USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Boston > Volume of records relating to the early history of Boston : containing minutes of the Selectmen's meetings, from September 1, 1818, to April 24, 1822 > Part 18
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[101.] Eliphalet Williams, Treasurer Cr.
1821 April 21.
By 59 licenses for auctioneers 115
62
62 do .- hackney carriages Cash for grass on neck sold at auction .
28
" Do. of Israel Thorndike for lightg. lamp 5
50
" Do .- Jeremh. Fitch for a stove,
7
120 50
" Do. for grass on Neck sold I. C. Woodward . .
7
$127 50
Property placed in my hands as follows.
1820 April
30 Shares in Newb. Turnpike
20 do .- 2d. N. H. Turnpike 173. do .- in Kennebec Bridge 5-do .- in R. I. Bridge 1-do .- in Boston Theatre 1-do .- in Bath House $300 Suffolk Bank Notes $161.54 Cash 4000 U. S. 3 pr. cent Stock 200 do .- 6 pr. ct. do-
1821 April 4.
By Income received from the above property to this date - 20th Divi- ) dend on 2d. N. H. Turnpike shares received
100.
13th May 1820- Dividend on Boston Theatre-18th Oct. 1820 . Dividend on U. States Stocks-recd. Jany 1821
SS
Dividend (2 years) on share in Bath House Apl 3. .
13
Interest on Suffolk Bank notes March 7. 1821 21
16
Dividend on 4 shares in Suffk. Bank Apr. 4th. 1821
10
$364 46
132
194
CITY DOCUMENT No. 61.
Errors Excepted Boston April 4th. 1821. (signed) Eliphalet Williams Treas .- Board of Selectmen.
[102.] Donation of Mrs. Joanna Brooker & others -
1821
January 11. To Cash paid the Selectmen of Bos- ton as follows - viz.
Daniel Baxter -
26
623
Jonathan Loring -
26
623
David W. Child - 26
623
Ab. Babcock-
26
623
Saml. Billings-
26
623
Robt. Fennelly -
26
75
Jerh. Fitch -
26
75
Elipt. Williams -
26
53%
Saml. A. Wells -
26
75
$239
91
[103.] Property in my hands vizt.
1820 April
By Jed Leathes Bond & Mortgage,
272
17
William Taylors- Do
666
66
Darling & Bradford
1300
Thomas Cartwright
200
Town Treasurer's note
1230
United States 6 pr. Cent stock
300
Income as follows
1821 Jany 2.
Interest on Taylors Bond 40. -
.6 Leathe do. 16 33
Cartwright 12. -
Bradford & Darling 78.
Town Treasurer 73 80
U. S. Stock 18
Premium on Boston
money . 1 78
$239
91
Errors Excepted
Boston April 1st. 1821. (signed) Eliphalet Williams Treas' B'd of Selectmen.
195
SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1821.
[104.] Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen May 2d. 1821-Present The Chairman, Messrs. Baxter, Child, Babcock, Fennelly, Fitch & Wells .-
Warrant was signed for Town Meeting on the 7th instant .-
The application of Thomas Holden respecting his well near the North school house, was referred to the Committee of Sec- tion No. 1. with power to place a pump in the well if they think expedient .-
Mr. Samuel Phillips was appointed Hay weigher for the year ensuing & his bondsmen approved .-
Mr. Nathaniel Meriam was appointed Clerk of the Market for the year ensuing & his bondsmen approved.
Voted, That the Chairman advertise for a Captain of the Watch .- and that his salary be fixed at three hundred & sixty five dollars per annum .-
Voted, to proceed to the choice of an orator for the 4th. July next - The Hon. Daniel Webster was unanimously chosen .-
[105.] Boston ss. At a Special Meeting of the Selectmen May 4th. 1821 .-
Present a majority of the Board.
Warrant was signed for Town Meeting on the 14th. instant, for the choice of Representatives to the General Court of this Commonwealth .-
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen May 9th. 1821 .- Present the whole Board .-
The Chairman communicated a letter from Hon. Daniel Webster, in which he declines accepting the appointment of orator for 4th. July .-
The Board proceeded to the choice of an orator for the 4th. July next; - and William P. Mason Esq. was unanimously elected .- The Chairman was requested to inform Mr. Mason of the choice .-
The petition of Joseph Grafton & others, that the passage way back of Merchants Hall may be repaired, was referred to the Committee of Section No. 3 .-
The Petition of John Sullivan & others, to have a part of Cross street paved; - referred to whole Board.
196
CITY DOCUMENT NO. 61.
[106.] The Chairman was instructed to execute a lease to Winslow Lewis & Co of the Rope-Walk land, leased to Henry Chapman 24th. Decr. 1818- Also to lease to John Binney the lot formerly leased to Joseph N. Howe, at a rent of six dollars & sixty six cents per annum.
Voted, That the Chairman be authorized to purchase dirt at one shilling per load, & loam & gravel at twenty five cents,- until the further order of the Board .-
A communication on the subject of a piece of land occupied by Col. Badger on Mill Pond, near Prince street - was com- mitted to Mr. Babcock .-
The Chairman was authorized to advertise for from eight to ten thousand tons of gravel; - Also for persons to contract for paving the streets the present year .-
Boston ss. At a Special Meeting of the Selectmen, May 14th. 1821 .-
Present the whole Board .-
The Chairman informed the Board, that William P. Mason Esq. declined accepting the appointment of orator for 4th. July .- Whereupon Charles G. Loring Esq. was unanimously chosen to deliver the oration on the 4th. July next .-
[107.] Boston ss. At a meeting of the Selectmen May 16th. 1821 .-
Present the whole Board .-
The Chairman informed the Board, that Charles G. Loring Esq. had accepted his appointment, as orator for 4th. July next .-
The Chairman, Messrs. Wells & Child were appointed a com- mittee, to make an estimate of the probable expense of the Selectmen's department the ensuing year .-
A communication from the Firewards, requesting a new engine for the North part of the town, was committed to The Chairman, Messrs. Babcock & Loring .-
The Request of Reuben Carver & others, that Butolph street may be repaired, was referred to the Committee of Section No. 2 .-
The application of Samuel Parkman & others, to have the drain in Cambridge street, continued, was referred to the Com- mittee of Section No. 2 .-
197
SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1821.
The proposition of John Cotton and others to widen Griffins Lane, was referred to the Committee of Section No. 3. with full power to act on that subject as they think proper .-
[108.] William Hall junr. stated to the Board, that there was an error in making up the assessment of the expense of the common sewer in Atkinson street - Mr. Isaac P. Simpson having two drains entering into that common sewer and having been taxed with only one. Voted, that an assessment of one share be added to Mr. Simpson - and that Mr. Cushing (who is unable to pay) be excused from paying the same .-
Voted,- It is expedient to cover the gore of vacant land between the Vegetable Market & Faneuil Hall.
Voted, To choose a sub-committee to make an estimate of the probable cost of a new Vegetable Market, and to report in detail a plan suited to that purpose.
The Chairman, Messrs. Billings Babcock Fitch & Wells, were chosen on the committee .-
On the application of Col. Jonathan Whitney for permission to extend Balchs wharf ;- Mess. Babcock, Child & Loring were appointed a committee to view the premises and report .-
[109.] Boston ss. At a meeting of the Selectmen May 23d. 1821 - Present a majority of the Board .-
The committee appointed on the application of Col. Whitney, reported, that they had viewed Balchs wharf, and find that said wharf is now a number of feet to the eastward, or without the circular line, & that Col. Whitney wishes to extend the wharf further and now appears to have on the spot the materials for so doing, not anticipating any objection to the measure - Your committee therefore after having had special reference to an agreement made by the abutters on the flats from south Battery sconce, and Scarlet's wharf, so called, in which the abutters agree to be limited by a circular line drawn in the year 1673, signed by them and the Selectmen, and after examining the line drawn in the year 1708 which was approved by the Town, May 1802 .- They are of opinion, and do recommend that the said Whitney should be forbid to commence the extension of said wharf and prosecuted if he persists .-
All which is respectfully submitted.
Abram Babcock David W. Child Jonathan Loring
The foregoing report was read & accepted.
198
CITY DOCUMENT NO. 61.
[110.] The applications of several persons to supply gravel being laid before the Board, The Chairman was authorized to contract with Mr. Bates for eight or ten hundred tons at a price not exceeding fifty cents per ton .-
The following persons were approved as pavers of the streets the ensuing year vizt.
Sargent & Hart
Hart & Tuttle E. & S. Bell
Willaim Bell &
Michael Homer
The application of Loammi Baldwin on the subject of con- necting the Mill Dam with Charles street; - was committed to the whole Board .-
The committee on the Watch, reported the following orders to the Captain of the Watch, which were approved by the Board .- viz
Mr. James Morgan
Captain of the Watch of the Town of Boston Sir
On commencing your duties as Captain of the Watch, you will observe the following orders, and be vigilant in your attention that they be scrupulously observed and faithfully executed by the watchmen in the service of the town and who are [111.] under your orders .- The Selectmen in appointing you to the station repose full confidence in your fidelity, dili- gence and ability in the performance of the various and impor- tant duties connected with the station .-
You are to cause the rules which have been adopted for the regulation of the watch to be carried into complete effect .- a printed copy of these regulations are now handed you here- with.
You will consider your station the Center Watch house .-
You will consider your duties as commencing one hour before the sitting of the watches in the several sections, and as closing at the expiration of their service .-
You will attend to the sitting of the watches and see that they are on duty at hours prescribed.
You will see that the watches are regularly relieved at the proper hours.
You will walk the rounds occasionally and see that the men are attentive and faithful to their trusts.
You will regulate the tone and manner of crying the time of night by the watchmen, and be particular that it be cried in such a manner as not to disturb the inhabitants of the town by loud vociferations, you will prevent the cause of the frequent
199
SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1821.
complaints, that are now made on this account, by directing them to sing on the proper key what is necessary for them to state.
[112.] You will see, that the watchmen go out singly and that two watchmen do not walk together.
You will direct the man to challenge all passengers when on duty, by calling who's there.
You will direct the men to return to their watch boxes after having walked the rounds in their several sections, and there remain until the time arrives for them to go on duty again,- on quitting their box, they are to lock it and take the key with them .--
You will when the lamps are to be lighted, see that this duty is performed by the lamp lighters.
You will see that the constables of the Watch make regular returns of the occurences of the night in their several sections.
You will be particular in making your return from these every day regularly, by twelve o'clock to the Chairman and sooner if any thing important has occurred.
You will commence your duties to night.
Boston May 19th. 1821 .--
The Chairman informed the board that Mr. Nichols would make a railing for the side walk in Charles street at $20 - per hundred feet ;- He was authorized to complete the contract .-
[113.] The Chairman was authorized to permit Mr. Blan- chard to fill up and make a solid wharf at the town's slip on the end of Rainsford Lane, he to continue the drain to the water: for which service he is allowed to occupy the land free of rent for the term of fifteen years :- provided however, that should the Town have occasion to use the same, they may have pos- session, on paying Mr. Blanchard a reasonable proportion of the expense, for the time that remains on the lease .-
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen May 2Sth. 1821 .- Present a majority of the Board .-
On the application of Samuel Salisbury, stating that the common sewer in Summer street had gone to decay & request- ing permission to open and repair the same; an order of notice to the proprietors was passed in the usual form.
The application of Wm Minot Esq in behalf of the Boston Mill Pond Corporation, requesting that a committee may be appointed to concur with them in making the location of the streets and establishing permanent monuments on the Mill Pond land :- was committed to the whole Board.
The Committee of Section No. 1. was requested [114.] to make such repairs on Prince street as they may think necessary.
200
CITY DOCUMENT NO. 61.
The Committee of Section No. 4. was authorized to put such quantity of gravel on the Neck as they may deem expedi- ent.
[115.] Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen June 6. 1821.
Present the whole Board.
The Chairman administered the oath of office to the Assistant Town Clerk.
The Committee of Section No. 1. were requested to receive the plank, offered by Charles River Bridge Corporation, and have them laid for a side walk on Mill Pond street.
The application of John Braizer & others for the use of Faneuil Hall on the 4th. July next. was granted.
On a precept received from the Hon Thomas Dawes Judge of Probate for the county of Suffolk. Inquisition was made into the circumstances of Ruthy Boynton, and return was made that in the opinion of the Board, said Ruthy Boynton was a person non compos mentis and incapable of taking care of her self.
The Committee of Section No 2 were authorized to pave Mar- shalls Lane.
On application of the mother of Adam Emery, late a lamp lighter, deceased. Voted, that the Chairman request the Treasurer, to pay the amount due him, at the time he died, unto his mother .-
The Committee of Section No 2 was authorized to repair Willsons Lane.
The Committee of Section No 3 was authorized to repair Atkinson street .-
[116.] On application of Daniel Baxter, that part of Front street may be paved - Voted, that the whole [Board] proceed to that street & examine the same .-
On the application of the proprietors of [the] Mill Dam to have Charles Street raised, after mature deliberation & having twice visited & examined the premises - Voted: That the subject be indefinitely postponed.
Adjourned to Monday next 4 oClock P. M. Then to meet the Committee of Finance.
Attest, Charles Hammatt, Assistant Town Clerk.
201
SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1821.
Boston ss. At a meeting of the Selectmen June 13. 1821. Present the whole Board .-
The application of Wm. B. Callendar & others relative to widening Hawkins street & Copelands lane, was committed to the whole Board .-
A new application of the agent of [the] Mill Dam Corporation relative to Charles street, was considered & after much debate, moved that the subject be indefinitely postponed; negatived. It was then voted that the subject be committed to Messrs Chairman, Loring, Billings, Child & Wells .- Who are to report to the Board, before they sanction any material altera- tion .-
34 Jurors for Boston Court of Common Pleas and 6 Grand & 6 Petit jurors were drawn for June term of United States District Court, & all posted in Jury book.
The application of John H Schaffer relative to fire works, was referred to Messrs Chairman Wells & Child, who were authorized to appropriate a sum, not exceeding one hundred & fifty dollars, for that object .-
[117.] The Chairman was requested to inform Mr. Hay- ward, police officer, that the allowance for his services will be $50 pr month from the 1st day of July during the pleasure of the Board .-
The vote passed on the 31st Jany 1821, appointing Messrs Chairman, Baxter & Child a committee to confer with the Selectmen of Roxbury on the subject of repairing the gutter on the Neck, between the two towns was renewed.
The Committee of Section No 3. who had under consideration the request of Messrs. Cottons respecting Griffins lane, report. That they find the land which Messrs Cottons propose to give the town contains upwards of 500 feet, and that the expense of making the fence & side walk will not exceed $140. the com- mittee would therefore recommend that the Selectmen accept the offer made by Messrs Cottons & others, which is respect- fully submitted .- signed Saml Billings pr. order.
the foregoing report was read & accepted.
The committee on Front street, reported, that it is inex- pedient to pave Front street, until the abutters agree to pay a proportion of the expense .- Accepted.
The meeting was then dissolved -
Attest, Charles Hammatt, Assistant Town Clerk. 1
202
CITY DOCUMENT NO. 61.
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen June 20. 1821. Present the whole Board. -
The Assistant Town Clerk wss directed to enter the minutes of the Selectmen & of the Town Meetings in the [118.] books of records .-
Notice was received from James T. Austin Esgr. that the setion sesinst Washington Munroe had been decided in isyour of the Selectmen: whereunon, vored. that the Chairman direet the Clerk of the Market. to let the stand Istely occupied by said Munroe st s reasonable rate and give Munroe the first offer ci it.
On application of Wm Lawrence & others to have the lamps Hit on summer evenings. Vored thst notice of the application be inserted in the next warrant for Town Meetings .-
On appliestion of Mr Whiting for liberty no ereet aredes under the street in front of the house he is now erecting at the corner DE Common & Winter streets: Voted. that Mr Whiting have Liberty to erect arches under the side walk in Common street. the side walk over them in good repair st ma ning the pleasure of the Selectmen.
Comparsa
L . Baldwin, scent for Mill Dam Pasmles stree Vored. that the com-
e casebarg and the whole subject inddet
Samuel Brown & others. Vored. that the For the name of Low Lome. be in future
[119.] After some debate on the subject of paving Front street. Vored. Thst Messys Baberek, Cild & Fitch be s
har paving will be neressser to be Come the present rest, & whether there will be fonds sufficient to pave part of that et. if it should be deemed expedient
The committee of Seetion No S. was authorized to repair the gramy in State street, if they think it expedient.
The Committee of Section No 2. was authorized to make such repairs on Mervimse's street, as they think necessary.
The Committee of Section No 1, mas sutberired to esuse Mr Stetsta to rectore the obstructions from the bottom of Cross
203
SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1821.
street, or to make such arrangements with him respecting repairs, as they may judge proper.
The Meeting was then dissolved .-
Attest Charles Hammatt Assistant Town Clerk.
Boston ss. At a meeting of the Selectmen June 27. 1821. Present the whole Board .-
The petition of John Wells & others relative to paving part of Charter street, committed to the whole Board.
The Petition of Henry Hubbard & others relative to paving Tremont & Common streets. Committed to the whole Board -
The petition of Thos K Jones & others, relative to paving a gutter in Middlecot street; committed to the whole Board .-
[120.] The petition of John A. Savels & others for an armoury was committed to the committee on the Market to report at the next meeting .-
The communication of Samuel D. Harris relative to build- ing in Union street. Committed to the whole Board.
A communication from the Proprietors of the Old South Church, granting the use of that church on the 4th July .-
The committee appointed to ascertain what paving will be necessary the present year; reported, that the probable expense incurred & to be incurred the present year will be $14,500 which will leave unexpended of the appropriation $1500 -- Your committee therefore recommend that a part of Front street be paved this season provided the proprietors on said street will pay one third of the expense .-
Return was made of the expense of [a] common sewer thro' Chesnut and into Charles street & an order passed for payment. - See record of common sewers. ---
Mr Baxter, was requested to make such repairs to the Franklin School house, as he should think necessary .-
The subject of widening Griffins Lane, was committed to the Committee of Section No 3. with power to do what they may judge is for the interest of the town.
The subject of repairing the bridge over the Canal was committed to the Committee of Section No 1.
204
CITY DOCUMENT NO. 61.
[121.]. The Chairman reported that he had issued an order of notice to the proprietors of the common sewer in Union & Hanover street in the usual form .-
The meeting was then adjourned to Tuesday next 5 oClock PM
Attest Charles Hammatt Assistant Town Clerk.
Boston ss. At a meeting of the Selectmen July 3. 1821. Present the whole Board except Mr. Child.
The committee on paving Charter street, reported that it is inexpedient to pave that street the present year. Which report was accepted.
The committee on paving Tremont & Common streets re- ported that it is expedient to make some repairs in the vicinity of the Stone Chapel, under the directions of the committee of that section. Report accepted.
The Committee reported that it was expedient to pave a gutter in Middlecot street. Report accepted.
The subject of adding part of the land on which Harris's build- ing now stands, to Union street & Marshalls Lane was committed to Committee of Section No 2. to ascertain how much will be subscribed by individuals & report at the next meeting.
The Committee on John A. Savels & others petition reported, that they may have a room for an armoury during the pleasure of the Selectmen, they fitting it at their own expense. which report was accepted.
The Committee of Section No 2. reported that it is expedient to pave a gutter in Buttolp[h] street. Accepted.
[122.] A communication from Whitwell Bond & Co relative to [the] sale of land in the Bull Pasture - was read.
An invitation from the committee of arrangements for cele- brating the anniversary of Independence, to join them in procession to the Methodist Chapel, to hear an oration
was accepted.
The petition of R Huntington & T Dodd that Columbia street may be paved & lighted was referred to [the] Committee of Section No 4. to report at next meeting .-
The Committee of Section No 3. reported, that it would cost at least $200 to make the well good in State street. Where-
205
SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1821.
upon, voted that the committee be requested to have the well covered with stone & the pavement replaced .-
Voted, That Messrs Chairman, Wells & Billings be a com- mittee to consider the subject of paying proper respect to the U. S. Cadets, when they arrive in town from West Point.
Mr. Bell having the best proposals for whitewashing Faneuil Hall, voted, that he be directed to proceed in that business the day after tomorrow, and that the Committee of the Market & Mr. Loring superintend the whitewashing and painting.
The Committee of Section No 1. were authorized to expend a sum not exceed $50 in repairing Back street.
The Chairman reported that he had issued an order of notice to the proprietors of [the] common sewer in Cornhill &c.
[123.] On a precept received from the Hon Thomas Dawes Judge of Probate for the County of Suffolk, inquisition was made into the circumstances of James Robinson & return was made that in the opinion of the Board said James Robinson was a person non compos mentis and incapable of taking care of himself .-
Voted, That the time of meeting of the Board, shall be 5 oclock until otherwise altered.
The meeting was then dissolved.
Attest, Charles Hammatt, Assistant Town Clerk.
[124.] Boston ss. At a meeting of the Selectmen July 11th. 1821 .-
Present the whole Board, except Mr. Child.
The Committee of Section No 4. reported that it is inex- pedient to pave Columbia street the present season; - but recommend that two lamps be lighted at the expense of the Town, provided they are placed in that street by the inhabitants, at their own expense. Report accepted .-
The application of Joseph G. Joy, to place porticoes in front of his houses in Olive street was referred to the Committee of Section No 3.
An application was received from a committee of the Court of Sessions, requesting to have a committee from this Board appointed, to confer with them on the subject of Mr. Gray's proposal to purchase the land on which the Old Court House and Goal now stand, was read, & the Chairman, Messrs. Loring
206
CITY DOCUMENT NO. 61.
& Baxter were appointed a committee, to confer with the Court's committee on that subject .-
A communication from the Board of Health on the subject of a drain that crosses the Common near Lewis' rope walks, was referred to the committee of the Common.
[125.] A communication from the committee of Brattle St. church, on the subject of fencing in the land in front of their meeting house in case the same was not purchased for the purpose of widening that street within three months, was referred to the Chairman & the Committee of Section No 2 .-
The application of Jonathan Wild & others to have part of Middle street repaved; - was referred to the Committee of Section No 1 - who were empowered to new pave such part of that street as they may deem expedient .-
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