USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Boston > Volume of records relating to the early history of Boston : containing minutes of the selectmen's meetings, 1799 to, and including, 1810 > Part 20
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SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1804.
Bridge, and that re. Street should be laid out 40 feet wide thro.' the Centre of the Towns Land, which would occasion a small bend at the Bridge on Front Street-Orders were accordingly given to the Workmen to drive their piles conformable to the above.
At se. present Meeting a billet was received from Captain Curtis & Deacon Brown stating proposals for carrying the new Street on a straight direction-and the Chairman communicated the verbal request & application of many of the Inhabitants of the South part of the Town for the same-a plan of the Street & Bridge was exhibited. & the subject maturely considered, when it was determined that the Bridge should be continued in the direction last fixed upon, and that the Street might be carried in future either through the Centre of the Towns Land, or to come to the North Corner of Deacon Browns as should be thought best, when the whole flatts should be filled. -
Boston ss: At a Meeting of Selectmen July 18. 1804- Present Mess" : Porter Bulfinch, Tileston, Chapman, Oliver, Tilden. May, Wright,
MessTs : Porter. Hunnewell & Oliver a Commee. on Nassau Street, to view the Sº. East Corner where its propos'd to place a new Building-to consider whether any encroachments has been made on the Street & the expediency of widening the same
[221.] On application from N. North Society p a Commee. permission is granted to make use of the Central Reading School for the instruction of the Members of their Society in Psalmody, on any Evenings when it is not previously engaged for other Societies ---
Approved of the Indentures of Thomas Graves a Minor to Capt. Thomas Appleton. to expire the 25th Decem". 1809-
A plan of Ground near Fort hill was exhibited shewing its connection with the Towns Land & the proposed direction of several new Streets-the same was viewed & the subject con- sidered & the Chairman Mr. Tilden & MT. Wright a Commee. to confer with MI. Cotton the Owner of the Land, and to lay out such Streets as to them shall appear to be for the public con- venience & for the benefit of the Towns Land-
A Communication was received from the Board of Health, stat- ing that they wished to build a platform from the end of Leverett Street into Charles River for the purpose of emptying the Night Carts-Voted, that this Board had no objection to the using of the Towns Slip at the West end of Leveret Street for that purpose-
238
CITY DOCUMENT NO. 93.
Boston ss : At a Meeting of Selcetmen June 25. 1804- Present Mess : Bulfinch, Tilden, Tileston, Porter, Oliver, Wright, Hunnewell, Chapman
Town Meeting for choice of Jurymen, is adjourned for a fort- night to fill such vacaneies as might happen-Jurors chosen entred in Jury Book-
Application received from the Commee. of arrangemts in honor of the late General Hamilton-the following answer was agreed upon To the Chairman of the Commee. of arrangements Sir-Agreeable to your wish I have laid your billet before the Seleetmen wherein you request, in behalf of the Commee of Arrangements that they would direct the Bells to be tolled on Thursday at the time of the procession-I am directed by the Board to inform you, that they deeline acting on this occasion in any manner which would implicate the Town, & therefore ean- not consent to your request-the services of the Constables may be obtained without orders from the Seleetmen-
Your most obedient Servts __
[222.] Boston ss : At a Meeting of the Selectmen July 29 Present Bulfinch Tilden, Porter Tileston, Hunnewell Oliver, Wright, Chapman,
Passed upon Aecounts-
On a requisition from the Honble. Thomas Dawes Esq. Judge of Probate for the County of Suffolk-that inquisition might be made into the eireumstances of Abrahain French, represented as a distraeted Person-Certifieate was made to the Judge of Pro- bate, that he was ineapable of taking eare of himself, & it was recommended that a Guardian be appointed for him
On application from a number of Persons of the South part of the Town, Mr. Enoch May has liberty to place a Box for the Sale of Fish, at the Slip in Castle Street-
[223.] Boston ss : At a Meeting of Selectmen Augt. 1. Present Mess : Bulfinch, Porter Oliver, Tileston, Hunnewell, Wright, Chapman,
Passed upon other Aceounts-
The Committee to view the entrance of Nassau Street Reportd. that it was expedient to widen the same, & for that purpose to take down part of the Wooden Store belonging to Mr. Edward Johnson-Mr. Johnson was present and after conferring with the Board on the subject, it was agreed that General Winslow M". Paul Richards & MT. Nath1. Bradlee should be requested to estimate the damage that Mr. Johnson would sustain by part of his land & building being taken to widen the Street-
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239
SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1804.
The Selectmen having taken into consideration the applications of those who were licensed as Auchtioneers the last Year, that they might be licensed. the present Year-approved of the Persons hereunder named, -Viz' .---
Mess's : Samuel Clap Thomas K. Jones Samuel Bradford Robert Gardner Thomas Clark
John W. Quincy
William Alline
Azor Archibold
Daniel Wild
Robert G. Shaw
Samuel Blagge
Benjamin Tucker
Lewis Hoyt ---
Cornelius Coolidge John Swett Samuel Bridge
Joseph Ripley Caleb Hayward
Stoddard Capen Phillip Ammadon
[224.]
William Dehone [William] Remington
John Badger Eber Lawrence Richard Edwards William Leveret John Kennedy- John Jutau
see August 27th __
Boston ss : At a Meeting of the Selectmen August 8. 1804 Present Mess : Bulfinch, Tilden, Porter, Tileston, Oliver, Wright, Chapman.
The Common Sewer at the North end of Battery-March Street. being represented out of repair, Mr. Abraham Quincy having notified all the Proprietors, has liberty to open & repair the same ----
Mr. Nathaniel Emmes applied, that an equitable Assessment may be made upon several Persons who have conducted their Drains into the Common Sewer laid out at his expence in Fish Street in Novem. 1802-the Names of the Persons are Mr. Burchstead. Turel Tuttle, Wm. Andrews, Aaron Brown, Mathias Crocker & John C. Howard-The Board having considered this
240
CITY DOCUMENT NO. 93.
application, and finding that the said Common Sewer, had been made use of by the Persons above named, who with the former proprietors amounted to ten in number; it was determined that each of the Persons who had lately Join'd this Common Sewer should pay ten dollars to Mr. Nathaniel Einmes for the use of the Old Proprietors, being one tenth part of the cost of the same with Interest-
Boston ss : At a Meeting of Selectmen August 15. 1804 Present Mess : Bulfinch, Tilden, Porter, Tileston Oliver Chap- man
Application having been made by Mr. Thomas Amory, for liberty to build a range of Arches under part of Beacon Street Mr. Tilden Porter Oliver Wright & Hunnewell were . chosen a Commee. [225.] to view the situation & consider the expediency of granting his request-the same Comniee., having viewed the Street & reported in favor of Mr. Amorys proposal-It was agreed that Mr. Amory have liberty to build a range of wine & coal vaults, by forming brick arches under Beacon Street, the same not to project more than twelve feet from the northwesterly line of his lot-and upon special condition that he should enter into written engagements to repair the Street that should be dug up to replace the pavement to the satisfaction of the Selectmen, and ever afterwards to maintain the pavement in good order for the whole distance that said Arches should extend, and to the centre of the Street-
Boston ss : At a Meeting of the Selcetmen Augt. 22d. 1804 Present Messrs : Bulfinch, Tilden, Porter Tileston, Hunnewell, Wright,
A Committee from the Firewards attended, and stated to the Board the continual & important services rendered to the Town by the Secretary of the Wards-that the late Building Laws had imposed upon him a great additional duty, which occupied a large portion of his time; and that it was their opinion a salary or some suitable compensation should be given him-after some conversation with the Commnee. they withdrew-and it was agreed to postpone the subject for further consideration-
Complaint having been made against the North Watch for improper conduct towards a Person who they were carrying to Prison on the Night of the 15th. Inst .- the Watchmen were pres- ent & were examined respecting the circumstances & stated that they had used no other violence than was necessary against their Prisoner who was exceedingly unruly-Mr. Orock was also pres- ent, & complained of a blow received from one of the Watchmen-
As it appeared that Mr. Orock had already prosecuted the Watchinan before a Justice for an Assault, and had recovered damages,-the Board took no other measures than to caution the
241
SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1804.
Watch against using unnecessary violence upon any Person they might apprehend in the course of their duty & on no occasion to strike any of the Inhabitants
[226.] Boston ss : At a Meeting of the Selectmen August 27th. Present Mess : Bulfinch Tileston, Porter, Tilden, Oliver,
Passed upon Accounts-
Several Persons who had been licensed as Auchtioneers the past Year. applied for the renewal of their Licenses-and the follow- ing Persons have been approved of as Auchtioneers for the pres- ent Year-Vizt-
MessTs : Samuel Clap
Thomas K. Jones Samuel Bradford Robert Gardner John Perkins
Thomas Clark
John W. Quincy
William Aline
Azor Archibold
Daniel Wild
Robert G. Shaw
Samuel Blagge
Nath1. P. Hewes
Benjamin Tucker
Lewis Hoyt
Cornelius Coolidge
John Swett
Samuel Bridge
Joseph Ripley
Caleb Howard
Stoddard Capen
Phillip Ammadon
William Dehone
[William] Remington
Silas Field
Eber Lawrence
Richard Edwards
William Leveret
.John Kennedy
.John Jutau
Pat Gorman
Benjamin Sweetser
Appleton Prentice
George Carter- Elisha Field
Sam : Repe JunT.
George Burrows JunT.
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242
CITY DOCUMENT NO. 93.
[227.] Boston ss : At a Mecting of the Selcctmen Septem". 5th Present Mess's : Bulfinch, Tileston, Wright, Chapman, Porter, Oliver,
Jurors drawn for Court of Common Pleas & entred in Jury Book-
A representation was made by Mr. Trask Captain of the Northi Watch of the conduct of David Hendrick one of said Watch, which being considered it was determined that Mr. Trask be instructed to dismiss the said Hendrick from the Towns employ as a Watchman-and to return the name of some suitable person to supply his place, for the approbation of the Board-
Appleton Prentiss & George Carter were licensed as Auchtioneers for the Year ensuing- see August 27th.
Meeting for choice of Jurors adjourned to the 12th. Inst. to fill up any vacancys that shall appear in the list-
Boston ss : At a Meeting of the Selectmen Sepr. 12th-Present Messrs : Bulfinch, Tileston, Hunnewell, Chapman, Wright, Oliver,
Jurors for Circuit Court & other Courts drawn-and the same entred & posted in Jury Books-
Boston ss : At a Meeting of the Selectmen Sepr. 19. 1804 Present Mess : Bulfinch, May Tileston Hunnewell, Oliver, Wright, Chapman,
Approved of the Indentures of James Nichols to Capt. Samuel Edes Marriner, untill the 20th. of June 1810-
Signed the Indentures of Josiah Knapp, in which he engages to build & keep in repair a Water Course or common Sewer from Orange Street to the East end of Front Street, as on file & recorded in the Town Records-
Boston ss : At a Meeting of Selectmen Sepr. 24. 1804 Present Mess18 : Bulfinch, Porter, Tileston, Oliver, Wright, May-
Passed upon Accounts
Jurors drawn to make up deficiencies-
[228.] Boston ss : At a Meeting of the Selectmen Sept. 27 Present Mess : Bulfinch, Porter, Tileston, Oliver, Hunnewell, Chapman Wright
Passed upon other Accounts-
243
SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1804.
Boston ss : At a Meeting of the Selectmen October 3ª Present MessIs : Bulfinch, Tilden. Chapman, Tileston, Wright, Oliver, Mar.
The Chairman & Mr. Wright a Committee chosen at the last Meeting to obtain legal opinions whether printed Votes might be received at the ensuing election of Electors of President & Vice President Reported-That they had submitted the Question in Writing to the Attorney & Solicitor General & had received their written opinions which were read & are on file-Mr. Austen & M". Blake then approved as a Committee from a large number of In- habitants. to express their wish that speedy information should be given to the public of the determination of the Board that the Voters might prepare themselves accordingly-these Gentlemen having retired the subject was resumed, & the Board came unani- mously to the determination, that no printed Votes should be received. & directed the following advertisement to be inserted in all the papers-
To the Inhabitants of the Town of Boston-
Inquiry having [been] made of the Selectmen whether printed Votes would be received at the election of Electors of President & Vice President of the United States on the 5th. of Novem". next. The Selectmen have esteemed it their duty to refer a sub- ject of this importance to the consideration of the Honble. At- torney & Solicitor General-in consequence of their official opinion the Inhabitants of this Town are thus early informed, that no votes would be received but such as are in writing & delivered by the Voters in person agreably to the following extract from the Law of this Commonwealth passed June 29. 1790-
"And be it further enacted that it shall not be lawful for Selectmen or Assessors of any Town District or Plantation pre- siding at the meeting of either of the Elections aforesaid to receive any Votes unless delivered in writing, by the voters in person. & the Selectmen or Assessors who shall offend therein shall forfeit & pay a sum not exceeding one hundred Dollars "-
[229.] Boston ss : At a Meeting of Selectmen October 8. 1804 A : M : Present Mess : Bulfinch Tilden Tileston, Porter, Oliver, Hunnewell, Wright, May
The Chairman communicated to the Board a letter from the Attorney General stating that the advertizement respecting the Votes to be received implies that the resolution of ye. Select- men is founded on IIis official opinion, which he considers an error, as that opinion which was given in writing is of a contrary nature-and wishing that some explanation may be given in the papers-
244
CITY DOCUMENT No. 93.
This subject was considered & various drafts of Advertizements were made to explain as the Attorney General appeared to wish- it was then agreed that the Chairman Mr. Tilden & MT. Wright should confer with the Solicitor General Mr. Davis & report at 5 P: M :
5 o Clock P: M : The Board met according to Adjourmnt. Present Mess : Bulfinch Tilden Tileston Oliver Hunnewell May Chapman
The Commee. Reported that they had seen the Atty. & Soliciter General-that Mr. Sullivan was very desirous that his opinion might be explained, that it might appear consistent with what he had given to other persons-the form of an advertisement was reported which would be satisfactory to Mr. Sullivan & was consented to by Mr. Davis,-this was considered & fully debated, but the question being taken was not accepted by the board- after considerable discussion it was proposed to erase the words in the former advertizemt. in consequence of their official opinion". and insert "having received their opinion which differed upon this subject-the Question being taken, this amendment passed in the affirmative-
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Boston ss : At a Meeting of the Selectmen Octor. 10. 1804 Present Mess's : Bulfinch Tilden, Porter Tileston, Oliver, May Wright Chapman
A Committee consisting of Mr. Edward Tuckerman, Dr. Spooner, Mr. Benjamin Russell & others attended at the last Meeting to request the use of Faneuil Hall on the Evening previous to the [230.] Election on the 5. of November next-
A Committee consisting of Benjamin Austin Esq Capt. Brazier & James Prince Esq. attended at this Meeting for the same purpose-the applications being considered, it was agreed that the Gentlemen who first applied shall have the use of the Hall on Friday Evening-and the other Gentlemen on the Thursday Evening previous to the 5th. of November-
The attention of the Board was occupied by the subject of lighting the Lamps the ensuing season, it was determined to employ twelve Lighters, who should each consider himself to have the care & lighting of 52 Lamps for the stated pay of 14 Dollars p month-
Boston ss: At a special Meeting of Selectmen Octor. 13 Present Mess : Bulfinch Tilden Oliver, Chapman, May-
In pursuance of a special precept 6 petit Jurors were drawn to serve at the Court of Common Pleas now in Session-and the same are entered & posted in Jury Books
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Pr
245
SELECTMEN'S MINUTES. 1804.
Boston ss: At a Meeting of Selectmen Octor. 17. 1804 Present Mess : Bulfinch. Tilden Porter, Tileston. Wright, Oliver,
A Warrant was signed for Town Meeting the 5th. Day of November next 11. o Clock for choice of Elector of President & Vice President of the United States & for one Member of Con- gress-
MT. Newell to print the Notifications for ensuing Town Meeting-
Deacon Wright a Committee to wait on Revd. Mr. Channing to open the Meeting with prayer-
The attention of the Board was occupied in considering the most convenient mode of receiving the Votes for Representatives at the ensuing election-after some discussion it was agreed to postpone the subject to Tuesday at Noon-when a special Meet- ing will be called to determine the question-
Boston ss : At a Meeting of the Selectmen October 20. 1804 Present Mess : Bulfinch. Tilden. Porter. Tileston, Hunnewell, Wright. May
The subject of the Meeting being to consider the most [231.] convenient mode of handing in. and receiving the Votes for Representative at the ensuing election, the same was fully dis- cussed. after which it was agreed that the following Advertize- ment. should be inserted in the public papers-
The Selectmen would inform the Inhabitants qualified to Vote at the Election on the 5 day of Novem". next : that they have deliberated upon the most convenient mode of handing in & receiving the Votes on that Day, & have determined that the vote for Representative in Congress, shall be written on the same paper with the Votes for Electors-This mode is the same which was adopted at the last choice of Electors by the People & is conformable to the practise at the election of Governor & Senators in this County. The Inhabitants are desired to conform to this determination and to prepare their Votes accordingly-
Mr. Tilden & Wright a Committee to enquire of the Quarter Master General whether he had any powder in his possession belonging to the Town-
Boston ss: At a Meeting of the Selectmen Octor. 24. 1804 Present Mess : Bulfinch, Tilden Porter, Tileston, Hunnewell, May-
246
CITY DOCUMENT No. 93.
The Committee to enquire respecting Towns powder Reported that there [were] 1400. Cartridges in the hands of Mr. Burbeck & produced his receipts for them, subject to order of the Board
On a conference with the Brigadeer General it was agreed that the powder for the use of the Militia at the review on the 30 Inst should be delivered to the several majors to be by them distrib- uted to the Captains of the Companie's-
Elisha Field approved as an Auchtioneer-
Approved the Indentures of Mitchell Corne a Minor, to David Corbet Cooper to expire the 3ª. of August 1806-
Mr. Hunnewell was desired to proeure [a] new Stove for Centre Sehool-
A number of Gentlemen attended, to ask some explanation of the order passed last Meeting respecting the mode of voting, a general conversation ensued, & the Gentlemen requested that the subject might [232.] be again considered & liberty granted to bring in the Votes on two papers-upon their retiring, the Board agreed to defer the decision to Fryday next 3. O.' Clock-
Boston ss : At a Meeting of the Seleetmen October 26. 1804 Present Mess : Bulfineli Tilden Tileston Oliver Hunnewell Wright May-
The mode of handing in the Votes again considered & fully diseussed, & it was agreed to have them on separate papers & the Chairman was desired to advertize the same in the several papers-
Boston ss : At a Meeting of the Seleetmen October 29th. 1804 Present Mess Bulfineh, Tilden, Tileston, Wright, Hunnewell, Porter,
Passed upon Aeeounts-
Boston ss : At a Meeting of the Selectmen October 31. 1804 Present Messrs : Bulfinch, Tilden, Tileston, Hunnewell, Wright, May, Chapman
Passed upon Aceounts-
A Committee consisting of Colo. Perkins Mr. Otis, Dr. Spooner Mr. Benjamin Russell, appeared in behalf of a number of their Fellow Citizens to request that they may [be] indulged with the use of Faneuil Hall on the Sunday Evening immediately preceding the Election ; they stated that the same privilege had been granted to Gentlemen who had applied for several years past-the Commee. having withdrawn the question was considered, & after debate it
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247
SELECTMEN'S MINUTES. 1804.
was agreed to comply with the request-the Chairman was then desired to inform the above Commee. of this decision, & also to inform MI. Austin that the Gentleman in whose behalf he had applied might have the use of the Hall on Saturday Evening or any other. previous to the Saturday evening-
A large Commee. of the Board having since the last Meeting taken a walk thro'. the Streets on the Hill at West Boston and examined the state of the shops there : the propriety of renewing & granting any licenses for retailing spirituous liquors in Southac Street was considered : when it appeared to be the unanimous opinion of the Board. that it was necessary to prevent the sale of liquors on that hill as soon as the object can be completely effected-But as several persons have already obtained licenses [233.] this Year. & others have been at considerable expence in hiring & filling up their places of business, it was determined to approbate for license-Mr. Thomas Darling -Eben". Bradley Silas Dunham & Mathias March-and that the above named per- sons & all others who have been licensed on that Street the pres- ent Year. be informed that the Selectmen have resolved that no renewal of license shall take place after the 1st. of July next, when they expire by law-
Boston ss : At a Meeting of the Selectmen Novr. 7. 1804 Pres- ent Mess : Bulfinch Tileston, Oliver Hunnewell, Wright, Chapman,
A proposal from Josiah Knap Esq. was considered in which he offers to complete a Street leading from Orange Street to Front street on the south side of his dwelling house, provided the Town will convey to him that part of the stalls which may not be wanted for the said Street-Agreed to Refer the proposal to the Town at the next Town Meeting-
The Chairman was desired to call a Meeting of the Commee. upon the Mill Pond to meet Wednesday next-
Boston ss: At a Meeting of the Selectmen Nov. 14. 1804 Present Mess : Bulfinch, Tilden, Porter, Tileston, Oliver Wright, Hunnewell May
Complaint was received from the Firewards that the repairs lately made upon the Stable back of Latin School were considered contrary to law-The Chairman was directed to request the Secretary of the Fire Wards to have the Building examined, and if it should be still thought illegal, that it should be altered on any way which the Fire Wards might point out
The Board Adjourned to view a Cellar now digging on High Street, to determine the South line of the same on the Street
248
CITY DOCUMENT NO. 93.
Boston ss : At a Meeting of the Selectmen Novr. 25. 1804 Present Mess : Tilden Bulfinch, Tileston, Wright, Oliver, Porter, Hunnewell, May
Passed upon Accounts-
[234.] Upon application from a Commee. of the Wood wharfingers praying for liberty to use three Horses to their Carts during the Winter Season-in consideration of the shortness of the days & the presure of business, & that the Streets would soon be so frozen or covered with Snow, as not to be injured by this license-The Board consented to the above request that threc Horses should be allowed to the Carts & Sleds untill the 1st. of March next-
Boston ss : At a Meeting of the Selectmen Novem. 28. 1804 Present Mess : Bulfinch, Tilden, Porter, Tileston, Oliver, Wright,
Approved of the Indentures of Yorick a black Lad, to Capt. Moses Barnard-to expire in Novein' 1804-
Approved of Samuel [Lemuel?] Pope Jun" as an Auchtioneer
Boston ss : At a Meeting of the Selectmen Decem". 5. 1804 Present Mess : Bulfinch, Tilden, Tileston, Wright, Chapman, Oliver, Porter
Boston ss: Return having been made by Samuel Hastings Elkanah Cushing & Joel Crosby of the Expence of the repairing the Common Shore in Newbury Street, the Accounts whereof were duly examined by the Selectmen, & by them allowed, they being informed at the same time that every Person concerned in said Common Sewer, had been duly warned according to Law, & no objection having been entred to their proceeding Assessment is now made thereon by the Selectmen, and order of payment is now made out which is as follows-Vizt .-
WHEREAS a Drain or Common Sewer in Newbury Street has been repaired & cleansed conformable to the directions of the Selectmen the whole expence whercof, according to a Accot laid before & examined by the Selectmen amounted to Six hundred & seventy five Dollars 25 Cents, and as such expence is to be born by such Person or Persons whose Drains enter into said Common Sewer & receive benefit thereby, in such proportion as shall be adjudged by the Selectmen of said Town or the major part of them, who are empowered by law to apportion the samc-The Applicants having according to law notified all the concerned before they had proceeded on this business, and [235.] no objection having been made thereto-therefore we the Subscribers Selectmen of said Town of Boston, do hereby Certify that having considered of said expence & by whom & in what manner it ought to be paid DO ADJUDGE that the same ought to be paid in proportion following, & by the Persons hereafter named-
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