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 7
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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 24 inst. the whole amount of which was $1973.25 - which he had ordered paid to the treasurer.
The committee of the Common were authorized to agree with Mr. Gray to erect an arch at the entrance of the mall at bottom of Park street, for sixty dollars .-
[118.] Boston ss. At a meeting of the Selectmen May 4th, 1819 - Present Messrs. Phillips, Oliver, Hunewell, Lovering, Dorr & Shaw .-
4 Grand & 4 petit jurors were drawn for the Circuit Court of the United States.
The Chairman read a note he had received from Franklin Dexter Esq. accepting the appointment of orator for the 5th. July next, the 4th. being Sunday.
Mr. Shaw to whom was referred (on the 28th ultimo) the application of Wm. D. Allison, reported that it was not expe- dient to grant the request - report accepted.
On the application of a number of citizens "that the car- riages &c &c usually standing in State street at the east end of the Old State House may not be suffered to stand there in future" - Voted, that the police officer be directed to publish in two papers, the by law on that subject giving notice that it will be enforced against all offenders in future; and that he be authorized to employ one of the constables of the town to stand in that street two days for the purpose of giving notice to offenders, and having the law obeyed .-
The police officer having reported that in carrying into execution the orders of the Board by removing [119.] the incumbrances from Fosters Lane he had been resisted by Mr. Asa Holbrook. - Voted, that the Chairman be requested to
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SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1819.
call with the police officer on Mr. Thacher and state to him the conduct of Mr. Holbrook in this respect, and obtain from Mr. Thacher directions for the future conduct of the police officer for carrying the orders of the Board respecting that street fully into effect .-
The Chairman was instructed to notify Mr. Ebenr Clap to remove the stone wall, which stands on the former bounds of his land, but now on Dorchester street So. Boston, without delay.
Notified.
Mr. Elisha Copeland was authorized to let the stands on the mall on public days at the same rate Mr. Stevenson for- merly let them, he paying the expense of twelve constables on the days of the general and Artillery elections, & for clearing & cleaning the mall and common as speedily as possible after public days; and suffering any cart or other carriage to enter on the mall or Common .-
Voted, that Messrs. Dorr & Silsby be a committee to advise and assist the Chairman respecting the sum necessary for the current expenses in the Selectmen's department for the year ensuing and for the completion and arrangement of the docu- ments ordered to be printed and distributed among the inhabi- tants.
Warrant was signed for town meeting for choice of Repre- sentatives to the next General Court.
[120.] Rev. Mr. Pierpont to be requested to open the meeting with prayer. - Mr. Buckingham to print the noti- fications.
Voted, That the Selectmen will be in session the whole of Wednesday next for the purpose of correcting the list of voters for Representatives of this town to the General Court.
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen May 12th 1819- Present Messrs. Phillips, Oliver, Lovering, Bass, Dorr, Silsby & Shaw .-
The Chairman read the following note from L. Baldwin Esq. Agent of the Boston & Roxbury Mill Corporation .- Boston May 7. 1819.
Dear Sir
Soon after the directors of the Boston & Roxbury Mill Corporation appointed me their agent and superintendent I was directed by them to erect a building for an office at the north east end of the dam by Charles street.
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CITY DOCUMENT NO. 61.
But owing to the crowded state of the business at that point, I could find no situation, where it could be placed on the dam. I therefore erected it over the flats in the angle of the [121.] dam and Charles street, with the north sill resting on the south east side of the dam, and the north east sill on the south side of Charles street. the other part of the building rests on piles. I was induced to place it there as most convenient to our present business, and as it is intended only for an office during the execution of the work, and understanding that no formal application to the gentlemen Selectmen was necessary for the purpose, I proceeded without consulting them. - But as some enquiries have been made about it to day, I take this early occasion to state the facts to the Selectmen of Boston to request their permission to allow the house to remain where it is, and to assure them that neither the directors of the Mill Corporation nor myself; ever contemplated improving it in its present place for any other purpose than an office for the necessary business of their work, or of keeping it there any longer than it shall be so used or wanted. If upon these circumstances the gentlemen Selectmen, will permit it to stand where it is for the reasons and purposes above stated they may be assured that it shall be removed when no longer wanted for an office, or whenever the interest of the town shall require such removal - with great respect, Yr. Obt. L. Baldwin Agent &c of Boston
serv & Roxbury Mill Corporation.
Turner Phillips Esq
Chairn of Board of Selectmen.
Boston.
[122.] Whereupon it was voted, that the above request be so far granted a's that the building be permitted to remain in its present place during the pleasure of the Board .-
The proposal of Mr. John M. Dearborn for watering the streets of the Town was laid before the Board. The Chairman was requested to inform Mr. Dearborn, that however desirable it might be to the Board to have it carried into execution, it is not within the limits of their authority to grant any exclu- sive right.
Mr. Derastus Clapp was licensed as an auctioneer, his auction office to be at No. 16 Essex street.
Mr. Charles D. Coolidge was licensed as an auctioneer his auction office to be at Central wharf or Kilby street.
[123.] Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen May 19th, 1819 - Present Messrs. Phillips, Oliver, Hunewell, Lovering, Austin, Silsby & Shaw.
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SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1819.
The Chairman informed he had received a letter from Daniel Stevens Esq. Intendant of the city of Charleston of which the following is a copy.
Sir
In conformity with a resolution of the City Council of Charleston, I herewith have the honor to forward you "Two Copies of the Digest of the City Ordinances of the City of Charleston" and I am to request of you an interchange of the Laws and Ordinances of the town of Boston.
I have the honor to be very respectfully your most Obedt. Servt. - (signed) Daniel Stevens.
The Chairman of the Selectmen of the Town of Boston.
Whereupon it was voted, that the Chairman be requested to have two copies of the by-laws and orders of the town elegantly bound & forwarded to the Hon. The Intendant and City Council of Charleston.
The Chairman laid before the Board a communication from L. Baldwin Esq. agent [124.] and superintendent of the Boston & Roxbury Mill Corporation, stating that a building had been erected over the flats at the bottom of Beacon street adjoining the north wall of the dam upon what was considered the continuation of Beacon street. The Board took the same into consideration and voted, that the whole Board will attend at the bottom of Beacon street tomorrow at 4 o'clock P. M. to view the building above mentioned .-
The Chairman to direct the police officer to notify Capt. Joseph Jenkins to have the pavement taken up by him (to lay a drain in Purchase street) relaid, in default of which, the Board would have it done and bill sent to him for payment.
The committee of Section No. 4 were authorized to complete as much of Dorchester street at South Boston as they may think expedient, also to make such repairs on First street in that section of the town as they may judge necessary.
Mr. Nehemiah Somes was licensed as an auctioneer, his place of business No. 11 Kilby street. - And Mr. Elisha Smith was also licensed in Boylston street.
Warrant for town meeting on the money concerns of the town, was signed - Mr. Buckingham to print notification .-
[125.] Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selecetmen May 25th, 1819 - Present - The whole Board except Mr. Silsby .-
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CITY DOCUMENT No. 61.
The Board agreeably to assignment met in Beacon street on Thursday the 20th instant accompanied by Mr. Taylor, and after measuring the width of that street in several places proceeded to view the building erected at the bottom of the street by Benjamin Joy Esq. and were of opinion it was an encroachment on the property of the town eight feet four inches .-
The Board now took up the subject again and voted that the Chairman send Mr. Joy the following notice-
Boston May 25th, 1819-
Sir
The Selectmen having received information that (by your order) a building had been placed over the flats at the bottom of Beacon street, and having viewed the same, are of opinion "it is an encroachment on the property of the town as far as it extends south of the north line of that street which is about eight feet" - I am instructed by them to inform you that this nuisance must be removed within ten days from the date hereof; - should you neglect this notice, it will be their duty as guardians of the rights [126.] of the town to take measures to have it removed or demolished.
(signed) Turner Phillips Chairman of Selectn
The committee of Section No. 4. reported, that they had agreed with Mr. Malone - to make as much of Dorchester street as may be necessary, and had also made some enquiry respecting the cost of the repairs wanting on First street at South Boston. - They informed that Mr. Clap had not removed his wall or fence on Dorchester street which must be done before that street could be made; whereupon it was voted, that the Chairman be instructed to notify Mr. Clap to remove his stone wall or fence on Dorchester street, or it would be given to any person who would take it away - (Mr. Clap notified by the Chairman the 27th instant.)- .
The application of Honbl. William Eustis for payment for land (said to be taken from him to widen Elm street, was referred to committee of Section No. 2 .-
The committee of the Common were authorized to have a new fence placed on the inner part of the new mall on Park street, the old fence to be taken to a place of safety to be dis- posed of as occasion may require .-
[127.] On the application of Mr. Reed of Marblehead, representation was made to the Hon. Judge of Probate for the county of Suffolk, that Ruth Lambert, widow, does by exces- sive drinking and idleness, so spend and waste her estate as thereby to expose herself to want, and suffering circumstances and praying that a guardian may be appointed for her.
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SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1819.
Boston ss. At a meeting of the Selectmen Wednesday. June 2d, 1819 present the whole Board except Mr. Hunewell.
A communication from the Hon. H. G. Otis and others respecting the building erected at the lower part of Beacon street was read by the Chairman. The Board after duly considering the same voted, that the communication from the Hon. Mr. Otis & others relative to the north line of the lower part of Beacon street, be referred to Messrs. Shaw, Hunewell & Oliver to confer with the said gentlemen and also with the proprietors of the dam, and ascertain what the views and wishes of the respective parties are relative to said streets &c upon what terms the same can be filled up & completed.
[128.] The Chairman informed that agreeably to the vote of the Board he had notified Mr. Clap to remove his stone wall from Dorchester street at South Boston, or it would be considered a nuisance and given to any person that would take it away since which Mr. Malone had informed "that Mr. Clap had not removed his stone wall and that he should be obliged to desist from working in the street unless it was immediately removed. That he (the Chairman then addressed a note to Mr. Clap of which the following is a copy.
Boston May 31 st, 1819.
Sir
I am this moment informed the stones, that composed your wall are not removed from Dorchester street So Boston - I would now inform you if they are not removed by 12 o'clock tomorrow they are given to a person that will remove them after that time .-
By order of the Selectmen Turner Phillips. Chairman.
Mr. Ebenr. Clap.
This produced a reply from Mr. Clap of which the following is [a] copy.
Dorchester 1st. June 1819.
[129.]
Sir,
Your several notes have been received, in answer to which I am instructed by the owners of land at South Boston alluded to, to say that they will remove their stone wall, but will not give up their claim to the land, and do by this notice forbid any street or trepass on said land until compensation is made for the same .-
By order of the owners .- (Signed) Ebenr. Clap Jr.
Turner Phillips Eqr. Chairman Selectmen Boston.
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CITY DOCUMENT No. 61.
The committee of Section No. 2 to whom was referred the application of Hon. William Eustis, requested further time to report on that subject .-
The application of Thomas K. Jones and others to change the direction of the common sewer in Water street, was referred to the committee of Section No. 3 .-
The committee of Section No. 4 to whom was referred the application of Mr. Daniel Baxter for payment for land thrown into Harvard street, reported, (some time since) that the sub- ject be left to referrees, Mr. Baxter paying all the expense attending the decision. - Mr. Baxter having agreed to [130.] the above terms, proposed as referees, Deacon Faxon, John Knapp Esq, & Mr. John Howe, to which the Board agreed & requested the committee of Section No. 4 to attend on the part of the town.
Mr. Ralph Haskins having refused to pay Sargent & Hart's bill for relaying the pavement over a drain laid by his order in Court & Hanover streets. voted that Mr. Shaw be requested to bring an action against Mr. Haskins for the amount of Sargent & Hart's bill.
The Chairman was requested to enclose an attested copy of the vote of the town to the Hon. Justices of the Court of Ses- sions on the subject of erecting a new prison, and to inform them, the Board are ready to meet and confer with them on this important subject, and afford them all the assistance in their power.
Whereas the town has heretofore suffered inconvenience & loss by unskilful or unfaithful workmen having been employed in paving the streets; - voted, that no workmen shall be employed by any member or members of this Board, who shall not previously have been approved by a majority of the Board as a suitable person for that service.
[131.] Boston ss. At a meeting of the Selectmen June 9th, 1819. - Present the whole Board.
7 jurors were drawn for the District Court of the United States.
The committee appointed to meet and confer with the Hon. Mr. Otis and others requested further time to report on that subject .-
The committee of Section No. 2. to whom was referred the application of Hon. William Eustis reported, that they had attended the duty assigned them, and were of opinion Mr.
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SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1819.
Eustis so far from being injured by the improvements made in Elm street, had been benefited thereby and was not entitled to any compensation - report accepted, and the Chairman instructed to inform Hon. Mr. Eustis that the Selectmen do not think he is entitled to any compensation for the improve- ments they have made in Elm street. - (informed the 10th. instant)
The committee of Section No. 3 to whom was referred the application of Thomas K. Jones & others, to change the direc- tion of the common sewer in Water street, reported - That the request be granted under the inspection of the police officer, or such other person as the Board may appoint; - The Board being of opinion the committee had not obtained a complete knowledge of this business, it was recommitted, with directions to employ Messrs. Sargent & Hart and obtain the best [132.] possible information of the state and course of the common sewer in that street.
The Chairman informed, that agreeably to the directions of the Board, he had sent the Justices of the Court of Sessions an attested copy of the vote of the town, and informed them the Board were ready to meet & confer with them on that impor- tant subject. - He also informed he had received a note from the Clerk of the Court, requesting the Board would meet the Court on Thursday next - but as several of the Board were engaged on that day, the Chairman was directed to inform the Court the Board would meet them on Friday next at 4 o'clock P.M.
The Chairman was instructed to take measures to prevent persons from bathing in the sea during day light, near or at Sea street, - Also to prevent the washing or watering horses on the Lords day, particularly at Castle street .-
The Committee of the Market were authorized to make such repairs or alterations to the covering of the stalls at the west end of the market house as they may deem expedient .-
The Chairman was authorized to procure a sett of benches for the Hall, provided they do not cost more than 100 dollars.
Warrant was signed for town meeting on Monday next.
The application to pave Berry & Myrtle streets were ordered to lay for the present.
[133.] The following were named and approved as suit- able persons to be employed as pavers - Sargent & Hart. William Hart, Turell Tuttle Jur. & Samuel Sprague .-
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CITY DOCUMENT No. 61.
Boston ss. At a meeting of the Selectmen June 16th 1819 - Present the whole Board except Mr. Silsby .-
A complaint having been made by Thomas Bumstead, Henry Hubbard, Henry Lee & a number of other citiezns, that that part of Common street near the stable of Mr. Este, and the chaise and carriage manufactory near Mr. Tuckermans is almost constantly obstructed by carriages, wagons, horses and other nuisances, and requesting that the board would take measures to have these nuisances removed. Voted, that the Chairman be requested to take such measures as he may think requisite, to have the nuisances complained of removed and the by laws of the town in this respect complied with.
The committee of Section No. 2 were authorized to have the necessary repairs done on Brighton street .-
The Chairman communicated a note he had received from the Hon. William Eustis, in reply to a note sent him on the 10th instant in which the honorable gentleman protests against the decision of the Board respecting land said to have been taken from him in Elm street. The Board [134.] after con- sidering the subject again were of opinion Mr. Eustis was not entitled to any compensation, and if he was dissatisfied with their decision, he was at liberty to resort to the laws of the land.
* Conformably to a vote of the town of the 14th. instant, a remonstrance against the petition of David Greenough and others to the Gen. Court for a new market was signed & for- warded to the Hon. Legislature now in session. - A copy of the remonstrance is on file of mixed papers for 1819.
A communication from S. M. Thayer, E. Mears, A. Richard- son & Thomas Dean was laid before the Board, stating that the pavement in Cooks court was very much out of repair, and requesting that the town would pay a part of the expense of relaying the pavement. The Board took the same into con- sideration, and as the town was interested in the court as far as the school house and yard extended, - voted, that the town will pay one hundred dollars towards relaying the pave- ment in Cooks court when it is completed to the satisfaction of the Selectmen .-
The application of Mr. Geo. W. Clark to be appointed auc- tioneer, was referred to Mr. Silsby to make enquiry.
Mr. Joseph Bailey was authorized to superintend and pre- pare the music for the 5th. of July next, for which the Board agreed to allow a sum not exceeding twenty-five dollars .-
* The original MSS. shows this note to be in the margin of the page.
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SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1819.
Complaint having been made that Mr. Timothy Batts keeps a livery stable in Friend street which has not been approved by the Board. - The Chairman was instructed [135.] to inform Mr. Batts that the stable kept by him in Fr end street has not been approbated by the Selectmen as a livery stable and to forbid his continuing to use it as such, as he would avoid the penalty of the law in such case made and provided.
The Chairman was desired to have the side walk on Ann street in front of a passageway leading to the market, and near an estate owned by Major Stetson, laid with brick or flat stones.
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen June 21st. 1819.
- Present Messrs. Phillips, Oliver, Lovering, Austin, Bass & Dorr.
34 jurors were drawn for the Boston Court of Common Pleas .-
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen June 23d. 1819 - Present, The whole Board .-
Mr. George W. Clark was approved as an auctioneer on con- dition, that his office was to be kept in an unexceptionable place.
The Chairman informed, he had in compliance with the orders of the Board notified Mr. Timothy Batts to desist from [136.] using a stable in Friend street as a livery stable .-
The committee of Section No. 2 were requested to have the building erected by Mr. Andrew Townsend on Brighton street taken down, so far as it is an encroachment on that street.
A complaint having been exhibited, that hackney carriage No. 70 owned by Mr. Oliver Gragg, and drove by Pettes was used on Sunday last from 10. o'clock A. M. to 5 P. M. - con- veying persons from Southack to Fish streets in violation of law - Ordered, that the Chairman notify Mr. Gragg to attend the Board on Wednesday next at 4 o'clock P. M. - to shew cause why the license of said hackney carriage should not be revoked (notified)
The Application of Thomas Badger Esq. and others, for the use of Faneuil Hall on the ensuing anniversary of American Independence for the purpose of a collation, was granted.
x x next page-
The Board agreed Mr. Buckingham should have the printing of the oration, provided he obtained the consent of the orator.
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CITY DOCUMENT NO. 61.
John Hawes Esq. having presented a lot of land measuring one hundred feet on Broad Way at South Boston and one [137.] hundred & forty five & one half feet rear, for the pur- pose of a public market place, agreeably to the requirements and provisions of a law of the Commonwealth, entitled "An act to set off the north east part of the town of Dorchester, and to annex the same to the town of Boston."
The Board accepted the same, and desired the Chairman to have a deed drawn and executed .-
x x Mr. Buckingham having applied for the right of print- ing the oration to be delivered on the 5th. July next, he deliver- ing the Board two hundred copies, the town paying twenty five dollars as usual .-
Boston ss. At a meeting of the Selectmen June 30th. 1819. - Present Messrs. Phillips, Lovering, Austin, Bass, Dorr, Silsby & Shaw.
The driver of hackney carriage No. 70. (Mr. Pettes) appeared to answer to the complaint against him (Mr. Gragg being out of town.) The Board having heard his defence and consider- ing it was his first offence, voted, that the Chairman be requested to reprimand the driver and inform him as it is his first offence the Board excuse him, but if he should repeat the offence he will be deprived of his license.
The committee of Section No. 2 reported [138.] that they had complied with the directions of the Board in taking down that part of the building of Mr. Townsend which was an encroachment on Brighton street .-
On the application of Mr. Larra Crane representation was made to the Hon. Judge of Probate for the county of Suffolk, that Edward Smith of this town, Labourer, does by excessive drinking and idleness, so spend and waste his estate as thereby to expose himself and family to want and suffering circum- stances, and praying that a guardian may be appointed for him .-
A similar representation was made on the 3d. of December last of Mary Trafrey, widow, which representation was not acted on by the Judge of Probate, The Board being satisfied that the necessity of a guardian for her still existed & another application being made they this day made a second applica- tion to the Hon. Judge of Probate praying that a guardian might be appointed for her .-
The Chairman communicated to the Board an invitation from the Supreme Executive of the State, to join with them in the celebration of the anniversary of American Independence
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SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1819.
on the 5th of July next; voted, that this Board accept the invitation of the Supreme Executive, to join with them in the celebration of the anniversary of American Independence, on the fifth of July next. - And further that notice be [139.] given to his Excellency the Governor, that Franklin Dexter Esq. has been appointed by the Selectmen in pursuance of a vote of the town of Boston, to deliver an oration before the officers & citizens of the town in commemoration of our coun- try's independence which will be delivered at the Old South Meeting House, and respectfully to invite the Supreme Execu- tive of the Commonwealth & the gentlemen invited by them, to unite with the Selectmen and citizens of the town in attend- ing on the oration, at the time & place, assigned by the Supreme Executive for attending divine service by the chaplains of the legislature.
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