported, a number of regulations to be observed by the superintendent of lamps- after considering and approving the same-it was voted that the Committee be empowered to make contracts for oil & to adopt such measures for lighting as they shall determine most for the interest of the Town .-
[68.] A precept was received from the Judge of Probate, for inquisition to be made into the circumstances of William Stimpson ; the proper inquiries having been made, certificate was signed, that he was an intemperate person, in danger of becom- ing a town charge, & recommending that a guardian be appointed for him .-
Mr. Joseph F. Bordman was approved as an Auctioneer.
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CITY DOCUMENT NO. 60.
Boston ss. At a Special Meeting of the Selectmen October 12th. 1816 .-
Present Mesgrs. Bulfinch, Oliver, Hunnewell, Lovering, Williams & Phillips.
On the application of a number of the neighbours to the pas- sageway leading from Cornhill to Brattle Square, stating their opinion that it would be more safe and commodious to the public, that the passageway should be covered with an arch .- the same was viewed by the members of the board, & it was agreed that if Mr. Tuckerman the proprietor of the buildings on both sides of said passage would be at the expence of erecting the same, the board would not object to its being done.
[69.] A petition was received from a number of inhabitants requesting that the northerly part of Bowdoin street might be widened, by adding some land to the street from the estates of T. Bowdoin & W. R. Gray .- The members of the board were requested to view that street previous to acting upon the applica- tion at the next meeting .-
An award respecting land taken from T Welsh Esq. to widen Court street opposite Concert hall was received, and the Chairman was desired to have the same opened at the Court of Com. Pleas on Monday next .-
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen October 15th. 1816 .-
Present the whole Board .-
This being the time assigned for meeting the Selectmen of the Towns of Roxbury & Dorchester on the perambulation of the bounds .- the board this morning proceeded on the business-and inspected the land marks and found them correct-Returns were signed by the agents of the respective towns, which is on the file of mixed papers .-
At the same time directions were [770.] given to Peter O. Thacher Esq .- to take effectual measures that the proprietors of the fourteen hundred feet lots on Washington street should put the carriage way in order, agreeably to their contract with the Town .-
The gentlemen having viewed the dam on the easterly side of the Neck; Mr. Lovering was desired to employ some person to make all such repairs as may be necessary before winter .-
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen October 23ª. 1816- Present Messrs. Bulfinch, Oliver, Hunnewell, Lovering, Austin, Williams & Phillips .-
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SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1816.
Warrant was signed for Town meeting for choice of a Member of Congress, on the 4th. November next .-
Mr. Austin was desired to wait on Mr. Winchel to request him to open the meeting with prayer .-
Mr. Eliot to print notifications .-
Mr. Jonathan Hayward having been well recommended is appointed to regulate the standing of carts and waggons with cyder in Water street until the 1st. Decr. next .-
[71.] Mr. Holmes was also appointed to regulate the stand- ing of wood from the country at the several regular stands after the 1st. of December .-
The subject of widening the north side of Bowdoin street was considered-& M". Wm. R. Gray appeared to state his objections & the injury that would be done him by taking any of his land- It was agreed to refer the subject to Mess's. Lovering, Austin & Phillips they agreed to meet Mr. Gray tomorrow on the premises to see whether his objections could be removed and to agree upon the line of the improvement.
.
Approved of the Indenture of George R. Miller to Wm. Ingraham, mariner, to continue in force until the first day of May 1823 .-
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen October 28th. 1816 .- Present Messrs. Bulfinch, Lovering & Phillips.
Examined a number of accounts .-
Charles Cushing Esq. presented a memorial against having the passage way covered with an arch, which leads to Brattle square- as in his opinion it would be injurious to his property .- Notice was sent to Mr. Tuckerman of this objection from Mr. Cushing.
[72.] Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen October 31st. 1816 .- Present Messrs. Bulfinch, Oliver, Lovering, Austin, Williams, Bray & Phillips .-
Passed the Monthly Accounts .-
Application having been received from the children of Mr. Benjamin Bailey-requesting that he might be discharged from the control of a guardian Mrs. Fuller the guardian having also been consulted on the subject. The Chairman was desired to iuform the Judge of Probate that in the opinion of the board it would be expedient to release said Bailey from guardianship .-
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CITY DOCUMENT NO. 60.
A Committee appeared from the proprietors of lands on the Neck, called the 1400 feet lots, to confer respecting the terms of their covenant with the Town & to request that the board would offer proposals for definite arrangements with them, by which their proportion of the street might in future be kept in good order .-
They having retired, The Chairman, Mr. Hunnewell, Mr. Lovering & MT. Phillips were appointed a Committee to consider the subject, to confer with the proprietors and to report to the Board .-
[3.] Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen November 6th. 1816-Present Messrs. Bulfinch, Oliver, Hunnewell, Lovering, Williams, Bray & Phillips.
22 Grand Jurors & 35 Traverse jurors were drawn for Supreme Judicial Court.
The Committee on Bowdoin street, reported that they had viewed the street, and conferred with Mr. Gray on the subject, and were of opinion that Mr. Gray's land was too confined to allow of any part being taken from his, necessary to widen the street; that the widening should commence at the corner of Grays land & that a gore of land the property of Temple Bow- doin Esq about five feet wide at the northerly end be added to the street. The Committee however recommended, as the season is so far advanced that any further proceedings be postponed to the next spring .-
An application was received from the Captain & constables of the watch, proposing several alterations in the arrangements of the watch .- It was voted that this subject subside until it is known what measures and regulations will be adopted by the merchants and others, who have advertised to form a patrole watch for the center of the Town .-
[74.] Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen November 13th. 1816- Present Messrs. Bulfinch, Hunnewell, Lovering, Austin & Phillips .-
On the representation of MT. Ambrose Salisbury, that the com- mon sewer in South Margin street, Mill Pond, was so obstructed as to overflow his cellar & several others with water-Mr. Phillips was desired to examine the state of said common sewer, to deter- mine whether the obstruction was caused by the works of the Mill Pond Corporation, & to direct measures for removing the cause of complaint.
A copy of printed rules & regulations for the volunteer patrole watch was submitted by the Secretary of the association, they were
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SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1816.
read and approved &-Voted that the captain & constables of the Town watch be directed to give the patrole all the assistance in their power, to prevent breaking into houses or stores, and to secure any offenders that may be detected in so doing .-
The Chairman was desired to insert in the public papers an address to the inhabitants relative to the improvements of the Common & to request the attention of the public to prevent injury to the trees &c.
[75.] Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen November 20th. 1816-Present
The whole Board .-
Mr. Oliver reported that he had examined the accounts of MIT. Phillips hay weigher for the quarter ending October 1st .- and that they were correct, balance directed to be paid to Town Treasurer-eighty eight dollars & sixty three cents .--
Mr. Samuel Horton, Jun" applied for liberty to build a livery stable on land south of the Boylston Market square-the same place being recommended for that purpose by the directors of the market corporation-it was voted that the place be licensed for a livery stable .-
Some complaints having been made by the captain of the Town watch against the conduct of some of the members of the volun- teer patrole-The Chairman & Mr. Oliver were appointed a Com- mittee to confer with the agents or directors of the patrole, and to agree with them upon such regulations as shall prevent com- plaint in future .--
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