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 2
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The above report being read, was accepted, & the Chairman authorized to agree with Mr. Tukesbury .-
[21.] The Chairman Messrs. Dorr & Farnam were requested to view the estate belonging to the heirs of the late Mr. Job Prince, and direct where the fence shall be placed on the land belonging to that estate, in Chambers street, and the street leading to the General Hospital .-
Henry King was licensed to sweep chimneys in this Town, during the pleasure of the Board .-
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen October 21st, 1818. - Present Messrs. Phillips, Austin, Bass, Silsby & Farnam .-
A Warrant was signed for a Town meeting, for the 2d. day of November next, being the first Monday in that month, for the choice of a Representative in Congress for this district .-
Mr. Dorr to request the Rev. Mr. Palfrey to open the meeting with prayer.
Mr. Buckingham to print the Notifications.
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CITY DOCUMENT No. 61.
The committee appointed on the 25th August last to join a committee of the Board of Health for the purpose of conferring with the committee appointed by the proprietors of land at South Boston, on the subject of locating a lot of land for a burial ground, in conformity to the [22.] Act of the Legislature annexing that peninsula to the Town of Boston. - Report - that they with the committee from the Board of Health, have had a conference with the committee of said proprietors and say (with regret) there is not the least prospect of an amicable agreement between the parties, they therefore recommend that the Town attorney be instructed to call another meeting of the commissioners as soon as possible .-
The committee would inform the Board that the committee of the proprietors give notice that they had located the two other lots, viz. for a market place & schools and requested the Board would view and approve of the same - The committee therefore recommend that the Board now assign a time when the whole Board will proceed to South Boston and view the two lots last mentioned; The committee are of opinion this subject requires immediate attention, as in case they should not approve those lots, the commissioners may then proceed to set off the three lots agreeably to the provisions of the act of annexation.
The above report was accepted and the Chairman instructed to request Mr. Thacher to call the commissioners together as soon as may be. - As the Board from various causes was this day thin, it was voted to postpone fixing a time for viewing the lots located for the market place and schools, to the next meet- ing of the Board .-
[23.] Mr. Lovering was requested to employ some person to erect a pound for hogs ;- adjoining the enclosure for bulls.
Mr. Stephen Gibson having applied to be appointed one of the auctioneers of the Town, the same was granted; - his place of business to be in Purchase street in the rear of the White Stores, Fosters Wharf .-
Thomas Jones (a black man) was appointed one of the sweepers of chimneys of the Town during the pleasure of the Board .-
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen October 28th, 1818 - Present Messrs. Phillips, Oliver, Lovering, Austin, Bass, Dorr & Silsby .-
The application of a number of persons holding stalls for selling beef on the north side of the vegetable market requesting the Board would lease them the stalls on the south side of said market, for the reason set forth in their petition, was laid
13
SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1818.
before the Board; - when it appearing the stalls applied for by them were leased in April last for one year, the Board were of opinion this alone was sufficient to prevent the request's being granted .-
The request of William Burroughs to project a ten foot building from that part of the almshouse land which he rents of the Overseers of the Poor, over the dock at the bottom of Cart Lane, [24.] the projection not to exceed ten feet, was referred to the Committee of Section No 2 .-
A note from Gen. Sullivan to the Chairman complaining that the flue of the chimney of the engine house in School street, which opened into a chimney in his building was the cause of his chimney's smoking - and offering to give room for a sepa- rate flue if the town would be at the expense. - was read. - The Chairman informed that he had called on one of the Fire Wards (Maj Thayer) attached to that engine, examined the chimney - he found that there had not been any fire made in it, & that the flue had been stopped by order of the former Chairman of this Board, & that it was the opinion of the Fire- ward and one of the engine men (Mr. New) that the Chimney was not necessary, and would consequently be a useless expense. - report accepted .-
A letter from Jedediah Herrick sheriff of the county of Penobscot stating the state taxes now due on Township No. 5 belonging to the Town of Boston was communicated by the chairman with his reply thereto - which are on file .-
A note from Willard Phillips Esq. requesting (in behalf of Miss Perkins) that the Board would relinquish the mortgage on house and land in Washington street, the amount of which was $541.18 - and take Messrs. George Jackson & Co.'s note for that sum payable next August.
The Chairman was instructed to inform Mr. Phillips, the Board considered Messrs. Jackson's [25.] names unquestionably good for that amount; but that they could not with propriety relinquish real for personal security .-
The Board again took under consideration the expediency of visiting South Boston to view the lots said to be located for a market place and for a school, but upon due consideration it was thought not expedient to proceed in this business until the commissioners had located the burying ground, which the Chairman informed could not be accomplished before the last of next month, as it would not be convenient for the com- missioners to meet before the 23d. of November next .-
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CITY DOCUMENT No. 61.
Mr. Lovering reported, that agreeably to the request of the Board he had employed a person to build a pound for hogs &c which was completed. The same gentleman was desired to procure firewood for the school house at South Boston .- .
Mr. Dorr was empowered to have another lamp put up in India street, if in his opinion it was necessary .-
Return was made by Mr. Hunewell that he had examined the accounts of the hay weigher for the quarter ending October 1st. the whole amount of the proceeds was $345.38. and the balance due the Town was $105.5. which he had ordered paid to the Treasurer .-
The Clerk of the Market stated that when [26.] his salary was granted his collections amounted to about two hundred & sixty dollars a year, that for the year ending the 24th. instant they had amounted to six thousand six hundred & thirty two dollars fifty four cents. - and praying the Board would make him such allowance for his additional services in keeping an account with each person that held a stall & collecting the rent as they should think he merited. - The Board after maturely considering this request. - Voted, That in consideration of the additional duty that devolves on the Clerk of the Market, he being now obliged to keep an account with each person who hires a stall, and collect the rent thereof, and for his faithful discharge of this & his other duties that there be allowed him in addition to his stated salary two and a half per cent on the amount of the rents collected by him, during the pleasure of the Board .-
Return was made by the Chairman (one of the committee of the Market) that he had examined the accounts of the Clerk of the Market for the quarter ending the 24th. instant the whole amount of which was three thousand & thirteen dollars eighty eight cents, which he had ordered to be paid to the Treasurer.
The Committee of the Common were requested to ascertain whether the proprietors of the rope walks at the bottom of the Common had complied with the conditions [27.] on which the land was granted to them by the Town, and also to ascer- tain what incroachments (if any) said proprietors have made on the Town's land or flats, also what rent is due (if any) from Mr. J. P. Davis or others, for any portion of the town's flats they have been permitted to occupy.
Mr. David M. Eaton was licensed as an auctioneer for the remainder of the ensuing year, his place of business Merchants Row .-
15
SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1818.
The Committee of Section No. 2 was requested to view Wilsons Lane and report what repairs were necessary the pres- ent season .-
The Chairman made the following communication. - viz .- Boston, October 22d 1818.
To the Selectmen of the Town of Boston.
Gentlemen
It is understood that Col Trumbull would be dis- posed to exhibit in Boston, his interesting picture of the Declara- tion of Independence, before its final deposit in Washington, if a suitable place could be obtained for the purpose, Faneuil Hall has been mentioned; the accompanying letter from Professor Silliman, which gives this intimation, expresses the reasons for preferring that apartment, for the exhibition; and they are such as must make a powerful appeal to some of the most cherished sentiments of the citizens of the Town and of the respectable board whose permission is requisite to authorize this accommodation. [28.] In concurrence with the views sug- gested by Professor Silliman, and desirous that this admirable effort of native genius may be exhibited in Boston, in the most dignified and appropriate manner, and as shall be most grateful to the ingenious and estimable artist, we take the liberty of offering the subject for your consideration, and will hope for your favourable decision.
Respectfully, your Obedient Servts. (signed) John Davis, Wm. Sullivan,
Wm. Prescott, Joseph Hall, George Blake, Geo. Cabot, Timo. Williams, Jos. May, Wm. Wells, J. P. Davis, T. Dawes, J. T. Austin, Jona. Mason, A. Welles .-
Having had the pleasure of seeing Colo. Trumbull's picture referred to in this note, I feel very desirous that it should be exhibited under all possible advantages in this town and that nothing more appropriate than [that] Faneuil Hall be the place of exhibition.
signed Isaac Parker.
The letter of Professor Silliman alluded to is as follows .-
New York October 19th. 1818.
Dear Sir
A visit to this place has given me the opportunity of seeing Colo. Trumbull's magnificent picture of the Declaration of Independence, it is to be delivered in Washington in Febru- ary, in the mean time it is left at the colonels [29.] disposition & I am induced to believe that he would be willing to exhibit it in Boston provided Faneuil Hall could be obtained for this purpose. This room is peculiarly adapted to it both from its size and from its having been the cradle of American Liberty.
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CITY DOCUMENT No. 61.
I cannot doubt your intelligent & liberal minded community would be highly gratified by an opportunity of seeing this picture which otherwise probably only a few of them compara- tively would ever possess.
Should the thing strike you as I cannot doubt that it will, your interference with your Selectmen for the use of the room, and your influence with some other gentlemen of enlarged curiosity & taste, would no doubt bring the thing forward in the best manner, and as winter is approaching should the pic- ture be carried to Boston it must be soon .-
I remain Dear Sir very respectfully your very obedient & obliged sert. signed B Silliman.
P. S. should you honor me with an answer please direct to New Haven & I will see that every proper step is taken with Col Trumbull .-
The Chairman informed the Board, that taking into con- sideration the character & stations held in society by the gentlemen who signed the request; apprehending from the tenor of Professor Silliman's letter to Judge Davis that the picture would not be brought to this town unless the [30.] request was granted; that the season was so far advanced an immediate answer was requisite, deeming it also unnecessary to call a special meeting of the Board on the subject as he did not entertain the smallest doubt they would grant the request, not then having the knowledge that applications in any degree similar had heretofore been made and refused; but above all being impressed with the belief that every citizen of the town would be desirous of viewing a picture that was intended to commemorate one of the most glorious acts that ever was recorded on the page of history, he had (perhaps) prematurely addressed the following note to the Hon. Judge Davis.
Sir
The application signed by yourself and other very respectable gentlemen for the use of Faneuil Hall, for the pur- pose of exhibiting Col. Trumbull's interesting picture of the Declaration of Independence is received. The Board of Selectmen will meet on Wednesday next when it shall be laid before them, and I have not the least doubt it will afford them pleasure to grant the request, and that they will be highly gratified in viewing "this admirable effort of native genius." -
Should it be necessary to write Professor Silliman before the meeting of the Board, I will take upon myself the responsibility of granting the request after the 2d. of November [31.] next, when the citizens of the Town are to meet for the choice of a Representative to Congress for this District .-
I am very respectfully, yr. Obt. servt.
T. P. Chairman.
Hon. Judge Davis.
17
SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1818.
The Board took the foregoing statement into consideration, and although applications in some degree similar have hereto- fore been made to the Selectmen and refused, nevertheless, as the subject of the picture is of the highest importance, it being intended to commemorate the most important act that ever emblazoned the page of history, are of opinion it is expedient in this instance to deviate from their common practice & sanction the doings of the Chairman.
The Board having expressed this opinion the Chairman addressed the following note to the Hon. Judge Davis.
Sir Your application for the use of Faneuil Hall for the purpose of exhibiting Col. Trumbull's picture of the Declaration of Independence was yesterday laid before the Selectmen.
Applications in some degree similar have been heretofore repeatedly made, and as repeatedly refused, but the Board being of opinion that this was a subject of the highest import- ance have deviated from their common practice and sanctioned the note I had the honor of addressing you the 23rd. instant.
I am very respectfully y r. obt. Servt. T. P. Chairman of the Selectmen
-
Hon'ble Judge Davis.
[32.] Boston S.S. At a meeting of the Selectmen, Novem- ber 4th, 1818. Present Messrs. Phillips, Lovering, Austin, Bass, Dorr, Silsby, & Farnam.
22 grand & 35 traverse jurors were drawn for the Supreme Judicial Court.
The committee of section No. 2 to whom was referred the application of Mr. William Burroughs - reported that Mr. Burroughs request be granted provided there was no objec- tion on the part of the overseers.
The committee of section No. 2 who were requested to view Wilsons Lane reported that in their opinion it was not neces- sary to make any repairs there the present season - report accepted.
Complaint having been made that Mr. Clark had taken up part of the side walk in Southack's Court and paved it with common paving stones; the Chairman was requested to direct the Superintendent of Police to call on Mr. Clark & direct him to have it laid with flagging stones .-
Tilson Ripley & Dudley Walker were approved as Auc- tioneers .-
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CITY DOCUMENT No. 61.
Messrs. Lovering, Bass & Dorr were [33.] requested to view Devonshire street and report whether in their opinion it was necessary to take any measures to widen that street .-
The Chairman informed, he had been served with a citation from the Court of Sessions, to appear & shew cause why they should not license Joseph Hollis as an auctioneer to sell goods and chattels at public vendue according to the statute in such case made and provided, said Hollis having heretofore applied to the Selectmen for said license which they had unreasonably refused to grant. - Which the Chairman then read, whereupon it was voted, that the Chairman be instructed to hand the copy of said Hollis' Petition to P. O. Thacher Esq. and request him to appear in behalf of the Board and give their reasons for refusing to grant said Hollis a license as an auctioneer.
Mr. Farnam was authorized to lease a lot of the Mill Pond land belonging to the town, to Ebenezer Smith for such a sum as he (under existing circumstances) should think adequate. The lease to continue during the pleasure of the Board.
[34.] Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen November 11th, 1818. Present Messrs. Phillips, Oliver, Hunewell, Lovering, Austin & Dorr .-
6 Jurors were drawn for United States District Court .-
The Chairman informed that Mr. Clark had been directed to lay flagging stones on the side walk in Southack's Court where he had taken up the bricks, which he had promised to have done .-
The Committee appointed at the last meeting of the Board to view Devonshire street reported, that in their opinion it was not necessary at present to take any measures to widen that street - Report accepted .-
The Chairman informed that agreeably to the instructions of the Board at their last meeting he had delivered the citation from the Court of Sessions to P. O. Thacher Esq. and requested him to attend said court in behalf of the Board .-
The Committee appointed to enquire into the Town's right to a piece of land near Prince street now claimed by John Nickerson were requested to proceed in that business and report at the next meeting of the Board .--
[35.] The Chairman was requested to advance fifty dollars to Mr. Tukesbury on account of the building at Deer Island, and have it put into the next draft .-
19
SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1818.
The Chairman was instructed to have the remains of the cable and cordage used in taking down the walls of the Exchange building sold at auction .-
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen November 18th 1818. - Present the Board, excepting Mr. Oliver .---
Repeated complaints having been made that some of the persons holding stalls in Faneuil Hall market are in the constant practice of forestalling, and it being suggested to the Com- mittee of the Market, that under the pretence of selling on commission, the laws against forestalling are daily violated - Resolved, That any person or persons, occupying any stall or stalls belonging to the town of Boston, shall not under any pretence whatsoever, receive or sell on commission at Faneuil Hall market, or receive for the purpose of selling on com- mission at said market, any meat, (pork excepted), poultry, wild fowl, or lump butter, from any person or persons what- ever, within the limits of said town of Boston, unless done by the knowledge and with the express approbation of the Clerk of the Market. And it is further Resolved, that any person or persons who shall offend [36.] against the above shall forfeit the lease of his or their stall and the money advanced.
The Chairman to direct the Superintendent of Lamps, to have a lamp put up in Castle street by Mr. Gardiner lit at the Town's expense .-
The Chairman to notify owners of estates on that part of Nassau street that is paved to have their side walks completed according to law .--
Voted, That the whole Board will meet at their room on Monday next at 10 o'clock A. M. at which time and place the commissioners for locating a burying ground at South Boston are notified to meet and proceed on the business assigned them; - It was also voted, that the Chairman have a dinner provided for the Commissioners, the President of the Board of Health and himself .-
The Committee of the Common reported, - That they had met on the subject of the Rope Walks at the bottom of the Common, that they had examined the original grant of the land by the Town in 1794 and could not at present see that the proprietors had done any thing to forfeit their right. - That the committee had employed Mr. Taylor to take an accurate survey of the land covered by the rope walks and platforms; when this was completed, they should be able to ascertain what encroachments had [3'7.] been made on the Town's flats at the bottom of the Common, and also what rent, if any, was due for the same, and report to the Board .-
20
CITY DOCUMENT No. 61.
Application having been made to the Chairman for the Board to give some opinion in what course they wished the directors of the, Mill Dam Corporation to have the canal cut through the Town's land at Gravelly Point .- It was voted, that the whole Board will on some suitable day next week proceed to the point and decide on this question, & that Mr. Hunewell & Mr. Austin be desired to request Col. Baldwin & Mr. Mills to proceed with the Board and give their opinion and advice on this subject .-
The following votes of the Firewards was communicated by the Chairman, viz .-
"At a meeting of the Firewards Nov. 12, 1818 .-
Voted, - That the Selectmen be requested to employ Mr. Ephraim Thayer to examine the hose & screws of the several engines, and make report to this Board at their next meeting, how many of the same are not constructed to connect. - Voted, -That each engine be provided with ninety feet of line, and that the Selectmen be requested to procure the same."
" A true copy of record. A. Cunningham Secretary."
The Chairman informed that Mr. Thayer had been requested to make the examination, & that the line had been procured.
[38.] An application that a pump in Well street might be repaired was referred to Mr. Austin .-
A communication was received from the Treasurer of the Franklin Fund with a list of the bonds belonging to the Fund on which there are instalments due and on which he wished the instructions of the Trustees. The subject was considered by the Board & committed to the Chairman, Messrs. Hunewell and Farnam .-
The Chairman, Mr. Hunewell & Mr. Silsby were appointed a committee to receive the report and opinion of B. Whitman Esq. respecting the Town's right in the Town Dock .-
The Chairman was instructed to notify Messrs. S. Parkman & P. P. Pope to have the foot walk in front of their lots in Purchase street laid with plank on or before Saturday next; on failure thereof the Board would proceed to have them laid with brick .-
Mr. Farnam reported that he had leased a lot of the Town's Mill Pond land in Merrimack street marked A. to Mr. Greely for five years at twenty five dollars a year. The lessee to give up the lease whenever the land is wanted by the Town. - reserving twenty five feet in width & 1203 feet in length as a passageway to the stables of the Green Dragon Tavern.
21
SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1818.
The Board considered the subject of the remuneration to be made to persons [39.] building common shores, by those who should afterwards enter their particular drains therein, or receive in any more remote way benefit therefrom, and agreed upon a general system for the future, which is entered in the Common Shore book .-
Mr. John W. Quincy was approved as an auctioneer - his place of business No. 11 Commercial street .-
Messrs. McClennen & Marsh's accounts for taking down the walls of the Exchange Coffee House destroyed by fire, were laid before the Board who took them under consideration & being of opinion some of the charges were unreasonably high, It was voted, that the Chairman inform those gentlemen of the opinion of the Board, and that they propose submitting it to arbitration. - That they might hand to the Chairman a list of twelve gentlemen from which the Board would select three, or the Board would name twelve from which they might select three .-
Benjamin Russell a mulatto man was authorized to sweep chimneys in this town for the space of three months as an asisstant to Mr. King.
The Town Clerk produced the Treasurer's receipt for five promissory notes signed by Jacob Tidd Jr. for three hundred and seventy eight dollars each payable in from one, to five years, for a lot of the Town's Mill Pond land sold him.
[40.] Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen Novem- ber 1, [25?] 1818 - Present, The Board except Mr. Silsby .-
6 Jurors were drawn for the Supreme Judicial Court. - say drawn on the 26th. instant .-
Mr. William Foster appeared before the Board and stated the nature of the vacant land belonging to him in Nassau street, where he had been notified to complete the side walk, was such, that it would not if completed continue any length of time; that he contemplated building on this ground the next spring and requested the Board would indulge him so far as to permit him to plank it for the present season. Referred to Mr. Hunewell and Mr. Lovering - with the other side walks on that side of the street, to view & report .-
The Chairman made the following report of the proceedings of the Board respecting South Boston burial ground, viz .-
Agreeably to assignment the following members of the Board assembled at the Selectmens Room on Monday the 23d. instant
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CITY DOCUMENT No. 61.
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